Continue The Journey Through Other Games
Despite the mixed views some may have with the franchise, Pokémon has been a dominant franchise in the gaming world since the release of the Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green titles. With its iconic mascot Pikachu, colorful trainers, and engaging world, the franchise won’t be dying down anytime soon. If you’ve finished playing a few Pokémon games and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 8 picks. Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with. So without further ado, we present 8 games to check out when you’ve finished playing Pokémon.
Temtem
Despite Pokémon being a dominant franchise in the monster taming genre, other video game studios have released titles of the same regard. Despite Temtem being in early access, some fans adore it for its original world, distinct gameplay features, and intriguing monster designs. However, Pokémon fans must realize that the title’s still in development and doesn’t represent Temtem’s developer’s true vision. Despite being unfinished, Temtem’s early access content and the developer’s close ties with the fans regarding feedback have made it a monster taming game with potential. Like Pokemon, the story for Temtem isn’t very complex or ground-breaking. Essentially, players will create a Temtem tamer character and explore the Airborne Archipelago’s six islands. Along the way, players meet Clan Belsoto, the evil team of this game that aims to take over the Archipelago. Alongside Clan Belsato, players must defeat the eight Dojo leaders to become the ultimate Temtem tamer. While narratively similar, Temtem plays more like an MMO, unlike Pokémon. Essentially, you can play along with a companion while traversing through the game’s storyline and battle/trade Temtems with them. Unlike Pokémon, players can purchase an entire house and decorate it to their liking, thus adding a new layer of uniqueness. As for future content, Temtem’s developers plan to introduce ranked matches, a nuzlocke mode, and in-game tournaments for players who enjoy competitive and hardcore game modes. Despite Temtem not being on an equal footing with the Pokémon franchise, it offers content many want in current Pokémon games. If you want a challenging yet fresh monster taming game that offers an MMO experience, be sure to look into Temtem’s early access and the studio’s eventual release of the final product.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
Digimon and Pokémon have been rival franchises since both were incepted. Yet Pokémon ended up triumphing over Digimon because of its competitive gameplay and branding. But that’s not to say Digimon didn’t produce stellar anime, merchandise, and video games. While The Pokémon Company kept their mainline titles on the Nintendo 3DS, Media Vision aimed to push the monster taming genre to a high graphical level with Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth takes place in modern Tokyo and a digital world called Eden, where people can interact with others. Players take control of a half-digital character whose goal is to retrieve his body back in the real world. However, the character must undergo many missions concerning Digimon and the real world. Like newer mainline Pokémon games, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth has stunning cutscenes and engaging turn-based battles. The game also offers online competitive play and a mode that resembles Pokémon’s breeding mechanics. It’s a game that offers a long, engaging campaign, astonishing visuals, and a killer soundtrack.
Shin Megami Tensei V
While the fandom is somewhat niche to Pokémon, Shin Megami Tensei V offers an exhilarating gameplay experience. The Shin Megami Tensei franchise is challenging, and most titles feature a complex, well-written narrative. However, most games in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise are rated M. This is due to the games tackling mature and dark themes. The monsters the players tame are deemed demons and are marketed as such. On that note, Shin Megami Tensei V is a game for monster tamer fans who seek a challenge. Shin Megami Tensei V follows a Tokyo high school student whose amid a post-apocalyptic event and a war between demons and the gods. By taming demon comrades to his side and with the fusion powers he later obtains, the student (the player’s character) aims to save them and his world from total annihilation. The game’s storyline is worth experiencing than being told. The themes told throughout the game touch upon philosophy and reflection. Some of the characters players meet along the way also have this double-sided personality about them upon first impression. The gameplay, while different in some respects to Pokémon, will offer players a similar yet unique take on the turn-based battle formula. If you’re looking for a difficult game with an engaging storyline, play Shin Megami Tensei V.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
While its fandom isn’t as large as Pokémon, Monster Hunter’s time in the spotlight has arrived. Thanks to Monster Hunter World, the game’s gained a larger fandom. Who wouldn’t want to hunt large kaiju-like monsters with different weapons? Although the mainline Monster Hunter franchise differs from Pokémon, the franchise has spawned a spin-off series that aims to capture that audience’s attention. The spin-off is Monster Hunter Stories, with its latest title Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, attracting more monster tamer fans. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a monster-taming turn-based JRPG game where the players control a young hunter whose destiny lies with monster taming and riding. Although players must tame many familiar monsters (Monsties) that debuted in the mainline series, the series delves into a deeper plot involving betrayal, selfishness, and family values. The turn-based structure is mildly the same between the two games. However, in the Monster Hunter Stories franchise, the player’s character can attack the Monsties in battle. As well as capturing the core aspect of the mainline series, it also helps differentiate it from Pokémon. Furthermore, the games look beautiful on a screen and are open enough to give players a feeling of exploration. If you’re looking for a game with high graphical fidelity and turn-based gameplay, purchase any of the Monster Hunter Stories games.
