Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A is set to release in a week, but for many RPG fans, a far superior collectible-cultivation game has already arrived—Digimon Story Time Stranger. While some players disappointed with Pokémon see this new Digimon game as sweet consolation, others are realizing a deeper truth: the two series are fundamentally different, and—surprisingly—you can actually enjoy both.

"Digimon Story Time Stranger is so much better than any Pokémon game I've ever played," streamer DansGaming tweeted. "It's a shame to think the Pokémon series had the potential to reach such heights, only to have it fall into the hands of another studio."

"Pokémon fans might want to 'get on with me,' but I honestly think this new Digimon game is the best monster taming/battle game of its kind," streamer Mightykeef wrote in another tweet. "It's really taken it to the next level."

The mood of reviews for "Digimon Story Time Stranger" on Steam is similar. "How could a team with a fraction of your budget make a game so much better than you, Game Freak?" asked player Flareono in a comment. "This game is the monster-raising game that disappointed Pokémon fans have been waiting for—it perfectly balances the lighthearted tone of Pokémon with the more mature style of Shin Megami Tensei."

This comparison with Shin Megami Tensei reveals a not-so-secret truth behind these "cross-series comparisons": despite similarities in name and core settings, Digimon and Pokémon are completely different franchises; you can enjoy both for their own unique strengths. In fact, some players even expressed dissatisfaction with Digimon Story Time Stranger's success being "constantly framed in comparisons with Pokémon."

"The only thing that makes me a little sad about Digimon Story Time Stranger being so well received is that people can't seem to just praise it without comparing it to Digimon and Pokémon," streamer Wayneisboss said on Twitter. "You can enjoy both, or better yet, appreciate Digimon as its own independent IP."