>>47665582This. It's not like you can't enjoy Pokemon and other monster tamers.
>>47666458Also this. Digimon has a lot of changing forms, big to small and back again, Monster Rancher has more raising but monsters do not live forever.
People also forget that aside from the Pokemon themselves, it's a JRPG with a focus on exploring nature. The land itself is also appealing. Why do you think people are so adamant about having good routes?