Pokemon Shield

 Switch
User Score
4.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 3465 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,154 out of 3465
  2. Mixed: 587 out of 3465
  3. Negative: 1,724 out of 3465
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  1. noxer94
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    Game left a lot to be desired. As a long time pokemon fan I was expecting so much more.
    Wild area which was supposed to be the selling point of the game looks bland with not much else to do other than catch some pokemons - there really is not much to explore, if anything at all.
    The story left a lot to be desired; it was okeish up until the 3rd gym, then it felt rushed and not very well    Game left a lot to be desired. As a long time pokemon fan I was expecting so much more.
    Wild area which was supposed to be the selling point of the game looks bland with not much else to do other than catch some pokemons - there really is not much to explore, if anything at all.
    The story left a lot to be desired; it was okeish up until the 3rd gym, then it felt rushed and not very well worked on. I know it is supposed to be a story for kids, but even then, the story felt very much unispired, boring and lackluster when compared to other pokemon titles. We are introduced to game elements out of nowhere and the explanation for those - giantmaxing - is as bland as it could be.
    Speaking of game elements - a lot of game definiting elements are missing. No national dex (more than 60% of the pokemon were cut! last time we had such few pokemons it was 2006 and pokemon pearl was being released!), no mega evolutions, no z moves, more than 150 moves were cut...you get the point.
    Game looks bad for a switch release. Let's be honest here, pokemon was never about graphics, but this is the freaking switch and there were to be expected MUCH better graphics than the ones we got. Pokemon Battle Revolution from 2006 looks BETTER than this! Models are LITERALLY the same as the 3DS ones for XY released in 2013, animations are poor, and textures are horrible albeit masked by some good lighting effects.
    The sound is also not the best. There are some crucial parts where we dont even got music going on due to pure laziness. Music used to be great, but honestly it's quite bad in sword and shield.

    I beat the game in 15h, its shorter than the other titles and the postgame is pretty much non existent.    … Expand
  2. dandan791
    Nov 20, 2019
    4
    I have been a long time Pokemon fan, and I totally feel the disappointment in the negative reviews. I originally gave this a rating of 2 simply because I’m horrified by some of the choices that were made in creating this, but I decided to change my rating to a 4 because even though it’s a “bad“ game compared to other pokemon games it’s still a Pokemon game. I wish they had simply focusedI have been a long time Pokemon fan, and I totally feel the disappointment in the negative reviews. I originally gave this a rating of 2 simply because I’m horrified by some of the choices that were made in creating this, but I decided to change my rating to a 4 because even though it’s a “bad“ game compared to other pokemon games it’s still a Pokemon game. I wish they had simply focused on really showcasing what they could do with a Pokemon game on the Switch, but rather they chose to cut corners where they IMO really shouldn’t have (especially considering the promises that were made during the creation of the games). I don’t know why, but Let’s Go seemed more polished than this.

    You have 8 preset character designs to choose from, all of which are really really boring, and I wish a more thorough character customization tool (besides hair, eyebrows, and eye color) were in place. They cut a ton of my favorite Pokemon (all in all they cut 400 pokemon out of the games completely). The graphics are bad compared to other switch titles (but obviously good compared to the 3DS versions of Pokemon, but that should go without saying). The story is flat, the characters are uninspiring, and the conversations are dry. “Dynamaxing” and “Gigantamaxing” seem gimmicky. The latter was slightly more intriguing, but I cannot understand the big difference between this and the Mega X&Y forms, so to release it as a “new” feature seemed a bit odd to me. Also, why spend time on that and not time on including all the Pokemon and polishing the game? I managed to ignore other annoyances like the occasional stuttering, lifeless 3DS style animation in trees and greenery, and the odd bug here and there. However, my disappointment peaked towards the end of the main story (no spoilers) when they chose to suddenly change the typical 3D movie scene of people talking to a few still images of blatantly obvious concept art with subtitles running below. It felt random, out of place, lazy, and like a total break from the general art style in the rest of the game. It literally only happened once in the entire game, but during a pretty important conversation. The concept art images were pretty ambitious, so I assume they just didn’t have time to finish the actual scenes. It made me see just how rushed this game was, and it also made me critically look at just how many corners they cut (and promises they broke) in making this game – it’s a lot.

    If they release updates and DLCs in the future I am more than willing to change my review, as I feel like there is a solid skeleton in place here. It just feels hollow compared to other titles. So... as a Pokemon fan I’m incredibly disappointed with these two games, but it seems obvious to me that this is not a proposal to the core fan base. This is to all the parents that want an easy holiday present for their kid and it will sell like hot cakes regardless of the reviews. Kids will gobble this up and be happy, as is the case with every single Pokemon game.    … Expand
  3. Juggernub
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    The game is missing many key aspects that make a Pokemon game a Pokemon game as well as just feeling like more of a grind to be able to progress rather than natural progression
  4. Nintedofan
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. All the people giving it a 10 are people who are just feeding there natrual desire to protect an overlord like gamefreak they haven't even played the games… Expand
  5. LokidoFR
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    Déçu. Aucune difficultés. Un jeu digne d'un gosse de 5ans. On attend un jeu à la sauce "pokemon call of the trainer" !!!
  6. Sammy98
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    Another Pokemon
  7. DiminicC
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    Le faltan muchas cosas, es verdad que en el área silvestre están feos los árboles, de hecho pienso que si GameFreak hubiese añadido la PokéDex Nacional, TODO, absolutamente TODO se hubiese digerido de mejor manera, incluso las megaevoluciones, ahora también nos falta la GTS, como se supone que voy a obtener pokémon de la otra edición sin GTS y sin amigos?.
  8. Ibuki_7731
    Jun 1, 2021
    0
    Laziest game ever made. No passion or love given to this game. This is the perfect example of a rushed product all for the sake of making money as fast as possible. Game Freak has no excuse since they're a multi billion dollar company.
  9. NaKaGaWa13
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    Game Freak killed that game! No National pokedex, no starters from previous generation, no Totodile, no Croconaw, no Feralligatr...Weird leveling system...Worst Pokemon Game ever...
  10. SK1Y101
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wonderful, impeccable, outstanding, trailblazing.
    These were the promises Game Freak made to us about this game, and yet what did we receive?
    An empty shell of a game, clearly rushed and barelypolished, without a shred of any of the former games shining features, Including, but not limited to:
    Shiny starters
    Mega-evolutions
    having access to every move, ever item, every Pokémon, every gym.
    The elite four existing.
    Victory road existing.
    Decent graphics,
    actually getting to play the game rather than being railroaded....
    The list of features missing in SwSh goes on.

