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Steam is delivering more games out way in 2026, and despite January just starting, we're getting a potentially big mover and shaker. I'm talking, of course, about an old-school Pokémon-style experience.
Over on Steam, you can grab a free demo for the game now. If you're so inclined, you can get the full experience pretty cheaply.
EvoCreo Has Old-School Pokémon Vibes
There Are 170 Creatures To Catch
Released this week, EvoCreo is now on Steam. Inspired heavily by the 30-year-old Pokémon franchise, you'll travel and catch creatures (known as "Creo") in a single-player offline format. Future updates will add online PVP battles, and hopefully a bit of stability to the PC client.
Here's the full premise from developer Ilmfinity Studios: "Capture over 170 unique Creo, explore diverse regions, and battle your way through a story-rich, offline-friendly monster-catching RPG. Start your adventure in the world of Zenith as you search for your missing father and uncover the plot of a nefarious group, Shadow Hive."
Originally released on mobile, the Steam version of the game is $10, with no microtransactions in sight. In fact, right now, all it has is a "support item" DLC, which gifts random items and experience cubes once per day. This is apparently available for a "limited time" to celebrate the Steam release.
It's Super Cheap, And There's A Free Demo
If You Like It, It Won't Break The Bank
If you're keen to try EvoCreo, a free demo isavailable now. Although most of the written Steam reviews skew positive, the game is currently at a "mixed" rating due to several issues with the conversion of the PC port. One user calls it a "genuinely inspired" game, with a "refreshing" take on several tried-and-true Pokémon mechanics.
It's also being dinged for "clunkiness" and UI issues, which all seem to stem from the PC edition specifically. If those are addressed swiftly, it could get even more momentum, positioning it as an alternative for Pokémon fans while we wait to see what's up with Gen 10.
In other EvoCreo-related news, a full sequel is slated to arrive in "Q1 2026." This time, there are over 300 Creo to catch, and the game will take place in a new region. It'll also be a bit larger than its predecessor, offering more playtime, while adhering to the original's offline format (though online ranked battles are also planned for the sequel).
The next time you're looking around Steam for games, check for free demos. You might be able to get a small taste of something great without having to shell out for it up front.
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