If you’ve recently completed your quest of catching ’em all in Pokémon and now find yourself looking for something similar, then you’ve come to the right place. The Pokémon franchise has been a major force in the gaming industry ever since its classic Nintendo titles released in the 1990s, and has since inspired a whole generation of gamer to capture and battle their favorite creatures.
To that end, here is a curated list of ten games that offer a unique yet familiar experience to dedicated Pokémon players. Offering different ways of capturing and battling monsters, as well as new characters, mechanics and stories to explore, here are ten games like Pokémon you’ll absolutely love.
1. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth is a cult classic role-playing game, released on the PlayStation 4 and Playstation Vita in 2015. Taking place in a world where humans and digital monsters are interfaced together, Cyber Sleuth offers a unique story-driven experience. You play as a detective tracking down hackers by journeying into the Digital World, giving you the chance to build and battle a team of Digimon.
The similarities to the Pokémon franchise are clear, as Cyber Sleuth offers a deep creature-collecting and battle system similar to the classic handheld games. However, the game also features a fully-realized story, as well as a unique hacking story mode, which makes for a fresh and different experience for dedicated players. If you’re looking for a story-driven game like Pokémon, then this title is definitely a must-play.
2. Yo-Kai Watch
Yo-Kai Watch is a series of games developed by Level-5, released in Japan in 2013 and in North America in 2015. The premise of the game revolves around a special watch, which grants its wearer the ability to detect and capture supernatural monsters, called Yo-Kai.
Similar to the classic Pokémon games, Yo-Kai Watch relies on capturing, evolving and battling these adorable creatures. What makes the game unique, however, is its story. Following the adventures of a young boy, the player will explore the fictional town of Sakura-shi, meeting friendly Yo-Kai and tackling quests to save the day.
The classic creature-catching mechanics remain, giving players familiar controls and mechanics to enjoy. Along with the story-driven narrative, Yo-Kai Watch is sure to please fans of the Pokémon series.
3. Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter is a series of games developed by Capcom, with the latest title releasing on Nintendo Switch in 2018. As the name implies, the games revolve around hunting down and capturing powerful monsters in an action-packed adventure.
Unlike some of the other games on this list, Monster Hunter focuses more on unique battle mechanics and exploration. The game plays like an action-RPG, with players hunting and tracking down monsters with a variety of weapons, tools and items.
The game also sports a unique multiplayer experience, allowing players to form online hunting parties with friends. If you’re looking for an intense, action-packed game like Pokémon with fast-paced combat, then this title is a must-play.
4. Animal Crossing
The Animal Crossing franchise has been around since 2001, with the latest installment releasing on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Although it’s not a creature-catching game like Pokémon, Animal Crossing offers a unique and charming experience that stands on its own.
The premise of the game revolves around the player moving to a small town and collecting items, fishing, and developing relationships with the quirky townsfolk. Animal Crossing is all about creating your own unique experience, allowing you to customize your town and create your own unique home and lifestyle.
Although it may not be a creature-catching game like Pokémon, it’s still a charming, unique and enjoyable experience that fans of the franchise will love.
5. Shin Megami Tensei
The Shin Megami Tensei franchise, developed by Atlus, is one of the most beloved franchises in the RPG genre. Starting in 1992 with the original game on the Nintendo Entertainment System, the franchise has since grown to encompass multiple titles across multiple platforms.
The franchise takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, with players taking on the role of a protagonist that has the ability to capture and battle creatures known as Demons. The player can capture, train and battle these monsters, as well as converse with them and even use them to fuse stronger ones.
The Shin Megami Tensei franchise offers a unique, story-driven experience that stands on its own. Although it’s not a creature-catching game like Pokémon, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience that fans of the genre will love.
6. Dragon Quest Monsters
The Dragon Quest Monsters series, developed by Square Enix, has been around since the original Game Boy Color release in 1998. The premise of the game revolves around the player’s journey to become a Monster Master by breeding, training and battling monsters known as “Monster Families”.
The game is similar to the Pokémon franchise in that it revolves around creature-catching and battling, but it also offers a unique story-driven experience. The game also features multiple endings, which can be determined by the player’s actions and choices throughout the game.
If you’re looking for a classic creature-catching game with a unique story and characters, then Dragon Quest Monsters is the title for you.
7. Rune Factory
The Rune Factory series, developed by Marvelous AQL, started on the Nintendo DS in 2006 and has since spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs across multiple platforms. The game is similar to the Pokémon franchise in that it revolves around creature-catching and battling, but it also has a unique farming and crafting system.
Players will explore a unique world, catching and breeding monsters, crafting items and farming different crops. Along with the unique farming system, the game also features a unique story-driven experience, with the player’s choices and actions impacting how the story progresses.
If you’re looking for a unique farming and creature-catching game like Pokémon, then the Rune Factory series is sure to please.
8. Yokai Watch Jam
Yokai Watch Jam is a sequel to the popular Yo-Kai Watch series, released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Similar to the original game, players will explore the fictional town of Sakura-shi and battle with the Yo-Kai that inhabit it.
The game offers a unique experience, with players able to capture and battle a variety of Yo-Kai in addition to the classic creature-catching mechanics. Along with the creature-catching, the game also features an improved battle system, as well as a unique character creation system.
If you’re looking for an improved and more story-driven experience than the original Yo-Kai Watch game, then Yokai Watch Jam is a must-play.
9. Temtem
Temtem is a creature-catching game developed by Crema Games, which released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. The game is set in the world of Temtem, which is inhabited by a variety of creatures, known as Temtem.
Similar to the Pokémon franchise, the game revolves around capturing, training and battling with these unique creatures. The game also features a robust online system, allowing players to battle and trade with others, as well as an expansive world to explore.
If you’re looking for a creature-catching experience that is modern and in-depth, then Temtem is a must-play for dedicated players.
10. Digimon World
Digimon World is a cult classic game, originally released on the PlayStation in 1999. The premise of the game revolves around the player exploring the Digital World and raising, training and battling a team of Digimon.
Similar to the Pokémon franchise, the game features a variety of creatures to capture and battle. However, the game also has a unique story-driven experience, with the player’s choices determining how the story progresses.
The game also features an in-depth and unique battle system, allowing players to explore and experiment with different strategies and tactics. If you’re looking for a classic creature-catching game with a unique story and battle system, then Digimon World is a must-play for dedicated players.
Conclusion
If you’re a dedicated Pokémon fan, then this list of ten games like Pokémon will definitely have something to offer. With a variety of titles offering different stories, characters, mechanics and experiences, there’s sure to be something to enjoy for every dedicated player. From classic creature-catching games to unique titles with unique stories and mechanics, these ten games like Pokémon offer a unique yet familiar experience that fans of the franchise won’t want to miss.