Great game. Are hidden abilities available? Can you have a ev/iv checker screen as well? One qualm that I have is that grinding is necessary since I am falling behind in levels after the first fight with darren.
Hidden abilities are available. You can obtain them from Pokemon in Hidden Grotto's, or by getting an Abilityizer from the Zhou Tournament.
I might add an Ev/Iv screen later, but for now there is an IV Checker in GrandRich City in the Pokemon Center.
I didn't have any needs to grind on my playthrough, though I also knew the best Pokemon to bring for the upcoming battle since I made the game. But either way, I don't imagine the grind would be too serious.