>>45081200I literally did (except with the better version), it was a different time for vidya, I got this book mark with the three different starters and was hype for weeks. The game finally comes out and the trumpets with the huge graphical update are an instant boon to the game's soul. Looking back yes, gamefreak always does a huge step forward followed by multiple steps back.
However in the game's favor is a coherent plot and story (which had been teasedly implemented in Crystal with Eusine, and hadn't been done to death yet), secrets out the ass at the abandoned ship, the diving/shell bell, Steven leaving you a Beldum after the league, diving and secret bases was an unrivaled step up in atmosphere and exploration that hasn't been matched aside from soaring in ORAS. Also the Regi hunt is widely marked as one of the best experiences in the pokemon series.
Designs of pokemon also helped, with the starters all being GOAT, 2 pseudos, and a consistent balance between 1, 2, and 3 pokemon evolution lines
Crystal/Gen 2 is my favorite pokemon gen, there's a beauty in the adventure design and a love in the music but it would nuts to say this didn't continue throughout Ruby and Sapphire. The progression through the region, routes such as the weather center up to Fortree City, the journey to Dewford and slateport passing places to back track to, the ash route, there was so much heart put into this game.
Diamond and Pearl were too fucking slow and designs were mostly terrible. Black/White had Janky Sprites but were at least games that took a risk and recreated that Gen 1/3 feel better
