Let's Begin With a Starter Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire

First appearing in the game's third generation, Torchic is a fire-type starter who, when you first choose, is matched up against Treecko (a grass-type) and Mudkip (a water-type). You receive Torchic on Route 101 from Professor Birch at level 5, but you can evolve it into Combusken and the into Blaziken at levels 16 and 36 respectively. For the most part, Torchic isn't really catchable in most later games; you would need to trade him in or receive him via an event in later titles.

Answer: Pokémon Black/White

Found in Unova in the fifth generation of Pokémon games, Snivy is a grass-type option, a snake -like creature who evolves into Servine at level 17 and then Serperior at 36. In "Black" and "White", you have the option of taking this Pokémon over the fire and water-types, Tepig and Oshawott, when you speak to Professor Juniper in Nuvema Town. You could also receive one of these three Pokémon as a starter in "Pokémon Black 2" or "White 2", though it's done in Aspertia City instead.

Answer: Pokémon Yellow

No choice in this one! While "Pokémon Blue" and "Pokémon Red" allow for a choice between the three starters, "Pokémon Yellow" was unique in that it only allowed the player to receive a Pikachu, which put it more in line with the events that occur in the "Pokémon" anime when Ash Ketchum is to late to receive a suitable starter. Just like in the show, you can receive all three starters later on.

Another unique twist is that the Pikachu will follow the player onscreen throughout the entire game, and you can check in on its mood.

Answer: Pokémon Blue/Red

A grass-type Pokémon with the distinction of appearing at #1 on the very first Pokédex, Bulbasaur is the grass-type starter from the very first generation of Pokémon games-- "Red" and "Blue"-- and he was the mascot for the Japanese-released "Pokémon Green". Evolving into Ivysaur at level 16 and then Venusaur at level 32, Bulbasaur was the only of the Kanto starters to have a second type; he was grass/poison.

His counterparts in Kanto were Charmander and Squirtle.

Answer: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl

One of the Sinnoh starters from the fourth generation of "Pokémon" games, Piplup was a water-type who could evolve into Prinplup at level 16 and then Empoleon at level 36, creating an evolutionary chain of penguins that would eventually earn the steel type by the end. Paired up with Turtwig and Chimchar as starters, Piplup was also a possible starter in the "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon" games "Explorers of Time" and "Explorers of Darkness" which were out around the same time.

Answer: Pokémon Gold/Silver

Oddly, just known as a Leaf Pokémon, Chikorita is one of the three starters in "Pokémon Gold" and "Silver" (or "Pokémon HeartGold" and "SoulSilver" in the remastered versions), paired up with Cyndaquil and Totodile, both of whom fulfill the typical 'animal starter' expectation. Evolving into Bayleef at level 16 and then Meganium at level 32, it eventually matures into being an Herb Pokémon while looking a bit more like a dinosaur than anything. Chikorita is given to the player by Professor Elm in New Bark Town.

Answer: Pokémon Blue/Red

Another of the Kanto starters, Squirtle is paired with Bulbasaur and Charmander as the water-type option who, at levels 16 and 32, evolves into Wartortle and Blastoise, growing cannons under his thick shell that facilitate attacks like Hydro Pump. Because of their propensities for being large water-type creatures, Squirtle's later evolutions can make use of HM03, Surf, in battle or on the world map, which is particularly important for reaching later cities in the game. Squirtle can also be a starter in "FireRed" and "LeafGreen".

Answer: Pokémon Sun/Moon

Given to the player in Alola, Rowlet is one of three unique Pokémon in Iki Town when you first begin "Pokémon Sun" or "Pokémon Moon". A grass-type Pokémon resembling an owl, Rowlet evolves into Dartrix at level 17 and then Decidueye at level 34, taking on a sterner appearance than its initially charming and rotund one.

The grass-type option in this seventh generation "Pokémon" game, Rowlet is matched up with, as usual, a fire-type (Litten) and a water-type (Popplio) at the outset.

Answer: Pokémon X/Y

Found in the series' sixth generation, Fennekin is the fire-type you receive from Aquacorde Town in "Pokémon X" or "Pokémon Y". Majestic and fox-like, Fennekin grows into larger forms at level 16 when it becomes Braixen and level 36 when it becomes Delphox. Starting out in the Kalos region, you would also have the ability to pick up your expected grass or water-types instead. Your options in these cases would be the spiny nut Pokémon Chespin or the bubble frog Pokémon Froakie.

Answer: Not a playable starter Pokémon

Eevee, though used more than once in the series as a rival's starter Pokémon is not a choice you can make for your own starter. Being an enemy selection as far back as "Pokémon Yellow", Eevee has the unique ability to transform into numerous different types when exposed to specific stones or put under certain conditions.

This may be handy when building your team, but allows for a definitive choice. Starter Pokémon typically don't warrant that late-game choice, instead asking you to pick your favourite type right off the bat.