Pokemon is a truly inexorable force in the world of video games. A lot of factors have contributed to Pokemon's success; on the surface it is a rather simple concept, as many of these games are essentially just turn-based RPGs. But the real appeal of Pokemon for most fans has always been collecting and training the eponymous creatures that populate the world and partaking in battles against opponents of all kinds. It is a formula that many have tried to imitate, but very few games have managed to imitate in a way that captures the same worldwide acclaim.
The release of Pokemon Unite earlier this week, and the upcoming and highly anticipated launch of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, means that Pokemon is front and center once again. Rather than focusing on one particular Pokemon game, these are games that fans of the overall franchise will enjoy, on a variety of different platforms. These are the games Pokemon games fans should check out.
Temtem
Most of the games on this list will share similarities with the general Pokemon concept, but it could be argued that none of them resemble Pokemon as much as Temtem. Many fans of Pokemon have long dreamed of an MMO, and Temtem is essentially the closest example to such a dream. Online multiplayer is where Temtem really succeeds in making its mark, offering players the chance to battle and trade in real-time. The game is updated, too, on a regular basis.
This monster-collecting MMORPG sets players on a quest to become the world's best Temtem Tamer. They explore the islands of the Airborne Archipelago, carry out quests, and encounter a variety creatures known as Temtem who can be caught and trained. Like Pokemon, the focus of the game is ultimately about trapping, training, and competing, all in order to take on on the Archipelago's dojo trainers.
Temtem is available on Steam and Playstation 5, with the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game scheduled for release this year.
Nexomon: Extinction
Nexomon: Extinction posits its own take on the concept of catching and taming creatures, pitched as a return to classic monster catching games. Nexomon: Extinction is a turn-based RPG that imitates the best parts of Pokemon in a way that manages to feel fresh and innovative, while also familiar. One of the most appealing aspects of this game is the level of detail and diversity in its world design.
Players explore the Nexoworld where they will encounter all creatures called Nexomon which can be caught and tamed. There are over 300 Nexomon from 11 elemental types in this game which grow and evolve as the player levels up and just like Pokemon, there are Legendary Nexomon, too. The game does have its own story-driven adventure too, with the world on the brink of extinction, as Tyrant Nexomon fight for dominion.
Nexomon: Extinction is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.
Digimon Franchise
The similarities between Digimon (Digital Monsters) and Pokemon (Pocket Monsters) are obvious to anyone that has played any of the games in both franchises. There's always a strong likelihood that anybody who likes Pokemon will enjoy the world built by Digimon. While any Digimon game should appeal to Pokemon fans, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is perhaps the most similar to Pokemon-style gameplay.
Players take on the role of a skilled hacker with the ability to travel between the real world and cyberspace. Digimon creatures are from the “Digital World,” and they are more independent and free-willed than Pokemon. Like Pokemon, Digimon can evolve and grow. The real appeal of this game is its plotline and detailed story, so for fans looking for more of a "monster-training" focus, Digimon World: Next Order is another stellar option. It puts a lot more emphasis on the raising and training of Digimon than other games in the series and players are limited to just two Digimon.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation 4, and Playstation Vita.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
The newly launched Monster Hunter Stories 2 is almost more akin to Pokemon than some of Pokemon's recent titles, set in the already well-established world of the Monster Hunter franchise. Players assume the role of a novice Monster Rider who is tasked with finding unhatched monster eggs in different lairs scattered across the game's expansive world. There are over 120 possible monsters, called Monsties in the game, that players will find, raise, and train.
The game allows players to not only watch their monsters more powerful but also simultaneously offers an original and engaging story. The familiar Rock-Paper-Scissors combat style will appeal to Pokemon fans and while it might seem simple, is actually nuanced and complex. Players always fight alongside one of their monsters and an NPC with their own monster companion, and the gameplay manages to maintain a consistent level of excitement that prevents the game from falling into the same mundane routine.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 is available on Nintendo Switch and PC.
Yo-Kai Watch Franchise
While the Yo-Kai Watch games have never come close to achieving the success that Pokemon has in the west, this underrated JRPG franchise is a phenomenon that is almost on the same level as Pokemon in Japan. The Yo-Kai Watch games allow players to befriend and battle supernatural creatures known as Yo-Kai.
The third game in the series has over 600 kinds of these creatures who can be befriended and evolve as players level up. Fighting enemy Yo-Kai is the main aim of the games in this franchise there are plenty of other activities for players to partake in, with a number of varied side-quests and entertaining mini-games. Their limited availability in the west is highly disappointing, but has not deterred the dedicated fans of this series.
Yo-Kai Watch 3 is only available on Nintendo 3DS, while Yo-Kai Watch 4 is available on Nintendo Switch in Japanese.
Dragon Quest Monsters Franchise
The spinoffs to the main Dragon Quest games, Dragon Quest Monsters, are focused on training, breeding, and battling monsters. Like Yo-Kai Watch the franchise is extremely popular in Japan, and has been compared to Pokemon on many occasions. While the graphics of the older games might feel outdated to some players, they are simple but rewarding games that offers players a fulfilling experience and could be a good segue into the rest of the franchise.
The combat in Dragon Quest Monsters revolves around party-based fights, but perhaps the most interesting aspect of these games is the unique way in which the monsters are developed. These monsters have strong personalities and if they do not align with the player's battle strategies, they won't follow their commands. Things like this manage to keep the gameplay appealing throughout, and should definitely be a draw for Pokemon fans looking for something new.
Like Yo-Kai Watch, their limited availability, especially compared to the mainline Dragon Quest games, is frustrating for fans. The first few Dragon Quest Monsters games are available on Game Boy and Nintendo DS. The latest release, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2, is available in English for the Nintendo DS. An English version of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3 has not been released, but can be purchased in Japanese.
Shin Megami Tensei Franchise
It should be noted that this series is far darker and grittier than Pokemon could ever aspire to be, so if Pokemon's charming cartoon style is where the appeal lies, this franchise could be skipped. Almost all of the games in this franchise feature a monster-collecting or monster-training element, but they are built around a mature narrative with darker themes and stories involving demons, the occult, and dangerous technology.
Of all the games and franchises on this list, Shin Megami Tensei will appeal to older Pokemon fans in search of games with more mature substance, and given how old the Shin Megami Tensei franchise is — nine years older than Pokemon — there is probably a game for every kind of player in its collection.
For those in search of Pokemon-style collection mechanics, Shin Megami Tensei 3 is a good choice. It is quite distinct from some of the older games in this franchise, and its focus is on collecting and leveling up creatures with unique strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. Instead of capturing them, players must convince demons to join them by choosing the best dialogue options. These creatures, after leveling up, must then be fused together to create stronger ones.
They are all rooted in real-world mythology, and the game provides short blurbs about the significance of each demon in its original culture. Apart from SMT 4, Shin Megami Tensei 3 was remastered earlier this year and so could prove an interesting alternative choice for Pokemon fans, while the highly anticipated Shin Megami Tensei 5 is set to be launched later this year.
These games are available on multiple platforms include mobile, Nintendo DS, PC, and Playstation.