>>55371642I still regularly play Gen 1. It's naturally more open ended in design, which lends it a more varied playthrough layout, and you are virtually never interrupted by needless cutscenes and the like. The Pokemon placement is also generally more thoughtful than in later games (where they seem to be more focused on cramming a random selection of returning mons + one new mon in each route), which leads to a more enjoyable time completing the dex as during your playthrough, and team member options to more directly compare and contrast against (such as the notorious Pidgey v Spearow v Doduo debate). A normal playthrough is a much better balanced experience, and it remains challenging ENOUGH to warrant paying attention, unlike later pokemon games. The story is also less intrusive, and woven in with more agency for the player. The more grounded nature of the tone and world is also better.
Even lacking later QoL features isn't enough to detract from them being better games overall. The only thing later Pokemon games have over Gen 1 is postgame/metagame related elements (such as competitive, the interconnectivity and multi-generational-persistance of your pokemon, shiny hunting). But through the lense of a classic RPG capmaign, Gen 1 is superior.