    A glorified Pokémon go, with less effort than should be physically possible to inject into a franchise this large.
    If you want to play Pokémon, pickup Gen 4, Gen 7, hey, maybe even Gen 1 if you want; Don't expect to find anything desirable in sword and shield.    … Expand
  11. TurricanFan64
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    I’d rather play Thexder while having someone repeatedly kick me in the nuts than play that pile of **** again. -10/10, would not recommend.
  12. Joelfusetti
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O novo jogo de Pokémon é um desrespeito aos fãs. O que se esperava de um game para console era uma coisa inovadora e com um grande potencial. O que foi jogado por agua abaixo com um jogo cheio de bugs e absurdos gráficos. Jogoa feito por uma pequena empresa de 10 pessoas dão de 10 a 0 nesse fiasco comandado por uma empresa multnilhonaria. Fico triste com a situação e mais triste ainda com quem compra e apoia cegamente. Quem sabe um dia a gamefreak a gamefreak visa mais o público doque dinheiro.… Expand
  13. F4g077
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    It seems like they ported the game from the 3DS. the laziness of the developers really shows everywhere in game.
  14. DumbFum
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    I just think it’s bad they don’t have the national Dex Honestly I know not everything is black and white and such but I genuinely believe they rushed the game for sales every November since Sun and moon there’s been a new Pokémon game I don’t like that Sure this game does a LOT right but I still think it deserves this low score to show gamefreak we care about The National Dex and want ourI just think it’s bad they don’t have the national Dex Honestly I know not everything is black and white and such but I genuinely believe they rushed the game for sales every November since Sun and moon there’s been a new Pokémon game I don’t like that Sure this game does a LOT right but I still think it deserves this low score to show gamefreak we care about The National Dex and want our Pokémon games made with time and love feel free to disagree because the simple fact is yeah this mostly cause of the National Dex it’s not cause I want all the Pokémon well I do but still I think slowly but surely if this yearly release thing keeps going then Pokémon’s gonna become no different then Say Madden or Freaking EA sports games bold claim I know but it’s what I believe so yes this is a good game but I’m giving it a low score so maybe hopefully the next Pokémon game is made without the stupid deadline but maybe IM the stupid one… Expand
  15. Gonz04
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    This game is so disappointing, I literally ended this game in two days, and my favorite Pokémon is not here, don’t buy it (trust me, don’t do it) this is not worth $60 :(
  16. Mack_thge_Sack
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    I'm going to state my points and not my emotions, (although, i'm quite unhappy with gamefreak)

    1. People say not having every Pokemon in the game is "reasonable", why? i ask that because previous games on the DS, a solely handheld/portable system. (that I'm willing to bet has far less processing power than the switch) X and Y, OR/AS and Sun and Moon, Contained every pokemon and they are    I'm going to state my points and not my emotions, (although, i'm quite unhappy with gamefreak)

    1. People say not having every Pokemon in the game is "reasonable", why? i ask that because previous games on the DS, a solely handheld/portable system. (that I'm willing to bet has far less processing power than the switch) X and Y, OR/AS and Sun and Moon, Contained every pokemon and they are 3DS games, you're telling me that it was possible to put them all in those games but it was too much work to put them all into a CONSOLE game. i'm gonna call **** especially when there are those of us spending 120$ on both versions.

    2. Gigantamax and Dynamax is stupid(just an opinion(but the right one)), a) mega evolution had Twice as many forms making it much more versatile and meaning more people could have their favorite pokemon become even more powerful. 48 mega evolution, 20 some odd gigantamax.
    b) Sure every pokemon can gigantamax, but, you cant gigantamax whenever wherever like with mega evolution, also having your pokemon simply become giant and lose all of its unique moves (in my opinion) is far less appealing than keeping the moveset that i designed to work a specific way, if i wanted z-moves id play more sun and moon i don't care for your knockoff "dynamax" moves
    c) the ONLY way to get gigantamax is thru luck, in max raid battles, or through possible future events, so if i want to make sure my pokemon has the proper IVs, ability, Nature and characteristic i should probably just forget gigantamax unless i wanna spend every waking moment scouring the wild area, it makes the new staple for battling extremely inaccessible and undesirable

    3) finally the lack of content is absurd, i was waiting for maybe a second wild area(maybe in that snowy region) or something maybe a new post game area like previous games but its nothing its a tiny region(maybe the smallest so far) with short poorly thought out routes, uninteresting caves, Absolutely no Victory Road. and back to the lack of mons in the game, if they didn't put time into the out world, they obviously didn't put any more time and effort into animations than they did with X/Y-US/UM, no work on the plot of the game, then where did the resources go? gamefreak has either a lot of work in updates to do or pokemon is gonna be a thing of the past and ill just keep playing my DS versions where i can keep my longtime companions.    … Expand
  17. Guandaside
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is good overall, but there are two major things that completely ruin the experience:
    1 Dexit, having removed half the dex and still trying to convince you to catch 'em all is ridiculous and is implying that you cannot actually play with the pokemon you like because the developers won' t give them to you.
    2 Nintendo Switch is a good console, it's. Capable of. Exceptional graphics and gameplay. So why does this game feel like something that came out of 2010?    … Expand
  18. Nudie
    Nov 21, 2019
    2
    Lazy, lazy lazy game design, where should I start?

    This game is a 3ds game ported over to the switch with some enhanced features. The textures, battle mechanics, animations, lack of Pokémon from other generations, lack of puzzles and an extremely underwhelming story have made this game lacklustre to say the least. The game suffers from ageing in all aspects and even has been rated lower    Lazy, lazy lazy game design, where should I start?

