Dark and twisted version of pokemon but like also not that much tbh?
So anyways, im just gonna go out and say I do know about the backlash and criticisms for this game, and while I dont support the company, I wanna write the review to focus only on the game itself. Being able to still learn something from what can be something bad is atleast a good way of making something a small positive. I like to write reviews to give insight on my own views of the art form that is games. Despite everything, this was a game I played through the pc gamepass. I wish to dive into what I think works and doesn't work for a game that way it can bring insight or more discussion with others. Ill talk a little bit more in the end of this, so with that out of the way, lets begin !
So anyways, I ultimately didnt cared much about this game. I had my fun for a few days, but I also kinda just kept thinking to myself I could just be playing Ark instead (despite how not perfect that game can be too at times). This game honestly has a good concept here with mashing up ark and pokemon together. Some people can see that and think its just uncreative, which I think can be fair, however I think mixing and matching stuff can also lead to innovation. Best example is theres just a whole category of games called "metroidvania" all because castlevania wanted to mix thier gameplay with that of metroids. As a proof of concept I think this game does succeed in combining the two. The mons basically play a good role in base management which I thought was super cool, while also being able to help out in the world via battles or travel (or any other abilitiesthey may have). I think small things like having supplies at base being able to be used while inside chests is a good quality of life improvement compared to other survival games. Its alot more handy and less cumbersome than always having everything on you always. However, if I start to just kinda look at the big picture of this game, it just feels... shallow? Its early access I belive so it makes sense things dont feel whole yet, but as of now the game just feels like its lacking something to make me feel more invested or want to keep going. I could work on my base, which ive had my mons destroy numerous times to the point of me giving up. I could go out and grind levels, but the tech tree is just kinda a rehash of arks but with less I think? I could go out and get new mons, but if imma be real, MOST OF THE DESIGNS ARE NOT GREAT. Theres a small bit of "oh cool something new" before I start thinking about how uninspired most look. There is some clear inspiration from some norse and egyptian mythos for some designs which can be very cool, however most of them just dont feel like they try much to make them feel standout. Im only focusing on this part cause i think the zoology, inspiration, and creativity are some of my fav parts of monster catching games. There are a few mons that I honestly really liked or enjoyed, but theres just many more that left me unhappy from a creative stand point. Other than that stuff though, graphics in general just feel like a mish mash of different things. There are 3 different art styles for the world, people, and mons and they're just not that similar to eachother. Why have this realistic rock next to a more detailed anime character while a cartoony bear is right beside them. That stuff can work, its just they would have to atleast all share similarities to an art style then to make it feel like it all still flows in the same expression. To pull from an example that isnt pokemon, lets take something like say persona 4 or 5. Both games have a pretty unique anime style, most characters use a detailed anime look with mostly realistic body proportions. You then get to a buddy character like teddy or morgana however and they take on a much more cartoonish art style compared to everything else. The difference here from palworld is though they still retain parts of the art style that make up the human characters. Similar color tones, similar outlines, similar shading. These all may not sound like the biggest thing but they bring a type of cohesion that helps blend the two different art styles to still feel like one and the same.
Theres more I could say about this game. Its just none of them will bring us somewhere that will lead us anywhere important. I just hope that my points come through and people can grow and learn from this much like the mons do in the game. Many feel hurt by what has happened with this game, as was I despite not being that excited for it. Games used to be an idea that people made for fun. Overtime they have become far more than that. They, much like movies, have become art forms for creatives to express themselves. So when something like this happens, it hurts fans who deeply care and find importance in the art. Vast majority of players unfortunately dont often think about this kinda stuff. They see a game, think its fun, and enjoy it. to them, thats what matters. What kind of experience will bring joy and memories. Games at the core are ment to be fun, but games are more than that then ever before. I want to share that side with people. For them to understand the same thing I see. To enjoy games for more than what they're. To find the bad and the good and measure them for the quality. To learn and find expression and passion. To make memories and feel emotions that ill never forget. To gain creativity and inspiration that will bolster myself to be more. This is what I wish.
