For me it’s definitely gen 4 (heartgold and platinum are just. top tier), but gen 5 is really close. Really polished and challenging games all around
I also think gen 7 is pretty underrated, especially USUM which got a bit of hate for being too similar to Sun and Moon. Which is kinda true…but I think the end result was pretty good all things considered.
@Formless Gen 3 definitely had the best water elements,. Besides the underwater world, and the vast ocean, one of my favorite places to explore was the wrecked ship. Gen 4’s mansion was great too. Wish they would put urban ex back into pokemon.