The Top 22 Games for Pokemon Lovers
It's challenging to come across a collection of games that checks off all the boxes that Pokemon does, but dedicated fans of the series should thoroughly enjoy these titles.
Games Like Pokemon: A Guide to Finding Similar Adventures
The Pokemon series is an absolute powerhouse in the world of gaming. It holds the title of being the best-selling video game series of all time and has captured the hearts of players around the globe. The recent additions to the franchise, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, have taken the series to new heights with their innovative open-world gameplay[^1^]. But what happens when you’ve exhausted all the content in these games? Fear not, for there are plenty of other fantastic games out there that offer similar enjoyment. Join us as we explore some of the best games like Pokemon that will keep you on your gaming adventure!
Highlights
- Pokemon Scarlet & Violet bring innovative open-world gameplay to the franchise.
- Limited post-game content may lead to boredom for some players.
- There are many great games like Pokemon, although none have reached the same level of success and longevity.
Table of Contents
- Cassette Beasts
- Bugsnax
- Coromon
- Suikoden
- Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
- Slime Rancher
- Shin Megami Tensei 5
- Ooblets
- Monster Hunter Stories
- Ark: Survival Evolved
- Monster Crown
- Digimon World: Next Order
- World Of Final Fantasy
- Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
- Jade Cocoon: Story Of The Tamamayu
- Monster Sanctuary
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy Of The Duelist: Link Evolution
- Yo-Kai Watch 3
- Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
- Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
1. Cassette Beasts
Metacritic Rating: 84 (PC)
Released in 2023 for PC, Switch, and Xbox, Cassette Beasts is one of the best Pokemon clones ever made. It offers a wealth of interesting ideas and mechanics, setting it apart from other creature-collecting titles. With 120 unique monsters and over 14,000 fusion combinations, Cassette Beasts offers an obscene amount of variety[^2^]. The visuals are charming and the innovative co-op battle system adds a new layer of excitement. If you’re looking for a more mature creature-collecting experience, Cassette Beasts should be at the top of your list.
2. Bugsnax
Metacritic Rating: 79 (PS4)
Bugsnax is a game that’s as strange as it is charming. Set on the mysterious Snaktooth Island, the game introduces players to a wide range of weird and wonderful creatures[^3^]. Beneath its whimsical art style lies a surprisingly enjoyable narrative that delves into darker themes. Originally a PlayStation 5 launch title, Bugsnax was later released on Switch and Xbox and received additional content, including new areas and creatures[^3^]. If you’re looking for a game like Pokemon with a unique twist, Bugsnax is definitely worth checking out.
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3. Coromon
Metacritic Rating: 75 (Nintendo Switch)
Don’t be fooled by its Pokemon-like appearance, Coromon offers much more than meets the eye. With a more intuitive battle system and increased control over difficulty, Coromon brings a breath of fresh air to the creature-collecting genre[^4^]. The game even incorporates a randomizer feature for players who enjoy Nuzlocke runs in Pokemon games[^4^]. Coromon embraces ideas that players want to see implemented, making it a solid choice for Pokemon fans looking for a more challenging experience.
4. Suikoden
Metacritic Rating: N/A
Although it may not feature creatures like Pokemon, the Suikoden series offers a massive cast of characters to collect and recruit throughout the games[^5^]. With over 100 potential party members in the first installment alone, Suikoden brings its own unique charm to the genre. While the tone of the series is darker, battles work in a similar turn-based style to Pokemon, making Suikoden an excellent choice for older Pokemon fans wanting a more mature experience[^5^].
5. Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
Metacritic Rating: 73 (Nintendo Switch)
Believe it or not, the Mystery Dungeon series actually predates Pokemon, and Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! is a fine example of the series’ charm[^6^]. While it doesn’t involve catching monsters like Pokemon, you can befriend creatures using the Buddy system, and they’ll fight alongside you as you explore the game’s dungeons[^6^]. If you’re a fan of the Mystery Dungeon genre or want a game that captures the spirit of Pokemon in a different way, Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! is a delightful choice.
6. Slime Rancher
Metacritic Rating: 81 (PC)
Slime Rancher may seem like a bizarre hybrid of a first-person shooter and a life sim game, but it offers a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience[^7^]. In Slime Rancher, you catch, raise, and breed slimes to earn currency and explore the game’s world[^7^]. While Slime Rancher doesn’t have as many types of slimes as Pokemon, it’s perfect for those who enjoy raising and taking care of their creatures. If you love the nurturing aspect of Pokemon, give Slime Rancher a try.
