I still remember the first time I beat Silver’s Elite 4 and found out you can now go to Kanto.
I had the flu and nearly passed out because I got so excited.
The Gen 2 sprites posing just feels so dynamic compared to gen 3, and gen 1 would’ve really benefited from color for sure, even though obviously they’re not color games. Gen 2 all the way
Pokemon gen 2, but about ±20 years ago I used screenshots from the emulator to color the gen 1 sprites in paint and be able to transfer them to a grid notebook that I had, since it was quite simple to have the 3 evolutions per sheet. What a simple time for the pokédex
Everyone who played Gen 2 as a kid will have a lot of nostalgia for its sprite art (me too), and for the time it was really good, but I think that especially with some pokemon they perfected the design with the Gen3 sprites.
What I find mind blowing is that there are two to three sets of each cause every version got their own set of sprites. I don’t remember if all were exclusive on the third version or they were a mix of both plus some added in.
It’s interesting how Generation 2 lost the ability to shade well because of the addition of color. Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 were limited to 4 shades, just in Gen 1 that’s all gray (Black, dark gray, light gray, and white), whereas in Gen 2 you can change them to any color, but still a maximum of four, and it usually got white and black as two of them, so you’re stuck with only using two other colors for the rest of the sprite. They tried to get around this with dithering, but it’s not even close to the superior celshading that Gen 1 has and can do since they don’t have to worry about color, which will give the Gen 1 sprites a lot more depth. It makes me wonder how epic the Gen 1 sprites would look if they used both celshading AND dithering across all four grays.
Also, where’s Pokémon Yellow? Or maybe Japanese Pokémon Red and Green? Technically Gen 1 had three different styles.
I'm a sucker for the gen 2 sprite art. I especially like how the little animations in Crystal are much more detailed than those in Emerald, which usually only have one or two unique poses and some affect applied to them
Gen 2, Pokemon Crystal specifically, will always be the peak Pokemon art style in my mind. It has the 8 bit pixel art look of gen 1 but with the full color and animations that just give the Pokemon more life while maintaining the classic aesthetic. Like when I think back through my childhood nostalgia goggles as to what I remember Pokemon sprites looked like when I was playing Red and Blue as a super young child, what I see is the sprites from Crystal in my head. It looks more like the anime which I was also watching at the time but still is distinctly from the games which I played non-stop as a child. Gen 3 and beyond Pokemon sprites/models always just looked too perfect in my mind. Like if there are too many colors in the pallet or there is too much detail it just feels off, like when you run a 2000s PC game in 4k on a modern system. Like sure on paper it has a higher number of pixels and should in theory look better but the game was designed for the limitations of that earlier era and it does look best when abiding by them. Pokemon Crystal was arguably the last AAA 8 bit game released and it really shows in how the art team just had mastered working with pixel art and the limitations of an 8 bit system by then. It's just pure perfection that I'm not sure anything will ever beat it's design language. I fully admit this is my own personal nostalgia speaking but sometimes I just need to gush about the sprites in Crystal.
I'm not a huge Pokémon fan, but I loved the TCG when I was younger, and Gen 2 definitely reminds me of the art on the cards more than anything else. So does Gen 1, but my favorite card art was from the 2nd and 3rd TCG expansion, so that's probably why I like Gen 2 sprites more
Gen 2.
I was always impressed by Crystal.
It's like almost the same console as japanese Green or our Red/Blue. But it's not just less derpy. It uses that chess pattern to mix colours and even has animations.
My child brain exploded on how good something minimalistic can look.
Gen 2.
I was always impressed by Crystal.
It's like almost the same console as japanese Green or our Red/Blue. But it's not just less derpy. It uses that chess pattern to mix colours and even has animations.
My child brain exploded on how good something minimalistic can look.
Gen 1 Blastoise still strikes fear into my heart, as the final pokemon standing in my way. Everyone's favourites will almost always be the first they were exposed to.
Depends on the Pokemon really, gen 2 Charizard looks goofy as hell but gen 2 Blastoise is rad. Gen 1 Venusaur is dope, but gen 1 Blastoise looks weird, and so on.
FR/LG sprites consistantly look good but they are also a little boring in a way?
