What Happened to the 4 Biggest “Pokemon Killer” Video Game Franchises

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For many years, Pokemon has consistently been the most well-known and profitable entertainment property globally. Through TV series, movies, video games, comics, trading cards, and various products, the franchise has become a household name – even people who don’t play games recognize Pokemon. It’s the leading game when it comes to catching and training monsters, and although other games have gained popularity, very few can compete with its massive success. Some series *have* managed to become popular by drawing inspiration from Pokemon and adding their own unique elements. However, none of them have been able to surpass Pokemon, and it doesn’t appear that will happen in the foreseeable future.

Trying to compete with Pokemon is incredibly difficult, and very few challengers have actually found success. While some have built dedicated followings, with increasing frustration surrounding The Pokemon Company and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, now might be the perfect opportunity to challenge Pokemon’s dominance. These four games have come closest to establishing themselves as major players in the genre over the years.

4) Yo-kai Watch

Yo-kai Watch quickly became popular in 2013 with the help of the Nintendo 3DS. People were drawn in by its cute designs, unusual monsters, and focus on a compelling story within the RPG gameplay. It became a huge trend in Japan, even becoming as popular with kids as Pokemon. Like Pokemon, it expanded with toys, animated shows, and different games, and Yo-kai Watch looked ready to become its main rival.

Despite its popularity in Japan, Yo-kai Watch didn’t become a big hit in Western countries. Problems with translating the game, ineffective advertising, and strong competition from Pokemon prevented it from gaining a solid fanbase. Although Yo-kai Watch eventually found some success outside of Japan, later games and related titles couldn’t keep up the initial excitement, and player interest waned. However, Level-5 is trying to bring the series back with Holy Horror Mansion, a fresh take on the monster-collecting style of game that could potentially revitalize the franchise.

3) Shin Megami Tensei

As a big fan, I always felt Shin Megami Tensei did something really different with the monster-catching genre. While Pokémon and others went for a more cheerful vibe, Shin Megami Tensei embraced a much darker and more complicated world. It wasn’t just about collecting cute creatures; it explored tough moral questions and had gameplay that really made you think. Instead of fantastical beasts, you’re dealing with demons and gods from all sorts of religions – they took some liberties with the lore, which was cool! What *really* hooked me was how much strategy there was – you didn’t just catch monsters, you negotiated with them, fused them together, and your choices actually mattered thanks to the alignment system. It just offered a level of depth you didn’t find anywhere else.

What attracted a dedicated fanbase also hindered its ability to reach a wider audience. While it boasts a devoted following, its challenging gameplay and somber tone make it less accessible, particularly for younger gamers. This is evident in spin-offs such as Persona 5, which, although still exploring mature themes, feature a brighter visual style and broader appeal. Consequently, the series has somewhat faded from the spotlight, though it continues to receive new installments and remasters over time, even if it doesn’t directly compete with Pokemon.

2) Digimon

Digimon was the main competitor to Pokemon, and was promoted as such in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Like Pokemon, it included a TV series, video games, comics, and trading cards, but Digimon had a slightly darker and more mature feel. It featured monsters evolving during battles and had more diverse combat, while Pokemon’s evolution typically happened outside of fights and generally followed a consistent pattern.

The franchise eventually faced difficulties with staying consistent, which ultimately led to its decline. The games weren’t always good, and differences in storytelling across various platforms made Digimon’s overall story feel disjointed. While it’s still around today, and fans are very enthusiastic about the new Digimon Story: Time Stranger, it probably won’t regain the same level of popularity it once had compared to Pokemon.

1) Palworld

Palworld is a new game challenging Pokemon, and it’s become very popular quickly. The Pokemon Company has actually filed a lawsuit against the game and its creator, Pocketpair, but that hasn’t stopped its success. In fact, they are expanding the Palworld universe with a new farming game planned for the future. While the core gameplay involves catching creatures, it stands out due to its humorous and somewhat grim style, leading people to call it “Pokemon with guns.”

Whether Palworld will surpass Pokemon is still uncertain, and it seems improbable despite the game’s popularity. Fans are eagerly anticipating its full release in 2026, as it will officially exit early access. The game has successfully held player interest so far, but its unique features and survival elements haven’t quite positioned it as a true competitor to Pokemon. It’s progressing well, but it remains to be seen if it can ultimately challenge Pokemon’s dominance.

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2025-10-02 18:15