PALWORLD

All ideas need inspiration—and in video games, inspiration can make something better for everyone.

- Jose Alvarez

DEVELOPER Pocket Pair

PUBLISHER Pocket Pair

PLATFORM(S) PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Games are often compared to other games when they come out. In some cases, those very games can equal or surpass that game in popularity or legacy. Counter-Strike is one of the first examples of a mod or similar game outpacing the popularity of their source of inspiration. It became the most popular Half-Life mod, even surpassing Half-Life itself in terms of legacy and popularity. Pocket Pair, the Japanese development team behind Palworld, is going the same route, even prompting Nintendo to investigate the game for any resemblances to Pokémon.

Palworld drops you into the Palpagos Islands. You can customize your avatar to fit your liking. You explore the islands by managing your own hunger, crafting tools, gathering materials, and building your bases to act as fast travel points on the islands. Of course, you also capture Pals with Pal Spheres. Your Pals can do battle with others, or even assist you with tasks such as scavenging for materials, crafting tools, and cooking as well. All Pals come with a Partner skill. Some can even be used as mounts for traveling or even as a weapon.