Other Metagames Analysis Resources

The Quality Control (QC) Teams
The Quality Control team is responsible to ensure every analysis is up to the high standards Smogon expects for its content. These analyses are being viewed by thousands of individuals across the world, so a high standard of quality is necessary.

If the QC team does not think your analysis is up to on-site standards, they have the right to reassign or reject it. Make sure you familiarize yourself with C&C standards if you wish to prevent this from being the case.

Balanced Hackmons QC Team:
Anything Goes QC Team:
Monotype QC Team:
Past QC Members:
 
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It has come to the attention of various QC members that many analysis have been repeating similar mistakes. The goal of this thread is to mention some of those mistakes so that they don't continue to happen.

General

Don't reserve analyses of Pokemon that you haven't used. We can tell just by reading through it, and analyses that show this are generally reassigned. Generally, we try to work with the analysis writer to bring the analysis up to par, but if it is so far out there that QC members have to basically write the analysis for the person (dictating everything about the sets, redundant details or lack thereof, misinformation), the analysis will be reassigned.

Be detailed. When experienced writers and players (both groups individually) write analyses, the quality is much higher because they include a lot of the finer details. QC can help with this, but only so much. You shouldn't be writing a novel, but when your sections are two or three lines long (this excludes Set Details, which is generally shorter if there isn't much to say), you haven't included enough detail.

Stay on top of your analyses. This means that you should be active in implementing QC comments and concerns, as well as GP checks.

Overview

The purpose of the Overview is to provide a basic overview of the Pokemon. There was an Overview Revamp thread in BW QC, and while I don't believe that is necessary now, many of the points mentioned in that thread hold true.
  • Cut the fluff. This is a competitive Pokemon site, not the Pokemon Fan Club. We don't care how dashing your Rapidash's flowing mane is, and honestly we don't even really care that it's a horse on fire. Additionally, cut the metaphors, similes, or cute pet names for the Pokemon. If we're talking about Infernape, don't call it a monkey, don't talk about it swinging, just call it Infernape and concentrate on its competitive aspects.
  • Don't sell the Pokemon. Overviews are about describing the Pokemon, not trying to make people use it. Describe the Pokemon, tell people what they're getting into, and let people decide what Pokemon works for their team. It is not your job to try and convince people that they should use the Pokemon in the analysis. This is something that tends to pop up a lot when people are writing about their "favorite Pokemon" and think that the Pokemon they're writing about gets a short shrift in the metagame, and overhype it in order to make up for it.
  • Don't undersell the Pokemon. I know this seems like it contradicts #2, but there's something to remember: if a Pokemon has an OU analysis, it's because either it earned that analysis by having an interesting niche, or it's OU, which means it earned the usage to stay in the OU tier. There is an exception for BL Pokemon, which clearly haven't earned a place in OU, but are "too good" for UU. If it's a Pokemon that simply doesn't have a place in OU, but is banned from UU, then explain what makes it broken in UU, and explain how that doesn't translate to OU usage. However, for OU Pokemon, make sure your overview doesn't turn into a list of reasons not to use a Pokemon.
  • Brevity is your friend. Make sure that your writing is flowing and easy to read, but still concise. Overviews should generally not be longer than 2 paragraphs- 1 about strong suits, 1 about weaknesses / issues.
  • There's a difference between concise and short. Make sure that while you don't get all fluffy and overly wordy, you also don't leave out significant detail. An overview should be a general introduction to the Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses, not a couple words about some things the Pokemon can do.
  • This is more stylistic than a "rule", but the first sentence should go out of its way to pull the reader in. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and analyses are no exception. The best analyses have a first sentence that captures the attention of the reader and makes them want to read the rest of the analysis.

On top of these points, don't state information that you can see in the dex entry. The typing, ability, and stats are at the top of the page. It is fine to talk about how a Pokemon's defensive typing lets it handle [x threats], how its STABs and coverage make it an excellent wallbreaker, or how its Speed stat puts it above the majority of the tier. What isn't fine is statements like 'Gengar has a great base 130 Special Attack stat'. This provides no useful information to the reader.

The first sentence in the Overview should provide a concise, honest depiction of the Pokemon in the metagame. You should talk about its useful competitive attributes and niche in the metagame, as well as its flaws. A note on flaws: minor things like low Speed for a defensive Pokemon, just because they are technically 'flaws', aren't generally important to mention. You should only talk about major flaws and issues that the Pokemon has. Don't end the overview negatively; it reads strangely and is off-putting to the reader.

Set

Remember that moves should be in order of importance. Generally, moves with more slashes should be further down on the set, and the most important moves should be listed first.

Moves

Don't just say that a move is a good move, especially for STABs. Why is it a good move? It might seem obvious to you, but a newer player won't know the implied meaning. Be descriptive, and when moves are slashed, explain the benefits and downsides of each move.

