There has never been a better time to be a Pokemon fan. In addition to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which was released in January, gamers can also look forward to the next mainline installment this year, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. With the announcement of the next mainline entry, Game Freak also revealed the three new starter Pokemon gamers will get to pick to begin their adventure with. They are Sprigatito the Grass-Type Pokemon, Quaxly the Water-Type Pokemon, and Fuecoco the Fire-Type Pokemon.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are due to release in late 2022, but many Pokemon fans have already chosen their favorite starter, and quite a few of them have sided with Fuecoco. It is not hard to understand why; considering its cute, stout legs, and its huge jaws which promises to turn into something formidable when it evolves. However, Fuecoco is up against a long line of Fire-Type starters that have seldom failed to impress.
Generation One
Pokemon Red, Green, and Blue introduced what is arguably one of the most iconic Fire-Type evolutionary lines in Pokemon. When the games launched in 1996, gamers could pick between Squirtle the Water-Type Pokemon, Bulbasaur the Grass-Type Pokemon, and Charmander the Fire-Type Pokemon. Charmander looks like a bipedal salamander with an ever-burning flame on the tip of its tail. This should not come as a surprise, as its name is a combination of the word "char" meaning to burn, and "salamander." What may be surprising is the fact that Charmander evolves into Charmeleon, then into Charizard; a terrifying Pokemon capable of breathing flames.
Although Fuecoco's evolutions have yet to be revealed, Charmander beats Fuecoco on the cuteness scale. Its simpler design and mischievous smile make it an almost irresistible pick when lined up against most starter Pokemon. Fuecoco will need a powerful evolutionary line if it wishes to be a worthwhile pick against Charmander.
Generation Two
The first generation of Pokemon games was a runaway hit, which put the second generation in a good position. Pokemon Gold and Silver were released in 1999, taking players to the Johto region where there are new Pokemon to discover. Players pick between three starters, namely Totodile the Water-Type Pokemon, Chikorita the Grass-Type Pokemon, and Cyndaquil the Fire-Type Pokemon. Although cute, Cyndaquil is perhaps one of the more forgettable Fire-Type starters in the Pokemon series. The designs of its evolutionary line lack imagination, and outside of having flames on its back, there is not much special about it.
In terms of design, Fuecoco may edge ahead. With its massive jaws and wide-open eyes, it seems far more animated and memorable than Cyndaquil is. Cyndaquil appears to be a gentle soul that only explodes when provoked, while Fuecoco seems like the type of Pokemon that is always the life of the party.
Generation Three
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire were released in 2002. There were a host of new features introduced, including double battles, abilities, and natures. The games are set in the Hoenn region, which is composed of many smaller islands. Hence, water travel forms a significant part of the games. The basic Pokemon formula remains unchanged, and the adventure begins with players choosing between three starters: Mudkip the Water-Type Pokemon, Treecko the Grass-Type Pokemon, and Torchic the Fire-Type Pokemon.
Torchic is undoubtedly a cute Pokemon. However, it does not give off the impression that it is useful on the battlefield. Fuecoco is better able to balance looking cute with looking like it can do some damage thanks to its big jaws. Fuecoco is also a tad more likable for the simple reason that Torchic begins the trend of Fire-Type starters evolving into bipedal Fire/Fighting Pokemon in their final stage, and while it was cool to see a few times, the formula got a bit stale and overused after it happened over multiple generations.
Generation Four
Released in 2006, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl are set in the Sinnoh region; a fictionalized version of the Japanese island Hokkaido. Modern gamers got to experience these games thanks to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which are remakes that were released in 2021. As usual, Pokemon trainers have to pick between three starter Pokemon, and this time around the choices are Piplup the Water-Type Pokemon, Turtwig the Grass-Type Pokemon, and Chimchar the Fire-Type Pokemon.
Like Charmander, Chimchar is an unforgettable kind of Pokemon. It is a cantankerous monkey with a flame on its behind and a swirly tuft of hair on the top of its head. Chimchar likely appeals to the same kind of player that Fuecoco does, and it will be up to the evolutionary line to decide which way a player sways.
