This is a remake of a classic dungeon-crawling role-playing adventure. In this game, you awaken as a Pokémon and must build a rescue team to explore mysterious, ever-changing dungeons. Your objective is to recruit other Pokémon, manage your team and their base camps, and undertake missions to make the Pokémon world safer while uncovering your own purpose. Gameplay involves strategic, turn-based combat and deliberate movement through dungeons, with an option for faster traversal in less critical moments. The game features a distinctive watercolor-inspired art style and an updated soundtrack.

The World and Your Role

Unlike traditional Pokémon games, you embody a Pokémon yourself, not a trainer. The narrative centers on forming a rescue team composed of various Pokémon, each with unique abilities. These recruited allies require housing and management in base camps, which you will build and upgrade to strengthen your team. The story progresses through rescue missions, gradually revealing the world's mysteries and your character's identity.

Gameplay Mechanics and Exploration

The core gameplay loop involves exploring procedurally generated dungeons. Movement is tile-based, requiring players to plan each step strategically, especially when encountering enemy Pokémon. Battles are turn-based, emphasizing the importance of type matchups and Pokémon strengths and weaknesses. An "Auto Mode" is available to speed up movement through safe areas, but tactical decision-making remains crucial for success.

What makes this game a unique experience?

A key distinguishing feature is the player's perspective as a Pokémon. This shifts the focus from training to leading and managing a team of Pokémon. The dynamic nature of the dungeons ensures that each exploration offers a new layout and set of challenges, providing replayability. Building and expanding base camps is integral to managing your growing roster and preparing for expeditions.

Visual and Audio Enhancements

This remake features a significant visual overhaul with a distinct watercolor-inspired art style, offering a softer and more artistic interpretation of the Pokémon world and its characters. The soundtrack has also been re-orchestrated to complement the new visual presentation and enhance the adventurous atmosphere.

Core Features and Progression

Recruiting new Pokémon is central to progression, expanding your team's capabilities and allowing access to more challenging dungeons. Managing and upgrading base camps is essential for housing, training, and strategizing with your growing team. Thoughtful team composition and tactical planning are emphasized to overcome the game's challenges.

Content and Availability

This title is a remake of a classic game, delivering its full experience on the Nintendo Switch. It offers a complete, self-contained adventure without any downloadable content (DLC) or expansions.

Is this a faithful remake?

This version is a faithful reimagining of the original game, preserving its core narrative and gameplay mechanics. The developers have modernized the presentation with updated graphics and sound, alongside quality-of-life improvements to the gameplay. The fundamental experience of becoming a Pokémon, forming a rescue team, and exploring mysterious dungeons remains true to the original, offering a familiar yet refreshed experience.