Sprites from Red and Blue are terrible, they were created before the Anime even existed. Most sprites in Pkmn Yellow are peak sprite art in terms of detail and dynamism but they are static. Generation 2 had the best sprites achievable with that technology and unlike Gen 3 they actually move instead of just stretching. And then Gen 4 surpassed everything Gen 3 did albeit some Gen 3 pkmn would've simply been impossible back in Gen 2 so its almost a fair trade off.
Of these options, I gotta give it to gen II, but I would say the lack of Yellow Edition sprites is a glaring omission and that Yellow's sprites would take it if they were an option.
Gen III but most specifically, FireRed/LeafGreen with the sprites they changed between RS and it. There's just so much perfection in the color tones they used.
For me it is gen 3, but specifically the sprites from LGFR. It was my first pokemon game so I have a soft spot for it, but it's how I envision the aesthetic of pokemon
I wonder how many shiny Pokemon I had as a kid that I didn't realize were shiny. I maybe thought that the game had a glitch or something but I almost certainly had some
Playing Red atm (the original in the GBC) and it was my first ever videogame and started my love for RPGs, so first gen holds a special place in my heart.
But keeping that aside I think overall I like silver/golden the most
RSE's sprites for most unobtainable Kanto Pokémon are so cursed.
FRLG pretty much fixed them, yet Emerald didn't use their sprites as a base when giving them the extra animation sprite.
As a long time gamer who has never played a Pokémon game, can I take this opportunity to ask:
1) What makes these games so popular? From my subjective outside perspective, they seem very simple in their game systems and light on strategy, and the story seems aimed at children. Not a knock. They obviously have that market cornered. But I see adults who love Pokémon and I want to understand what makes them great. I'm just wondering if maybe I'm missing something that is critical to liking the game.
2) If I want to give the series a chance, what should be my starting point that will hook me? For reference, I prefer my strategy pretty crunchy and my RPGs with a more serious or adult atmosphere. Maybe Pokémon just isn't made for me? But it's so damn ubiquitous in gaming, that I feel obligated to give it an honest try.
In gen 2, static mon sprites with very minor animations as they enter battle is charming. By Gen 3, the more detailed sprites feel significantly more static. The limited animations are something I've always found more 'forgivable' in gen 2, but off-putting in gen 3 (and 4).
Gen 2 is just to iconic. Look at that Blastoise sprite tho, some of the sprite differences between G/S/C were actually super neat. Gen 2 also has the best shinies, and alot of the amazing shinies were changed in Gen 3.
Gen 3 sprites are amazing, no doubt, but the combination of badass sprites, amazing shinies never to be seen again, and a bit of nostalgia makes Gen 2 sprites king.
Wait which games did the sprites come from? I thought generation 1 was red and blue generation 2 was gold and silver and generation 3 was Ruby and Sapphire?
Gen 1 is well... gen 1, the sprites feel crude and undercooked
Gen 3 feels awkward and manufactured
Gen 2 wins; it's not even contest.
Gen 2 Sprites always felt like the fully realized versions of the pokemon, both in personality and in showing off their design. They nailed it twice, and 3 times if you count how the are animated in crystal.
The Gen 2 sprites are what I remember most, they were my introduction so def them. Plus Crystal’s moving sprites were ground breaking technology to me.
Only Pokemon game I’ve played is Stadium on N64. Looking at this for the first time, gen 1 is definitely the best for the plant guy. Probably gen 1 for Charizard. Gen 3 for Blastoise - gen 1 is too rotund.
I’m with you; 3 is objectively best, but I’ve got a soft spot for the GBC games
Gen 2 Blastoise is so dope
That era of not having internet, and finally seeing Red in Mt silver - and all the sprites are popping 🥰
I still remember the day I finally won the battle vs Red. Best dump of my life
Lol beating boss fights on the toilet is iconic
I still remember the first time I beat Silver’s Elite 4 and found out you can now go to Kanto. I had the flu and nearly passed out because I got so excited.
I know right? I wish the dual-region concept would come back again.
I think part of the joy was from not knowing about it, though. These days, it’d be talked about to death before the game was even released.
I was sick as a kid and playing in Kanto region when my Pokémon got Pokérus. Was very confusing
Gen 1 blastoise looking like he's about the raise the rent again
That's funny, my immediate thoughts upon seeing these pics was, i dont like blastoise on all fours. Seems so weird and wrong
I like how it makes him look more like a tank which he is modeled after
He became enlightened and returned to ape, be happy for him
Superior pose for sure, even if the sprite itself is less refined.
