WoW actually released something just like this -- and it felt VERY much like Pokemon. You could fight random pets in the wild, NPCs, or players. There was even an option to have a 'random encounter' using a queueing system versus other players across worlds. You could have four moves in total, and each move did something different. There were elemental strengths/weaknesses, and the entire thing was turn-based. There was even a speed stat that could increase/decrease deciding who would 'go first' (just like Pokemon). If this is the type of system people are envisioning with the 'minion versus minion' game, then I wouldn't be on board...
BUT... if people are envisioning something more fun/unique than a Pokemon lookalike, I'd be really interested in it.