My nostalgia goggles tinting things a bit here, but Gen 2 (GSC) felt like such a jump in quality compared to RBY; especially Crystal.

• Moved to full color
• Animated sprites
• Character selection
• RTC & the day-night cycle
• Both regions & 16 badges
• QOL mechanics (hold items, eggs/breeding, A to use HM, rematches, Mom bank, Move Deleter)
• Dark & Steel type additions

Johto gets a lot of flak for the level curve, but the game just felt so big at the time, seems like that should count for something. Also I just like its vibe.

I don't think any other gens have felt like such a complete step up compared to previous ones for me. B&W came closest, probably, was bummed they didn't keep seasons. Made the world feel more dynamic. The 3D stuff is fine, just feels more wooden. They lost a lot of the charm moving away from pixel art.

I really love the remixed themes in Pokemon Puzzle Challenge. The title opener is a bop also.