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Ninetales (), known in Japan as lead=yes, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise, and the evolved form of the Pokémon Vulpix. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it was created by Atsuko Nishida in order to add more cute Pokémon to the series, and it had its design finalized by Ken Sugimori. It is unavailable in Red without trading. Since Ninetales' debut, it has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as media related to the franchise, including an episode of the TV series focusing on Ninetales.
Classified as a Fire-type Pokémon, Ninetales is a fox with golden fur and nine tails. A regional variant was added in Pokémon Sun and Moon called Alolan Ninetales, which evolves from Alolan Vulpix. a new variant of Vulpix and Ninetales are introduced as part of a form called "Alolan," referring to the region Alola featured in the game. Both Pokémon change Fire for Ice type, and Ninetales gains a Fairy type upon evolving from Vulpix.
Both forms of Ninetales have received generally positive reception, with commendation for its usability in gameplay and visual design being commonly cited. It has also been discussed in the context of mythology, particularly and the story of Tamamo-no-Mae.
When making the games, the design first started as pixel art sprites by the development team, created with a single color identity chosen to work within the Super Game Boy hardware limitations. Modeled after a fox, Ninetales was created by Atsuko Nishida, who had been brought on the development team to help create cute Pokémon for the game. English transcript of interview available at Once development was complete, Ken Sugimori re-drew the species along with the others in his own artstyle in order to give the game a unified look and finalize any design elements, while also trying to maintain the original artist's unique style. (2014). 9784198638061, Tankobon Softcover. ISBN 9784198638061 Its Japanese name, Kyukon, comes from the Japanese words "kyu" (nine) and "kon" (legend).
Ninetales is a Fire-type Pokémon that evolves from the Pokémon Vulpix, also a Fire type, via use of an object called a "Fire Stone." In addition to using Fire-type attacks, it is also capable of using Ghost and Psychic-type attacks. During the development of sequel titles Pokémon Sun and Moon, "Alolan form" variants of several existing Pokémon were introduced, meant to be tied thematically to the game's region, which was modeled after Hawaii. Both Vulpix and Ninetales receive an Alolan form, changing their Fire type for Ice. Upon evolving from Vulpix via an "Ice Stone," Ninetales also gains a Fairy type, becoming the only Pokémon to have an Ice/Fairy type combination. It has slightly higher speed and lower attack than its original variant. Alolan Ninetales' different type and design is explained by its adaption due to the "chilly mountain air" it lives in.
Ninetales appears in the Pokémon TV series, posing as a woman who seeks to convince the character Brock to stay with her at her former master's mansion due to his resemblance to him.
Alolan Ninetales has been generally well received, considered among the best Alolan Pokémon by critics. USA Today writers Cian Maher and Ryan Woodrow praised Ninetales' Alolan design, noting how frequently it appears in "anything Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company ever decide to do." Maher felt that it was one of the series' most popular Pokémon, and expected that this would not change anytime soon. Commenting on its design, they stated that it seemed impossible for Ninetales to "do any wrong," and that it was "still as graceful as ever" in its Alolan redesign and how both forms are "everything a Pokémon should strive to be." Woodrow felt that the original Ninetales design was superior, but felt that it was a successful attempt at a regional form, arguing that it kept what worked about Ninetales and taking it in a different direction by changing the fur color and giving it an "almost magical aura." Alolan Ninetales' usefulness in competitive Pokémon has been commended, with Inverse writer Jessica Famularo believing it fit well on offensive teams. Inside Gamer writer Wes Rijckaert considered it among the best Pokémon introduced in Sun and Moon, appreciating how much more useful it is with its new typing, particularly with how it makes it strong against Dragon-type Pokémon. Destructoid writer Marcel Hoang suggested it was a powerful Pokémon for use in battling, in particular thanks to its Aurora Veil move and Snow Warning ability. Game Revolution writer Bradley Russell found both forms to be great designs, feeling that the original form was from a time that where designers put thought into Pokémon designs. He also enjoyed its mythological roots.
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