Complete with a new map and Pals on top of added features, the Sakurajima update coming toPalworldhas the potential to kick off what may be a longer lifespan for the survival monster catcher title than some had expected. Ever since it was first announced,Palworldhas been compared to its obvious source of inspiration inPokemon, with these similarities leading several fans to be shocked at the title’s success as its own IP when it hit Early Access this year. While Sakurajima could have provided the perfect opportunity to deliver on more original concepts which would further setPalworldapart, it seems that some of the game’s newest Pals are likely to follow the unfortunate trend of being perceived as direct knock-offs.
It might have a gameplay loop of its own which bears almost no resemblance to that of modernPokemon, but multiple creature designs in Palworld are notable for their strong resemblances to existing Pocket Monsters. FromAnubishaving a similar silhouette and theme to Lucario, toLamballnearly being a carbon copy of Wooloo, it’s not a difficult task to findPokemon lookalikes inPalworld. Considering the game’s much darker tone and survival-driven nature, however, many players have been willing to accept this as a rougher aspect of its Early Access launch. Now that Pocket Pair has turned a profit and had time to work on new content, however, this type of approach to design doesn’t seem to have changed.
Palworld’s Fresh Environments and Features Deserve to Be Properly Complemented by Pals
While the base map of the Palpagos Islands has received criticism from some fans due to being seen as basic in the Unreal Engine context,Palworld’s massive Sakurajima updateseems set to introduce areas which have a lot of innate character. PvP arenas, new bosses, and resources for base-building are all ready to work in tandem with this, but the new Pals at the core of the title’s premise have become almost predictable in their additions.
Recolored forms of Quivern, Bushi, and Wixen, and even thepopular Pal Chilletall seem to have taken on new Elemental typings which could serve to fit the setting, but these are still just flips instead of brand-new designs. It doesn’t help that the likes ofWixenhave been specifically cited by some fans as the most shameless of copies, with its similarities to Delphox being tough to deny. Now that several new species in the same format are set to premiere later this month, these accusations might not cease anytime soon.
Palworld’s New Sakurajima Update Pals Still Haven’t Let Go of Pokemon’s Influence
Taking Direct Inspiration from Pokemon like Dusknoir
Copying a specific design motif like Hisuian Arcanine’s basic head structure in a Pal at the start of the Sakurajima trailer is already somewhat concerning, but the most egregious example of being derivative comes in the form of a ghostly Pal with essentially the exact same body shape as the Pokemon Dusknoir. This is followed up by another new design, this time potentially taking a page right out of Golisopod’s book in terms of its upper body and aggressive style. They might be set apart by the ghost Pal’s flames or the lack of a bug/crustacean motif, but their overall figures can seem likenearly identical Pokemon clonesin the right context.
Palworld Might Be Indifferent to Comparisons
The presence of inhumane working conditions and dangerous firearms as important mechanics have made it clear by now that, despite the possible rip-offs, Pocket Pair isn’t trying to cash in on the same niche asPokemon. InPalworld’s surprisingly successful indie experiencethat some players have argued is more parody than sincere, it’s possible that there isn’t much concern about infringing on Pokemon concepts at all, or even an incentive to draw from them. Only time will tell whether more parallels to one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises will continue, but it’s certain thatPalworldisn’t trying to utilize them in the same way.
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!
