>>52170284XY was the biggest change to Pokemon since the GameBoy, and was generally praised for its improvements. Critics usually cited things like the visual overhaul, 3D animated Pokemon, outstanding multiplayer, better UX design in general, more accessibility for things like EV Training, etc.
Scarlet/Violet is coming off of Arceus, so expectations are different.
>>52170328>muh cycleThe Pokemon cycle is a myth. XY was always a case of "It could've been better". People calling it the worst thing ever are often very, very dramatic.
