Just finished this, pretty dull ending. Overall the game over stayed its welcome at the end.
Every boss fight was the same big gigantic HP monster that had an all out attack that nearly kills everyone.
Most monsters are useless.
Evolution requiring a level reset is stupid.
Cutscenes and cinimatics in battle should not cancel out other commands.
AI partners are as dumb as hammers.
Too many non voiced scenes, big shame since the VA was rather good.
Dungeon design felt like FF13, tons of monster fights in a corridor(albeit branching paths) where you only get the illusion of being able to avoid them. Overall cheap way to pad play time.
I liked the visuals, the characters, the overall plot and the unique blend of Pokemon and Tales battle system. Overall it was worth it.
I agree with everything you said. But I still loved it regardless.