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SM base story is one of the strongest in Pokemon, the general character conflict is novel and interesting and the setting and concepts (Ultra Beasts) are cool, all while retaining a pretty solid fun mood.
USUM story introduces new concepts, primarily Necrozma, that are very cool in their own way, but takes a fat shit on the original versions story by essentially just rewriting it and handwaving any character conflict in the third act. However it also added so much extra side content, side quests, mini-stories etc that it's just so much more of a robust experience too.
Perhaps I'm just used to it in JRPGs, but the linearity and cutscenes never bothered me. I've played other JRPGs that are just as if not more linear and cutscene heavy than the Alola games. So I've always felt this complaint was a little overblown, but I do recognise that some people who play Pokemon don't necessarily play more in the genre.
Alola as a setting is great and probably one of my favourites. Very distinct, the tropical island mood was great.
Lillie is one of the sexiest characters they've ever created. Absurdly erotic design. She excites my 30-something year old soul.
