Summary
APokemonfan has created an impressive animation of the first Gen 1 battle using sprites that resemble the original designs. ThePokemonfranchise has evolved many times over the years, but this animation gives an idea of how Gen 1 may have looked with more detail.
With the mainlinePokemongames being in Gen 9, many games have been released in the series sincePokemon Red and Blue. Some generations strictly focus on two games, while others offer a mid-gen refresh likePokemon Crystal,Pokemon Emerald, andPokemon Platinum. So far,Pokemon Black and Whiteare the only two games to get direct sequels. ThoughPokemonGen 1 has beenrevisited withPokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, andLet’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee, they lack the original aesthetic. OnePokemonfan has decided to reimagine the first Gen 1 battle encounter with the original designs, but modern animation.
Reddit user RV1Z recently shared a GIF of the firstPokemon Red and Bluebattle that takes place at Professor Oak’s Laboratory. The GIF shows Squirtle from the player’s perspective, and the Rival’s Bulbasaur on the opposite side. Both Pokemon look like a combination of theirRed and Blueappearances with theirYellowcounterparts, but with animations that would look familiar inthe DSPokemonentries. Both colorful Pokemon bob back and forth, and Bulbasaur’s unsprouted plant bounces as it moves. The Bulbasaur performs what appears to be a Tackle which is reflected by a jump with its front paws extended. The Pokemon also smiles periodically which would have been difficult to animate in the original games.
How Does This Animation Differ From Pokemon Red and Blue?
WhilethePokemonGen 1 gameshave been remastered multiple times, the originals didn’t have moving sprites. Battle animations would occur between the two sprites and the main way that players could see which Pokemon attacked is the direction of their ability. Because they were the first games,Pokemon Red and Bluesuffered from technical limitations, and some bugs that weren’t properly tested ahead of release. This animation is an impressive middle-ground between the Gen 1 sprites and what players are used to today. They share the same basic appearance as the first games but have more detail that makes it easier to identify the player’s Pokemon.
Although thePokemonseries has revisited the Kanto region, the art style has changed over the years, and it never looked back. As this animation doesn’t show the full battle, it’s currently unclear which Pokemon prevailed. As morePokemonfans reimagine Gen 1,Nintendo may revisit the regiononce again.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
