"Pokémon" series ranked

A simple ranking of all the Pokémon games I've played to date based on my personal enjoyment as well as a loose evaluation of various criteria such as gameplay, writing, graphics, and sound.

Pokémon Platinum Version
Pokémon Platinum Version
- feature-rich entry with great polish
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- revolutionary gameplay direction for the series
- comfy setting filled with nice characters
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
- thoroughly competent remake with a grand scope of two well-realized regions
Pokémon Sword
Pokémon Sword
- controversial franchise direction with limited features
- appealing modernization in some areas
Pokémon White Version
Pokémon White Version
- best story in the main series
- poor selection of new Pokémon without the old ones being available
Pokémon Black Version 2
Pokémon Black Version 2
- significant improvement over the previous generation in everything but story
- large and well-put-together Pokédex
Pokémon Violet
Pokémon Violet
- progressive entry with numerous much-needed changes
- enjoyable open world exploration
- horrible performance given the mediocre visuals
Pokémon Sapphire Version
Pokémon Sapphire Version
- my first Pokémon game that also lacks any major flaws
- great setting with an unusual focus on aquatic environments
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
- fine remake that has a lot of positive quality-of-life changes but still can't compete with Pokémon Platinum in terms of content
- divisive graphics overhaul with a mix of chibi and anime art in and outside combat
Pokémon Ultra Sun
Pokémon Ultra Sun
- good use of 3D environments
- surprisingly competent story
- irregular setting with a less formulaic progression structure
- more mechanics to make the game trivial
- painfully slow and guided beginning
Pokémon Colosseum
Pokémon Colosseum
- uniquely dark story
- limited scope for the price of being 3D
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
- gameplay-wise improved but also less interesting sequel to Colosseum
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap
- competently made but incredibly basic game that demands a lot of grinding with unengaging mechanics

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