>improves it in all ways
Not really. Pokemon distribution got completely ruined between games and version exclusives got worse. Went overboard with time mechanics and now the player has to wait up to half a day to catch something they want.
>monsters are consistent with previous, fit in
Not really, and they're often forgotten because of the aforementioned distribution issue.
>improvements to game design
Not really. In fact, the level curve spikes horribly at two separate points.
>NOT an expansion of anything
Nah, has an enormous region with no gates breaking it up, introduced abilities, natures, and refined DVs/EVs into IVs and our modern EVs. Also added in contests and Emerald introduced the Battle Frontier.
>doesn't try very hard to improve or shake up the game design
Yeah, not at all like gen 2, right?
>they could do better still
Meaningless.
>monsters and story are bigger and "cooler" i guess
Thanks for your input.
>its just more of the previous, almost feels redundant
Nah. Gen 4 in general was a continuation of gen 3 much like gen 2 was with gen 1. Dual slot mode is evidence of that. Besides, don't fix what isn't broken.
>nothing but glowing praise for gen 5
And that's where I tap out.
