“Pokopia” released on March 4, bringing a new spinoff to the large catalog of Pokémon games while setting it apart in several unique ways.
A Ditto, the shape-shifting Pokémon, takes the form of its trainer and awakens in a barren world. After befriending Professor Tangrowth, the player must work with Tangrowth to revive the dystopian land.
Players build habitats, discover and befriend Pokémon, progress through an engaging narrative and more. This game works well as a simple life simulator but also as a sprawling, complex experience to pour hours into.
The Pokémon brand has never attempted a life sim, but “Pokopia” balances classic franchise staples with new additions, creating a well-knit gameplay style similar to “Animal Crossing” and “Stardew Valley.”
Meeting new Pokémon has extensive benefits, from increasing overall comfort levels to unlocking new abilities.
Squirtle teaches the player “Water Gun,” which allows them to hydrate dry soil and water crops. Bulbasaur shows Ditto “Leafage,” allowing players to use vines to grow plant life. As Ditto meets more Pokémon, the array of moves it can use expands.
Abilities not only allow for progression but also improve the overall quality of life during the playthrough. Players will learn how to swim, fly and roll as they unlock new areas and meet new Pokémon, making both travel and various achievements much easier.
If ease of gameplay isn’t motivation enough, it’s worth befriending Pokémon for the interactions alone.
Each Pokémon has a unique personality and specific needs that the player can help fulfill. Pokémon will ask Ditto to decorate their habitat, build them a home, cook them a warm meal and more — making sure the player never runs out of fun to have.
The Pokémon franchise is no stranger to spinoff games, with multiple released on the Nintendo Switch. However, “Pokopia” is the first exclusive Pokémon game released for the Nintendo Switch 2.
“Pokémon Legends: Z-A” released late last year for both Switch consoles, meaning it wasn’t exclusive to the Switch 2. However, “Pokopia” released in only one format: Nintendo Switch 2.
This has been seen as controversial, as the Switch 2 costs more than $500 and doesn’t have any drastic improvements over the original. Some changes include mouse controls, magnetic controllers and a larger screen.
As a Switch 2 exclusive, “Pokopia” requires prospective players to own the upgraded console. That investment is not worth it for some, as the console released last year and lacks many exclusive titles.
Apart from the console purchase, “Pokopia” justifies its individual purchase with a main story that takes around 30 hours to complete. Beyond the narrative, postgame abilities and unlocks expand the possibilities of building towns for Pokémon, further extending playtime.
Whether players are longtime Pokémon fans looking to see their favorites in a new light or searching for a new life sim to cozy up with, “Pokopia” blends nostalgic feelings with intuitive game design for a wide range of players.
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