By Jo
Many Unova Pokemon seem to be new takes on first generation Pokemon. The Tympole evolutionary line is quite similar to the Poliwag line and seems to be a different take on a tadpole representation. Both are water-types, both are based off from tadpoles growing up to be frogs or toads, and both evolve into their second stages at level 25.
Tympole is really nothing but a circular head and a flipper-like tail. Its face is cream colored, with black ringing it and its tail is blue. It also appears to have two wart-like ears on either side of its face that are the same color blue as its tail. According to its pokedex entries, Tympole warn others of danger by vibrating their cheeks to create a high-pitched sound that is imperceptible to humans. It uses the rhythm of those sounds to talk. Tympole has become rather popular on drawing communities, one of the most-popular being the Japanese online artist community, Pixiv. The warts on either side of its head look like headphones, which may be a reference to the sounds that it known to emit. Tympole’s name is most-likely a combination of the words ‘tympanic’ (as in “tympanic membrane”, which is the ear drum and is most-likely a reference to its ear bumps) ‘tempo’ and ‘tadpole’.
Once Tympole reaches level 25, it evolves into Palpitoad. Palpitoad is a bit larger than Tympole and has the secondary type of ground. Like its pre-evolution, it doesn’t have arms, though it does have feet and still has its tail. Palpitoad is based off from the stages of a toad’s growth; it isn’t a tadpole anymore, though still hasn’t matured enough to really be considered a toad. Like Tympole, it has quite a few warts on its head and also has warts on its sides as well as its tail. Its pokedex entries state that when they vibrate the bumps on their heads, they can make waves in the water or earthquake-like vibrations on land. They are known to live in both water and on land. They are known for using their long, sticky tongues to capture prey. The warts on its head look like speakers to a sound system, which might be a reference to the vibrations they make. Palpitoad’s name most-likely comes from the words ‘palpitation’ and ‘toad’.
Lastly, once Palpitoad reaches level 36 it evolves into its final form, Seismitoad. Seismitoad is large and blue, with a great deal of warts covering its arms and head. It appears to represent the final stage in a toad’s growth. According to its pokedex entries, Seismitoad shoot paralyzing liquid from their head bumps. They increase the power of their punches by vibrating the bumps on their fists. Apparently, it can turn a boulder into rubble with just one punch. The warts on Seismitoad’s body resemble the speakers of a sound system, which is probably a reference to the vibrations it can cause. Its name is most-likely a combination of the words ‘seismic’ and ‘toad’.
Tags: Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Tympole