    This game is a 3ds game ported over to the switch with some enhanced features. The textures, battle mechanics, animations, lack of Pokémon from other generations, lack of puzzles and an extremely underwhelming story have made this game lacklustre to say the least. The game suffers from ageing in all aspects and even has been rated lower than shadow of darkness, which is decades older... Unfortunately this game missed a huge opportunity to showcase what Pokémon could look like on a modern day console, for example, Zelda breath of the wild had some of the most beautiful textures in a large map we’ve ever seen in any Nintendo game, which, we were eager to see in Pokémon. This was not the case obviously, as the textures are pixelated and unbearable. The greatest thing about this game is the fact that it is still some what of a Pokémon game, but that’s not enough in this day and age, I feel like I literally purchased a. 3ds game..... I would miss this one for sure, or try and buy it for under $20...    … Expand
  19. pokemonhater
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    graphics are actually pretty good other than those trees in the wild area. team yell could be better but is okay. The dynamax raids and battles are super fun, especially with friends. I love Marnie as a character so much, she has a great story. Can't skip the credits though so 0.
  20. geldshot
    Nov 21, 2019
    4
    New pokemon are great and the wild area is a sign of what we want going forward. Getting into competitive pokemon is easier than ever and that is good. Overall though the game is sorely lacking in depth so anyone looking explore the world is deeply disappointed. The online features barely work for me and the story still completely hand holds you the entire way. The world is a shallow placeNew pokemon are great and the wild area is a sign of what we want going forward. Getting into competitive pokemon is easier than ever and that is good. Overall though the game is sorely lacking in depth so anyone looking explore the world is deeply disappointed. The online features barely work for me and the story still completely hand holds you the entire way. The world is a shallow place and max raid battles are already getting old there's fun to be had but i can't help but feel frustrated at the same time.… Expand
  21. xXFedericXx
    Nov 22, 2019
    0
    No regional pokedex, low framerate, bad texture, no hard mode, no dubb, some animation and same model of sun and moon. This game is very bad and game freak is lazy!
  22. Gjones91
    Nov 22, 2019
    4
    Very disappointing game that new game feeling wears off quick and you quickly realize how lazy the game freak team put the game together
  23. peterd07
    Nov 22, 2019
    0
    these games cost $20 more than the 3DS games but has an even shorter campaign then they did, has absolutely no end game, has less than 1/2 the pokemon even though they are literally just reused assets from said 3DS games, it's way more buggy and unpolished unlike the 3DS games, and again COST $20 MORE! its **** embarrassing. Not to mention they straight up lied about the reused assets andthese games cost $20 more than the 3DS games but has an even shorter campaign then they did, has absolutely no end game, has less than 1/2 the pokemon even though they are literally just reused assets from said 3DS games, it's way more buggy and unpolished unlike the 3DS games, and again COST $20 MORE! its **** embarrassing. Not to mention they straight up lied about the reused assets and my god the animations are extremely lazy. They have no excuse for this dumpster fire.… Expand
  24. Ishrod24
    Nov 23, 2019
    0
    Wow some of these Pokémon are a joke. I’m not sure where game freak is going anymore. Male better harder games or lose the support of millions. This is why I still play Gen 1-4. Before they went soft and ridiculous.
  25. BassClef94
    Nov 24, 2019
    3
    It’s clear to see why this game gets so many poor reviews- the story is atrocious first of all. The plot is nearly nonexistent, the characters are terribly developed, and the dialogue is so bad I stopped trying to read it about halfway through. The “evil” team isn’t evil at all, just annoying, and the villain doesn’t even seem that villainous. He’s no Giovanni, Archie/Maxie, Ghetsis, etc.It’s clear to see why this game gets so many poor reviews- the story is atrocious first of all. The plot is nearly nonexistent, the characters are terribly developed, and the dialogue is so bad I stopped trying to read it about halfway through. The “evil” team isn’t evil at all, just annoying, and the villain doesn’t even seem that villainous. He’s no Giovanni, Archie/Maxie, Ghetsis, etc. The story isn’t there. If this were any other game besides Pokémon it would be the worst game in history. Next is the graphics and wow were they hit or miss. Some beautiful moments, some terrible moments. The human models are basically lifeless except for one or two facial expressions, but luckily the Pokémon kind of make up for that. The whole world does in fact look like something from 1 or 2 console generations back like we all feared and there are so many graphical/frame rate issues it distracts from what little story there is. But despite all of that, I had FUN playing the game and I guess that’s all that matters. Pokémon battling is addicting and that’s all this game really aims for- addicting battling. It’s terrible to look at but it’s still fun to play. Now do I feel a strong urge to play it again like I often do with other Pokémon games? No. I will take several months off before I even think about trying to main story again. Gamefreak created a fun game packaged into a terribly created world. Let’s all hope they’ll eventually get it right.… Expand
  26. Edumiroku
    Nov 24, 2019
    0
    The same thing that in Sword. I have to be with myself and my thoughs after playing the Game.
  27. Edgex10
    Nov 24, 2019
    1
    Falta de contenido deberian de haber puesto muchos mas pokemon, una estafa total
  28. Sakoondomla
    Nov 26, 2019
    2
    A total let down. I had such high hopes for this game and I bought both versions, but the 20 hours of gameplay (across both titles) and totally subpar endgame make me want to cry.

    When are we going to het a truly open world immersive pokemon game on the level with BoTW? I desperately want to be wandering through open world forest in an expansive setting seeking my prized caterpie using my    A total let down. I had such high hopes for this game and I bought both versions, but the 20 hours of gameplay (across both titles) and totally subpar endgame make me want to cry.

    When are we going to het a truly open world immersive pokemon game on the level with BoTW? I desperately want to be wandering through open world forest in an expansive setting seeking my prized caterpie using my pokeball plus to rain pokeballs down on creatures.    … Expand
  29. pzlxqy
    Nov 26, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This series died. This game brings me nothing but despair. So many critics are lying, Game freak is lying, and even some fans are lying to themselves!… Expand
  30. albinopanda77
    Nov 26, 2019
    4
    While I actually enjoyed the series like the rest of them, I can’t say this game deserves anything higher than a 4. The game was rushed and looked like a direct port from the 3DS. The animations, while some looked nice, were better a decade ago on the GameCube. The graphics were sloppy and rushed. The plot was linear and lacked substance. I had high hopes for the first 1080p mainlineWhile I actually enjoyed the series like the rest of them, I can’t say this game deserves anything higher than a 4. The game was rushed and looked like a direct port from the 3DS. The animations, while some looked nice, were better a decade ago on the GameCube. The graphics were sloppy and rushed. The plot was linear and lacked substance. I had high hopes for the first 1080p mainline Pokémon game, but was quickly let down by the negligence and greed of Gamefreak.… Expand
  31. Theaquagroup
    Nov 27, 2019
    2
    Fun for the first few hours, but in all reality the main story can take you between 20 and 60 hours. I went with the 60 hours, except that was also pretty much finishing the living pokedex for the region. I got to the point where it was kinda pointless not to finish the game. The post game (if you can call it that) takes between 200 minutes and 2 hours. Honestly this game kinda reaches itsFun for the first few hours, but in all reality the main story can take you between 20 and 60 hours. I went with the 60 hours, except that was also pretty much finishing the living pokedex for the region. I got to the point where it was kinda pointless not to finish the game. The post game (if you can call it that) takes between 200 minutes and 2 hours. Honestly this game kinda reaches its limit when you hunt down the gigantamax Charizard, catch it in a luxury ball with Hidden ability. Everyone says there's more to do, except within 100 hours, you can have 100% done.… Expand
  32. Moglipapy
    Feb 7, 2020
    1
    There is too much to say in how bad the game is. I rather play silver on my old gameboy than that. Just don't buy it and don't encourage GameFreak on this. Shame.
  33. LevelUpGaming
    Nov 29, 2019
    0
    Absolute garbage. Undeveloped story, one-dimensional characters, empty towns, a "wild area" that be explored in its entirety in 5 minutes, no postgame content, 2/5 of a Pokédex, and professional reviewers and fans who would rather lick Junichi Masuda's boots that accept that the games aren't good.
  34. jumpingmanx
    Dec 11, 2019
    0
    Pobre contenido . Pobre desempeño pesimo diseño, pesimo online multijugador. Inexistente dificultad.

