Video Game Review: Nexomon: Extinction

Nexomon: Extinction

PQube

JRPG

Nintendo Switch

The mainline Pokemon games are in a tough spot right now. The franchise isn’t handled with as much love as other Nintendo properties. This has led to tons of disappointment by the fanbase. While Sword and Shield are solid games, they lack a lot of features that the series is known for (With all the pokemon being most noteworthy). With all this in mind, an alternative to Pokemon is welcome now more than ever.

Nexomon: Extinction is what disgruntled Pokemon fans need right now. The new monster-catching RPG features many elements that make games like Pokemon enjoyable. It also carves up a solid name for itself.

At a glance, Nexomon might look somewhat generic. The visuals, characters, and mechanics make the game look like a clone. While the game has a lot in common with the series that inspired it, Nexomon has enough unique qualities to justify not calling it a clone. For starters, Nexomon has a much stronger story than most individual Pokemon games do. There was only one entry in the series before Nexomon: Extinction and it was a mobile game. Despite not having tons of established lore to pull from, Nexomon delivers a complete narrative from start to finish.

The tropes throughout the game are all familiar. The protagonist is a young kid who is finally old enough to get their own Nexomon. They can choose between nine different Nexomon, each sporting its own unique type. Before the adventure starts though, ancient and dangerous Nexomon that threaten humanity appears. Throw in some weird time manipulation and you have a familiar but enjoyable storyline.

Pokemon veterans will feel right at home while playing, but will also be delighted at all the ways that Nexomon carves its own path. Tall grass rumbles when there are wild Nexomon present, eliminating random encounters altogether. Trainers will challenge the player if they step within eyesight, but can be rematched for grinding. Type advantages are present of course, but hitting an opponent with an effective type doesn’t do as much extra damage as players might be used to. There are also some changes when it comes to catching Nexomon and making decisions throughout the game.

Nexomon: Extinction plays a lot like a JRPG. There are tons out there for players to explore and take in. The world is full of side quests for players to enjoy. There are trading and crafting mechanics that give new resources, experience, and even Nexomon. The quests make catching and evolving Nexmonon a rewarding experience. Even those who don’t have the “Catch em all” mindset will find plenty of reason to keep catching new Nexomon.

Just about everything works wonderfully well in Nexomon: Extinction. This especially applies to the game’s aesthetics. The graphics are full of 2D sprites and simply look great. The monster designs are mostly fantastic, with tons of creative elements that make them look unique. All the human characters are expressive and full of personality. Even if this isn’t a 3D world, this is one of the best-looking games in the genre.

Nexomon: Extinction’s biggest downfall is the postgame. This is only a single-player experience, which severely hampers the game’s replayability. There aren’t too many quests for players to pursue once they complete the main story either. Of course, players can try to catch every Nexomon, but it feels less rewarding when you cant battle other players online.

Despite the lack of multiplayer, Nexomon: Extinction is a stellar alternative to Pokemon. It has enough features to stand out as its own game. It’s full of heart, has an entertaining story, and tons of great monsters to catch. For only $20, it’s hard to do better when looking for a monster-catching JRPG.