When it comes to Pokemon video games, Game Freak is the main developer that comes to mind. After all, the studio is responsible for the main series, starting from Pokemon Red and Blue. Yet, despite partially owning the major franchise, Game Freak isn’t the only studio to make games from it.
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Many developers have had the chance to make Pokemon games. In most cases, the companies attempt to create something very different from Game Freak’s titles, and some do it successfully. The following examples are the best ever.
8
Pokken Tournament
Pokkén Tournament
- Released
-
September 22, 2017
- Developer
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BANDAI NAMCO Studios, BNE LLC
- Publisher
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Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, Nintendo of America Inc.
- ESRB
-
e
Bandai Namco is known for making many different games, including plenty of fighters. One of those fighters is Pokken Tournament, a game in which different Pokemon battle.
Now, that may sound like a typical Pokemon game, but these fights are different. It isn’t turn-based like the Game Freak titles. Both Pokemon are attacking at the same time. Plus, these attacks aren’t just the standard ones you expect to see these creatures dish out; they also punch and kick one another. If you can get over the heartbreak of these cute creatures beating each other up, the game is a lot of fun.
7
Pokemon Trading Card Game
Some people’s introduction to Pokemon came through collecting and trading cool-looking Pokemon cards. Well, Hudson Soft and Creatures made a video game version of this concept.
Creatures is known for various Pokemon games and the Mother series. Hudson Soft, on the other hand, is responsible for the likes of Bomberman and Mario Party. This title is a virtual version of the real Pokemon card game. So, you roam around, build up your deck, and take people on. It’s a faithful adaptation of the original game.
6
Pokemon Conquest
Pokemon Conquest
- Released
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June 18, 2012
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- ESRB
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E For Everyone due to Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Pokemon Conquest is an RPG made by Koei Tecmo. The company has developed and published an incredible number of games, such as Dynasty Warriors Online and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. With Pokemon Conquest, the studio created a solid tactical RPG, which is a crossover between Pokemon and Nobunaga’s Ambition.
Battles use a turn-based system, but one very different from those seen in the Game Freak Pokemon titles. This is because, along with attacking opposition, you have to move your Pokemon around the battlefield and generally use strategic thinking to defeat your foes.
5
Pokemon Stadium
Pokemon Stadium
- Released
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February 29, 2000
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo EAD, HAL Laboratory
- ESRB
-
e
While Game Freak’s titles focus on adventure, Pokemon Stadium is all about battles. It was developed by Nintendo EAD, which is known for making plenty of Mario and Zelda games.
Pokemon Stadium is a turn-based strategy game where your team of Pokemon must take on other trainers’ teams as you attempt to win tournaments. So, it’s an excellent game for Pokemon fans who prefer the battles over the exploration aspect of the Game Freak titles.
4
Detective Pikachu
Detective Pikachu
- Released
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February 18, 2015
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- ESRB
-
e
Before there was a Detective Pikachu movie, there was a Detective Pikachu game. Creatures was the developer responsible for the title, which is one of many Pokemon games the studio has had a hand in.
The game follows the dynamic detective duo of Tim Goodman and a talking Pikachu. Together, they solve a bunch of mysteries by searching for clues, speaking to people, and exploring interesting areas. It’s one of the better detective games out there.
3
Pokemon Colosseum
Pokemon Colosseum
- Released
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March 22, 2004
- Developer
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Genius Sonority
- ESRB
-
e
Genius Sonority developed Pokemon Colosseum. In fact, it was the company’s first game, and they would go on to make several other Pokemon titles.
Colosseum isn’t incredibly different from the Game Freak Pokemon games. After all, you play as a trainer, running around the world and battling other Pokemon trainers in turn-based fights. The presentation is slightly different, especially from the early Pokemon games. Plus, there aren’t any random encounters, and you can steal other trainers’ Pokemon.
2
New Pokemon Snap
- Released
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April 30, 2021
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone
New Pokemon Snap is one of the best photography games ever. The developers were Bandai Namco, a company that isn’t known for these types of games. It’s more known for fighters and RPGs. New Pokemon Snap is much more wholesome than most of the studio’s other titles.
The game has you riding around on a rail in first-person, taking pictures of Pokemon. The goal is to get clear shots of the creatures doing unique things. Sometimes, this means luring Pokemon out, getting them to dance, or illuminating them. So, there is a bit of strategy to this game.
1
Pokemon Go
- Released
-
July 6, 2016
- Developer(s)
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Niantic, The Pokemon Company
- ESRB
-
e
Pokemon Go has to go down as the most famous non-Game Freak Pokemon game ever. The title has been a revelation since its release in 2016. It was originally developed by Niantic and is now supported by Scopely after the latter acquired the former. Both companies are most known for creating mobile games. Pokemon Go is also a mobile game, albeit an augmented reality one.
The basic premise is that you walk around the real world and see Pokemon on your phone that you’re able to catch. The goal is to build up your collection. So, it follows the Gotta Catch ‘Em All slogan that the franchise is known for. Other mechanics and features have been added over the years, but the fact that you can find and catch Pokemon in the ‘real world’ is what makes the game special.