    No pagues por el así de simple.
  35. Derbearz
    Dec 11, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Legit feels like a hollow shell. Gamefreak really crapped on the true fans with this incredibly awful game. It’s Pokemon dumbed down to the lowest degree. Linear routes full of lifeless battles, no caves/dungeons/caverns to explore. The towns are empty shells. No use for TMs/HMs there are no hidden paths. Routes are generally blocked by Team Yell grunts. Team yell is irrelevant, probably the most uninteresting team or antagonist in any Pokemon game. Their hideout doubles as a “town” which is a straight left to right town of absolutely nothing. I wasnt expecting this game to be the greatest, but I did not expect this game to be this bad. The wild area is lifeless and feels like a random assortment of pokemon that feel out of place. Theres nothing really else to do in the wild area other than raid battle. It’s like a bigger, more controlled safari zone. I could go on about how disappointing this game is. Graphics not being the most important thing are lackluster. Looking at the coding of this game, it was done very sloppy. The code is so messy, textures in the game look terrible. Pop in looks adds to the lifelessness of this game. No elite 4, you just re battle gym leaders at the end. The final showdown of the game is so anti climactic. Just don’t buy this game. I rarely regret buying a game especially Pokemon, but this hame is just god awful. I could go on and on about how bad this game is.… Expand
  36. nintendofan123
    Dec 20, 2019
    1
    The game lacks everything that makes a game good. Lacks difficulty, lacks detail, lacks voice acting, the game is walking through linear corridors, is just press a and press forward.
  37. Jpbeckerl00
    Jan 4, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es horrible, los graficos son del 3ds con filtros hd, la historia es absurda e insipida donde no muestran un verdadero problema, los gigamax no los puedes usar en cualquier lado ademas q pokemon q tienen esas formas pra gigamaxearlos debes atraprlos en raids, lo cual me parece muy mal pensando y desarrollado. Tambien no son consistentes con el poder que deberian tener, osea son gigantes po, pero llego con un pokemon con ventaja de tipo y aun asi lo derroto de un golpe. No existe un equipo, organizacion, o ente malvado que nos presione en el juego. Las entradas de los legendarios al principio de la historia fue epica pero se quedo ahi nomas por que su aparicion en la raid contra eternatus es lo mas apresurado, forzado y falto de sentido. En las rutas no hay exploracion, para nada, con suerte hay un solo bosque y dos cuevas, y seria todo, no tienes lugar donde perderte buscando nuevos pokemon, legendarios, nuevas misiones, etc. Paul es un tilo mal hecho y reciclado, pero los otros dos rivales si bien son geniles, les cortan las alas a la mitad de la historia y quedan en un “meh”. El area silvestre parecia una idea genial pero no es nada mas que un area vacia solo con pokemon, no hay entrenadores, no hay puzzles, no hay cosas pra hacer mas que atrapar pokemon como enfermos, ademas que vas con sol, caminas dos metros y aparece nieve, y despues es desertico y despues llueve. Los renderizados en esa area son tardios y encima del jugador, no ves ningun pokemon hasta que lo tienes a 3 metros de ti, ademas que hay zonas donde las caudas de fps son considerables. El postgame es una mision aburrida y sin mucho sentido, pero esos dos personajes que odie en ese momento pudieron ser la trama principal, eran perfectos para una historia central, y gamefreak los desaprovecho en un postgame que dura con suerte 5 minutos. No hay nuevos grupos de legendarios como aves, perros, los tapu, etc. No existen. Leonel me cae pesimo, es anticuado y engreido. Para finzalizar la pokedex incompleta deja ver que gamefreak, o esta obsoleta y no ha cambido sus equipos desde hace años, o simplemente son unos flojos que van al minimo de calidad y asi vender el producto final por una cantidad enferma de plata.
    Lo bueno es que su pokedex es interesante, sus pokemon son geniales. Es mundo en si se ve bonito. Y eso seria todo, no hay nada que valga la pena en este juego, no lo recomiendo por que mas encima cuesta carisimo.    … Expand
  38. Liam247
    May 5, 2020
    3
    Pokemon Sword and Shield feel like ports of 3DS games with awful visuals, with cut content that they're now trying to sell us, and an overall soulless experience
  39. Guipal
    Jan 19, 2020
    3
    Achei as novas formas bem genéricas, são divertidas, mas faltam movimentos, o pós game ficou muito repetitivo e, além disso, a impressão que tive foi que o jogo foi "capado" também no pós game pra ser vendido pelas DLCs que foram anunciadas. Uma pena pois é uma franquia que sempre gostei muito e parece que cada vez mais qualquer conteúdo que fuja da história principal é ausente de caprichoAchei as novas formas bem genéricas, são divertidas, mas faltam movimentos, o pós game ficou muito repetitivo e, além disso, a impressão que tive foi que o jogo foi "capado" também no pós game pra ser vendido pelas DLCs que foram anunciadas. Uma pena pois é uma franquia que sempre gostei muito e parece que cada vez mais qualquer conteúdo que fuja da história principal é ausente de capricho já que o foco do mercado agora é vender qualquer adicional por DLC. Uma pena… Expand
  40. JoeTG9
    Jan 22, 2020
    3
    These games are fun. That's the only good thing about them. They show the complacency and lack of innovation that has plagued game freak for years. These games are fun, but extremely lazy.
  41. Potatoes953
    Feb 2, 2020
    1
    It's not good, I hate this game with a passion. Its easy, boring, glitch y, ugly, unfinished game. I used to be a fan of the series on the 3DS but here's the thing those only costed $40 and even that was over priced, but 60. This game I knew from the leak and rumors was going to be bad. The only reason I have played is because my little brother got it for Christmas. The story is god awful,It's not good, I hate this game with a passion. Its easy, boring, glitch y, ugly, unfinished game. I used to be a fan of the series on the 3DS but here's the thing those only costed $40 and even that was over priced, but 60. This game I knew from the leak and rumors was going to be bad. The only reason I have played is because my little brother got it for Christmas. The story is god awful, in the over world and cut scenes the models look like they belong on the PS2 they cut over half the content from the previous games then lied about the models taking too long to upgrade even tho they were reused from 3DS games.
    Also they are putting a band-aid on through DLC and Pokemon home, and because of the fact that content is locked behind the other game and you need two different versions of the same DLC it costs just under $200 to get a complete experience. Don't buy these games, they aren't fun aren't pleasant to look at, and have like $20 worth of content at most. If you must play an RPG on switch there is always Final Fantasy 7, Octopath-Traveler, and Valkyria Chronicles. Don't feed the beast (Nintendo) or they will keep pumping out bad games like this.    … Expand
  42. Smoothhands
    Feb 6, 2020
    4
    Pokemon is a very unique franchise. No matter how much they half-ass it, people will still buy it.

