I don't like that side-eye

403: Shinx

Is it just us, or is Shinx the start of a trend of having an early-game Electric type in almost every game? Cause after this, there's Blitzle, Helioptile, and Yamper, with only a lack in Gen 7 because Vikavolt is already somewhat filling that role. It's just inconspicuous enough that it's probably a coincidence, but still.

Shinx itself is cute enough, with it apparently being a lion cub. As usual, we appreciate when blue gets to be the color for electricity, but aside from that, it's not a Pokemon with a ton going on.

American boxart Shinx

404: Luxio

And Luxio is a fairly decent middle-ground evolution. We appreciate that this line takes the approach of "lion" a little more loosely, with Luxio's growing mane not quite being entirely like a lion's mane. Otherwise, the clean-cut between the front half and lower half looks a little silly because it makes Luxio look like it's wearing tights.

"I've got you in my sights"

405: Luxray

Luxray is about what you'd expect out of a cool final evo. Meaner appearance, the black color taking over as much of the design as possible, and some menacing red eyes as a treat. Those eyes aren't just for show though, as according to the Pokedex, it uses x-ray vision to spot prey through solid objects and hunt them down, which is a terrifying concept for a predator. As well as being a neat way to use the Electric type in a non-conventional way.

Still, its front legs look a bit messy with the black fur AND the blue and yellow strips going down it. That definitely should've been simplified down to just being all-black, because the stripes feels like it takes away from the menace quite a bit. This line has just a little bit more going on than just your average "decently solid, but not remarkable" designs, so 6.5 feels appropriate.