>>46161658I assume a reduced version of this would be possible. It seems that the assets in gold have a four colour palette usually including black and white. The tileset image is probably pretty small so you would struggle to find room for that building whereas it comprises all unique components. In gsc assets didn't overlap (except players) so every configuration of asset against asset would have to be included in the tileset image. Here's a mockup of perhaps a more attractive game that seems confined by these limitations.
As for game freak not trying they probably could have done much better but I think they were focused on the battles; accordingly the battle sprites are very good, especially in crystal where they are animated.
