Despite some general quality of life improvements in terms of in-game mechanics and Pokemon management, this generation of Pokemon games is about as "mid-tier" as the series can get in my book.

Setup to the game's plot is actually fairly interesting and the main game is frankly enjoyable to play through; however, the story setup results in little to no payoff once it reaches its "climax". The Wild Area is fun and unique but grows dull after a short while and makes you wish the whole game's map was just a wild area (e.g. the wild areas found in each of the two expansions).