Author: Matt Rodriguez

I had the opportunity to attend the Pokemon Symphonies concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles July 11, and the orchestra really put on an incredible show! Though the music itself was nothing short of phenomenal, they also had the nice touch of displaying footage from previous Pokemon games on several screens laid out around the amphitheater. For some younger folks, and other folks who didn’t get into the series until later on, like my wife, this was the first time they were laying eyes on some of this footage. On the screens, you were able to re-experience the fateful battle between the main protagonists of the first two generations-Red vs. Gold. Not everyone understands why this battle was so mind blowing when it was first discovered.

First, please bear in mind that I’m an adult in my late twenties, and thus, had experienced the first two generations of Pokemon as a child. As I continue to write, I believe to speak for my generation, however, the experience of others in my age group may differ slightly.

Pokemon Red/Blue was introduced back in 1998 (in North America), and Gold/Silver was introduced in 2000 (also North America), a difference of 2 years. This time frame was enough for a lot of kids to grow and mature enough for their personalities to change. Although sequels weren’t uncommon, many of us were still surprised to find out that another Pokemon game, with an expanded roster, was coming out. However, when you start playing the game, it avoids considering itself a sequel, although it makes subtle references throughout. It isn’t until you are able to venture into Kanto that the reality sets in (thanks, Iwata!).

Within Kanto, it feels like you’re venturing as the kid you were years ago, and at times it feels like the game is testing how much better you have become, both in the real world sense and the in-game fictional sense. However, nothing can quite prepare you for the Easter egg challenge that awaits you if you search hard enough: the battle with Pokemon trainer Red.

When you first face Red, there is the immediate shock that you are, quite literally, facing the person that you were years ago–even though the game takes into account that some years have passed, and thus Red’s Pokemon are much higher leveled. It is bittersweet to face Pokemon after Pokemon that you recognize, many of which were commonly used by players of that generation (such as Pikachu and the three starters). And it is such a challenging fight, nothing feels better than victory… and yet it kinda feels like you’ve “conquered” yourself, and are a bit more grown up now.

Ever since then, the trope of facing oneself from the past have been used in other games, but the battle with Red was one of the most shocking. I am certain that anybody who has experienced it has never forgotten it.