Monster-collecting RPGs
This is a list of Monster-collecting RPGs I've played/planned on playing. If you're looking for more games in this genre, this is the place to be.Megami Tensei
Platform(s): Various
In these games, you can summon and converse with demons, and then use them in battle against other demons. Gameplay can be a bit intense, almost unfair at times, but the stories and characters make up for it. There's just no other series like it.Would I recommend?: SMT 4, Strange Journey and Digital Devil Saga are my favorites. If you want a game like Yo-Kai Watch but darker, these games are for you.
Pokémon
Platform(s): Various
You may have heard of this series, It's quite popular. In these games, you are a young Trainer who must catch, train and battle with animal-like creatures called "Pokémon".Positives
There's something for everyone in Pokémon.
- The battle system is surprisingly in depth if you look into it.
- Side activities you can do while working towards the main goal are fun.
- The soundtracks for these games are GREAT! I can't name a single game with a bad soundtrack.
- Stuff like Pokémon Refresh/Pokémon-Amie and Poké Ride/Rotom Bike are great additions to the games, and should've been added in earlier.
Negatives
These are issues that that personaly mar my enjoyment of these games as a whole.
- Filling in the Pokédex is a painful chore if you don't have friends/access to online features.
- Towns and cities feel devoid of life and there's not much to do in them besides talk to NPCS and battle the Gym Leader in most cases. This issue also extends to areas like routes and dungeons.
- Promising Battle Gimmicks like Mega Evolution and Z-Moves do not get built apon and just get dropped in later games.
- (More of a nitpick) The games are visually dull compared to other games on the same system.
- Transferring Pokémon to newer games is locked behind a paid app when it should be a feature built into the games themselves.
Would I recommend?: In my personal opinion, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire and Black 2/White 2 are the best games in the franchise. Avoid playing Sword/Shield and Scarlet/Violet, especially if you've never played a Pokémon game before. If you haven't already, give spin-offs like Colosseum, XD: Gale of Darkness, Ranger and Conquest a try.
Yo-Kai Watch
Platform(s): 3DS/Switch
In these games, you play as a kid who, with the power of a special watch, can see and befriend ghosts from Japanese folklore. The battle system is fun and engaging and I like exploring Springdale. There are also fun side quests and activities you can do to get helpful items, unique Yokai and money. The games are not perfect though, there are many aspects of the game that are needlessly frustrating, like the process of recruiting certain Yokai and obtaining certain items.Would I recommend?: 2 is my personal favorite. If you plan on playing 2, I would reach for Psychic Specters because that game has more content than Bony Spirits/Fleshy Souls. I haven't played 1, 3 & 4 yet.
Spectrobes
Platform(s): NDS/Wii
Honki de ikuze! Use the power of the mighty Spectrobes against the evil Krawl in this trilogy for the Nintendo DS and Wii.Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: ???
Fossil Fighters
Platform(s): NDS/3DS
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: Play the games in release order. If you like dinosaurs, you will enjoy Fossil Fighters.
Moco Moco Friends
Platform(s): 3DS
A cutesy game for the 3DS that that centers around a girl who befriends and battles with living stuffed animals called "Plushkins".Positives
The game's 135 Plushkins are downright adorable (If there were real plushies of these things, I'd seriously buy them) and the UI is equally as cute. The dungeon-crawling system, once you get the hang of it, is quite fun. Reminds me a bit of Etrian Odyssey (Speaking of that, go play that if you haven't already.)Negatives
Moco, the main characacter is one-dimensional and insultingly dumb; most of her dialog, actions and personality revolves around wanting to eat food and being absent-minded and clumsy, you will get sick of her real quick. Though some dialog from some of the other characters, Especially Moco's staff, Neko, made me chuckle a bit. Other issues include needlessly drawn out attack animations and repetitive music.Would I recommend?: If you're a fan of cute, pastel-colored things or want a entry-level RPG to sink your teeth into. Moco Moco Friends is for you.
Keitai Denjuu Telefang
Platform(s): GBC
Mostly known for being bootlegged into the infamous Pokémon Diamond and Jade. The original games have only recently recived an English patch.Would I recommend?: Need to replay
Network Adventure Bugsite
Platform(s): GBC
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: Haven't played yet
GachaSta! Dino Device
Platform(s): GBA
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: Waiting for English patch
Robopon
Platform(s): GBC/GBA/N64
Build 'em, Collect 'em, Trash 'em and become the Ultimate Robot Master in these games for the Game Boy family as well as the N64.Would I recommend?: Haven't played yet
Bistro Recipe/Fighting Foodons
Platform(s): GBC/WonderSwan
Video Games based off the anime "Bistro Recipe" (格闘料理伝説ビストロレシピ), which recived a English dub in the 2000s called "Fighting Foodons". There are two GBC games and a WonderSwan game.Would I recommend?: Waiting for English patch
Monster Rancher
Platform(s): Various
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: Haven't played yet
Monster Racers
Platform(s): NDS
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: Haven't played yet
Digimon Story
Platform(s): Various
I've only played Dawn/Dusk and a little bit of the original game and Super Xros Wars Red/Blue. Those games are a little rough around the edges, but are still enjoyable. I'll come back and write an actual review once I replay those games and get my hands on both Cyber Sleuth games.Would I recommend?: Need to replay
Digimon Universe Appli Monsters
Platform(s): 3DS
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: Waiting for English patch
Dragon Quest Monsters
Platform(s): Various
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: ???
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
Platform(s): NDS/3DS
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: YES!!! Especially if you're a Dragon Quest fan. The second game is the BEST!!!
Honorable Mentions
The games below don't exactly fit the definition of a "Monster-collecting RPG," but are still noteworthy.Medarot
Platform(s): Various
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: ???
Mega Man Battle Network
Platform(s): GBA
A series of Action-RPGs featuring Mega Man characters, set in a futuristic setting.Would I recommend?: ???
Mega Man Star Force
Platform(s): NDS
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: ???
LBX: Little Battlers eXperience
Platform(s): 3DS
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: I have the game installed but haven't played yet due to cold feet.
Custom Robo
Platform(s): Various
Positives
???Negatives
???Would I recommend?: ???
