Game Genres Pokemon Should Explore

Summary

Fans want modern RPG elements in mainline Pokemon games, but also desire Pokemon in other genres like party games or ranching sims.
GameFreak and partners offer non-mainline Pokemon games, but there’s room for new genres like horror, RTS, business and farming sims.
Possibilities include a standalone Pokemon RTS game, a horror game inspired by Luigi’s Mansion, and a farming sim focusing on raising Pokemon.

As a dedicated Pokémon gamer, I’ve always yearned for more depth in the mainline games, incorporating modern RPG elements to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Yet, it’s not just about the traditional battles; fans like me have dreamt of exploring different game genres too.

Imagine a Pokémon spin-off similar to Mario Party, where instead of mini-games, we engage in unique Pokémon challenges. Or how about a farming simulator where the focus shifts from battling monsters to nurturing and raising them? And let’s not forget an open-world RPG that puts exploration first, immersing us in a vast Pokémon world, with a dash of crafting to keep things interesting. These are just a few concepts that fans have proposed over the years, eagerly anticipating the day when they become reality.

GameFreak and The Pokemon Company, along with their numerous third-party collaborators, have an extensive collection of non-mainline games that blend Pokemons with various genres. Examples like Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, Pokemon Go, and Pokemon Stadium are just a few instances. However, there’s room in The Pokemon Company’s schedule to explore genres that longtime fans have been yearning for, as well as introducing newcomers to the franchise beyond its iconic characters.

10. Pokemon Contests Through Costuming & Rhythm Games

Dress-Up Games in a Cute Pokemon Package

In my gaming experience, one of the mini-games I truly cherished from the old days of Pokémon was the Pokémon Contests. Games like Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, as well as their Generation 6 remakes, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, showcased these delightful side quests that made me think about my Pokémon in a whole new light. Reviving the Pokémon Contests as a standalone game could be an amazing way to cater to those of us who yearn for their return, and to those who prefer the mainline games to remain focused on their core gameplay.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find the Nintendo 3DS’ New Style Boutique series, Life Makeover, Shining Nikki, and even Final Fantasy 14’s Glamor community to be particularly engaging due to their unique gameplay mechanics. These elements could enhance contest immersion by incorporating them more deeply. For instance, the appeal or talent rounds could be expanded to seamlessly connect Pokemon abilities and talents, allowing players to showcase their individual styles more authentically.

9. A Bigger RTS

Disgaea and Makai Kingdom Meet Pokemon Conquest

Pokemon Conquest marked the franchise’s initial step into real-time strategy games. The Warring States era provided an ideal foundation for strategic battles involving Pokémon. Furthermore, being a collaboration between Pokémon and Nobunaga’s Ambition, it allowed TPC to engage two substantial existing fan bases in Japan.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d be thrilled to see a fresh standalone Pokémon Real-Time Strategy (RTS) title! The prospect of playing with all 1025 unique Pokémon on the Switch 2 is truly exciting, given its capabilities.

One idea that could make this game even more immersive is incorporating the “Linking” mechanism for capturing wild Pokémon, similar to what we experienced in Conquest. Additionally, it would be intriguing if abilities were tied specifically to certain Pokémon types, adding a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay.

Lastly, breaking free from the constraints of the Warring States period could broaden the game’s appeal, attracting a wider audience who may not have been interested in the historical setting. This could lead to a more diverse and inclusive gaming experience for all!

8. Explore Horror

Luigi’s Mansion is the Blueprint for Children’s Horror

As a gamer, I’ve always found the world of Pokémon to be filled with some truly eerie and terrifying creatures. For instance, there’s Mimikyu, this eldritch abomination that disguises itself as a Pikachu, but it’s just a pitiful imitation, and Yamask, a spirit of resentment that haunts the battlefield. Places like Lavender Town have become infamous due to their role as burial grounds for fallen Pokémon, spawning countless urban legends. The Old Chateau in Generation 4, Route 14 between Lumiose City and Laverre City, and The Strange House in Unova are all places that can send shivers down the spine of even the bravest adults.

Developing a Pokémon horror game inspired by the kid-friendly terror of Luigi’s Mansion might facilitate an easier transition for players. Since the story could involve players as Silph Co. testers testing new Silph Scopes, it wouldn’t require too much of a leap in terms of lore. Gameplay-wise, elements from both Pokémon Snap and Fatal Frame could be integrated, with players simply taking pictures of ghosts as they encounter them, or embracing the full Luigi’s Mansion experience by capturing ghost Pokémon to add to their collection, aiding in future captures.

7. Run A Business With Pokemon

Pokemon Concierge Meets Capitalism 2 and Kairosoft

In the Netflix show titled “Pokemon Concierge“, we see Haru, who’s known for being overly busy, taking some time off to unwind and regain his self-assurance. This series also delves into the realistic challenges businesses encounter when catering to a wide range of Pokemon in a service environment. It sparked curiosity among gamers, making them ponder the idea of managing a Pokemon resort, reminiscent of games such as “Bear and Breakfast” and “Hot Springs Story“.

