As part of my research into 3D animation, I watched this short animation made by the Pokémon company. I was intrigued by this animation initially as I thought this was 2D animation, given Pokemon tend to use 2D animation for their anime series. However, this short animation is actually in 3D and used cel-shaded like textures to give off this 2D look.

Personally, I haven’t seen a 3D animation done in this way before and it was really nice to watch the Pokémon company try something completely new and unique to what they usually produce. Furthermore, the details put into this animation is extraordinary, considering it was made in 3D. The facial expressions of the characters, especially the lead ‘Bidoof’, really create the character and bring them to life in a way I haven’t seen too often.

Moreover, I believe this animation style and techniques would be a great use for films and even video games going forward, as the immensely stylised world that’s been created in this 8 minute short is highly engaging and a fresh take on what animation could look and be like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTidwW3iLHk (Link to video)