So after playing gen 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8 on release (I was an edgy teen and stopped liking Pokémon during 2 and 3, and just plain couldn't afford it during 5) I'm finally playing Black 2 with my gf playing White 2.

These games are such a breath of fresh air. They're full of neat little details, references, considerations and quality of life details. And this is AFTER the online shit has all gone. Battles never get smoother and the game in general is the fastest. It's peak Pokémon, and I encourage any of you who have lost all hope in Game Freak to go back and play this.