Palworld, developed by Pocketpair, is far more than just “Pokémon with guns.” Initially, I was skeptical about its polish, especially in early access. However, once I started exploring this monster-collecting adventure sandbox, I found it to be far more intricate than I expected. Here’s what I thought after several hours of gameplay:
Graphics and Presentation
The resource-gathering mechanics in Palworld reminded me a lot of Valheim. At first, I wasn’t sure if my gaming setup could handle the game because it recommends at least 16GB of RAM. Surprisingly, it ran smoothly, and I even managed to record over 30 minutes of gameplay after some tinkering.
The game’s art style blends elements from titles like Pokémon, Breath of the Wild, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and Valheim, resulting in a vibrant and engaging visual experience.
Character Creation Screen
Though I didn’t expect extensive character customization, the available options were decent enough to create unique characters. The environment is lush, filled with foliage and roaming Pals, offering a high level of detail. I hope the developers add a Photo Mode in future updates to better capture the game’s stunning visuals.
Gameplay
After watching the trailers, I initially thought Palworld was just a Pokémon clone where you collect creatures and make them battle. I’m glad to say I was wrong. The game’s sandbox elements are on a whole new level.
Its management aspect is comparable to games like Sengoku Dynasty. However, unlike Sengoku, Palworld features well-optimized graphics and integrates open-world dynamics seamlessly, making even routine tasks engaging.
Technology Tree
The Technology Tree is another aspect I enjoyed, where you can upgrade your Pals’ abilities once you reach Level 6. For example, you can turn a Direwolf into a mount or transform Foxsparks into a flamethrower.
Pals Are Not Only Fighting Companions
Palworld takes the conventional Pokémon system and gives it an innovative twist. Your Pals are not just battle pets; they are essential to your base operations. Different Pals are specialized for various tasks like farming, mining, or transporting resources, adding depth to the game.
For instance, some Pals might have a ‘Slacker’ passive skill, making them less efficient at work, while others with a ‘Work Slave’ skill would be more productive. Foxspark, for example, can help with tasks like forging ingots and cooking but not much else.
Managing Pals involves more than just assigning tasks. You also need to ensure they have enough food, assign the right Pals to suitable tasks, and provide enough beds to keep them happy.
Hordes & Bosses
Another surprising element in Palworld is the spontaneous base raids, which add an unexpected layer of excitement and keep you on your toes.
Overall, Palworld offers a refreshingly intricate approach to monster-collecting and base management, making it more than just another run-of-the-mill game.