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Move-of-the-Week Discussion #34: Simple Beam

winstein

winstein

Mari-yo Puyo
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In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. Every week, we shall focus the discussion on a different move, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. This week, Simple Beam is chosen.


(Click picture to go to the Bulbapedia page)​

In-game Description (BW) said:
Type: Normal (Status)
Base Power: --
Accuracy: 100%
PP: 15

The user's mysterious psychic wave changes the target's Ability to Simple.
Click to expand...

Ever since abilities were first introduced, there were already moves that manipulated the abilities of any Pokémon. Generation 5's latest introductions include this nifty ability that converts a user's ability to Simple, unless this user has Truant or Multitype. Basically, it is similar to Worry Seed, which also converted a target's ability to a specific one. Despite the psychic nature of this move, it is oddly a Normal-type move. Moreover, Psychic-types aren't the main target audience!

If you don't know what Simple does, it basically converts any increase or decrease in stats to double its intended increase. So for example, a Whimsicott using Cotton Guard with Simple in effect would get six stages of increase in Defence after each use!

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:
  • How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move?
  • What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
  • How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
  • Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
  • How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):
  • As mentioned before, this move is psychic in nature, yet it is a Normal-type move. Would it be more appropriate if this move is a Psychic-type?
  • The majority of learners are of the Normal-type. What do they have in common to be able to learn such a move?
  • What change would happen to the target if this move is exposed on them?

Here are the current users of this move:
(Level-up)​
  • Audino
  • Elgyem & Beheeyem
  • Genesect

    (Breeding)
  • Zigzagoon & Linoone
  • Skitty & Delcatty

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The Pokémon World Forum Staff


Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:
 
This move is kind of intriguing. It has potential to be useful, since it cancels out annoying abilities like Levitate, Flash Fire, Iron Barbs, Sheer Force, etc. Also, it can get rid of a hindering ability such as Slow Start or Defeatist. Perhaps the reason that mostly Normal types learn the move is because Normal is supposed to be a very "simple" type. I imagine Beheeyem's can use this move as a sort of brainwashing technique, since it's an alien invader.
 
Basically what Enzap said. You're screwed if you get rid of Slow Start on a Regigigas.

Also... it'll probably be a less-than-wise idea to use it on pokemons that tend to use stat improving moves. Skarmorys usually have Agility in their move slots, and if you use Simple Beam on it before it gets a turn, then Agility gets a boost, no? Same with Sword Dance, Calm Mind... yeah, using Simple Beam on a Bronzong that's about to use Calm Mind is going to make you suffer if you don't have any physical moves...

If Linoone can learn it, why not Furret? I mean, they look really similar, and they're both normal furry pokemons that are found early in the games.
 
Dark Blueberry said:
Basically what Enzap said. You're screwed if you get rid of Slow Start on a Regigigas.

Also... it'll probably be a less-than-wise idea to use it on pokemons that tend to use stat improving moves. Skarmorys usually have Agility in their move slots, and if you use Simple Beam on it before it gets a turn, then Agility gets a boost, no? Same with Sword Dance, Calm Mind... yeah, using Simple Beam on a Bronzong that's about to use Calm Mind is going to make you suffer if you don't have any physical moves...

If Linoone can learn it, why not Furret? I mean, they look really similar, and they're both normal furry pokemons that are found early in the games.
Click to expand...

After thinking about it, I think a major use of this move would be to use it on your own Pokemon in a double or triple battle. Simple can be a really useful ability if you have Pokemon that use moves like Shell Smash, Swords Dance, Agility, Bulk Up, Quiver Dance (Simple Volcarona... scary), or if they use Baton Pass.
 
Enzap said:
After thinking about it, I think a major use of this move would be to use it on your own Pokemon in a double or triple battle. Simple can be a really useful ability if you have Pokemon that use moves like Shell Smash, Swords Dance, Agility, Bulk Up, Quiver Dance (Simple Volcarona... scary), or if they use Baton Pass.
Click to expand...

Oh god, that just sent chills down my spine... XDD I guess that's the whole purpose of the move then - to use it in Doubles/Triples.
 
it seems like the perfect move for double/triple battles, no doubt about that

REALLY helps in the subway if you're willing to sacrifice any non-audino users to amp someone up
 
Really? I see this move as only really useful in single player, and a complete waste of a turn in a competitive setting.
 
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