Pokémon is likely one of the most constantly profitable manufacturers within the historical past of video video games, which implies that all of its followers have greater than earned sufficient badges to broaden their online game horizons and take a look at one thing new — however not too new.

To keep away from too stunning a transition, I checked out quite a lot of video games that aren’t Pokémon, however that probably wouldn’t have been pretty much as good with out the affect of Sport Freak’s masterpiece.

10. Jade Cocoon

Let’s begin with a blast from the previous. Jade Cocoon was already displaying off attractive 3D graphics whereas the Pokémon sequence was nonetheless caught within the 2D confines of the GameBoy display screen. Even higher, on high of being a pleasant various to Pokémon, Jade Cocoon gave us a neat various to the Ultimate Fantasy sequence. Yeah, although Ultimate Fantasy VIII‘s reputation solid it into the shadow realm upon launch, Jade Cocoon had all of the makings of a bonafide ’90s RPG with the pluses of with the ability to seize monsters, do battle with them, and even merge them like a real mad scientist.

9. Ooblets

Do you like Pokémon however really feel like there’s extra Brock than Ash in you? Do you’re feeling like your more-nurturing view of the Pokémon world will get uncared for by the fighting-crazed devs? Then Ooblets could be the one for you. Whereas capturing monsters continues to be a factor right here, that may take the backseat as you are concerned about all different sides of life, comparable to gardening and farming. Ooblets is a really enjoyable recreation that additionally options some distinctive visuals. This one works not simply as a substitute for the Pokémon sequence, however to some other life simulator on the market — sure, maybe even Stardew Valley.

8. World Of Ultimate Fantasy Maxima

One of many largest issues I’ve had with Pokémon for the previous many years is the monster designs. World Of Ultimate Fantasy Maxima solves that by that includes a pristine roster of a few of Ultimate Fantasy’s hottest monsters in chibi format. Whereas this isn’t a 1:1 alternative for Pokémon—removed from it, even, because it includes a bunch of very unique and bonkers fight mechanics—it’s another you must undoubtedly give an opportunity.

7. Shin Megami Tensei V

Are you searching for a extra mature various to Pokémon that also includes having monsters preventing one another out, however doesn’t function Palworld’s human-on-monster cruelty? Then SMTV could be the sport for you.

Very similar to Jade Cocoon, SMTV additionally doubles as a story-centric RPG, with the primary distinction being that SMTV is a significantly better recreation. SMTV is certainly a really pure subsequent step for anybody who occurred to be a fan of each Pokémon and Ultimate Fantasy as a child.

6. Ark: Survival Developed

Uninterested in the anime look of the Pokémon sequence of video games and of the video games that adopted of their footsteps? Then it’s time to America-it-up with Ark. It mixes MMO gameplay, survival components, dinosaurs, dinosaur controlling mechanics, GUNS, and all kinds of popcorn sci-fi shenanigans you really liked as a child. Ark is totally bonkers, however it’s one hell of a time for anybody searching for a recreation that by no means stops bringing within the enjoyable.

5. Bugsnax

Bugsnax was an enormous thriller till the very day it lastly got here out, and I’m assuming that could be on account of how simply how laborious it could possibly be to categorize. Whereas it’s removed from a Pokémon clone, it’s nonetheless a recreation the place you need to use your wits to seize these unfamiliar beings which are bug and foodstuff hybrids — should you’re not already an illuminated bug eater, that’s. Bugsnax is enjoyable, makes nice use of physics, and, most of all, is hilarious. Get this one should you’re searching for laughter that doesn’t come on the expense of Pokémon-like creatures.

4. Palworld

You knew this one was coming. Regardless of its questionable use of violence and compelled Pal labor — or maybe due to it, you monsters — Palworld grew to become one of many largest video games of 2023. If something, you can’t deny that Palworld is a fairly brave tackle the style.

“Pokémon with weapons” appeared like a totally ridiculous idea for some time — to the purpose that the devs at Pocket Pair needed to reassure followers that Palworld was not a rip-off — however Palworld is simply an excessive amount of enjoyable. Additionally, it seems to be cute to the purpose that you just neglect all of the atrocities going down!

3. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Full Version

Cyber Sleuth is one other nice decide for individuals who vibe with Palworld’s deviation from the cutesy norm. Cyber Sleuth doesn’t have gamers committing Poké or Digi-crime, however it’s a a lot darker recreation than what most gamers would anticipate from the already darker Digimon universe.

Because the title suggests, Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth is much less about getting monsters to battle it out, and extra about appearing as a detective in Digimon-related mysteries, and belief me once I say they do get darkish typically. Backside line, it’s nice to see Digimon, a sequence that clearly exists simply due to the success of Pokémon, creating one thing really unique — sure, even should you depend Detective Pikachu.

2. Temtem

Earlier than the arrival of the smashing success that’s Palworld, Temtem was seen by many as the very best unofficial Pokémon recreation on the market. Temtem has attractive visuals, creature designs that I’m sorry to say are often higher than most of what we’ve seen prior to now 4 generations of Pokémon, and it simply feels very comfortable to play. Additionally, it’s an MMO. When are we getting a Pokémon MMO?!

1. Cassette Beasts

Most video games on this record attempt to at the very least distance themselves from the Pokémon system in a method or one other, however Cassette Beasts goes head-on and tries to enhance upon it instantly. The very best half? It succeeds for essentially the most half.

There are numerous issues to like right here, like co-op gameplay, however the ace within the gap for Cassette Beasts’ is the fusion mechanics. Don’t just like the creatures that you’ve got? Nicely, no downside as you get to mix them to create over ten thousand completely different beasts, which is far more than you’ll discover in any recreation of this sort.