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So Gen 2 brought in 100 new Pokemon to the original 151. But that bunch of 100 new Pokemon, while it has some cherished Pokemon, from beginning to end that batch of 100 new Pokemon is not as beloved as say Gen 3's new Pokemon (as a collective) or Gen IV, etc.
So why is it that the Johto region is such a fan favorite when the new Pokemon it introduced maybe don't stack up as high as some other gen's new Pokemon in terms of popularity and quality?
Well, we all know the answer to that, I just don't think the answer is said plainly often enough. The answer is because Gen 2/Johto's hook was not necessarily about the new Pokemon found in Johto. It was an extension of the first gen. A real, proper sequel to Gen 1. No soft reboot, no fresh start.
Johto/Gen 2 did not need to stand on the strength of its new Pokemon. It stood on the idea of keeping the ball rolling that Gen 1 kicked forward. The feel of Gen 1 was hand in hand. in harmony with Gen 2, as you played through Gold/Silver
It seems to me, after this, the hook for each new gen was mainly on the new Pokemon, not continuing the narrative foundation of the original games.
This thread is not about Gen 1 being better than other gens. It's about the main appeal of Johto/Gen 2, which on the eve of getting announcements for Let's Go! Pikachu and Let's Go! Eevee reveal, I think this is the perfect moment to reflect on what made Johto such a beloved region and the gen 2 games special. Consider the hook of those games and how that hook relates to Let's Go! Pikachu and Let's Go! Eevee.