Set Details

Don't be redundant and obvious when describing EV spreads and natures. Everyone understands that a Jolly nature makes the Pokemon faster and that an Impish nature allows the Pokemon to take physical hits better. Mention specific reasons for spreads and don't say like '4 EVs in Defense boosts the Pokemon's Defense stat', as such a boost is so minuscule that it's pointless to mention.

Don't mention redundant pieces of information like the effect of the ability or that a Mega Stone makes a Pokemon Mega Evolve. However, you should talk about the effect of items like Leftovers and Life Orb; specifically, it is important to discuss how they benefit the Pokemon.

Usage Tips

This section is important, and it seems that some writers just rush through it. Usage Tips should go in-depth on handling common situations encountered with a Pokemon and how it should be played. Remember that newer players read the analyses, so being clear and detailed is especially important in this section.

Team Options

This is another section where being descriptive and thorough is important. Be sure to mention all of the following: what types of teams the Pokemon is useful on, support it needs whether defensively or offensively with multiple examples of partners to fill those roles, and Pokemon that it partners well with in general (an example of this is Scarftar pairing well with Keldeo).

Other Options

Please don't mention things that are bad here. The only exception to this is when something might look good at first glance to someone who doesn't understand the Pokemon well, but actually isn't. In this case, you want to explain the supposed merits of the option and why it isn't a good option. Here, you should be mentioning sets, moves, abilities, items, etc. that have niche use on the Pokemon (i.e. for certain teams). Don't add options for the sake of doing so; if a Pokemon doesn't have a bunch of viable additional options, it just doesn't.

Checks and Counters

This section is generally fine, but make sure to be thorough and mention what you can. Remember, you should be approaching this from the perspective of someone trying to prepare for this Pokemon, so include all of the options and techniques that they can use to counteract that Pokemon. Also, make sure you have specific examples and not just general statements.

written by Jukain

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Viability Rankings
 
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A question that's came up is how to tag analyses with these three different OMs all co-existing. Here's the format:

[Metagame] Pokemon [QC or GP]

So, for example:

[STABmons] Scizor [QC: 2/3]

Don't forget to change the tag in your post as well! The top, next to the title, it says (No prefix). Click this and edit accordingly to match the stage of your analysis, most likely WIP or Quality Control.
 
Hey guys. I've been seeing people comment on other people's analyses in the WIP stage. Please do not do that! It's a WIP for a reason. They haven't finished everything. Please wait until they're in Quality Control to continue.
 
Regarding move slashes on Balanced Hackmons analyses: try and keep them to a maximum of "the three best." Anything beyond that is excessive and should be discussed in Moves, not on the slashes. Update your analyses accordingly please!
 
Don't put more than one EV spread in EVs! Pick the best one, then put the other one under Set Details.
 

EV

Banned deucer.
Overview


The first sentence in the Overview should provide a concise, honest depiction of the Pokemon in the metagame. You should talk about its useful competitive attributes and niche in the metagame, as well as its flaws. A note on flaws: minor things like low Speed for a defensive Pokemon, just because they are technically 'flaws', aren't generally important to mention. You should only talk about major flaws and issues that the Pokemon has. Don't end the overview negatively; it reads strangely and is off-putting to the reader.
I'm stealing this because I'm still seeing Overviews that do a lot of this: "Good quality, good quality, and good quality. But, bad quality and bad quality."

Please, end your Overview on a high note! "Good quality, good quality, and good quality. But, bad quality and bad quality. However, summation of good qualities and why you should use it."

Imagine you're telling your friend why they should use this Pokemon. If you end your conversation with "Unfortunately, it's subpar Speed really holds it back in the metagame," do you think they'll want to use it? Rather: "Unfortunately, it's subpar Speed really holds it back in the metagame. However, if you take into account its numerous resistances to common attacks and its superb bulk, it still makes a fantastic [INSERT ROLE HERE] in [METAGAME]."
 
hi guys. tl;dr: basically, this is like the nu sweet potato thread, but for om c&c gold stars! we wouldn't normally do this, but in an effort to increase activity amongst the subforum, we're hoping you guys can see other model users and strive to match their quality. who knows, maybe you can be the next gold star?

past gold stars:
 
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baconbagon


Our first winner is baconbagon! Bagon is winning the star first due to his exceptional presence around the forum. He's a crucial part of the STABmons QC team, giving his advice in very well-thought out posts and very intelligent manner. Not only that, but he's also been writing a bunch of analyses for STABmons, all of high quality as well. Baconbagon is a wonderful user! Congratulations!​
 
also, i hear that our next gold star may have roots of 1590s, and has stayed an adjective all this time :0!
 
