The "Rare" Starter Illusion:
* Popularity: The starting Pokémon in each generation are chosen to be popular and appealing, often having unique designs or abilities. This makes them stand out, and it's easy to perceive them as "rare" compared to the wild Pokémon you encounter early in the game.
* Early Game Strength: Starters are generally stronger than most early game wild Pokémon, allowing you to progress through the game. This can make them seem like more powerful and "special" Pokémon.
* Limited Choice: You only get to choose one starter, making them feel valuable and unique. You might not encounter another Pokémon with those stats and abilities for a while.
Reality:
* Common Starters: While some starter Pokémon are considered rare or valuable in competitive battling, they are *common* in the game world. You can easily encounter others with the same species in the wild.
* Not Always Rare: Many Pokémon games actually offer a choice of "common" starters, too! For example, in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, you can choose between the common grass-type Turtwig, the fire-type Chimchar, or the water-type Piplup.
* Variety: The choice of starter is designed to give players a starting point, a familiar and strong companion. It's not necessarily about rarity, but rather about providing a starting point for your journey.
In Conclusion:
While starting Pokémon often feel special and strong, it's important to remember they are not necessarily "rare" in the game world. They are simply designed to be strong, popular, and provide a good starting point for your adventure.