    This game adds nothing of value. The graphics are just upscaled 3ds graphics. I did not expect them to put any work into it. It's just not how they do things. I don't care about the national dex. I think it's low to lie about why. The story is blegh. Again... To be expected. It's    Pokemon is a very unique franchise. No matter how much they half-ass it, people will still buy it.

    This game adds nothing of value. The graphics are just upscaled 3ds graphics. I did not expect them to put any work into it. It's just not how they do things.
    I don't care about the national dex. I think it's low to lie about why.
    The story is blegh. Again... To be expected.

    It's Pokémon, they can continue slapping something together and it will be fun or at least a nice way to kill time for a short while.

    What I think is almost unforgivable is sticking Hard-Mode into a freaking paid DLC that adds nothing of value except that hard mode.

    This is a bland game from an amazing franchise made by a lazy company.
    You should do yourself a favour and pick up TemTem.    … Expand
  43. Lonchoya
    Feb 18, 2020
    3
    Ever felt so frustrated with a game that you felt compelled to go out of your way to create a Metacritic account to give it the pathetic score you feel it deserves, and even write a detailed review of it? Well, this is me feeling and doing precisely that.

    I will breeze through the issues everyone got to know from the start and focus more on the recent announcements and events. How they    Ever felt so frustrated with a game that you felt compelled to go out of your way to create a Metacritic account to give it the pathetic score you feel it deserves, and even write a detailed review of it? Well, this is me feeling and doing precisely that.

    I will breeze through the issues everyone got to know from the start and focus more on the recent announcements and events. How they go about the story's climactic events makes no sense and the story in general is as dull as it gets; we all know Gamefreak codes like 5-year-olds, most attack animations are recycled; the game is laggy in the Wild Area even when offline and a framerate nightmare when online. We all know the games are toddler-level easy if you do not handicap yourself, but this has been the case for every Pokemon game. We all know the pokedex was cut and many jokingly said they were gonna sell the missing Pokemon back to us. Personally, I was suspicious of the lack of GTS since it made no sense to have removed such a helpful feature for completing the Pokedex. Yes, many people made ridiculous requests but I never struggled to complete my Pokedex when asking for reasonable trades, e.g. a starter for a starter. Enter $30 DLC and Pokemon Home's $16 annual suscription. Now it all fell into place and gamefrEAk (see what I did there?) showed us their true intentions.

    When Ishihara promised a "game for veterans in 2019", unfortunately, he was not referring to the content/quality of the games appealing to a more mature audience. He meant a game for older fans, yes, but older in the sense that they have their own money, and can pay more for less, which seems to be the direction the gaming industry in general is following: Release an incomplete game at full price, then sell the missing components.

    You can argue they always sold to us a full-price, third game "DLC", but at least all iterations always felt like a complete game, and you could get every pokemon just by trading. You might say, "well, you can still get the DLC mythicals via GTS", and to that I respond: good luck getting a stranger to let go of his/her mythicals/legendaries, assuming you don't receive a hacked mon.

    Having spoken about the bad stuff, there are some good things in the game. This is the most I've felt involved in a pokemon league and the battles are quite the spectacle. This shouldn't be the case for any game, but there is actually a right way to play a Pokemon game's main story. I did find enjoyment and a glimpse of difficulty by mainly sticking to 2 points:
    A) Rotating as many pokemon as I could. This allows you to remain underleveled and also to familiarize yourself with the newest Pokemon.
    B) Avoid help from NPC/Rivals. You always have enough money to rely on your own Potions, anyway.

    The music is also some of the best in the franchise, my favorites being Marnie's theme and Gym Leader match theme. Character design is pleasant, too, they're really going the Waif-I mean, FIRE Emblem route in these last games, if you know what I mean. But that's basically it for the good stuff.

    As to what frustrated me so much that I had to write this review? Dyna/Gigantamax raids have an absurd, artificial and cheap difficulty to them if you're playing solo. Most NPCs are just terrible and if you lose, it's because of them. Even in this game's cut dex, Gamefreak has a repertoire of 400 strong, and what do they give to the NPCs to use? Magikarp. Pikachu. Clefairy. Or single-stage Pokemon, but rarely a fully-evolved one such as Salazzle. Adding to the frustration, their online, like mentioned before, is horrendous, so it can't really count as a soluton to this. It's even a meme at this point the fact that most Pokemon players play on their own, you'd think Gamefreak would have allowed for better Pokemon to be used by the NPCs, for us sad, friendless souls. Or make a good online experience, but I guess that's too much work. There's also a fixed amount of damage you can inflict on a Dynamax Pokemon before it places its shields up, what's up with that?

