During this year’s Pokémon Presents, a new mobile game was introduced that entices users with free gameplay. However, expensive unlocks await in the shop.
What kind of game is it? Pokémon Friends is a new puzzle game set in the Pokémon universe, available for Android and iOS. The game was launched during the Pokémon Presents and is already playable. The target audience appears to be children, as the puzzles to solve are extremely simple.
The core idea of the game is to complete puzzles daily to use the rewards to decorate your own room, including Pokémon plush toys. However, a look in the shop quickly ends the free dream.
Expensive additional content for free play
What can be bought in the shop? After a short tutorial, players can start solving puzzles. The simple tasks are, as TheGamer.com points out, quickly completed by adults. Those who want more content must either wait until the next day or visit the in-game shop.
For those willing to spend money, many new contents are available. In the shop, there are 5 packages:
- More Puzzle Fun Set 1 for €17.99 – Includes new puzzles, plushies, and designs for the virtual room
- More Puzzle Fun Set 2 for €17.99 – Includes new puzzles, plushies, and designs for the virtual room
- Base Set for €9.99 – Includes new puzzles, plushies, additional features, and the ability to replay puzzles as often as desired
- More Puzzle Fun Set 1 & 2 for €29.99 – Includes both “More Puzzle Fun Sets”
- Combo Package for €39.99 – Includes all of the above contents
Why is this concerning? Editor Tessa Kaur from the website TheGamer.com criticizes the game, as the puzzle game advertised as free for children offers in-app purchases ranging from €10 to €40. Some of these include basic features, such as the ability to repeat puzzles.
The author suspects in her article that these contents are permanently paid and cannot be unlocked by simply playing.
Another point of criticism mentioned by TheGamer.com is a message in the game regarding the “Plush Rates.” The report points out that the wording “Some actions – such as purchasing downloadable content (DLC) – may unlock more plush varieties. More available varieties mean that the chances of getting a specific one decrease.” raises concerns. The fact that there is a pull rate for plushies would raise eyebrows.
The new Pokémon Friends initially seems like a nice puzzle game, but the criticism is clear, and in-app purchases of up to €40 contradict a free game. If you want to play a Pokémon game on your phone, take another look at Pokémon Go, which currently has 2 Shinys: In Pokémon GO, you will soon be able to catch 2 Shinys much more easily, but you only have 3 hours to do so
