We're getting so many new Pokémon fangames that I can hardly keep up, but I'm not complaining. When the gap between Pokémon games is so long and with a distinct lack of the 'classic' Pokémon feel that I know and love from the '90s and '00s, it's amazing to play new ROM hacks and fan games that channel that nostalgic Pokémon spirit.
Pokémon Luminous Land sounds a little bit like a theme park I would definitely go to, but it's actually a new fan game based in the Fabio region, a place you'll need to protect from impending doom.
According to the official blurb for the game, the Apex Corporation are expanding their influence in the region, with promises of a better infrastructure for the people of Fabio and a more prosperous life. But some people are resisting, and it's your job to find out why.
My first impressions are that it looks amazing; the region of Fabio looks like it has many secrets to uncover as I work my way through the game, all accompanied by a custom soundtrack which is very impressive. The artwork style is from Gen 3, making it feel like a GBA title, and the fact that there are 112 new Fakemon, new legendary Pokémon to discover, and Pokémon from the main series up to Sword and Shield makes for some intriguing gameplay.
Will you take a new critter to the end or stick with a team of tried and tested monsters?
There are options for EXP Share to make things easier or harder for you and your team, as well as a little bit of Type tweaking to keep you on your toes. You can also rematch trainers to test your skills again and again against tougher foes, something I've been doing in Dokimon Quest to up my skills.
All of the new features are documented extensively when you download the game, and as this is a fully new game and not a ROM hack, you don't need to patch it onto a ROM to play. Head to the game's page on Eevee Expo for more information!
