So one thing I immediately notice is that pokemon was a clear inspiration. I think this works well with the custom art and music. Overall I think when making a game so similar to another, there's going to be more criticism/comparison as a result.
pros:
-Darn it I can only imagine how you did this in rpg maker, I loved it.
-The art and music, definitely. I recognized what was from a pack, but the mon art and attack animations were genuinely wonderful (if the attacks are a pack please let me know)
-I liked that you showed their weakness, but for awhile I actually thought it was the mon's TYPE. Which was confusing.
-WALK SOUND EFFECTS??? YES
-I like that I didn't have to go to every temple, I felt it might go over the hour and was pleasantly surprised.
-I do like that abilities are tied to SP, and SP is only gained via heal or item.
-I felt the boss battles were difficult and I liked that.
cons/nitpicks:
-small tile passability issues with the bookcase/table/bookcase in the first room.
-I think it would have been nice to be able to pick the berries from any of the 3 impassible tiles, but this is a SUPER nitpick
-unsure if it's possible, but there's a stark lack of movement in the initial town, even just having the sprites sort of march in place would be nice.
-I got a gameover pretty fast vs a sworgy xD But it was still super fun so not so much a nitpick but something to note.
-I think the ember clash animation could be reversed? Unsure
-I think money could be a bit more balanced, considering the inn is free. I know it's inspired by pokemon, and that's a point I also feel is against that franchise as well.