Temtem
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Critic Reviews for Temtem
What it lacks in charm, Temtem makes up for with mechanical depth and involved multiplayer.
Temtem is a decent, more MMORPG-focused alternative to other popular monster-collecting games.
Temtem may look like a copycat on its surface, but its deviations from the Pokémon formula pay off considerably. With unique battling elements and an engaging MMO structure, Temtem evolves as its own experience and offers a vast, challenging adventure that even those without a Nintendo console can enjoy.
Temtem is a fun monster-catching game that offers plenty of twists on the well-worn Pokémon formula.
Even without the endgame content, Temtem is worth a look for anyone who has enjoyed a Pokémon game in the last two-and-a-half decades, especially those who have wanted a steeper challenge to go along with their critter collecting. It's a familiar, imitative experience in so many ways, yet we came away satisfied with just about every tweak made to the well-established formula. Sure, the main quest becomes a bit of a slog, and yes, the Nintendo Switch does struggle to keep up at times. Despite these qualms, Temtem's engaging battles enshrine it as one of the most innovative additions to the genre in recent memory.
If the Pokémon formula is your thing, Temtem takes it a little further with its new combat, multiplayer, and higher level of challenge. It doesn't have the refinement of Pokémon in certain areas, and its "always online" component makes it impossible to play on a laptop with Nintendo Switch, if it's on a site without a Wi-Fi connection.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Temtem is a unique yet familiar take on the monster-collecting genre. Its blend of MMO mechanics gives it the potential for a long-running, sustainable community with more to enjoy than a single-player narrative. The new combat mechanics are a fantastic upgrade. However, the Tems themselves and the overall lack of guidance aren’t quite up to standards. Tems aren’t that memorable themselves and many of their names just don’t click. Having no guidance on typing, advantages, or explanations on a number of smaller features drops the enjoyment of gameplay. It’s a great experience, but it expects you to already have a certain amount of knowledge of both genres before picking up the controller.
By and large, Temtem is a well-made, generous monster-taming RPG that differentiates itself enough from the obvious competition. The battle system is perhaps its main strength, offering quite challenging 2-on-2 fights even against wild encounters. It's jam-packed with stuff to do, and its online integration means connecting with other players is easy. The creature designs could be better, and the writing and human characters aren't particularly memorable, but if the game clicks for you, those weaknesses will fade into the background.
Industry Coverage
Temtem's Next Update Adds the Island of Cipanku
Temtem's next major update will be the first for the PlayStation 5 version of the game
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