What do you mean they weren't good? the design?
might i remind you that in red and blue, there was a pokemon which was toxic waist, Three magnets stuck onto each other, a mime (litterally) and half a dozen eggs... I don't really think those were that creative.
if its stats your talking about, then they are pretty much on par, nintendo does do a good job making sure there is a neat balance in the force.
As for the story line, i have to say its the most repetitive thing ever. But what ever they are doing makes me want to buy the next addition to the series.