A couple of years ago, there was a massivePokemonleak where beta sprites and Pokedex entries for various Generation 1 Pokemon were posted online. The leak revealed that Game Freak had once considered different looks for various Pokemon that were featured in theGeneration 1Pokemongames, including the starter Pokemon that players could choose from at the beginning of their adventure. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle all once looked very different before the developers landed on the final designs that fans know today.
An artist known on YouTube as Vincenzo Nova decided to redraw the Generation 1 starter Pokemon based on their leaked beta sprites. Vincenzo Nova uploaded a video of the process, showing how they drew each Pokemon, along with stats and alternative names for the creatures. The results are very impressive, with all thestarter Pokemonand their evolution lines getting new looks in the video.
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In thePokemonbeta redesigns, Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur are much more plant-like than they are dinosaurs, with all three appearing rooted to the ground. Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard all look mostly the same, but with some coloring differences. One version of Charizard has a slimmer neck and head, but otherwise they are the closest to their official counterparts.
Fans can spot some interesting differences in the Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise evolution line. The beta look for Blastoise actually makes the Water-type fit in better with Wartortle, maintaining a similar furry tail, only larger. The Squirtle redesign also outfits the Generation 1Water-type starterwith a furry tail. It may be a relatively small detail, but it does make it so there is more consistency through the entire evolution line.
Fans have reacted positively to Vincenzo Nova’s drawings, with some hoping that the artist does similar drawings for other leaked Pokemon. Besides the Generation 1 beta leaks, a ton ofscrappedPokemon Gold and SilverPokemon leaked onlineas well, and so that could be a potential goldmine for Vincenzo Nova if they want to continue drawing the beta designs for various Pokemon.
It’s always interesting to learn about Pokemon that were either scrapped or altered during development, and it will be interesting to see what other missing creatures come to light over the years. The upcomingPokemon Scarlet and Violetwill introduce plenty new Pokemon, but one has to wonder what creature designs will be cut prior to the games' release.
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