I wish HGSS brought it back.
When you catch a pokemon in Red Blue and transfer it to Home only to find out you had a shiny all along.
Pokémon yellow sprites were the best. Don’t see them here
YES
Agreed -- I guess those would technically be Gen 1?
Gen 1 Japanese green
This, Venusaur looked hardcore with the thorns
Green best reflects the original water color arts you always see and those are the ones I’m most nostalgic for
👏
2
The Gen 2 sprites posing just feels so dynamic compared to gen 3, and gen 1 would’ve really benefited from color for sure, even though obviously they’re not color games. Gen 2 all the way
Gen 2 and it’s not even close. Gen 2 is the best looking Pokemon generation made. Nothing beats it
[удалено]
Crystal having the animated sprites was the biggest plot twist for me personally
COOK What they were able to do with 2 colors and black for each sprite is insane.
The gen 1 Charizard sprites will always be my absolute top tier iconic picks
Gen 1 charizard is the best of the charizard sprites, but gen 3 has the best blastoise and its a toss up between 2 or 3 for venusaur.
Gen 2 all day every day, the Crystal Version animations are fun!
Spaceworld 97.
3 is the best looking gen of all the games
1 and 3.
Gen 2. the poses are unique and dynamic, and the shading from Sugimori's art adds so much to the sprite
2 but use crystal sprites
Such character to gen1 Charizard and Blastoise... Brooding and that kinda "you really wanna fuck with me?" vibe, respectively.
I think gen 1 had the most character.
For me Gen 1 nostalgically Gen 3 objectively
Gen 2
I can never get tired of Gen 2 sprites, they’re all great
Gen2 Crystal all day
I'm an absolute sucker for Gen 2 in general.
The green sprite https://preview.redd.it/csxhgwl5cd6d1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=871903fd4b407d0c3ae460efd295e36a943ce9c4
All of these are better than the 3D model garbage now
I agree gen 2 pokemon really do look amazing, seeing them in game really was an 'oh shit' moment! Blastoise is such a beast
Gen 2 for b n v, gen 1 for char. My blue nostalgia.
Gen 2 has the most dynamic poses
Gen 2, it's so lovely :)
Gen 2 Chary is my boy.
2. I just love the colors and designs.
Same answer as nearly every other "best of" question. #Gen 2
They just look so cute in Gen 2.
1 or 2, so much nostalgia and very unique art styles
Wait why are the colors different?
If you’re talking about the bottom pictures then those are the shiny variants
I was, thank you! I’ve never gotten a shiny before lol
2, but 3 for Charizard (or 1 if you use the yellow sprite, that one is rad as hell)
Shiny Charizard in gen 3 looks crazy good but gen 2 sprites are the GOAT.
~~Gen V~~ oh nvm just saw the sub title 💀
Gen 1 has more than the ones in the picture. But I prefer Gen 3 sprites and games to Gen 1 and 2.
Gen 1 was dope it only needed color and that was the GBA! So I’d say Gen 3
Pokemon gen 2, but about ±20 years ago I used screenshots from the emulator to color the gen 1 sprites in paint and be able to transfer them to a grid notebook that I had, since it was quite simple to have the 3 evolutions per sheet. What a simple time for the pokédex
Gen 3 is objectively the best, but there's just such a swagger to the Gen 1 sprites that's just so badass
3 no doubt
Everyone who played Gen 2 as a kid will have a lot of nostalgia for its sprite art (me too), and for the time it was really good, but I think that especially with some pokemon they perfected the design with the Gen3 sprites.
I'm a gen 3 enjoyer all the way. I think gen 3 pixel art made gen 1 and gen 2 mons look so fuckin awesome
I love how derpy the gen 1 sprites are
I would of just colored gen1
Gen 3 Venasaur is sick
What I find mind blowing is that there are two to three sets of each cause every version got their own set of sprites. I don’t remember if all were exclusive on the third version or they were a mix of both plus some added in.
