What makes pokemon so special that it has dominated video games,

>>27444783

>lowest common denominator trash
>not being popular

I think its that while other games have you play as a certain character that has a certain goal, Pokemon lets you create your own goal. While you still have the storyline, the games allow you to be mute so the motivation are the players alone. It allows players to be more involved and insert themselves into the fantasy better. Plus with lots of different Pokemon, it allows the strategies to change and people can connect with at least something.
I think its just that the game can be a bit creative which is why folks can really get into it as well as competitive.
Plus pokemon are cute. No one hates cute things

>>27444783
the right one, obviously

>>27444853
The last bit is also why Kirby still exists as well.

I'd say it is got just the right, if not bare minimum, amount of depth/effort in all areas, such as monster design, monster builds, mechanics, combat etc.

Most monster collecting games seem to be random garbage designs thought up and thrown in as fast as possible to fill up a game. Meanwhile, in Pokemon you get design variety so all players will find something they like. Example, my friend loves most fire types while I hate them, I love most psychic types while he hates them. Even compared to highly regarded monster designs such as the ones from Dragon Quest, there's no contest as far as individual appeal goes.

Then if you mangae to find games with similar design standard, such as with Digimon and Yokai watch, then the monster/combat mechanics just range from pointless to lackluster.