Final Fantasy Meets Pokémon In Huge New Monster-Taming RPG

There is perhaps not a better combination of games in the JRPG world than Final Fantasy meets Pokémon. They are inarguably the two quintessential JRPG titles, both offering the most traditional and high-budgeted version of their respective fields, and both bringing in millions of fans with each new entry. It is only natural then that developers would attempt to find a way to combine the two into one singular entry that utilizes their individual strengths to create something completely unique.

However, while there are plenty of games like Final Fantasy, and even more like Pokémon, there are actually few that have attempted to cross the two over. That is, of course, until today, when a new monster-taming RPG attempts to merge the two into a truly inspired adventure. Indeed, this is a new entry into an existing franchise from a huge developer, so fans should be pretty excited as they may be getting something extremely special soon.

Pokémon Fans Don't Have To Wait For Winds & Waves

Now that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is ending and support for Legends: Z-A comes to a close, Pokémon fans are understandably looking for something new to play. Of course, one would hope it would be the next mainline Pokémon title, Winds and Waves, but, alas, that is still months away, at least. Fortunately, as aforementioned, there's a new Final Fantasy-inspired monster-taming adventure looming on the horizon, by none other than Square Enix itself.

Announced during the official Dragon Quest Day celebrations, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is the latest title in the monster-taming JRPG series. As I stated earlier, this series brings together everything Square Enix has learned through its production of both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest and applies it to a more family-friendly skewing adventure featuring the whimsical designs of Akira Toriyama. Much like in Pokémon, the game's protagonists don't do any of the fighting, but, instead, recruit the aid of the titular monsters.

The series, which is primarily developed by TOSE (and published by Square Enix), has rather unfortunately existed on the fringes of Square Enix's vast library of games, generating enough popularity, in large part due to its similarities to Pokémon, but never quite hitting the mainstream in the way one would expect. It follows the likes of Dragon Quest Builders and Dragon Quest Warriors, all excellent games in their own right, but never quite getting the love they deserve. One can hope then that The Withered World is the exception to that rule.

Dragon Quest: The Withered World Is Coming To Switch 2

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World may actually end up being the break-out hit that the series has been long overdue. Of course, there's the fact that there is no new Pokémon or major monster-taming title launching any time soon, or even close to The Withered World's release date of December 3, 2026. Additionally, this is the biggest DQ Monsters game to date, launching with 500+ monsters, including several new ones that are completely unique to this particular entry.

It is certainly an exciting release for existing Dragon Quest fans, but should be equally enticing to those who've never played a Dragon Quest Monsters entry before. Each entry is completely standalone, with The Withered World set to introduce two new protagonists alongside the aforementioned new monsters. Like Pokémon, it's easy to learn and challenging to master, which, again, makes it a rather easy series to hop into at any point.

The Withered World is also releasing on all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2, so it'll be accessible to everyone. With its Animal Crossing-esque worlds, Pokémon-like monster-taming, and Final Fantasy-style gameplay, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World should absolutely appeal to everyone, especially JRPG aficionados and cozy gamers. Beyond it being a busy year and the slightly high (although still cheaper than a typical $70 game) price tag, there really is no reason to skip DQ Monsters, especially if you're stuck waiting for the next Final Fantasy or Pokémon.