>>23099387It's not even a write-off, that's how they approach regions. Much like Pokemon, a region is designed with functionality and purpose in mind.
I used to be one to constantly harp on removed features but each region has a set theme and the in-game features tend to reflect that.
- Hoenn is a land of abundance, introduced Berry trees, doesn't require mulch.
- Johto is a more rural region whose people still forge from the land. Contrast the new items introduced in Gen 2 against those from Gen 1.
- Kanto is/was a land of progress. It embraced modern medicine and genetic engineering.
Kalos represents beauty, Sinnoh is entrenched in myth, and Unova is a mixing pot for cultures and ideals.
Almost all the additional gimmicks tie into these themes. Regions lacking fertile soil are forced to use machines or mulch, only the French are fashionable, and the tradition of making Apricorn Balls is, explicitly, only continued in Johto.
