To add a new element to the game, but I agree it needs to be tweaked. It would be very cool if they managed to introduce some kind of risk and reward system with the mega-evolutions. I really love how Youkai Watch uses the bottom screen to perform special attacks. It's really cool, I wish Pokémon did something similar because it doesn't seem likely that Youkai Watch will ever be localized. :(

And I made a jab against Sonic games because they're the prime example of games ruined by poor gimmicks. 

It incredibly boosts the stats of a Pokemon, and maybe adds a new ability. But it limits the item of use.

Ex.

Pure Power Medicham with Choice Band > Mega Medicham.

But the Medicham with Choice Band is locked to one move.

It's an alternative that could be OP, but only if used correctly.

Agreed, they are rather gimmicky and add almost nothing to the main gameplay, some look nice though.

Is it just me, or does it look like the surfing areas have gotten smaller? No!!! I liked surfing in this game, the music was just so amazing and I actually didnt mind surfing because of it.O_o

So excited for this game!! Will most likely pick Mudkip because water pokemon>>>>>>every other type and because mega swampert is looking to become OP.

This is one of the few times were ill actually have a tough time picking which version to get because I like both legendarys basically equally!

Cant wait for the game to drop.

I guess thats how I feel too. Outside of jerking off fan favorite pokemon and ensuring these pokemon get used more than they already do, whats the point? Are mega evolutions competitive allowed? How does mega evolutions stack up against average raised pokemon(not worried about EV's and stuff like that) 

Most mega evolutions are allowed but a few (Gengar, Kagaskhan, and Blazekin) got banned this is mostly due to there abilitys that they have when in mega form. Mega pokemon also get a significant increase in there base stats so they are slighlty better then the average pokemon.

That only adds to my point. So a nice chunk of our ME's are already banned due balance issues. Theyre not competitively fair and create a Evil Ryu/Akuma situation where they functiona(doesnt mean you cant beat them)l better than others leading mass adoption of them by players. So in a game where competitive is major point... Why create something unusable?

If he is talking about Smogon banning means they are banned from lower tiers Blaziken and Mega Blaziken are still allowed in ubers tier. 

Septile looks meh. Swampert looks beast af.

Megas are one of the best additions in this game! It made lots of weak pokemon relevant in the metagame, and also create mindgames on when is the best time to mega evolve and also predicting what mega is you opponent using. It may seem something irrelevant for non-competitive play, but in competitive battles they are just one of the best things around.