Having never played any Pokemon game, other than Pokemon Go, should I even try this game?
From the comments it looks like it would be more frustrating than fun.
It isn't a newcomer friendly pokémon game. If you have experience in rpg games and know the types table (or, alternatively, having it on screen), it's not THAT hard, but it requires some strategy. On the other hand, the first part of the game your starter is going to break it in half, if you train her. Once she evolves, she is fairy/steel, the best type combination in the game, and her first unique move, coupled with the Leftovers equipable item that you will find in your room, will carry you through the first route, even without aid from other pokemons.
I won't say not to try it, it's not THAT hard. It is unfair, with several trainers with illegal movesets in their pokemon, and other pokemon whose abilities and moves had been changed for this game (I actually don't mind that, as it means the cpu isn't playing by other rules and you eventually will have access to those mons), but not too hard. Just ignore the cheek in tongue of the developer and don't feel guilty of using the breeder trainer (located in the first two towns) to train your pokemon if you want some levels. Contrary to popular believe, doing in 5 minutes what would require 20 against wild pokemon is not being a scrub, it's wasting much less time on the tedious part and reaching the fun part (fighting trainers) much faster.