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The name “Pokemon” resonates globally, recognized by gamers and non-gamers alike. For 25 years, the Pokemon franchise has dominated various commercial sectors, from video games and manga to anime and merchandise. Its influence is undeniable. Naturally, many game developers have attempted to emulate Pokemon’s success, either as homage or to capitalize on its popularity. Despite the recent decline in quality of newer Pokemon titles, few “clones” have come close to matching the original’s impact. Nexomon is one such contender, and with the release of Nexomon: Extinction in August 2020, it finally made a significant splash. But how does Nexomon: Extinction compare to its inspiration? Let’s delve in.

Innovative Gameplay and Improvements

Like Pokemon, Nexomon: Extinction immerses players in a fantasy world where humans coexist with creatures called Nexomon. Players capture, train, and battle these Nexomon, encountering powerful Tyrants and Dragons along the way. The game follows the familiar journey of an orphan who receives their first Nexomon and embarks on an adventure to save the world. While the core gameplay loop mirrors Pokemon’s, Nexomon: Extinction introduces refreshing innovations that recapture the excitement of early Pokemon games.

Nexomon: Extinction

One notable improvement addresses the frustrating random encounters prevalent in classic JRPGs, including older Pokemon titles. In Nexomon: Extinction, wild Nexomon are primarily found in rustling patches of grass, giving players the choice to engage or avoid battles. This provides a welcome level of control over the gameplay experience.

Nexomon: Extinction

User experience (UX) is also prioritized. Battles are turn-based, but instead of navigating menus with a cursor, commands like item usage, switching Nexomon, selecting moves, and fleeing are mapped to controller buttons for quicker access. Capturing Nexomon is also enhanced. The capture rate is clearly displayed, influenced by the target’s HP, status effects, and more. Players can increase their odds by using specific traps, feeding the Nexomon, or playing a minigame, making completing the extensive roster of over 300 Nexomon more engaging.

Engaging and Unique Visuals

Since Generation VI, Pokemon games have transitioned to 3D graphics, a move met with mixed reactions from long-time fans. Nexomon: Extinction‘s modernized 2D art style offers a refreshing alternative, reminiscent of classic Pokemon games with an HD upgrade.

Nexomon: Extinction

The environment design resembles RPG Maker’s tile-based approach but with added handcrafted details. Sunbeams filtering through roofs, swaying leaves, and other subtle animations create a vibrant and immersive world. The Nexomon designs are particularly impressive, showcasing a high level of creativity and polish. Their animations, combined with stylish elemental attack effects, further elevate the visual experience.

Lingering Flaws

Despite its strengths, Nexomon: Extinction isn’t without its shortcomings. While the Nexomon designs and animations are top-notch, the human character models and portraits appear less polished, suggesting a disconnect in artistic style. The game’s frequent use of fourth-wall-breaking humor and parody, while initially amusing, can become tiresome and disruptive. The lighthearted tone, vibrant visuals, and carefree NPCs also clash with the apocalyptic narrative of ancient Tyrants threatening humanity’s existence. Finally, gameplay balancing issues, such as limited move sets based on Nexomon type and ineffective type matchups, contribute to a relatively easy and slow-paced experience.

While some areas of the game show incredible polish, others feel slightly underdeveloped.

Conclusion

Nexomon: Extinction successfully captures the spirit of classic Pokemon while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics and a charming art style. Although some flaws hold it back from true greatness, it offers a compelling and enjoyable experience for fans of monster-catching games. While it may not fully eclipse Pokemon, Nexomon: Extinction proves itself a worthy challenger, carving its own niche in the genre.