Pokémon Pokopia takes players on a different journey, set in a post-apocalyptic world, as a ditto that takes on the form of the player’s previous trainer, which the player customizes. Ditto ventures off into the world, realizing that there are no humans around. However, you bump into Professor Tangrowth, who is a Pokémon. They end up filling you in on what has happened and seek your help to restore what was lost and to help your fellow Pokémon. That is all I will say, because the lore is that good, there will be a video later with full spoilers, but keep in mind I am only 15 hours into the game.
Pokopia Gameplay:
If you’ve ever played Animal Crossing or Minecraft, then this will be easy to explain. As you go through the world, you start by finding your first Pokémon Friends, who will give you certain abilities to start things off. Watergun, Vine Whip, Cut, and Punch will be the first abilities you gain from particular Poké Friends. Your abilities will be finite as you will have to restore your PP with different foods. So far, the best way to restore full health is Carrots so stock up on them, because it only takes one.
Don’t forget that your friends will need their comfort as well. Quest will be in order to build up the enviroments level. The goal in each area is to rebuild the Pokémon Center, which all have a computer terminal in front of them. This computer will provide you with challenges both daily and regularly. The more challenges you gain, the more coins you gather, and then you can use the store. There are recipes and one-time items that will be crucial to complete the request. Keep in mind that players can also search the world for special items. The more you explore, the more you will discover and unlock certain lore that will tell you what went on in Pokopia.
At times, there will be an event to take pictures where your friends will be doing activities, and you can even leave surveillance cameras in areas to keep an eye on things. There will be different biomes for each sector, and most will have tracks for you to discover new friends to add to your community. Explore to your heart’s content.
Visuals are Outstanding:
The Switch 2 is one impressive machine, being that off the dock it is in 1080p, while on the dock it can reach 4k resolution. When it comes to Pokémon Pokopia, the power is noticeable. There are times that I am up on higher lands and still can look out far and see clearly each Pokémon running around in detail. On the Switch 1 model, it would probably be pixelated or even have shadows walking around.
Sound design in games is important; it brings everything to life, and Pokopia does not disappoint. Even the raindrops come to life as well as being in a cave where the sound changes to inclosed areas. Transitioning from different terrains has a specific feel with feedback as you run from grass, to sand, and brick. This really brings out the creativity.
What could go wrong?
It’s always annoying to try to work the grid in any building game. Players will have access to a cross grid, and if you position yourself right, you can have just one or two squares. It is a chore at times when you make a mistake and break too much or in the wrong area. Luckily, you can put the piece back that you collected. It gets tedious at times, but it is a game that teaches you to be patient and not to rush. There are only minor loading times when going through gates, and I wish the survalliance cameras would work beyond each zone, but that is asking too much.
Final Takeaway:
Pokémon Pokopia lives up to the quality of life genre, but in a Pokémon world. Do you need to be a fan to understand, not really; it does give those who have played for years an experience of nostalgia. Being a Ditto is the perfect way to execute this game as the ability to mimic abilities. It is fun to just go around tracking down your friends and making a home for them. It’s a game where you can get lost in for hours, completely questing, requesting, and making the place better for the Pokémon you find. Being that Ditto can mimic a Pokémon trainer and has their own pokedex gives it an advantage.
Born with a Controller’s verdict, Pokémon Pokopia gets 4 out of 5 paws. I hope you enjoyed this review, and be sure to check back for more and our live streams on Twitch TV. Let us know what you think so far in the comments below. – Beast Out –
Verdict:
It seems like such a cozy and fun game to get yourself lost in!
And it seems even better that you don’t technically need to be a regular player of Pokemon games to settle into a routine with this one 😌
It is a change of pace for a gamer like me. Now I want a Street Fighter quality of life game where the missions do have fighting, but you get to help the community in some way.