Since first beginning my monster-training career in 1998, I’ve never strayed from the Pokémon franchise. I’ve always admittedly held an appreciation for similar games like Digimon and even the more-recent Pokémon-like, Temtem - and my Resto Druid spends much of his time traversing Azeroth collecting pets in World of Warcraft - but Pokémon Red (and eventually its remake, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!) remain as my go-to titles for any sort of monster-collecting video game.
So, then, why in the world would Nexomon: Extinction appeal to me? That’s the question I was asking myself during the build-up to the game’s launch, which will take place on August 28 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. After all, at a glance, Nexomon: Extinction’s gameplay and monsters look strikingly similar to Pokémon, and, well… that’s pretty much the case. However, as similar as it is, Nexomon: Extinction does just enough to make it a worthwhile Pokémon alternative with its vibrantly colorful world, unique story, and fun monster-catching mechanics.
On The Brink Of Extinction
Truth be told, despite its title, I thought that Nexomon: Extinction was the first game in the series. However, it’s actually a sequel that is following up on the success of the original game that was released for mobile devices in 2017, before eventually making its way to PC last month. A sequel seems to have been inevitable, considering how highly-rated the original game continues to be - coming in at a near-perfect score for PC and iOS devices. The good news, though, is that players won’t need to have played the original to play Nexomon: Extinction.
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The game features an entirely brand-new story with players taking on the role of an orphan who has (stop me if you’ve heard this one) finally reached the age of becoming a Nexomon trainer seeking to catch and tame the over 300 varieties of Nexomon. Coincidentally, legendary Tyrant Nexomon return to rule over the world, laying waste to any human or Nexomon that stands in their path. It’s up to you to take on the mighty Nexomon and put a stop to them before they wipe out all of humanity.
Something Borrowed, Something New
Nexomon: Extinction is touted as “a return to classic monster-catching games,” and it’s a description that couldn't be more spot on. If you’ve ever played any of the classic Pokémon games, then you’ll be immediately familiar with Nexomon: Extinction. The narrative is a bit more focused than the early Pokémon games, but everything else is a shining example of a Pokémon clone. Surprisingly, that’s not at all a criticism.
The world of Nexomon: Extinction is chock full of Pokémon-like features. Nexomon come in different element types with weakness and advantages, such as ghost, fire, and earth, while being able to level up and evolve into different forms; you’ll also get to select your starter Nexomon as you begin your adventure; and you'll manage your team Nexomon along with their abilities. However, as similar to Pokémon as the game is, Nexomon: Extinction manages to separate itself with its story and Nexomon-trapping mechanics.
In typical RPG fashion, the story is told through dialogue boxes with wonderfully animated, often eccentric anime characters interacting with you along your journey - some challenging you to duels, others offering up side quests. You’ll be able to choose from dialogue options during certain conversations as well. You’ll also be able to find, craft, and buy items at shops that will aid in catching Nexomon and restoring their health. While venturing throughout the open world - which is full of secrets to be discovered - the top-down JRPG look and feel will be familiar, though the colors and detail of Nexomon: Extinction’s landscape look especially gorgeous. This extends into the animated Nexomon battles, which look equally as stunning.
When it comes to catching wild Nexomon, you’ll need to do a bit more work than just throwing a traditional trap. Once a trap is tossed, you’ll have to input a randomly generated dial of prompts using the Joy-Con buttons. Doing so successfully will generally result in a successful capture, but not always. Sometimes, you’ll need to tame the creature a bit before capturing them by giving them a particular piece of food. These mechanics aren’t necessarily new, but the additional interaction makes catching Nexomon a bit more intense and exciting (and admittedly addicting).
Gotta Trap ‘Em All
Nexomon: Extinction doesn’t provide a ton of innovation from the formula that made the first Pokémon games a success, but honestly, that’s a big reason why I think I enjoy playing the game as much as I do. I missed the boat on the newer generations of Pokémon games like Sword & Shield, primarily due to the fact that the more modernized gameplay just didn't appeal to me.
Those willing to give Nexomon: Extinction a chance won’t be disappointed. There is a ton of content in the game’s 20+ hour main story campaign, which is equally as impressive considering its price point of under $20. With its vibrant world, unique narrative, and expansive Nexopedia (that is going to keep me busy for a while), Nexomon: Extinction is, in fact, a successful return to classic monster-catching games.
A Switch copy of Nexomon: Extinction was provided to TheGamer for this review. Nexomon: Extinction will be available on August 28 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.