Many games have been labeledPokemonclones andPokemonkillers, and the latest game to receive the title isOoblets. Undoubtedly, the game borrows a couple ofPokemon’s most successful elements, including the ability to collect and raise cute creatures. However,Oobletsgoes in a different direction, embracing life simulation gameplay and cute dance-offs instead of the ruthless competitiveness ofPokemon.
Developed by Glumberland,Oobletsis a quirky farm life simulator that lets players take things slow as they explore the enchanting land of Oob. The game has been available through early access since 2020, and it received its official launch in September this year. Reception to it thus far has been positive, suggesting that the game will live comfortably alongsidePokemoneven afterScarlet and Violetlaunch in November.
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The Similarities Between Ooblets and Pokemon
Oobletshas found itself compared toPokemonfrequently, mainly because the two franchises do share a few common elements. Most notably, they both involve discovering and collecting different cute critters.Pokemonhas its titular monsters, whileOobletshas players collecting ooblets, which are small, plantlike creatures. Pokemon typically hatch from eggs, but ooblets are grown from ooblet seedlings which are planted and cared for.
Both games also feature plenty of exploration, which often leads to gamers meeting strange and memorable characters. EachPokemongame introduces a new region for players to explore, and along the way, they meet Trainers stalking routes, Gym Leaders who provide tough battles, and even criminals such asTeam Rocketwho are intent on using Pokemon for selfish reasons. Early games from the series had players going up against rivals, but more recent entries place a greater emphasis on friendship instead.
Oobletstakes place in the land of Oob, which has several regions to explore. Players start in friendly Badgetown, though they eventually get to see places like Port Forward, Nullwhere, and Bunglebee Mines, which all have new critters to discover.Oobletsencourages gamers to make friendswith the various zany characters they meet. One of the first characters players cross paths with is Mayor Tinstle, who is a colorful figure with a heart of gold.
Ooblets Does Not Try to Be Pokemon
Although there are some similarities between the two games,Oobletscarves its own path, and its aims differ fromPokemon’s. SincePokemon Red and Blue,Pokemonhas always had a competitive spirit to it – Trainers raise their teams to be better than any other, and the aim is to defeat even the toughest opponents through strategy or strength. These competitive elements leak into the online multiplayer aspects of the game where players from around the world test their skills against each other.
Oobletsgoes a different route, and while players do have their ooblets competing against others, it lacks much of a competitive edge when the creatures are doing dance battles. Instead of lodging violent attacks at each other, the creatures instead try to pull off the best dance moves, making the entire experience far more wholesome than warlike. Furthermore, the game places a huge emphasis on its life simulation aspects. Players have to conserve energy and sleep to replenish it, and it takes a laid-back approach to gameplay, much likeAnimal CrossingandStardew Valley.
There is plenty to do in Oob, as players can go fishing (known as sea dangling) or they can purchase clothes to customize their character. There are also plenty of missions to complete, which allows gamers to find out more about the friendly townspeople, as well as the ooblets that run around. Gamers will also find themselves farming frequently, though it is always a relaxing experience.
Oobletsis available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One.
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