Fans of The Witcher 3 and Pokemon GO can get the best of both worlds in The Witcher: Monster Slayer. Unlike the AR-based monster catcher, Monster Slayer allows players to become Witchers, themselves. Just like Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, players of Monster Slayer can now take on contracts and eliminate monsters at the comfort of their own phones.
While both Monster Slayer and Pokemon GO utilize AR, both games approach their mechanics extremely differently. For newcomers to both mobile titles, would Pokemon GO's more portable Trainer experience trump Monster Slayer's creature-hunting gameplay?
8 Story: Pokemon GO Sets Players Free On The Get Go
Unlike other Pokemon games that need players to get Gym Badges to access endgame elements, Pokemon GO sets players free upfront. The game just gives players a tutorial on how to catch their Starter in the comfort of their home, and after that, they're all set.
There's no awkward Rival waiting to fight every now and then. And, so far, there's no sinister plot of multiple teams to conquer the world. Aside from the occasional interference from Team Rocket, players are free to train and play with their Pokemon as they wish. After the short tutorial, players can leisurely catch Pokemon in their free time, or actively participate in PVP and Raids.
7 Story: The Witcher Brings The Iconic Brutal Premise
Unlike other fantasy titles, The Witcher remains iconic for its more brutal and visceral take on the genre. As a Witcher, Geralt uses augmentations, magic, and swordsmanship to eliminate monsters left and right. Combined with an interesting narrative, The Witcher remains a recognizable title for fans.
While Geralt isn't in Monster Slayer, the game's events take place a few hundred years before the main story. Players take the role of a new Witcher, with the need to take on quests and interact with various individuals to progress through a rudimentary story.
Verdict: The Witcher: Monster Slayer
Contrary to just Pokemon GO "just being in the Pokemon universe," Monster Slayer tries to involve players in a central narrative. For players who want an ARG where their actions can affect the gameplay world at large, then Monster Slayer is definitely the game to play. Despite the limitations in terms of narrative options, Monster Slayer definitely offers a somewhat more solid story compared to Pokemon GO.
6 Core Mechanic: The Witcher Brings In The Pain
As expected of a The Witcher title, Monster Player tasks players to eliminate monsters around their areas. Players don't get the same action-packed and mobile fights from the original games, though. At its core, combat in Monster Slayer involves players preparing their weapons, augmenting damage through items, and slaying foes by slashing the screen or drawing signs.
Thankfully, the combat's straightforward and repetitive nature fits the game's equally challenging battles. Players have a vast bestiary of foes to eliminate, each with their own strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. And since foes flock areas across all directions, this adds a lot of variety to a somewhat straightforward mechanic.
5 Core Mechanic: It's Pokemon, But in AR
Perhaps the largest appeal of Pokemon GO lies in its rather straightforward core mechanic. Players simply need to catch Pokemon, and after that, it's a free game. They can trade Pokemon, fight with them until they evolve, or grow them enough to have them defend local Gyms and fight in Raids.
Pokemon GO follows the same gameplay mechanics as the original Pokemon games. In fact, the ARG enhances it with unique tower defense mechanics for Gyms and cooperative team fights in Raids. Given familiarity with the original series, this ARG isn't as difficult to grab and get acquainted with.
Verdict: Pokemon GO Retains The Franchise Appeal
Compared to The Witcher, Pokemon GO certainly offers a more engaging core mechanic. Instead of just endlessly slaying monsters left and right, Pokemon GO retains core franchise features that fit perfectly in its desired gameplay. Why, Pokemon GO is precisely what fans could expect for a Pokemon title for fans who want to catch, train, and trade Pokemon in an ARG format.
4 Gameplay Loop: The Witcher Takes Exploration To The Next Level
Given its nature as an ARG, it's natural for Monster Slayer to need players to explore their surroundings to complete missions. Monsters pop up around the map for players to fight and explore. In addition, players do need to take time to travel to locations to accomplish linked quests.
Unfortunately for players, Monster Slayer got released at a time where lockdowns discourage players from moving around. This will hurt overall immersion since a lot of Monster Slayer missions do need people to explore their surroundings to get to NPCs, secure items, and even discover secret places.
3 Gameplay Loop: Pokemon GO Is As Relaxed As It Gets
Pokemon fans looking for an extremely casual game to open at their own leisure can rely on Pokemon GO to provide a seamless experience. Those dedicated to the game can have fun defending their Gyms or trying to take over Gyms they pass on the way to work or a new location. Thanks to weather conditions and environmental effects, new Pokemon can pop up depending on the locale. This effectively incentivizes exploration for both active and casual players.
Likewise, the game doesn't punish casual players either. Those only in the mood to pet their Pokemon or catch creatures nearby are free to do so without having to become competitive. This flexibility allows Pokemon GO to cater to different kinds of audiences without compromising gameplay.
Verdict: Pokemon GO Has More Seamless Gameplay
Pokemon GO certainly has the advantage of having an inherently "chill" IP. Granted, it places a huge emphasis on combat and exploration. However, the game doesn't penalize players for not engaging with that core mechanic. Players who have routines can go to the same PokeStop and encounter different creatures every so often. And the thrill of meeting new Pokemon and fighting in Gyms during new trips definitely adds a natural spice to anyone's casual Pokemon GO experience.
2 Cash Shop Options: The Witcher Relies On The Grind
As though reflecting the brutal and unfriendly world of The Witcher, players have to painstakingly grind for things they want in the game. Gold, the game's primary currency, is scarce with Quests barely rewarding them. This, on top of an intricate Crafting system, can certainly tempt players to want to purchase in the cash shop. These include special items and even powerful weapons.
Sadly, exiting the grind via the cash shop can give a sour taste to the player's mouth. After all, while it's understandable for players to have to acquire items manually as Witchers, the need to "escape" the grind through the cash shop seems unfair. Given the game's infancy, the cash shop system is sure to see changes. Regardless, the seemingly blatant temptation to use the cash shop on the onset might not leave great impressions on Monster Slayer.
1 Cash Shop Options: Pokemon GO Provides Most Resources Anyway
As with any mobile game, Pokemon GO has a cash shop that gives players access to valuable resources to make their lives much easier. However, the game doesn't offer players a lot of reasons to even rely on the shop in the first place. This is because the game already provides players with the most resources they need.
Granted, resource generation in Pokemon GO needs players to explore and get to PokeStops multiple times a day to restock. However, the sheer number of PokeStops in areas and the many items they offer can make the journey worthwhile even for players who don't grind as much.
Verdict: Pokemon GO Remains Largely F2P
Despite both titles being free games, Pokemon GO remains the friendlier title in terms of cash shop options. It's not as demanding for players to hop in the shop and buy various accessories such as bait and Pokeballs when they run out. Thanks to PokeStops and numerous events, players will almost always have an abundance of resources.