Yeah, I'm in a Pokémon mood this week.
So there's a fairly common consensus among Pokémon fans that the older, 2D generations are generally superior to the newer, 3D generations. This isn't to say that some don't feel otherwise; especially in the case of younger players, I'd imagine there's real pushback against the idea. But among the older crowd, at least, I think it's the majority opinion.
As a result, there's been a lot of discussion as to what exactly the 3D installments have lacked that the 2D years, especially throughout the DS era, had in spades. But something I've seen less often is 3D-only chatter — barring drive-bys from people chiming in real fast that they "all suck" or that a particular entry sucks the most. :P So whether you're a big fan of certain 3D entries or choosing between modern mainline Pokémon games is like pulling teeth, I challenge you: share with us which games are your favorites!
No lamenting that Platinum had better postgame, or HeartGold/SoulSilver's gameplay variety is so much better, or Yellow's Pikachu cries used to put you to sleep on a hammock in your dad's backyard and nothing else will ever compare. Just pure, 3D-versus-3D discourse.
For my money, and speaking as someone who has completed an entry in each pair of 3D games except USUM (I'll get to them soon), I would say Sun and Moon are my favorites. I understand why the linearity and intense cutscene repetition are major turn-offs for folks; really, I do. I'm not the biggest fan, either. But I enjoy Alola more than Galar and certainly more than Kalos. I like its vibe. I love how much Game Freak experimented with proven formulas. Totem Pokémon are rad! I'm grateful for the sheer number of "random" little events featuring various Pokémon throughout the island chain. And I love some of the story beats, especially the growth of Lillie and the true villainy in her relations. Sun and Moon aren't perfect, but that's OK. I like them a ton, anyway.
So there's a fairly common consensus among Pokémon fans that the older, 2D generations are generally superior to the newer, 3D generations. This isn't to say that some don't feel otherwise; especially in the case of younger players, I'd imagine there's real pushback against the idea. But among the older crowd, at least, I think it's the majority opinion.
As a result, there's been a lot of discussion as to what exactly the 3D installments have lacked that the 2D years, especially throughout the DS era, had in spades. But something I've seen less often is 3D-only chatter — barring drive-bys from people chiming in real fast that they "all suck" or that a particular entry sucks the most. :P So whether you're a big fan of certain 3D entries or choosing between modern mainline Pokémon games is like pulling teeth, I challenge you: share with us which games are your favorites!
No lamenting that Platinum had better postgame, or HeartGold/SoulSilver's gameplay variety is so much better, or Yellow's Pikachu cries used to put you to sleep on a hammock in your dad's backyard and nothing else will ever compare. Just pure, 3D-versus-3D discourse.
For my money, and speaking as someone who has completed an entry in each pair of 3D games except USUM (I'll get to them soon), I would say Sun and Moon are my favorites. I understand why the linearity and intense cutscene repetition are major turn-offs for folks; really, I do. I'm not the biggest fan, either. But I enjoy Alola more than Galar and certainly more than Kalos. I like its vibe. I love how much Game Freak experimented with proven formulas. Totem Pokémon are rad! I'm grateful for the sheer number of "random" little events featuring various Pokémon throughout the island chain. And I love some of the story beats, especially the growth of Lillie and the true villainy in her relations. Sun and Moon aren't perfect, but that's OK. I like them a ton, anyway.