Finally got around to beating this game. I absolutely think that XD is better just because they fixed the major issues like only one shadow move, fucked up human models, lame move animations and Rui. But I don't think it deserves as much shit that it gets.

It's the only Pokémon game that I can confidently say did something unique. Sure, the story feels like an edgy fanfiction written by a 14 year old, and the main character gets jerked off every opportunity he gets, but it's a breath of fresh air from the same shit in every mainline game.

There's some actually challenging fights and the double battle focus let's the CPUs do stuff like protect+earthquake or skill swap. Trying to catch the Shadow Pokémon while they're constantly attacking forces you to put up barriers and boost your stats so you can survive. You're often fighting teams 5-10 levels above yours, and you never really get to one-shot anything unless it's super effective.

They literally made a game for the hardcore fans, so why don't you fags like it? I thought you've been asking for that?