Palworld: A Familiar Yet Refreshing Monster-Collecting Adventure
Hey there, fellow gamers! Have you heard about Palworld? It’s been making waves in the gaming community, with many describing it as “Pokemon with guns.” And let me tell you, that description is not far off. Just take a look at the Tokyo Game Show trailer for the game, and you’ll see Pal designs that resemble our beloved Pokemon, except they’re wielding AK’s and other weapons.
Now, the developers behind Palworld claim that they took no inspiration from Pokemon whatsoever. Instead, they cite games like Ark, Minecraft, Rimworld, Rust, Grand Theft Auto, and Dragon Quest as their influences. But here’s the thing: the game features typography and music that could easily pass for something out of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. And if you ask me, many of these Pals look suspiciously like pre-existing Pokemon.
But let’s put aside the debate about inspiration and focus on the gameplay itself. Palworld brings some exciting new ideas to the monster-collecting table that I would love to see in future Pokemon installments. As you explore the vast open archipelago of islands, you’ll encounter different biomes, over 100 Pals to collect, and plenty of crafting possibilities.
A Flawless Early Access Experience
I have to give credit where credit is due. Pocketpair, the developers of Palworld, have delivered a relatively flawless Early Access experience. And trust me, that’s not something we get to say often. Sure, there were a few minor issues like Pals ending up in strange places or occasional movement mishaps, but overall, the game runs smoothly.
One aspect I would like to see improved is the exploration of the world. While the game offers a vast open world, it can sometimes feel barren, with long stretches of uninterrupted running before encountering something new or interesting. However, I did stumble upon a Black Marketeer during my exploration, which added an exciting new mechanic to the game. I could buy and sell Pals, making the experience more engaging than simply releasing spare Pals into the wild.
Bonding with Pals and Building the Perfect Farm
Once you’ve caught some Pals and established your base, you can put them to work. They’ll help you gather resources like food, wood, and stone, enabling you to build structures and craft new gear. Each Pal has its own unique traits that determine its effectiveness in various tasks. You can even use them as fluffy shields or personal turrets, which is both hilarious and satisfying. Who wouldn’t want to turn a little penguin Pal into a cannon?
As you battle and collect Pals, you’ll unlock new recipes and crafting opportunities. The game offers a surprising number of options when it comes to crafting, allowing you to create weaponry, decorative items, and everything you need to make your base feel unique. Building and crafting with your adorable Pals is the heart of Palworld’s fun.
A Unique Take on Combat
Combat in Palworld takes a different approach compared to other monster-collecting games. Instead of turn-based battles against Gym Leaders, you’ll engage in real-time fights against Tower Bosses. These battles are timed, adding an extra layer of challenge. One of the Tower Bosses, an Electric-type Pal, gave me quite a tough time. My initial party of Pals, consisting of different types, didn’t do much damage. It reminded me of the infamous Miltank battle in Pokemon.