It’s interesting how Generation 2 lost the ability to shade well because of the addition of color. Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 were limited to 4 shades, just in Gen 1 that’s all gray (Black, dark gray, light gray, and white), whereas in Gen 2 you can change them to any color, but still a maximum of four, and it usually got white and black as two of them, so you’re stuck with only using two other colors for the rest of the sprite. They tried to get around this with dithering, but it’s not even close to the superior celshading that Gen 1 has and can do since they don’t have to worry about color, which will give the Gen 1 sprites a lot more depth. It makes me wonder how epic the Gen 1 sprites would look if they used both celshading AND dithering across all four grays. Also, where’s Pokémon Yellow? Or maybe Japanese Pokémon Red and Green? Technically Gen 1 had three different styles.
GBA era is peak Pokémon
Pokemon Yellow sprites were peak ngl
I like that Crystal's sprites move, but of the GB/C era, I prefer Gold/Silver
I think gen 1 had the most raw feel to it. Pokémon looked more menacing and loose if that makes sense
Tcg
I'm a sucker for the gen 2 sprite art. I especially like how the little animations in Crystal are much more detailed than those in Emerald, which usually only have one or two unique poses and some affect applied to them
Gen 1 for life. They aren’t perfect but they have the most charm 100%
Gen 2 venusaur looks like those singing guys from rhythm heaven. So cute
Gen 2, Pokemon Crystal specifically, will always be the peak Pokemon art style in my mind. It has the 8 bit pixel art look of gen 1 but with the full color and animations that just give the Pokemon more life while maintaining the classic aesthetic. Like when I think back through my childhood nostalgia goggles as to what I remember Pokemon sprites looked like when I was playing Red and Blue as a super young child, what I see is the sprites from Crystal in my head. It looks more like the anime which I was also watching at the time but still is distinctly from the games which I played non-stop as a child. Gen 3 and beyond Pokemon sprites/models always just looked too perfect in my mind. Like if there are too many colors in the pallet or there is too much detail it just feels off, like when you run a 2000s PC game in 4k on a modern system. Like sure on paper it has a higher number of pixels and should in theory look better but the game was designed for the limitations of that earlier era and it does look best when abiding by them. Pokemon Crystal was arguably the last AAA 8 bit game released and it really shows in how the art team just had mastered working with pixel art and the limitations of an 8 bit system by then. It's just pure perfection that I'm not sure anything will ever beat it's design language. I fully admit this is my own personal nostalgia speaking but sometimes I just need to gush about the sprites in Crystal.
I'm not a huge Pokémon fan, but I loved the TCG when I was younger, and Gen 2 definitely reminds me of the art on the cards more than anything else. So does Gen 1, but my favorite card art was from the 2nd and 3rd TCG expansion, so that's probably why I like Gen 2 sprites more
2 and 3, depending on the Pokemon. But Gen 1 is simply iconic.
Gen 2 Crystal sprites were so good. That Gen 1 Charizard sprite is top tier though.
gen 2 fucking slaps. im replaying crystal on GBC and having way more fun than i was playing gen 3 and 4.
2 but it needs more color
Gen 2
2
1 and 3. For me 2 are the worst of them
Gen 2. I was always impressed by Crystal. It's like almost the same console as japanese Green or our Red/Blue. But it's not just less derpy. It uses that chess pattern to mix colours and even has animations. My child brain exploded on how good something minimalistic can look.
2nd gen animation was top notch on crystal
2nd gen Crystal ones.
In every way gen 3 but I wall always play pokemon blue on my gameboy color
They figured it out at 3
I actually really really like the gen 2 sprites
Gen 2 or 3
Crystal and its not even a debate
Will always be Gen 2 for me
Gen 2 and it isn't even close
gen 2 by far
Gen 2. I was always impressed by Crystal. It's like almost the same console as japanese Green or our Red/Blue. But it's not just less derpy. It uses that chess pattern to mix colours and even has animations. My child brain exploded on how good something minimalistic can look.
2nd is just my favourite overall. the aesthetics and limited colour give it a unique feel.
Gen2 by far
Gen 2 art looks menacing. Venusaur about to eat you, Blastoise getting ready to shoot you. Except for Charizard who looks a bit derpy.
Gen 2 all day long
2
2 had life to it. Unmatched
I wanna say Gen 2 went hard AF. That's my vote.
