Uhhh how long has it been since you actually replayed those games?Gen 5 - Absolutely, because it's the first and only time visiting this region, AND there was like zero handholding.
It's the same gaaaame
Sun and Moon are harder and less linear than Black and White so I'd say they course correctedAs others have said, the DS games have aged really well (Platinum, B/W, B/W2). I'm also a big fan of the GBA games.
The 3DS games were a step in the wrong direction in terms of game design. Pokémon has always been accessible to children but the games have always been solid RPGs. With the 3DS games, they designed the games to be aimed at children first and foremost, as opposed to just being accessible to children. It sounds like a small difference but the world design, pacing and handholding were all much worse in the 3DS titles.
I believe Gen 3 and 4 (GBA and DS) have aged better than literally every game after them
They're also broken as fuck.Honestly, I don't even think Red and Blue have "aged poorly". They're still fun to replay and frankly much better paced than many of the newer games.
I think Gen 5 is fine, but for a new fan wanting to get into the series I would recommend HG/SS. Personally I think Gen 2 plays fine, but with remakes existing that offer everything they do and more there's no real reason to play Crystal for a new fan if you have access to HG/SSi would include gen V despite not being the biggest fan. the games are perfect for portable playing, the sprites still look good and frankly special/split are less of a bother than people make it up to be, the games are still easy enough for it to be a non nuisance in casual plays. it's when the games go 3D that the age starts showing, i wouldnt recommend ORAS over Emerald to anyone
I find gen 2 and specially crystal perfectly playable, but i can understand why some people wouldnt. starting from the gba though you would get gen 1 and 2 remakes and be up to par with anything so, no loss anyway.
I think Gen 5 is fine, but for a new fan wanting to get into the series I would recommend HG/SS. Personally I think Gen 2 plays fine, but with remakes existing that offer everything they do and more there's no real reason to play Crystal for a new fan if you have access to HG/SS
Eh, I don't really think a casual fan would care. Imo, HG/SS are the best Pokémon games ever made but everyone has their reasons for what they enjoyi dont really agree with "HGSS is crystal but better" though. much of the balance, as little as it was, in gen 2 was based on special/split not existing and some of the new moves and all abilities not existing. so i feel like HGSS despite being amazing games are sort of a watered down version of gen 2 (which wasnt incredibly challenging to begin with, but still)
in fact i think HGSS looks better when you play gen 2 first and appreciate all the improvements despite the minor setbacks it brought. i'd definitely recommend someone to play crystal before still. its not really that hard to grasp even in this day and age.
FRLG - They're not great or anything, but they are the best way to experience Kanto.
they're pretty ugly. the city looks terribleGen 5, baby.
Minimal handholding and they're the last games to use gorgeous spritework. Those games have aged pretty freaking well.
Yeah I agree with this. I love Gens 1-3 but it's really hard to go back to them in the current day. I'm still glad we have the option of buying Gens 1 and 2 on the 3DS VC. Given TPC's decision making, I'm not sure we'll see them re-released anytime soonGen 1 - HELL THE FUCK NO
Gen 2 - Playable, but hell no
Gen 3 - Playable, but no. Too much has changed.
Gen 1 Remakes - Playable but no. Too much has changed.
Gen 4 - Absolutely, because it's the first and only time visiting this region.
Gen 2 Remakes - Absolutely, because you're getting everything that Gen 4 brought to the mix AND everything that Gen 2 brought to the mix and then some. Easily the best in the series.
Gen 5 - Absolutely, because it's the first and only time visiting this region, AND there was like zero handholding. Easily the second best in the series.
Gen 6 - Hell no, easily the most boring generation. Gorgeous game, but boring AF.
Gen 3 Remakes - Absolutely, you get everything from Gen 3 and a whole revamped map with controlled flight over the entire region?! Arguably one of the best in the series.
Gen 7 - Playable, but the forced handholding and cutscenes make it a rigorous chore. The super-linear design of each island doesn't help either.