The release of Generation II was a special time for fans of the Pokémon franchise. This weird little game full of trainable monsters wasn't a one-off thing. Not only were there brand new games coming out, but the games had a whole host of new monsters to befriend! And the first, most important Pokémon you meet on your adventure is your starter.
The starter you choose becomes very personal, so we just want to say that none of the Johto starter evolutions are bad. In fact, they remain the favorites of many fans, both those who were introduced to the series with Gold and Silver and otherwise. We're just going to pick the best of the bunch.
9 9. Typhlosion
This choice probably surprises some readers. A bunch of you have probably gone on many adventures with a Typhlosion at your side. How could it rank lowest on this list? Well, the simple fact is that Typhlosion, while big and somewhat intimidating, doesn't really have a lot going on.
If you removed the flames from around its neck, it would just be some kind of oversized mongoose. Nothing about its design stands out or even looks very monstrous. Some more modern Pokémon are criticized for being over-designed, but we think Typhlosion could have used a little something extra to make him unique.
8 8. Chikorita
This is likely more in line with expectations. Chikorita has long be derided as the worst starter in the game (or even of all time) despite its defenders. We're not here to talk about its combat prowess, or lack thereof, but still it rates pretty low. Its lack of detail makes it feel like a weird, green potato with a face.
Everything about it a nub; it's got stumpy little feet, a round nub for a head, and a nubby little tail. It's eve got little green nubbins around its neck. It's still pretty cute in a blobby sort of way, but doesn't really hold a candle to the other two starters.
7 7. Croconaw
There's nothing shameful about having an awkward middle evolution. Lots of starters have a weird teenage look they have to outgrow, and more recent Pokémon have even leaned into that idea (lookin' at you, Drizzile).
When it comes down to it, Croconaw is far from the worst offender for middle-stage-itis, but it's still a little off. We think it's the caveman vibe the design it going for with the loincloth-shaped pattern on its belly. The caveman idea isn't really represented anywhere else in the line, so it's a strange motif to throw into the middle evolution and then abandon.
6 6. Meganium
Meganium's cute. It's got a fun, bright color palette and looks like it would be nice to have a picnic with. But it just doesn't outgrow Chikorita's dopiness. And compared to the other two third stage evolutions of this generation, its design doesn't communicate power or ferocity.
Meganium almost looks like a middle evolution, with some more growing to do before it hits its full potential. Not every starter needs to be a vicious animal, but we'd like something that didn't look like it would cry if you sprayed it with weed killer.
5 5. Quilava
This generation's middle evolutions are generally pretty cool. Quilava here is most obviously going for the punky, bad boy, cool factor. It even succeeds for the most part. We like the fire mohawk and its red, angry eyes. There are two main reasons it's not the highest-ranked middle evo.
First, it just looks plain weird with its flame jets turned off. And second, while it's pretty cool on its own merits, we think it loses some of the unique look that Cyndaquil has once its evolves.
4 4. Bayleef
Bayleef, on the other hand, takes what good there was in Chikorita's design and amplifies it. Its body has better shape and a more recognizable silhouette, with the addition of the long, sauropod neck.
It's larger, a duller green that seems to imply maturity, and the leaf on its head has taken some battle wounds. In fact, Bayleef looks more menacing than its final evolution, though we don't know if that's a point in Bayleef's favor or a knock against Meganium.
3 3. Totodile
The first stage starters in this generation really are iconic. Totodile combines the best parts of a rambunctious little kid and a dangerous reptile, making it an exuberant, cheerful Pokémon and something of a handful to train.
We love its little chompy mouth and the bright red spikes on its back are a great accent to the otherwise cool colors of its design. Also, the markings on its chest kind of make it look like it's wearing a life jacket, which is adorable for a Water-type. We want to be Totodile's friend, and we think it would want to be friends too.
2 2. Feraligatr
Far and away the coolest and most terrifying evolution of the bunch is Totodile's final form, Feraligatr. The threat of its huge mouth and sharp teeth have been turned up to eleven, not to mention its sharp claws, bright red spines, and armored scales.
Definitely one of the best alligator Pokémon ever introduced on sheer menace alone. But something about its design also allows it to maintain some of the mischievous cheer of its prevolutions in the right light. Just be careful your Feraligatr knows its own strength.
1 1. Cyndaquil
And here we are with the cream of the crop. Cyndaquil really hits the nail on the head, straddling a line between absolutely adorable and prickly playing-hard-to-get. It's clearly based on an echidna, and so the fire that bursts from its base function like an echidna's spines; Cyndaquil uses them for protection if it's startled or angry.
That can make getting to know a reluctant Cyndaquil quite a challenge, but it's worth it. Here you can see how much of Cyndaquil's great look is lost when it evolves—it's top-heavy body, its long nose, and its perpetually squinted eyes. But we can still appreciate how cute it is.