>>54894313>no less than 10,000 wordsAlright, let's dive into this. First off, I wouldn't argue that grinding in Pokémon games, or any game targeted primarily at a younger audience, necessarily makes anyone look cool. The perception of "coolness" is subjective and varies widely based on personal interests, cultural background, and social circles. In your elite JRPG circles, the standard for what's considered challenging or noteworthy might be different from the general gaming community.
Now, about Pokémon games being "pis easy" and beatable with just one Pokémon. You're not wrong, but this oversimplifies the appeal of Pokémon games. The series isn't renowned for its difficulty but for its collectibility, strategy in team building, and the social aspects of trading and battling. The simplicity of the main storyline is by design, making it accessible to a younger audience and newcomers to the genre.
The challenge in Pokémon often comes from self-imposed goals: completing the Pokédex, building a competitive team, shiny hunting, Nuzlocke challenges, etc. These aspects provide depth and replayability, appealing to a more mature audience who grew up with the series or those who enjoy these elements.
As for grinding, it's more about personal playstyle. Some players grind to overlevel their Pokémon, making the main game easier, yes. But for others, grinding is part of the experience, an investment in their team, similar to training in other RPGs. It's not about difficulty but the journey and attachment to their Pokémon.
In elite JRPG circles, where players seek out complex mechanics and challenging gameplay, Pokémon's simplicity might not be impressive. However, Pokémon's enduring popularity lies in its accessibility, nostalgia, and the social and community aspects, rather than just its gameplay difficulty.