Pokemon Conquest Review: Gotta Conquer ‘Em All

This is one game I believe no one really saw coming. Pokemon games are spun off all the time of course, but this is one spinoff that I know I didn’t see coming. But the gaming world is better off now that it does exist. Pokemon Conquest is a cross between the main Pokemon games and Nobunaga’s Ambition. Nobunaga’s Ambition is a turn-based strategy game taking place in feudal Japan.

Nobunaga’s Ambition, as mentioned, is a series that revolves around turn-based strategy gameplay with a setting in feudal Japan. When you cross this with Pokemon, what do you get? A game where you are out to conquer other kingdoms with the goal of conquering all of them. Instead of keeping Pokemon in pokeballs and having multiple at your selection, you only have one Pokemon in which to do battle with. While you only have one Pokemon that you can use, you instead work to build up your team of additional conquerors to help you out during battle.

All of your battles will take place on a grid. For those who have played grid like turn-based strategy games before you know what to expect here, but for those that don’t, you have to move your Pokemon and allies around the map to position them for attack and defense. As the “strategy” part suggests, you need to think carefully about your decisions before you act. One false move and you could end up losing the battle. The environment takes a huge part in your consideration about how to act. Some environments might serve you better depending on what type of Pokemon you have out on the field. For example water Pokemon can travel over water with Fire Pokemon can traverse lava.

This game, no doubt has some nice clean visuals to it. There is nothing really flashy about it, besides the clean animations, but the sprites are all a pleasure to look at. The sound of the game is pretty impressive. All the Pokemon cries are ported over from the main games, but it’s the battle sounds and effects that are very satisfying to hear. The music of the game also lends itself well to help picture yourself back in feudal Japan.

Whether you are a Pokemon fan or a turn-based strategy fan, this is a game you should check out. This game currently stands with the other great Pokemon spinoff games like Pokemon Snap. If you are looking for a fun game on the go with some turn-based strategy to it, you should check out this game.

Rating: 8/10