Why Pokemon Fans Shouldn’t Sleep on Beastieball

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home November 18, 2024 15 Views 7 Min Read
Why Pokemon Fans Shouldn't Sleep on Beastieball



Beastieball is currently in early access, but it already features a number of colorful monsters to team up with. This growing cast of creatures has invited comparisons with Pokemon, and there is certainly plenty of shared DNA. However, while Pokemon sees players doing battle with their newfound friends, Beastieball brings volleyball into the mix for a fresh new take on the monster-taming genre.




Beastieball seems to wear its Pokemon inspiration on its sleeve, and the titular Beasties have already begun to draw attention from the Pokemon fanbase and adjacent communities. After all, adorable and awe-inspiring designs are a big draw for any monster-tamer. However, the ways in which Beastieball sets itself apart are undoubtedly what should keep players on the hook.

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Beastieball Embraces the Pokemon Premise with a Sports-Based Twist

Beastieball is Making Strides with Early Access Updates

Beastieball was released on Steam in early access on November 12, 2024, after previously being announced as a Kickstarter in 2023. The game does not yet have a full launch date, and will likely remain in early access for the foreseeable future. There are plenty of reasons to hop on the Beastieball train early, though.


First and foremost, it’s important to recognize what being in early access means for Beastieball. Of course, the game is far from complete, but it’s definitely not stale either. Beastieball‘s developers have released updates that are both frequent and extensive, with little sign of slowing down. Consistent balance patches are a great way to keep up with player feedback, although it’s a little too early to tell if this trend will continue. Regardless, the progress made so far should instill faith in anyone keeping a close eye on the project.

Beastieball Adapts Many Key Mechanics from Pokemon

Beastieball has taken more than a few notes from Pokemon, with some mechanics seemingly being lifted wholesale. However, where Pokemon do battle, Beasties play sports, and this key difference ensures that the similarities are much more than skin deep. This dynamic should provide a lot of appeal for Pokemon fans, while still creating something that stands on its own.


One of the first things players will encounter is the concept of Metamorphosis, which is very clearly intended to be Beastieball‘s take on Evolution. Beastieball also features Railhouses and Reserves, which are analagous to Pokemon Centers and the PC Box respectively. Many of these mechanics are well adapted for Pokemon fans to pick up fast, with a few even being arguably improved.

Beastieball Boasts Unique Features for Veterans of the Pokemon Series

Of course, the fact that Beastieball is a sports game is by far the biggest thing that separates it from Pokemon. The focus on competitive volleyball informs every part of the game, even with small details such as naming conventions. One great example is that of Away-Teams, which are a one-stop-shop for any players looking for an online experience. Online battling has been a crucial mechanic ever since it was introduced to the series in Pokemon Generation 4, but Beastieball takes a different approach.

Away-Teams are essentially a network feature that allows players to earn passive EXP, not a direct way to do PvP battles. In simpler words, players create an Away-Team to go out into the world and compete against teams other players have made online. Although this is different from Pokemon‘s online battles, it should still be very familiar to Pokemon fans. Many games in the series have introduced similar network features, such as the Poke Pelago introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon.


One of the best features Beastieball plays with is Relationships. Pokemon uses the Affection System to represent the bond between a trainer and their Pokemon, although it is admittedly a little bit obtuse. Relationships, meanwhile, actually form between Beasties who have played together. There are different kinds of Relationships that can develop, and each of them has a unique effect on Combos performed during a match. This not only makes Relationships more streamlined, but gives them a greater degree of depth altogether.

Beastieball carves out its own unique identity, while still feeling familiar in the best way possible. In fact, the monster designs and cutesy charm that give it ties to Pokemon are often what lets it make the boldest strides. Considering it is still in early access, the game will hopefully continue to grow and evolve from here. Until then, Pokemon fans can hop in early to get a kick out of everything Beastieball has to offer.

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