Here I delve into a multivariate analysis. Often times, useful data has well over 2 variables and in order to reveal any insights many of those variables have to be plotted together in two dimensional space. To explore this idea, I constructed a dataset using real in-game data from the original Pokémon Red & Blue games made for the Nintendo Gameboy. Across time many have wondered which of the three starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle is the greatest. Since there are many ways to evaluate which is objectively the "best" I set out to explore this question by compiling a spreadsheet of their respective attributes at certain levels of interest such as beginning of the game, evolution, and max level 100.
It's important to note that a Pokémon's attributes are based on sixteen possible "Diversification Values" (DV's), which are basically like Pokémon genes. These are hidden hexadecimal values ranging from 0-15 assigned to every Pokémon that determine their max potential in the following attributes: HP (Hit Points), Attack, Defense, Speed, and Special. In stabilizing this analysis to be as objective as possible, I factored in the max level of "Stat Experience" (extra stat points gained by battling) for each attribute, as well as only recorded the max DV's of 15 for each level. I realized that calculating these values is quite tedious, but luckily I found a reliable website which generates them as seen in the image above.
The subsequent visualization reveals much more to a Pokémon's respective strengths and weaknesses than the famous elemental type system would suggest. Most notably, Squirtle can be seen to have a distinct advantage in defense as compared to Charmander and Bulbasaur. In addition, Charmander is clearly faster than the other two, and Bulbasaur has a greater special attack/defense. HP and attack are the only attributes that are too close in value (+-3 points) to confer a decisive advantage. Interestingly, the distribution of attributes seem to suggest a series of checks and balances, e.g., Squirtle's defensive prowess comes in useful when battling Bulbasaur who has the type advantage. Similarly, Charmander's speed allows for more effective dodging.
So who is the greatest starter? Objectively, it all reduces down to approach. While each starter Pokémon has their own set of advantages, it is certainly plausible for a Squirtle to defeat a Bulbasaur depending on the battle strategy that is used. Or is it?
Resources:
Bulbagarden. (2024, January 12). Main Page. Bulbapedia.From https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page
Erwin, P. (2023, October 27). Damage Vulnerability Calculator. From https://tewky.github.io/dvcalculator/
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