Palworld - Pokewho? PS5 Review

Palworld (PS5)

Publisher: PocketPair

Reviewed by Matt (@cleric20) Adcock

Palworld is an absolute blast—a fever-dream mash-up of Pokémon meets Breath of the Wild with a dark, twisted edge that sets it apart from any creature-collector I’ve played before.

I'm a Pokémon fan and so was excited to play a game a pal described as 'Pokémon with guns' and went into this game thinking I’d just get some cool animals to tame, train, and toss into battle, and back them up with some serious firepower. And I wasn't wrong but what I also got was a sprawling, wild world where anything goes. Developed by PocketPair, Palworld is like stepping into an open-world sandbox where survival, strategy, and a little bit of chaos reign supreme.

Ok so the 'Pals'... Imagine Pokémon but with a more bite. These creatures look adorable, sure, but they’re also incredibly useful. They’ll help you fight, gather resources, build structures, even work on farms if that’s your style. The range of abilities is nuts, and it gives you endless ways to use your Pals in every corner of the game. 

This isn’t just a game where you collect cute allies—your Pals are your lifeline, your muscle, and sometimes, your shield against some seriously tough enemies. Each Pal you collect feels like a new tool in your kit, making exploration and survival a non-stop joy.

 
Now, the world itself. Palworld is gorgeous - packing some stunning landscapes, complete with day-night cycles and weather changes that genuinely affect gameplay. Imagine running through fields with your Pals at dawn, only to get caught in a sudden snowstorm in the mountains—this game doesn’t just look great, it pulls you in with its immersive environments. And it’s not just pretty; each area is brimming with resources, hidden treasures, and, of course, wild Pals waiting to be tamed.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Palworld isn’t afraid to go dark. You’ve got the option to set up factory lines, arm your Pals, and basically create your own Pal-powered empire if that’s your thing. It’s weirdly satisfying but also feels like it’s pushing you to think about the impact of your choices. Are you going to be the benevolent tamer who uses Pals gently, or are you going full industrial overlord mode? This moral ambiguity gives Palworld a unique flavour and keeps things unpredictable.

fight!

Combat is where the game absolutely shines. It’s all real-time, and the mix of using your character’s abilities with your Pals’ unique powers makes every fight an adrenaline rush. Whether you’re taking on wild creatures or going up against bigger threats, the battles are fast, intense, and way more strategic than they seem at first glance. Plus, with so many Pals to choose from, you can tailor your team to suit your style—go in guns blazing or plan a stealthy attack with elemental combos. Some of the end game bosses are serious challenges but it's fun working out how to take them down.

 
And multiplayer? An absolute blast. Teaming up with friends to explore, trade Pals, or face off against big bosses adds a whole new layer co-op adventure, each of you bringing your own Pals to the mix, sharing in the highs and lows as you discover the wonders of Palworld.

 
Palworld delivers an addictive, genre-bending sandbox that pulls you in with charm and keeps you with its unpredictable, dark undertones. If you love open-world exploration, if you’re a sucker for creature collecting, and an achievable and fun Platinum trophy too - sign up quick before Nintendo shut it down :)

Out of a potential 5, you have to go with a Darkmatters:

öööö1/2

(4.5 - Great fun game which delivers far more than expected...) 

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