Pokemon Pokopia review collectible creatures create their own perfect world

"In this new spin-off from the series, we see what happens when there are no humans around. You, a shapeshifting blob of jelly called Ditto, awaken in a half-demolished wasteland that was once, presumably, a lively town. There are some other Pokemon around, confused and lonely, and together you work to restore the place and make it beautiful again."

"Taking the uncanny humanoid form of your half-remembered former trainer, you learn useful talents from the Pokemon around you: how to water parched grass, dig up weeds and grow flowers, punch rocks until they crumble to clear all the old paths. The work is soothing and methodical: similar to Minecraft, Pokopia's world is made up of blocks that you can destroy and rearrange, shaping the landscape according to your wishes."

"Restore their habitats and new Pokemon will show up, bringing fresh talents with them. Some prefer grass shaded by a boulder; others a picnic table set with a tempting plate of fruit; others, a cart stacked with boxes. The pace is unhurried, but there's always something to do."

Pokopia presents a unique Pokemon experience centered on environmental harmony and restoration. Players assume the role of Ditto, a shapeshifting creature who awakens in a devastated wasteland and works to rebuild it into a thriving community. The gameplay combines block-based world manipulation similar to Minecraft with Animal Crossing-style decoration and town-building mechanics. By learning skills from various Pokemon—such as watering plants, clearing obstacles, and cultivating habitats—players gradually restore the environment. As habitats improve, new Pokemon arrive, each with distinct preferences for specific environmental features. The game maintains a relaxed, methodical pace while consistently offering engaging tasks, reinforcing Pokemon's core environmentalist message about coexistence and respect for nature.

Read at www.theguardian.com