Trainer Yusuf

The saga continues!
Volbeat and Illumise

Volbeat and Illumise's relationship is weird. In their debut, Volbeat had the niche of being the only Special Attack boost Baton Passer. But in Gen IV Illumise gained Tinted Lens, outclassing Volbeat. And then Tail Glow became a move with +3 boost. They don't exactly have any stand-out gimmicks, at least not one that is clearly defined, outside of being one of the many counterpart Pokémon of Gen III. They gained Prankster which made them relatively powerful, but still they are weird.
Do these Pokémon have inherent game gimmicks?Outside of Volbeat's access to Tail Glow as its old signature move, Illumise is also the only Pokémon who can have eggs of another Pokémon with completely different dex entry, outside of Nidorans(until Gen V, when Volbeat gained ability to have Illumise children from Ditto). But they really don't have any particularly unique gimmicks.
Except for the fact that they are noth in Bug and Human-Type Egg groups.
Are these Pokémon salvagable for metagame without an evolution? Thanks to Prankster, sort of.
Do these Pokémon have any hope in evolution? There isn't particularly high hopes for these two.

Castform

One of the most well known gimmick Pokémon, Castform had two exclusive gimmicks for it, one was its custom Forecast ability and other was Weather Ball. Now it only has one. Two went hand to hand, Forecast gave Castform new typings and Weather Ball gained STAB and doubled in power in any weather except Sandstorm. Castform teached young children about weather mechanics which were poorly introduced in Generation II(with the exception of Hail which was introduced in Gen III) and was ignored by investers except Adventures manga. Castform and its fake cloud breasts lived happily a fantasy, in which it hoped to be not forgotten by the children it prepared for Gen V metagame. But ultimately Castform was forgotten.
Does this Pokémon have inherent game gimmicks? Castform was the first Pokémon who could change forms in battle. It also further solidified the concept of type changing in battles and the concept of weather effectsalong with Tyranitar, Kyogre, Groudon and Rayquaza. It was also the only Pokémon with Weather Ball.
Is this Pokémon salvagable for metagame without an evolution? No.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Not much, but it cannot showcase Sandstorm so it should either get an addition to Forecast or an evolution with Sandstorm form.

Kecleon

Kecleon is another mirror opponent tactic. It is created to explore the concept of having opponents' type against it. Thanks to Kecleon we explored this concept well. Here is the result: It sucks. Almost of all of Pokémon in serious battles will have moves that are either super effective or neutral against themselves. As Kecleon's gimmick is objectively bad, while it is keeping its gimmick, it is a very, very bad one.
Does this Pokémon have inherent game gimmicks? Color Change is one of the competitively worst abilities in the metagame, even if its' idea is a good one on the paper. Kecleon also got Reflect Type from Dream World to theoretically troll with its ability.
Is this Pokémon salvagable for metagame without an evolution? Kinda. Its Special Defense is great and its Attack is below average, but even without Color Change it wouldn't be exceptionally good, but it would probably be decent for lower tiers, just relatively outclassed.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? As the gimmick itself is bad, no matter what evolution it gets, it will be a bad Pokémon. Unless gimmick is completely removed of course.

Chatot

Also known as Pokémon Mic Demo, Chatot's claim to fame is Chatter, which increases in confusion capability as you scream louder on your DS. Chatot is also based on main idea of a parrot, and not an actual species(there is no species with crests and colorful plumage. Species with crests, cockatoos, are primarly white, grey or black with one single bright color.). It's musical design is cleverly done upon the general idea of a parrot however. And it is also a late route Pokémon.
Does this Pokémon have inherent game gimmicks? Chatter is its only gimmick. This move has caused it to be only Pokémon banned from any Nintendo hosted tournaments, as people can be creative with its move. Because of this move, even if it got a good evolution or massive boost in power, it would still be banned forever.
Is this Pokémon salvagable for metagame without an evolution? Surprisingly yes, as its offensive stats are similiar to that of Xatu. It also has a mediocre movepool and access to Nasty Plot, allowing it to be potentially devastating in lower tiers. It just have literally paper thin defenses which decreases Chatot's potential.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? As Chatter is banned for offical tournaments, Chatot is forever doomed even if it doesn't actually carry it.

Rotom

As all of its forms are good, Rotom does not need anything except for Rotom-S having an actual ability.

