My first game was Red. Even though Blue is my favorite color, and Blastoise is my favorite Pokémon (and I knew I wanted one before getting my game), I opted for Red because that's what all of my friends had (I was pretty late getting into Pokémon, so everyone else already owned it). Evidently, we missed the whole idea of getting different versions to trade for version exclusives and the like. I got into Pokémon over the summer, and saved up to get Red in August. (Actually, my mom said that if I counted and rolled her change for her, I could use whatever money I counted to get the game. I think she thought I'd get bored relatively quickly, but I went through all of the change she had [lots of pennies!], and only had to pay a few dollars out-of-pocket.)
I started my game, picked up my Squirtle, and headed out of Pallet Town on that fateful day nearly fifteen years ago. It's been an amazing journey ever since.