Fans ofThe Witcher 3andPokemon GOcan get the best of both worlds inThe Witcher: Monster Slayer. Unlike the AR-based monster catcher,Monster Slayerallows playersto become Witchers, themselves. Just like Geralt of Rivia inThe Witcher,players ofMonster Slayercan now take on contracts and eliminate monsters at the comfort of their own phones.
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While bothMonster SlayerandPokemon GOutilize AR, both games approach their mechanics extremely differently. For newcomers to both mobile titles, wouldPokemon GO’s more portable Trainer experience trumpMonster Slayer’s creature-hunting gameplay?
8Story:Pokemon GOSets Players Free On The Get Go
Unlike otherPokemongames that need players to get Gym Badges to access endgame elements,Pokemon GOsets players free upfront. The game just gives players a tutorial on how to catch their Starter in the comfort of their home, and after that, they’re all set.
There’s no awkward Rival waiting to fight every now and then. And, so far, there’s no sinister plot of multiple teams to conquer the world. Aside from the occasional interference from Team Rocket, players are free to train and play with their Pokemon as they wish. After the short tutorial, players can leisurely catch Pokemon in their free time, or actively participate in PVP and Raids.
7Story:The WitcherBrings The Iconic Brutal Premise
Unlike other fantasy titles,The Witcherremains iconic for its more brutal and visceral take on the genre. As a Witcher, Geralt uses augmentations, magic, and swordsmanship to eliminate monsters left and right. Combined with an interesting narrative,The Witcherremains a recognizable title for fans.
While Geralt isn’t inMonster Slayer, the game’s events take place a few hundred years before the main story. Players takethe role of a new Witcher, with the need to take on quests and interact with various individuals to progress through a rudimentary story.
Verdict:The Witcher: Monster Slayer
Contrary to justPokemon GO"just being in thePokemonuniverse,“Monster Slayertries to involve players in a central narrative.For playerswhowant an ARG where their actions can affect the gameplay world at large, thenMonster Slayeris definitely the game to play. Despite the limitations in terms of narrative options,Monster Slayerdefinitely offers a somewhat more solid story compared toPokemon GO.
6Core Mechanic:The WitcherBrings In The Pain
As expected of aThe Witchertitle,Monster Playertasks players to eliminate monsters around their areas. Players don’t get the same action-packed and mobile fights from the original games, though. At its core, combat inMonster Slayerinvolves players preparing their weapons, augmentingdamage through items, and slaying foes by slashing the screen or drawing signs.
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Thankfully, the combat’s straightforward and repetitive nature fits the game’s equally challenging battles. Players have a vast bestiary of foes to eliminate, each with their own strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. And since foes flock areas across all directions, this adds a lot of variety to a somewhat straightforward mechanic.
5Core Mechanic: It’sPokemon, But in AR
Perhaps the largest appeal ofPokemon GOlies in its rather straightforward core mechanic. Players simply need to catch Pokemon, and after that, it’s a free game. They can trade Pokemon, fight with them until they evolve, or grow them enough to have them defend local Gyms and fight in Raids.
Pokemon GOfollows the same gameplay mechanics as the originalPokemongames. In fact, the ARG enhances it with unique tower defense mechanics for Gyms and cooperative team fights in Raids. Given familiarity with the original series, this ARG isn’t as difficult to grab and get acquainted with.
Verdict:Pokemon GORetains The Franchise Appeal
Compared toThe Witcher,Pokemon GOcertainly offers a more engaging core mechanic. Instead of just endlessly slaying monsters left and right,Pokemon GOretains core franchise features that fit perfectly in its desired gameplay. Why,Pokemon GOis precisely what fans could expect for aPokemontitle for fans who want tocatch, train, and trade Pokemon in an ARG format.
4Gameplay Loop:The WitcherTakes Exploration To The Next Level
Given its nature as an ARG, it’s natural forMonster Slayerto need players to explore their surroundings to complete missions. Monsters pop up around the map for players to fight and explore. In addition, playersdo need to take time to travel to locations to accomplish linked quests.
Unfortunately for players,Monster Slayergot released at a time where lockdowns discourage players from moving around. This will hurt overall immersion since a lot ofMonster Slayermissions do need people to explore their surroundings to get to NPCs, secure items, and even discover secret places.
3Gameplay Loop:Pokemon GOIs As Relaxed As It Gets
Pokemonfans looking for an extremely casual game to open at their own leisure can rely onPokemon GOto provide a seamless experience. Those dedicated to the game can have fun defending their Gyms or trying to take over Gyms they pass on the way to work or a new location. Thanks to weather conditions and environmental effects, new Pokemon can pop up depending on the locale. This effectively incentivizes exploration for both active and casual players.
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Likewise, the game doesn’t punish casual players either. Those only in the mood to pet their Pokemon or catch creatures nearby are free to do so without having to become competitive. This flexibility allowsPokemon GOto cater to different kinds of audiences without compromising gameplay.
Verdict:Pokemon GOHas More Seamless Gameplay
Pokemon GOcertainly has the advantage of having an inherently “chill” IP. Granted, it places a huge emphasis on combat and exploration. However, the game doesn’t penalize players for not engaging with that core mechanic. Players who have routines can go to the same PokeStop and encounter different creatures every so often. And the thrill of meeting new Pokemon and fighting in Gyms during new trips definitely adds a natural spice to anyone’s casualPokemon GOexperience.
2Cash Shop Options:The WitcherRelies On The Grind
As though reflecting the brutal and unfriendly world ofThe Witcher, players have to painstakingly grind for things they want in the game. Gold, the game’s primary currency, is scarce with Quests barely rewarding them. This, on top of an intricate Crafting system, can certainly tempt players to want to purchase in the cash shop. These include special items andeven powerful weapons.
Sadly, exiting the grind via the cash shop can give a sour taste to the player’s mouth. After all, while it’s understandable for players to have to acquire items manually as Witchers, the need to “escape” the grind through the cash shop seems unfair. Given the game’s infancy, the cash shop system is sure to see changes. Regardless, the seemingly blatant temptation to use the cash shop on the onset might not leave great impressions onMonster Slayer.
1Cash Shop Options:Pokemon GOProvides Most Resources Anyway
As with any mobile game,Pokemon GOhas a cash shop that gives players access to valuable resources to make their lives much easier. However, the game doesn’t offer players a lot of reasons to even rely on the shop in the first place. This is because the game already provides players with the most resources they need.
Granted, resource generation inPokemon GOneeds players to explore and get to PokeStops multiple times a day to restock. However, the sheer number of PokeStops in areas and the many items they offer can make the journey worthwhile even for players who don’t grind as much.
Verdict:Pokemon GORemains Largely F2P
Despite both titles being free games,Pokemon GOremains the friendlier title in terms of cash shop options. It’s not as demanding for players to hop in the shop and buy various accessories such as bait and Pokeballs when they run out. Thanks to PokeStops and numerous events, players will almost always have an abundance of resources.
