Games that involve capturing monsters have consistently attracted players across different generations, and Pokemon is the most well-known and adored series within this genre. Given its immense popularity, it is not surprising that similar games have emerged to fill the same niche.
However, it is important to note that not all of these games are identical, even though they have a similar basis. In fact, there are several games that came before the Pokemon series that fall into this genre.
Regardless, there are plenty of monster capture games available for fans of Pokemon. Here is a list of games that fall within the expansive monster capture genre or incorporate similar mechanics in a significant manner.
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1. Palworld
Palworld is an open-world multiplayer game that combines elements of virtual pet simulation and survival gameplay. Developed by Pocketpair, Palworld offers players the opportunity to explore a vast and dynamic world filled with adorable creatures known as Pals.
These Pals can be tamed, trained, and used for various purposes, including farming, hunting, and even as weapons. The game also features a unique twist, where players can breed Pals and create new species with different abilities and characteristics.
2. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a popular video game that belongs to the Dragon Quest Monsters series. Developed by Tose and published by Square Enix, the game was released in Japan in 2020.
The Dark Prince takes players on an exciting adventure where they must train and battle various monsters in order to become the ultimate monster master. The game features an extensive roster of over 500 monsters, each with unique abilities and characteristics.
Players can breed and evolve their monsters to create even stronger and more powerful creatures.
3. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom. It is the sequel to the original Monster Hunter Stories game and offers a captivating storyline set in the vibrant world of the Monster Hunter franchise.
In this game, players take on the role of a young Monster Rider who embarks on an epic adventure to unravel the mysteries behind the Wings of Ruin and the disappearance of Rathalos.
Along the way, players will be able to form bonds with various monsters, hatch and raise their own Monsties (baby monsters), and engage in thrilling turn-based battles.
4. Monster Rancher
Monster Rancher is a popular video game series that first debuted in the late 1990s. The game revolves around the concept of raising and training monsters, similar to the concept of raising virtual pets.
Players are able to create and customize their own unique monsters by inputting various CDs or DVDs into their gaming console, which then generates a monster based on the data from the inserted disc.
These monsters can then be raised, trained, and battle against other monsters in various tournaments and battles. The game also focuses on the importance of proper care and attention to the monsters’ needs, such as feeding, training, and keeping them healthy.
5. Monster Sanctuary
Monster Sanctuary is a popular indie game that combines elements of role-playing, adventure, and monster collecting. In this game, players take on the role of a young Monster Keeper who embarks on a journey to save the Monster Sanctuary from evil forces.
The game features a rich and immersive world where players can explore different regions, battle against wild monsters, and capture them to create their own team of powerful creatures.
Each monster has unique abilities and skills that can be upgraded through leveling up and evolving, allowing players to customize their team and develop different strategies.
6. Digimon World: Next Order
Digimon World: Next Order is a role-playing video game developed by B.B. Studio and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in 2016, it is the sequel to Digimon World and follows a similar gameplay concept.
In this game, players assume the role of a Digimon Tamer who must train and raise two Digimon partners to save the Digital World. The game features an open-world environment where players can explore various locations, engage in battles, and interact with other Digimon.
The main objective is to raise and train the Digimon to increase their stats and evolve them into more powerful forms. The game also introduces a day and night system, where certain events and Digimon can only be encountered at specific times.
7. Cassette Beasts
Cassette Beasts is an indie game that combines the nostalgia of cassette tapes with the excitement of monster battling.
Set in a vibrant and pixelated open world, players are tasked with capturing and training various creatures known as “cassette beasts.”
These beasts can then be transformed into powerful forms, allowing for strategic combat and exploration.
What sets Cassette Beasts apart is its unique cassette mechanic, where players can merge and combine different creatures to create new and even more powerful forms.
8. Moonstone Island
Moonstone Island is an exciting and immersive game that transports players to a mystical island full of enchanting adventures. The game takes place on a remote island known for its rare and powerful moonstones, which possess magical properties.
Players are tasked with exploring the island, solving puzzles, and uncovering the secrets of the moonstones. Along the way, they encounter fascinating characters, encounter dangerous creatures, and unravel a captivating storyline.
9. Temtem
Temtem is a massively multiplayer online creature collection game that was developed by Crema and released in early access in January 2020. It is often compared to the popular franchise, Pokémon, due to its similar gameplay mechanics and art style.
In Temtem, players embark on an adventure in the Airborne Archipelago, where they can catch and train creatures known as Temtem. These Temtem can then be used in battles against other players or wild Temtem.
The game features a variety of different types of Temtem, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.
10. Ooblets
Ooblets is a colorful and whimsical video game that combines elements of farming, creature collection, and town-building. Developed by indie studio Glumberland, Ooblets takes place in a world where adorable creatures called Ooblets coexist with humans.
Players take on the role of a character who has recently moved to the town of Badgetown, where they must cultivate their own farm, collect and train Ooblets, and engage in dance battles with other characters.
The game features a unique art style with vibrant colors and charming characters, creating a delightful and immersive experience for players.
