>>47764716>FRLG actually does the "open" design better and keeps a much better level curve.I dunno, the most open part of Kanto is kind of a slog in general, huge routes with similarly level Pokemon, similar Pokemon in general, and even repeats on the same team (although that's more of a limited Pokemon pool problem, I understand that particular limitation). I mean, it is technically better, but it's not really good either. The optional exploration options after getting surf are way better than anything after Pokeflute.
