When I was invited to Nintendo’s European HQ in Frankfurt to go hands-on with Pokopia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The premise of playing as a Ditto disguised as a human sounded like a quirky spin-off gimmick.
However, after spending several hours in its world, I realized this isn't just a gimmick; it’s a refreshing, cozy evolution of the franchise that feels like the spiritual successor to Dragon Quest Builders we never knew we needed.
The setup is very post-apocalyptic; between this and Kirby, Nintendo seems to be in their end-of-the-world era. In Pokopia, humans are a memory, leaving behind a withered wasteland that serves as your starting point. You play as a Ditto that has taken on a human form to bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Customization is surprisingly deep; you can tweak your human look with various outfits and styles, though there’s always that lingering, charming silliness of knowing you’re actually a purple blob in a suit.
Guiding you through this desolate world is Professor Tangrowth, a leafy mentor who tasks you with finding the iconic Kanto starters: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. From there, the loop is addictive: you rebuild the world, fulfill requests, and watch as life returns to the wasteland.
The core mechanic revolves around Ditto’s signature trait: Transformation. As you encounter the classic Kanto Pokedex, you can transform into different Pokemon to learn their moves and utilize their unique abilities.
Need to cross a lake? Surf as a Lapras. Need to reach a distant plateau? Take to the skies as a Dragonite. Each move consumes PP, but the world is interactable. If you’re running low, you can simply headbutt a nearby tree to shake loose some berries for a quick recovery.
The warmth of the game comes from the revival process. Seeing a new Pokemon return to the habitat feels genuinely rewarding. These aren't just static NPCs, either; they have distinct personalities.
I was particularly struck by a hilarious encounter with a Scyther whose ego was as sharp as its blades. Watching the Pokemon interact with each other and occasionally ask you to intervene in their squabbles makes the world feel lived-in and reactive.
Much like the sandbox builders it draws inspiration from, Pokopia is littered with collectibles and secrets. The camera mode is a highlight, letting you take selfies with your Pokemon neighbors and capture the absurdity of your disguise.
However, the tone shifts from cozy to chaotic the moment you jump into multiplayer. You can visit friends' islands to explore and build together, but things escalate quickly.
During my session, the multiplayer became so frantic and funny that I actually spat out my (in-game) coffee, causing a literal flood of chaos that perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of playing with friends.
Pokopia takes the nostalgia of the Kanto region and places it into a loop of creativity and care. It’s a game about restoration, identity, and the comedy of errors that comes from being a Ditto in a human world.
If the final release maintains the polish and personality I saw in Frankfurt, this could be the next big forever game for Pokemon fans.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming news, reviews, features, and guides.