>>48147492I always liked the Ampharos line, I almost always use the early electric types you get in every gen. Big fan of that archetype considering how versatile electric types can be in general and getting one right off the bat can be useful if you run into a lot of water and flying types.
I honestly think this was a contributing factor in Pikachu's early popularity in the Gen I era outside of the fact he was obviously manufactured to be a mascot. You have this rare, weird looking mouse thing that knows a move other than scratch or tackle and can give you an edge in the second gym. Yeah Raichu is outclassed by Jolteon but he's still a great option if you go with Vaporeon instead.
Honestly I don't see why people feel the absolute need to have fire a fire type when flying and fighting does everything they can do. If anything electrics are always my staples because of how versatile they are, countered by ground but I always pick the water starter anyway so I'm good there.
