Pandolandis the newest title from the creators ofPokémon, and it launches today. Game Freak has been developing games since 1989, and thoughPokémonis its biggest franchise, the development studio has worked on other projects throughout its years in the industry. Its latest game,Pandoland, is a new non-Pokémoncasual exploration adventure, presented in collaboration with Japanese publisher WonderPlanet.

The official launch trailer forPandolandshows the mobile title to be avibrant and colorful RPG featuring adorable blocky characters accompanied by dynamic anime illustrations.The trailer invites players to “freely explore a vast world,” meeting companions (and enemies) along the way.Pandolandis available now for iOS and Android devices worldwide, giving players the chance to adventure through this uniquely stylized game.

Pandoland character ruding a ship over land

Pandoland Is A Casual Exploration Game With Pokémon-Like Collection Elements

Play Alone, Go Player Vs Player, Or Work Together

The new mobile title from Game Freakdrops players into a world with six continents shrouded in clouds.As players clear the cloud cover from certain areas, they open up opportunities for exploration with a cast of many unique characters.Gameplay consists of world exploration over land and water.Dungeons offer a challenge for players (and their friends), where they’ll find monsters to defeat, treasure to uncover, and unique adventurers to unlock and recruit into their adventure.

Pandolandalso offers PvP battles and multiplayer experiences liketreasure hidden behind co-op puzzles, large monster raids, item trading, and other cooperative features. The whole game is presented in aLEGO-like aesthetic with saturated colors and cute, rounded block designs.

Pokemon Franchise Image

Although this isn’t aPokémongame, Game Freak did include elements of collection in the gameplay withrecruitable heroes, urging players to “gather them all.“Enemy and boss encounters have a chance of adding the character to your collection, which players can set as companions to explore the dungeons together. The game even begins by having players choose one of three potential companions, corresponding to water, land, and air.

Our Take: Game Freak’s Newest Project Looks Like Cute, Casual Fun

The Game Is A Fun New Entry In The Company’s Catalog

Game Freak has beenworking almost exclusively onPokémongames since the first titles in the 1990s,remaining involved through to the current gen titles. The company does dabble in other projects, though, like the 2015 side-scrolling adventureTembo the Badass Elephant(published by SEGA), and the 2019Little Town Hero, which boasts a soundtrack by Toby Fox ofUndertalefame.

Game Freak’s games are known for having astrong style and wide appeal, andPandolandis no different. Like most of its other titles,Game Freak’s newest game oozes with charm.Pandolandlooks like it will provide a fun, casual experience from a gaming industry veteran who knows how to craft excellent games. It’s not aPokémontitle, but it seems worth a try for anyone who finds the style and gameplay appealing.