Here's my favorites and least favorites.
Gen 1
Favorite: Squirtle. Maybe not the best in battle, but it's cute as a Squirtle, and awesome-looking as a Blastoise.
Least favorite: Charizard. It's okay, but it's not the be-all-end-all of starters like the fanboys try to claim.
Gen 2
Favorite: Not a huge fan of any of them, but I guess Cyndaquil's probably my favorite, mainly due to its cute first form.
Least favorite: Totodile. The design just doesn't appeal to me. None of them are very good in battle, but I did like the designs of the other two quite a bit.
Gen 3
Favorite: Tough one. The Hoenn starters are my favorite by far. But I have to go with Mudkip. Cute first form, awesome final form, kicks ass in battle (though hasn't quite aged as well in gen 6 in that regard).
Least favorite: Do I have to? Ummm... Treecko I guess? I still really like its design, and literally the only thing that put it lower than Torchic for me is that damn speed boost.
Gen 4
Favorite: Turtwig. May not be the best in battle, but I just love how it looks. The way its first form just smiles at you, and that awesome continent on its back in the final form. If it wasn't for that ice weakness, I'd use it all the time.
Least favorite: Chimchar. I still enjoy using it, but I'm not as much of a fan of its design as the other two. It's not bad, just doesn't appeal to me. Good in battle, though.
Gen 5
Favorite: Snivy, by a mile. It's always been one of my favorites ever design-wise, and FINALLY it became great in battle with that oh so sweet Contrary ability.
Least favorite: Can I just give it to both of the others? Both have a good first form design, only to screw it up with their final forms. They're also pretty lackluster in battle.
Gen 6
Favorite: Greninja. Awesome final form, amazing ability, and overall I just love this thing.
Least favorite: Chespin. Just found him kinda forgettable.
Haven't made up my mind with gen 7. On first impression, I like Litten the best, but I'm gonna have to play the game first to make up my mind.
