Takes two steps forward and one step back in a lot of ways. I understand narratively why trainer battles are not a big part of this game but that doesn't mean it's not wanted. This is still a really good and fun open world game and to me, this is as "true" of a pokemon experience there has ever been. Unlike the other games where you have an overarching story with an evil team (Rocket, Magma, etc) your only story and really only stated goal is to complete the Pokedex. Yes, you still have main story quests that lead you towards a "cinematic" ending but if you want to go catch pokemon until the miltanks come home, you can and no one will stop you.

Other pros:
Shiny Hunting is easy
Teams don't matter as much so you can experiment
Genuinely a fun world-space to explore

Cons:
If you aren't motivated to complete the Dex after you "finish" the main story, you have no reason to pick this back up.
The "noble" pokemon encounters are not fun at all. It should just be a battle sequence, not this silly "throw balms" and then battle format.
Graphics are not that great (it personally does not bother me but I totally understand why it irks people)