I don't see the appeal either but this is sometimes what works and pushes a field forward : remixing ideas and techniques into something that feels new. Not that it's what happened with palworld since any description of this game must rely on references to other games instead of allowing it to exist on its own.

(Also I'm not talking about the creative drought and inability to create something on their own, which they showcase through their products in terms of art direction... Just that some games were considered innovative because they merged the right ideas together, this applies to other art fields too but it's too late for me to think up an example)

It's actually very close to ark with vague boss progression and automated base mechanics added. Also much easier to capture things than taming dinos, they don't die AFAIK, and you can carry 5, so basically better QOL and less bad feels overall. Nothing particularly groundbreaking but incredibly satisfying.

Oh and fast travel points make exploring very simple.