New Mobile Game from Pokemon Studio Revealed

Game Freak, renowned for its Pokémon series, has ventured beyond its flagship franchise with the release of its new adventure RPG, Pand Land, in Japan. This isn't the studio's first foray into non-Pokémon titles; previous standalone games like Little Town Hero and HarmoKnight also garnered significant player interest.

Recent Pokémon installments have faced criticism regarding their shorter development cycles and perceived impact on game quality. This makes Game Freak's concurrent development of Pand Land somewhat surprising, especially considering their recent releases, including Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC. While ILCA handled the 2021 Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes, Game Freak's output since early 2022 has been substantial, with another major Pokémon title already underway.

The release of Pand Land, however, showcases Game Freak's creative versatility. Available exclusively on Android and iOS in Japan, this adventure RPG casts players as expedition captains exploring the expansive, ocean-filled world of Pandoland for treasure. The game offers a relaxed exploration experience, complemented by combat encounters and dungeons playable solo or with friends in multiplayer mode.

Limited Availability: Japan Only (For Now)

Currently, Pand Land lacks an international release date. However, this doesn't preclude future global availability. Game Freak seems particularly invested in the project; publisher WonderPlanet's announcement quoted Game Freak development director Yuji Saito as saying, "We've been working hard to create a game that takes the scale of a console game and makes it easy and simple to play."

Pokémon fans can rest assured that Pand Land's development hasn't compromised the next Pokémon game. The highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains scheduled for release next year, generating considerable excitement based on its predecessor's popularity.