I used to love playing The Sims. I got into Pokemon because I was a kid when it came to America and it was an insane phenomenon.
I also used to collect the cards, I actually blog about gen 1 card art if that's something that interests you.
I think it was just the actual gameplay, I thought of it a lot like Sims (I love playing Sims) I got really attracted with the graphics.
Also because I liked going in and out of the houses xD
I think I used to have the cards aswell.. but I was also a big Yugioh fan.. so I'm not sure.. hmmm. What about you?