By Zorian Edwards, Editor-In-Chief
With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, exclusive titles have been capturing the attention of gamers worldwide. Arguably one of the most talked-about releases is Pokémon Pokopia, a fresh take on the beloved Pokémon franchise that blends 1990s nostalgia with a striking new concept.
The game is co-developed by Game Freak and Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force and published by Nintendo. On the Nintendo store, the virtual game card is available for $69.99.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of the Kanto region, which is the same location players explored in the original mainline games. The grass is dried, Pokémon are scarce, buildings are eroded and there are no humans in sight.
Unlike the average Pokémon game, players aren’t just Pokémon trainers obsessed with catching and battling. Here, the player takes the role of a Ditto, a Pokémon that can alter its form, pretending to be human.
When opening the game, the player can freely customize Ditto. This is explained as Ditto remembering what their human trainer looked like.
After transforming, Ditto embarks on a mission to restore the environment in hopes that humans may return and live alongside Pokémon once again.
“After waking from a long slumber, a peculiar Ditto decides to restore the desolate land using its transformation skills and its surprising new crafting abilities,” Nintendo states on their website.
Gameplay
Pokopia utilizes elements of previous popular cozy games to achieve a well-crafted, relaxing gaming experience. The game is reminiscent of games such as Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing and more.
The player is able to befriend other Pokémon who teach Ditto, the player, their “signature move.” Ditto can copy these moves by using their own ability “transform.” For example, Squirtle teaches Ditto how to water plants and Bulbasaur teaches them how to grow tall grass.
These abilities help Ditto repair and customize their environment. The play style and loose plot allow the player to navigate the world at their own pace and choose what they would like to focus on.
The Story
Upon beginning the game, the player is placed in a room with Tangrowth, a heavy, vine covered pokemon, going by “Professor Tangrowth.”
Ditto learns that Professor Tangrowth has been studying the state of the environment in hopes of discovering why humans have left. Tangrowth acts as a guide and tutorial, providing players with tasks that slowly reintroduce life into the environment. These missions range from watering grass and planting trees to reawakening legendary Pokémon, all while making friends along the way.
As players progress, the world begins to change. It’s subtle at first, but gradually becomes more noticeable as players progress. Their actions directly impact the world around them, as they’re able to place objects, habitats, and terraform wherever they see fit.
Along the way, Ditto befriends other Pokémon who have adapted to the harsh conditions in different ways. Some are wary and withdrawn, while others are eager to help rebuild. These interactions not only unlock new abilities but also reveal pieces of the region’s history, giving players a clearer picture of what was lost.
A central emotional thread of the story is Ditto’s connection to its former human trainer. As the game unfolds, brief flashes of memory suggest that Ditto may have been left behind during the early stages of the collapse. This adds a layer of mystery: Did humans abandon the region intentionally or were they forced to leave?
As more areas are restored, remnants of human life, such as old homes, research notes and inactive machinery, begin to resurface. These discoveries gradually piece together a larger narrative, encouraging players to question not only what happened but also to see that even though humans have left, they are still deeply cared for by the Pokémon.Ultimately, Pokémon Pokopia frames its story around restoration, memory, and coexistence. Rather than focusing on traditional conflict or competition, it emphasizes healing a broken world. It’s a cautionary tale about climate change and rebuilding the bond between humans and Pokémon, leaving players to decide what that future should look like.