Palworld: The Rising Gaming Sensation and the Pokémon Paradox
Undoubtedly, you're aware that Palworld has become a sensation in the gaming community, surpassing 2 million concurrent players on Steam and exhibiting sustained momentum. It's undeniable that Palworld is a tremendous success as it currently only trails PUBG on Steam. Now, let's delve into the good, the bad, and the ugly circulating within the community regarding this game.
Too Close for Comfort?
Plagiarism is undoubtedly the most heated debate amongst fans surrounding this title. The question on everyone's mind: Did they borrow designs from GameFreak, and does this constitute stolen likeness, warranting legal action from the creators of the Pokémon franchise?
In my perspective, no, and here's my reasoning. While the resemblance of some pals to certain Pokémon is striking, it's essential to consider the origin of Pokémon designs. A comparison between the original Pokémon and Dragon Quest reveals a nearly identical situation. Should we praise one and criticize the other? It seems like fair use, and navigating the boundary between parody and inspiration goes much further than people realize.
Granted, the game's similarity between Pals and specific Pokémon is rather unmistakable. The concern extends beyond mere visuals; it encompasses certain mechanics as well. To capture a Pal, you must reduce its health to near zero and then throw a 'Pal Sphere,' followed by a series of shakes determining the success of your catch. Does this sound familiar? Even concerning Pal Spheres, there are various levels akin to their Pokéball counterparts.
At present, Nintendo is in the midst of an investigation before making any decisions regarding legal action. Will the game be taken down? Is there a potential financial penalty? Only time will tell, but I can confidently say I will continue enjoying the game while the situation unfolds.
Ok, but how is it different?
Combat: Utilizing a Pal compared to employing a Pokémon presents a stark contrast. Firstly, in terms of combat, when deploying a Pal, they are not under the direct control of the user. Instead, you release them from the Pal sphere and allow them to engage in combat alongside you while you simultaneously attack or shoot the enemy. There is no direct control over them in battle, except when you are riding one. Unlike the turn by turn combat system Pokémon utilizes.
Day to Day: Differing from Pokémon, the day-to-day or non-combat activities in this game heavily hinge on how you utilize your Pals. They collaborate with you at your base, contributing to the advancement of both your character and the base itself. Virtually all crucial items in the game are obtained through the efforts of Pals engaged in farming, gathering, or cooking within your base. It's crucial to ensure you have the right Pals for the task, guaranteeing maximum productivity from your team. The strategic deployment of specific Pals in your base is pivotal for leveling up your character and ensuring the acquisition of essential items crucial for reaching the end game. The interdependence is reciprocal; not only do you depend on your Pals, but they also rely on you for constructing necessary equipment, providing shelter, meals, and the required attention to ensure their survival while at the base.
Creativity: In my perspective, something that has been noticeably absent from the Pokémon franchise for as long as I can recall is the ability to be creative. Palworld takes a significant leap forward in this aspect compared to Pokémon. At present, my character resembles a Navi from Avatar, and why? Because the developers granted me the freedom to do so. Character customization is not the sole focus; the primary base of operations is also a key element. Unlike the constant movement and purchasing from marts in Pokémon, Palworld allows you to establish a series of bases across the map, offering you the flexibility to customize and prioritize them according to your preferences. Whether you desire a mining base for ore and iron, a location near a volcano for sulfur essential for guns and ammunition, or simply wish to construct a magnificent castle atop a mountain just for the sake of it – in Palworld, you can make it happen. The scope for base customization in Palworld is virtually limitless, a feature that Pokémon has been lacking for years.
Final Thoughts:
Palworld's well-deserved popularity and ascent to success stem from its thrilling, challenging, and inclusive multiplayer experience. While some might view this game's success as a potential threat to the powerhouse franchise that is Pokémon, I consider it to be the best thing that could happen. GameFreak has enjoyed an uncontested position in this space for too long. With a new contender on the scene doing what they do but better, Pokémon is now compelled to break free from its comfort zone, push boundaries, and offer its fans a truly groundbreaking title. The alternative is a gradual fading into obscurity. I am genuinely eager to witness the impact of this competition on the Pokémon franchise and the transformative changes it may undergo.
Bonus Content Below: Tips and Tricks while starting your Palworld journey
For those embarking on their Palworld journey, explore the tips and tricks below to give your adventure a head start.
Capture Everything: While it might be tempting to roam and catch various Pals, the most effective way to level up in Palworld is to capture up to 10 of each type you encounter. For every Pal of the same type caught (up to 10), you receive an experience boost that progressively increases with each subsequent capture. By securing 10 of each type early in the game, you can power-level yourself, earning technology tree points and unlocking crucial gear in the initial stages.
Base Locations: Although the landscapes and islands in Palworld offer stunning views, the functionality of your base is paramount for late-game success. Optimal base locations should have abundant resources, such as areas with four or more ore deposits for mass-producing iron—essential for crafting throughout your journey. While exploring, keep an eye out for ore, sulfur, and stone clusters to establish your base.
Statue of Power: Don't overlook the Statue of Power, a key element for leveling up your ability to capture higher-level Pals. This enhances your chances of capturing high-level Pals and defeating world bosses. Additionally, the statue allows you to boost specific stats of your Pal friends, such as health, attacks, and defense. Keep in mind that there's a limit on how many times you can level up these stats, but there's an alternative method that won't be discussed here.
Prepare for the Elements: Palworld's different biomes can pose significant challenges if you're unprepared. Craft gear tailored to specific biomes, creating armor resistant to both heat and cold weather. This is crucial for venturing into higher-level areas, making the difference between sustaining health damage consistently and capturing some of the best Pals in the game.