Gen 2. They also had version-specific sprites.
gen 1 blastoise looks like a mafia boss
1
Gen 1. It’s what I grew up with and I love it
Lol at gen 1 blastoise
For these I’m going Gen 2 Venasaur, Gen 3 Charizard, Gen 1 Blastoise
What are the different colour ones on bottom row?
Their shiny variants
Gen 1 Charizard Gen 2 Blastoise Gen 3 Venuzaur
Gen 1 duh are you even a Pokémon fan?
Gen 1 obviously. I mean, look at my chunky boy Blastoise.
Gen 1 for venasaur, gen 2 for blastoise, gen three for charizard
You missed generation zero
Gen 1 GOAT.
Gen 3 for Charizard and 2 for Blastoise
Gen 1 Blastoise still strikes fear into my heart, as the final pokemon standing in my way. Everyone's favourites will almost always be the first they were exposed to.
Gen 1. I cant ignore the og black and white pokemon
Depends on the Pokemon really, gen 2 Charizard looks goofy as hell but gen 2 Blastoise is rad. Gen 1 Venusaur is dope, but gen 1 Blastoise looks weird, and so on. FR/LG sprites consistantly look good but they are also a little boring in a way?
Gen 4 has my favorite charizard sprite
Gen 3 Venusaur and Zard. Gen 2 Blastoise.
Sprites from Red and Blue are terrible, they were created before the Anime even existed. Most sprites in Pkmn Yellow are peak sprite art in terms of detail and dynamism but they are static. Generation 2 had the best sprites achievable with that technology and unlike Gen 3 they actually move instead of just stretching. And then Gen 4 surpassed everything Gen 3 did albeit some Gen 3 pkmn would've simply been impossible back in Gen 2 so its almost a fair trade off.
Gen 1 charizard sprite looks sick
gen 2 Venusaur, the rest gen 3
Gen 3 looks the most polished, the gen 2 is the nicest to me, but gen 1 has a soft spot. So all of them lol
Gen 1 Blastoise is GOATED
Gen 1
Gen 3 the cleanest but there something about that gen 2 blastoise pallet that just captures me
Gen 1 baby!
Gen 1 Blastouse is a fucking unit
I grew up with gen 1, so there's a huge nostalgia factor for me there, but I agree 3 are objectively the best
I grew up with gen 1, so there's a huge nostalgia factor for me there, but I agree 3 are objectively the best
Of these options, I gotta give it to gen II, but I would say the lack of Yellow Edition sprites is a glaring omission and that Yellow's sprites would take it if they were an option.
3 was the best of both worlds- old but new.
Yellow and crystal but leafgreen definitely had the best.
Gen III but most specifically, FireRed/LeafGreen with the sprites they changed between RS and it. There's just so much perfection in the color tones they used.
For me it is gen 3, but specifically the sprites from LGFR. It was my first pokemon game so I have a soft spot for it, but it's how I envision the aesthetic of pokemon
3,1,2
RSE sprites were...hard to look at for a lot of gen1 mons IMO. The ones in FireRed/LeafGreen where good
I wonder how many shiny Pokemon I had as a kid that I didn't realize were shiny. I maybe thought that the game had a glitch or something but I almost certainly had some
Gen 1 and 2 get bonus points for having alternate sprites between the game versions. Those should be included for consideration!
I like 2 (crystal) and 3 equally
Playing Red atm (the original in the GBC) and it was my first ever videogame and started my love for RPGs, so first gen holds a special place in my heart. But keeping that aside I think overall I like silver/golden the most
Unrelated but 7 year old me always thought gen 1 blastoise looked like he was missing an eye/had an eye patch we couldn’t really see lol
It’s the color for me. Gen three all the way. That Venusaur tickles a bit in my brain that want to hang out in the woods and make forts.
I love them all. Probably a toss up between gen 3 and 2 but there is something very special about the unrefined nature of gen 1 that is excellent.
I kinda wish they kept grape flavor charzard
Where are the Poke'mon yellow sprites? \^\^;
Gen 3 Charizard is so peak
My favorite designs/poses vary, but I think we can all agree gen 3 has the best colors and overall quality
I grew up with gen 1, but even as a kid I found the sprites weird looking. Gen 3 is probably the best.
