Are you looking for an adventure to embark on akin to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl? Games with similar RPG elements such as an enthralling storyline and massive worlds to explore fill the void of this beloved gameplay. While not necessarily Pokémon clones, these 10 games have similar mechanics that can enthrall any Pokéfan with its unique storytelling and in-game exploration. Here’s a list of the 10 games that offer the greatest alternatives to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl.
1. Monster Hunter Stories
Monster Hunter Stories offers an RPG experience with a compelling storyline about becoming a Monster Rider and collecting monsters to join your team. The game features traditional turn-based battles, but instead of fighting the monsters, you befriend them and have them join your team. While Monster Hunter Stories does not have the same creature-collecting element as Pokémon, forming a team with recruited monsters adds an interesting dynamic to the game.
2. Yo-Kai Watch
Yo-Kai Watch is a game where you uncover mysteries as you search for hidden Yo-Kai in an alternate world featuring both real and fantastical creatures. Like in Pokémon, you can collect, evolve, and battle with various Yo-Kai to build a powerful team. However, unlike Pokémon, you can use coins to buy “soultimate” moves to battle with, along with a few other exciting features.
3. Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris is an action RPG with a thought-provoking story featuring Kirito as the main protagonist. This game features a fast-paced combat system and a vast open world for you to explore. While Pokémon is mainly driven by its creature-collecting, Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris has similar visuals, grand environments, and a good variety of characters, making it an entertaining alternative to the Pokémon franchise.
4. The World Ends with You
The World Ends with You is an action RPG with a creative and unique setting that follows the story of Neku, a teenager who wakes up in Tokyo and has to survive the Reapers’ Game. The game has a unique battle system that allows you to mix and match skills and items in battle, and you can also collect pins that can be used to battle enemies. While The World Ends with You doesn’t have the same Pokémon-style creature-collecting, it does offer a refreshing and entertaining new way to fight enemies.
5. Etrian Odyssey
Etrian Odyssey is a dungeon-crawling RPG with turn-based battles where you traverse an unknown world as a group of adventurers. It has a classic RPG feel with a vast open world and an interesting storyline to explore. While the game does not have the same creature-collecting elements as Pokémon, it does offer a fantastic dungeon-exploring experience with a unique battle system.
6. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth is a RPG that follows the story of a young hacker caught up in a conspiracy. The game features a unique storytelling style, an expansive world to explore, and various puzzles to solve. Like Pokémon, the game has a monster-collecting element, but instead of catching the monsters, you have to “raise” them and train them for battle. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth offers a refreshing take on the Pokémon-style creature-collecting gameplay.
7. The Alliance Alive
The Alliance Alive is set in a world once ruled by magical beings, and tells the story of nine heroes who come together to save the world. It’s a turn-based RPG with a unique storyline and a vast open world to explore. While the game does not feature a creature-collecting element, it does offer a refreshing take on the classic RPG genre, with interesting characters and plenty of side-quests to keep players engaged.
8. Dragon Quest
Dragon Quest is a classic RPG game with a classic 16-bit art style and an interesting story about a brave hero trying to save the world from an evil force. Like Pokémon, the game features a creature-collecting element, but instead of training them for battle you can trade them for items or money. Dragon Quest offers a classic RPG experience with a unique battle system and a vast open world to explore.
9. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a story-driven RPG with a vibrant world to explore and an enthralling storyline. The game features a unique battle system and an interesting creature-collecting element. While it doesn’t offer the same type of creature-collecting as Pokémon, it presents a unique spin with special abilities, magical powers, and unique characters.
10. Monster Monpiece
Monster Monpiece is a card-based RPG with a unique battle system, where you collect cards of various monsters and use them in battle. The game has a unique art style and an interesting story that follows the adventures of the main characters. While the game does not feature Pokémon-style creature-collecting, it does have an interesting card-based battle system and a fantastic story that make it fun to play.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the fantastic Pokémon franchise or just looking for an interesting new adventure to embark on, these 10 games offer a great alternative to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl. Each game brings something unique to the table with its own setting, story, and characters, making them all worth playing.