I acknowledge that mechanically and aesthetically these games are probably the peak of the series, but they're fucking BORING. I'm sorry, they're just a fucking chore to play through. Poor Pokemon variety and distribution early game, linear region with constant interruptions and inane dialogue for a story that isn't good enough to warrant it, easy campaign because you get a free lucky egg early and the rivals heal you and give you revives, etc. It's just fucking tedious. I can never get far on a new playthrough whenever I try to play this game. The sequels share the same problems.