Pokemon Pokopia was a breath of fresh air for the popular IP. It was already a great game, but with the expansion pass and Part 1 of its content now available, it is even better. The first DLC for the game is Bubbly Basin, which adds a completely new biome with a lot more content to complete, especially for those who enjoyed the base game.
To access this DLC, players will need to find a new pathway that grants them access to a submerged section of Cerulean City. Just like in the main game, some introductory sequences guide players through the basics, including the use of a new Dive ability. This allows them to freely move their character through the open water.
Diving is also available to everyone in the base game, but the new addition in Bubbly Basin is an entirely new submerged location. There is a lot to explore here, including ruined buildings, caves, and tunnels. Just like in the main game, the basic gameplay loop revolves around recruiting Pokemon with unique skills and completing objectives that offer a sense of progression. The main goal is to create a habitat for these Pokemon to live in.
I liked how different but still similar this new addition felt. Underwater structures are fairly easy to place since they only require a simple connection to the ground, but there is more to it with floating blocks and buoyancy. There are also new activities to check out, such as underwater farming and cooking.
The developers have addressed some of the issues with the base game with an update that launched alongside the DLC, including a new storage system that has practically eliminated the need for backtracking. The underwater swimming is also quite easy to control and adds a new layer to the gameplay. Quality-of-life changes, such as the upgraded portal system, make it easier to keep track of items across the different biomes.
In terms of the story, this DLC does not add much. The same narrative from the base game applies here, with players taking control of a Ditto that can morph into the shape of a human. They go around rescuing Pokemon and building settlements for them. There is a nice throwback for longtime fans in this DLC, with the confirmation that Cerulean City returns in a submerged form. A lot of Water-type Pokemon have also been added with this DLC, letting players go on another quest to recruit them all.
The added verticality makes this new biome feel more open in terms of exploration. The underwater visuals look nice, with the marine scenery complementing the art style. The visuals might not win any awards, but they have their own charm and appeal, while the game’s performance manages to stay closer to 60 FPS even in the underwater sections.
Depending on how much you enjoyed Pokemon Pokopia, the Bubbly Basin DLC is going to add a significant chunk of new content to the game. There are around 50 Pokemon to collect, along with a lot of new buildings that need to be restored and new recipes to craft. The new activities, such as cooking and farming, add more value to the game’s world. While the DLC is not that long if you stick to the main story objectives, there is more content beneath the surface if you want to find and discover everything.
Given how well-designed and enjoyable the first part of the expansion has been for Pokémon Pokopia, I am definitely looking forward to what the developers have been working on next. If you have enjoyed Pokémon Pokopia, this is a must-have DLC, although the price point is a little steep at the moment.
Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass – Part 1: Bubbly Basin Game Information
- Price: $34.99
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Game Freak and Koei Tecmo
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
