Pokémonis largely an ongoing phenomenon which - barring some downtime here and there - has pretty much been going full steam starting withRed/Bluein the late ’90s. While the series has been getting a steady stream of new releases on Nintendo’s handheld consoles since then, it’s been a relatively slow trickle. Now that the anticipatedSword/Shieldis a mere month from release,Pokémonfans are itching to catch some new monsters and become Poké-masters once again.
Yet, there is a certain charm about the oldGame BoyPokémoniterations that’s rarely matched these days, even with some of the newer efforts from Game Freak themselves.
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With this list, we’ll take a look at ten of the games that most resemble the mainlinePokémontitles, particularly the older classics on Game Boy.
10Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
If there’s one franchise that screams “Pokémon,” it’s the Akiyoshi Hongo/Bandai creation,Digimon.This IP is a similarly huge series featuring a similarly vast number of unique, colorful monsters that reside in a digital parallel universe. And just likePokémon, a variety of games were spawned from this charming franchise, with one of the most prominent beingCyber Sleuth, a semi-modern RPG released for the PS4, and more recently, PC and Switch.
The game’s system of turn-based battles (often hinging on elemental moves) and map navigation feel very “classicPokémon,” with some more aesthetic flair in a full 3D space and appealing cell-shaded visuals.
9Pocket Mortys
Fans of eitherPokémonor the hit comedic animationRick and Mortyshould get a kick out of this little mobile game, while those that happen to be fans ofbothwill find an amusing romp essentiallymadefor them.
The game really adheres to classic-stylePokémonalmost to the point of being a blatant spoof, though this is part ofPockey Mortys’charm. The game’s backstory mainly follows the particularly trippy episode ofRick and Morty, entitled “Close Rick-counters of the Rick Kind,” in which the two protagonists meet a large group of endless Rick and Morty variants of parallel universes. Naturally, instead of fighting Pokémon, you fight an endless array of goofy “Morty” types.
Other than this funny novelty, the game essentially plays out like a stripped-down version ofRed/Blue. Still, it’s a good way to get somePoké-nostalgia, and have some laughs in the process.
8World Of Final Fantasy Maxima
This underrated RPG takes on some basicFinal Fantasythemes, while adding a cuter charm to its aesthetic, and injects somePokémon-esque concepts for good measure. Basically, you and your party go around exploring a number of colorful environments in Grymoire, batting and occasionally capturing “Mirages.” The game even comes with the obvious equivalent of Pokéballs, which are glowing cubes fittingly named “Prisms.”
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Despite its cutesy exterior,World of Final Fantasyactually comes with a pretty elaborate and deep campaign, which can take in the ballpark of 35 hours - and this doesn’t even factor the added content with the Switch’s enhanced “Maxima” version.
7Digimon World DS
Yes, we’ve already got the inclusion of anotherDigimontitle; though this DS iteration actually takes on quite a different, more classic feel, to the point where it almost feels like a different series thanCyber Sleuth. Even the game’s narrative is relatively self-contained in that it’s mainly a separate entity from the popular anime series.
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The goal, as you traverse the game’s charming retro-laced isometric environments, is to be the best Digimon master, erm, “tamer” as you battle and capture an array of digital monsters numbering 230. The game feels reminiscent of the olderPokémontitles, from the old-school visuals to the traditional turn-based battles. At the same time, the game’s system of evolution proves impressively in-depth and innovative.
6Golden Sun
One of the best RPGs on the DS,Golden Sunis somewhat of the “best of both worlds.” One the one hand, it’s very much an epic, more traditional role-playing experience, while also injecting some of the more charming traits of classicPokémonwith its collectible creatures which can supplement your fights.
Golden Sun’s version of these pocket monsters come in the form of Djinn, which are unique creatures that lean heavily on elemental attributes like Mars (fire) and Jupiter (wind). Finding these monsters is somewhat like stumbling upon a legendaryPokémon,as they’re both exclusive and powerful. What they lack in quantity - numbering just over 2 dozen in the firstGolden Sungame - they more than make up for with their flashy, powerful abilities in battle.
5Spectrobes
Given that this colorful DS game adheres to many classicPokémonsensibilities -andis backed by publishing giants, Disney Interactive Studios - we know we’re in for a pretty enduring RPG.
This Disney version ofPokémonfrom 2007 is a nice fusion of older RPG concepts coupled with more fleshed-out mechanics and prettier visuals. Contained within are a palette of cool alien monsters with their own dynamics and powers.Spectrobeskeeps things interesting with its variety of planetary environments, each of which feels relatively distinct. This journey proves surprisingly complex with its myriad of stats, upgrades, and “mineral extraction.” The DS helps alleviate some of this complexity too, with its multiple screens allowing to display more information at once.
4Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
DS gamers looking for aPokémonvarient that’s both familiar and unique - look no further than this charmingDragon Questtake on the classic games.
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As it happens, this isn’t just a basicPokémonknockoff for Nintendo’s dual/touch screen handheld - it’s actually an even more robust sequel to thisDQspinoff on Game Boy, which wasalreadypretty innovative and deep. Just as the originalDragon Warrior Monsterspioneered monster creation through breeding, this game is one of the first of its kind to utilize online connectivity. You can match up with other players and earn rewards in the form of items or monsters, creating a ton of replay value.
This cell-shaded RPG romp is a nice blend of old and new - as it uses a more classic battle style while avoiding those bothersome random encounters.
3Nexomon
Much likePocket Mortys,Nexomonfeels almost blatant in its adherence to the classicPokémonformula, though this is by no means a bad thing for those who yearn for this largely abandoned style of RPG. This enjoyable iOS adventure has players embark on a quest to catch various “Nexomon” as they aim to take down the Team Rocket equivalent villain - a spikey-haired punk known as “The Nexolord.”
Aside from its highly vibrant, colorful aesthetic, this game feelsverymuch like the classic Game Boy series, right down to the basic turn-based battles, overhead view, and movement locked to a grid. The game is simplistic at its core - as the success rate of captures is totally random - butNexomonmakes up for it with its classic charm and diversity of fun items and monsters.
2Monster Hunter Stories
DS sure seems to get the bulk of the notablePokémon-style RPGs. In yet another example that’s perhaps the most prominent, we haveMonster Hunter Stories; a game that blends these two popular Japanese franchises, resulting in an enduring handheld adventure of over 50 hours.
Flashy cinematics aside, this game manages to feel old-school in many of its traits, while also offering a modern charm that’s easy to get into for fans both young and old.MHSsticks with semi-typical turn-based battles, while amping up the excitement by throwing in satisfying quick time events and a myriad of skills to unleash. The method of collecting “Monsties” is particularly fun here, as you’ll be gathering eggs with hatch into a variety of random, customizable creatures.
1Dragon Warrior Monsters
This 1999 Game Boy epic, which blendsDragon Questthemes with rewardingPokémon-style gameplay, is really a classic in its own right. It’s also about the closest you’ll get to emulating that old-schoolPokémonfeel and addictive gameplay, with its grid-based movement, random battles, and nostalgically pleasing 8-bit visuals.
