EvoCreo 2 review - "An enticing open-word monster-catcher"

• Over 300 Creo to collect, upgrade, and battle
• Enchanting 2D open-world
• Teach your Creo new skills, like swimming, to reach new areas

If monster catchers are your jam, you’ll want to check out EvoCreo 2. This new open-world game focused on monster catching is brimming with adorable creatures to collect called Creos. Its engaging yet simplistic turn-based battles and vibrant pixelated world blend together to offer an enchanting fantasy experience.

Just after graduating from the Shoru Police Academy, you learn that Creo monsters have begun to disappear, thanks to a rebellious new organization determined to end the sport of EvoCreo. Now you must unravel the truth behind these disappearances. Luckily, as an Evoker, you’ll have the help of any Creo you catch throughout your journey.

EvoCreo 2: Creo Basics 

You’ll have the option to select a Creo from four available options upon beginning your journey, including the elephant-like Fylopin.  However, other Creos must be caught in battle to add them to your collection. You can attempt to capture any wild Creo during battle using a link. Bear in mind, however, that you can’t capture Creos when battling another character. 

EvoCreo 2 features over 300 monsters for you to catch, upgrade and unleash in battle, each with one or more elemental affinities, like void, water, or fire, which is reflected in their abilities. From the hermit crab-esque Seabo and the dodo-inspired Dodocan, to the Knightly Squirian and the fiery pachyderm Cinderphant, you’ll discover Creos of all shapes and sizes.

Level Up Your Creo to Unlock New Abilities

Your Creos earn experience during battles allowing them to level up which unlocks better stats and even new abilities. For instance, most insect-like monsters begin with the nibble ability but eventually unlock Bug Bite which inflicts poison.  

My trusty Fylopin, on the other hand, started out with the Squirt ability but went on to unlock Hurricane and Trident, significantly more powerful water-based attacks. Some monsters evolve when they reach specific levels. Fylopin will become a Fylotrad upon reaching level 22 while Xeri can evolve to become Xermonious. 

Once a Creo fills their ability slots, you’ll need to unequip abilities to equip new ones you unlock. Basic abilities like Squirt or Nibble require one ability slot. However, more powerful ones like Nova Force or Hydroplane can take up two or three slots.
While easy to learn, combat is surprisingly complex and utterly enjoyable.

EvoCreo 2 Offers Epic Turn-Based Combat

Battles in EvoCreo 2 are turn-based, and you can have up to five Creos in your party at a time. Each Creo is represented by a dot at the top of the screen. A blue dot indicates your Creo is awake, red means the Creo has fainted and grey means there’s no Creo equipped in the slot.

During your turn, you can select an attack, switch the active Creo, or use an item from your bag. It's helpful to equip your monsters with healing abilities so you aren’t relying on your stash of potions.  Stronger attacks require more energy so it’s important to keep an eye on the energy gauge and use your most potent attacks sparingly.

Each city features an arena where you can test your mettle against other Evokers. Win all three rounds in an arena to earn a reward and unlock the ability to challenge the local Regional Area Defender or RAD.  Beating a RAD will usually net you a skill point, which you can use to unlock abilities like Rogue, which increases the damage your monsters deal in battle, or Miner, which reveals hidden tunnels on the map.

Complete Intriguing Quests in EvoCreo 2

EvoCreo 2 has plenty of quests for you to dive into. You won’t see map markers leading you towards your goal, though. Instead, you really need to explore the world of Shoru, which includes diverse biomes like caves, deserts, forests and beaches. While this may be off-putting to some, I found it to be a refreshing change that led me to find hidden paths I otherwise may have missed.

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While exploring Shoru, you’ll come across many citizens who could use your help. Some will ask you to retrieve their missing Creos or to trade one Creo for another.  Of course, you’ll also come across more distinct side quests.

Insurance Fraud tasks you with collecting evidence of fraud from a large company and reporting it to the police. Conversely, Find the Lost Swimmer requires you to save a man who swam too far out to sea. Whichever quests you decide to take on, you’ll find yourself thoroughly immersed by the charming open-world and stunning Creos.

Teach Your Creo New Skills in EvoCreo 2

Certain monsters can learn abilities such as Hop, Swim, and Ride. To gain one of these abilities, you’ll need to visit the correct trainer with a compatible Creo equipped. Gaining abilities like Shove, Smash and Chop lets you remove obstacles to reach new areas. Hop lets your Creo hop up to reach ledges, while Ride lets you ride your Creo.

You’ll pass plenty of blocked paths that you won’t be able to reach until you unlock certain skills. This gives you a good reason to return to previously explored areas. It's always exciting to unlock a new skill and see what new content awaits you.

EvoCreo 2 is an absolutely fantastic monster-catching RPG with a nostalgic vibe. The in-depth turn-based combat system will put your strategy skills to the test as you explore exotic locales. Featuring a vast open-world full of enticing locations to discover, EvoCreo 2 offers engaging quests, endearing characters and tons of critters to catch. Honestly, I can’t recommend this little monster catcher enough. Now, I really have to get back to catching Creo!