Palform proves the Palworld franchise was never just "Pokémon with a gun"

Palworld It has been criticized for a long time Pokemon In common with many gamers, jokingly and seriously, dubbing it “Pokemon With a gun.” The ever-controversial Nintendo also sued Palworld Developer Pocketpair in Fall 2024, which is still ongoing. It hasn't exactly helped Palworld avoid Pokemon Clone accusations, especially from people unfamiliar with it.

But most have actually played Palworld will confirm its originality: it is not only “Pokemon A massive survival game with a rather versatile base building and resource management system. I'm not saying it's a miracle of game design or that it's completely original, but it really has very little to do with it. Pokemon When you can actually break its gameplay loop. as Palworld As the brand expands through projects Palworld: PalfarmIt's becoming increasingly clear that Pocketpair isn't trying to jack Nintendo's style. love it or hate it, Palworld is doing its own thing, and Pocketpair is more risk-tolerant than many others give it credit for.

Palworld: Palfarm is indicative of the rapid growth and expansion of Palworld

Palworld: Palfarm Effectively a “comfort game” spin-off of the original Palworld Experience, where human avatars work with various companions to cultivate a thriving farm and community. It certainly has its shades Animal CrossingWhich is a potential extra strike against Pocketpair, but it's also clearly inspired by the likes. Disney Dreamlight Valley and Stardew Valley. If Palform is casual, then almost every upcoming farming or life-sim game can be considered casual as well.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)

This category includes Pokemon: PokopiaNintendo's very own upcoming cozy, Animal Crossing– Featuring Pokémon inspired games. If Palform is tearing Animal Crossing, Minecraftand Stardew ValleyThen it is the same Pokopia. That's the difference Palform Releasing less than three years later Palworld entered early access (the game still hasn't released its 1.0 patch), while Pokopia It comes decades later Pokemon games, many of which are incredibly similar spins on the same formula from the 90s.

This is not to say Palform would be better than PokopiaBut this indicates that Pocketpair is being more aggressive and experimental Palworld Nintendo is with the concept Pokemon. It almost seems like Pocketpair is trying to tackle as many spin-offs and franchise-building efforts as possible, instead of resting on its laurels and giving viewers more of the same. If the developer really wanted to copy Nintendo's homework, it would start Palworld Already and got to work Palworld 2Without branching out and testing new ideas.

It is important to point out the high degree of use within the original Palworld the game For a game still in early access, it's received a bevy of new and unexpected content, including crossovers with franchises. Terraria and ULTRAKILL.

Palworld Trading Card Game and Palworld: More Than Friends showcasing the evolution of PocketPair

In another parallel to The Pokemon Company, PocketPair announced in January 2026 that it was developing a Palworld Business card game. We don't know much about what this TCG will actually look like or how it will work, but it's definitely a big swing. And again, just because Pokemon Just because something has been done doesn't mean it can claim it. The Pokemon Company certainly didn't create the concept of a trading card game.

TCGs, survival games, and comfortable life are pivoting away, away from sims Palworld: More than just friendsA tongue-in-cheek dating sim that looks very inspired Doki Doki Literature Club. Originally considered an April Fool's Day joke (More than friends was announced on April 1, 2025), Pocketpair has finally confirmed that it is a real project in development. I don't know what to make of this weird mix of dating sim, psychological horror, and monster-collection, but it's nothing. Pokemon It will, that's for sure.

The fire of Palworld is glowing; Here's hoping it doesn't burn

Hard to believe Palworld It was launched just two years ago in January 2024. The disproportionate number of spin-offs from this original title shows Pocketpair's commitment. Palworld IP, but it's also a bit disappointing. Palworld Popular, but it still does not have its legs. It may still be a fad. If even one of these upcoming spin-offs is a substantial failure, it could prevent further development of the IP for years to come.

Pocketpair clearly lands on a satisfying gameplay loop with the original PalworldHowever I hope it continues to develop this flagship title with due diligence and effort. Spin-offs can help a brand grow and attract new demographics, but it will make little difference if the brand's progenitor is ignored. Guess what I mean PalworldThe hot pursuit of spin-offs is not necessarily good or bad, but a sign of a certain ambition and, dare I say, courage on the part of Pocketpair. These characteristics, unfortunately, set Palworld Except Pokemon.