What I love most of all is that Ash and Pikachu weren't "reset". They keep all of the power and knowledge they got in Black and White. And Ash reuses battle strategies! Yes! Finally! He's used several strategies in the past that has been extremely effective and he just never used them again.
Ash is very battle smart this time around. He meets Pokemon and he instinctively knows what they need, particularly in the case of Hawlucha.
The companions are really amazing too. A different dynamic to the rest, but honestly this time around their friendship really feels like a friendship and not just three to four people walking from city to city.
Clemont is the brains of the operation, and brings along his little sister Bonnie who is really enthusiastic about Pokemon (like Max) but acts her age and is really excitable (unlike Max).
Serena is the love interest whom is searching for her own dream. I found that to be really believable. With the rest of the female companions, they just instinctively know what they want, but with Serena it takes time. She doesn't rush it.
Her dynamic with Ash is what keeps me hooked. I can actually see those two getting together and being happy. I haven't felt that way since Misty, but now I feel it more than ever. She and Ash just ... work. During most, if not all, of Ash's gym battles, her mere presence seems to help him out of a tough spot. She doesn't need to say anything. He looks at her and he knows what he needs to do. I hope once XY wraps up, Serena tags along with Ash to the next region.
Pokemon XY is just so mature this time around. They've finally, FINALLY got it right and I hope they don't change it.
The music is amazing too. It gets really intense during gym battles and sucks you in so completely you can't look away from the screen. You cheer, you get emotional, and overall you just feel so happy. Where the hell was this the entire time?!
And the art! THE ART! It's so beautiful! Everything is just so crisp and clean and so well done. It's very aesthetically pleasing.
Overall, I am enjoying XY so much. I don't want it to end, because they've finally gotten it right. They've got a cast of characters that just mesh so well.
