Since the game hit the scene,Palworldhas been compared to the historic mainstay in the monster-collecting genre,Pokemon. WhilePalworldeasily sets itself apart in some areas, it has been criticized for coming off a little too close toPokemonin some key ways. But some entries in the game’s Paldeck, an explanatory compendium of the various pals, are far from anything Game Freak would approve to go into a typical Pokedex entry.
The indie game saw surprising success early on with some fans dubbing it “Pokemonwith guns.” This description might be an oversimplification, but the games do share many core principles, most notably the focus on catching and taming different monsters. Thanks in large part to the aforementioned guns,Palworldtries to appeal to a more diverse audience by not straying from adult themes.Pokemon, on the other hand, has worked hard to maintain its family-friendly feel throughout the years. This key difference is what leads toPalworldincluding somePaldeck entries that would be shocking inPokemon. One such entry is that of the Pal Dumud, which includes information much more grim thanPokemontypically includes, creating a further tonal divide between the two series.
The Tonal Differences Between Palworld and Pokemon
Perhaps one of the stranger-looking Pals in the game, Dumud is, as its name might suggest, at home in the mud and not too bright. The strange fish-like Pal is one that some fans have been quick to point out as resembling amuch-loved new Pokemon, Clodsire, but the similarities end at the resemblance. When reading the Paldeck entry for Dumud, fans might be surprised to learn that “Even if it were sliced from head to tail, it probably wouldn’t even realize that it should be dead until the next morning.” Even the most sadistic ofPokemon’s professors would never describe something like that in their Pokedex.
Even if it were sliced from head to tail, it probably wouldn’t even realize that it should be dead until the next morning.
WhilePokemonhas been known to suggest some startling traits of some of their creatures and included a fewcreepy Ghost-type Pokemon Easter eggs, they have always danced around the idea of actual death. In any form of the franchise, it’s exceedingly rare that a person or Pokemon actually dies on-screen. This marks an important difference between the two games. WherePokemonrelishes in offering fans an escape into a fantastical world,Palworldshows what a world like that may become once more controversial real-world elements are introduced.
Palworld’s Tone is a Dark Contrast to Pokemon’s
Like the guns that Pals can use,Palworldexplores areas of life thatPokemonturns a blind eye to. Where Pokemon are happy to battle alongside their trainer no matter how they’re treated,Palworldallows players to use their captured pets for indentured serviture, and sometimes they are visibly unhappy about it.Palworldeven lets playerscapture humans in their Pal Spheres, exploring the disturbing implications of creating an object like the Poke Ball. In a way, the two series represent two sides of the same coin: one happy and carefree, the other harsh and brutal.
History might always hold thePokemonfranchise in high regard, but the story ofPalworldis still unfolding. With manyPokemonfans upset by the almost plagiaristic designs of some Pals, some fans have called for boycotts ofPalworldor even a lawsuit. WhatPalworldarguably lacks in designs, though, it does make up for in varied gameplay and a tonal shift in a familiar genre. With the game still in its infancy, players have already thought of moreways forPalworldto improveon aspects thatPokemonis reluctant to change. It’s unclear at the moment if the two franchises can comfortably coexist, but if they can find a compromise,Palworldmight usher in a whole new look at the monster-collecting genre. Focusing on the difference between these two games offers fans a better overall experience than getting hung up on the similarities.
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices…even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
