I received a copy of this game to facilitate this review.
It’s hard to believe but it’s been six years since Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out and changed everything! So many people- myself included- discovered cozy gaming for the first time and were instantly hooked. I continued to play that game every single day for several years- I still check in on my villagers on occasion! I’ve been wanting something new though and when I found out that one of my other favorite franchises of all time- Pokemon- was coming out with a game with a similar feel to it? I HAD to try it!
My family has been obsessed with Pokemon for over a decade but we’ve never experienced it quite like we can in Pokopia. All of the Pokemon can talk to you- since you’re technically a Ditto- and you can really get to know some of your favorite Pokemon. You work together to bring the land back to life, learning things like what kind of habitats certain Pokemon prefer. You bring them gifts, learn their talents, and so, so much more. I knew I would love this game, but I didn’t realize how much!
About the Game
In Pokopia, you can shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokemon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human! Use other Pokemon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you. Meet and befriend more Pokemon as you help nature flourish and experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises. Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokemon you meet, and more- there’s so much to do! Build a nice big home of your own, then invite Pokemon, and even other players via local wireless or online to visit.
My Thoughts
Animal Crossing is a tough game to follow- fans want a game that is similar and fills the void, but not so similar that it feels like we should just boot up New Horizons instead. This game fits that need so, so well. It has so many familiar features- crafting, landscaping, achievements to complete, shopping- but it has so many new features. Pokemon fill the role of the villagers and then some- instead of just a small number of inhabitants, more and more Pokemon show up all the time. There is so much more interacting with them than there is with villagers, too.
I do have prior knowledge of Pokemon, but even if you know nothing about them this is an easy game to pick up as a starting point into the world of Pokemon. Everything is clearly laid out for you and they don’t assume you already know about every single ‘mon, so this is a great game for kids and adults alike. There is a storyline for sure, but it’s guided, and there’s also a lot of flexibility in the pacing. Whether you’re the type to run through the storyline first on speed mode or you like to take your time and explore, this game is for you either way.
I still have SO much to explore in this game, but I can honestly say after having played it for several hours I have no complaints to date. This game has exceeded my expectations and then some!
Buy It: You can find Pokopia at major retailers on online at {affiliate link} Amazon. You can also download a digital copy from the Nintendo eShop! Please note that the game is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive so you will need one of those in order to play. Read my Nintendo Switch 2 Review here!
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