Complete with a new map and Pals on top of added features, the Sakurajima update coming to Palworld has the potential to kick off what may be a longer lifespan for the survival monster catcher title than some had expected. Ever since it was first announced, Palworld has been compared to its obvious source of inspiration in Pokemon, with these similarities leading several fans to be shocked at the title’s success as its own IP when it hit Early Access this year. While Sakurajima could have provided the perfect opportunity to deliver on more original concepts which would further set Palworld apart, it seems that some of the game’s newest Pals are likely to follow the unfortunate trend of being perceived as direct knock-offs.
It might have a gameplay loop of its own which bears almost no resemblance to that of modern Pokemon, but multiple creature designs in Palworld are notable for their strong resemblances to existing Pocket Monsters. From Anubis having a similar silhouette and theme to Lucario, to 
Lamball nearly being a carbon copy of Wooloo, it’s not a difficult task to find Pokemon lookalikes in Palworld. Considering the game’s much darker tone and survival-driven nature, however, many players have been willing to accept this as a rougher aspect of its Early Access launch. Now that Pocket Pair has turned a profit and had time to work on new content, however, this type of approach to design doesn’t seem to have changed.
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Palworld’s Elemental System Gives it One Special Advantage over Pokémon
Palworld, like Pokémon, features elemental types. But with only 9 elements featured, Palworld has the opportunity to create triple-typed pals.
The Sakurajima Update Had the Opportunity to Cement Palworld’s Unique Identity
Palworld’s Fresh Environments and Features Deserve to Be Properly Complemented by Pals
While the base map of the Palpagos Islands has received criticism from some fans due to being seen as basic in the Unreal Engine context, Palworld‘s massive Sakurajima update seems set to introduce areas which have a lot of innate character. PvP arenas, new bosses, and resources for base-building are all ready to work in tandem with this, but the new Pals at the core of the title’s premise have become almost predictable in their additions.
Recolored forms of Quivern, Bushi, and Wixen, and even the popular Pal Chillet all seem to have taken on new Elemental typings which could serve to fit the setting, but these are still just flips instead of brand-new designs. It doesn’t help that the likes of 
Wixen have been specifically cited by some fans as the most shameless of copies, with its similarities to Delphox being tough to deny. Now that several new species in the same format are set to premiere later this month, these accusations might not cease anytime soon.
Palworld’s New Sakurajima Update Pals Still Haven’t Let Go of Pokemon’s Influence
Taking Direct Inspiration from Pokemon like Dusknoir
Copying a specific design motif like Hisuian Arcanine’s basic head structure in a Pal at the start of the Sakurajima trailer is already somewhat concerning, but the most egregious example of being derivative comes in the form of a ghostly Pal with essentially the exact same body shape as the Pokemon Dusknoir. This is followed up by another new design, this time potentially taking a page right out of Golisopod’s book in terms of its upper body and aggressive style. They might be set apart by the ghost Pal’s flames or the lack of a bug/crustacean motif, but their overall figures can seem like nearly identical Pokemon clones in the right context.
Palworld Might Be Indifferent to Comparisons
The presence of inhumane working conditions and dangerous firearms as important mechanics have made it clear by now that, despite the possible rip-offs, Pocket Pair isn’t trying to cash in on the same niche as Pokemon. In Palworld‘s surprisingly successful indie experience that some players have argued is more parody than sincere, it’s possible that there isn’t much concern about infringing on Pokemon concepts at all, or even an incentive to draw from them. Only time will tell whether more parallels to one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises will continue, but it’s certain that Palworld isn’t trying to utilize them in the same way.
Palworld
Pocket Pair’s Palworld is a creature-collection game set in an open-world. Entering early access on January 19, 2024, the project blends survival, building, farming, monster breeding, and shooter elements.
- Released
- January 19, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 36 Hours
- X|S Enhanced
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 6 GB (February 2024)
- Number of Players
- 1-4 (Co-Op); 32 Players Server Limit