Edit:Phione
Ah how I forgotten this thing. Phione is the doppelganger of its father Manaphy, while also simultaneously being a copycat of Glalie. Unlike Manaphy who prefers colder regions, Phione prefers warm regions. Unlike Manaphy, it cannot switch souls of Pokémon and humans. You can see where I am going with this. Phione was probably some sort of inside joke, a response to the common cry of "Why legendaries can't breed despite having egg step counts?" Just as a true imposter however, Phione is completely outclassed by its father, and has no proper ways to make itself stand out.
Does this Pokémon have inherent game gimmicks? Phione is the result of the only legendary that can breed(assuming Phione isn't a legendary itself). By this, it is also the only Pokémon obtainable through an event Pokémon breeding.
Is this Pokémon salvagable for metagame without an evolution? Suprisingly yes. If it invests in one defensive stat and HP, it becomes hard to be OHKO'ed from that side. This, combined with its ability Hydration, makes it a prime dedicated Rain Dance set-upper in NU. In addition to this, if it ever gets Tail Glow and Eviolite(which will also increase its BST to match its father) it will become one of the most threatening bulky offense pivots in OU under rain.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Unless it evolves to Manaphy, not really. Especially considering it is already techinically a fully evolved Pokémon, barely though.

Basculin

The only species with four abilities by having two different forms. Basculin is the only Pokémon with two different forms that has one dominant and other non-dominant form catchable in wild.
Does this Pokémon have inherent game gimmicks? I already said it above.
Is this Pokémon salvagable for metagame without an evolution? Its movepool is shallow but very much workable. Its offensive stats are also not bad for lower tiers.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? As it is actually somewhat good, it doesn't exactly need further evolutions outside of keeping it relevant for higher tiers. Its abilities also would like moves they can actually be utilised with.

Sixth circle of Hell- Single Stagers for Sake of Being Single Stagers
Most single stagers have something that keeps them single stage. These Pokémon don't. These Pokémon have no gimmicks, are not meant to properly compete against fully evolved Pokémon despite having one or two good stats and aren't important as ways to showcase themes of region they are based on. They just exist. They are not "failures" because they are not meant to succeed. They are not jokes because they aren't meant mock someone or something. They are just are. And much like their past comrades like Roselia, Gligar, Misdreavus, Murkrow etc., they are the likeliest to evolve or get pre-evolutions.

Corsola

Corsola is closest of these critters who actually has something close to a gimmick, as it is the only non-Grass-type Pokémon who can get Ingrain. That is about it. It actually has good abilities and a great movepool, but its stats, even with Hustle boost, are barely as good as unevolved Pokémon. Corsola is just terrible.

Tropius

Just like a real dinosaur with bannanas on its neck, Tropius is generally rare and can be found in specific locations. It is also used by Winona and was showcased in various spin-off media of AG where it was used as a strong competitor. It isn't, despite its good abilities and decent movepool.

Carnivine

Despite its great offensive stats, Carnivine's other stats are either just below average. Its movepool is completely horrible, except for the fact that it can learn Power Whip and Sleep Powder. It is, like Qwilfish and Tropius, is only accesible in certian routes and by certain techiniques, and it is sort of a joke Pokémon as in PBR its Toxic's animation moves erratically much like Spinda.

Maractus

Its movepool is so bad it can't even function. Its offensive stats are actually somewhat good but it can't use them at all.

Seventh circle of Hell- Single Stagers as Fully Evolved Pokémon
The last list, the Pokémon that are actually intended to be as strong as fully evolved Pokémon. These Pokémon don't evolutionary lines just for the sake of it. These Pokémon has often got pre-evolution and if they lost their power, evolutions. Thes Pokémon don't exactly have major gimmicks or joke potentials, but they are strong competitors.

Kangaskhan

Also known as Smothering Pokémon, Kangaskhan used to be a strong competitor in UU in all generations except Gen V. While it is still a strong Pokémon, it is no longer as useful at it is used to be. It still have niches that keep it relevant and it will likely be relevant due to its well distrubuted stats and movepool.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Surprisingly its base total is a measly 490 which is lower than what most other monsters have.

Pinsir

Ever since its debut, Pinsir was located in UU. Now its a NU. While it has gained many great assets over years, it still struggles to be as threatening as it should be.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Its past rival Scyther gained one with same BST, so who knows, maybe Pinsir might get on GF's good side.
Tauros

Tauros is the poster child of generational decay. All of its great assets have been taken from him. However, it still gains boosts from various places, from Anger Point to Sheer Force.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? See Kangaskhan.

Lapras

With the introduction of its Hidden Ability Hydration and Drizzle Politoed, Lapras has recently become relevant for OU again, barely. However, it still lacks a proper boosting move to buff its Special Attack and a better stats.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? As it has same BST as some of the third stage evolutions, not so much.
Aerodactyl

OU in past two gens, Aerodactyl has always been a good but not great Pokémon. Much like its peers, it suffers from generational decay.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? While its BST is still relatively low enough for a second evolution, it simply won't ger much power unless it is something that is played completely differently than Aerodactyl.

Heracross

While Heracross isn't as good in any tier above UU, it is the single most destructive force there.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? See Pinsir and then see Lapras.

Skarmory

Skarmory is still relevant.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Not until the day Skarmory loses its importance, but it does have potential because of its low BST.

