Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen/Pallet Town

'Pallet Town might seem like any other humble hamlet, but someday the whole world will know that this was where you began your quest to become the greatest Pokémon trainer ever! The famous Professor Oak, known for his Pokémon studies, also lives in Pallet Town. He'll give you your very first Pokémon. That's one down, 149 more Pokémon to go!'

Choose your Pokémon
You can wander around and look for Professor Oak all you like, but you won't find him until you try to leave town.

Back at the lab, he'll give you the choice of three Pokémon to select as your very first.

Choose carefully: Not only will the Pokémon you pick be your strongest ally for the next few hours, but it will determine which Pokémon your rival picks as well.

Your rival awaits...
When you head for the exit, you'll be confronted by your rival (named Gary in the TV show) who's eager to test out his Pokémon in combat.

You'll have a tough match ahead of you, since your rival has shrewdly chosen the Pokémon that has an advantage over yours. Fortunately, your rival isn't mush of a fighter, and wastes time with defensive techniques like Growl and Tail Whip instead of just choosing the attacks and going for the quick K.O.

If you lose, though, no big deal: All you miss out on is your rival's 80 and a bit of EXP. And you'll get plenty of opportunities for a rematch.