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| Temtem Review |
Pokémon fans have been spoiled with multiple releases recently, and there's another big entry on the horizon. However, if you don't own a Switch or are looking for an alternative monster-battling game, Temtem is definitely worth your attention. After years of early-access development, this game has finally emerged and delivers a delightful experience. While it borrows heavily from the Pokémon formula, Temtem has its own unique charm, offering a fun world to explore and a satisfying collection of creatures to discover and learn about. Even seasoned trainers will find it challenging and engaging.
Your journey in Temtem begins by selecting a partner monster and embarking on a quest to challenge various dojos scattered across the Airborne Archipelago. As you explore the vibrant floating islands, you'll encounter rivals, face off against gym-like dojos, and clash with the villainous Clan Balsoto. Initially, the game may feel familiar, perhaps too predictable, but it eventually takes unexpected twists and turns, transforming into an "us against the world" JRPG rather than a typical monster-collecting adventure.
For me, the most exciting aspect of this genre is collecting as many adorable and powerful creatures as possible. While the first island disappointed me with its lack of variety and forgettable designs, each subsequent area introduces more enticing monsters with unique elemental combinations. The thrill of discovering the location of a specific monster to complete my Tempedia or finding one that perfectly complements my competitive team was truly enjoyable.
However, the real highlight of Temtem lies in its battle system. The fights are strategic and challenging, making me carefully consider my team composition and the order of my squad in every encounter. Unlike traditional Pokémon battles, Temtem opts for 2v2 battles by default, which adds a fresh twist and deepens the strategic depth of each engagement. I often found myself faced with battle-based puzzles, such as determining whether my active team would dominate the board or be swiftly wiped out by formidable opponents. Surprisingly, the latter scenario happened quite frequently.
Another aspect of the battle system that I absolutely love is the stamina mechanic. Each move consumes a portion of a Temtem's stamina gauge, with heavier attacks depleting more stamina. However, exceeding the available stamina results in the Temtem losing HP, creating a high-risk, high-reward dynamic for those daring enough to unleash all-out attacks at the expense of their team's health. This clever implementation discourages mindless spamming of powerful moves, resulting in more deliberate and thoughtful battles, especially when facing other skilled trainers.
The online features in Temtem truly shine when interacting with other players. Throughout the adventure, you'll come across fellow tamers wandering with their partner Temtems, ready to be challenged, traded with, or engaged in conversations about monster locations. The game also features an always-available rolling text chat, enabling free communication with a vibrant community of active players. The absence of communication barriers and the ability to easily participate in battles and form groups with others is a refreshing change for the genre and is something that larger companies like Nintendo should seriously consider as a feature to strive for.
Even after completing the main story, there's still plenty to do online with other tamers. From participating in competitive activities like joining clubs and engaging in Dojo Wars to breeding Temtems, exploring auctions for rare monsters and items, and decorating your player housing in various neighborhoods across the Archipelago, the endgame content in Temtem is extensive. There's something for everyone who wishes to continue their adventure in this immersive world.
While Temtem may initially seem like a copycat of Pokémon, it successfully deviates from the formula and stands on its own merits. With its unique battling elements and engaging MMO structure, Temtem offers a vast and challenging adventure that can be enjoyed by players who don't have access to a Nintendo console. So, if you're seeking a monster-collecting experience that will captivate you, Temtem is definitely a game to consider. Give it a try and embark on a thrilling journey in a world full of cute, destructive creatures.