Miltank

See Tauros
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? See Tauros.

Torkoal
Torkoal is one of the many uncommon specific location Pokémon featured in this list. Much like others in this list, Torkoal actually has very good stats, ( 70/140/70 defences and 85/85 offenses) and a good movepool. However, its lack of good recovery move, its Fire typing, its bad abilities and its low Speed stat forces it to stay as an NU. As a NU, it is actually reatively good, as it is one of the closest things to a good Rapid Spinner in NU, especially with Shell Smash. However, all things considered, it is still a relatively bad Pokémon. Torkoal needs any boost it can get to stay in the tier he is currently in, let alone become a high tier Pokémon.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Its low 470 BST makes it plausible.

Zangoose
Zangoose has always been a decent Pokémon with good offensive stats. This has been further increased in Gen V with the addition of Toxic Boost, an ability specifically created for Zangoose. However Zangoose has decayed immensely as the metagame shifted around it. While it is still a strong threat, it is too slow and frail to be anything than devastator of low tier Pokémon.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? While it does have a low BST open for evolution, it is a unique BST for it and Seviper. Not to mention, it recently gained a unique ability, which decreases its chances of evolving in a very soon period.

Seviper
Much like its counterpart Zangoose, Seviper has always been good. Seviper has two great offensive stats and a fantastic movepool to abuse. While it is too frail to utilise its supporting moves, Seviper is still a decent competitor in NU. But it is too mediocre to be an important presence in NU.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? See Zangoose.

Lunatone and Solrock
Mr. Shine and Mr. Bright used to be moderately strong competitors in AG. However, as more generations passed, Lunatone and Solrock are no longer decent Pokémon. Despite their large movepools and unique typings, they have lost a lot, from Explosion to ability to CM Pass. While they gained a much necessary recovery move, they are still decaying each passing day.
Do these Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Yes.

Absol
AG Arcanine or AG Lucario. Whichever you prefer. Absol has fallen a long time ago, and its abilities did not help it in this regard. While it still has a monstrous Attack, its movepool is only decent and its other stats are very bad.
Do these Pokémon have any hope in evolution? It is too popular to not get any further boosts, and it is too popular to get a major change. Absol simply exists in that odd limbo.

Relicanth
While it used to be usable in OU, nowadays Relicanth spends its days spamming its new toy, Head Smash. While it gained a cool ability in Sturdy, it is still sort of meh.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? As it is an ancient Pokémon who has remained unchanged for years, it would be weird for it to change now.

Spiritomb

One of the iconic faces of sidequests, Spiritomb was one of the “gimmick” Pokémon who was actually meant to be strong as many of high tier Pokémon. However, despite having well-rounded stats, the same well-rounded stats decreased its usefulness as the metagame shifted into a far more focused one. This change also brought back many of his past flaws, which were the reasons of its lack of popularity; its mediocre base stats, its lack of physical buffing moves, its relatively shallow support and offense movepool, its below average abilities and its lack of reliable recovery. To add further insult to the injury, Gen V not only brought another slow but well rounded Pokémon without weaknesses and made his past competitor one of the most annoying supporter in the game, it also stopped its title as a Pokémon that was only accessible through external devices. Spiritomb was never as good as it was meant to be, and it continues to degrade even further. Spiritomb may continue to be relevant, but only if it gets a full revamp.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Due to the nature of its creation, barely.

Audino
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? It's the next Chansey. Moving along.

Sawk and Throh
Despite being often ridiculed by the most common trainers, Sawk and Throh, despite being the epitome of early route Pokémon, are also surprisingly strong. While their movepool is far too generic to allow them to be high tier Pokémon, Sawk and Throh are still very strong competitors in lower tiers. Throh in particular, as it is the most underrated of duo despite being the single bulkiest Fighting-type in the game. They also have iconic level-up moves, but only Throh's was a signature move(just like Hitmonlee being the only one with signature moves in Gen I).
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? That is rather hard to answer, as while they are an obvious reference to Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, their oni based design is also reminiscent of Electrabuzz and Magmar. Sawk's design being based off a real celebrity, Mas Oyama, is also reminiscent of Wobbuffet and its design template in addition to being reminiscent of Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan again(for both Japanese versions and English versions). It is most likely that they don't, but they will most likely get further boosts throughout generations just like their older cousins.

Sigilyph
Sigilyph is just weird. It has a perfect movepool-ability-stat combination that allows it to be used in OU, and its niche, while being also easy to counter, has potential to be impossible to be beaten if played well.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Ergh, not really. The fact that they are ancient guardians make it diffucult, but the implication of the fact that they are man-made does give opportunities for interesting evolution techiniques.

