Dragon Warrior Monsters
Let’s talk about a very traditional Pokémon-like this time — Dragon Warrior Monsters! It’s like Pokémon, but you’ll catch and collect all the iconic Dragon Quest beasts and baddies. It’s a simple, straightforward premise that my JRPG-obsessed brain loved. Who wouldn’t want to capture a rare Metal King Slime?
The creatures were taken from a wide variety of games, so you’d be able to grab end-game bosses as late-game monsters. Pokémon were always more animal-than-monster, so it was always a good time collecting a variety of skeletons, imps, zombies, and demon lords instead of fish and rats. Dragon Warrior Monsters has all the charm of Dragon Quest, and all the monsters too.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 1 & 2 are the most modern incarnations of the series. While I haven’t played them, maybe it’s time to check those out too.
Monster Hunter Stories
Yet another spin-off series with aims on Pokémon’s endless success. Monster Hunter Stories is a JRPG off-shoot where you’ll be fighting the dynamically enormous super-monsters of the Monster Hunter games, but in pint-sized form. Who doesn’t want to form a team with Rathian after spending a half-hour trying to take him down in one of the main-line games?
There are tons of monsters here, ranging from the fodder to the top-tier freaks of nature. With over 100+ classic creatures, there are plenty to pick from — and it’s fun discovering new beasts if you’re only familiar with the biggest game in the series so far, Monster Hunter World. If you’re a new fan looking for more light-hearted story, Monster Hunter Stories is an extremely cozy game that’s still pretty easy to find on 3DS.
Discover more of the best catch-and-collect games of all time on the next page.
