Okay, huge blob-o'-text, so let's break this down:
Rowlet:
If I were to pick one based on looks, I'd go with this cute little guy. I expect him to evolve into a wise old owl, and to learn Psychic type moves to whack any pesky Poison types that get in his way, like his lesser Hoothoot cousin.
Gotta love Sugimori's reference artwork, and the ability to attack using leavy feathers as a weapon is inspirational aesthetically and logically. The ability to rotate the head on a 180˚ angle up and around adds the potential for a lot of character. I just hope The Doctor keeps his eye on the battle, and is the one who chooses to follow Ash. I have high hopes for the evolutions, even with the massive Ice weakness. Don't let me down, Game Freak!
Litten:
At first impression, I was not impressed with Litten. Not. One. Bit. The black and blood red in this case, combined with the sickly, yellow, bored-I-don't-care,-meh eyes did not impress me. I feel that a lighter red or orange-red, similar to Houndoom, and almond-shaped eyes like Purrloin, would have been more aesthetically pleasing. Instead, Litten comes off as the ugly, grumpy runt of the house nobody likes, and doesn't look like he gives a shit.
The reference artwork gives her far more justice. The fire-hairball is genius, and I like how she hackles up when attacking. Hopefully, as she evolves, they'll do something with those whiskers and hackles, like similarly to Quilava and Typhlosion, who has certain places where the fire vents out. Oh, and please let it stay as a quadruped!
And then we have,
sigh, Popplio. One of the silliest, dumbest looking starters we've had since, like ever. Yeah, I understand the clown seal aesthetic, but I don't like it, and I especially don't like the big, pink nose. Seals or such sleek, hydrodynamic creatures with cute little black eyes. Instead, we have this...thing.
But I get the feeling with all the reference artwork that we might be seeing Popplio a lot come the next anime season. Hopefully, it will evolve into something cool-looking or Greninja-useful, and fast! If it sticks around like Oshawott, I might not want to continue watching the anime!
Like, as in evolving from carefree, into just plain whacky and crazy: a crazy Dark-type clown who looks like he escaped the circus with crazy eyes and a grin full of razor sharp teeth. That's the only way to save this design in my view. I mean, I only really like Mr. Mime because he's somewhat creepy (okay, so it's the color palette, but whatever!). Or be Ubers good, so I won't care how it looks, so long as it has a job and does it well. I want it to terrify enemies, and be a pleasure to use.
Now that bitter taste is in my mouth, let's move on to the legendaries.
The legendaries, OTOH, are awesome!
Finally, we have a Pokémon who is worthy of the name
Liger Zero! Then again, his bulky mane reminds me more of
Trinity Liger. Sorry Lunaala, but I guess I'll be passing on the cooler of the two colors again!
And Lunaala the Dreamcatcher is pretty cool too. Beautiful! Wish I could have them both!
And I noticed how they used part of the RSE theme in the main theme. I hope that doesn't mean Masuda is running out of ideas of how to make different versions of the main theme, and that it was intentional. As in, we are going to be visiting at least the Battle Frontier as shown in Emerald.