Game Freak, the studio behind the global phenomenon that is Pokemon, has recently released a new mobile game titled Pand Land. This free-to-play RPG, currently only available in Japan, looks to be a welcome departure from the developer’s more usual offerings.
Set in the unexplored world of “Pand Land,” players take on the role of an expedition team captain, embarking on a quest for legendary treasure. With its charming voxel-based visuals and laid-back exploration gameplay, the game has already captured the attention of casual mobile gamers around the globe.
A Rare Collaboration and a Promising New IP?
Game Freak is best known for developing the mainline Pokemon games, so it’s always exciting to see the studio venture into new territory. This game marks a rare occasion where the developer has collaborated with another developer, WonderPlanet Inc., to create a mobile-exclusive title.
Interestingly, Gematsu reported in January that Game Freak had filed logo trademarks for “PAND LAND” on December 28, 2023. This led fans to speculate if the game was related to the studio’s rumored “Project Bloom,” a title reportedly being developed in collaboration with Private Division, the publisher of The Outer Worlds.
However, it has now been confirmed that this game is a separate project, published by WonderPlanet Inc. Following the initial reveal and subsequent gameplay screenshots, fans had already noted the similarities between Pand Land‘s art style and that of Pokemon Quest, another mobile title developed by Game Freak:
The game’s charming voxel-based visuals and laid-back exploration gameplay have (unsurprisingly) drawn comparisons to the 2018 spin-off. According to the game’s description on the Google Play, it focuses on exploration, treasure hunting, and team-building. Players can clear dungeons to gain new allies and treasures, forming their own unique teams to face challenges solo or alongside other players.
Mixed Reactions and High Hopes for the Pokemon Dev
The game’s release comes at an interesting time for the developer. The studio has come under fire in recent years for the relatively short development cycles of mainline Pokémon games, which some fans argue has harmed the overall quality of the series.
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And while opinions on the developer’s recent Pokemon titles may vary, Pand Land is very much a promising new IP for the studio and its collaborator, WonderPlanet.
By focusing on a fresh concept and leveraging WonderPlanet’s mobile expertise, the two companies have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent in a new light.
As the “maritime RPG” sets sail in Japan, mobile gamers around the world are eagerly waiting to see if the game will receive a global release. With its colorful visuals, engaging gameplay, and the pedigree of Game Freak behind it, Pand Land has the potential to be a breakout hit.
What is your take on this new mobile-exclusive adventure? Are you excited to explore the world of the game if it goes global, or do you think the studio should focus on improving the Pokemon series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
