>>19284772Rival, alright.
As much as I love Hugh, his Pokemon selection was underwhelming, as was his role of a Rival. He should forgo the monkeys since I'm pretty sure everyone was sick of them in the first BW games, and instead opt for the Eeveelutions, as a call back to Pokemon Yellow's Rival.
In terms of story, I think your second Rival battle with him should have been moved from the Ranch to Virbank City, just before you disembark.
> "We're heading to Castelia City now. Team Plasma's out there... I'll make sure you're tough enough! Let's battle!" He'd use the second stage of his starter and a Tranquill, but the Tranquill gets quickly replaced
And include another battle, this time at Nimbasa City, right after you clear Elesa. He'll then have an Eevee, a Heracross, and his starter.
> "You got the Bolt Badge, huh? Not bad! But if you can handle Elesa, you can handle me! Get ready, [player]!"Then the Eevee evolves before the PWT. He'd add the Skarmory at his match in Undella Town, and then have his full team by Victory Road. In terms of dialogue, I'd just make him sound like he's willingness to surpass you is... there. Because right now it just sounds like "hey, we both raised our Pokemon, let's see how well we've done so." rather than "I'll be the strongest trainer, and if I can defeat you, no trainer can stop me!".
