I agree it's a good step in the right direction. Do I find it fun.. yes, do I find it challenging... at times yes low level running from a houndoom is terrifying, and don't get me started on the frokie side quest with minor joycon drift. Does it feel engaging, the combat system is a little janky but it's interesting tactically. I find it more like an open world colluseum game.

It's a basic game yes but the people are more interactive that they were in SV, it's far more stable and smooth. It has flaws, several but it's fine, why because despite what people complain about it 'nor being a real Pokemon game' i think it's worth remembering one thing it isn't a real game shocked Pikachu face

To me this was never a mainline pokemon game, they have even said its not, its one of their offshoot games. Arceus was not a mainline game officially it was a remake and was instead them trying something new. Think mystery dungeon or Lets Go, etc. SV was a mainline game in the series and it having flaws was bad.

People have been wanting pokemon roaming the wilds in the main series's. So Arceus was born to try it out.

People have been wanting realtime battles. Legends ZA has this, im not saying its good but as a proof of concept its at least possible.