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Changelog:

  • ellipse is now on STABmons QC.
  • Welcome jeran to the STABmons QC team!
  • Welcome MAMP to the Balanced Hackmons QC team!
  • Removed MAMP, he stepped down. (eevee: don't forget to add him to the Past QC Members list next time!)
  • Welcome insanelegend and The Reptile to the STABmons QC team! Also, welcome TheCommadore to the AAA QC team! A new AAA QC member will be added once confirmation is made. Congrats to these guys!
  • Thanks to everybody that applied! After careful consideration, we have decided to add the following users to the following QC teams: GrimoireGod is being added to the AAA QC team, Kl4ng is being added to the STABmons QC team, Scyther no Swiping is being added to the STABmons QC team, Pikachuun is being added to the Balanced Hackmons QC team, nyan kat is being added to the Balanced Hackmons QC team, and Kingslayer2779 is being added to the Balanced Hackmons QC team. Congrats to you guys!
  • aesf is stepping down from AAA QC.
  • Slipped by me, but Gunner Rohan is also on the AG team. :)
  • Congrats to Lcass4919 for being added to the AAA QC team!
  • Oh yeah! I forgot to post this last night but insanelegend is stepping down due to being on a loa. baconbagon will be joining in his place! :)
  • Sadly, Gunner Rohan will be stepping down until March. See you then buddy!
  • HunterStorm is being added to the AG QC team. Congrats!
  • Also, Trickster has stepped down. Hope to see you in the future!
  • i'm leaving stabmons qc - unfixable

  • rip adrian, josh, and hunter. :(
  • Gunner Rohan is back and will also be doing QC work on the AG team again!
  • yelawolf is joining the AG QC team again!

  • Welcome AAA Open champ rozes to AAA QC :]
 
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ah i kinda forgot! i'm sorry.

Zangooser


Zangooser is an incredible powerhouse in OM C&C. Her excellent leadership qualities and great work ethic have led Zangooser to earning this award. She is an excellent QC'er, and the effort shows immensely. Beyond this, Zangooser does a ton for the AG community and it would be a crime to not give her this award! Congratulations!

expect this more often now~
 
A question that's came up is how to tag analyses with these three different OMs all co-existing. Here's the format:

[Metagame] Pokemon [QC or GP]

So, for example:

[STABmons] Scizor [QC: 2/3]

Don't forget to change the tag in your post as well! The top, next to the title, it says (No prefix). Click this and edit accordingly to match the stage of your analysis, most likely WIP or Quality Control.
Please don't forget to do this!
 
Welcome.

Over the past few months, Monotype has established itself as a staple in our community. With the release of its subforum, which can be found here, Monotype has continuously grown as a community. OM C&C Staff, along with a few other hands, have decided to kick off this project.

Firstly, I am appointing scpinion as the head of this project and giving a special congratulations. Seeing as they started the mini-analyses, have reached out to try and get this project started, and has been a dedicated member of the Monotype community, there couldn't be a better person for the job. Thank you so much for your hard work and persistence to launch this. Congratulations!

Next, these analyses are going to function slightly differently since they have two different types in some cases. Therefore, we have to have a slightly tweaked format for analyses. Along with the typical analysis format, there needs to be this under the Overview, Other Options, and Checks & Counters tab:

And here's a copy/paste:

[OVERVIEW]

**Type One**:
Generalize what the Pokemon does in the metagame and as a whole and why you should or shouldn't consider using it on your teams.

**Type Two**:
Generalize what the Pokemon does in the metagame and as a whole and why you should or shouldn't consider using it on your teams.

[SET]
name: Barack Aboma (Swords Dance)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer / Seed Bomb
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Describe what the moves on the set do.

Set Details
========

Describe the other aspects of the set such as what the EVs do and nature/item.

Usage Tips
========

Describe how to use the Pokemon in question.

Team Options
========

Describe some teammates that would be a good idea to pair with this Pokemon.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

**Type One**:
List some options for the Pokemon user that are plausible but not always recommended due to being either not consistent enough or too outclassed by other Pokemon in the metagame.

**Type Two**:
List some options for the Pokemon user that are plausible but not always recommended due to being either not consistent enough or too outclassed by other Pokemon in the metagame.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Type One**:

Insert Threat Here: Describe why the Pokemon is a threat.

**Type Two**:

Insert Threat Here: Describe why the Pokemon is a threat.
If you are writing an analysis on a single-typed Pokemon, such as Mew, then the regular analysis format will be just fine. Another thing to note is that instead of doing [Balanced Hackmons], [Monotype] is the format we're looking for.

Finally, our QC team for Monotype consists of all falls down, Anttya, Eien, Lax, scpinion, and SirSkit. I may have missed one person or two, so scpinion, feel free to let me know!

Oh, also, scpinion has Site Staff already so he will be in charge of editing on-site analyses. Myself, bacon, and Shiba will continue to upload analyses as per usual.

So without further ado, welcome to Monotype C&C! Congratulations.
 
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If you have any questions, leave me a PM and I will clear up your questions to the best of my ability.
 
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Another thing I forgot to mention:

Sets should be

[SET]
name: Barack Aboma (Grass / Swords Dance)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer / Seed Bomb
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe

So we know which is which.

Order sets in alphabetical order by typing in terms of viability.
 
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If you post analyses in WIP, then are ready for QC please do not tag the entire QC team. They will get to it!
 

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