So I ran into this word in two different ways without realizing they were the same word. I saw it written down in various World of Darkness books (where I pronounced it phonetically), and I heard it spoken in the Laundry Files audiobooks (where they pronounce it “gesh”). It took me ages to figure out they were the same word.
Yeah. Your main combat level is on the player/companion, so it’s much easier to change up your team and try out different beasts. Individual beasts do have levels, but that’s more about when you can ‘remaster’ (i.e. evolve) them and to unlock moves (which you can swap out at will). Also, elemental type effects are so much more interesting than just a flat damage bonus, and the music is really good. So in summary, yes, I would highly recommend.