I bought the game on eBay and have been playing it on my newly modded Gameboy Advance. IPS screen, new case & buttons. It’s very nice; I’ll post a picture later.
It’s not explained too well on what’s best to battle with. How do I know when to use an electric vs. fire without trial and error? Or is that the point?
I wonder how people figured this out before the internet was so huge.
I’m struggling to stay interested in the game. I couldn’t quite figure out the purpose until later in the game… got to catch them all. But catching them all is just kinda boring to do. Maybe it’s because I’m 37 and not 12 haha.
So you can learn about the rock-paper-scissors formula either by trial and error or in talking to some NPCs. I think the guy just inside each gym will also give you tips.
However it’s worth noting that Generation 1 (like Pokemon Red) has a number of unintentional bugs programmed into it. As a result Psychic type Pokemon are extra powerful. If you can get one of those, you’ll be in good shape.
Additionally, some of the early game can be difficult to figure out. For example if you picked Charmander as your starter, you might be OK with Viridian Forest, but the first two gyms and related battles will be much more difficult.
Gen 1 is also missing A LOT of quality of life improvements. If you can, I recommend Pokemon Fire Red (or Leaf Green). It’s the remake of Gen 1 and it’s for the Gameboy Advance.