Kadabra is one of the best Psychic types even without the ability to evolve into Alakazam. It's one of the most dominant Pokemon you can get: it can be caught early, boasts high Speed and Special Attack, and gets Psybeam and Psychic via level-up in a generation where most Pokemon are starved for good movepools. It also gets the elemental punches from Goldenrod (which are special in this game), giving it near-unparalleled coverage and positive matchups into most boss battles.
It's harder to justify not using Kadabra if you're looking for a Psychic type. There is nothing that comes close to its sheer effectiveness in these games.
![](https://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/crystal/normal/kadabra.png)
Kadabra
- Psychic (Level 38)
- Ice Punch (TM from Goldenrod Department Store)
- Fire Punch (TM from Goldenrod Department Store)
- ThunderPunch (TM from Goldenrod Department Store)