>>39314031The Voltorb line is actually really cool for how many concepts it can tie into a very simple design. For one its a mimic, which is a classic rpg monster known for punishing naive players with the promise of treasure. Once engaged, Voltorb and Electrode use their high speed and early access to self-destruct to potentially blow a hole in your team before you can even act. These characteristics aren't just justified from a game-mechanics standpoint, but also by other aspects of their design. The Electric typing, speed, and explosiveness of Voltorb evokes another inspiration in the form of ball lightning, which is a mysterious electrical phenomena known for moving about erratically before exploding. Since ball lightning is largely unexplained and even considered to be a cryptid-like entity, it makes Voltorb fit in well among the other Sci-Fi monsters in the Pokedex. The last concept that I think Voltorb draws from in its design are electrical instruments such as the Van De Graaf generator, the plasma globe, and most obviously electrodes! All of these devices are spherical and used to discharge electricity. They provide another real world inspiration that helps synchronize all of Voltorb's characteristics into a well unified design.
