>>22486147>Pokemon just needs to change it's formulas.Pokémon Colosseum and Gale of Darkness took a different, entirely story-driven approach. I'm playing GoD at the moment, and to be honest I don't miss gyms the slightest. (Colosseum had better battles and opponents though.)
Orre in XD seems much more alive than the rather static main games. NPCs—even unimportant ones you never have to talk to plot-wise—react to the plot progression. When your MC appears on television, NPCs in many cities mention that they saw you on TV, and comment on your deeds.
There's also little things like the career of those “Magician” girls and the Krabby Club, which have no bearing at all and which you wouldn't even notice if you didn't go out of your way to revisit side-locations and talk to the NPCs there.
However, if Pokémon is to switch up its formula, it better not half-ass it. B/W put more emphasis on the plot, but still stuck to the old format with 8 gyms and whatnot. There's cutscenes every other route, as a result it feels like you're rushed and pressured by the plot, which clashes with the more leisurely pace of going on a Pokémon journey, exploring, and facing gym leaders.
