Vote for your favourites in our Poké-polls

At long last, we reach the final match of Round 1. We've seen 56 different Megas so far- let's meet just a couple more!

Mega Raichu Y is the Special Attacking of the two new Raichu forms, and its attacks are something to behold! Its greatest strength is its ability to unleash its powerful attacks instantly, making it excel in quick battles that it ends decisively. Its temperament is impacted by just how much energy it generates between its tail and horns, making Mega Raichu Y wilder and more combative, making it less likely to approach battle tactically, and more likely to blast things head on! And its new ability supports that approach! With No Guard, all of Mega Raichu Y's attacks land without fail, no matter how hard its opponents try to avoid them. In return though, it opens itself up to all attacks too, which is Mega Raichu Y's biggest weakness, with its comparatively low defensive stats. That really doesn't matter that much when you have 160 Special Attack though! Is this your favourite take on Raichu? Or if not, are you at least fond enough of it to vote for it this time?

We're getting closer to the end of the Round, but we still have fearsome Megas left to vote on!

Hoenn's thunder dog get channels its inner storm by becoming a literal bolt of lightning! Mega Manectric's on the nose appearance is more apt than you may realise, as mega evolution grants it speed that matches lightning- around 200 million mph- far faster than almost any Pokémon we've discussed so far! Unfortunately, that also comes with such excessive electrical power that Mega Manectric can't control it all, with it running wild and making the Pokémon irritable. With such speed and power, is it any wonder why it gains the ability Intimidate upon mega evolving? This is one dog you're not going to be keeping up with, but maybe you want to give it a vote all the same!

This match sees two very defensive Pokémon get a power boost!

Mega Dragalge is another Pokémon that was introduced in our return to Kalos in Legends Z-A. A Kalos native itself, Mega Dragalge takes its poison to the extreme, as it becomes capable of spitting a vicious venom that causes the regenerative ability of cells to go wild. It can use this to heal itself, but on others, it's a deadly poison with a horrifying real life equivalent! Between its healing ability and its huge Special Defense- the highest of any Mega Pokémon- it can be a menace to try and defeat on the battlefield, and its territorial nature means it won't be going anywhere unless you beat it! A fearsome Dragon type that isn't afraid of fairies, does it win your vote?

We're doing something a little different with the rest of the month of July- a Little Cup theme! We have four more polls this month, and four sets of games that have been remade into new adventures in the Pokémon series- but which of these remakes have been the most successful?

We're going to be taking a look at each region's main games from the first four Generations, and I'll be asking you which version you think is the best, or 'definitive' experience in that region. We'll be looking only at games that keep the basic adventure the same- so despite the Let's Go games featuring some notable changes, we will count them for Generation 1, but we will not be counting Legends Arceus for Generation 4.

So this week it's Kanto's turn! There are (by my count) four different versions of the Generation 1 experience, with some being more different than others. Do you prefer the original? Or has one of the remakes done the original region better? And what about Pokémon Yellow? Let us know which you think is the best way to experience Kanto and why in the notes below!

These two seem to be the opposite end of the spectrum of soaring Megas!

Mega Altaria takes the already incredibly soft appearance of its base form and turns it right up to 11! Now practically engulfed in its cloud-like down, it seems extremely soft and delicate to the touch, but in actuality, just a few strands of down could be used to life a truck! Its cloud wings are not the only parts of Altaria enhanced by mega evolution though, with its beasutiful singing voice taking on a an even clearer quality that can induce wonderment in listeners. Don't be mistaken though, even though its very soft and pleasant, it can still hold its own in battle! Mega Altaria is the only Mega to have unique type combination, with no other Pokémon sharing its new Dragon and Fairy typing. Its Normal type moves become Fairy type as well with the Pixilate ability also granting a power boost to said moves. It may not have the highest stats, but Mega Altaria has respectable defence and offence, and can definitely hold its own. Has Mega Altaria's sweet singing captivated you too?

Just a few more matches left in this set, and we've still got some of the strongest- and the strangest- left to go!

Mega Salamence has been called the blood-soaked crescent, and with its brutal rage only increased by the mega evolution energy, it's easy to see why. When it flies, its razor sharp wings slice through anyone standing in the way, and it won't hesitate! Like all the psuedo-legendary Megas, Mega Salamence carries a terrifying base stat total of 700, with monstrous offence and swift speed. Accompanied by an ability that turns its Normal attacks into Flying ones and boosts their power- Aerilate- you do not want to be on the other end of one of Mega Salamence's Double Edges! It doesn't appreciate that mega evolution twists the wings its so proud of into a new form, but despite that, it has incredible aerial agility and skill, with even the most complex topography not posing a challenge to soar through. I wouldn't want to anger this Pokémon, so maybe it needs your vote to pacify it?

In keeping with the current main tournament on the blog, I thought it would be interesting to hear people's opinions on which set of new Mega Evolutions was the best!

We've had four batches of them, spaced across 3 different games and some DLC, and they've all introduced some great new additions to the Mega library. But which one is your favourite? Let us know why as well!

And once the main tournament is complete, we can see if these results bare out in the overall standings. I'm very curious!

