We wanted an ever-expanding world with the ability to catch any Pokémon we wanted and live out that fantasy of becoming a Pokémon master in a realistic-looking world.
SCARLET AND VIOLET
The absence of level-curving led to players being forced on a more linear path around the game map or facing higher leveled battles to forge their own way.
The number of home-filled towns scattered across the large world map was made to seem like it was a living world, but most towns felt soulless and easily forgettable.
ROM HACKS AND FANMADE GAMES HAVE SHOWN THAT 2D POKÉMON IS STILL BELOVED
There are dedicated communities within the Pokémon fanbase who create 2D romhacks and their games.