Summary
- Palworld's creature designs, such as Hoocrates, seem inspired by Pokemon, prompting debate over creative similarities and unique monster creation.
- Noctowl and Hoocrates are both wise, nocturnal owl creatures with supernatural abilities and strong eyebrow-like facial features.
- Similarities to Pokemon are inevitable in any monster-collecting game, but Hoocrates could have used a more original design nonetheless.
The survival crafting, creature collecting game Palworld is slowly making its way out from beneath Pokemon's shadow. When the game was first announced by developer Pocket Pair, it was often referred to as "Pokemon with guns." Even though Palworld has established itself as much more than just a Pokemon copycat, there are countless ways in which Palworld has been compared to Pokemon: the monster collecting, the Pal Spheres' marked resemblance to Pokeballs, the tower bosses mimicking Pokemon's gyms, and of course, the design of certain Pals.
Hoocrates, a Dark element Pal known as the "Purveyor of Wisdom", is a squat, owl-like Pal with big eyebrows and a crest that resembles a witch's hat. While this Pal might not look like the Pokemon Noctowl, the information about Hoocrates in the Paldeck is rather telling. According to the Paldeck, Hoocrates is a philosopher like its namesake, the Greek philosopher Socrates: "Often lost in thought, it sometimes finds it difficult to sleep. 'I think, therefore I am.'" This emphasis on deep intellectual thought is actually what hits home Hoocrates' glaring similarity to Noctowl, rather than its mere appearance.
The Wise Owls Hoocrates and Noctowl
Most of Noctowl's Pokedex entries mention its keen sight and ability to see in the dark. The description for this Pokemon is that of any owl; it can fly silently, see in the dark, and rotate its head 180 degrees. When it rotates its head, however, Noctowl is said to be sharpening its intellectual power. This is the case for Noctowl's description in the Pokemon Silver, Pokemon FireRed, Pokemon Pearl, Pokemon SoulSilver, Pokemon Y, Pokemon Shield, and Pokemon Shining Pearl Pokedex entries.
"I think, therefore I am" is a quote from 17th century French philosopher Rene Descartes.
Owls have often been associated with wisdom and intelligence, despite the fact that as compared to other birds, owls aren't all that smart; they are apparently quite difficult to train. The notion that owls are wise creatures dates back to Ancient Greece where the goddess of wisdom, Athena, was often depicted with an owl. Noctowl and Hoocrates might fit this bill, but real life owls can't compare to the smarts of parrots, crows, and other feathered thinkers. Therefore, Palworld assigning the noble trait of wisdom to Hoocrates hits home how much this Pal has taken inspiration from Noctowl. The base facts surrounding these creatures are undeniably similar.
- Noctowl and Hoocrates are both based on owls.
- Noctowl and Hoocrates are both nocturnal.
- Noctowl and Hoocrates are said to be extremely intelligent.
- Noctowl and Hoocrates both have formidable eyebrows.
The Wisdom of Palworld Copying Pokemon
Some Pal designs, as in this case, seem blatantly pulled from Pokemon, to the extent that Former Pokemon Company Chief Legal Officer Don McGowan labeled Palworld as "ripoff nonsense." That said, it is hard to create a creature collecting game like Palworld without stepping on Pokemon's toes. Pokemon has enjoyed a long history, and now boasts a collection of over one thousand Pokemon. Developers approaching the genre are now faced with the challenge of designing wholly new monsters. It's easy to see how that will sometimes result in designs that have already been partially used by Pokemon: a wise owl, a water dragon, a plant fairy, and so on.
Considering this, players shouldn't be surprised when Pal designs mirror Pokemon designs. Still, there is something to be said for flexing some creative muscles and attempting to create designs that can't immediately be identified as Pokemon clones. Pocket Pair could have leaned away from the misconception of owls being wise and featured a silly owl that does not quote famous philosophers. As it is, Hoocrates lives in Noctowl's shadow.
Palworld
- Released
- January 19, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.
Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices...even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.
Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.
Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violence
- Developer(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Number of Players
- 1-4 (Co-Op); 32 Players Server Limit
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Shooter, Survival
- How Long To Beat
- 36 Hours
- File Size Xbox Series
- 6 GB (February 2024)
