It’s often the case that you come across a new video game and can’t help but think it should have been released ages ago. That’s exactly how I feel about Pokémon Pokopia, set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 this March, thanks to The Pokémon Company, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo.
Recently, I had the chance to play about an hour of this upcoming cozy-core game at a preview event, and I can’t shake the feeling that many of my friends will end up spending countless hours on it. In essence, it’s Pokémon intertwined with Minecraft, featuring a charmingly quirky premise that encourages town-building, whether solo or with friends in online mode.
From the description, you likely already know if this game appeals to you.
It’s Ditto’s Time to Shine
Before diving into the gameplay mechanics of Pokopia, it’s essential to touch on the unusual premise of this Switch 2 title. You take on the role of a Ditto, a classic character from the original 151, capable of transforming into any Pokémon. This particular Ditto chooses to dress up as a customizable human on an island that has long been deserted by humans, with ruins scattered around and an environment populated only by wild Pokémon. Plus, the Pokémon in Pokopia can converse, which is a significant aspect of the game.
As a pseudo-human with a Ditto face, your mission is to restore the region to attract new Pokémon and possibly humans again. The game takes clear inspiration from Minecraft, featuring a block-based world where players can destroy or rearrange structures as they wish. Additional elements from cozy simulation games like Stardew Valley are also present, as players must create appropriate habitats for various Pokémon, each with distinct preferences.
Multiplayer Might Be Where Pokopia Really Shines
Attracting Pokémon is more than just for visual appeal in Pokopia; Ditto can copy their abilities to enhance your town-building skills. For instance, Bulbasaur allows you to plant grass, while Squirtle enables you to water it. Eventually, you can unlock moves like Rock Smash for clearing debris and reshaping the world. You may even gain abilities that let you transform into Lapras to navigate water and Dragonite to fly around. Notably, all transformations maintain that amusing Ditto face, giving the game a unique visual flair.
The fact that Pokémon can speak matters, too, as they each have individual preferences and likes, allowing you to increase your relationship with them through gifting. Ever wanted to befriend a Squirtle? Pokémon Pokopia makes that possible.
Although this genre isn’t my usual preference (though I did enjoy Stardew Valley), I found it hard to gauge the game’s quality after just a short session. The tutorials were clear, and the initial gameplay is structured with meaningful quests that offer solid rewards, making it easy for newcomers to find their footing. Given the family-friendly nature of Pokémon and Nintendo games, I was surprised by how quickly Pokopia lets players explore freely, which is crucial for a game like this.
Our play session began with an introductory segment and quickly transitioned into online multiplayer. This aspect seems to provide a lot of fun for Pokopia; friends can collaborate to create their ideal Pokémon paradise. The multiplayer experience feels similar to solo play, but with friends running around. There are both personal and communal construction projects where players can contribute at their own pace. The demo island showcased impressive features, including fully furnished homes for Pokémon and entertaining landmarks.
Ultimately, the freedom for players to express themselves in construction will be vital. While this game might not be for everyone, I can clearly see its appeal—building towns for your beloved Pokémon without the competitive aspect of battling trainers. Pokémon Pokopia is set to launch on March 5 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
