What were some of the negative aspects of the HGSS series, in your opinion?
Design. With the advent of HGSS, i was looking forward to the aesthetic aspects. The team didn't bother changing all of the trainer sprites (Although if it remained faithful to gsc, it wouldn't change the biker as well). Trainers that didn't receive proper treatment include: Picknicker, Camper, Fisherman, Sailor, Pokefan M and F, Young Couple, Guitarist, Juggler, and Psychic.
As much as i would like to point out more how disappointing the designs were, i would like to remind myself that this isn't the only aspect that make such game great. If I could go back (the time when hgss was in the making) and suggest this to nintendo, believe me, i would.
What were some of the positive aspects of the HGSS series, in your opinion?
Quite a lot.
Scene. The background? What about it?
With the re-introduction of the bell tower, whirl islands, and the lighthouse; these three great (let's call them johto's landmarks), adapted a really interesting feature that probably paved the way to construct unova's grand skyarrow bridge (camera angle effects). This was a huge feature that changed the way pokemon games display aesthetically.
Safari Zone. I love that they returned the safari zone, although the introduction of a story (Baoba) didn't feel like it made a good remake (I can't explain much, but it wasn't striking to hear about Baoba, same goes with Cameron the photographer although the camera feature is quite pleasing); however safari zone is a safari zone, it's great in its own way through the neat feature of customizing your own (which gave access to more species of pokemon).
Pokewalker. I haven't experienced the fullness of this interesting accessory much. It's battery died on me after I left it in my room for months (as b/w came out, flying and surfing pikachu weren't transferrable; and as for the event walker pokemon like selfdestruct munchlax, it was better that i traded for them in b/w anyway rather than spend so much time walking :/).
Pokeathlon. This was something that I wasn't expecting. The pokeathlon introduced new ways to obtain great items, and it shined like the way rse's pokemon contests have drawn me. Gee, if only it was playable on wifi.
Did the positives outweigh the negatives or vice versa?
The Verdict.
Of Course. New interesting features for a pokemon game mean new opportunities to enjoy, and these would not only impress the fans but it would also help the pokemon team know more about what their fans like in their games (be it sports, contests, adventure, or battle systems).
In fact, i still play it until today (well i'm going to some time, as the replay value of pokemon games can't be measured imo). Also it's been my favorite pokemon version, so it deserves a chance.