The Pokemon franchise has spawned generations of weird and wacky titles from other developers, each trying to capitalize on the original idea while adding unique and bizarre gimmicks. While many stick to the central themes and lighthearted nature of the Pokemon franchise, one upcoming title, Palworld, will deliver something much darker. Unlike Pokemon, Palworld is a survival-adventure game and players will need to contend with hunger, temperature, and resource management to survive each day. While those elements are standard to survival games, another feature of the genre is proving especially controversial, as Palworld allows players to manufacture guns, which both the player and their Pals - Palworld's version of Pokemon - can equip. The title has been quiet for the last year, but Pokemon fans should keep an eye on June 8th, as Palworld is confirmed to appear at Summer Game Fest.
Palworld was first announced in June 2021. The title immediately proved controversial, as the idea of "Pokemon with guns" seemingly created a paradox for some longtime fans. However, the game will seemingly allow players to take on a role quite similar to Team Rocket in the Pokemon games, albeit with the inclusion of gun-based combat, which some fans have waited decades to experience. Following the initial six months after its announcement, updates on the title went quiet, making its return at next month's Summer Game Fest a must-watch for any player interested in its unique gimmicks.
Palworld Is Building Up to Its Biggest Reveal
When it was announced, Palworld seemed to many like the next in a long line of bizarre Pokemon clones that would fail to see release. Palworld's second trailer, released in January 2022, proved that the game was very much alive, sharing more details about its world, activities, and Pals. While the trailer starts on a lighter note, with the player soaring on the back of their Pal, followed by shots of gardening, cooking, and human characters feeding their companions, it quickly turned into something much darker. Pals were shown manufacturing guns in a factory, while others were strapped down on gurneys, suggesting they were soon to be victims of experimentation. Soon after, the trailer showed players combating creatures with guns and grenades.
In the Fall of 2023, Palworld announced that it will be coming to Xbox, followed by a third trailer in December. This trailer showcased the game's Pal companions while magnifying the level of violence they will employ and endure. While many of the showcased Pals are cute and adorable, the trailer sees them utilizing tanks, brandishing automatic rifles, and being used by the player as a gun. In addition, Pals are seen to prey on each other as a small penguin-like Pal, pengullet, is crushed by a dinosaur, and the sheep-like lamball is stalked by the wolf-like lovander.
Summer Game Fest May Feature Palworld's First True Demonstration
While Palworld's early trailers presented glimpses at its world and Pals, it has yet to receive an extensive gameplay showcase. With the official confirmation that Palworld will appear at Summer Game Fest 2023, the title may finally be ready for that very reveal. Very few details have been shared since Palworld's December 2022 trailer, leading fans to question whether the game would make its planned 2023 release window. It's becoming common for ambitious titles to build up hype with early trailers, then fail to deliver on expectations. By confirming an appearance at Summer Game Fest, the title proves, yet again, that it is alive and well, setting the stage for a major demonstration and potential release date reveal.
It is hard to predict what players can expect from Palworld at Summer Game Fest. However, developer Pocket Pair tweeted that it plans to deliver crucial and long-awaited information. While this could mean anything, it may indicate a full gameplay reveal. Regardless of its content, June 8th promises to be a must-watch for fans of Palworld's unique take on creature collecting.
Palworld launches in 2023 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.