The 30th anniversary of is prompting a look ahead at the franchise’s future, but it’s a different title starring Pikachu and company that’s generating significant buzz. , will see the release of Pokémon Pokopia, a game drawing clear inspiration from the massively popular Minecraft, and promising a blend of concepts that could elevate it beyond a simple spin-off.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Nintendo’s European headquarters in Frankfurt to preview several upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles. Among them was this collaboration between Game Freak and Omega Force.
Restoration, Construction, and Environmental Care: The Core Gameplay
The premise of Pokémon Pokopia marks a significant departure from the typical adventure the series is known for. Players take on the role of Ditto, the shape-shifting Pokémon from the first generation, with the objective of revitalizing a desolate wasteland while ensuring the well-being of the creatures that inhabit it.
Upon starting the game, players first create their own avatar through a character editor reminiscent of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. In fact, the game’s menus share a striking similarity with Nintendo’s social simulation, a connection stemming from the shared gameplay dynamics of restoration, construction, and environmental care.
Similarities and Differences with ‘Minecraft’
As mentioned, Minecraft is a major inspiration for Pokémon Pokopia, and not just in terms of its blocky, cubic environments. The similarities extend to the collection of resources for building structures, the way the environment responds to player actions – such as the physics of water – the relaxed pace of gameplay, and, of course, the creative freedom it offers.
Another notable parallel to Minecraft is the persistent online world. Player-customized islands will be stored on online servers, allowing others to access them even when the host isn’t online. This feature will enable collaborative world-building and evolution among multiple players.
The similarities to Minecraft are evident, but there are also key differences. One significant distinction lies in the day-night cycle. In Pokémon Pokopia, it’s synchronized with real-world time – similar to Animal Crossing – while in Minecraft, it progresses internally. Another difference is the level of guidance provided to the player. While Minecraft is known for its somewhat cryptic entry point, this spin-off offers a more guided experience with numerous tutorials.
One of the most intriguing mechanics in the game is the way new Pokémon are attracted. Rather than capturing them, players must create an environment that appeals to the specific creature. This involves combining different terrain types with specific objects. For example, Bulbasaur will be drawn to an area of tall grass arranged in a particular shape, while Hitmonchan requires a bench with a punching bag.
Notably, the Pokémon showcased in the preview build primarily hailed from the first generation, celebrating its 30th anniversary, adding a strong element of nostalgia.
The freedom to choose how to spend time is a virtue of this type of game. This was clear when comparing the playthroughs of different members of the press during this first hands-on. While some focused on quickly acquiring as many Pokémon as possible, others – myself included – found enjoyment in simply revitalizing the barren landscape.
The involvement of Omega Force might raise eyebrows, given their reputation for the Dynasty Warriors series. However, their previous work on Dragon Quest Builders 2, a critically acclaimed title that successfully applied similar building and life-simulation mechanics to the Dragon Quest franchise, demonstrates their expertise in this genre. After just two hours with the game, a comprehensive assessment is impossible. However, the care and attention to detail evident in this spin-off are immediately apparent. My first impression left me wanting more.
