A Word From Professor Oak

        Welcome to the Pokemon legend! I'm Professor Oak. I guess you could call me something of an expert on all things Pokemon. (That's prounounced: POH-kay-mahn.) Over the years I've seen hundreds of new trainers get their very first Pokemon - including my own grandson, Gary. I don't collect my own Pokemon anymore. (I like to leave all the running around to the young folk.) But I do teach the basics to the new generation of Pokemon trainers.
       
        Your mission: To collect and train as many of the 151 known species of Pokemon as you can, plus Togepi. I supply many trainers with their first Pokemon. Usually I let them choose between four beginning Pokemon - Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and sometimes Pikachu. Once you have your first Pokemon, you can battle and catch other Pokemon.

        Your allies and friends are Ash, Misty, and Brock - fellow Pokemon trainers and breeders.   

Your enemies? The evil Team Rocket: Jessie, James, their sinister Pokemon, Meowth, and their boss, Giovanni. They're determined to fight what they call the "evils" of truth and love, while they capture and control all rare Pokemon. (Ooh - I just can't stand to think about the way they mistreat all those poor, innocent Pokemon!) If they're not stopped, they may take over the world!

Your biggest rival is my grandson, Gary. You'll probably battle him a couple of times along the way. He's determined to be the best, that grandson of mine - and he's well on his way, too!

Pokemon master, like Ash - to win every battle, collect all 151 Pokemon, plus Togepi, and join the ranks of the master trainers in the Pokemon league.
Or you may prefer to be a great Pokemon breeder, like Brock, and learn how to raise the best Pokemon and to bring out their inner strength and personality.
Or you may just want to collect and train Pokemon of a particular element, like Misty. Her specialty is Water Pokemon.

        Not into the battle aspect? No need to be. Pokemon make loving and faithful friends and companions.

        Whatever you decide, you'll have to know as much as much as you can about your Pokemon. Pokemon won't listen to just anyone. They are looking for friends, not masters. The more you know about your Pokemon, the more techniques you will be able to teach them, and the closer you and your Pokemon will become.

That's why it is important to keep your Pokedex updated. It is full of information and advice about Pokemon and their training. New and different Pokemon are discovered every day. And Pokemon experts like myself are always learning more and more about the known species of Pokemon. You'll need the latest information if you want to catch 'em all.

        Well, you'd better get started. You've got a lot of training to do. Keep your Pokedex handy as you watch the Pokemon cartoon, play the games, read the books, trade the cards, or decide which Pokemon to add to your growing collection. Your Pokedex has everything you need to learn inside. Search far and wide for new and rare Pokemon. Who knows? Maybe you will discover a brand-new Pokemon!

                                                                                                                            Good luck!

                                                                                                        Professor Oak