I'm starting a new game, at Corey right now. And I have to say, the early game is amazing. What used to be boring linear corridors are now fun dungeons, I agree that Ace is a hoot to watch.
And Exp.Candies are the best invention in the world. The ability to fight grind battles with my top pokemon, and then distribute the actual exp reward to the ones that need it (without having to constantly switch back and forth) is just an amazing QOL blessing.