Generation Five
Pokemon Black and White take place in Unova, which deviates from previous games by taking its inspiration from New York instead of Japan. Within the Pokemon community, the games are hotly debated because while some appreciate the new Pokemon designs the games brought, others believe they represent the start of a decline in design quality. The three starters from generation five are Snivy the Grass-Type Pokemon, Oshawott the Water-Type Pokemon, and Tepig the Fire-Type Pokemon.
For the third time in a row, the Fire-Type starter evolves into a Fire/Fighting Pokemon in its final evolutionary stage. However, Tepig's jolly design is hard to dislike. Furthermore, the naming system of the evolutionary line is just the right amount of punny to make the Pokemon a tad more charming. Thanks to its design and its name, Tepig exudes more personality than Fuecoco, though having both on one team would make for one exuberant fire duo.
Generation Six
With Pokemon X and Y, Game Freak continued to explore the world outside of Japan, and they set the games in Kalos, which is a fictionalized version of France. The generation is notable because it introduced Fairy-Type Pokemon, which is a problem for trainers that heavily rely on Dragon-Type Pokemon. Nevertheless, nothing changed about the starter Pokemon formula; players can pick between Froakie the Water-Type Pokemon, Chespin the Grass-Type Pokemon, and Fennekin the Fire-Type Pokemon.
Unfortunately, much like Cyndaquil, Fennekin is much too forgettable. It is merely a red fox with nothing notable about it, which makes Fuecoco the more impressive starter, at least at first glance. Fennekin tries to be a cute Pokemon, but the large ears simply make it look awkward instead. As an upside, Fennekin does not evolve into a Fire/Fighting Pokemon.
Generation Seven
Generation seven marks Pokemon's last release on the Nintendo 3DS. Pokemon Sun and Moon were released in 2016, and they feature several changes, including a new art style, trials instead of gym battles, and special Alolan forms of Pokemon. Pokemon Sun and Moon's starters are Popplio the Water-Type Pokemon, Rowlet the Grass-Type Pokemon, and Litten the Fire-Type Pokemon.
Everybody loves cats, so it is hard to resist Litten. The cat Pokemon seems quite standoffish while still being adorable, making it one of the most interesting Fire-Type starters in Pokemon's history. Its evolutions turn into muscular wrestler cats, which gives the evolutionary line plenty of personality. Fuecoco stacks up well against Litten, thanks to the fact that it also has an interesting design, but it will need a gripping evolutionary line if it does not want to be outclassed.
Generation Eight
Pokemon Sword and Shield are the first mainline entries to be released on the Nintendo Switch. They take place in the Galar region, which is inspired by Great Britain. Leading up to the release of the games, there was some controversy due to the fact they would not feature a full Pokedex. Nevertheless, they have been a massive success, having sold over 23.90 million copies globally. The three starters are Grookey the Grass-Type Pokemon, Sobble the Water-Type Pokemon, and Scorbunny the Fire-Type Pokemon.
In terms of memorable starters, it is hard to go wrong with Scorbunny. It looks like a speedy rabbit, and it packs an impressive set of Fire-Type moves. Scorbunny is a rabbit with an attitude that burns as hot as embers. Stood beside Fuecoco, both Pokemon serve as proof that Game Freak is still capable of amazing Pokemon designs. Fuecoco certainly stacks up well against Scorbunny, though which Pokemon gamers prefer may ultimately depend on Fuecoco's evolutionary line.
There are still many mysteries surrounding Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The name suggests that Pokemon may be returning to its roots by naming the different versions after colors, while Fuecoco may break Pokemon's Fire-Type starter tradition which suggests that Game Freak is ready to try something new. Gamers will get to see what new Pokemon adventures await soon and, as usual, they will begin their journey with the starter Pokemon of their choice.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are scheduled to release in late 2022 on Nintendo Switch.