The mechanics of managing a Pokemon resort might become more straightforward, allowing easier handling of facility improvements, customer feedback, and rearranging furniture. Additionally, a camera mode could be included in the game to enable fans to observe exclusive Pokemon animations associated with different facilities and activities. Furthermore, certain Pokemon could be utilized for tasks such as Lapras boats or Sealeos playing volleyball with visitors.

6. Defeat Giant Pokemon In PvE Team Battle

Monster Hunter for Big Game Pokemon

Pokémon can become incredibly large even without undergoing mega evolutions. Wailord stands out as one of the largest non-mega Pokémon, with Steelix, Dodonzo, and Exeggutor not far behind. Among legendary Pokémon, Eternatus grows to an impressive 328 feet when Dynamaxed, while it measures 65 feet in its normal state.

In a manner reminiscent of the “Monster Hunter” series, a Pokemon PvE game could focus on forest rangers who are tasked with preserving their local ecosystems, much like the role of Pokemon Rangers in games, shows, and the action RPG “Pokemon Ranger”. Players would have the ability to switch between controlling their rangers and partners during exploration, lock onto specific Pokemon in combat situations, and even swap between monsters to utilize various skills.

5. Multiplayer Party Mini-Games

Bring Back Pokemon Stadium Mini-Games On Their Own

In Pokemon Stadium, there were numerous mini-games available under the Kids Club section which made for enjoyable afternoons during breaks from battles. Additionally, there was a GameCube tech demo called Meowth’s Party that allowed for camera control. However, unlike Mario Party, Pokemon lacks a true standalone party game where players can gather on a board and engage in numerous mini-games.

As a gamer, I’d love to see a fun, low-pressure multiplayer Pokémon party game that TPC could develop! Bringing back classic mini-games like the thrilling “Run, Rattata, Run” from the original Pokémon Stadium or the electrifying “Pichu’s Power Plant” from Pokémon Stadium 2 would be a great way to rekindle some nostalgia and keep us engaged outside of the intense combat in mainline games.

4. Turn-Based RPG

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, But With Junction, Pictos, or Abilities

In simpler terms, so far there hasn’t been a traditional turn-based role-playing game (RPG) featuring Pokémon that doesn’t follow the main combat rules, but instead takes place in an alternate world where only Pokémon exist. Such a game, incorporating classic turn-based JRPG mechanics and quick time event reactions similar to those found in Paper Mario, would be appealing.

Incorporating a skill or junction system similar to those found in Final Fantasy 8 and 9, or even something like the pictos system from Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, could add an interesting layer to the game. This ability system would mirror the strategy Pokemon breeders use in mainline games when creating their ideal Pokemon. Quick Time Events (QTEs) could also be implemented to enhance combat, offering a depth that appeals to both children and adults alike.

3. Pokemon Raising And Ranching

Monster Rancher-Style Gameplay

In the game Monster Rancher, there were battles, but what truly captivated players was the chance to nurture and raise unique monsters. Daily care, such as choosing their diet and training methods, significantly impacted their battle skills and performance during quests. Similarly, in the PlayStation 1 game Digimon World, the level of attention given to Digimons influenced how they evolved.

A game centered around nurturing Pokémons could offer a delightful change from the combat-oriented main series games. In these Pokémon care simulations, players might assume roles such as daycare workers or ranch owners, with the primary focus being the tender care of limited numbers of Pokémons.

2. Pokemon Farming Sim

Farm With Pokemon

Square Enix’s Harvestella is an engaging role-playing game that combines farming and life simulation elements with a captivating narrative, allowing players to continue cultivating their farms at their own pace. On the other hand, Marvelous’ Farmagia offers a similar experience, but with whimsical Fairy Tale aesthetics and the unique feature of growing monsters from dungeon seeds. The setting could easily accommodate a Pokemon game, given the franchise’s history of incorporating Pokemon in agricultural settings, with numerous instances of Pokemon contributing to farming activities.

Similar to games like a “Pokemon Caretaker” or “Monster Rancher”, a farming simulation game featuring Pokemon could be either peaceful or fast-paced depending on the player’s preference. Players would have the freedom to focus on taking care of their farm with their Pokemon, foraging together, or even collaborating with friends in multiplayer mode if that feature is available.

1. Open-World Adventure RPG

Cross The PalWorld Threshold With Your Favorite Pokemon

The uproar concerning Palworld and Pokemon subsided as gamers discovered that Palworld contained more elements reminiscent of Ark and DayZ rather than Pokemon. Despite this, it was revealed that exploring with fascinating creatures and utilizing their abilities to do so is highly enjoyable. Moreover, it demonstrated that fans are eager to partake in the experience, if the strong sales of Palworld during its first week serve as any proof.

It’s clear that a survival adventure game featuring Pokémon wouldn’t include gun upgrades. Instead, perhaps there would be saddles for rideable Pokémon or relaxing hot springs where trainers and their Pokémon can build relationships. If The Pokémon Company (TPC) takes inspiration from the latest advancements in “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”, they could introduce unique methods for exploring the game world as well.

2025-07-06 03:34