>>43561834>the best region design, in terms of dungeons and vistas and non-linearity >the best Pokemon designs in terms of monstrousness combined with theming, and a decent amount of detail
>a solid plot that maintains high stakes and stays logically and thematically consistent throughout
>the Battle Frontier, which offering not only quality post-game battling but in such a large variety of formats that it's not just Battle Tower +, making the game infinitely playable
>60fps
>gorgeous spritework for overworld and character and monster designs
>modern Pokemon gameplay, with abilities, fleshed out held items, double battles, and solid enough movepools
>pre-physical/special split balanced metagame; vast majority of new Pokemon are viable somehow in someway without being overpowered
>quaint and unique character designs that now shows its age but hasn't even rotten
>compelling battle themes (including arguably the best champion theme in the whole series) and some of the most beautiful other themes in the whole series (Verdanturf, The End [best ending theme in the entire series], both consistent tearjerkers)
>Goldilocks perfect Pokemon gameplay speed in terms of movement and battle progression
>Johto Pokemon faithfully included throughout the entire region, including the extended Safari Zone and not to mention the post-dex completion free starter
>memorable gym motifs
>lots of fun side content like Trick House and Secret Bases and Contests and even Battle Tents
>legendary legendary hunt; well-executed events even if you never experienced them personally
>perhaps the most iconic legendaries in the series
>all around wonderful aesthetics
>the peak of Pokemon gameplay in terms of depth to bullshit ratio
>okay maingame difficulty
>great boxart and cartridges
