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 >>/150443/
I liked that booba chick...
Well, Digimon World 3 (2003), is kinda closer to the story games. 
Closer to pokémon too
> level up through combat
> unlock digivolutions and can digivolve and de-digivolve as you see fit
> fight rivals
> fight gym leaders
> fight against a terrorist organisation
> lots of exploring
No "mistreatments" required, toilet breaks, feeding time or digimon who dies after a certain amount of months or years.