Pokémon rival RPG locks in March 2027 launch date

One of the most iconic recipes that gaming has seen is just about to be blessed with a beautiful, cutesy indie game that has already captured the attention of the industry's most successful actors.

Nintendo really knocked it out of the park with Pokémon - in what might be the understatement of the century - as the critter-catching formula has hit a chord with cutesy gamers and action-heavy fans alike.

Whether you're an Eevee adorer attuned to the likes of Pokopia, or a starved power-hungry trainer chasing Mega Mewtwo to conquer the gyms in Pokémon GO, the franchise has a bit for everyone.

And that's why so many developers have tried to replicate its success, such as Pikmin and the new Chinese rival that is finally leaving its region lock and is set for a global release next year.

But one of the sweeter Poké-like monster hunters on the way is Cassette Beasts 2002 - and it has announced the backing of an award-winning titan.

Cassette Beasts 2002 arrives in March 2027 with Baldur's Gate 3 fame

Raw Fury

A standalone sequel title to its rave 2023 predecessor, Cassette Beasts 2023 is very much Pokémon-coded, where players take control of protagonists who record critters, fuse them to create unique and powerful mash-ups, and battle them against the biggest threats on the land.

It comes on the back of a huge first instalment which sits pretty on Steam as the 'Pokémon on PC' with 95% positive acclaim from thousands of reviews.

Now, the sequel kicks the volume up a gear, with a retro-inspired vibe and a whole load of new furry friends to meet.

"The critically-acclaimed monster-collecting series returns with a brand new story, perfect for both new and returning players alike," reads the Steam description.

"After arriving in a quiet neighbourhood of London, you soon find yourself pulled down a rabbit hole to Nodnol, a land of beasts and high strangeness that exists in the shadow of our own.

"When the past collides with the present, one question must be answered: Who is the mysterious occultist Westerley, and what are they planning for both worlds?

"Enter the story as a newcomer or import your character from the first Cassette Beasts game to continue your creature-collecting journey!"

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The sequel title is bolstered by the addition of famed actor Neil Newbon, who joins the cast as X. Best known as the voice of Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, Karl Heisenberg in Resident Evil Village, and Elijah Kamski and Gavin Reed in Detroit: Become Human, he's a huge coup for an indie game and just proves how much potential the series has.

Cassette Beasts 2002 is now available to be added to your Wishlist on Steam, with the full game launching in March 2027.