I guess Gold/Silver are overtracked since, according to VGChartz, it has outsold Diamond and Pearl.
Also I have to agree on some points.
1.) It's extremely approachable. I think that's why some think it's a franchise solely for children. You can play at your own pace and the main story isn't hard to follow.
2.) Yes, I sometimes feel very emotionally bonded with the Pokemon use. Hell, I feel like my Torterra in my copy of Diamond is my partner in the game, rather than a piece of data.
3.) Pokemon can be as deep as you want it to be. There are those who EV train and IV breed for perfect/ideal stats and use held items, natures and egg moves according. It actually frustrates me when people who no longer play the games say it lacks depth.
4.) The story is very monotone throughout the game but several Nintendo franchises use it to have a more focused gameplay experience.
5.) Collecting Pokemon can be fun. I think having boxes full of various Pokemon also helps change the playstyle. Who wants to use the same 6 Pokemon all the time?
6.) Pokemon is very much a social thing. If it wasn't for trading, I doubt the games would be as fun.
Pixel Art can be fun.
