>>46065224But the things you applied to the above mentioned routes can also apply to routes in Unova as well. The initial route you pointed out here
>>46064220 is the definition of cherrypicking because the point of that area is to give you easy access to the Poke Transfer area, it could have just been nothing more than a single line like seen in
>>46065074, but still gives you the option of some additional exploration on the lower part of the route.
You praise previous gens for having optional areas to visit while ignoring Unova having a wealth of side attractions and out of the way spots. Route 1 connects to route 17 (which notably has the same one way water current gimmick seen in Gen 3), route 4 connects to Desert Resort which connects to Relic Castle. In BW2 you can find an underground passage that connects back to Castelia and also catch a Volcarona during the main story. Explain to me what's "not fun" about finding a pseudo-legendary tier Pokemon during the main story.
Unova also introduces hidden grottos which give you rare items and Pokemon Unova is constantly rewarding you for exploring, arguably way more than Hoenn and Sinnoh, don't let your bias against Unova blind you from the fact that BW and BW2 give you so much to explore the minute you get Surf.
