Fifteen years after its release, HeartGold is still the entry most players name when asked which Pokémon they'd replay tomorrow.

The community profile is consistent across almost every front. The world ranks ahead of 98% of games, gameplay ahead of 96%, sound design ahead of 96%, and the social experience ahead of 97%. Emotional connection and the desire to take this game to a desert island both land at 95%. It's a remarkably even profile, with no real weak spot, except for narrative which sits at a above-average but modest 78%. For a Pokémon RPG, that's no surprise.

Among turn-based RPGs, these scores stand out. Many games of that era haven't aged well on gameplay or visuals. HeartGold still holds up on both.

If you grew up with Pokémon or you're looking for an accessible RPG with a lot of content, you'll find plenty here. If you're after a strong story or a serious challenge, you might come away disappointed. That's not where this game makes its case.