    In no way is this game worth $60. I have been a Pokemon fan since 1998, and this has been the first time I did not do a day-1 purchase, and rightly so. If you must have this game, do what I did and get it on sale or pre-owned. Bought it at 3DS price ($42), because that's what it barely reaches to be: a better-looking, yet content-lacking, 3DS game.    … Expand
  44. Terranut
    Feb 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. He tenido que comprar Pokémon x y para.comprobar que la saga Pokémon ha muerto con la última entrega..Es el peor con diferencia. os recomiendo ultra luna sol o x e y antes que este.… Expand
  45. TreeckoRate
    Feb 28, 2020
    3
    Good gameplay and pokemons, but textures like a **** and... WHERE THE NATIONAL POKEDEX, why over 450 pokemons are DiE where treecko, other really good pokemons MANY moves are disable too :/
  46. Gamer_the_Man
    Apr 30, 2020
    1
    A huge step back in the franchise. The game was quite obviously rushed out the door before Christmas for the kiddies to open. The story was a complete joke, animations were worse than the N64 with graphics to match with only the new pokemon's new moved getting decent animations. The wild area trees look somehow WORSE than the N64 graphically with pop in so blatant that even older consolesA huge step back in the franchise. The game was quite obviously rushed out the door before Christmas for the kiddies to open. The story was a complete joke, animations were worse than the N64 with graphics to match with only the new pokemon's new moved getting decent animations. The wild area trees look somehow WORSE than the N64 graphically with pop in so blatant that even older consoles would be able to handle better than this game. The game has a chance to literally brick your switch with zero warning whatsoever. Town was put ahead of this game because GameFreak just don't care about the Pokemon franchise anymore and it's apparant with the quality of both games. The developers blatantly lied about their rationality behind cutting content which were debunked within weeks then once the game dropped it was announced that you can get the cut content this if you pay for a $30 DLC. This game is a complete disgrace from the Pokemon series and GameFreak needs to get their act together before they go under, because at this rate GameFreak is becoming the Bethesda or EA of Nintendo.

    I would argue to say this game is Shovelware by the very definition of the word.    … Expand
  47. aurel14
    Mar 10, 2020
    4
    a really poor game outdated graphics and a empty story my last pokemon game was silver and i have not felt the gap
  48. maoyou
    Mar 17, 2020
    1
    这游戏也就只剩下对战能作为谈资了，偷工减料，粗制滥造，阉割加价。司马GF
  49. DoomGuy64
    Mar 24, 2020
    3
    The game is fine. It’s pokemon. It’s exactly the game we all love to play. But to hear the cut Pokemon from the roster just to put them in a season pass... that sucks. And for those reasons I’m out. Extremely disappointing Nintendo.
  50. SenpaiJake
    May 16, 2020
    3
    Pokemon Sword/Shield are relatively disappointing entries to the much beloved series. Skipping the Sun/Moon generation, I was eager to get into a new Pokemon adventure, especially since my last one with Let's Go: Pikachu was extremely short lived. However, to no one's surprise, Shield just did not live up to any expectations.

    The amount of the hype and people forcing them selves to    Pokemon Sword/Shield are relatively disappointing entries to the much beloved series. Skipping the Sun/Moon generation, I was eager to get into a new Pokemon adventure, especially since my last one with Let's Go: Pikachu was extremely short lived. However, to no one's surprise, Shield just did not live up to any expectations.

    The amount of the hype and people forcing them selves to support the game contributed to the distaste for the titles for sure, but I'm letting the game(s) do the talking. With my experience in this game, I can sum it up in a list format.

    1) There was no challenge. Every step of the game was very, very, *very* easy. I couldn't recall a single challenge in the story mode or anywhere else besides a few battles in the optional Battle Tower. The only challenge in this game was the extremely bipolar catch rates; the amount of balls I had to use to catch many level 20 or below pokemon in red health boggled my mind. I never had an experience like that in any Pokemon title prior, and it was extremely annoying to me to have such a weird and random problem like this happen.

    2) The story sucks - because it kinda isn't finished. Pokemon stories are never the pinnacle of writing, but they're usually good or at least fun. And that's because a evil team is usually involved causing you to become a hero, save the day, etc. The "evil team" doesn't necessarily exist in Sn/Sh, rather it's a weird group of fan boys and girls that follow around one of the side characters. The game doesn't really tell any story and barely shares any history of the region of Galar with the player until the endgame. And even then, they scramble all over to make it seem coherent and make sense, but ultimately it does not.

    3) The music isn't good. Pokemon music always slaps hard, and the Sn/Sh soundtrack - while not inherently bad - isn't that good. A lot of songs are in a jazz fusion mix for most towns, but they never sound like cohesive ensembles of music, but rather loose and fragmented instruments just blaring together. The music direction is so outlandish and extreme in most cases that it stands out from the game majorly.

    4) This game is very mediocre in gameplay. Same battle format, catching format, with the only extension to keep playing being shiny farming or building competitive teams for multiplayer. They add Dynamaxing, but it doesn't really function as well as Megas, as it acts as just a free one-shot or "take the tide of battle guaranteed" card. I'm not a fan of it.

    In it's defense, however, and the thing that actually made me get the game is the art style. I loved the previews I saw for the game's regions. The country side, the brick n mortar towns, the wild. The art*style* is very excellent, but it too is hampered by Gamefreak's lack of ambition for anything besides releasing on Holiday schedule. The overall graphics of this game are the worst. Trees are mostly 2d textures, models have extreme popup distance that is very noticeable, a lot of the lands half way in the game lose all detail and become completely plain. There is no excuse for the graphics.

    And the biggest offender this game has, by far, is the length. Routes in Pokemon usually range from medium to long between towns, with plenty of random caverns or alternate paths to explore. The Galar region must be extremely small, because walking it takes usually less than 1 minute for the player to walk between towns. The Wild Area is the only thing left harboring the spirit of the old routes, and I love it for that. The actual routes in this game are empty, plain, uninspired, and extremely short with no reason to ever traverse back to them and no optional areas to explore.

    This Pokemon entry is a very basic, mediocrely fun, bad sounding and overall "bleh" looking game. With the addition of the two expansions in June and then Fall, the overall experience will hopeful improve (because we'll finally have more Pokemon to obtain). But even then, relying on paid DLC to make your $60 game redeemable is unacceptable. This game was fun at very small spurts, but is an overall major disappointment.    … Expand
  51. Lauge
    Apr 3, 2020
    0
    Bugs related to online play make it so that you are not able to complete your pokedex, if you run i to any of these. Still Gamefreak has done nothing to fix these issues. The only fix seems to be deleting all safefiles files on your Switch and start over
  52. Gvm2327
    Apr 4, 2020
    0
    Everything was dumb down, the amount of content is stupid small and the game is ugly af
    I don't see any positives
  53. NathanBWrites
    May 8, 2020
    3
    Terrible low effort game. Disgusting graphics in the majority of scenarios with an abundance of rehashed and lazy animations around every corner. Over half the Pokemon removed with little to nothing gained from the removal of these Pokemon. Somehow, I enjoyed the game for the first few hours until it became clear how rushed and lacking the devs were about half-way into the game. ShouldTerrible low effort game. Disgusting graphics in the majority of scenarios with an abundance of rehashed and lazy animations around every corner. Over half the Pokemon removed with little to nothing gained from the removal of these Pokemon. Somehow, I enjoyed the game for the first few hours until it became clear how rushed and lacking the devs were about half-way into the game. Should never have been released in the state it was in.… Expand
  54. kogokogomoo
    Jun 1, 2020
    1
    This game is very disappointing.

