Nexomon: Extinction… Where do I start with Nexomon: Extinction? We are back, ladies and gents, with another Switch review! I have been glued to my Switch lately, and getting my hands on this game just made it worse. Let’s get right into it! I do also want to preface this whole review by saying I am a diehard Pokémon fan. The first game I ever owned was Pokémon Diamond. When I was starting this game initially, the general consensus seemed to be “Oh this is just gonna be a Pokémon knockoff.” Boy, were we all wrong.
What is Nexomon: Extinction?
Coming to us from developers VEWO Interactive Inc, Nexomon: Extinction is a fresh take on classic monster-catching games. However, it’s more than just catching monsters. Players are treated to a brand new story, and the game starts off with a whopping 300 Nexomon to trap, tame and evolve. Nexomon is the name given to the base monsters, but the game also includes a much bigger form known as Tyrants.
Now previously, we were introduced to nexomon through the game of the same name which was available on mobile originally. The game did get a PC release in July of this year. But we aren’t here to talk about that game. We’re here to talk Extinction.
Setting a nexomon trap
Now, I need to state something here. Nexomon traps are HARD. But I will get into that in a moment. You guys know by now I love a good story, and that is our starting point here. Nexomon: Extinction opens with a longer cutscene than I was expecting, but it gives great exposition to the world without spoiling anything. It’s a nice segway into the universe. We wake up in an orphanage, and this is where our story begins. We are on our way to joining the Guild and becoming a Nexomon tamer. However, is it ever really going to be that simple? I want to avoid spoilers as much as possible, but the main story is so interesting and well developed. It was a TREAT for me!
Yes, you read that. I did just specify the main story. Not only do we get this really cool main story/quest line to follow, Nexomon: Extinction also offers a vast range of side quests! I found myself doing a lot of side questing and exploring the areas before moving forward with the mainline. Something that still gets me giggling is one particular side quest, where a ghost asks you to delete his browser history. That’s it. You just need to delete his history. But it was something so totally random compared to everything else going on that I couldn’t help laughing at it. To be fair though, if I came back as a ghost, I’d probably enlist someone to delete my browser history too. Don’t get me wrong, there are also some really cool side quests, that one was just my favourite. Yes, I am easily amused.
Let’s get techy
Graphically speaking, I am in love. This is where comparisons are going to come into play. And this is a very fond one for me. Nexomon: Extinction graphically speaking reminds me of an updated version of Pokémon Diamond/Pearl. That specific era. Even things like classic Harvest Moon games, or even classic Zelda. So you can bet this definitely hit the nostalgia switch in my heart and made me very happy from the get-go. Anyone else obsessed with that game style or just me? Now, when I say updated, I mean hugely updated. Honestly, before anything had really started, I was already settling in all comfy, beyond ready for this adventure.
I have one minor issue with the gameplay, but at the same time, I still enjoy it. Catching Nexomon. I very quickly learned it’s called a trap for a reason. To even attempt a capture, you get a random button sequence to be completed under a timer. It gets easier as you go along, but it was a tad frustrating at first.
HOWEVER! There is a really cool thing to be said about trapping a Nexomon. When attempting a catch, a little pop up appears showing your chances of making the catch. Is the Nexomon low on stamina? Do you have any food they will enjoy? What about your actual trap selection? What are the chances of this trap working on this type of Nexomon? There are so many factors involved, and even then you aren’t guaranteed a catch. It definitely adds a level of difficulty to the game, but in a way that will make you want to keep trying.
Creature design, a lot of people are going to see the similarities with Pokémon but let’s be real for a second here. Pokémon is something that has been in the works since 1989. There is pretty much nothing that hasn’t made into a creature yet. Nexomon: Extinction still managed to make some really epic looking creatures despite that bit of adversity.
How do we feel about Nexomon: Extinction?
I’m not gonna lie, I went into this game with some hope. Not much, as I have been disappointed by way too many games. I was completely blown away with this one though. Between the story itself, the side quests and overall vibes of Nexomon: Extinction, I could not be happier. VEWO brought back such a timeless classic style of game, gave it an all-new feel all while keeping with the genre itself. Something tells me that we have found a new gem that will withstand the test of time, and very possibly reinvigorate a style that’s been around for over 30 years. The world created is beautiful, and really fun to explore. Plus, there is also a fast travel option which makes it easier to return to certain places along the way. Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll manage to put this one down any time soon.
I will admit I’m still on the hunt for all 300 Nexomon, but once I do get them, I will update everyone with my favourite. I have yet to find one that didn’t intrigue me in some way. Either way, we have definitely found one of my games of the year.
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