Get ready for a wild twist on monster collecting, because “Pokémon with guns” is no longer just a meme – it’s a playable reality. Palworld, the controversial and intriguing game that merges adorable, Pokémon-inspired creatures called Pals with a hefty dose of violence and exploitation, will launch in early access on Steam and surprisingly, land on Xbox Game Pass on the same day next week, January 19th.
This unique blend of monster taming and survival crafting generated significant buzz since its initial reveal, thanks to its stark contrast to the typically wholesome world of Pokémon. Pals in Palworld can be captured, befriended, and trained for battle, just like their familiar counterparts. But here’s the kicker: they can also be equipped with firearms and sent into combat against other Pals, or worse, hunted for resources.
As noted by GamesRadar, the game doesn’t shy away from the darker side of this monster-filled world. Players can build factories and exploit their Pals for labor, pushing them to their limits until they die of exhaustion. This morally ambiguous gameplay has sparked debate among some, but for others, it’s a refreshingly cynical take on the monster-collecting genre.
Beyond the guns and exploitation, Palworld offers a deep feature set that includes:
- Base building and crafting: Create your own haven in the wilderness, gather resources, and craft tools and weapons.
- Dungeons and exploration: Delve into dangerous dungeons teeming with powerful enemies and valuable loot.
- Factions and rivalries: Navigate the complex relationships between different factions vying for control of the land.
- Giant Pal bosses: Conquer colossal Pal bosses for the ultimate challenge and rewards.
- Mountable Pals: Tame and ride certain Pals to traverse the vast world with speed and style.
- Multiplayer: Team up with friends in a 32-player online world, with PvP planned for a later date.
Palworld’s early access launch on both Steam and Game Pass marks a bold move by developer PocketPair, and a significant get for Microsoft.
With its blend of familiar mechanics and dark twists, the game has ignited further discussion and debate within the gaming community. Whether you’re a Pokémon purist or intrigued by the prospect of a more mature monster-collecting experience, Palworld is definitely a game worth watching closely.
Palworld is slated to release into Early Access on January 19, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
