Pokémon Throwdown: Red, Blue, and Yellow – Which Gen 1 Classic Reigns Supreme?

The original Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Yellow versions sparked a global phenomenon, launching a franchise that continues to thrive. While all three games share the same core gameplay, they offer distinctly different experiences for trainers aiming to “catch ’em all”. The main differences lie in available Pokémon, the storyline, and even the visuals. Red and Blue present a largely similar experience with minor exclusive Pokémon, while Yellow deviates by adopting elements from the anime series, most notably, giving you Pikachu as a starter. This also creates a unique way to interact with your starter Pokémon. These variations heavily influence gameplay and the overall journey through the Kanto region.

Diving Deeper: Key Differences Explored

The differences extend beyond just the starter Pokémon. Let’s break down the core aspects that set these versions apart:

Starter Pokémon and Storyline

• Red and Blue: Players choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle at the start of their adventure, embarking on a classic Pokémon journey to defeat the Elite Four and become the champion.

• Yellow: You begin with a Pikachu who follows you on your journey, similar to the anime. This is a major deviation and influences your team-building strategy from the get-go. You can eventually obtain the other three starters throughout your playthrough.

Exclusive Pokémon

Each version has certain Pokémon that can only be caught within that specific game. This encourages trading between players to complete their Pokédex. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key version exclusives:

• Pokémon Red: Ekans, Arbok, Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume, Scyther, Growlithe, Arcanine
• Pokémon Blue: Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, Ninetales, Meowth, Persian, Bellsprout, Weepinbell, Victreebel, Pinsir
• Pokémon Yellow: Lacks Pokémon that appear in Red and Blue and some of the Pokémon from Red and Blue are absent or less accessible in Yellow, like the Weedle line, Ekans line, Meowth line and Raichu.

Visual and Technical Differences

• Red and Blue: These versions have simpler color palettes and sprites.

• Yellow: Yellow features updated and more vibrant colors that are closer to the anime’s art style. It also includes minor animation tweaks. These graphical changes help the game to feel more modernized in comparison to Red and Blue.

In-Game Events

• Yellow: The presence of Jessie and James from Team Rocket as recurring adversaries adds a unique flavor lifted directly from the anime. Their inclusion heightens the storyline for any fan of the anime.

• Yellow: Your starting Pokémon can be harder to take care of, as you need to improve your relationship with Pikachu to keep it happy.

Which Version Should You Choose?

The “best” version truly depends on personal preference.

• Pokémon Red/Blue: Choose these if you prefer the classic experience with the iconic starter selection and the opportunity to capture version-exclusive Pokémon to trade with friends.

• Pokémon Yellow: Pick this if you’re a big fan of the anime series and want a more unique playthrough with Pikachu as your partner.

No matter which version you choose, each offers a nostalgic trip back to the roots of the Pokémon franchise. If you are interested in game design principles of games like this, consider browsing the Games Learning Society, a group interested in games. Feel free to visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there any gameplay differences beyond the Pokémon available?

Yes, there are slight differences. For example, opponent team compositions might differ, and some Trainer dialogues may be altered in Yellow to reflect the anime storyline.

2. Can I catch all 151 Pokémon in any single version?

No. The game’s design requires trading between versions to obtain all 151 Pokémon due to the version exclusives. There is a glitch allowing all Pokemon to be caught in each version.

3. Is Pokémon Yellow harder than Red and Blue?

The difficulty is subjective. While you get a Pikachu as your starter in Yellow, and you are initially locked into using it, the game is no more difficult than the other versions.

4. Why is Pikachu different in Pokémon Yellow?

Pikachu in Yellow follows you outside of its Pokéball, mirroring the anime series. It also has unique expressions and reactions, creating a stronger connection between the player and their partner.

5. Can I evolve my Pikachu into Raichu in Pokémon Yellow?

No. In a similar fashion to the anime, your Pikachu refuses to evolve when you try to use a Thunder Stone on it.

6. What are some Pokémon that are missing from Pokémon Yellow altogether?

Several Pokémon found in Red and Blue are unavailable in Yellow, including members of the Weedle and Ekans families, as well as Meowth and its evolution.

7. Is it true that Blue version is less common than Red?

Anecdotally, Red version has a bigger fanbase, but it has more to do with brand association than actual rarity.

8. What’s the significance of the “Ditto glitch” mentioned in the article?

The “Ditto glitch” is a game exploit that allows players to encounter almost any Pokémon in the game, regardless of version exclusives or location restrictions. While helpful, it’s technically cheating.

9. How much is a complete copy of Pokémon Red worth today?

A complete copy of Pokémon Red in good condition can fetch around $300 or more depending on its condition and completeness. Sealed copies can go for significantly more.

10. Why can’t I play the original Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch?

The original Game Boy Pokémon games were not released for the Switch. Nintendo offers other Pokémon titles on the Switch, including remakes and new entries in the series.

11. Which Pokémon is the strongest in Red’s team?

While Red’s team is formidable, his highest-level Pokémon is a level 88 Pikachu in the HeartGold and SoulSilver remakes, showcasing its powerful evolution from his Yellow version companion.

12. Are the Lake Guardians the 3 rarest Pokémon?

Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf are three of the rarest Pokémon in the franchise, mainly due to being the only legendary Pokemon to appear in the wild.

13. Who is the strongest Gen 1 Pokemon?

Mewtwo is a strong contender, even among the Mega Evolutions.

14. Are 0% IV Pokémon rare?

0% IV Pokémon are rarer than 100% IV Pokémon because the former can never come from raids, eggs, research tasks or trades.

15. Will Pokémon Red ever be remade?

While there are currently no plans for a full Pokémon Red remake, the concept is frequently discussed among fans. For now, the original remains a cherished classic.