I understand that for many, this game represents the deterioration of a franchise they once held dear, and j wouldn't take that away from them, their experience is valid, but I look at it more optimistically. And not just because I love the game--though I very much do. But because this game takes strides to continue the cultural shift established by Legends Arceus in the direction that Game Freak plans to go with the series. In particular, it's increasingly clear that the focus is on fostering and curating subsections of the community that holds the series dear: The Shiny Hunters, the Theorycrafters, the Competitive Scene. This game is a love letter to these groups, many of who have historically been pushed away by Game Freak, are now being openly accepted and embraced. And I think that's really beautiful; it's a great time to be a Pokemon Fan. Now if only they'd extend an olive branch to the Nuzlockers.