I’m proud of you people, expected to see much more answers with Base set. 
My pick is Neo Genesis, could’ve not asked any better first set for gen 2, the selection of Pokemons is just fantastic. What I really also enjoy are the non holos, they showcase so well the first steps of GSC adventures. Just spend little time watching backgrounds and you’ll notice many familiar places, with many early sets I fail to find similar connection.
Sometimes I wish pokemon could make old sets again but I know that would make really valuable cards worth alot less ? I have no clue I have had multiple high end collections theoughout my lifetime. I either sold low or gave away atleast the rare holos. I want to open a box of sets like Neo Genesis or Sandstorm or these other really cool sets but its never gonna be a reality. Just not worth it losing all that money many of those rare sets are 20$k + easy.
This is one of the worst things and is why I got into Pokemon magazines and CoroCoro’s etc because they are cool never had them and some are rare like pulling a chase card almost…I opened way too much modern and I got burned for the most part it wasnt much fun for me personally. Its a high but usually feel bad after not getting anything.
Maybe its me not remembering but it sure felt like there were more hits in base set packs compared to newer cards even other TCG’s or Sports is super tough as well for big hits. This for me has been the worst part of being back into Pokemon going on 4-5 years now. I also didnt know many people on the business side telling me opening packs isn’t like 1998/99 with easier pulls. On the brightside most was MSRP.
In terms of the hits feeling more common from base set packs you have to bear in mind that there was only one chase back then which was hitting a holo which happened in 1:3 packs from a booster box. Now when you think of a hit even a regular ex card just doesn’t really cut it whereas back then hitting even the worst holo was the top tier rarity available.
Yeah great point man guess thats why it felt so awesome plus your a kid so its even more extreme. Was that the same with Gen 2 as well I only was able to get packs from Gen 1 and Japanese trades
Yes, wotc boxes had 36 packs of which 12 contained holos.
Yeah, I’m not much of a WOTC expert, but they’re obviously some of my favorite since that’s what I grew up with like a lot of people. I just wish there was a way they would reprint them since they’re obviously unaffordable to basically everyone or the majority of people the new stuff just doesn’t hit for me the same.
Skyridge.
Pinnacle of artworks quality, last flicker of life for WOTCxPKMN relationship.
Iconic.
Interesting question and responses thus far!
Subjectively, I’m inclined to shout out Unseen Forces, as I adore the theme, RH pattern, and ultra rare selection.
Objectively, a bevy of fantastic choices have already been proffered, including but not limited to Skyridge, Sandstorm, and Crown Zenith. One that I would consider I haven’t seen mentioned yet is Legendary Treasures. It offers a nice homage to Pokemon up through BW, and boasts decent set cohesion, story cards, and a nice radiant collection with great art. Furthermore, it has the first Full Arts that resemble more modern “chases,” (i.e., those illustrated by individuals with a unique style vs 5ban or similar stock backgrounds) as well as the gold Reshiram and Zekrom. All in all, even as someone who didn’t and does not currently collect any BW cards, I think LT is one of the best tcg sets of all time.
Neo Revelation for ENG, VS Series for JP
HGSS is an incredible set and one of my all time favorites. Has such a great range of different styles. Some of my favorites:
Skyridge. It´s just magical, but I also take into consideration the fact that it was the last WotC set and the box looks amazing. When purely talking about the set itself, I would say Neo Destiny.
Love that one as well. Would be my no. 3.
EX Delta Species
would be cool to do a poll with the top answers from here
Team Up.
Unseen forces
When i returned the hobby it used to be neo destiny because of the light pokemon but it has already for years been aquapolis since i’ve fallen too badly in love with the e-series borders, combined with just breathtaking art and also
