I think Rescue Team is better than Explorers because it had a better, more memorable town, in my opinion a better story (because it was less over the top, but maybe that is just me since explorers felt too much like a rehash for me), and of course Friend Areas, the comfiest places in all of vidya.
Explorers, of course, had mostly better characters (Bidoof, Wiggly, your partner, etc.), but I think most of the not-so-relevant NPCs in Rescue Team were more memorable.
Also, I think Rescue Team had more content.
Post best music, guys!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_3twfWi2T8 