So anyways, im just gonna go out and say I do know about the backlash and criticisms for this game, and while I dont support the company, I wanna write the review to focus only on the game itself. Being able to still learn something from what can be something bad is atleast a good way of making something a small positive. I like to write reviews to give insight on my own views of the art form that is games. Despite everything, this was a game I played through the pc gamepass. I wish to dive into what I think works and doesn't work for a game that way it can bring insight or more discussion with others. Ill talk a little bit more in the end of this, so with that out of the way, lets begin !
So anyways, I ultimately didnt cared much about this game. I had my fun for a few days, but I also kinda just kept thinking to myself I could just be playing Ark instead (despite how not perfect that game can be too at times). This game honestly has a good concept here with mashing up ark and pokemon together. Some people can see that and think its just uncreative, which I think can be fair, however I think mixing and matching stuff can also lead to innovation. Best example is theres just a whole category of games called "metroidvania" all because castlevania wanted to mix thier gameplay with that of metroids. As a proof of concept I think this game does succeed in combining the two. The mons basically play a good role in base management which I thought was super cool, while also being able to help out in the world via battles or travel (or any other abilitiesthey may have). I think small things like having supplies at base being able to be used while inside chests is a good quality of life improvement compared to other survival games. Its alot more handy and less cumbersome than always having everything on you always. However, if I start to just kinda look at the big picture of this game, it just feels... shallow? Its early access I belive so it makes sense things dont feel whole yet, but as of now the game just feels like its lacking something to make me feel more invested or want to keep going. I could work on my base, which ive had my mons destroy numerous times to the point of me giving up. I could go out and grind levels, but the tech tree is just kinda a rehash of arks but with less I think? I could go out and get new mons, but if imma be real, MOST OF THE DESIGNS ARE NOT GREAT. Theres a small bit of "oh cool something new" before I start thinking about how uninspired most look. There is some clear inspiration from some norse and egyptian mythos for some designs which can be very cool, however most of them just dont feel like they try much to make them feel standout. Im only focusing on this part cause i think the zoology, inspiration, and creativity are some of my fav parts of monster catching games. There are a few mons that I honestly really liked or enjoyed, but theres just many more that left me unhappy from a creative stand point. Other than that stuff though, graphics in general just feel like a mish mash of different things. There are 3 different art styles for the world, people, and mons and they're just not that similar to eachother. Why have this realistic rock next to a more detailed anime character while a cartoony bear is right beside them. That stuff can work, its just they would have to atleast all share similarities to an art style then to make it feel like it all still flows in the same expression. To pull from an example that isnt pokemon, lets take something like say persona 4 or 5. Both games have a pretty unique anime style, most characters use a detailed anime look with mostly realistic body proportions. You then get to a buddy character like teddy or morgana however and they take on a much more cartoonish art style compared to everything else. The difference here from palworld is though they still retain parts of the art style that make up the human characters. Similar color tones, similar outlines, similar shading. These all may not sound like the biggest thing but they bring a type of cohesion that helps blend the two different art styles to still feel like one and the same.
Theres more I could say about this game. Its just none of them will bring us somewhere that will lead us anywhere important. I just hope that my points come through and people can grow and learn from this much like the mons do in the game. Many feel hurt by what has happened with this game, as was I despite not being that excited for it. Games used to be an idea that people made for fun. Overtime they have become far more than that. They, much like movies, have become art forms for creatives to express themselves. So when something like this happens, it hurts fans who deeply care and find importance in the art. Vast majority of players unfortunately dont often think about this kinda stuff. They see a game, think its fun, and enjoy it. to them, thats what matters. What kind of experience will bring joy and memories. Games at the core are ment to be fun, but games are more than that then ever before. I want to share that side with people. For them to understand the same thing I see. To enjoy games for more than what they're. To find the bad and the good and measure them for the quality. To learn and find expression and passion. To make memories and feel emotions that ill never forget. To gain creativity and inspiration that will bolster myself to be more. This is what I wish.