Digimon

Digimon arrived at the same moment as a certain other monster franchise and spent years being unfairly treated as the imitation. Watch Digimon Adventure now and the difference is obvious: this is a show about seven kids stranded in a collapsing world, and it is willing to be genuinely bleak about it.

The digivolution mechanic is the hook. Partners don't level up by grinding - they transform when their human is having a breakthrough. Each child carries a crest tied to a trait they don't yet believe they have, and the monster can't reach its next form until they do. Courage, Friendship, Hope: the power system is character development wearing armour.

That's also why the partners land so hard emotionally. Agumon isn't a pet or a tool. He's the reason Tai has to become someone braver, and he changes shape when Tai manages it.

This collection covers the recognisable pieces - Digivices, crest symbols, and partner Digimon like Patamon in their rookie shapes.

If the 8-bit theme song is now playing in your head, you know what to do. Grab a cursor and take a partner with you.