i ended up here looking for a change log or something because another post had a monotype run and noticed that the steel type didn't have klink listed in chapter 1 and someone said they had to solo Venam with just a prinplup so i was seeing if that was new or something...
but anyway, I've just started a couple days ago, hit goldenwood park right before this wiki-dive down these rabbit holes. not sure what all this paragon/renegade-past/future stuff is about (i'm sure i'll learn soon) buncha cool stuff to get hype about in these dev updates though.
my thoughts: as I just started with 13.5 as my first playthrough, I thought the lab table was normal/standard. so i've no idea what the complaints about it changing were about. the Lab itself is pleasant and mostly easy to navigate. I would recommend locking the access to the ev training room or at least providing a guide for how to unlock the rooms there though.
I love the idea that East Gearen will get some more attention. its a really jam packed but lovely starting city. I did get a bit lost though.
if there is a "starter biome" method, the only thing i would like to suggest is maybe adding some other type starters for an "alternate start" fire, grass, and water is simple obviously, but for people that want to do a "type-ace" or "mono-type" run or whatever you'd call it, alternate starters are fun. I realize that's a lot of work though so I understand if that's a big ask.
in one of the update blogs, I saw a grunge/emo version of the mc, I hope that gets added as a start. I went with the green colored one cause that was the only one that looked vaguely similar to me, but i'd go with emo-fit in a heart beat.
really cool update to the maria(nette) intro btw. I found it confusing asf myself, but i imagine that's just a weird narrative choice to set the stage somewhat. maybe i'll see the updated visuals on my second playthrough.