The version that made Johto shine one last time on Game Boy Color, crystal scales and pure nostalgia.

On gut feeling, from a single duel so take it with a pinch of salt, Pokémon Crystal sits below average, ahead of a little over a third of all games. The criterion profile tells the story of a game felt from the inside more than the surface. Sound atmosphere and attachment slip just above the middle, art style too, to be confirmed on few votes. Fun and controller feel stay under. And above all, one clear drop: the desert island, right at the bottom, in the first percent. The contrast speaks: people stay attached to Crystal, they love its music, but they wouldn't make it their only castaway companion.

Naturally, a year-2000 RPG faces criteria built for today. The grip of a Game Boy Color and its limited visuals start at a disadvantage against modern productions. What lands here is memory, a whole generation's madeleine, not controller comfort.

So, for who? For you if you grew up with Johto and its themes still come back to you. Much less if you're discovering the series through the recent entries and want today's comfort.