The writing was superb, it made me actually FEEL something. Some of the jokes were even aimed at adults.
It didn't feel like I was some weirdo watching a cartoon for babies. I could actually watch this show over a beer with some buddies.

Ash was an actual protagonist and not just some role-model. He was a scruffy, scrappy little punk with attitude with two best friends who played off that personality in a cliche but cleverly done way.
It felt real and even gritty in a kid-friendly sort of way. Reminded me of what it was like to go outside in the 90s with friends and crushes and daily adventure. A real apple pie feeling that later seasons can't seem to capture.
The games have been on and off, there hasn't been a steady decline, I can definitely say they have improved since gen 1, but the anime? Absolutely not, it's just generic anime now