Alomomola

The great master of NU. Just look at its fantastic eyeshades, and its gigantic hand membranes, which it uses to touch itself. Alomomola's stats, abilities and movepool are decent enough to keep Alomomola relevant in any tier below OU. However, its offensive stats outside of its below average Attack stat detriment it, especially since it requires Scald to boost its defences. It is also odd in the fact that it gets lots of offensive, boosting and support from Special side.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Not much, as it is one of the most physically defensive non-legendary Pokémon that gains its defense from its HP and not Defense stat. It does have a low 470 BST however.

Crygonal

The Spiritomb of Unova. Instead of having no weaknesses, it has many weaknesses. Much like Alomomola, despite having stats geared towards Special side, it has moves that boosts it from Physical side and a movepool that is mainly Physical moves. It has two interesting movepool gimmicks, being the only genderless Pokémon with Attract outside of Mew and Staryu-line in Gen II; and only Pokémon who can learn Sharpen outside of Porygon-line. It is also the Pokémon with highest Special Defense in Ice-types.
Despite its oddity, its access to Physical defense boosting stats actually help it, and it has very useful support moves in dual screens, Rapid Spin and Knock Off, making it a surprisingly effective Pokémon in any tiers below OU.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Sort of. It has low BST compared to other high tier Pokémon, but its stats are also very good.

Druddigon
A common misconception with Druddigon is that if it were any other type, Druddigon would have been a great Pokémon. This is idea is incredibly misguided, as Druddigon's stats are still only decent, and it requires high attacking power and loads of resistances to be as good as a Dragon-type. The only other typings that allow this are Steel, Water and Fighting, with Fighting's STAB being easily stopped by any Ghost-type, Steel's strongest physical move being Meteor Mash(though it will be incredibly strong with Hone Claws and Glare) and Warer suffering both of the issues, just in a smaller scale. Dragon-type is one of the primary reasons Druddigon is actually good, and while it would like a secondary typing, it cannot replace its typing with something that gives a good enough effect to make Druddigon not outclassed(especially since the other alternatives have many Pokémon with similiar stat spread to it). Regardless of the argument, Druddigon is still a very powerful Pokémon with good attacking moves, good abilities, and a small niche as the only fully evolved Dragon-type fitting for dedicated Trick Room teams.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? The biggest issue with giving it an evolution is that Druddigon is likely to outclass it due to Eviolite, as such any evolution for it requires to be either a complete abandonment of Druddigon's tactics, or a stat spread-movepool combination that makes it relevant despite the existance of Druddigon(see Gurdurr vs. Conkeldurr, Fraxure vs. Haxorus etc.).

Bouffalant
See Tauros. Note: It would like more moves to take advantage of Reckless and maybe something that boosts its Defense.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? See Tauros.

Heatmor
Heatmor is an interesting Pokémon who has a semi-unique ability, two nice abilities and one of largest movepools of Unova Pokémon. It also has two great offensive stats and two decent stat increase move in Curse and Stockpile. However, all of these traits are not good enough to make Heatmor a good Pokémon. Curse isn't good because Heatmor's physical movepool contains low powered moves and its Defense is low(in addition to Special Defense, which makes Stockpile useless). White Smoke isn't good because outside of Curse and Stockpile it has no buffing moves. Its other abilities aren't that great, especially Gluttony due to its defensive stats. Even its special movepool is shallow. It can't even learn Hyper Beam even though it can learn Giga Impact. All in all, Heatmor just, sucks.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Much like Zangoose and Seviper it has the same BST as its rival Durant, who outclasses it completely as it is faster and can launch powerful Rock-type moves. It also has a semi-unique ability in White Smoke. However, despite these, it needs an evolution to be useful, as its offensive prowess is still too lacking of a Trick Room team. And it might get one, seeing how close it is to Magmar in design.

Durant
Durant is an interesting Pokémon who has a semi-unique ablity, one risky but useful ability and a decently large movepool for a Unova Pokémon. In addition to these traits, it also has a nice niche as the only fully evolved Pokémon with both Hustle and Hone Claws, only Pokémon who can spread Truant with Entrainment and the fastest Steel-type Pokémon. While it is incredibly one-dimensional, with a good typing, decent movepool, decent abilities, and good stat spread, Durant stays as one of the most underrated but useful Pokémon in the game.
Does this Pokémon have any hope in evolution? Much like Zangoose and Seviper, it has the same BST with its rival Durant. However, it is often thought to be at a disadvantage over Heatmor due to its x4 weakness to its STAB and its abysmal Special Defense. This misconception of Durant as an uninteresting Pokémon(even though it is a late-route Pokémon) prevails in nearly the entirety of the franchise, which might be what will end up allowing Durant to get an evolution.

And this concludes our epic. I hope you have managed to get entertained while I copypasted the long winded fandom arguments to an easily accessible but long and drawn out post. Next time, we will be discussing two staged Pokémon who failed to be relevant or as good as they were intented to be. Until then, you are free to recommend further blog suggestions in the comments section. See ya and stuff.