Nexomon
As with any idea that becomes successful, there will be individuals who’d wish to innovate on that prosperous concept. Nexomon may sound like a Pokémon clone, based on naming alone, but it offers monster taming fans a slightly different experience. While the battle system is identical to Pokémon, Nexomon feels more expansive in comparison. The characters in the world are also life-like, with differing personalities that help them stand out from others in the game. The creature designs are also stunning. They emulate the same magical energy many expect from the Pokémon franchise. Nexomon’s story revolves around a player character who’s about to embark on their Nexomon taming journey. They’ll encounter over 300 Nexomon, fellow rival tamers, and an evil squadron aiming to take over the world. Like Pokémon, it’s up to you to stop this team’s villainy and become the best Nexomon tamer in the game. It’s a game that plays like Pokémon but promises to give players an intriguing tale and characters to adore. If you’re looking for a game that’s close to Pokémon but has merits that help it stand out, consider buying this game.
Monster Sanctuary
What if you implemented elements of 2D Metroid and Castlevania into Pokémon? You’ll then get a product like Monster Sanctuary, a game that excellently tackles both genres with its stellar gameplay, secret areas, and interconnected map. Although Monster Sanctuary’s Metroidvania inspiration far outshines its utilization of Pokémon’s core style, the game allows you to catch, train, and breed 101 unique monsters. The game also allows you to fly, ride, or bash your way at enemies or engage them in a somewhat familiar battle system. Monster Sanctuary starts players off with the decision of choosing their starter monster. In contrast to Pokémon, this starter monster is integral to the game’s story, as they serve as a guide on your journey. Players encounter rival-like individuals who’ll challenge them but must defeat the game’s champion monsters to complete their journey. It’s a game with a simple story that’s a bit outshined by its compelling gameplay and visuals. If you’ve wanted a Metroidvania-styled Pokémon, Monster Sanctuary should suffice.
Yo-kai Watch
The Yo-kai Watch franchise was viewed as a non-worthy competitor to the Pokémon brand when it released its first game during Summer 2013. In time, Yo-Kai Watch gained a following, and many individuals enjoyed its different spin on monster taming games. For instance, all of Yo-Kai Watch’s monsters appear bizarre, and the story is full of mystery from the get-go. The Yo-Kai in the game will appear in many locations, whether in dungeons or a trash can. However, its premise and setting set it apart from Pokemon. Yo-Kai Watch follows the player’s character (male or female), who must resolve the issues surrounding each area’s NPCs and Yo-Kai. To help them complete the task, the player meets a goofy ghost Yo-Kai named Whisper, whose more than happy to assist in thwarting other Yo-Kai’s heinous acts. Yo-Kai Watch also deviates itself from Pokémon by taking place in a town called Springdale, serving as the game’s location. However, Springdale’s not as close as many might expect as it has many shopping districts and middle to higher-class neighborhoods. As for the gameplay, the franchise follows the traditional turn-based battle system but has twists that fans should discover for themselves.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
Often deemed the grandfather of RPGs, Dragon Quest set the stage for many exciting and ground-breaking games within the genre. Without Dragon Quest, many franchises possibly wouldn’t have existed. Like Pokémon, Dragon Quest has dipped its toes into different endeavours in the past, including the monster taming gaming field with Dragon Quest Monsters. Dragon Quest Monsters (Dragon Warrior Monsters in the west) started as a Gameboy Color title that follows the player’s character who traverses his world alongside their monster companions. These companions are the monsters players would fight in the mainline series. It eventually made its way to the Nintendo DS with the release of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker. This game is the fourth instalment in this spin-off series, but it’s also the first one to occur in 3D. It follows the player’s character, whose goal is to become the most-famous monster “scout” in his world. Along the way, they encounter ruthless pirates and mysterious rivals that’ll challenge them. While it shares the same battling format as Pokémon, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker offers experiences Pokémon hadn’t done at the time. For instance, Dragon Quest Monsters had no random encounters, and players could spot monsters wandering around the game’s different locations. Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker was ahead of its time. Therefore, Pokémon fans who are excited for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet should find the time to play Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and its previous entries. So there we have it, our 8 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Pokémon on Nintendo’s various systems. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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