Pokémonhas grown from being a singular franchise to inspiring an entire genre of role-playing andthis early-access indie game is the latest title to put a unique spin on the formula. When it comes to monster-catching games that exist outside of the Nintendo environment, players have some decent options, even if none of them have managed to capture hearts and minds likePokémon. Whether it be the musical notes ofCassette Beastsor theMMO stylings ofTemTem, the one thing most of them lack is the competitive spirit of sport.
Over onSteam,developer Wishes Ultd. just releasedBeastieballinto early accessand it’s already shaping up to be an exciting addition to the monster-taming canon.
The general structure will be familiar toPokémonfans as players explore the world and collect and train unique beasts to compete with opponents.The core difference is that battle is a turn-based sports gamethat requires Beasties to use special moves to launch a ball over a net and keep it in the air, much like volleyball.
There’s More To Beastieball Than Meets The Eye
It Looks Deeper Than One Might Expect
Battles aren’t only determined by how players use their Beasties' resources and special moves asthe critters' relationships with each other will also impact their performance. Beasties in a team can become “Besties, Partners, Rivals, or Sweethearts,” with each one providing a powerful combo move that’s different for every pair. That kind of variety should provide plenty of diversity when it comes to putting together a squad, encouraging players to mix and match between the various available Beasties.
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Beastieball Looks Fantastic
One To Keep An Eye On
I’m very excited to try outBeastieballnot least of all because I lovePokémon.The game is being developed by the team that created the excellentWandersongandChicory: A Colorful Tale, both of which were so unique in their style and messaging that I found it hard not to love them.Beastieballis seemingly Wishes Ultd.’s biggest project yet so I’m glad it’s opted togo the route of early access: Establishing an audience early and growing with its feedback can be incredibly helpful.
