The abundance of Pokemon-esque games probably won't surprise most gamers, given the success of their charming, addictive formula. These spin-offs and clones have somewhat taken on a life of their own lately, comprising dozens of titles that range greatly in style and quality.

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Just like seeking out and securing the best monsters, finding the best gaming options in this area isn't always an easy venture. It can be tricky to find that balance when it comes to titles that successfully capture that Pokemon feel while being distinct enough to stay interesting. The titles below come pretty darn close to that goal.

10 Pocket Mortys

Pocket Mortys

This game, based on the zany sci-fi comedy Rick and Morty, can be described as a clone in the literal sense. It stands as a direct parody of the series in its early days. As a free-to-play mobile game with a goofy bent, one shouldn't expect a ton of depth with Pocket Mortys. The enjoyment factor tends to come more from show in-jokes and homages to the Game Boy classics.

Still, retro Pokemon buffs should get a kick out of this amusing mobile RPG and its array of Morty foes, especially fans of Harmon and Roiland's cartoon. The experience is meant as more of a joke, and for that at least, it succeeds.

9 Yo-kai Watch 3

Yo-Kai Watch 3

Not to be outdone by the slew of Pokemon games on 3DS, Level-5 impresses with this third iteration of the charming Yo-kai Watch series. Like the phenomenon in question, this franchise exists as a joint effort of RPGs and toys, which eventually spawned an anime and manga adaptations too.

Like previous series entries, this adventure uses much of the same formula as Pokemon, especially its vibrant cartoon visuals and rewarding progression. At the same time, Yo-kai Watch 3 thrives with its deep, grid-based battles which allow for quick monster swaps. This journey also takes a somewhat deeper approach when it comes to its narrative and cutscenes. It also incorporates inventive use of the 3DS' touch screen.

8 Monster Sanctuary

Monster Sanctuary

This title resembles a blend of the monster-taming Pokemon and the pixelated Metroidvania that is Terraria. Like Re-Logic's hit, Monster Sanctuary proves deceptively epic despite its simple, colorful visuals, taking close to thirty hours just to finish the core journey.

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As the ancestor of a proud Monster Keeping family, players are tasked with venturing out into the vast 2D wilderness. They must gather a crew of monsters to grow and train, three of which can be taken to battle at once. With ample exploration, customization, and goodies to unearth, it's easy to get lost in this delightful twist on the Pokemon formula. Players can enjoy the game on Steam, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.

7 Spectrobes

Spectrobes split screen of battlefield and party enemy stats

Putting more of a sci-fi twist on Pokemon, this game from studio Jupiter and Disney Interactive remains somewhat overlooked amidst a slew of major RPGs on the DS. There's much to appreciate about this ARPG, from its sleek Pixar-like cutscenes to the cool monster designs and ample depth.

The game uses a more methodical, archaeological angle to catch monsters rather than tossing a ball at targets. Players literally unearth beasts by digging up fossils. The power and efficiency of these creatures will depend on how clean and precise the player is in chiseling fossils. The combat is a bit shallow; however, the real-time action and 3D movement make the experience more exciting and interactive than static turn-based fights.

6 World Of Final Fantasy

World of Final Fantasy Ultima Weapon battle

It's perhaps fitting that the studio behind one of the biggest JRPGs has dabbled in the formula of another franchise. Though the track record of Final Fantasy spinoffs is mixed at best, this 2016 romp shows that unique spins on the franchise can shine when done right.

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Players assume the roles of Lann and Reynn. They harness the power to control hundreds of Mirages, the game's version of Pokemon. Along with its cute, lighthearted tone and deep campaign, the game stands out with its unique system of Mirage stacking. This fuses abilities and grants boosts at the expense of the number of turns taken in fights. World of Final Fantasy proves a delightful RPG for all ages.

5 Monster Hunter Stories

Monster Hunter Stories riding dino on path in field

The DS line is no stranger to solid Pokemon clones, as this 2017 Monster Hunter spinoff reinforces. Rather than squaring off against monsters alone, players assume the role of a Rider. They must befriend various creatures by hatching them and using them to fight others. The game departs further from Capcom's popular series by utilizing turn-based battles and a vastly more colorful art style.

Though not the massive epic of the mainline series, Stories is still sizable at 36 hours, enticing fans with addictive gameplay. There's much to explore, collect, and upgrade. Addutionally, the combat proves fun with its rock-paper-scissors concept, which is both accessible and deep. Add this to some fun PvP bouts, and the result is one of the 3DS' best RPGs.

4 Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2

Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2

Like many other big names in JPRGs, the famed Dragon Quest series has also seen its share of Pokemon-style romps. These date back to its appealing debut on GBC, when Enix was flying solo. Since then, the series has evolved, culminating with this rich DS adventure from 2011.

The game balances monster training with a traditional JRPG style, even tapping into its lineup of monsters from the mainline games. As a sequel, Joker 2 thrives on its system of monster synthesis, allowing players to fuse creatures to birth more powerful breeds. It builds upon its predecessor with new locales, more creatures, and wi-fi support that allows for eight players to connect.

3 Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth

Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth

Providing a fun Pokemon alternative for Switch, Windows, and PS4 players, Digimon Story reminds players that this major competitor to the franchise remains popular for a reason. The 2015 RPG from Media.Vision long stood as arguably the biggest, most cinematic Pokemon-style game, at least until Sword & Shield.

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But many still stand by this overlooked gem. It offers a robust campaign with ample depth, and neat monsters to boot. Cyber Sleuth hits players with fun, flashy battles, loads of customization, and a charming anime art style that scarcely holds back as players venture through cyberspace.

2 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

Ni No Kuni Wrath Of The White Witch Remastered ps4

Level-5 is quite practiced in the art of Pokemon-like games, as this gem from 2011 colorfully illustrates. With a charming presentation, lovely soundtrack, wholesome story, and intuitive combat, it's easy to get immersed in this satisfying RPG.

The influence of famed Japanese animators at Studio Ghibli, who produced the animated sequences, create a cinematically rich journey. It also has the gripping gameplay to back it up, especially the battle system, which thrives on fun real-time action in a 3D space a la Tales.

1 Dragon Warrior Monsters

Dragon Warrior Monsters

Those willing to deal with a somewhat crude, archaic presentation may find the best alternative to Pokemon yet. Even after two decades, Dragon Warrior Monsters quietly shines despite being restricted to Game Boy Color. Its addictive gameplay and awesome monsters keep fans hooked.

Players will get lost in this pixelated epic as they teleport to colorful lands, seeking out monsters to defeat and recruit. It offers immensely cool fighting with some of the crazy, imaginative monsters in the game's world. Creatures range from cacti to dragons to even bosses from mainline DQ games. Taking center stage is the then-new concept of breeding monsters, which yields new, more powerful creatures to kick some tail.

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