>>31525780>>31526289The thing is, Onix completely filled that role originally. Nowadays there's a lot scarier mons than a big rock snake, but it gen one, all you'd fought up to that point were rats, birds, and bugs. The most intimidating thing you'd seen was your rival's starter in that first battle, and then BAM! Gigantic stone serpent that completely walls one the starters, and probably the most popular one as well. So if you chose him, what was probably your strongest fighter was mostly useless. Squirtle and Bulbasaur had an easier time, but Onix still hit pretty hard.
Nowadays, with hundreds of pokemon in the 'dex and power creep being what it is, he's not so threatening. But if it was your first game, and you didn't know what to expect? Look out.
