'Pokemon' gets a boxy new look

"Pokemon Quest" looks unlike any previous "Pokemon" game. The blocky voxel graphics illicit comparisons to "Minecraft," perhaps the most famous voxel-style game to date. But "Minecraft" didn't actually invent the art style, so it's interesting to see The Pokemon Company put a new spin on its classic pocket monsters.

Set on Tumblecube Island, "Pokemon Quest" is a free-to-play game that debuted on the Nintendo Switch late last month. Gameplay encompasses a variety of elements: collect Pokemon, send them to fight enemies, level them up, collect loot and cook to attract new Pokemon to join your group. The emphasis is less on combat and more on managing the different Pokemon, which makes the game seem better suited to mobile, and it's no surprise to hear that it is coming to smart phones.