>>32808316Perhaps I was speaking a little too much from a narrative perspective. That tends to be my presiding memory of each game. Gen 5 made a profound impression on me because it was prepared to have a more nuanced narrative than "the evil team wants to rule the world". Of course we went right back to that in BW2 but the suggestion of an ethical quandary was intriguing enough to demand my respect. The gen was far from flawless but to my mind XY had a tough act to follow and they fell short.
I did not wish to imply that XY were completely devoid of refinement or innovation however. You are right. The addition of a new type is a fairly big shake up considering the last time a new type was added was GS. I must give it credit for that.
Trainer customisation was another great addition. It felt very natural given the transition to 3D and I am glad it's not region exclusive like secret bases or followers. Sadly I notice that while megas persist in the game, I get the feeling GF somewhat regret them, given the lack of new megas and the lack of acknowledgement in SM beyond the post-game addition of a mega-stone to your Z-Ring. They were an interesting way to expand the evolution lines of Pokemon.
The PSS was a great. A great way to implement online play and a very good use of the touch screen. I was saddened by its removal in SM. Plaza is no substitute.
Amie, hordes, rollerskates... great touches all.
The latter half of your list applies mostly to ORAS (secret bases, soaring, etc.), not XY. I believe the OP was referring to XY exclusively, but if not then fine, they're good additions too.
So in short... I am not arguing with you. I concede all of your points.
And yet I still feel the same way about XY. Perhaps I am being irrational, but the games failed to inspire me the same way earlier games have done and they followed my personal favourite gen. Maybe it is more unfortunate timing and placement within the series for me than anything the games really lack.
