Palworld: A Soulless and Cynical Monster-Catching Game

Palworld, the much-anticipated monster-catching game, has been making waves in the gaming community for its unique blend of Pokemon-like creatures and survival game elements. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Palworld utterly misses the mark when it comes to capturing the essence of a good monster-catching game.

The game’s opening moments offer a promising start, with the player stepping out onto a vast, monster-filled continent reminiscent of Breath of the Wild. But the illusion is quickly shattered as the game delves into a parade of tutorial prompts, survival mechanics, and base building. The survival elements, in particular, feel out of place in a game that is marketed as a Pokemon clone.

Palworld’s creatures, while visually appealing, are often little more than palette swaps and copyright infringements of existing Pokemon designs. This lack of originality contributes to the game’s soulless and cynical feel. The creatures themselves are also largely indifferent to the player, making their eventual enslavement all the more unpleasant.

Despite the game’s name and marketing, Palworld is not a game about unlocking innate skills and abilities within its monsters. Instead, it focuses on the player’s ability to beat the creatures into submission with various weapons and tools. This is a stark contrast to the heart and soul-driven stories found in other Pokemon-like games.

The game’s combat system is also disappointing. While players can call upon their creatures to fight alongside them, they have no control over their actions. The creatures are essentially automated companions, serving only to divert attention from the player’s brutal attacks.

Palworld’s pal abilities, which offer additional benefits, are framed in an exploitative manner. Players can use their creatures as shields, flamethrowers, or weight carriers, but these abilities feel more like tools to be used and manipulated rather than meaningful interactions with the creatures.

The game’s sanity system, which measures the wellbeing of the player’s creatures, is another disappointing aspect. Instead of building friendships or affection, players must ensure their creatures are fed, housed, and petted to maintain their sanity. This system feels more like a chore than a meaningful way to connect with the creatures.

In conclusion, Palworld fails to live up to the expectations set by its marketing and name. The game’s lack of originality, soulless creatures, and exploitative combat system make it a disappointing entry in the monster-catching genre. If you’re looking for a true Pokemon-like experience, it’s recommended that you look elsewhere, such as Cassette Beasts, Coromon, or Monster Sanctuary.