#4: Virizion

You've had to wait until after the weekend to see the last Pokémon before my top 3, but here it is: Virizion! Although its name sounds like some wireless connection, Virizion is just a plain awesome Pokémon! As opposed to Cobalion and Terrakion, the other two of the musketeer trio (Keldeo is actually the fourth, but not obtainable in the games), Virizion actually doesn't look weird. Where Cobalion has a weird furry mane beneath its chin and Terrakion looks like some plump rhinoceros, Virizion looks like a skinny, speedy and elegant antelope-like Pokémon. Together with Terrakion, Cobalion and Keldeo, Virizion battled against humans in order to protect Pokémon. Another funny fact: Virizion is the only one of the four that is not weak to the types of any of the other members of the Sword of Justice, plus it is the only one having a type advantage over all of the other members (fighting-type over the steel-type Cobalion and grass-type over the rock-type Terrakion and the water-type Keldeo). And although it's not the strongest Pokémon of the four (heck, it isn't one of the strongest Pokémon even if you count non-legendary Pokémon), it was definitely a faithful team member. It saved the day during my battle with Ghetsis, surviving Hydreigon's Fire Blast due to its ridiculously high special attack! Yeah, I love Virizion. I don't usually use legendary Pokémon while getting through any game, but I definitely made an exception for Virizion.

Do you want to use Virizion? Go ahead, I'd recommend it! It's not overly strong; in fact, its base attack and special attack are both the same and no more than just good or decent, while having an abominable defense stat. Its special defense and speed are the best, though. And it has quite some diversity up its sleeve, with access to moves like Giga Drain (handy!), Sacred Sword (also handy, this moves ignores any stat bonuses on the foe in battles), Leaf Blade, Close Combat, X-Scissor, Focus Blast, Energy Ball, Stone Edge, Zen Headbutt, Bounce (for some weird flying-type coverage), Seed Bomb and Superpower. Largely grass- and fighting-type moves, but enough diversity to keep Virizion going. And if you want an extra attack boost, send it out against dark-type Pokémon. Virizion has a type advantage over them, but also gets an attack boost when it is hit by a dark-type move. That's because of its ability Justified, which triggers when it is hit by such an attack. I pity the ones using Sucker Punch on it! Anyway, you all know why I love Virizion so much and why it is my fourth favorite Pokémon. Three more to go!