Summary
While they look a lot like Pokemon, the titular Pals inPalworlddo not evolve. The game borrows heavily from thePokemonfranchise aesthetically and mechanically, but the lack of evolution is one of the most notable departures in its design. There are those gamers who enjoy figuring out how to make their creatures change into new and more powerful forms, but this is not the game for them. Further, there is no reason to believe that an evolution mechanic will ever be added, andPalworldwill likely benefit from skipping it.
Palworldis setting itself apart fromPokemonby rejecting the evolution mechanic, which is noteworthy sincePokemonhas become widely recognized by the mechanic of small, cute creatures undergoing rapid changes to become larger and stronger versions of themselves, effectively monopolizing this feature to the point that anything similar is immediately compared. By avoiding it,Palworldis able to stand out just a bit more, feeling like less of a clone than what many have described it as.
Pokemon Won The Evolution Battle
Evolution mechanics are not unique toPokemon. The Super NintendoE.V.O.: Search for Edenfeatured an evolution mechanic in 1992, for example. Bandai released the first iteration of the evolving Tamagotchi digital pet several months after the firstPokemongames were released, as well as theDigimonfranchise in the following years. It’s as if there was a short but decisive battle over the evolution mechanic in the late 1990s, andPokemonemerged as the victor.
Regardless, if one brings up evolution in a room full of gamers, most of them will immediately think aboutPokemon. Other mechanics like the rock-paper-scissors type system aren’t exclusive toPokemon; it has been a fundamental mechanic in many RPG-style games over the last few decades.Pokemonhas fleshed out its type system over the years, mostly adding new ones to balance things out. Examples of other game series that use similar systems areFinal Fantasy, Dragon Quest,andDigimononce again. Commonly used elements such as fire, ice, water, earth, and electricity can be found in myriad games.Palworldhasn’t reinvented the wheel with its relatively simple elemental system, but has instead leaned on one of the key differences it has fromPokemon.
The Biggest Difference Between Palworld and Pokemon
Pals can die inPalworld, unlike inPokemonwhere they typically just faint until they can be revived at a Pokemon Center. This is one of a fewuniquePalworldmechanics that really sets it apart, with another one being the Sanity mechanic. Evolving Pokemon often takes some kind of effort, whether its training or meeting other bizarre requirements. Not having an evolution mechanic makes sense because it would not be satisfying for players to spend time caring for and training their Pals when they can die at any time. Sadly, Pals are expendable, as cute as they may be. This is a grim reality inPalworld, much like the jarring shootouts that can occasionally be found occurring in its world.
Palworldis certainly a curiosity inthe world of “Pokemon-like” games. Monster collecting and battling is a more ambiguous phenomenon which can also be found in other franchises. TheMegami Tenseifranchise, which includesPersonagames, lets players collect and fuse demons, with many inspired by real-world folklore and mythology. Level 5’sYo-kai Watchis yet another more recent franchise that has earned a substantial following, albeit mostly in Japan. EvenFinal Fantasyhas had a few games that involved some form of creature collection, such asFinal Fantasy 13-2where creatures like Chocobos can be summoned to fight alongside Serah and Noel.
Palworldis in early access for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices…even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
