As per usual, Pokémon charms players with its addictive monster-catching/training elements, but bores them with its repetitive, tedious combat system, now aggravated by excruciatingly slow battles. Although the new setting is wonderfully rich with lore, the plot is too reminiscent of the previous generation’s with shallow characters and writing. Level design provides enough room for exploration to make the journey fairly enjoyable along with some pleasant optional side-quests and additional activities.