Coromon Reviews
There’s not much else to say about Coromon. However you slice it, you’re ultimately getting a slavish homage to the early-era Pokémon games, but one that can’t get anywhere near their quality. Coromon is let down by having even fewer monsters to collect than the very first Pokémon, and some amateurish production values and gameplay design that Game Freak, for all its faults with the presentation of its own games, would never let happen. It’s still fun, because it’s so akin to Pokémon that of course it’s fun, but Coromon’s immediate rival, Nexomon (also available on Switch), actually tries to subvert some of the expectations of the genre, and comes off as the most interesting work as a consequence.
I’ve scrutinized Coromon pretty thoroughly, I’m not going to deny that. But I don’t think that my decision to do so was unfair. When you’re going to directly compare yourself to something that’s already been established, you open yourself up to the criticism, both positive and negative, that comes along with it. And, truly, there was a bit of both when it came to my outlook on Coromon. Was there a bit more negative than positive? Sure. I think that this game has a way to go (perhaps via means of a sequel) before I could truly say that I’m satisfied with it. But is the potential there? Yeah, absolutely. Between the gorgeous creature spritework and the way that the game simultaneously handles stat distribution and “shiny” hunting via the Potential system, there are some true moments of brilliance tucked away with in this game. And I’d like that brilliance to, *ahem*, shine bright. But it’s going to need some work to get to that stage. And only time will tell if it ever actually gets there.
If you know exactly what you’re getting into, Coromon is still a decently good time. It lacks depth, and it feels like it drags on too long for what it is, but if you’re just looking to play an incredibly pretty Pokemon game it is kind of hard to argue with Coromon’s price.
Coromon is a game filled with potential but past sinking sands and perplexing puzzles it starts to fall flat. Fans of the genre will be delighted by the levels of customization thanks to the potential system and easy skill switching. The shake-ups do let Coromon stand on its own and create an enjoyable experience, but it could've evolved to be something a little more.
Coromon does pay homage to big titles in the monster-tamer genre but it does feature its own unique system and even improves on past mechanics.
Coromon doesn't even try to hide its muse, but it ends up being too much derivative, taking no risks at all and feeling like something you obviously played in the past, just by a different name.
Review in Italian | Read full review
With unique monsters, an original story and setting, and a lot of tribute in-between, Coromon offers a new spin on a familiar franchise.
Coromon is a game with a lot of promise that builds on the Pokemon formula. Is it perfect? Not quite yet.
Freedom Games and TRAGsoft’s monster-taming RPG features a pixel world, turn-based battle system, charming puzzles, and a vast array of monsters to catch. It’s a great homage to a subgenre and a whole era of video games, yet it sadly lacks meaningful, innovative ideas.
Coromon is a game that wants to look at Pokemon from another angle and disappears too much in other details. We capture creatures with instruments that return to the ball place and save the world every once in a while. However, with the exception of the puzzles that infuriate you, lovers of the genre will play with great pleasure.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
As such, Coromon is something that clearly comes from a place of great respect. Pokemon fans will likely find a game that appreciates what people love about the first five generations of Game Freak's franchise, and even when things get a little clunky there's enough for users to enjoy.
Coromon takes aim at one of the greatest series of all time and, while it isn't any threat to Pokémon's worldwide domination, it is a charming and fun nostalgia trip for fans. Excessive grinding and a story that takes its time to get going mar what is otherwise a worthwhile journey, but if you're a fan of old-school Pokémon, that shouldn't put you off investigating this title up. Whether you're a new trainer or you've been catching 'em all for years now, Coromon has something for you to enjoy.
You might simply write off Coromon as a copy of other games. But think of it as more of a game inspired by previous works. While the inspiration is obvious, various design choices within the gameplay are clear upgrades, including difficulty modifiers and the Milestones feature. If you are a fan of monster collecting games, Coromon is differentiated enough to give it a try.
An appealing riff on the Pokémon role-playing formula which, while a little too safe, has enough small deviations and improvements to justify its existence.
It's easy for Coromon to be labeled a clone. It almost begs you to think of it as one. On the surface, it looks like a new set of monsters were dropped into a nearly identical world. But dig a little deeper. A story that doesn't have gyms or badges, customization in both difficulty and player options that you don't see in the competitor. Coromon feels more like a spiritual successor to monster trainer games of decades past. Sharper pixel graphics and features that people ask for are present throughout. The look of Coromon is more refined than what you'd expect from a "clone". If you enjoy collecting monsters, then Coromon has it. If you want a new twist, something that helps define the genre moving forward, you're might be let down.
Coromon is a special tribute made by Pokémon fans to fans. While the game seeks an identity of its own and improves some aspects of the Nintendo series, such as customization and difficulty options, it also limits itself by bringing together elements of the series that are not necessarily interesting and that could have been reworked or left out. Still, it's a great option to the millions of trainers around the world and certainly one of the most competent "Pokémon-like" so far.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Coromon is one of the best Pokémon alternatives thanks to beautiful pixel graphics and some good innovations.
Review in German | Read full review
It’s clear that Coromon was worth the wait, even if it didn’t quite live up to my hype as the game that dethroned Pokémon. That said, this is a beautiful and creative adventure full of heart, with hours of gameplay to keep you going and plenty of reasons for hardcore players to pay attention. Sure, I might have wanted more optional content, but what’s here is hard to dismiss. If you’re a fan of monster-hunting games and want a new portable adventure on Switch, look no further.
Coromon is a quaint journey full of fun, smiles, and kick-ass evolutionary forms. Nothing is offensive. The issues I noted can swiftly be addressed with a patch. In other words, it’s at the cusp of being a superb monster collector. The foundation is hard as a rock, with no signs of chipping – it’s time to build on it.
"I choose you, Ditto!"
Review in Finnish | Read full review