Pokémonis one of the most consistently successful brands in the history of video games, which means that all of its fans have more than earned enough badges to broaden their video game horizons and try something new — but nottoo new.
To avoid too shocking a transition, I looked at a lot of games that are notPokémon, but that likely would not have been as good without the influence of Game Freak’s masterpiece.
10. Jade Cocoon
Let’s start with a blast from the past.Jade Cocoonwas already showing offgorgeous3D graphics while thePokémonseries was still stuck in the 2D confines of the GameBoy screen. Even better, on top of being a nice alternative toPokémon, Jade Cocoongave us a neat alternative to theFinal Fantasyseries. Yeah, even thoughFinal Fantasy VIII‘s popularity cast it into the shadow realm upon release,Jade Cocoonhad all the makings of a bonafide ’90s RPG with the pluses of being able to capture monsters, do battle with them, and even merge them like a true mad scientist.
9. Ooblets
Do you lovePokémonbut feel like there’s more Brock than Ash in you? Do you feel like your more-nurturing view of thePokémonworld gets neglected by the fighting-crazed devs? ThenOobletsmight be the one for you. While capturing monsters is still a thing here, that can take the backseat as you worry about all other facets of life, such as gardening and farming.Oobletsis a very relaxing game that also features some unique visuals. This one works not just as an alternative to thePokémonseries, but to any other life simulator out there — yes, perhaps evenStardew Valley.
8. World Of Final Fantasy Maxima
One of the biggest problems I have had withPokémonfor the pastmanyyears is the monster designs.World OfFinal Fantasy Maximasolves that by featuring a pristine roster of some ofFinal Fantasy’smost popular monsters in chibi format. While this is not a 1:1 replacement forPokémon—far from it, even, as it features a bunch of very original and bonkers combat mechanics—it’s an alternative you should definitely give a chance.
7. Shin Megami Tensei V
Are you looking for a more mature alternative toPokémonthat still involves having monsters fighting each other out, but doesn’t featurePalworld’shuman-on-monster cruelty? ThenSMTVmight be the game for you.
Much likeJade Cocoon,SMTValso doubles as a story-centric RPG, with the main difference being thatSMTVis a much better game.SMTVis definitely a very natural next step for anyone who happened to be a fan of bothPokémonandFinal Fantasyas a kid.
6. Ark: Survival Evolved
Tired of the anime look of thePokémonseries of games and of the games that followed in their footsteps? Then it’s time to America-it-up withArk. It mixes MMO gameplay, survival elements, dinosaurs, dinosaur controlling mechanics, GUNS, and all sorts of popcorn sci-fi shenanigans you loved as a kid.Arkis absolutely bonkers, but it’s one hell of a time for anyone looking for a game that never stops bringing in the fun.
5. Bugsnax
Bugsnaxwas a huge mystery until the very day it finally came out, and I’m assuming that might be due to how just how hard it could be to categorize. While it’s far from aPokémonclone, it’s still a game where you have to use your wits to capture these strange creatures that are bug and foodstuff hybrids — if you’re not already an illuminated bug eater, that is.Bugsnaxis fun, makes great use of physics, and, most of all, is hilarious. Get this one if you’re looking for laughter that doesn’t come at the expense ofPokémon-like creatures.
4. Palworld
You knew this one was coming. Despite its questionable use of violence and forced Pal labor — or perhaps because of it, you monsters —Palworldbecame one of the biggest games of 2023. If anything, you cannot deny thatPalworldis a pretty courageous take on the genre.
“Pokémonwith guns” sounded like a completely ridiculous concept for a while — to the point that the devs at Pocket Pair had to reassure fans thatPalworldwas not a scam — butPalworldis just too much fun. Also, it looks cute to the point that you forget all the atrocities taking place!
3. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition
Cyber Sleuthis another great pick for those who vibe withPalworld’s deviation from the cutesy norm.Cyber Sleuthdoesn’t have players committingPokéorDigi-crime, but it’s a much darker game than what most players would expect from the already darkerDigimonuniverse.
As the title suggests, Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth is less about getting monsters to battle it out, and more about acting as a detective in Digimon-related mysteries, and trust me when I say they do getdarksometimes. Bottom line, it’s great to seeDigimon, a series that clearly exists just because of the success ofPokémon, creating something truly original — yes, even if you countDetective Pikachu.
2. Temtem
Before the arrival of the smashing success that isPalworld,Temtemwas seen by many as the best unofficialPokémongame out there.Temtemhas gorgeous visuals, creature designs that I’m sorry to say are usually better than most of what we’ve seen in the past 4 generations ofPokémon,and it just feels very comfy to play. Also, it’s an MMO. When are we getting aPokémonMMO?!
1. Cassette Beasts
Most games on this list attempt to at least distance themselves from thePokémonformula in one way or another, butCassette Beastsgoes head-on and tries to improve upon it directly. The best part? It succeeds for the most part.
There are many things to love here, like co-op gameplay, but the ace in the hole forCassette Beasts’is the fusion mechanics. Don’t like the creatures that you have? Well, no problem as you get to combine them to create over ten thousand different beasts, which is way more than you’ll find in any game of this kind.
