how to play the old pokemon games

3 min read 18-01-2025

The original Pokémon games on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color hold a special place in many hearts. Their charm lies not just in the innovative gameplay but in the simple joy of collecting, battling, and becoming a Pokémon Master. But for those unfamiliar with the older mechanics or those wanting a refresher, this guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to play these classic games.

Getting Started: Choosing Your Game and Platform

The first step is acquiring your chosen Pokémon game. The original generation includes Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow versions (along with their remakes, FireRed and LeafGreen). You'll need a Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or a device capable of emulating these systems (more on emulation later).

Choosing Your Starter: A Crucial Decision

One of the first things you'll encounter is choosing your starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle (Pikachu in Yellow). This decision significantly influences your early-game strategy. Each starter has different strengths and weaknesses. Careful consideration is key!

Bulbasaur: Grass-type, strong against Water and Ground, weak against Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, Bug.
Charmander: Fire-type, strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, weak against Water, Ground, Rock.
Squirtle: Water-type, strong against Fire, Ground, Rock, weak against Grass, Electric.

Gameplay Mechanics: A Deep Dive

The core gameplay revolves around exploration, battling, and collecting Pokémon. Here's a breakdown:

1. Exploring the World

The world map is your playground. Explore different towns and routes, discovering new Pokémon and items. Interact with NPCs (non-player characters) for clues, hints, and crucial plot progression. Careful exploration is essential to finding hidden items and secret locations.

2. Catching Pokémon

Wild Pokémon appear randomly as you traverse routes. Engage them in battle to weaken them. Once sufficiently weakened, throw a Poké Ball to try and capture them. The success rate depends on the Pokémon's health and the type of Poké Ball used.

3. Pokémon Battles

Battles are turn-based. You choose attacks, items, or switch Pokémon. Type matchups significantly impact the battle's outcome. Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for strategic victories.

Type Chart Mastery: The type chart is your best friend. Learning the strengths and weaknesses of each type is essential for winning tough battles. This knowledge will save you many headaches later. Many online resources offer handy guides to this complex element of the game.

4. Leveling Up Your Pokémon

As your Pokémon battle, they gain experience points (EXP). Accumulating enough EXP results in level-ups, increasing their stats and often learning new moves. Strategic training is essential for building a powerful team.

5. Using Items

Items play a crucial role. Potions heal Pokémon, Revives revive fainted Pokémon, and various other items offer strategic advantages. Explore the world thoroughly; hidden items are often rewarding.

Mastering the Essentials: Tips and Tricks

Train Strategically: Don't just battle everything; focus on training Pokémon that will be beneficial for the next gym leader.
Utilize Items: Don't hoard items; use them wisely to overcome challenging battles.
Explore Thoroughly: Hidden items and secret locations are plentiful; search every corner of the map.
Type Matchups are Key: Understanding the Pokémon type chart is crucial for victory. Weak against types should be considered very carefully before a battle.
Save Often: The games don't have many save points. Utilize them frequently to avoid losing progress.

Emulation: Playing on Modern Devices

If you don't own a Game Boy or Game Boy Color, emulation offers a convenient alternative. Emulators allow you to play ROMs (game files) on modern devices like computers and smartphones. However, ensure you only use ROMs you legally own to avoid copyright infringement.

Conclusion

Playing the original Pokémon games is a journey back to the origins of the franchise. Mastering the core mechanics, understanding type matchups, and exploring the world thoroughly will lead you to becoming a true Pokémon Master. While seemingly simple, these games offer strategic depth and endless replayability, making them a timeless classic. Now go on, choose your starter and begin your adventure!