While I really like that idea, those games would be pretty complex to make (I think?)

I half-heartedly threw it out there in the Pokemanz Gold & Silver thread, but what if we divide the work up? We could have a group of artists design roughly 50 creatures, a smattering of musicians compose tracks for the games, and then use those assests for a variety of games? We could have a large pool of developers work on the main title, and then have a bunch of people make fun off-shoots (a racing title, a platformer, what have you). 

Well, it doesn't have to be that complex and it doesn't have to be one genre either. Look at Tanaka's Friendly Adventure for instance. I think that would fall under this category and is an incredibly simple game with a very simple roster of characters. Making your own roster of creatures is just part of the fun/challenge. Just imagine an Amon26 Pokemon.

And if it doesn't have to be an RPG, how else can collectible creatures be used in a game?

["Catch 'em All" Franchise Game]

"Catch 'em All" Franchise Game
Games like Pokemon, Digimon, Monster Rancher, etc, etc, etc.

How interesting would it be to see individual designers build and populate their unique "monster" worlds?

[Story Innovation Competition]

Story Innovation Competition

This competition would concentrate on the use of story in a game.
Competitors must aim to create a unique and compelling story while presenting it in an interesting and creative way.
Games like Half Life 2 and many of Cactus's games are good examples of the innovative ways in which game storyline can be presented.

I'm really intrigued with what might come out of this competition if it were to take place.