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Gen 1 had abstract Pokemon. Gen 1 was also the introduction to a new concept of "animals but they're battle monsters" so what easier way as a designer to introduce that concept than:
>Horse, but on fire
>Seal, but shoots water
>Walking, talking tree
>Fortune cat but alive
>Fox but shoots fire
>Big snake
>Big butterfly
>Big bee
>Starfish, but shoots water
>Fish, but shoots water
etc.