Pokemon feels like a franchise that has struck an endless supply of gold. After more than 25 years it continues to produce movies, shows, trading card sets, and probably the most important, video games. Even after eight generations, each new story feels unique while still building upon the original premise that started on the Game Boy. But just as Pokemon has remained popular, so have clones of the franchise.
Pokemon’s formula is fairly easy to adapt, and while not every fan-made game or inspired title is necessarily a clone, some releases are pretty exact in their replication. This isn’t necessarily bad either. Any good piece of media is bound to see its fair share of competitors try to cash in on the same niche. Some Pokemon clones have even been praised for their ingenuity and additions that fans may have wanted from the series itself.
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Additions and changes are part of the reason why people won't see Pokemon clones dying any time soon. The ability to adapt the idea that started with the first Pokemon game into a world that is similar yet different to what players know will always entice people. Sometimes the games may feel uninspired and receive the ire of dedicated fans, but other times they can be comedic like Pocket Mortys.
The game itself relies on the universe built around Rick and Morty, and the infinite Ricks and Mortys that can be met across the multiverse, but its gameplay and visual style is reminiscent of earlier Pokemon games. With the ability to obtain different Mortys for battle as well as a badge system, the similarities are often leaned on more than they are avoided.
But much like Rick and Morty parodies other pieces of pop culture throughout its episodes, Pocket Mortys is rooted in its mocking parody of the things that make Pokemon what it is. This approach works great for it, as Pocket Mortys makes use of the Rick and Morty franchise through Pokemon’s approach, providing a crossover that would likely never happen otherwise.
Temtem, on the other hand, is viewed by many as what a blatant Pokemon clone looks like, especially based on the aesthetics of the newer generations. At the same time, it builds a lot on what the Pokemon series started with. But among its similarities with different types, traits (which are most similar to Pokemon abilities), stats, and Luma Temtem (which are like the shiny Pokemon that many players hunt for), general improvements and additions are littered throughout the game.
Even in its early access, Temtem has been able to touch on one of the major things that Pokemon fans had wanted for a long time: a way to truly play together. While Pokemon Sword and Shield allowed players to view one another on-screen and participate in Max Raid battles together, Temtem has been devoted to fleshing out its MMO style for a while. With it being a core part of the game, things like battling have been incorporated, but there is also co-op for players to participate in adventures together.
This is something that the main Pokemon games are yet to fully realize and is a great example of why Pokemon clones will continue to be prevalent. Not every game is guaranteed to be a rewarding experience, but something that adds to what players already love is hard to ignore. Players are always looking for something new from Pokemon, and when their specific expectations aren’t met, other games can fill that void. They might not always be serious in their approach, as is the case with Pocket Mortys, but their freedom outside of the established series that everyone knows allows Pokemon clones to take risks with alternative gameplay.
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