Replaying Pokémon Blue as an Adult Feels Surreal

The speaker reminisces about Pokémon Blue as their first video game, highlighting the simplicity of childhood memories. However, replaying the game as an adult reveals its absurd nature, filled with crime syndicates, death, corruption, gambling, ghosts, and kids with telekinetic powers, all of which were overlooked as a child.

Pallet Town, initially perceived as vast, is now seen as tiny. The game's design pushes the player to leave, creating an early sense of loneliness. NPCs act as mechanical signposts, and the washed-out color palette contributes to a depressing atmosphere, contrasted only by an upbeat soundtrack. Early gameplay included getting lost in Viridian Forest and facing a rough introduction to maze-like dungeons.

The game's 'video gamey' nature becomes apparent in Pewter City, with NPCs reciting scripted information. However, moments like the Magikarp scam outside Mt. Moon highlight the vulnerability of a child in a world run by adults. Mount Moon itself introduces Team Rocket as a terrifying organized crime syndicate, a stark contrast to their goofy portrayal in the anime. This journey quickly leads to a literal crime scene in Cerulean City.

The game leans into absurdity with Bill, who has fused with a Pokémon, a bizarre event that is quickly resolved. Boarding a cruise ship reveals subtle class separation through the types of trainers encountered on different decks. Lieutenant Surge, a war veteran, raises questions about the nature of war in the Pokémon world and the intensity of grinding for experience points, which as an adult leads to anxiety and broader life reflections.

Lavender Town is presented as the series' creepiest location, introducing the rarely discussed concept of death. Its dark atmosphere, ghostly rumors, and unsettling NPC dialogue create a profound sense of unease. Following this, Celadon City introduces themes of corruption, with Team Rocket running an underground gambling operation and Giovanni representing an adult worldview of power and profit against the player's idealistic child worldview.

Saffron City features Team Rocket holding a corporate headquarters hostage, with the child player expected to resolve the crisis. The rival's continued innocence amidst this chaos highlights the differing experiences of children. The discovery of psychic powers as normal further emphasizes the world's absurdity. Finally, Cinnabar Island's abandoned Pokémon Mansion reveals the dark history of Mew and Mewtwo's creation, with scientific experiments gone wrong, a moment quickly passed over by the game.

The player's journey circles back to Viridian City, where Giovanni is defeated, marking the end of Team Rocket's threat. The focus shifts to Victory Road and the Elite Four. Professor Oak's declaration of having 'come of age' resonates differently when considering the grim experiences: crime scenes, organized crime, death, scientific experiments, and a world of gamblers, war veterans, and psychics. As a child, these were simply adventures, but replaying as an adult reveals the world's surreal and often disturbing nature, reflecting how one's perception changes with age.