Pokemon Studio Releases New Game That\'s Not Pokemon

Game Freak, famed for its Pokémon series, has ventured beyond its flagship franchise with the release of its new title, Pand Land, in Japan. This adventure RPG invites players on a treasure hunt across a vibrant, expansive world. While Pokémon commands most of Game Freak's attention, the studio has previously released standalone titles like Little Town Hero and HarmoKnight, demonstrating its diverse capabilities.

Recent Pokémon installments have faced criticism regarding shorter development cycles impacting game quality. However, Game Freak has concurrently released Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and the Gen 9 DLC, Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, since early 2022, with another major Pokémon title in development.

The launch of Pand Land offers a welcome creative outlet for Game Freak, and a refreshing experience for players. This mobile adventure RPG (available on Android and iOS in Japan) casts the player as an expedition captain exploring the oceanic world of Pandoland. The gameplay emphasizes relaxed exploration, interspersed with combat and dungeon-crawling, playable solo or with friends in multiplayer mode.

Pand Land's Global Release Remains Uncertain

Currently, there's no confirmed international release date. However, this doesn't preclude future global availability. Game Freak clearly holds Pand Land in high regard, as evidenced by development director Yuji Saito's statement in the official announcement (via publisher WonderPlanet): "We've been working hard to create a game that takes the scale of a console game and makes it easy and simple to play."

Pokémon fans can rest assured: Pand Land's development hasn't compromised the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for release next year. Details on Pokémon Legends: Z-A are scarce, but its predecessor's popularity generates significant anticipation.