@KezayI’m not trying to misrepresent your points and I don’t want to come across as too aggressive either, so apologies if I’m coming across poorly.
But I definitely do think there’s laziness at least involved in their decision making process, and definitely don’t think it’s sensational or overly cynical to say so. It’s plain to see by the end product that Pokémon games are just not of the same tier as other IPs that are actually making a concerted effort. Say what one will about the mechanics in BotW (specifically the weapon shattering), but the difference between the clear amount of effort put into that vs. any Pokémon game is clear as day. Pokémon is good and fun sure, but to say they are everything they could be would not be true. That’s more or less where the laziness charge is rooted in, I believe.
I disagree that catching them all is not still part of the brand. Brands don’t have to be surface level all the time; Pokémon succeeded in selling their brand in ways other companies could only dream. That’s both their blessing and curse, and it’s something the fans are more than understandably concerned about them trying to backpedal on.
It’s more than just in the DNA, it was the whole implicit point of every generation (how else could they sell the same game twice every year or two), and especially gen 7. Honestly I don’t play Pokémon for the story. There’s little there. I don’t play for characters. They’re one dimensional. Gameplay is fun but not groundbreaking. No, I play because there’s something magical about the Pokémon themselves. To just try to make Pokémon to be about newer animals and gimmicks replacing old ones instead of collecting your favourites (I.e. bug catching, the whole basis of it) is not a good strategic direction, IMO.
Anyway, I hear you and all about wanting to try to not be too cynical or melodramatic and hoping for the best, but honestly they don’t give me much reason to trust their decision making. So yeah, I hate to say it but if things don’t change I might end up hanging up the hat too after... 21 years.
@AresYou make a fair point. It’s just sad that you have Nintendo in general really listening to fan feedback lately while GF/TPC just... flail in the corner like a Magikarp.
Okay yes yes that was definitely melodramatic I just had to say it, sorry.
I stand by what I said above, but yeah I can’t argue with that at the end of the day I have little control over the situation so might as well just let go. It’s just hard, is all. After all this time. But probably for the best.