>>48031736There's very little about the series I dislike but I fall back on my childhood adoration of Gen 1 and especially 2. It was a massive part of my formative years and some of my fondest memories come from playing Crystal. I played it enough times to get all three starters to level 100. I have VIVID memories of waking up early on Saturdays to take part in the Bug-Catching Contest. I'll never not think that Pokemon was at its peak in just about every way in Gen 2, especially in terms of aesthetics. The visuals and music are not only the best in the series in my eyes, but hold up extremely well all these years later. I also appreciate the hands-off storytelling of Gens 1 and 2 way more after watching the series struggle to find a narrative footing. I see what people like about later Gens stories but the world-saving those games seem to focus on puts me to sleep. Gens 1 and 2 are adventures of fulfillment for the player, saving the day is a coincidence in Gen 1 and a favor that Elm asks of you in Gen 2. The main goal is still becoming champion. In Gen 3 and beyond it doesn't really feel like that anymore, it's the impetus of your adventure but it doesn't feel like the point by the end. In Gen 3 stopping Team Magma/Aqua falls into your lap, despite the fact that you're a child and they're messing with potentially world-ending legendary Pokemon. Why isn't Steven the one doing this, exactly? Especially since he seems to get around. In Gen 2 Lance actually helps you fight Team Rocket.
tl;dr Gen 2 is Pokemon in its purest form and I'll always love it
