Game Freakis mostly known for thePokemonfranchise, which is no surprise considering its monumental popularity. Despite this, the studio is not a one-trick pony, and it has released several games outside thePokemonuniverse. Though many gamers may not know about theseGame Freakprojects, they still form a significant part of the studio’s history.
SincePokemonhas come along, Game Freak has focused the bulk of its resources on the franchise. However, it does appear as though it is preparing for the worst-case scenario, and it is attempting to bolster other IPs in casePokemonis ever replaced by its many clones. Thus far, no games have been able to find the same success the creature-collecting craze has garnered, though.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Streamlined Travel Options Truly Show Skyrim’s Age
Game Freak in the 1990s
Game Freak is a Japanese gaming studio that was formed in 1989 by Satoshi Tajiri, Ken Sugimori, and Junichi Masuda. The first game released by the studio wasQuinty, which is known asMendel Palacein the West. It is a puzzle game, and it has players attempting to rescue their girlfriend who has been kidnapped. The game wasreleased on the Nintendo Entertainment System, and it went on to sell around 60,000 copies in the USA. Although the game has mostly been forgotten, it inspired Tajiri to craftPokemon. The studio went on to release more puzzle games in the 90s, includingYoshi,Mario & Wario,Nontan to Issho: KuruKuru Puzzle, andBazaru de Gozaru no Game de Gozaru.
Game Freak also experimented with platformers in the 90s. In 1991, the studio releasedSmart Ball, a Super NES game that has players controlling a jelly bean with eyes.Magical Taruruto, which was released in 1992, is based on the anime series of the same name. In 1994, Game Freak released another platformer namedPulsemanon the Game Boy. The game also experimented withRPGs on the SNES, includingBushi Seiryūden: Futari no Yushawhich was released in 1997. In 1999, the studio releasedClick Medicfor the PlayStation. All these games helped the studio to grow, though none of them would reach the historic popularity ofPokemon.
Game Freak in the 2000s and 2010s
During the 2000s, Game Freak was mostly kept busy byPokemon, which had become a global phenomenon. Nevertheless, the studio did veer away from the massive IP to experiment with other ideas. In 2005, the studio releasedthe action platformerDrill Dozeron the Game Boy Advance. The 2010s were similarly dominated byPokemonfor Game Freak, though a few other games were released. This includes the rhythm platformerHarmoKnightwhich was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2013, andTembo the Badass Elephant, a platformer released in 2015.
Sticking to its puzzle-gaming roots, Game Freak releasedGiga Wreckerin 2017, though it never received much critical praise. The studio has also experimented with mobile games, as seen withPocket Card Jockeywhich Game Freak developed for the 3DS, iOS, and Android. In 2019 came one of Game Freak’s most ambitious projects outside ofPokemon.Little Town Herois an RPG available on the Nintendo Switch, and it features a soundtrack byUndertale’s Toby Fox.
Looking ahead,Game Freak’s focus still seems to be onPokemon. It would be daft not to, as the franchise continues to only grow. The latest entries,Scarlet and Violet, had the biggest debut of anyPokemongame. The studio still seems interested in pursuing other interests, which is why gamers can also expectPocket Card Jockey: Ride On!in 2023. It is a solitaire and horse-racing hybrid that will be available on mobile.
MORE:What to Expect From Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in 2023
