>>54494040>Best region, easily, even to this day. How did they get it so right so early on?Combination of, but not limited to or solely because of, these factors:
>GBA hardware allowed for a technical improvement and graphical upgrade over the previous games, allowing for a great first impression>Return to an emphasis on designing "cooler" Pokemon following the cutesy Gen 2 dex>Doubling down on the Legendary Pokemon and making them more of a presence in the narrative and thematically relevant to the world >Entirely new, original region with no existing connection to the previous games, allowing for a fresh new start>Dex is full of interesting and vibrantly designed Pokemon that fit the locale of Hoenn>Great variety in unique, interesting locations and environments throughout the region without any of them feeling out-of-place within Hoenn's tropical climate>Weather added to the ambience and immersion of these new areas>God-tier soundtrack that added onto that already immersive atmosphere>Overarching theme of connection with nature and Pokemon reflected in the map design and presentation of the world>Hidden areas and secrets that incentivised exploration made the world feel wondrous and alive, with so much to discover and unearthTo put it simply, I guess you can say that Hoenn provided a new and exciting experience to kickstart a new generation of Pokemon and put in great effort to building an immersive, living world that stood out on its own and evoked a sense of liveliness and wonder. The games used all the tools available to them, from world design, creature design, gameplay mechanics and music to sell this vision for Hoenn, and it worked spectacularly.
