Okay so, I was a bit iffy on the design for a while but the combination of these 2 things and a few other discoveries have changed my opinion it. You see, many mons in this game reference Kaijus or allude to Godzilla, but Baxcalibur is the closest we'll ever get to the King of the Kaijus. Allow me to explain:
While I'm certain a japanese studio would be loathe to include ANY part of the maligned 1999 Godzilla film (so much so that they officially dubbed that version of Godzilla "Zilla"), the similarity to Minilla and Showa Godzilla are pretty clear. the gray skin, the awkward nose on the base form, and hey, Zilla evolving into Godzilla might even be a jab on what the superior form is. From its general stature to its Sail, you an tell its meant to evoke its visage to the viewer.
Exhibit B: Evolution and Ability
Godzilla is permanently tied to the terror that is the nuclear bomb, and its evolution line and ability is no different. Frigibax evolves into Archibax at level 35. This is a reference to
Uranium-235, the isotope that is responsible for making the deadly atomic bombs by utilizing nuclear fission. Next, Archibax evolves into Baxcalibur at level 54, which is a BIG clue. You see, 1954 is when
the first debut of Godzilla hit theaters, a movie who's impact both become a centerpiece of japan and a plea to halt nuclear testing lest the world be destroyed. Godzilla IS the metaphor of the atomic bomb in its original showing, and it doesnt just stop at the evolution line. Its ability is Thermal Exchange, which whenever it gets hit by a Fire move, it raises it's attack by 1. This is how Nuclear Fission works; a chain reaction that can heat things up in a controlled environment or spiral into giant explosions when not contained, such as with bombs. So yes, heating up Baxcaliber will result it in the blunder blowing up with your face as it mauls you. But this is also a reference to Godzilla heating itself up with radiation, sometimes gaining incredibly powerful new forms when overexposed to nuclear element, such as the recent Thermonuclear Godzilla in King of the Monsters (2019)
Exhibit C: The Animation
So my first reaction was "This is goofy as all hell. Why would they animate it like this." But after I started connecting the dots and looked at the gif again, I realized it's not just gliding, its expelling cold breath from his maw to propel himself forward, not even touching the ground. and thats when I realized this was 100% intentional and a callback. Not to the Dropkick which is equally hilarious and from a similar time period, but to the fact that Godzilla could Actually FLY in the air by using its breath as a propulsion device.
Conclusion:Baxcalibur is the Godzillia-iest Godzilla that ever zilla'd, Ttar be damned. I still feel like its a little underdesigned, but with so many clear cut references, I wouldnt be surprised of Toho themselves were closeby, just waiting to issue a lawsuit if they gave him one sail to many. As a fan of Pokemon, Kaijus, AND Godzilla, I cant bring myself to dislike its goofy kingly self. I do have one question though...
WHY WASNT THIS IN THE GAME WITH THE GIANT KAIJU BATTLES?!
