Summary
The inevitable anime or manga adaptation ofPalworldshouldn’t be written off as an attempt to bask inPokémon’sshadow. While theannouncement by Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Aniplexmakes their intentions obvious, a Palworld story doesn’t have to step on its inspiration’s toes. Rather, if allowed room to breathe, it might find its niche alongsidePokémonandDigimon.
The establishment of “Palworld Entertainment"makes clear that Sony wants its own monster-catching series, and Aniplex’s presence means that an animated adaptation is on the table. While one can cynically see a Palworld anime as just Sony trying to buy its off-brand mascots, Palworld as a game has already diverged fromPokémonin many ways, and those same strengths may help it stand out as an animated feature, if Aniplex is brave enough.
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Palworld Can Be More Than Monster-Mascot Cash-in
Potential Adaptations Can Focus On What the Game Brings Than What It Imitates
Sony’s intent to expand the Palworld concept beyond Pocketpair’s first game seems like an attempt to get the same media, toys and pop culture presence Nintendo’s franchise has enjoyed for years. While it may be easy to imagine a future anime being designed to desperately cater to young viewers who watchPokémon, Palworld doesn’t have to follow along. After all,the source game’s originality let it beat its allegations of being a cheap knock-offwith some guns tossed in for shock value. Pocketpair offers an entirely different fantasy that could lead to a story unlike what other mascot series have.
WhilePokémonand other similar franchises have elaborate and civilized settings to adventure through, Palworld’s Palpagos Islands has a rawness to it. More than just being a vehicle for crafting and survival in the game, Palworld fills the map with actual human bandits and poachers, (a lot more dangerous thanthose who appear inPokémon), and tries to emphasize the danger of meeting untamed wild animals armed with projectiles. If nothing else, fans have a game, and maybe an anime, wherethe protagonist wades into battle alongside the pets. These are all unique strengths Sony and Aniplex could pay attention to.
Palworld Has What It Needs To Succeed as More Than a Knock-off
These distinctions may be self-evident, but it can be hard to see what Pocketpair has accomplished through the haze of Sony’s desire to merchandise its own monsters.Palworld, however, focuses on survival and exploration as much as it does its Pals, and that provides plenty of material for a strong narrative that’s nothing like the safe, weekly adventuresPokémon’s shows specialize in, orthe epic battles ofDigimon.A more grounded, less friendly world with animals close to Nintendo’s brood is something fans have wanted, and an anime adaptation that delivers on that will only further establishPalworld’sbroad appeal.
Palworld
Palworld is an open-world crafting survival RPG developed by Pocket Pair Inc. and released in 2024. Set in a colorful, open-ended world, players will travel the land collecting creatures called “Pals” as they battle, build, travel across the world, and choose their path forward. From a ruthless creature boss to an anti-poaching activist hunter, players can tackle Palworld how they want.
