It crazy to think that over the last twenty five years Pokemon has been around, we basically had access to the Kanto Region on every single handheld device. Sure there are plenty of games that made references to Generation One. But when you really think about it, the Kanto Region was always in arm's reach.
Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal allowed you to explore Kanto during the Post Game. The Gameboy Advance had solid remakes for Red and Green. The DS had remakes for Gold and Silver. The 3DS put all of the Generation One games on Virtual Console. And the Switch had remakes for Pokemon Yellow.
It's honestly astonishing to see Game Freak create so many unique ways to experience the humble beginnings of Pocket Monsters without forcing any tired RPG tropes. But with so many ports available, you can't help but ask the million dollar question, what is the best way to experience Kanto?
While the modern ports have more content, the classic ports feel a bit more unique with their limitations and atmosphere. And that's a big reason why I enjoy Pokémon Yellow so much. Because it represents a time where the Pokemon world was a bit more ruthless.
As much as I love the gorgeous colors of the remakes, I also enjoy the mean spirited environment of Generation One. The illegal Game Corner, the reports of Pokemon murder, the creepy channelers in Pokemon Tower. The lightly colored backgrounds accompanied by 8-Bit soundtrack created this more engaging yet threatening environment. An environment that can drive your imagination crazy.
Though personally, I do prefer to play Pokémon Yellow over Red and Blue because Pikachu is the only Pokemon at the time, you could truly interact with. He hates you at first, but grows to like you the more as the journey progresses. Making the bond between Pokemon and trainer feel more believable.
These are two essential elements that in my opinion, create the ideal Pokemon game. Having a visually interesting environment and animal-like companions to interact with. As much as I love the set pieces of old school Pokemon, the fact that I couldn't interact with my team made them feel more like tools than companions.
In fact, I go as far and say that without Pikachu's influence, the main message of treating your Pokemon with love and respect wouldn't have any meaning behind it. Professor Oak reminds your Rival that he lost because he forgot to treat his Pokemon with care and the player is supposed to be in the right. But that holds no meaning in Pokemon Red and Blue, because you can't actually interact with them.
You couldn't feed them or play games with them. They were just a means to an end. Ironically, Pokemon Trainers were almost identical to Team Rocket. And that's why I think Pokemon Yellow has so much meaning behind it. It added that missing ingredient to Pokemon's secret sauce.
I highly recommend this game. Though if you're having trouble with the bosses, I suggest you worry more about having Pokemon with good stats and move sets rather than spending hours grinding for experience. My team consisted of Pikachu, Nidoqueen, Charizard, Blastoise, Kadabra, and Snorlax.
I'd recommend taking advantage of moves that can stun the opponent with paralysis like Body Slam and Thunder Wave. Which not only limits their movement, but can also cut their speed in half. And if you're still worried, stock up on plenty of healing items if you're prepared to treat the game like a classic RPG. It may not be perfect game, but it was responsible for helping Pokemon become the iconic series it is today.
