As countless Pokemon fan art continues to be created each year, one enthusiast has made an adorable Riolu animation that draws inspiration from another franchise. Though much fan art focuses on the original Pokedex, new regional variants for existing Pokemon, Paradox forms, and more, this fan art decided to combine familiar sights and sounds from Pokemon with a unique perspective from another intellectual property.
Since Riolu and Lucario were added to the Pokemon franchise, the two haven't been overhauled like others that got regional variants, but the latter received a Mega Evolution with Pokemon X and Y. Riolu is a dog-like Pokemon that was introduced in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and it's best known for its evolution which has been featured in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Lucario. Lucario has become a fan-favorite Pokemon since the Gen 4 Pokedex, and although Riolu doesn't get nearly as much attention as its evolution, this animation highlights the Fighting-type baby Pokemon.
Reddit user Spy_rook has garnered 4,800 upvotes on a unique Pokemon animation that uses the slow-moving camera perspective popularized by the Five Nights at Freddy's series. With the clock starting at midnight, as it does with the Five Nights at Freddy's games, the camera focuses on a Pokemon Center that looks like a cross between the Gen 3 and 5 aesthetic then begins to pan to the left. As the clock represents the seconds that proceed as minutes, the camera reveals some trees around the Pokemon Center and a couple of nearby houses, but upon observing an area inside the house, a Riolu interrupts the feed by getting too close to it.
As the Riolu in Spy_rook's animation comes into view, the Fighting-type Pokemon turns its head curiously and blinks before it encroaches on the moving camera. The inquisitive Riolu stares at the camera blankly before inspecting the camera with a sniffing nose, reflecting the real-life animal that the black and blue creature is based on. Spy_rook's fan art is a glimpse into the world that trainers would inhabit as the Pokemon anime has since the beginning, highlighting a house that keeps surveillance of the Pokemon Center across the street as if it's the frequent target of Team Rocket attacks.
With the Riolu clip from Spy_rook labeled as "Cam 1," it's currently unclear what other Pokemon might be featured in their crossover animation inspired by Five Nights at Freddy's. Spy_rook's Pokemon animation may draw cues from the Pokemon anime in having Riolu as a household pet similar to Ash's Mr. Mime that was left with his mom, Professor Cerise's Yamper, or the Muk under Professor Oak's care.