For a long time, Pokemon has reigned supreme in its gaming niche, and while many games have been dubbed "Pokemon killers," none have managed to pose themselves as true competitors. For some reason, the franchise's addictive formula of collecting and raising pocket monsters has been near impossible to replicate. Despite this, games that have borrowed elements from Pokemon and managed to innovate or apply them in new ways have been successful.
Ooblets appears to be the latest game that is similar to Pokemon but has enough of its own identity to not be a mere Pokemon clone. Both games feature cute creatures that can be collected and leveled up, and players can engage in battles against the creatures they come across. However, Ooblets' unique twist on the battle formula is both funny and adorable. For Nintendo Switch players looking for something to keep them occupied until the next Pokemon entry, Ooblets is worth checking out.
What is Ooblets?
Developed by Glumberland, Ooblets is a cute life simulator that takes players to Badgetown, which is a tiny town in Oob. The player has gone looking for adventure, and though they have no money or possessions with them, they are determined to make something of themselves. Luckily, the mayor of Badgetown is friendly, and players receive a free farmhouse, and although it is shoddy, it serves its purpose. Badgetown is an odd place filled with quirky characters, and everything the townspeople use has weird names. For instance, fishing is known as sea dangling and players use a dribbly can to water their seeds.
Farming is an important aspect of the game, as it yields many benefits, but there is more to Ooblets than just raking dirt. Players can also explore, visit different stores, and talk to the various townspeople. By completing activities, players can also improve their life and save Badgetown. The gameplay is slow-paced, and there is not much intense action, which makes it the perfect game to pick up and play for brief stints on the Switch.
Since its launch, reviews of Ooblets have been mostly positive, with most critics praising the game's cheery aesthetic and relaxing gameplay. The game has also found itself being compared to Pokemon quite frequently. This may be good news for Pokemon fans who are looking for something to hold them over until Scarlet and Violet's release, though they should be aware that there are a few key differences between the two games.
How Does Ooblets Compare to Pokemon?
Like Pokemon, Ooblets has cute critters to collect. As players explore the town, they will come across little Ooblets. Some roam freely while others are owned by townspeople. Although some Ooblets are unfriendly, they are all far too cute to ever be frightening. In addition to collecting Ooblets, players can also have their Ooblets engage in epic dance-off battles. Battles are turn-based, and players have a certain number of beats to spend each turn on dance moves. It provides a nice twist on the somewhat violent Pokemon battles, and the dances the Ooblets pull off are equal parts hilarious and adorable. Upon winning dance battles, players can win Ooblet seeds, which can be planted to grow more Ooblets.
Pokemon will likely find themselves at home with Ooblets. Both franchises have fun critter-collecting mechanics, and they embrace exploration and interaction with various wacky NPCs. However, while Ooblets does borrow many elements from Pokemon, it does manage to carve out its own personality. It offers an overload of cuteness thanks to its adorable and colorful art style and the heart-melting Ooblets that scurry around.
Ooblets is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One.
