>>27693180It never did change, sure, but it became more restricted since its rise in popularity possibly because of the west.
Pokémon got deemed for children, and soccer moms got enraged by the gambling and other sexual implications. With Pokémon exploding into a franchise that children love, the designs got more geared towards the cute and cuddly look to sell better and stay on market.
I miss the likes of Raticate and Rhydon but Mimikyu and Sylveon are just as good.
Also Pokémon used to be more animalistic, as you can tell by original concept art. They're more cartoony and friendly looking, but some still have dark lore and concepts.