    Story is nonexistent

    Characters are unlikable.

    Lack of available Pokemon.

    Lackluster and tiny “open-world”

    Ugly graphics

    Very lazy and rushed game
  55. Otts
    Dec 20, 2020
    0
    Unfinished product sold with cut content at a full price. Glitchy and disrespectful with its consumers and fanbase. A loveless cashgrab rushed to the market from the highest grossing media franchise in the planet. Underperforming software for the current generation standards. Shameless and sad.
  56. Mapak
    Jun 23, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There is absolutely NO Storyline. Most of the Game of the Origin of its "Story" remains a Mystery. The Game itself is just empty and looks like a Beta Version. After a certain point, every Pokemon is on Level 60. So it makes no common sense to catch and train them. The DLC is a joke. Everything is still empty. There is still no storyline.… Expand
  57. thilg881
    Apr 4, 2021
    3
    1) The Good:
    - It's a pokemon game after all, if you liked the previous games, at some degree you will like this one too;
    - The soundtrack is great; - The pokemon design. 2) The Bad; - No challenge at all; - Too many exp items; - Too short; - No side quests; - No option to turn off the exp. share item; - Too linear and no exploration at all; - Unfinished graphics - The    1) The Good:
    - It's a pokemon game after all, if you liked the previous games, at some degree you will like this one too;
    - The soundtrack is great;
    - The pokemon design.

    2) The Bad;
    - No challenge at all;
    - Too many exp items;
    - Too short;
    - No side quests;
    - No option to turn off the exp. share item;
    - Too linear and no exploration at all;
    - Unfinished graphics - The Nintendo Switch could do A LOT better;
    - Poorly animated moves;
    - No National Pokedex;
    - Not dubbed;
    - The Wild Area is bland;
    - Graphics pop in;
    - An expensive game for what is delivered.    … Expand
  58. Payson
    Apr 21, 2021
    0
    I really only hate the game this much because of the horrible fanbase. It's an ok 5 or 6 out of 10 normally. The wild area specifically was really fun. The story was, as usual, halfhearted, filled with plot holes, and given way too much spotlight. Graphics were Terrible with a capitol T. The New pokemon designs are cool for the most part. Like I said, an ok 5 or 6 out of 10. I'd pay 40I really only hate the game this much because of the horrible fanbase. It's an ok 5 or 6 out of 10 normally. The wild area specifically was really fun. The story was, as usual, halfhearted, filled with plot holes, and given way too much spotlight. Graphics were Terrible with a capitol T. The New pokemon designs are cool for the most part. Like I said, an ok 5 or 6 out of 10. I'd pay 40 dollars for this

    The Problem is the mouth-breathing fans who swear on this game like the bible. If you so much as even suggest that this game is a 9 out of 10, these fans will cover their ears, start screaming and spewing out uninformed garbage, and discounting all valid points because you are a "hater", and apparently that invalidates your opinion. It's gotten to the point where once respectable people like Joe Merrick have to constantly agree with these morons so they don't get torn to shreds.

    If you like this game, and can accept it is flawed, good for you. You're the exception. Congratulations. I just can't fathom people making fun of Karen's and how they can never accept they're wrong, and then vehemently defending this game from any and all criticism. This is why TrueGreen7 is currently the best Pokémon youtuber, and will probably always be. He likes the games, but never calls people who don't malinformed idiots who don't agree with him.

    This is why I'm giving the game a zero out of ten. to counterbalance at least one idiot who rated this game 10/10 out of spite.

    Inconclusion, everyone who blindly loves this game is
    A) a child
    B) someone who panders to children
    C) An idiot
    D) Has never played a good RPG. I recommend Earthbound.    … Expand
  59. HaydemRWyat
    May 11, 2021
    0
    I have to pay money to get DLC so I can get access to my favorite pokemon

    I don't like the animations at all, we were clearly told "we are delaying the game to improve upon battle animations for the game, pokemon black and white have better animations than this game, and that one is over 10 years old the story is garbage along with the fact that the music is just plain bland and    I have to pay money to get DLC so I can get access to my favorite pokemon

    I don't like the animations at all, we were clearly told "we are delaying the game to improve upon battle animations for the game, pokemon black and white have better animations than this game, and that one is over 10 years old

    the story is garbage along with the fact that the music is just plain bland and boring

    the starters are horrible fugly.

