Well, we're two different people after all, so it's expected that some of the impressions and opinions I have of your art will conflict with your own. I sometimes feel like offering critique can come off as "No, I'm more skilled than you, and if I were in charge than I would do this instead of that because this is clearly the better way to go about it", which would make me feel horrible if I do come off as such but I know that you're very receptive of my comments and that I can help you look at your art in slightly different manner that will help you improve in the future.
I personally don't feel like you're coming off that way, lol. Sure it takes a lot of gut to take criticism, and even then it's hard, but I don't think anyone that's well-seasoned in that kind of field would really take it that way; especially since you're not going off and being an *** about it. And if they do, then they probably weren't worth the time anyway, sadly. :P My only concern though is your huge run-on sentences. xD They do make things a little hard to keep up with. But I try.

while the linework is great, end up looking a little bit more jagged than perhaps intended. The contrast between the outlines and the colours is a bit higher than I would say the contrast is between each shade and how it's shaded, and I think smoothing out the outline with some aliasing, probably on the outer edge, would benefit the sprite. In addition to this, I've noted that you really stick to darker outlines in general, as opposed to say many of my sprites (like my recent WAR entry) where I quite happily put much lighter colours in the outlines. There's no better or worse to these methods, but the main thing to note here is the back of Charmeleon.
This is also a stylistic choice. Some prefer their outlines more prominent than others, but I can understand where you're coming from. I personally like to have depth, but I do also enjoy giving my art a slightly exaggerated, almost cartoony feel as well.
When you're making pixel art that is meant to stand individually and without a particular background, anti-aliasing on the outline is a big thing that you really don't want to do. Unless I misunderstood you there somewhere.
I really want to understand exactly what you were saying about the outlines, but I read it several times and I'm still having a lot of trouble understanding what exactly you're trying to refer to. Don't be afraid to include visual help, such as editing my original pixel-over. :> It helps a lot, and I really don't mind at all

For some reason I figured that the yellow on the chest would provide more backlight from the fire, but pretty sure you're right: it does look really out of place. I tried your suggestion on making the belly hue-shift towards green, and it did give it a little more depth because of the really subtle complimentary color scheme going on. Thanks!
I did get really carried away with the flicker in the eyes, hahahah. I fixed that and it looks a little better now. I think I understood what you meant about the claws.

I'm going to go ahead and post the edits I've made, so let me know if ended up understanding what you meant about the claws. :o



As for Flygon, it does lack a little oomph. I went and played with Flygon's colors a little bit more, and I do like how it stands out.



(Even a little sentence of advice can go a long way)

As for Gengar, I may have forgotten to mention that it was a pixel-over. Of the Global Link Art. As I said before, I'm making these both to customize my URPG stats AND to also practice on more dynamic shading without having to worry too much about structure and form. So while it isn't out of my control to change the leg, I simply prefer not to. But I do see where you were coming from and I do really appreciate the suggestion.



Gengar does still feel super-unfinished though and I'm having a lot of trouble putting my finger on why. I think there's too much blank space up at the top of the head but I honestly am not sure if there is anywhere else I can put shading / highlights with it still making sense. .-.

And I know that it might not seem like it but I really do appreciate the constructive feedback. It's very helpful! I also know how tiring it can be to give crits, so don't feel obliged to do it or anything. x] I'm sure you already are but feel free to just do it in your own time whenever it is that you feel like it. And like I briefly mentioned before, even a short few sentences can go a really long way. :D

I guess I just don't want you to feel pressured to write up these giant critiques just because of how grateful I am to get them.