Well, I recently played through my friend's FireRed as my own is lost (together with my Ruby and Sapphire games, and my 1st Emerald was stolen - dang thieves! I had like 20 Lv.100s on that game. Including Annoyissey.)
As he wanted Suicune, I had no choice but to choose Charmander for a starter. Pewter Gym went just fine as Charmander learns Metal Claw. But I tried and couldn't beat it yet, so I evolved it into a Charmeleon. When I did that, it went just fine. And then I went to the Cerulean Gym. GOD! It was a nightmare. I had to train my Charmeleon to lv.34. YES, THIRTY-FRIGGING-FOUR to beat that stupid Starmie!!!!
So I ended up having a Lv.40 Charizard when I was at the SS.Anne. X_X X_X X_X
And a Lv.70 Charizard when I came to the Elite Four. I almost only used Charizard for the E4.
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Platinum
Name: Damn!
Code: 2622 3796 5477
SoulSilver
Name: Lyra
Code: 1419 9416 3991 (Use THIS FC unless told otherwise)
SoulSilver: Currently doing: Wifi Battling.
Wins: 34
Losses: 10