Creature catching has been around for years in games. Juggernauts such as Pokemon (and to a lesser extent Digimon) have prevailed over other competitors for years with addictive turn-based gameplay, exploration, and the common goals to evolve creatures and collect all that the world has to offer. In this genre, a new game tries to sink its teeth into the market with a monster-catching game with a melodic twist to make it stand out from the competition. Cassette Beasts is a new kid on the block that many will find familiar as soon as they start.
As with any such game, building a powerful team to take on increasingly ferocious enemies is paramount. From traversing the tall grass to forests and even cave systems, payers will hunt for the best companions, and in the early game, it may be hard to choose which creature to invest in (hoping it will pay off in the end with evolutions). These are just a few monsters players will find fruitful in both the early hours and late game of Cassette Beasts.
7 Dandylion
A staple for the early adventure, Dandylion can be found in most woods and forest areas when exploring. Green in color (usually) with a mane of dandelion fluff, its exterior belies both its elemental attribute and stalwart nature and is an easy grab for beginner players.
Leaf-types in Cassette Beasts are an excellent element, and this creature's move pool highlights the usefulness of the type. One such move includes the leech debuff, which drains enemies and helps the Dandylion in the meantime. Plus, its evolution branch into Blossomaw makes this creature an even better tank.
6 Velocirifle
A small and mighty dinosaur, players may favor this if they prefer ranged attacks and a hard-hitting fire type. Velocirifle's attacks are powerful, and when they hit the enemy, they can often deal a substantial amount of damage and inflict the burn status.
This early-game companion may seem constitutionally weak in the beginning. However, its shortcomings are rectified as the creature levels up. Players will soon have access to Artillerex, a hearty partner with extreme firepower and an exterior that can take a few hits on the chin.
5 Carniviper
Forget all predispositions about serpentine monsters and their lackluster abilities in other games. This isn't Pokemon, and Carniviper is a far departure from the snake creatures of ages before. This creature is incredible and has evolution paths including Masquerattle, Jormungold, and Mardiusa, which improve on the already great starting model.
This predictable partner is practiced in poison, and is agile and deft, suitable for setting players up for the vanguard. It can afflict enemies with poison (as is its nature). Plus, they are good at crowd control with a multi-target skill that can thin the herd. This ability grows stronger as it evolves.
4 Dominoth
Players will meet this monster early on, as Kayleigh uses the creature as an example to explain the over-world (out of combat) flying ability in Cassette Beasts. This creature is also a great addition to expand the players' accessibility to different elements, since Dominoth can use electric-type moves once it levels up.
Electricity is a great element to use as it has a conducive effect. This effect is incredibly strong and isn't abundant as other elements in the early game. It can stop enemies in their tracks (when stacked with other debuffs) and can take them down quickly.
3 Nevermort
Seemingly inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe, this skeleton crow is a heavy hitter early in the game. It also adapts well as levels increase for enemies. Players canemploy such creatures as Dandylion to guard any incoming damage and help Nevermort do what it does best.
If gamers decide to stick with this creature, it is possible to play it to the endgame with the evolution paths available to it. Apocrowlypse is a great, advanced form that sticks with the damage dealer theme. It's also great with Blossomaw, Dandylion's better form.
2 Faucetear
A creature with one of the better crowd control monsters in its evolution path, Faucetear can be found relatively early. Players will have to venture to caves around the beginning area. Designed to look like a somber leaking tap, this creature is a water-type with an incredible move set.
Fountess, the evolved form, can easily deal with multiple creatures at once. When combined with high-defense monsters, it will leave enemies drowning in damage, while the player's companions will be high and dry.
1 Squirey
A warrior of the order Rondentia, Squirey is a straightforward stick-and-poker with no need for the juggling of elements debuffs, and buffs. The offense is the best defense and Squirey has an impressive melee attack stat block whose evolutions adapt to the later game if players decide to stick with this might companion.
Squirey has two advanced paths players can take. Manispear capitalizes on offense, with deadly moves and a heartier constitution that will stall most incoming enemy attacks. Palangolin has powerful attacks, but an even better secondary ability called Fair Play whereby the player's party will be immune to any stat changes for three rounds (brushing off pesky elemental debuffs).
Cassette Beasts is available now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Linux.