>>30026535Except these games are the first games in which normal trainers are able to set EVs into their pokemon, literally the first. If you go look at the trainer encounter tables you'll see that even early game pokemon have 252 EVs/31IVs, making them strictly harder than previous games.
Sun/Moon are also using BW's exp system, which means that if you are not using the exp share, you will most likely end up a new levels below important trainers such as captains and bosses, and at such low level, even a new additional stats make a world of difference.
Let's not forget that Captains and "bosses" of routes also carry nukes in the form of Z-Moves, which can very well KO a pokemon when they have full investment.
I don't think anyone is claiming Sun and Moon are the hardest games in game history, but if you are playing without exp share, with Set on and without grinding, they pose an good challenge.
