Nearly settled on an explicit Pikachu character design
In the world of Pokémon, Pikachu remains the most recognisable of the more than 1,000 pocket monsters. But did you know that Nintendo and Game Freak once considered a radical redesign of Pikachu proposed by the U.S. team? This redesign, reminiscent of characters from the musical Cats, depicted Pikachu as a tabby cat with exaggerated feminine features, including human-like breasts.
Initially, Nintendo thought the original design for Pikachu might not appeal to American audiences, finding it too cute. This unusual redesign was confirmed in an interview with Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, conducted by Japan's Game*Spark. The proposed design, however, never made it past the drawing board.
The developers rejected the redesign not because of inappropriateness, but because it didn't align with Pikachu's identity. The idea of Pikachu with human-like breasts could have raised questions about the adaptation of design when male and female Pokémon were introduced in Generation IV.
Pikachu, unlike some other Pokémon like Machop and Ralts, is not a humanoid character. Its appeal lies in its cuteness and non-human appearance, contributing to its global success. Over the years, the Pokémon phenomenon has become a cultural mainstay, lasting longer than many would have predicted.
While the proposed redesign never saw the light of day, it has resurfaced recently, causing surprise and disbelief among fans. The design was compared to Renamon from Digimon, and Tsunekazu Ishihara himself described it as resembling "girls who do Pikachu cosplays at anime conventions."
It's fascinating to delve into the behind-the-scenes stories of our favourite characters. For more insights into character design, check out our roundup of character design tips. But for now, let's appreciate the adorable, original Pikachu that has captured our hearts for decades.
[1] Game*Spark interview with Tsunekazu Ishihara: https://www.gamespark.jp/article/10/10737/ [2] Polygon article on Pikachu's redesign: https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/10/13578616/pikachu-redesign-game-freak-nintendo-cats-musical [3] Kotaku article on Pikachu's redesign: https://kotaku.com/pikachu-almost-had-human-breasts-1799306637 [4] IGN article on Pikachu's redesign: https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/10/pikachu-almost-had-human-breasts-in-early-designs
- The redesign of Pikachu, initially considered for American audiences, was inspired by characters from the musical Cats, featuring Pikachu as a tabby cat with exaggerated feminine features, similar to human-like breasts.
- In an interview with Japan's Game*Spark, Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, confirmed the existence of this radical redesign.
- Despite the unusual design, Nintendo and Game Freak rejected the proposal, as it did not align with Pikachu's identity or the overall aesthetic of the Pokémon universe.
- The art style and design of Pikachu have played a crucial role in its global success, with its cute appearance and non-human characteristics setting it apart from other characters in pop-culture and entertainment.
- The creative team behind 3D designs, illustrations, and layout, often draw inspiration from various sources, including real-world creatures and illusionary art, to create unique and compelling Pokémon designs.
- UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) designers in the entertainment industry carefully consider color schemes and layouts for posters and other promotional materials, ensuring a consistent and immersive brand experience for fans.
