Plenty of video game properties are able to capture the attention of audiences for multiple generations, but there’s no end in sight when it comes to the growing scope of Pokémon. Pokémon has worked hard to excel as a video game series, but it’s made just as big strides when it comes to its anime series, movie offshoots, or the many spin-off titles that it explores. Pokémon understands that change and growth are fundamental for survival, but it’s been careful to not lose the core foundation of what makes the series connect in the first place.

RELATED: Pokémon: 10 Evolutions That Look Weaker Than Their Previous Stage

One of the most popular aspects of the Pokémon series is the concept of evolution, which allows the franchise’s creatures to transform in exciting ways. Evolution is possible in many different ways, but the process is integral to Eevee, a Normal-type Pokémon that has more evolved forms than any other creature in the series.

8 OVERRATED: Espeon’s Psychic Skills Aren’t Enough To Give The Pokémon Supremacy

Anime Pokemon Espeon

Eevee’s initial appearance in the first generation of titles establishes its first three possible evolutions, but Generation II’s Johto region begins the trend of new possible Eevee evolutions that reflect the growing variety of Pokémon types. Espeon is the result of Eevee taking the route of Psychic-type Pokémon, which commonly represent some of the more powerful creatures in the series. Espeon is a logical direction for Eevee, but the Pokémon pales in comparison to other Psychic-types from the earlier generations, especially those that are hybrids with other useful elemental types.

7 UNDERRATED: Leafeon & Its Grass-Type Arsenal Bring A Lot To The Table

Anime Leafeon smiling

Pokémon’s third generation takes a break from new directions to push Eevee, but the Sinnoh region from Generation IV is particularly exciting because it brings Leafeon into the picture. Leafeon is the result of Eevee evolving into a Grass-type Pokémon, which turns out to be a surprisingly resourceful Pokémon. Leafeon feels like an evolved form of Eevee that should have been present alongside its original three evolutions, so it’s satisfying that Pokémon eventually covers this territory. Leafeon enters the series as a robust, reliable evolution, perhaps because its existence is long overdue.

6 OVERRATED: Jolteon’s Electric-Type Tricks Quickly Short Circuit

Red's Jolteon in battle in Pokemon Origins

It’s incredible to look at where the Pokémon series begins in contrast to how basic elements of the franchise have become considerably more complex. The original titles make Eevee a standout Pokémon due to the fact that multiple evolutionary paths were a rarity at the time.

RELATED: Pokémon: 10 Middle Evolutions Everyone Forgets About

Generation I’s take on Eevee caters toward the flashiest elemental types, which includes its Electric-type evolution, Jolteon. Jolteon has a distinct design and a catchy name, but there are already superior Electric-type Pokémon that are available in Kanto. It’s more beneficial to evolve Eevee in a different direction.

5 UNDERRATED: Umbreon Highlights That Eevee’s Dark Side Packs A Lot Of Power

Umbreon Pokemon

Generation II of Pokémon introduces some important new concepts that have gone on to become staples of the series. It’s a major step up from the Generation I titles and the new features include Dark as a brand new Pokémon type. Johto unveils some selective Dark-type creatures, but it also allows Eevee to get in on the fun. Since there was no Dark-type based Stone, Umbreon's evolution was triggered when Eevee fulfilled the right requirements during nighttime. It makes for an excellent introductory ​​Pokémon for this new Dark typing.

4 OVERRATED: The Fire-Type Attacks That Flareon Offers Are Easily Extinguished

Flareon From Pokemon

There are certain types of Pokémon that just seem like they pack more of a punch due to their designs even when this isn’t necessarily the case. Fire-type Pokémon have an impressive reputation because flames immediately seem like a strong form of defense. Flareon is the evolved form when Eevee is exposed to a Fire Stone. This Pokémon is definitely stronger than its previous form, but a Fire-Type evolution isn’t as valuable as some of the other rarer options. Trainers have access to stronger Fire-type Pokémon with their Starter trio, and Flareon is no substitute.

3 UNDERRATED: Sylveon Is Proof That Fairy-Type Pokémon Can Pack A Punch

Sylveon uses Charm attack in Pokemon anime

It’s unclear at this point if more evolutions for Eevee will come into the picture and if the Pokémon will be able to embrace all of the different typings that exist in the series. However, the most recent evolutionary addition for Eevee is Sylveon, a Fairy-type Pokémon that debuts in Generation VI.

RELATED: 10 Pokémon That Are Actually More Useful Than Their Evolutions

Sylveon comes as a big surprise after a generation with no new forms of Eevee. Fairy-type Pokémon are some of the more difficult types to master, but Sylveon is one of the more manageable examples.

2 OVERRATED: Vaporeon & Its Water Attacks Are All Washed Up

Anime Pokemon Vaporeon Battle

A Water-type variation on Eevee is another idea that makes a lot of sense from a technical standpoint but isn’t actually that practical when the Pokémon’s other evolved possibilities are taken into consideration. Vaporeon is one of the three original evolutionary options for Eevee, but it’s another case where a Water-type Starter Pokémon will do a more effective job. Vaporeon feels more like an obligatory Eevee evolution rather than one that’s actually necessary. There are better Water-type options in the first few Pokémon titles, and Eevee’s future evolutions make the Water-type route increasingly less essential.

1 UNDERRATED: Unsuspecting Pokémon Tremble To Glaceon’s Icy Demeanor

Anime Glaceon pokemon

There are some Pokémon typings that feel a little redundant in comparison to others, but it’s the minuscule differences between them that can help trainers overwhelm their enemies in battle. Glaceon is Eevee’s Ice-type evolution, and this creature has a lot more to offer than the comparable Water-type Vaporeon. Glaceon first shows up in the Sinnoh region, and it comes equipped with a commendable roster of attacks that can deal serious damage. Many discount Glaceon and think that the Pokémon comes into play past Eevee’s prime, but it’s a true behemoth in the right context.

NEXT: 10 Strangest Pokémon Evolutions, According To The Pokédex