I think they took out some things like Hunger, but that doesn't mean it isn't still cheap as hell at times with the kills.
Although they've added a few mechanics as well like making the dungeons more interactive at times, although that may just be the story-line dungeons. Like you go in a dungeon, come out into the dungeon overworld to solve an easy puzzle so you can reach the next part of the dungeon, and then go back in for the finish. Seems to just be something to break up the action and constant dungeon walking so you don't get bored walking 20+ levels of pure dungeon.
Only past the third or fourth dungeon at this point so I don't know how far this story really goes, but it seems we've just received recognition as an official team from the organization. So maybe some new tricks and styles will be revealed soon.
Snivy is a good main, as for the partner that depends on what personality you see him having. If you want something more goofy then Wotter, Cheerful probably suits Pikachu, and Tepig could be cute as well. It doesn't change the dialogue at all but you do generally get a different feel for a character even with the same lines depending on how they appear, whether it's cool, cute, or goofy.
