Pokémon: Advanced Battle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pokémon: Advanced Battle
English front cover of the Pokémon: Advanced Battle DVD collection box
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	53 (Japanese version) 1 (unaired episode) 52 (International version)
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo
Original release	September 9, 2004 (2004-09-09) – September 29, 2005 (2005-09-29)

Pokémon: Advanced Battle is the eighth exciting season of the Pokémon TV show. It's also the third part of the Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire adventure. In Japan, this anime series is called Pocket Monsters: Advanced Generation. It first aired in Japan from September 2004 to September 2005. In the United States, it was shown from September 2005 to July 2006 on The WB network.

This season follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum, a ten-year-old Pokémon trainer, and his best friend, Pikachu. For the first 38 episodes, they explore the Hoenn region. Their goal is to collect Gym Badges so Ash can join the Hoenn League competition. They travel with Brock, a Gym Leader, and May, a Pokémon Coordinator. May's brother, Max, also joins them. May wants to win Ribbons in Pokémon Contests to enter the Hoenn Grand Festival.

Later in the season, from episode 39 to 52, Ash goes back to the Kanto region. Here, he takes on the Battle Frontier challenge. He aims to earn Frontier Symbols from special trainers called Frontier Brains. May also continues her journey in Kanto, trying to win more Contest Ribbons. She hopes to enter the Kanto Grand Festival.

The episodes were directed by Masamitsu Hidaka. The animation studio OLM produced the series.

Music

The Japanese version of the show has different opening and ending songs. The first opening song is "Challenger!!" by Rika Matsumoto. Then came "Pokemon Symphonic Medley" by the Pokémon Symphonic Orchestra. The last opening song is "Battle Frontier (Japanese song)" by Akina Takaya.

For the ending songs, there's "Smile" by Toshiko Ezaki. Next is "GLORY DAY 〜That Shining Day〜" by GARDEN. Finally, "Pokemon Counting Song" by Akiko Kanazawa is used. In English, the opening song is "Unbeatable" by David Rolfe. A shorter version of this song is also used in the end credits.

Main Adventures

Hoenn Region Challenges

Ash and his friends have many exciting adventures in the Hoenn region. They meet new Pokémon and face tough challenges.

The Pearl Hunt

In one episode, Ash and his friends help a Spoink find its lost pearl. They meet a scientist who has a Clamperl. Clamperl can make pearls, which might help Spoink. But Team Rocket tries to cause trouble.

Deep Sea Treasure

Ash and his friends also help a treasure hunter named Adam. They search for buried treasure in the deep sea. But Team Rocket locks them in a cave, making things difficult.

Evolution Mystery

On two different islands, Clamperl evolves into different Pokémon. On one island, it becomes Gorebyss. On the other, it turns into Huntail. This creates a conflict between the islands.

Gym Battles and Badges

Ash continues his journey to collect Gym Badges. Each badge brings him closer to the Hoenn League.

Mossdeep Gym Battle

Ash battles twin Gym Leaders, Tate and Liza, at the Mossdeep Gym. He uses Pikachu and Swellow against their Lunatone and Solrock. Even though Tate and Liza argue at first, they focus and give Ash a tough fight. Ash wins and earns the Mind Badge.

Sootopolis Gym Battle

Ash faces Juan, the Gym Leader of Sootopolis City. This is Ash's final challenge to get his eighth badge. He needs this badge to qualify for the Hoenn League. Juan's Milotic is a very strong opponent. Ash has to use all his skills to try and win this important battle.

Hoenn League Competition

After collecting all eight badges, Ash enters the Hoenn League in Ever Grande City. He meets new rivals and faces intense battles.

New Rivals

Ash meets a trainer named Morrison, who also wants to compete in the Hoenn League. A friendly rivalry quickly starts between them. Ash also meets Tyson, who has a unique Meowth that wears clothes.

League Battles

The Hoenn League begins with qualifying rounds. Ash battles Gilbert and Dominic, winning both matches. Morrison and Tyson also do well.

Tough Opponents

In the next round, Ash battles Clarke and wins, moving to the Victory Tournament. He then faces Katie, who proves to be a very strong trainer. Ash has to fight hard to turn the battle around and win.

Ash vs. Morrison

Ash and Morrison face each other in the second round of the tournament. Morrison struggles at first because Ash is his friend. But Ash encourages him to battle seriously. Their Pokémon have an exciting fight, with many close calls. Ash eventually wins against Morrison.

Ash vs. Tyson

Ash's next challenge is against Tyson. This battle is very intense. Ash's Pokémon, including Glalie, Torkoal, Corphish, Swellow, and Grovyle, all give their best. Tyson's Pokémon, like Sceptile, Shiftry, Hariyama, Metagross, and his special Meowth, are also very strong. In the end, Tyson wins the match and goes on to become the Hoenn League champion.

Kanto Battle Frontier

After the Hoenn League, Ash returns to Pallet Town. He learns about a new challenge called the Battle Frontier. This is a series of special facilities where trainers can battle powerful Frontier Brains.

First Frontier Brain

Ash and his friends head to the Battle Factory. Here, they meet Noland, the first Frontier Brain. Noland has befriended the legendary ice Pokémon, Articuno! Ash's Charizard returns from Charcific Valley to battle Articuno. Ash wins against Noland and earns his first Frontier Symbol, the Knowledge Symbol.

Episodes

Home Video Releases

In the United States, this season was released on 10 DVD sets by Viz Media. Each set had 5 or 6 episodes.

Later, Viz Media and Warner Home Video released a complete DVD collection. It was called Pokémon: Advanced Battle – The Complete Collection and came out on June 12, 2018.