I know it's pretty late. But I just played the game quite recently than the actual release, since I played MGR: Revengeance first.
Though I will admit, it's pretty amazing. In fact, I doubt it will even sucked when I first saw promotional ads, and trailers. Right when it says developed by "Level 5" and "Studio Ghibli". I just told myself, "Woah, I know this will not be awesome...it will be beautiful."
Ever since Dark Cloud, I've been playing Level 5 games, which the only games I find particularly lacking is the White Knight series. Also Studio Ghibli, have you guys heard of it? I'm sure some folks here have watched "Princess Mononoke", "Spirited Away", and "Howl's Moving Castle". It's actually my 3 favorite films made by them. They're like Disney in Japan(which they are), or a group of people like Osamu Tezuka.
So anyways, a lot of people have been comparing Pokemon to Ni No kuni, and with Pokemon X and Y coming. We have no clue what gameplay is like, except this...the traditional-like gameplay with enhanced graphics.
http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_X_and_YSo yea...it's like before, only better graphics.
I think I remember something what Junichi Masuda said about Pokemon being only made FOR HANDHELD. There are certain limitations. But Ni No Kuni DS version looked way better than Pokemon Black and White and 2. I don't know, maybe it's the diverse realm of the Pokemon series...but maybe Game Freak should work with Level 5 to get some better ideas for gameplay. Also, it wouldn't be bad if they get a console version.
What do you guys think? I'm pretty much a Poke-fan myself, don't get me wrong.