Released in 2018 by The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Quest is a game that takes a refreshing detour from the typical Pokémon game style that we’ve grown accustomed to. Set on the mysterious Tumblecube Island, players encounter cube-shaped Pokémon, which undoubtedly stands out as the most distinctive feature of the game. Instead of trainers capturing and battling Pokémon in the traditional sense, in Pokémon Quest, players befriend these blocky creatures, cook for them, and guide them through expeditions to uncover the island’s secrets. With the passive combat system, players set up their team's moves and abilities ahead of time and then watch the action play out.

Pokémon Quest features an endearing art style, with the iconic Pokémon characters transformed into appealing, cube-shaped forms. This fresh take on the beloved franchise brings a sense of nostalgia while adding a distinctive touch.

The game offers a simplified gameplay experience, making it suitable for both seasoned Pokémon trainers and newcomers. The intuitive controls, combined with the streamlined combat mechanics, allow for easy pick-up-and-play sessions, ideal for on-the-go gaming.

Pokémon Quest encourages players to explore Tumblecube Island and embark on expeditions to uncover hidden treasures and encounter various Pokémon. With each expedition, you can strategically select a team of three Pokémon and equip them with Power Stones to enhance their abilities, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.

The repetitive nature of exploration and combat may detract from the overall experience, particularly for players seeking more depth and complexity in their gameplay.

While the game is costless to play, it incorporates in-app purchases for various optional items and power-ups.

Pokémon Quest focuses solely on single-player content, without incorporating any multiplayer features such as co-op battles or trading Pokémon with friends.

Jumping into Pokémon Quest, one can’t help but be intrigued by the game’s aesthetic departure from the norm. The voxel-style graphics are endearing and provide a different look at beloved Pokémon creatures. This offers a unique twist and a new lens to appreciate Pokémon that you’ve come to know over the years.

The base-building and cooking mechanics are simple yet engaging. By cooking different dishes, players can attract and befriend a variety of Pokémon, which gives a delightful sense of collection. However, it’s worth noting that the strategy mainly revolves around understanding which recipes attract specific Pokémon, and this can lead to repetitive gameplay.

The combat, while simplified, demands strategic thinking in team composition and move set-ups. However, once an expedition begins, the gameplay becomes largely passive. You set up your moves and watch your Pokémon engage in combat. This, while interesting at first, can feel limiting especially if you’re used to the traditional real-time decision-making battles of other Pokémon games. It’s clear that Pokémon Quest is tailored more towards a casual audience or perhaps younger players.

One of the sticking points, however, is the game’s monetization system. Pokémon Quest is free-to-start, but the reliance on in-app purchases can become evident as you progress. Energy limitations and the desire for certain items can slow down gameplay, subtly pushing players towards microtransactions.