Raikou testing FAQ

Raikou testing FAQ (Feb. 2018)

Q: What are you doing?
A: I'm testing a route for speedrunning Pokemon Crystal that uses Raikou and, in theory, saves 5-15 seconds over Entei on average.

Q: Why might Raikou be faster?
A: If Gen 2 researchers find a way to manip legendary dogs' stats, Raikou could have Hidden Power Ice 70, which saves a ton of time in battles. The Hidden Power detour is less significant than I once thought. Raikou has several other significant benefits, which are detailed here: https://pastebin.com/T1Xd2kFk

Q: How did you get HP Ice 70 on this Raikou?
A: Emulator using cheat codes.

Q: Is Hidden Power worth it on Entei?
A: HP Electric 70 would be close, but likely not worth it because you'd lose time from not having Iron Tail. Raikou loses basically nothing by giving up a move slot for Hidden Power.

Q: What's up with the splits?
A: I'm starting the timer 27 seconds behind world record as I enter the Kimono theater. This accounts for time I'd likely lose with the Raikou route to that point in the run (plus the time from the bike shop call, which you'd normally get later, but I've already gotten on this save file).

Q: Are you going to do runs with Raikou?
A: Probably, since the routing has been fun. But it won't be faster than Entei without stat/Hidden Power manip.

Q: Is stat/Hidden Power manip likely to happen?
A: Yes, but it will probably take several years. In the meantime, enjoy the theorycrafting.  :)