One of the most defining features of the Pokémon franchise as a whole is undoubtedly the starter 'mons players get to choose between at the start of each generation. Though the original three will always be the most iconic, each subsequent release has plenty of strengths (and some notable weaknesses) that mark them out as unique.
That said, Generation IV is seen as a real high point for many, with all three of the typing options proving to be very popular among fans. Though Chimchar and Turtwig are great in their own right, it's the adorable little penguin Piplup that stands above the rest, for this writer at the very least.
Now, new information has started to emerge which shows that its evolutionary line could have been very different, and some fans are lamenting what might have been.
Over on Twitter/X, the user Centro LEAKS shared some images drawn from the recent Pokémon Diamond and Pearl leaks, which detailed a bunch of what was going on behind the scenes during the production of those games. As part of that, we got a look at several potential drafts for Piplup's evolutionary line, including the magnificent final evolution shown above.
As you...
