@paulmako: yeah, it is possible, but that pikachu has a unique ID or relevant code that makes it follow, gives it the digitised voice clips instead of the default cry and stops it evolving which other games don't recognise so it can be evolved. I never evolve my pikachu's anyway. Except on Blue when I was 8 years old.

I don't know why you wouldn't get Yellow unless you have some specific nostalgia for Red or Blue. I had all six of the Gen I and II games so I'm not playing favorites here.

Also just catch a Mankey or Nidoran on Route 22 west of Viridian City and you'll shit on Brock. You should probably already be going that way anyway if you want to impact Gary's choice of Eevee evolution.

Get the version you grew up with.

I still have my og copy of blue so I'm getting blue. Squirtle is my fave.

@zombiepie: That's not a fair comparison with Pikachu vs the final evolved forms of the starters, and not their initial forms (that is, being compared vs Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle).

Also, I reject your reality and substitute my own!

@alistercat: In Yellow, Butterfree gets a psychic move around level 12 I believe; I think it's either Confusion or Psybeam? While it's not a super effective move against them, at least it does full damage unlike the Normal-type moves you would otherwise have to struggle with. @captainkamikaze's suggestion of Double Kick is also good.

Here is a cool Quiz Gamesrader did on Pokemon Games - http://www.gamesradar.com/are-you-pokemon-master-test-yourself-quiz/

@wchigo: Yep, Butterfree gets Confusion which is pretty good for the first few hours.

But I would definitely go for Nidoran/Nidorina and double kick. My Nidorina wrecked Brocks' face with it.

As for the thread itself, I would say Yellow. Already have a Charmeleon and Ivysaur rollin around with me.

Also a level 100 Gengar.