One of the best Pokemon games, if it weren't for my BW nostalgia it would almost certainly be tied. The first two gyms are rough especially if you pick Chikorita like I did but after that hurdle is over it is such an amazing experience. The aesthetics and music are just so charming and the level of challenge was near perfect imo. Johto was already great but adding on Kanto as post-game just brings it even further beyond. Red might be the single most fun fight in all of Pokemon I think.