http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.193916-These-Are-Your-New-Pokemon-Black-White-Starters?page=1
I think they look horrible, and only the donkey one looks like an actual Pokemon. But that's okay, because they're fake, right? Well, http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.193916-These-Are-Your-New-Pokemon-Black-White-Starters?page=1
I personally think the first one is the fire starter, the second one is the grass starter, and the third one is the water starter (reminds me of a http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Quagsire). I didn't even think of any other ordering being possible (personally I prefer my order because that fake water pokemon is fugly)
I desperately hope the starters are different types this time, but the silhouettes seem to suggest that they'll be the same types as usual. The Pokemon with the pig-like tail seems like it could be a normal type, but I doubt it will be. I'm just getting tired of the same old fire/water/grass starters, after the first and second generation they just started becoming uninspired. Mudkip is the third generation's only saving grace, but I didn't like his evolutions at all.
They do it for balancing reasons, There aren't many rock-paper-scissors types to choose from. :shrug: (plus I love getting a water-starter)