Pokemon Blue

Why the Pokémon Blue ROM is an Underrated Classic for the Game Boy

When people discuss the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red often takes center stage as the game that started it all, while Pokémon Yellow tends to receive attention for its association with the beloved anime series. However, Pokémon Blue, released alongside Red for the Game Boy in 1998, is often overlooked despite being a key part of the franchise’s foundation. In many ways, Pokémon Blue is an underrated classic that deserves more recognition for its role in shaping the Pokémon series as we know it today.

One reason Pokémon Blue is underrated is due to its release strategy. In Japan, Red and Green were the original versions, with Blue serving as a special edition that improved upon these games. When the series launched internationally, Blue was paired with Red, but most of the attention remained on Red, as it was seen as the face of the franchise. However, Pokémon Blue introduced several technical improvements and graphical enhancements that made it superior to the original Japanese versions. In essence, it was the more polished of the two, but this often goes unnoticed by fans.

From a gameplay perspective, Pokémon Blue is virtually identical to Pokémon Red, featuring the same story, the same Gym battles, and the same journey to become the Pokémon Champion. However, Blue has its own exclusive Pokémon, such as Meowth, Vulpix, and Magmar, which added strategic depth for players trading between the two versions. Despite this, Red often gets more attention, likely due to the iconic Charizard gracing its cover, while Blue features Blastoise—a powerful, yet often less celebrated, starter evolution.

What really sets Pokémon Blue apart is how it quietly pushed the franchise forward. Its updated sprites and refined mechanics from the original Japanese versions helped create the international success that would follow. Without Blue’s improvements, the game’s enduring legacy may not have been the same.

In addition, Pokémon Blue is the ideal counterpart to Pokémon Red. While the two games are nearly identical, playing both allowed players to experience different Pokémon and work towards completing their Pokédex through trading. The inclusion of link cable trading between Red and Blue set the foundation for the series’ community-driven appeal, a hallmark of the franchise even today.

For players who want to dive into the true origins of Pokémon, Pokémon Red is often the go-to choice. However, Pokémon Blue is just as essential, offering subtle improvements and a unique roster of Pokémon. To complete the first-gen experience, check out Pokémon Red and Pokémon Yellow, the latter of which ties closely to the anime. While Blue might not always get the spotlight, it remains a key piece of Pokémon history and a game that deserves more appreciation for its contribution to the franchise’s legacy.