All the screenshots in this post were taken directly from the game by me. The cover was made using Canva and Bitmoji, Pokémon Friends is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Android and iOS.
I've had the opportunity to play Pokémon Friends since its release on July 22nd of this year, and despite its simplicity, I found it to be a quite enjoyable title that makes very good use of the concept of being "mobile."
As I explained in my first impressions post a couple of days ago, it still seems surreal to me that there are so many Pokémon games available for smartphones, and not only that, but several of them are also available simultaneously for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.
Although this philosophy might seem to "cheapen" the exclusivity of each game, I feel it's actually a perfect testament to Game Freak's faith and dedication to the mobile market.
Obviously, Pokémon Friends is a game that needs to be refined in several details. It has a fairly attractive premise but lacks the incentive to keep us hooked for many hours. However, as I mentioned previously, I feel that this is a feature that, at least for now, works in its favor, allowing us to stretch our gaming sessions without becoming overwhelmed. It's casual and effective.
The mechanics of collecting plush toys (and probably exchanging them in the future) have a lot of potential, and, as with titles like Pokémon TCGP or even GO, I feel that time will reward those of us who dedicate our time to it from day one.
Obviously, I understand that these types of experiences can generate bitterness among more "hardcore" players, but I love that a franchise like Pokémon knows how to adapt simultaneously to so many markets.
Of course, I still prefer the more traditional titles, but it's been easy to incorporate Pokémon Friends into my daily routine, after waking up, or why not, to relieve stress before bed.
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