Coming in at nine generations of games at this point, the Pokemon franchise has been a cornerstone of the video game industry for just under thirty years. Its lovable cast of pocket monsters has had a strong influence on gamers throughout the decades.
Contrary to popular belief, the Pokemon franchise merely popularised the monster-catching JRPG sub-genre and brought it to a global audience. The true progenitors of these mechanics are the original Shin Megami Tensei and Dragon Quest V.
Other video game franchises have tried their hand at Pokemon’s gameplay formula, with more than a handful of games taking their shot at this sub-genre. If you’re looking for an indie take on the monster-catching RPG, here are ten games that will tickle your fancy.
Nexomon: Extinction
One of the earlier indie monster-catching franchises, Nexomon: Extinction is the latest entry in this series that began on mobile. This entry comes with a brand new story, eccentric characters and over 300 unique Nexomon to trap, tame and evolve.
Siralim Ultimate
Taking cues from Shin Megami Tensei and Dragon Quest V, Siralim Ultimate is a first-person dungeon-crawling RPG. Players can summon over 1,200 different creatures and travel through randomly generated dungeons to acquire resources, new creatures, and loot.
Ooblets
If Pokemon and Animal Crossing are your favourite video game franchises, then Ooblets is the game for you. The game combines farming and creature collecting game into one, with players being able to explore strange lands, and have dance-offs with their trained Ooblets.
Adore
Like Hades meets Pokemon, Adore is a creature-collecting game with an action RPG twist. Players assume the role of Adore’s main character, Lukha, who is able to summon and control creatures to fight by his side and take on the game’s many challenges.
Monster Sanctuary
Creature-collecting meets Metroidvania exploration in the 2D sidescroller, Monster Sanctuary. Players will not only collect, train and battle a myriad of monsters, but also need the specific skills of these creatures to navigate the world.
Abomi Nation
In this roguelike monster-taming RPG, every playthrough will see a new version of Abomi Nation unfold with different Abomis for players to find. Players can explore each newly generated world, watch their Abomis bond, and enjoy a unique experience each time they play.
Coromon
Those who enjoyed the Nintendo DS era of Pokemon will enjoy Coromon’s modern take on the monster-catching genre. Players will tame various Coromon and explore a vast world filled with thrilling turn-based battles, mind-bending puzzles, and a mysterious threat to the world.
Monster Crown
On the flip side, those who miss the Game Boy era of Pokemon games will have lots to enjoy with Monster Crown. The game features a dark world where monsters rule and players are able to make pacts with them to restore balance to Crown Island.
TemTem Showdown
While many may be familiar with the online monster-catching game TemTem, the newly released TemTem Showdown is like the Pokemon Stadium version of the MMORPG. Players can get straight into competitive Temtem battles in this free multiplayer battle simulator.
Cassette Beasts
Taking cues from both Pokemon and its pseudo-rival Digimon, Cassette Beasts has players engaging in turn-based battles through a sprawling open world. Players can combine any two monsters using Cassette Beasts’ Fusion System to create unique and powerful new ones.
