i've only ever played Blue. it was my first game. never played Red so i am now. i never realized how open the game was in terms of exploration. i only have 3 badges and have traveled all of the cities except for cinnabar because i don't have surf yet. i already cleared all the team rocket missions. my team is all level 40 and by the time i'm done with all the trainer battles i will sweep the rest of the gyms and elite four.
this might be the most fun i've ever had playing a pokemon game.