You might know everything I'm going to do, but that's not going to help you, since I know everything you're going to do! Strange, isn't it?!

132: Ditto

Ah, Ditto. No matter which generation you started in, you're probably very familiar with Ditto here. On the surface, Ditto is nothing more than a little blob with a simple little face. But, what it is known for is being able to shapeshift, the move Transform (and in turn, the ability Imposter it got later on) allowing it to turn into ANY Pokemon in the game. Although, at a weaker state since it keeps its original HP value. BUT Ditto's battle gimmick is the lesser of its two uses. Ditto is better known for being THE breeding Pokemon, compatible with any Pokemon that isn't in an “undiscovered” egg group.

Another interesting thing about Ditto is the lore implications around it. Back in Yellow version and the “rewrites” of the original games, Firered and Leafgreen, the only place where Ditto is obtainable is the Pokemon Mansion and Cerulean Cave. The Pokemon Mansion is where the first “successful” clone of Mew was created as Mewtwo, and Cerulean Cave being the place Mewtwo resides in. The common theory is that Dittos are failed clones of Mew. They're both the same weight, nearly the same height, and both their base form and shinies are the same color. Mew is also said to be the common ancestor of all existing Pokemon, which would make sense for why a blobby, failed clone of it would be capable of morphing into any Pokemon on the planet. That, plus Mew and Ditto are also the only two Pokemon able to learn Transform. It sounds like it'd be irrefutable, but when asked directly, Masuda apparently stated that it was the first time he heard such a thing. It's still plenty possible it was something snuck in by the writers and/or artists, but it's still only firmly in the grounds of headcanon...

Something I wish was represented in the games more was how apparently Ditto just can't bring itself to get the face right, having to settle on its default, silly-looking smile. Understandable that you'd have to retexure or even remodel all the Pokemon just to have a "Ditto" version, but I can still dream. It's something pretty unique to Ditto in terms of shape-shifting creatures, so it would be cool to see that reflected in places that aren't just the anime or merchandise.