>>44790435Idk about worldwide but the english dub, while basically entirely inaccurate a lot of the time, was a passion project in terms of localizing the dialog to be fun, well delivered, memorable, and funny for all ages and also caused a staunch drop off in viewership when the voices changed. I also know the OG anime was also lead by a more passionate fellow who I forget the name of who didn't intend nor expect it to run indefinitely and wasn't the usual type to lead this kind of project. The tone is lighthearted, warm, and hopeful. The messages and jokes delivered felt heartfelt. The world was built in a detailed, cohesive way that made the world of pokemon feel like a real, living place. And the cast was lovable. And it's underrated but the sound design and music was on fucking point.
On top of that you had the appeal of seeing these creatures you were attached to that were just little pixels come to life in a detailed depiction that show you how they lived or looked in a battle like on your gameboy. There were enough episodes and Pokemon at that point that EVERYONES favorite got a spotlight.
It's a simple concept that would have probably worked pretty well regardless of how well they pulled it off and yet it feels like everyone tried their hardest anyway. It feels like the people in charge, from the animators, to the narrator, the actors and the director ACTIVELY WANT you to love the world of Pokemon.
