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- Image from Pokemon X and Y, courtesy of Nintendo

Uncanny Valley Pokémon: Creatures So Human They Might Be People in Disguise

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Khris Brayton | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 12:02 AM ET

Most Pokémon take the shape of animals, plants, or objects. A selection, though, has adopted such human-like qualities that they enter the uncanny valley. Pokémon are meant to be seen as pets, but in some cases, how can you truly view these creatures as animals that are meant to curl up at your feet, eat on the floor, or get scratches under their ears when they look ready to sit down around the table and have a philisophical discussion about the meaning of life? The resemblance to humans is so realistic that, perhaps, the model was simply a person in a mascot costume.

Three Of The Most Prominent Uncanny Valley Pokémon

There are many Pokémon that fit the bill for entry into the uncanny valley, our newest housing development for humans and Pokémon to own their own houses, together. They come in a variety of types, shapes, sizes, and generations, but they all have one thing in common. They walk on two legs, can fulfill human-like tasks, and, of course, look very human. Head, arms, legs, torso, the whole nine yards. These guys could be sports team mascots and head off to the locker room after the game. It would just feel right.

1. Mewtwo

Mewtwo was one of the first legendary Pokémon, way back in Generation One. It appears the inspiration was meant to be alien-like, and he certainly has endless human qualities. This uncanny valley entry, as explained by Games Radar, “can understand and speak human language, and it feels human emotions like betrayal and loneliness… Mewtwo wants to ruminate on what it means to have consciousness.” Of course, given its hatred of all things human world, I suppose this is about as close to an alien form as Nintendo will bring us.

2. Machoke

I mean, is Machoke not just a massive gym-bro? It is not just the muscles, but the entire look. It is rocking the mohawk, massive biceps, triceps, pecs, and he even remembers leg day. Look at that belt! You cannot tell me that Machoke does not fit the image of every gym rat you see benching 300 at the weights at your local gym. This is not a pet, this is a human who could probably pick you up and throw you across the entire uncanny valley if you get it too upset, so be careful. Yes, Machoke, you can come to the cookout. But it is BYOPP (Bring your own protein powder).

3. Mr. Mime

I swear, picking three Generation One Pokémon was accidental, but come on. How can we leave out Mr. Mime? Literally created after a mime, which is, by all definitions, a human occupation. Aside from the nose, every other body part screams human man. In fact, given the fact that he is portrayed in the television shows as a family man for Ash and his mother, is Game Freak even trying to hide it? Yet, he is also a creature that should be treated like a pet? No, developers, I will not stand for that. Come live with us in the uncanny valley, Mr. Mime, just do not creep out the neighbors with your Mime gestures too much.

Final Thoughts

Many other Pokémon deserve an honorable mention on the list. Lucario, Gothitelle, Jynx, and Mr. Ryme stand out, but there are so many more options to choose from as well. Did we miss one of your favorites? Who are you sending an open house invitation to for the Uncanny Valley grand opening? And when will we see the developers attempt to actually make these Pokémon sit around and drink from a bowl? Because I promise you, if one of them tells Mewtwo to do so, they will be launched across the stratosphere.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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