We choose best things we like from each generation to create the best pokemon game. This is not a genwar thread, so if you're looking for one, move along.
I'll start

Gen I - no handholding, the possibility of doing the gyms out of order, less muh grand plot, more free exploration

Gen II - the comfy lore, legendaries being more in the background than in your face, postgame revisit to an old, timeskip region (but with good level scaling)

Gen III - starter designs, region design (lots of hidden areas, different environments, clever town designs), secret bases, battle frontier facility

Gen IV - pre-evos and evos of old pokemon (but with better designs), following pokemon, soundtrack varying based on time of day, large areas opening up after the league

Gen V - good balance between old and new pokemon (BW2), post-game content, seasons, proper sequels instead of third versions

Gen VI - pokemon designs, pokemon amie, mysteries (BUT WITH FUCKING CLOSURE), mega evolutions, dex nav, the ability to fly around the region like in OR/AS

Gen VII - ultra beasts and regional forms, riding pokemon, ability to visit alien worlds (that are not corridors)


What about you?