7. Shin Megami Tensei 5
Metacritic Rating: 84 (Nintendo Switch)
Fans may argue about the comparison between Shin Megami Tensei and Pokemon, but there are undeniable similarities, including the ability to catch and battle a wide array of monsters[^8^]. However, Shin Megami Tensei games offer more complex battle systems and deeper narratives, giving players a different experience from Pokemon[^8^]. If you’re a Pokemon fan looking for a game that challenges you with strategic battles and mature storytelling, Shin Megami Tensei 5 is worth exploring.
8. Ooblets
Metacritic Rating: 74 (Nintendo Switch)
Ooblets is a unique life simulation game that combines farming mechanics with creature-collecting, much like Pokemon crossed with games like Stardew Valley[^9^]. The art style is colorful and vibrant, and the animations are delightful[^9^]. While there may not be as many Ooblets to collect as there are Pokemon, the ones in the game are incredibly well-designed and offer a great amount of variety[^9^]. If you’re looking for a charming and relaxed gaming experience, Ooblets is a must-play.
9. Monster Hunter Stories
Metacritic Rating: 79 (Nintendo 3DS)
If you’re looking for a game that combines monster-catching with turn-based battles, Monster Hunter Stories is the perfect choice[^10^]. In this game, you play as a rider who steals and hatches eggs from monsters’ nests, using them to battle against other monsters[^10^]. The combat system is similar to Pokemon, but with its own unique twist. While Monster Hunter Stories hasn’t been ported to the Nintendo Switch, it can still be enjoyed on the Nintendo 3DS and mobile devices[^10^].
10. Ark: Survival Evolved
Metacritic Rating: 70 (PC)
Ark: Survival Evolved offers a different take on the creature-collecting genre, allowing players to tame and train ferocious dinosaurs to ride into battle[^11^]. While the gameplay is grittier than Pokemon and the narrative takes a backseat, the world of Ark is full of interesting stories waiting to be discovered[^11^]. The game also supports crossplay and split-screen co-op, making it a great option for multiplayer adventures[^11^]. If you’re looking for a wild and untamed creature-collecting experience, give Ark: Survival Evolved a try.
These are just a few of the many games that provide enjoyable experiences similar to Pokemon. Each brings its own unique twist to the creature-collecting genre, providing players with hours of exciting gameplay. Whether you’re a long-time Pokemon fan looking for something new or a newcomer to the genre, these games are sure to satisfy your cravings for adventure and creature companionship.
Q&A
Q: Are there any other games like Pokemon that offer open-world gameplay?
A: While Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are the first in the series to feature true open-world gameplay, there are other games, such as Cassette Beasts, that offer similar open-world experiences alongside creature-collecting mechanics.
Q: Are there any Pokemon-like games with more mature themes?
A: Yes, games like Coromon and Suikoden provide a more mature take on the creature-collecting genre, appealing to players who enjoyed Pokemon as children but are now seeking a more mature gaming experience.
Q: Can I play games like Pokemon with my friends?
A: Absolutely! Games like Ark: Survival Evolved and Monster Sanctuary offer multiplayer features, allowing you to embark on creature-collecting adventures with your friends.
Q: Are there games like Pokemon available on mobile devices?
A: Yes, games like Bugsnax, Monster Hunter Stories, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth have been ported to Android and iOS devices, providing enjoyable creature-collecting experiences on the go.
References
- Loong Game. Pokemon Go To Include New Winter Holiday Pokemon
- Qurz. Cassette Beasts: The Pokemon-Style Game With a Major Difference
- Loong Game. Bugsnax – A Strange And Wonderful Game
- Qurz. Coromon: A Pokémon-Style Game With a Flourish of Nuzlocke
- Suikoden. Suikoden Series
- Loong Game. Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
- Qurz. Slime Rancher: A Unique Take on the Creature-Collecting Genre
- Loong Game. Shin Megami Tensei 5: The Dark and Mature Pokemon Alternative
- Qurz. Ooblets: A Colorful Intersection of Farming and Creature-Collecting
- Loong Game. Monster Hunter Stories: A Different Take on Monster-Battling
- Qurz. Ark: Survival Evolved – Capture and Tame Dinosaurs
🎮 Now that you’ve discovered some incredible games like Pokemon, it’s time to embark on new adventures and collect creatures to your heart’s content! Which game caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
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