Relive Classic Pokémon Battles with a DIY Gen 1 Battle Simulator in Google Sheets
For fans of the original Pokémon games, the thrill of strategizing type matchups, calculating damage rolls, and outmaneuvering opponents never gets old. But what if you could recreate that nostalgic experience without booting up a Game Boy? Enter an unconventional yet surprisingly effective tool: Google Sheets.
In this article, we’ll explore how spreadsheet enthusiasts and Pokémon lovers have merged their passions to build functional Gen 1 battle simulators—complete with damage calculations, stat tracking, and turn-based mechanics—using nothing but formulas, conditional formatting, and a little creativity.
—
Why Build a Pokémon Simulator in Sheets?
The first-generation Pokémon games (Red, Blue, and Yellow) operate on straightforward mechanics compared to modern entries. Moves have fixed damage ranges, type effectiveness follows predictable multipliers, and battles unfold turn-by-turn. These rules translate surprisingly well to spreadsheet logic.
Google Sheets offers a flexible platform for this project because:
– Formulas can replicate damage calculations and stat adjustments.
– Dropdown menus let users select moves, Pokémon, and actions.
– Conditional formatting visually represents HP loss, status effects, and battle outcomes.
– Collaboration features allow friends to battle each other in real time.
It’s also a fun way to learn advanced spreadsheet skills while geeking out over classic Pokémon strategies.
—
How the Simulator Works
At its core, the simulator mimics the Gen 1 battle system by automating three key elements:
1. Pokémon and Move Data
A library of Gen 1 Pokémon (base stats, types) and moves (power, accuracy, type) is stored in separate sheets. For example, Charizard’s Special stat is pulled from a database when selected, while Flamethrower’s base power is referenced during damage calculation.
2. Turn Resolution
Each turn, players select a move or action. The spreadsheet then:
– Checks move accuracy against a random “roll” (using `RAND()` or `RANDBETWEEN`).
– Calculates damage based on the attacker’s Attack/Special, defender’s Defense/Special, and type multipliers (e.g., Water vs. Fire).
– Updates HP values and applies status conditions (e.g., paralysis reduces speed).
3. Visual Feedback
Conditional formatting turns cells red as HP decreases, flashes “CRITICAL HIT!” when damage rolls max out, or highlights a “WINNER” message when one Pokémon faints.
—
Building Your Own Simulator: Key Steps
While full tutorials exist online, here’s a simplified overview of the process:
Step 1: Set Up Pokémon and Move Databases
Create sheets listing all 151 Gen 1 Pokémon with their stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Special) and types. Do the same for moves, including their type, power, accuracy, and category (Physical/Special/Status).
Pro Tip: Use `VLOOKUP` or `INDEX(MATCH)` to pull data into the battle interface when a Pokémon or move is selected.
Step 2: Design the Battle Interface
Create a clean layout with:
– Dropdown menus for selecting Pokémon.
– Move buttons linked to calculations.
– HP bars (using cell shading or sparkline graphs).
– A log that displays turn-by-turn outcomes.
Step 3: Code the Damage Formula
The Gen 1 damage formula is famously complex but can be broken down into spreadsheet functions:
“`
Damage = ((((2 Level / 5 + 2) Power (Attack / Defense)) / 50) + 2) Modifier
“`
The Modifier accounts for type effectiveness (e.g., 2x for super-effective, 0.5x for not very effective), STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), and critical hits.
Example: If Charizard (Fire) uses Flamethrower on Venusaur (Grass/Poison), the formula would apply a 2x Fire-vs-Grass multiplier and a 1.5x STAB bonus.
Step 4: Add Randomness and Accuracy Checks
Use `RANDBETWEEN(1,100)` to simulate move accuracy. If the result exceeds the move’s accuracy percentage, the attack misses.
Step 5: Test and Refine
Battle a friend or run automated tests (e.g., Pikachu vs. Geodude) to ensure type matchups and stat interactions work as intended.
—
Creative Applications and Learning Opportunities
Beyond nostalgia, this project offers practical benefits:
For Educators:
– Teach spreadsheet logic, formulas, and data organization through a pop-culture lens.
– Demonstrate real-world applications of math (percentages, probability) and logic (if-then statements).
For Fans:
– Experiment with “what-if” scenarios (e.g., “Could a level 100 Magikarp sweep a team?”).
– Host tournaments with friends using shared Sheets.
– Modify the simulator to include custom moves, Pokémon, or Gen 2-9 mechanics.
For Developers:
– Practice modular design by separating data, calculations, and UI into different sheets.
– Explore integrating Google Apps Script for advanced features, like AI opponents.
—
Limitations and Workarounds
While impressive, a Sheets-based simulator has constraints:
– No animations: The experience is text-based, relying on imagination.
– Manual input required: Players must input moves each turn (no real-time automation).
– Simplified mechanics: Status effects like confusion or trapping moves are tricky to implement.
However, these limitations encourage creativity. For instance, fans have added “dialogue boxes” using cell comments or imported pixel art via inserted images.
—
The Charm of Spreadsheet Gaming
Building a Gen 1 Pokémon battle simulator in Google Sheets is more than a novelty—it’s a testament to how versatile tools can become in passionate hands. Whether you’re a longtime Pokémon trainer, a spreadsheet hobbyist, or a teacher looking for engaging projects, this fusion of retro gaming and DIY tech offers endless opportunities for learning and fun.
So, why not fire up Sheets, choose your starter Pokémon, and let the cells determine your destiny? After all, in the world of spreadsheet battles, the real victory lies in crafting a system where every formula works exactly as intended… or discovering joy in the chaos when they don’t.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Relive Classic Pokémon Battles with a DIY Gen 1 Battle Simulator in Google Sheets