Pokémon Red Version
Views: 7491
*Pokémon Red* is a Game Boy role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, and the title that launched the Pokémon franchise. Two versions, *Red* and *Green*, were originally released in Japan in 1996, followed by *Red* and *Blue* in the West in 1998. This site provides the Western English version of *Pokémon Red*.
Game Overview
Pokémon Red Version is a Game Boy role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, serving as the groundbreaking debut of the entire Pokémon franchise. Originally released in Japan in 1996 as Red and Green, the games launched in North America and Europe in 1998 as Red and Blue. This site features the Western English release of Pokémon Red.
Players set out from Pallet Town to catch and train Pokémon across the Kanto region, challenging eight Gyms along the way, and ultimately battling the Elite Four and the Champion at the Pokémon League.
Game Features
- The Original 151 Pokémon: From Bulbasaur to Mew, laying the foundation for the entire franchise's Pokédex.
- Three Starters to Choose From: Bulbasaur (Grass), Charmander (Fire), or Squirtle (Water)—each choice determines your early-game difficulty.
- Type-Based Turn-Based Battles: 15 different types interact with distinct strengths and weaknesses; assembling a well-balanced team is key to victory.
- Version-Exclusive Pokémon: Red features exclusives such as Scyther, Electabuzz, and Growlithe, while certain other Pokémon can only be caught in Blue.
How to Play on PC
- Click Start Game and wait for the game to finish loading.
- Press Enter at the title screen and select NEW GAME to begin.
- Use the keyboard controls listed below:
| Function | Game Boy Button | Keyboard Key |
|---|---|---|
| Move / Navigate Menu | D-Pad | ↑ ↓ ← → |
| Confirm / Talk / Inspect | A | Z |
| Cancel / Back | B | X |
| Open Menu | START | Enter |
| Shift Move / Item Order | SELECT | V |
In-Game Saves: Press Enter to open the menu and choose SAVE. This emulator also supports save states, allowing you to save your progress at any time.
Gyms and the Pokémon League
| Gym | Gym Leader | Type | Recommended Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pewter City | Brock | Rock | Water, Grass |
| Cerulean City | Misty | Water | Grass, Electric |
| Vermilion City | Lt. Surge | Electric | Ground |
| Celadon City | Erika | Grass | Fire, Flying, Ice |
| Fuchsia City | Koga | Poison | Ground, Psychic |
| Saffron City | Sabrina | Psychic | Bug |
| Cinnabar Island | Blaine | Fire | Water, Ground, Rock |
| Viridian City | Giovanni | Ground | Water, Grass, Ice |
After collecting all eight badges, head to the Pokémon League to take on the Elite Four in order: Lorelei (Ice), Bruno (Fighting), Agatha (Ghost), and Lance (Dragon), before finally facing the Champion—your Rival.
Strategy & Tips
- Choosing Your Starter: Bulbasaur makes the first two Gyms a breeze. Charmander struggles early against Brock and Misty, though catching a Pikachu in Viridian Forest can help balance things out. Squirtle offers a solid, well-rounded middle ground.
- Psychic Types Are Overpowered: In Gen 1, virtually no viable moves counter Psychic types; Pokémon like Alakazam and Mewtwo are vastly more dominant here than in later generations.
- Keep Essential HMs Handy: Cut, Surf, Strength, and Flash are mandatory for progressing through the story. Dedicate an "HM mule" to learn these utility moves so you don't waste valuable move slots on your main team.
- Common Roadblocks:
- Snorlax blocking the path: Wake it up using the Poké Flute.
- Ghosts in Pokémon Tower (Lavender Town): Reveal their true forms using the Silph Scope.
- Barred from entering Saffron City: Buy a drink from the vending machines on the Celadon Department Store rooftop and hand it to the gate guard.
- Don't Rush the League: You must fight the Elite Four in back-to-back battles without visiting a Pokémon Center in between. Make sure your core team is Lv. 50+ and stock up on Full Restores and Max Revives.
