While not as heavily influenced by commander as some years, there is still a significantly higher ratio of commander cards hitting the cube and the top ten of cards than the other sets, relative to their set sizes
It saw a lot of play in its Standard as a way to take extra turns by paying the 7-mana cleave cost, but also allowed you to combo off early via the pure red version
Fast Lands Fast lands are pretty restrictive
White is able to dish out a lot of counters, which will make those go from annoying to life-threatening
Unlike Japanese 151, there is no Master Ball reverse holo guarantee in the booster boxes, making those cards much rarer and sought after
Original starter final evolution Iconic cannon design Pokemon Blue box art in Japan Mega Evolution added later Consistent presence across all media Original Kanto starter Pokemon Blue box art (Japan) Featured throughout anime Mega Blastoise in X/Y Gigantamax form in Sword/Shield Blastoise has seen competitive use across generations