Goddamn. Of all the games I've played so far, I think this one deserves to win the most. Not only does it manage to evoke Nintendo-esque nostalgia (music plus gameboy plus all the "Pokemon trainers" whose levels you have to beat), it's also like... the Dark Souls of Nintendo games with its central mechanical idea. The credits rolled way too early on this one, especially with all the little character seeds you planted throughout.
A real fuckin gem. Congratulations on the excellent work.