Gen 2 advantages extremely outweighs its flaws
>day night cycle
>vibrant artstyle
>breeding
>16 gyms
>special split
>genders
>female playable character
>still has more content than most Pokémon games today, including the most recent games
>goat music
>best sprites in the series in Crystal
>first sprite animations, in Crystal
>added Steel and Dark types
>provided an actual sequel instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and failing every generation
>had one of the best final boss battles in the series (Red)
>daily events, including events based on the day of the week - Bug Catching Contest, Lapras appearance, grooming brothers, free items from the siblings, bargain shop, herb shop, radio lottery, etc.
>several amazing cross gen evolutions and new evolution methods
>rematches, free items, etc. through phone calls
and so much more
>day night cycle
>vibrant artstyle
>breeding
>16 gyms
>special split
>genders
>female playable character
>still has more content than most Pokémon games today, including the most recent games
>goat music
>best sprites in the series in Crystal
>first sprite animations, in Crystal
>added Steel and Dark types
>provided an actual sequel instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and failing every generation
>had one of the best final boss battles in the series (Red)
>daily events, including events based on the day of the week - Bug Catching Contest, Lapras appearance, grooming brothers, free items from the siblings, bargain shop, herb shop, radio lottery, etc.
>several amazing cross gen evolutions and new evolution methods
>rematches, free items, etc. through phone calls
and so much more