Pokemon: Which Gen 1 Starter is TRULY THE BEST? - DeadLock
10 chapters
- Introduction and SetupThe ChoiceProfessor Oak presents three starter Pokemon to gamers: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, marking a pivotal moment in gaming history.Research FindingsPolling data shows Bulbasaur placed in a distant third, leaving Charmander and Squirtle as the main contenders in this debate.Debate FocusThe analysis examines stats, strategy, and cool factor to determine which Pokemon starter truly reigns supreme.Show FormatThis episode features two hosts presenting opposing arguments in a structured debate format called Deadlock.
- Charmander's Philosophical ArgumentFire's SignificanceFire represents humanity's greatest discovery, enabling science, art, chemistry, cooked food, light, and heat, fundamentally changing human civilization.Mythological ConnectionThe ancient Greeks recognized fire's importance, attributing it to Prometheus stealing from the gods themselves.Charmander's SuperiorityCharmander embodies the power of Greek gods and the most important chemistry discovery, making it objectively the best starter.Practical BenefitsWalking with Charmander means carrying the power to toast marshmallows anytime, anywhere.
- Squirtle's Scientific Counter-ArgumentWater's RoleWater is essential for life itself and enables planets to sustain life.Planetary Science• Venus and Mars have CO2-dominated atmospheres while Earth does not • Earth's oceans absorb atmospheric CO2, creating conditions for life • This chemical process directly enabled Pokemon's creationGame MechanicsSquirtle learns water moves at levels 8 and 15, before even evolving, providing early-game advantage.Life DependencyWater's presence on Earth made everything possible, including the Pokemon games themselves.
- Popularity and Creator PreferencesPublic Voting• 7,000 Twitter followers overwhelmingly voted for Charmander over Squirtle • Nintendo surveyed over half a million Pokemon fans • Charizard ranked number 6 in the top 100 most popular Pokemon everCharizard PlacementCharizard was beaten only by Pikachu, Mew, and other top-tier Pokemon in the official popularity rankings.Creator Choices• Junichi Masuda chose Bulbasaur • Shigeru Amore chose Squirtle • Neither selected Charmander despite both being developers of Pokemon remakesBlastoise RankingBlastoise placed at number 86 in the official Nintendo popularity poll, significantly lower than Charizard.
- Speedrunner Analysis and Move SetsSpeedrunner ChoiceSpeedrunners, the people who beat games most efficiently, choose Squirtle over Charmander.Squirtle Advantages• Squirtle has a powerful move set from the start • Can learn TMs like Dig and Mega Punch • Is the only starter that can learn Surf, needed to complete the gameCharmander Move DelayIn Gen 1, Charmander learns only Ember until level 38, and Flamethrower not until level 42, creating significant early-game disadvantage.Scientific SupportScientific American article concluded that Squirtle was the best choice based on game mechanics analysis.
- Charizard's Late-Game DominanceStat Superiority• Charizard has higher stats than Blastoise overall, especially in Special Attack • Charizard has higher Speed stat than Blastoise • Charizard's Special Attack exceeds Blastoise's Special DefenseMove LearningCharizard can learn powerful moves including Hyper Beam, one of the strongest in the game.Type Advantage• Charizard is a dual Flying/Fire type while Blastoise is pure Water type • Charizard has resistance to six move types compared to Blastoise's four • Charizard has ground-type immunity while Blastoise has no immunitiesHidden Machine UsageCharizard can learn three important hidden machines: Fly, Cut, and Strength, compared to Blastoise's two.
- Game Progression and Training DifficultyEarly Game ChallengeCharmander starts weaker than Squirtle by stat points, putting trainers at disadvantage for the first two gym battles.Cave WeaknessMt. Moon is filled with Ground-type Pokemon where Charmander is relegated to the back of the party, creating significant obstacles.Skill DevelopmentChoosing Charmander forces trainers to become skilled and teaches patience necessary to become a true Pokemon Master.Pokedex ProminenceCharmander receives its Pokedex entry before Squirtle, suggesting the game itself prioritizes Charmander's importance.
- Marketing and Regional VersionsRed Version MascotCharizard served as the mascot for the original Pokemon Red version.Fire Red ConnectionCharizard returned as the mascot for Fire Red, the remaster of the original Pokemon Red.Version SalesPokemon Blue sold more copies in the US than Pokemon Red, suggesting Squirtle's version was more popular commercially.Regional VariantsInstead of making a Water Blue remaster, Nintendo created a Japan-exclusive Pokemon Green version instead.
- Type Matchups and Battle SimulationType Triangle SystemWater beats Fire, Fire beats Grass, and Grass beats Water, creating a series of checks and balances with no objectively perfect Pokemon.Hyper Beam Advantage• Hyper Beam has 90% accuracy compared to Hydro Pump's accuracy • Charizard's higher Special Attack makes Hyper Beam more effective • Hydro Pump is Blastoise's only move capable of damaging Charizard significantlyBattle Simulation ResultsIn 100 simulated battles between Charizard and Blastoise, Blastoise won over 80% by round three, despite Charizard moving first.Speed ConsiderationCharizard gets to move first in most matchups due to higher Speed stat, but Blastoise's water moves overcome this advantage.
- Final Arguments and ConclusionCharizard's StatsCharizard boasts higher stats across the board compared to Blastoise in late-game scenarios.Cute FactorBoth Pokemon have appeal: Charmander has a baby Charmander toy representing adorability, while Blastoise has impressive water cannons.Debate ResolutionThe hosts reach a deadlock with no clear winner, acknowledging that no Pokemon starter is objectively perfect for every situation.Audience DecisionThe final determination is left to viewers to decide which Gen 1 starter is the best based on their own criteria and preferences.
