Summary
Palworldis a monster-taming video game that was developed by Pocket Pair and released at the start of 2024. The gameplay mainly consists of the player character running around and catching or battling the monsters that live in this world. While some crafting and base-building aspects inPalworldmake this game feel similar toArk Survival Evolved, there is one other gaming franchise that players can not help to draw comparisons between. That isPokemon.
The gameplay inPalworldis eerily similar to that of Nintendo’s own monster-hunting game, but many fans have found that a lot of the monster designs inPalworldlook too much like some well-known Pokemon. This is so obvious that it has led to the PokemonCompany filing a copyright lawsuit against thePalworlddevelopers. However, some of thePalworldmonster designs look more like traditionalPokemonthan others.
1Sparkit
Looks Like: Pikachu
If another company was ever going totake any inspiration from aPokemon, it makes sense that they would choose Pikachu. This cute, yellow, electric rodent has beenPokemon’smascot since the anime started, as it appeared in the show as Ash’s main partner. It has also been heavily featured in the game since then and was also the title character inPokemon’sfirst live-action movie,Detective Pikachu.
Palworld’sSparkittakes many of the design features of Pikachu to make it look similar. It is small, yellow, and has pointy ears. However, the biggest comparison is found in Sparkit’s lightning bolt-shaped tale. This is one of Pikachu’s most defining attributes and signifies that it uses electric attacks. The only other thing that Sparkit could have to look more like Pikachu is a pair of red cheeks.
2Univolt
Looks Like: Zebstrika
The idea of including a monster like an electric horse in a game likePalworldfeels too good to pass up. That is why the developers included the colorful mount,Univolt, in the game. Unfortunately, this is another idea that thePokemonfranchise has used already. Kind of…
The generation fivePokemon, Zebstrika, may be based on a zebra instead of a horse, but its resemblance to Univolt is uncanny. Both designs have lightning bolts to make up the animals' manes and tales, and even some of the poses Univolt uses in its official artwork are similar to that of Zebstrika’s official art.
3Dumud
Looks Like: Clodsire
The newestPokemonin the franchise to have some similarities to something fromPalworldis Clodsire. The new form of the Generation Two Ground and Water-type, Quagsire, is now a Poison and Ground-type, and its appearance reflects thatthis is a new kind of creature.
Clodsire is a muddy brown color, walks on all fours, and is low to the ground. This is exactly howDumudfromPalworldappears. The only notable difference is the fin on Dumud’s head and its facial expression. While both monsters look confused in their respective games, Dumud is a bit more cartoonish.
4Grizzbolt
Looks Like: Electabuzz & Zangoose
Every new gaming franchise needs a mascot, a figure in the series that everyone will recognize. ForPalworld, that mascot isGrizzbolt. This grinning, furry monster takes center stage in the box art for the game and is no doubt thePalworldmonster casual gamers have seen the most. Its striking, yellow fur may grab the eye of new players, but it looks eerily similar to something that gamers have seen before.
The yellow fur with the black lightning bolt that Grizzbolt has is the same design as that of the Generation OnePokemon, Electabuzz. However, some fans have also noted that the creatures' long claws and menacing expressions also make them look like the Generation ThreePokemon, Zangoose. Merging these designs does result in a great monster, but it is hard to look past thesePalworldcomparisons.
5Anubis
Looks Like: Lucario
In all fairness, it will be difficult for a game developer to base any character design on the ancient Egyptian God,Anubis, without it resembling thePokemonLucario.This Steel and Fighting-type Pokemonis a blue dog that walks on its hind legs, just as Anubis is depicted doing. Plus, its black mask also makes it look similar to its original design inspiration.
Therefore, thePalworlddevelopers were on the back foot already when they decided to include a creature called Anubis in their own game. This version of the Egyptian God does look very much like Lucario, as expected. However, this design also moves Lucario’s horn from its chest to its head in another nod to the Generation FourPokemon.
6Lamball
Looks Like: Wooloo
A sheep is exactly the type of livestock that people would expect to find running across some open fields in the real world. As a result, the developers of bothPalworldandPokemondecided to include a monster design based on this creature to fill out their fantasy worlds. Unfortunately, neitherLamballnor Wooloo do much to trigger the imagination of the player.
Wooloo is a Generation Eight Pokemon that can be caught in the early routes of the Galar region. As such, it does not have a very intimidating design and is basicallya bland, Normal-typethat looks exactly like a sheep. Therefore, any sheep monster thatPalworldincludes in its game is going to look like a Wooloo, regardless.
7Direhowl
Looks Like: Lycanroc
A sturdy wolf Pokemon is such a great idea for the franchise that it is one that the series did three times in the Seventh Generation games. The small Rock-type, Rockruff, that players run into early in the Alola region evolves differently depending on the time of day. It can evolve into Midday Lycanroc during the day, Dusk Lycanroc in the evening, and Midnight Lycanroc at night. While Midnight Lycanroc is a bit different from its other forms, there is no denying thatDirehowlfromPalworldlooks like the other two forms.
Both Midday and Dusk forms of Lycanroc are basic wolves that run around on four legs. So too is Direhowl fromPalworld, which is why it looks exactly like these two Pokemon, save for its darker fur.
8Boltmane
Looks Like: Luxray
In the current discussion surroundingPalworldand its design controversy, the creature that manyPokemonfans keep pointing to as a direct rip-off of a monster from their franchise isBoltmane. This regal-looking cat is tall and proud with a broad mane of fur. It does appear to have a powerful presence in the game, but so too does Luxray in its respective franchise.
Ever since its debut in Generation Four, the Luxray line has always been considered a solid Electric-type to take through games. The only difference most players can notice in these two designs is that Luxray is colored black and blue, and Boltmane is black and yellow. However, Luxray swaps its blue for yellow in its shiny form.
