User blog comment:Agent Derp/Pokemon as a MOBA/@comment-7552974-20130430083135/@comment-4947142-20130430120347

Yes, Magikarp would be next to useless for 19 levels. But when it reaches level 20 and evolves into Gyarados, it will be absurdly powerful. Especially at the level 20 stage of the game where very few Pokemon can contest against it.

Some Pokemon don't evolve by leveling up. Sometimes you need a stone, make them happy, trade, etc. So other methods would be required to evolve them in the MOBA. Stones could be bought from a shop. Happiness could be some sort of point collecting system. As for trading I don't know. Perhaps trading Pokemon between allied players.

Absol is a pretty weird case. It could be like a Butterfree in which it's strong early and not so strong late. Though it may not make it through as a playable Pokemon due to the balancing issues.