>>49539295I honestly prefer the story that we got over all of this.
The biggest issue with XY's story is the pacing in the second half. Everything up you obtaining the Mega Ring was great, and Azure Bay + Coumarine City was a nice break from the plot. But then it starts to feel like a draft in some areas. Like how AZ randomly shows up in the desert, but doesn't have much to do. Or the "horde of faceless men" story that never goes anywhere. Or Lysandre dropping his entire plot on you right after you exit the 7th Gym. There's just a lack of buildup and payoffs in the second half.
As a side note, pic related is concept art for Couriway Town. There was a cool train that just never made it into the final game. Sad to see.
