Pokemonfeels like a franchise that has struck an endless supply of gold. After more than 25 years it continues to produce movies, shows, trading card sets, and probably the most important, video games. Even after eight generations, each new story feels unique while still building upon the original premise that started on the Game Boy. But just asPokemonhas remained popular, so have clones of the franchise.
Pokemon’sformula is fairly easy to adapt, and while not every fan-made game or inspired title is necessarily a clone, some releases are pretty exact in their replication. This isn’t necessarily bad either. Any good piece of media is bound to see its fair share of competitors try to cash in on the same niche.SomePokemonclones have even been praisedfor their ingenuity and additions that fans may have wanted from the series itself.
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Pocket Mortys
Additions and changes are part of the reason why people won’t seePokemonclones dying any time soon. The ability to adapt the idea that started with the firstPokemongame into a world that is similar yet different to what players know will always entice people. Sometimes the games may feel uninspired and receive the ire of dedicated fans, but other times they can be comedic likePocket Mortys.
The game itself relies on the universe built aroundRick and Morty,and the infinite Ricks and Mortys that can be met across the multiverse, but its gameplay and visual style is reminiscent of earlierPokemongames. With the ability to obtain different Mortys for battle as well as a badge system, the similarities are often leaned on more than they are avoided.
But much likeRick and Mortyparodies other pieces of pop culturethroughout its episodes,Pocket Mortysis rooted in its mocking parody of the things that makePokemonwhat it is. This approach works great for it, asPocket Mortysmakes use of theRick and Mortyfranchise throughPokemon’sapproach, providing a crossover that would likely never happen otherwise.
Temtem
Temtem, on the other hand, is viewed by many as what a blatantPokemonclone looks like, especially based on the aesthetics of the newer generations. At the same time, it builds a lot on what thePokemonseries started with. But among its similarities with different types, traits (which are most similar to Pokemon abilities), stats, and Luma Temtem (which are like theshiny Pokemonthat many players hunt for), general improvements and additions are littered throughout the game.
Even in its early access,Temtemhas been able to touch on one of the major things thatPokemonfans had wanted for a long time: a way to truly play together. WhilePokemon SwordandShieldallowed players to view one another on-screen and participate in Max Raid battles together,Temtemhas been devoted to fleshing out its MMO style for a while. With it being a core part of the game, things like battling have been incorporated, but there is also co-op for players to participate in adventures together.
This is something that the mainPokemongames are yet to fully realize and is a great example of whyPokemonclones will continue to be prevalent. Not every game is guaranteed to be a rewarding experience, but something that adds to what players already love is hard to ignore. Players are always looking for something new fromPokemon, and when their specific expectations aren’t met, other games can fill that void. They might not always be serious in their approach, as is the case withPocket Mortys, but their freedom outside of the established series that everyone knows allowsPokemonclones to take risks with alternative gameplay.
