In the wake of Palworld going viral thanks to its "Pokémon with guns" pitch, 11 bit studios is trying something slightly cozier. Announced during the Xbox Partner Preview 2024, Creatures of Ava is billed as a colorful, cozy non-violent action-adventure game with writing from Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider, Mirror's Edge).
The trailer, which you can watch above, showcases a bright and cheerful world filled with a host of monsters. It's a "creature saver" game in which the hero, Vic, uses a flute to tame wild creatures suffering from an infection that causes them to become aggressive. It emphasizes "healing rather than defeating" monsters as Vic explores its various environments.
Creatures of Ava faces a tall order in matching the success of Palworld, which has grown into 2024's biggest hits. Regardless of how well it does, though, Creatures of Ava reflects the demand for games featuring cuddly monsters fueled by Pokémon's decades of success.
Creatures of Ava was one of several announcements at today's Xbox Partner Preview event, which also includes info on The First Berserker: Khazan, Capcom's Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, and more. You can see everything announced right here.
Creatures of Ava is slated for release in 2024 and will be available on Xbox and PC Game Pass at launch.
Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
