>>46316550The real cool ones, yeah. there's some, like the forest in the top right, that are basically route replacements. Those will not be as intense and time consuming. But there will be several big optional areas scattered throughout the region.
The bug is a tick-based abomination, and yes it's still in. It's even planned to be included in the 2-3 gym demo I'm working towards, since it's going to be obtainable directly after beating the first gym. You just have to know where to look.
Also I've found 3 more mons lol, 196 species. I will crack 200, maybe even reach the maximum number since I have some crossbreeds/fusions to design, too. Right now there's only 6 of those, and that just doesn't feel right for such a huge dex.