Summary
TheMonster Collectorgenre, also known as Creature Collector, is filled withgames that are quite similar toPokemon.So, it is understandable that fans of this three-decade-long (almost) franchise feel drawn to titles where raising and battlingmonsters is the main gimmick.
To spice things up with some Monster CollectorGames to play if you lovePokemon,here’s a list of titles that are making the genre look much more diverse, establishing their own identities and particular mechanics that make them shine.
After decades of a genre dominated by two big franchises,the appearance ofTemtemshed a ray of hope among fans of Monster Collectors. A game that has the best ofPokemonandDigimon, combined with some of the greatest mechanics of the long-forgottenMonster Ranchergames,but complemented with its unique lore and a different approach to creature management.
Temtemoffers a new perspective and a refreshing experience to all of those who love capturing monsters, training, and battling with them, but it doesn’t fall too far from the tree: It is still a very similar title to those of thePokemonmainline games.
A direct successor ofthe acclaimedDigimon World(1999, PS1),Next Ordertakes players back to the Digital World to meet Jijimon and his wayward bunch of Digital Monsters who have, once more, spread to the four winds and left the Village of Beginnings (Also known as Digi-Town) in shambles.
Players will need to raise two different Digimon this time, and for a very good reason: Jogress Digi-Evolution is the main Battle Gimmick, which allows the fusion of two Ultimate/Mega Digimon into one powerful form that can blast away any enemy monster. The game preserves most of the mechanics from the original games intact, even the training room, the need to feed, care for, and even scold our partners. The battle system was considerably overhauled, and so were the graphics: The Digital World looks brighter than ever.
Palworldhas become the rage among fans of Monster Collector games ever since its release, and despite allthe controversy surrounding its creature-catching gimmick, it still maintains a steady number of players and an extremely positive review score. And needless to say, this is due to its colorful world, and unique combination of survival battler and creature collector.
Players are given a considerable amount of freedom to explore, raise their Pals, breed them, and even use them as meat. Sure, giving a Grass-type Mon an AK-47 might not be a good idea, but it will be one of the most exhilarating experiences a fan of Monster Collector games will have.
Nexomonis everything thatPokemoncould have been if it remained true to its 2D/2.5D origins. Colorful, brimming with interesting creatures to befriend and train, with quirky characters, and an even quirkier story to tell. Fans of Monster Collector games will find inNexomonthe promised wonderland, a place of respite among all the generic titles of similar categories.
The best part is its satirical sense of humor, which makes some spicy references to the popular Japanese franchise (and might make a couple of lawyers raise an eyebrow in response), but still adds to its particular charm and makes it a shiny game to catch.
Moonstone Islandis on equal partsa cozy homesteading game, and a monster breeder/collector game that has refurbished some of the best mechanics of the already extinctMonster Rancher,to create something thoroughly solid, with dozens of things to do, and a pretty complex combat system based on cards.
So, in terms of Monster Collector games, it’s a pretty relaxing experience, with lovely visuals and tons of cute creatures to befriend. On the other hand, it has the right amount of buildcrafting to satisfy those hardcorePokemonfans that want to experience a challenging monster battler combined with a life simulator.
6Insectum
An Entertaining Battle Game With Bugs
Insectumis the ideal game for readers who love to catch Bug-typePokemon,and playPlants vs Zombies.A combination that, at first glance, might look weird, but once players get into it, they’ll get hooked immediately. A well-designed, easy-to-understand interface adds to the already pleasing experience of this game.
This game, which could very well be the dream of every entomologist, was developed by DevilishGames (creators of the magnificentPath to Mnemosyne) and offers tons of hours of fun and intense bug battles, as well as dozens of different ‘cards’ to play and create the best strategies to overcome the toughest battles.