11. Monster Crown
Monster Crown is a popular indie game that combines elements of monster collecting, breeding, and battling. In this game, players take on the role of a young trainer who must venture into a dark and dangerous world filled with unique and powerful creatures known as monsters.
The main objective is to capture and train these monsters, eventually becoming the ultimate monster master.
What sets Monster Crown apart from other similar games is its emphasis on the darker side of monster training, with players having the ability to crossbreed different species to create even more powerful and unique monsters.
12. Nexomon
Nexomon is a popular mobile game that takes inspiration from the classic game series, Pokemon. In Nexomon, players embark on a thrilling adventure in a world filled with mystical creatures known as Nexomon.
The objective of the game is to capture, train, and evolve these Nexomon into powerful companions. Each Nexomon possesses unique abilities and attributes, making team composition and strategic battles a key aspect of the gameplay.
With stunning graphics, an immersive storyline, and a wide variety of Nexomon to collect, the game offers an engaging and addictive experience for players of all ages.
Whether you are a fan of the Pokemon franchise or simply enjoy creature collection games, Nexomon provides a captivating gameplay experience that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
13. Siralim Ultimate
Siralim Ultimate is an upcoming role-playing game that has been highly anticipated by fans of the series. Developed by Thylacine Studios, it promises to be the ultimate installment in the Siralim franchise.
This game takes players on an epic journey through a vast and dynamic world filled with countless creatures and quests.
With its deep customization options and strategic gameplay, Siralim Ultimate offers players the opportunity to create their own unique team of creatures and engage in thrilling battles.
14. Coromon
Coromon is a popular role-playing game that was developed by TRAGsoft. It is inspired by the classic Pokémon games and offers players an immersive world filled with unique creatures to collect and battle.
In Coromon, players take on the role of a Coromon Trainer and embark on a thrilling adventure to become a renowned Coromon Master. The game features a vast open world with various regions to explore, each with its own distinct ecosystems and Coromon species.
Players can customize their character’s appearance, choose their starter Coromon, and gradually build their team by capturing and training new creatures they encounter along their journey.
15. Shin Megami Tensei 5
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is the highly anticipated fifth installment in the renowned Shin Megami Tensei series, developed and published by Atlus.
This role-playing video game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where players assume the role of a high school student who becomes involved in a battle between demons and humans.
Like its predecessors, Shin Megami Tensei 5 offers a deep and complex narrative, with choices and consequences that impact the overall storyline.
Players are tasked with forming alliances, negotiating with demons, and making crucial decisions that will shape the fate of the world.
16. Ni No Kuni
Ni No Kuni is a popular role-playing video game that was developed by Level-5 in collaboration with Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio.
The game follows the story of a young boy named Oliver, who embarks on a magical adventure in a parallel world to save his mother.
In this enchanting world, Oliver encounters various colorful characters, including talking animals and mythical creatures, and engages in turn-based battles against enemies.
The game is known for its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and a unique gameplay mechanic that combines traditional RPG elements with a captivating real-time combat system.
17. Bugsnax
Bugsnax is a quirky and inventive video game that was released in 2020. Developed by Young Horses, it takes place on an island inhabited by creatures called Bugsnax, which are half bug and half snack.
The game follows the story of a journalist who is sent to the island to uncover the mystery behind these creatures. The unique aspect of Bugsnax is that the player must catch and eat these Bugsnax in order to progress through the game.
Each Bugsnax has its own unique abilities and characteristics, making the gameplay both challenging and entertaining.
18. World of Final Fantasy
World of Final Fantasy is a video game that combines elements of role-playing and monster collecting genres. Developed and published by Square Enix, it was initially released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita consoles.
The game follows the adventures of twin siblings, Lann and Reynn, as they explore the magical land of Grymoire. In this enchanting world, players can capture and train various creatures called Mirages, which can then be stacked to create powerful teams to battle enemies.
The game also features characters from previous Final Fantasy installments, allowing players to experience a nostalgic journey through the franchise’s rich history.
19. Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chronicles is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. Originally released for the Wii console in 2010, it quickly gained a dedicated fan base and has since been remastered for the Nintendo Switch.
The game is set in a vast open world called Bionis and Mechonis, where the player controls a protagonist named Shulk, who wields a powerful weapon called the Monado.
The story follows Shulk and his friends as they embark on a journey to save their world from the threat of the Mechon, a mechanical army that seeks to destroy all life on Bionis.
Xenoblade Chronicles is known for its immersive storytelling, complex characters, and strategic real-time combat system.
20. EvoCreo
EvoCreo is a popular mobile game that takes inspiration from the classic Pokémon franchise. Developed by Ilmfinity, the game offers players a unique and immersive experience in a world where creatures called Creos roam freely.
The objective of the game is to capture and train these Creos, similar to Pokémon, and battle against other trainers to become the ultimate EvoCreo Champion. With stunning graphics and a vast selection of Creos to collect, EvoCreo provides hours of entertainment for fans of the monster-catching genre.
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