For the old school fans, Blue is remembered as the snarky antagonist that lit a fire under the trainer from the beginning of Pokemon Red & Blue. Constantly berating and putting down the trainer every chance he got, despite being defeated at ever encounter. It was only at the three-quarter mark that Blue started to break down as a character.
Though his character starts to warp, Blue’s Pokémon team stays very loyal throughout the entire game. As soon as he eventually makes up the 6 team squad, there’s no chance besides the evolution lines. The only change would be the starter Pokémon that is chosen at the very beginning, something that flip flops depending on the type selection.
10 Machamp
Coming in at number 10, Machamp may have the most intimidating looks of the bunch but its vast holes in defence leave it vulnerable. Though its attack is one of the highest among the regular roster, Machamp’s lack of speed makes it hard to get off one of its devastating attacks.
Luckily, its HP is on the higher end. So unless Machamp comes up against a Psychic or Flying-type it will be able to get one of its many arms on the opponent. The move catalogue is also fairly diverse meaning trainers can use that high attack with suitable type damage.
9 Exeggutor
Exeggutor has an interesting type combination that makes it stand out against the rest of the team. A Grass/Psychic-type, being in generation 1 is actually a big advantage when it comes to Spec. Attack. A high attack and some of the most powerful moves to be learned, the dopey powerhouse earned its spot.
Even with the array of high power moves, Exeggutor has one of the biggest weak spots in the game. With a total of 7 types that can cause super-effective damage on the Pokémon, most of which don’t use physical attacks, Exeggutors lack of defence doesn’t help it out any.
8 Rhydon
Coming in hot with the 3 basic stats covered, Rhydons HP, attack, and defence are top tier. It shouldn’t come as a surprise when you see its impressive frame and Ground/Rock type matches. It comes with its own liabilities, not the least of which being the snail-like speed that it attacks with.
8 type weaknesses and 9 strengths, trainers will be rolling the dice in any battle it participates in. If it does manage to land though, the damage and resulting aftermath is well worth the hassle.
7 Aerodactyl
Another notable type combination, Aerodactyl can play both sides of the coin as far as offence goes. Even fighting against its fellow fliers is a breeze when it can use Rock-type attacks against them.
Though its stats are a numerical roller coaster ride, the highs are high enough to discard the lows. Especially it’s ridiculously high speed stat, giving it the jump on any opponent. That combined with the array of attacks saves it from the bottom of the list.
6 Pidgeot
One of the most majestic Pokémon to come out of the first generation, Pidgeot is one of the staples in Blue’s eclectic team. Indicative of its type combination, the Normal/Flying-type has a consistently high move set and statistics.
Though not particularly strong against any particular type, its only weakness is to Fighting-type Pokémon. A type that doesn’t show its face much in regular play, Pidgeot’s high power Normal moves make it a problem to most enemies.
5 Cloyster
While Cloyster’s type combination doesn’t seem like much of a difference, the Water/Ice-type actually manages to cancel out some of the weaknesses. While Grass-type’s would usually cause havoc to a Water-type, The icy attacks will be super effective against potential foes.
If they have a type that does take down the pearl Pokémon, it’s massive 180 defence will be sure to protect it. A high attack also means you have the opportunity to fire back with an Ice Beam before they can take it out.
4 Tyranitar
When it looks like something out of Jurassic Park, Who’s going to question Tyranitar’s awesome power? Rock/Dark-type attacks that land will cause a huge amount of damage before the opponent has the chance to whittle away at its high HP.
No stat other than speed and barely Special Attack dips under the 100 mark, making Tyranitar one of the biggest threats on Blue’s team. Once it’s above level 21, every move it learns is over 80 power.
3 Gyrados
One of the most iconic Pokémon throughout the entire game, Gyrados is the epitome of rage-fueled power. Though it lives in the water, its type combination is Water/Flying. With a big Dragon-type presence in its learned moves, Gyrados is one of the most diverse offensive fighters on the roster.
It’s also one of the only goliaths in the Pokémon world that doesn’t suffer from a heavy loss in speed. This means you get all the big power moves with no downsides, even its special defence is high meaning all the big type disadvantages are slightly muted.
2 Alakazam
A very skewed stat graph would indicate a lower place on the list for any other Pokémon, Alakazam pulls it off with all the right peaks. In fact, it probably has the lowest stat total on the list with the 3 basics being 55 and under.
It’s in the Speed and Special Attack that makes Alakazam a real threat. Being a Psychic-type gives it access to some of the highest damage moves in the game and the Speed to get them off before an enemy can exploit its weaknesses. It’s a one-hit special that can end a battle especially quickly.
1 Arcanine
Even though Arcanine isn’t the greatest on the stat board, it’s one of the most exceptional Pokémon in generation 1. It was even supposed to be one of the legendary Pokémon before being dropped to the ranks of regular Pokémon.
With no stat below 80, Arcanine has one of the best overall totals on Blue’s team. There’s no area where it falls short, combined with strong Fire and Normal moves, it’s one of the most powerful Fire-types in the game. It’s also Blue’s best Pokémon that’s been with him from the early days.
NEXT: Pokémon X & Y: 5 Reasons Xerneas Is The Better Cover Legendary (& 5 It’s Yveltal)
