At the same time, though, the implication of that statement ("It still feels like a Pokemon game, but (positives)) is that "feel[ing] like a Pokemon game" is a bad thing unto itself, which is balanced out by the improvements.

Here's the exact quote where the reviewer says it still feels like a Pokemon game.

"It still feels like a Pokémon game, but the ease of player control, the updated art direction, 3D graphics, and the scaling of the world make everything more inviting, attractive, and fun."

Now, what does that sound like to you? Personally, I think it's more of praise, that they're saying that despite all these new features, the game still feels like Pokemon games of the past.

And one last thing, here's what the reviewer said in the Entertainment section of the overall part

"I haven’t had this much fun with a Pokémon game since I explored the Johto region in Pokémon Gold and Silver."