Hullo Connor! Welcome to PokéCommunity! 615 Pokémon is an awesome accomplishment, how long did that take you?! I've never really spent much time collecting or trying to fill out a National Dex, so I really have no clue how difficult it is or how long it takes haha. Maybe check out the Trade Corner section to collect the few that remain?
Anyways, have fun here! Good luck on the completion of the Dex, and feel free to VM me if you'd like to chat, k?
Oh, it took me quite a while! I'm a major completionist when it comes to video games, and some time after Diamond/Pearl came out, I made it my mission to collect all of the pokémon. I'm pretty sure my copy of Diamond has over 300 hours logged into it, but it was definitely worth it as I was only missing Shaymin and Arceus by the time Black/White came out. Then I just continued the mission into each new generation! Luckily, they've been running the 20th anniversary events every month, so it won't be too long until I have all of the pokémon (until Sun/Moon are released, that is). Thanks for the well-wishes! ^_^
Fantastic you're hyped lots for Sun & Moon and that your Pokémon collecting's going good! Welcome to the PokéCommunity, Connor. B) Awesome that you've stuck to the series for so long, which starter was your first in Red, if you can recall? And what's your favourite Pokémon?
Darn cool you're working towards a PhD in medicinal chemistry! Your avatar kinda relates to that too haha, pretty neat 8] Hope all goes well with your studies and such!
Have fun here on PC and don't hesitate to send me any VMs if you'd like a chat! Be sure to poke around the forum when you can as there's plenty to do here, and have a good day ♥
I'm almost certain that I chose Charmander because it has been my favorite Gen I starter for as long as I can remember. However, Mudkip is my favorite pokémon, hands down. I was actually debating between my current avatar and an adorable one of Mudkip, but I thought the scientist sprite would be a bit more unique, haha. I'll be sure to look around the forum for other threads that interest me!
Thank you both for the warm welcome! :)