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Sup fags, random pokeblogger here. Wanted to write my thoughts out and see how they scattered across the hivemind that is /vp/.
With the end of legit transfer of the old generations coming to a head, i've begun the process of playing through every single mainline pokemon game, along with any side ones that include unique pokemon to collect and categorize, to create a living dex that includes each pokemon that's been available at it's earliest date.
I'm finishing up on gen V atm, and I wanted to dump some of my thoughts on each generation.
Gen I still has my favorite aesthetic in terms of worldbuilding. Run down rural japanese construction era fantasy world where a new and mysterious superfauna is extincting common animals and creating enviromental upheaval is a great setting for adventure. Each game that makes the world feel safer and more colonized and structured is a shame, but somewhat understandable for a game for kids.
Gen 2 has my favorite aesthetic, especially with the stylized painting sprites, and it's a shame more of it's pokemon aren't viable.
Gen 3 used to be my least favorite gen, but looking back, in terms of exploring how to make pokemon games bigger and better, I see one of the largest and genuine leaps here. Both in motivation from the developers, and from how well they did. The aesthetic of the region isn't my favorite, but the quality of battle tower and the post E4 steven fight and world exploration are all top notch.
The Fire Red and Leaf Green remakes are very interesting, and I think did a great job in terms of keeping the aesthetic, while integrating kanto in the larger world. It's also interesting to see the storybeats they continue to re-use over the entire series as a whole.
Proto team skull and olivia can be seen in the sevii islands, which I don't think is a coincidence considering the southern japanese island vibe. Green even points out this is the beginning of his travels, with Red to follow.
