Did Pokemon absolutely nail its setting?
I've been thinking about alternative settings for a Pokemon game, and it's turning out really difficult. Exploration is at the core of Pokemon, so you would say something like alien planets would be a great setting, but then you would lose connection with reality. People love the idea that Pokemon could be real, and that you could find a Bulbasaur in your local woods.. Pokemon GO is a good example of this.

Is reality with minor sci-fi elements simply the best way to go?