Why does everyone choose Piplup as their Gen 4 starter?

[Germa66]

Weird because I thought more people chose Chimchar based on what I've seen on other forums. But if I had to guess on why some people prefer Piplup I think it evolving into a Water/Steel type seems more original than getting another Blaziken in a monkey suit.

 

[Daenerys]

Infernape is better than Empoleon when it comes to strength.

In its Attack stat sure, but Empoleon has the edge in Special Attack. Some people actually put more stock in Special Attack.

 

[Tactician Karina]

I chose it simply cause I just like penguins, and Piplup is just so adorable. I also like it's evo line and their designs, while Turtwig and especially Chimchar don't appeal to me.

 

[WyndonCalling]

I never liked Empoleon's bottom-heavy, weeble-esque design - in fact, I don't ever recall having completed a DPP playthrough using it.

Competitively, Infernape has always had the clear edge thanks to powerful, complimentary moves such as Flare Blitz and Close Combat, the ability to go both Physical and Special (or mixed) with decent priority moves on both ends of the spectrum, and even a great support movepool with options such as Taunt and Stealth Rock (there's even a reasonable defensive set that uses Will-O-Wisp and Slack Off).

 

[Jyo]

although I haven't finished my Pearl game (due to how slow the game is, I'm only the 7th gym) - I picked Piplup to just get a Pokemon to start with, at the time I didn't liked any of the 3 starters
boxed it as soon as I could transfer Pokemon from Soul Silver, had my team already picked

 

[AuraCaller]

I picked Chimchar but would've selected Piplup as my second choice. I like Empoleon a lot and I think lots of people had the same thing in mind when they picked Piplup.