In the world of video games, the Pokémon franchise is undeniably a juggernaut. For over two decades, Pokémon games have captivated audiences, presenting a familiar yet exciting formula that has engaged multiple generations of players. Yet, when assessing the overall design and execution of Pokémon Sun & Moon, one cannot help but be struck by a sense of missed potential. The final entry in the franchise's 3DS era seemed set to surpass its predecessors, but regrettably fell short due to a number of issues, from linearity to a slew of superfluous features.

The first critique lies in the design of the Alolan region itself. Despite its vibrant setting that borrows inspiration from Hawaii's lush tropical landscapes, the region was significantly marred by its linearity. Alola was mapped out like a long corridor, often presenting only one path forward for players. The expansive, open-world exploration synonymous with earlier Pokémon games seemed to have taken a back seat, pushing players along a predetermined path with little opportunity for discovery or deviation. The restrictive design stripped away a large chunk of the franchise's intrinsic appeal - the sense of adventure and exploration.

Pokémon Sun & Moon also struggled with dialogue and cutscene overload. While these elements are important for story-building, the overuse resulted in pacing issues and interrupted gameplay flow. The narrative moments felt drawn out, impeding the player's progress rather than enhancing the gaming experience.

Another criticism is the excessive handholding throughout the game. For longtime Pokémon fans accustomed to figuring out puzzles and battles themselves, the excessive tutorials and instructions came off as patronizing, significantly dampening the challenge and satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles independently.