>>14191340>But they still fail as rivals because beating them is less rewarding.I'd disagree. I always felt rewarded kicking Cheren's and Bianca's asses because the way I viewed their dynamic with the PC as a friendly race to see who was best, and kicking their asses was fun.
>More competitive rivals made those fights more of a big dealI would also disagree. Green always felt like a chore, and Silver was mahedgyanger.
>Rival battles used to feel even more meaningful than a gym leader fight, because they had big teams and were tough and were there to get youThis has gotta be all opinion, because I never felt that way. Gym leaders were markers of my skill, and rivals were just people who got in my way. Gary showing up outside of caves was annoying, not more meaningful.
>Now they are just a minor nuisance.I feel the opposite - because they're fleshed out characters, I felt like it was more of an accomplishment than beating just "this guy's a dick, fight him"
>A rival with the older competitive approach but more of a personality would be a perfect way.More competitive, sure. More of a dick? No.
