And there's already a difference in the opening cutscene--the mooks who cut Lillie off during her escape are replaced by more unique weirdos with robot faces.

But now I want to know which Kanto Gym Leader signed the autograph in my room...

Oh look, a wild Yungoos! Mama said Alolan Pokemon are supposed to be friendly--look, he's even smiling at me with all his teeth!

Aww, these three other Pokemon chased him away...

(I do like how they're apparently changing up the way you get your starter Pokemon here, so it's not a complete retread of Sun/Moon.)

Yes!

They have a number of little changes.

PFFFFT

"I was scared spitless!"

Okay, that's a... nice way of putting it.

Now, which starter to choose...

(Spoiler: it's gonna be Rowlet.)

Oh, it's a girl!

I remember having to save/restart like, 20 times to get my female Litten last time...

Welp, good thing the nickname I picked out is unisex enough to work!

Pleased to meet you, Robin Hoot!

...Robin, how'd you get out of your Pokeball?

Have you been taking lessons from Nebby?

Huh, Hau's Popplio is a girl, too.

This is something the previous games did too, but I love the little attention to details like how there are different sound effects for walking on different surfaces.

And how you can hear local Pokemon cries in the background.

Even rescuing Nebby from the Spearow is different, seeing as you have a Pokemon by this point.

And Tapu Koko for the Tuxedo Mask rescue!

"Tutu"?

that Hau's name for his grandfather? I like it.

...Meowth, I know Robin Hoot is a bird, but don't try to eat her.

I should be heading back to Iki Town.

/distracted by trying to catch ALL THE POKEMANS in Route 1

Oh, a Buneary!

You're a boy, so Imma name you Bugs.

Okay, I think that's everything on that part of Route 1. Now to advance the plot!

...Right after I get something to eat.

Should I do something in particular about this Rockruff that wants to play with me?

I think this is supposed to become the Twilight Lycanroc...

Oh hey it's the robofaces from the opening cutscene

Cool, the Rotom Dex reacts when you encounter a new wild Pokemon!

Damn it teach, quit having your Litten spam Ember!