Freemium Perdition: Magikarp Jump

Magikarp Jump
Click the Screen
1 Player
System: Android
Developer: The Pokemon Company
Year of Release: 2017

In the wide world of Pokemon, one in particular has always risen to the top. From competitive tournaments, to contests, to popularity, truly Magikarp reigns supreme. Maybe not exactly, but Magikarp has always had a certain appeal, usually due to his evolution. Magikarp Jump goes out of it's way to put the titular Pokemon in the lime light.

Fangasm: Attack on Silph Co

Attack on Silph Co
Pokemon Short Story
1 Player
System: PC
Developer: Franzo
Year of Release: 2016
Attack on Silph Co

I am a huge fan of these kinds of games. Short little snippets that allow the creator to showcase a small section of the world of Pokemon. Unlike the standard games that follow a pretty strict formula you can explore all kinds of unique settings and ideas. In this instance, four years after they're brought down Team Rocket tries to attack Silph Co again. It's up to you, a low level Silph employee to fight your way through the building and save your coworkers.

Pit of Despair: Pokkén Tournament

Pokkén Tournament
Pokémon Fighting Game!!??!!!
1-2 Players
System: Wii U
Developer: Bandai Namco
Year of Release: 2016

Don't be fooled by the title, Pit of Despair doesn't mean these games are horrible, just that they let me down in a big way. And oh, how Pokkén Tournament let me down.

Fangasm: The Secret of Cinnabar Mansion

The Secret of Cinnabar Mansion
1 Player
System: PC
Developer: Involuntary Twitch
Year of Release: 2015
Download Here

Made for the website Relic Castle's Game Jam 2015, The Secret of Cinnabar Mansion is a short plot-centric Pokemon fan game made with RPG Maker. Anyone who knows about early Pokemon lore knows what the titular secret is in reference to, the creation of Mewtwo. So from the get go it's kind of obvious what you're getting into. Is this short little game worth your time?

Games I Beat: Pokemon Pinball Ruby and Sapphire

Pokemon Pinball Ruby and Sapphire
Fucking Pinball
1 Player
System: GBA
Developer: Jupiter
Year of Release: 2003
Beaten: February 17th, 2015

I planned to start this off differently but, if you couldn't put two and two together, I always look up some basic info about these games and plug it up top to look all faux professional. So I found out Pokemon Pinball Ruby and Sapphire was made by this team called Jupiter. Having never heard of them I looked into them a bit. These guys are Picross gods apparently having made almost all of Nintendo's Picross titles. Both Pokemon Pinball games were made by them, as well as over half of the total available games for the Pokemon Mini (haven't heard of it? Don't worry about it). There are some other games that I assume are Japan only, but a few other titles really stood out to me. Apparently they developed the Gameboy Camera? Though I'm assuming just the menu's and minigame functions found within. Most shockingly, they are responsible for (the pretty fun) Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, and even did some work on The World Ends With You. How have I never heard of these guys before?

Fangasm: Pokemon Insurgence

Pokemon Insurgence
Monster Collecting RPG
1 Player
System: PC
Developer: the_suzerain
Year of Release: 2014
Played: Still playing!
Download Here

It isn't uncommon to find an unfinished Pokemon fan game. A lot of high concept ideas, grandiose plans and a general overconfidence generally lead to the downfall of many of these projects. I'm not sure if Pokemon Insurgence will follow this trend, but for the time being it seems that work is continuing at a steady pace. If you're at all familiar, this is made with Pokemon Essentials in RPG Maker XP, so certain features and appearances can seem a bit off at times. If you know what you're getting into though it isn't so bad. This game looks to add a multitude of features, many of which I welcome with open arms.