Pokemon: Close Combat (demo version 11e) - The Path (Chesnaught)
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This video was made at the request of Ethanpritt (@ethanpritt542). Thanks for the suggestion!
Originally appearing in the sixth generation of Nintendo and Game Freak's mainline Pokémon games, Chesnaught is a Grass and Fighting-type Pokémon, serving as the final evolved form of the Kalos Grass-type starter Pokémon, Chespin. The Spiny Armor Pokémon’s body is noted to be quite strong offensively and defensively despite its gentle demeanor, as it could not only flip over heavy tanks by tackling them, but it could also use its arms to form a shield, protecting itself and its allies.
A male Chesnaught (with a Chespin that he raised tagging along) appears in BattleCapacity's fan-made Pokémon fighting game Pokemon: Close Combat during the version 04 update, originally released around May 2023. Chesnaught (in this game) is a slow and defensive character, with high health, high endurance, and his ranged attacks allowing him to get away with playing patiently.
Chesnaught's special moves are quite interesting. Bullet Seed (5B) serves as Chesnaught's projectile. The attack must be loaded first (in way of Chespin eating a berry) which could take a while, but pressing 5B again has Chespin spits out seeds towards the opponent. It has decent hitstun and blockstun, making this attack good for both hit-confirms and extending combos (on hit) in addition to pressuring the opponent (on block). Thorn Hammer (2B) has Chesnaught do a slow overhead slam, throwing out a thorn to the ground that deals damage upon successful input while also dealing significant endurance damage on block.
Concussion Rush (6B) meanwhile has Chesnaught charge forward with its back, and not only has projectile invulnerability for muscling through zoning, but is also a good meterless combo ender. There's also Falling Fortress (j.B), which grants Chesnaught an aerial parry, giving more flexibility on defense as a) you cannot block in the air, and b) the universal parry mechanic only works on the ground. Chesnaught's normal attacks ain't no slouch either - 5A, his fastest attack, is a standing jab that (in addition for being a good combo starter) could serve as a great whiff punisher due to its fast startup (relative to the rest of his attacks). 6A, an advancing backhand attack, has slower startup but is also useful for whiff punishing opponents from afar.
Chesnaught's Hyper Moves are also pretty good, though I didn't end up using them as much in this playthrough. Shield Smash (hold 4, 6B) is a stronger version of his Concussion Rush, travelling longer and even launching the opponent on hit for combos. Thorn Upper (hold 2, 8B) is an invincible reversal uppercut that a) knocks down, making it a good metered combo ender, and b) drops a thorn which conveniently lands where your opponent knocks down, granting you okizeme on hit.
Guard Berry (214B) has Chesnaught eat a berry that heals your health (slightly) and endurance, in addition to granting one hit of super armor towards 6A and Thorn Hammer. Air Shield Smash (after j.B, B) has Chesnaught swing his shield upwards, causing a knockdown on hit. This attack could be done after a successful Falling Fortress parry, or immediately without parrying. Lastly, Spike Cannon (41236B), his super attack, has Chesnaught shoot out a spike from its bag, dealing loads of damage on hit.
Chesnaught ended up being a surprisingly fun character. He's a bit slow, sure, but his long-ranged attacks more than make up for this weakness. His endurance and high health was also to my benefit, specifically regarding defensive play against other aggressive Pokémon such as Primeape and Slither Wing, in addition to the secret boss Gorochu. Never have I been more glad to get away with blocking more compared to other playable Pokémon...