The newly released game Palworld, often referred to as 'Pokémon with guns', has become a trending topic on Steam and social media due to its uncanny similarity to the Pokémon franchise. Although it has achieved a 'very positive' user review rating on Steam, it's facing criticism from Pokémon enthusiasts who accuse it of being a "rip-off." Palworld's creatures, known as Pals, exhibit apparent resemblances to Pokémon, sparking debate over originality and intellectual property concerns. Despite this controversy, Palworld's success seems unshaken, with increasing numbers of concurrent players. Developer Pocketpair has emphasized the game's survival features to differentiate it from Pokémon.

What are the key features of Palworld that distinguish it from the Pokémon series?

Palworld differentiates itself from the Pokémon series by combining creature collection with survival gameplay mechanics, including crafting, building, and combat with firearms, aligning it more closely with survival games like Ark: Survival Evolved rather than the traditional Pokémon experience.

Palworld, developed by Pocketpair, takes clear inspiration from the popular Pokémon series but introduces mature elements, such as weapon use and a focus on survival. Despite the controversy, the developer has attempted to create a unique gaming experience by blending creature-collecting with more adult themes and mechanics. This has led to a mixed reception, with some players embracing the new approach while others decry what they see as blatant imitation.