Just a few more matches left in this set, and we've still got some of the strongest- and the strangest- left to go!

Mega Salamence has been called the blood-soaked crescent, and with its brutal rage only increased by the mega evolution energy, it's easy to see why. When it flies, its razor sharp wings slice through anyone standing in the way, and it won't hesitate! Like all the psuedo-legendary Megas, Mega Salamence carries a terrifying base stat total of 700, with monstrous offence and swift speed. Accompanied by an ability that turns its Normal attacks into Flying ones and boosts their power- Aerilate- you do not want to be on the other end of one of Mega Salamence's Double Edges! It doesn't appreciate that mega evolution twists the wings its so proud of into a new form, but despite that, it has incredible aerial agility and skill, with even the most complex topography not posing a challenge to soar through. I wouldn't want to anger this Pokémon, so maybe it needs your vote to pacify it?

These two seem to be the opposite end of the spectrum of soaring Megas!

Mega Altaria takes the already incredibly soft appearance of its base form and turns it right up to 11! Now practically engulfed in its cloud-like down, it seems extremely soft and delicate to the touch, but in actuality, just a few strands of down could be used to life a truck! Its cloud wings are not the only parts of Altaria enhanced by mega evolution though, with its beasutiful singing voice taking on a an even clearer quality that can induce wonderment in listeners. Don't be mistaken though, even though its very soft and pleasant, it can still hold its own in battle! Mega Altaria is the only Mega to have unique type combination, with no other Pokémon sharing its new Dragon and Fairy typing. Its Normal type moves become Fairy type as well with the Pixilate ability also granting a power boost to said moves. It may not have the highest stats, but Mega Altaria has respectable defence and offence, and can definitely hold its own. Has Mega Altaria's sweet singing captivated you too?

Some beasts of the sand are going head to head today!

Mega Garchomp Z is one of the new and unusual Z Megas! A new take on a Pokémon that already got a Mega form back in Generation 6, Legends Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC took Garchomp in a completely different direction. Many people forget that Garchomp can canonically fly, and Mega Garchomp Z takes that up to 11, soaring through the skies at Mach speed, shredding foes with its razor-sharp fins! In this state, Mega Garchomp Z's Dragon type is heightened, even losing the Ground typing and purely focusing on powerful Dragon type attacks. Interestingly, Mega Garchomp Z gets all its new stat points put straight into its Speed and Special Attack, now at a crazy 151 Speed- characteristic of all the Z Megas- and the fastest Dragon type there is. Despite all its power, Mega Garchomp Z actually remains calm and composed at all times, but perhaps that makes it all the more threatening. How do you feel about this brand new Garchomp form?

It's another type mirror match! This time, Steel types are on display!

One of a few Generation 5 fan favourites to get a Mega in Legends Z-A, Mega Excadrill doesn't disappoint in being a powerful new form for the mole! With mega evolution energy flowing through its body, Mega Excadrill becomes essentially a giant drill, with the giant spears of metal on its head and arms coming together when it attacks. The Pokédex says that when it does this, it can destroy literally anything! is that exaggeration? I can't say, but I'm not willing to wait around and find out! One piece of evidence in its favour is its ability, Piercing Drill. Even when a Pokémon uses Protect, blocking all moves, Mega Excadrill can still push through and do damage anyway! It's one of the only Pokémon able to do this, along with Mega Golurk and Urshifu, so it's no slouch in battle. With a lot of power at its disposal, it's a worthy Mega for a classic Pokémon, and will that earn it your vote?

Just three matches left in this Round, but we're not slowing down!

Mega Chandelure was introduced in Legends Z-A, as the ace Pokémon of the character Gwynn, and it's a very powerful new form for the fan favourite Gen 5 classic! Now an elaborate 2-tiered chandelier, Mega Chandelure absorbs hatred and converts it into power- and there's clearly plenty to go around, judging by its huge 175 Special Attack! That's the highest of any Ghost or Fire type, and is tied with Mega Alakazam for the highest of any non-Legendary Pokémon as well. You may have also noticed that one of Mega Chandelure's eyes has changed colour due to mega evolution too, but that's not just an aesthetic change. That eye is not just an eye now- it's a window to the afterlife! Truly amplifying the ghostly parts of this Ghost type, maybe don't look too close- but maybe give it a vote?

One Legendary and one all time classic Pokémon, but which one will be the victor?

Gyarados has been a classic for 30 years, and Mega Gyarados is a fierce new form of the beast! Lysander uses it as his ace Pokémon in X and Y, and it's pretty fitting considering its new Dark typing. With 30 extra stat points in each of its defenses and its Attack, it can tear through opponents with ease and take plenty of punishment too. In fact, it can split large ships in two as it soars above the water at Mach speed- destructively spraying water from both sides of its body. And its power isn't being restrained by its brain any longer either! The only brain function that doesn't cease upon mega evolution is its anger and ferocity as it goes on a rampage. This creature isn't just dangerous, its life threatening to anyone standing in their way, practically a force of nature! Are you a fan of this terrifying update of one of Generation 1's premier Water types?