As a GBA kid, I have a lot of nostalgia for this game. In my opinion, to this day this is still the best way to experience the Kanto region. Similar to how I feel about Fire Emblem The Blazing Blade, I think this is such a core quintessential Pokémon title in that it perfectly embodies most of the series. Nothing too standout or unique but still a very well designed and solid experience. There is some imbalance in the dex as a product of being a remake of the original Pokémon games. The addition of abilities and everything Gens 2 & 3 brought with them are very welcome.

I’m also one of those people who really likes the Sevii Islands, the new locations, and the story they brought along. Probably because I spent hours trying to fill the dex as much as I could as a kid there. My only major gripes and disappointments with this game are the restriction from being able to use Cross-Gen evolutions (Crobat, Steelix, etc.) and the entire Ruby/Sapphire trade lock thing. Using cross-Gen evolutions on a playthrough team is my single favorite thing about Pokémon remakes and I’m glad this quirk didn’t carry over to the next two.

Last Playthrough team used:
Charizard, Vaporeon, Clefable, Dugtrio, Raichu, Hitmonlee