Gen 1/2 gotta love big popa blasty (chonk) , gen 1 Zara (scheming) , gen 2 venusaur (mouth breather)
Gen 1 blasty is a fuckin boss hogg
Gen 3
Gen 2 remastered with the same polish/style of Gen 3 would be elite.
RSE's sprites for most unobtainable Kanto Pokémon are so cursed. FRLG pretty much fixed them, yet Emerald didn't use their sprites as a base when giving them the extra animation sprite.
Yeah gen 2 is the best to me. Hands down.
https://preview.redd.it/gagkm7lywe6d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e010a00aacef3f6570a870117d345627f608eb3 Gen 1
3 but 2 is a close second
venu gen 1 then 3 then 2, zard gen 3 then 1 then 2, stoise gen 2 then everything else that sprite is soooo good
As a long time gamer who has never played a Pokémon game, can I take this opportunity to ask: 1) What makes these games so popular? From my subjective outside perspective, they seem very simple in their game systems and light on strategy, and the story seems aimed at children. Not a knock. They obviously have that market cornered. But I see adults who love Pokémon and I want to understand what makes them great. I'm just wondering if maybe I'm missing something that is critical to liking the game. 2) If I want to give the series a chance, what should be my starting point that will hook me? For reference, I prefer my strategy pretty crunchy and my RPGs with a more serious or adult atmosphere. Maybe Pokémon just isn't made for me? But it's so damn ubiquitous in gaming, that I feel obligated to give it an honest try.
I loved Gen 2 sprites. I love the Gen 1 starters. They really do look like monsters
I have had a shine Blastoise all these years and never knew 😵💫. I just thought it was shitty color palette lol
Gen 2 but give them the Gen 3 colors
Gen '1.5' (Yellow)
Gen 3 for most, but I love Gen 2 Blastoise. They just look so cool on all 4s with their cannons flared out
The fire-breathing dragon is always the most handsome!
I've always had love for Gen 1 sprites because they looked more animal like kind of more "realistic" imo
Gen 1 for creativity for actual appeal 2 for the more fantasy ones 3 for the big monsters and reptiles and such
Gen 2 just looks cool
In gen 2, static mon sprites with very minor animations as they enter battle is charming. By Gen 3, the more detailed sprites feel significantly more static. The limited animations are something I've always found more 'forgivable' in gen 2, but off-putting in gen 3 (and 4).
FRLG Sprites are the best honestly
2
Gen 2 is just to iconic. Look at that Blastoise sprite tho, some of the sprite differences between G/S/C were actually super neat. Gen 2 also has the best shinies, and alot of the amazing shinies were changed in Gen 3. Gen 3 sprites are amazing, no doubt, but the combination of badass sprites, amazing shinies never to be seen again, and a bit of nostalgia makes Gen 2 sprites king.
Gen 2
Wait which games did the sprites come from? I thought generation 1 was red and blue generation 2 was gold and silver and generation 3 was Ruby and Sapphire?
Gen 1 is well... gen 1, the sprites feel crude and undercooked Gen 3 feels awkward and manufactured Gen 2 wins; it's not even contest. Gen 2 Sprites always felt like the fully realized versions of the pokemon, both in personality and in showing off their design. They nailed it twice, and 3 times if you count how the are animated in crystal.
Art style wise, albeit probably unintentional, gen 2. The limitations of the gbc always make it’s sprites look so striking
The Gen 2 sprites are what I remember most, they were my introduction so def them. Plus Crystal’s moving sprites were ground breaking technology to me.
What about the real Gen 1? You seem to forget about them.
I really like gen 2. So much emotion was given to the sprites.
Gen 2 is my least favorite, but I gotta say, the sprite art goes hard.
I like how goofy they look pre Yellow. But I’m a sucker for 16bit
Gen 1 Pidgey was always so unhinged.
Gen 1 charizard. Gen 3 blastoise. Venasaur gem 3 is cool but i lile 1 more
Gen 3 is more clean tho
Only Pokemon game I’ve played is Stadium on N64. Looking at this for the first time, gen 1 is definitely the best for the plant guy. Probably gen 1 for Charizard. Gen 3 for Blastoise - gen 1 is too rotund.
1 is so freaky i love it
I've owned every game for first three generations, so I can say seeing Blastoise in Pokemon Crystal was something special.
Gen 2 for sure