>>37619333Unlike regions like Johto and Kanto, travelling between towns in Hoenn is more time consuming due to the terrain and HM obstacles. Here's an explanation of what I mean exactly:
In Kanto, you can reach Vermilion, Lavender, Cerulean and Celadon within few seconds if you start from Saffron.
In Johto, you can reach Olivine, Goldenrod, Mahogany and Violet within a minute if you start from Ecruteak.
In Hoenn, the best place to start from, the "centre of the region", is Mauville. You can easily get to Verdanturf and Slateport from there but every other town is just so far from it. Lavaridge is completely blocked off by the terrain and you need to take a cable car. Fallarbor is behind two big routes (one of which is full of tall grass). I don't need to explain Fortree.
It may be completely meaningless to some people but I really appreciate it when regions are tightly connected. You waste less time travelling without Fly and region itself feels more pleasant (or comfy if you prefer).
Also, backtracking is a bitch in the first half of Hoenn.
Route 103 -> Littleroot Town
Route 116 (near Rusturf Tunnel) -> Route 104
Dewford -> Rustboro (if you want Exp. Share early in the game)
Meteor Falls -> Rusturf Tunnel -> Mauville
Lavaridge -> Petalburg
Petalburg -> Mauville
