Pokemon Studio Releases New Game That\'s Not Pokemon

Game Freak, best known for the Pokémon series, has quietly released a new adventure RPG, Pand Land, exclusively in Japan for Android and iOS. This isn't the studio's first foray outside Pokémon; titles like Little Town Hero and HarmoKnight have garnered their own fanbases.

Given recent criticism of some Pokémon entries due to shorter development cycles, Pand Land's release is surprising. While ILCA handled the 2021 Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes, Game Freak has still managed Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and the Gen 9 DLC since early 2022, with another major Pokémon title in development.

The release of Pand Land is a positive sign, showcasing Game Freak's creative versatility. Players assume the role of an expedition captain exploring the expansive world of Pandoland, searching for treasure. The game offers relaxed exploration, combat encounters, and dungeons, playable solo or with friends via multiplayer.

Pand Land's Limited Availability

Currently, Pand Land is only available in Japan. While there's no confirmed international release date, its potential global launch remains a possibility. Game Freak clearly values this project; development director Yuji Saito stated (via publisher WonderPlanet's announcement), "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: Pand Land's development hasn't impacted the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for release next year. Details are scarce, but the anticipation is high following the success of its predecessor.