My Favorite Generation I Pokémon: Fire Edition

The Fire Type

Any game based on the standard elements are going to have a Fire type.  And while the Pokémon of this nature are often fan favorites, you'll rarely see them in a competitive scene in Generation I, due to the lack of Grass, Bug, and Ice types for them to defeat (and an abundance of Ground, Rock, or Water types).  Wile your team could usually survive without a Fire element, I always liked to have one for appearances.

5. Flareon

Yes, it is the weakest of the Eeveelutions, but it is an Eeveelution nonetheless.  While infamous for its lack of good moves, I still like the design.  Besides, an Eevee has to evolve into a Fire-type.  And no other Eeveelution looks as cuddly as Flareon, even if it can get searing hot.

4. Moltres

While not may favorite of the Legendary Birds, I do like how it has a more significant impact in the series' mythology.  In the anime, Moltres's eternal flame lights the Pokémon League torch.  But even cooler is its association with Blaine, acting as the Gym Leader's savior, which suggests he began worshiping the creature by training Fire types.  It's an interesting moment when hints at the world's religion shines through, and how these legends are more than just the random boss at the end of a dungeon.

3. Arcanine

Speaking of legends, Arcanine is that famous non-legendary Legendary Pokémon.  Due to its origin based on the mythological Shisa and similar creatures, Arcanine gets a special status, above all other Pokémon.  It has the highest base stats of a non-Legendary Fire type, and is ranked 9th overall.  It will be your best choice competitively.

2. Ninetales

Foxes are never not cool.  Like Arcanine, Ninetales has its origins in Asian mythology, this time playing the part of the ghost fox Kitsune and deadly old grudges.  I enjoy using Ninetales' various powers on my team (Fire Spin and Confuse Ray create a wonderfully annoying combination).  I wish it had actually been a part Ghost type, because it would have given it a competitive edge.  But still, everyone agrees that it is one of the best designed Pokémon with one of the coolest backstories.

1. Rapidash

Ninetales was close to being my #1 here, but this is a unicorn that's on fire.  Where else can you find that?  Even in future generations, it seems like the designers understood they couldn't top this, so they didn't even bother with another horse Pokémon until the end of Generation V.  Horses are such majestic creatures in real life that all they had to do was add some flames and voila!  Instant perfection!

Honorable Mentions:  Magmar, for it's wacky design with a mysterious origin, Vulpix, for being the cute baby Ninetales (and was one of my favorites at the time Brock caught one), and Charmeleon, for being underappreciated but still cool.  What about Charizard?  Well, wait until we get to our Flying types.