    A complete waste of money to be honest. I grew up with this franchise but I just haven't had fun with it since generation 5. I fell lied to and betrayed. This game is a disappointment. and I only play it because I don't have a DS anymore    … Expand
  60. snocown
    Jun 1, 2021
    4
    A heartbreaking experience. Not even counting the Pokémon cut from the dex. Such a hand holdy experience. Too linear.
  61. Jullai
    Jul 10, 2021
    4
    I tried to enjoy it, but I ultimately found it to be too easy and linear. Parts of the game seem lazily slapped together, and the story is lackluster. It's OK because it's still a pokemon game where you can fight and collect, but it needs some love put into it.
  62. Trevaskisschar
    Aug 6, 2021
    0
    Probably one of the worst games I have ever played and the visuals hurt my eyes and looks like something from the game cube this game is a massive step down from sun and moon
  63. Skylysenpai
    Nov 15, 2019
    2
    Beat the game in around 15 hours and was pretty disappointed. This wasn’t the Pokémon game I was hoping for. The story was meh, graphics were horrid, and the new Pokémon designs aren’t really my favorite. And honestly this feels like an upscaled 3DS game with just a tad more graphical fidelity. When games like dragon quest, breath of the wild, and the Witcher 3 exist in the switch, YouBeat the game in around 15 hours and was pretty disappointed. This wasn’t the Pokémon game I was hoping for. The story was meh, graphics were horrid, and the new Pokémon designs aren’t really my favorite. And honestly this feels like an upscaled 3DS game with just a tad more graphical fidelity. When games like dragon quest, breath of the wild, and the Witcher 3 exist in the switch, You have to wonder why they couldn’t use the full potential of the switches power. Do I think this game is worth $60? Nope. Maybe when it goes on sale for cheap you can try and pick it up if you really wanted. But this isn’t the game for me and many others. I will never touch this game again.… Expand
  64. Brizius1996
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    This game is a f****** mess...We're in 2019 and a game like Pokemon sword and shield is Simply unacceptable. The graphics are WAY inferiore to manu PS2 games, the models are the same of previous 3ds games of the saga, animations are recycled and they' re Trash, characters and Monsters move like robots or sometimes they' dont even move when they' should do. Bycicle flies for no reason andThis game is a f****** mess...We're in 2019 and a game like Pokemon sword and shield is Simply unacceptable. The graphics are WAY inferiore to manu PS2 games, the models are the same of previous 3ds games of the saga, animations are recycled and they' re Trash, characters and Monsters move like robots or sometimes they' dont even move when they' should do. Bycicle flies for no reason and water doesn't move while pokemons are swimming in It. They cut more than half of the roster and over 100 moves Without any reason. The storto is super short (around 15 hours) and there Is NO POST-GAME. Dynamax battles are Just stupid, Raids are boring and the wild Is EMPTY. I Just wasted my money… Expand
  65. hanzo82
    Jan 31, 2020
    2
    nope... not really good, it was definitely my last pokemon game. just a huge disappointment
  66. tec
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    1 point for the nintendo bonus. overall a mittlefinger for every pokemon fan.
  67. icarols
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    All the game is poor optimized and no national dex. No way to play this. Pokémon deserves better!
  68. BIGBenY
    Nov 24, 2019
    0
    This game is uninspired and boring. It's the same thing for 20 years now or something. Try something new. The graphics are poor. Pokemon aren't even all in the game and the new Mons are quite ugly/boring, though the last thing is a matter of taste for everybody individually.
    Try something new GameFreak. Don't give us the same warmed up **** stew every time and with some new irrelevant    This game is uninspired and boring. It's the same thing for 20 years now or something. Try something new. The graphics are poor. Pokemon aren't even all in the game and the new Mons are quite ugly/boring, though the last thing is a matter of taste for everybody individually.
    Try something new GameFreak. Don't give us the same warmed up **** stew every time and with some new irrelevant bull**** features, but with few good features or even less features that became a standard.
    Step aside if you can't do it because you are too lazy.    … Expand
  69. NILord
    Nov 17, 2019
    2
    No national desk, bad optimization, random glitches, where are all the movements? Bad animations. Maybe worth pokemon so far.
  70. picnick
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    This game has too many problems to recommend.
    No national dex, Bad Performance, Bad textures & WAY TOO MANY UNSKIPPABLE CUTSCENES. all of this could've been fixed but pokemon is too lazy. I will wait until they release a good game before I buy another pokemon game.
  71. Kemmo_ado
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    Litrally all the things that the dexers said about the game is now true 60% of the pokmeons are gone Reusing the same models and animations we’ve seen for the past 6 years

    The world is just a bunch of hallways with nothing much to do in it The story is none existing and has the same cookie cutter formula The graphics look mediocare all the way down to the N64 trees Only 81 new pokmeons    Litrally all the things that the dexers said about the game is now true 60% of the pokmeons are gone Reusing the same models and animations we’ve seen for the past 6 years

    The world is just a bunch of hallways with nothing much to do in it The story is none existing and has the same cookie cutter formula The graphics look mediocare all the way down to the N64 trees Only 81 new pokmeons and only 400 mons in the entire game And the problems keep on piling on and on and on. So much for a 60$ game. “But it said the footage is not final” now all I can do is laugh about that sentence... all in all buying a 60$ game that doesn’t have that much content is a waste of money and time as you can use said 60$ to buy other games. Not only that but buying this game would mean that you’re supporting game freak with their laziness and supporting TPC with yearly releases and getting less content.    … Expand
  72. nafechinde
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    only thing i would like to say is that this game and ultimately nintendo does not deserves your money, they should be punished economically.
  73. Damba
    Nov 15, 2019
    4
    It's better than I expected and if u play pokemon casually its probably the best entry in the series. However it feels like a slap in the face for more dedicated fans like myself. The graphics are improved but I expect that at least going from the 3ds 240p to the switch 720p. Dynmax and gigamaxing are unnecessary and feel way less fun to use the mega and z moves. Pokemon were explainedIt's better than I expected and if u play pokemon casually its probably the best entry in the series. However it feels like a slap in the face for more dedicated fans like myself. The graphics are improved but I expect that at least going from the 3ds 240p to the switch 720p. Dynmax and gigamaxing are unnecessary and feel way less fun to use the mega and z moves. Pokemon were explained also to be removed for balance yet a lot of pokemon specifically charizard just feels like it there to cash in on nostalgia. At end of the day you look at the number of pokemon in this game and there was more in the 4gen which ran on the original ds, mean while 6th gen u could catch every pokemon between 4 games, while now I can get half from 2. Also I believe it's safe to assume these games were in development longer than most with let's go games being more remakes with even less in there. Mean while my last major point is these2 games are $20 more than the old games it's not asking alot the expect more. Gamefreak and the pokemon company care more about money than they do about the product there putting on the shelves. Hgss were gr8 remakes of the johto region that had everything, oras were missing parts including the much loved battle frontier.and now in gen 8 they cut the reason ppl pay for pokemon bank while reiterating they dont have plans to add them. This company is showing it doesn't care, i dont think it my time to boycott sales but it is noted that these games should have more than what they are.… Expand
  74. Alvarezz916
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not really sure how I feel about this game. I’ve been having fun playing, but graphics definitely are not good, looking at games that came out two years like Mario Oddesy and Breath Of the Wild. Pokémon Sword and Shield lack in a lot of areas.… Expand
  75. RODREZA
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Its a game with a lot of bad textures and it lacks all the things that makes pokemon good, so disgusted
  76. Cosmic06Star
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Awful game made by awful developers. This is not a current gen game, this barely qualifies as a PS2 game at best. Don't support this game so that maybe the devs learn and actually decide to put effort into Pokemon.
  77. Lenngel
    Nov 17, 2019
    1
    Bueno habiéndole echado unas horas al pokemon escudo, opino que tener una pokedex de 400 bichos cuando en la anterior habia 809 es una vergüenza. Eso no significa que haya la mitad, porque a esos 809 hay que sumar los pokemon de la nueva generación.
    Por otro lado la falta de texturas en un juego triple A en pleno 2019 es bastante flagrante, las caidas de fps brutales hasta en las    Bueno habiéndole echado unas horas al pokemon escudo, opino que tener una pokedex de 400 bichos cuando en la anterior habia 809 es una vergüenza. Eso no significa que haya la mitad, porque a esos 809 hay que sumar los pokemon de la nueva generación.
    Por otro lado la falta de texturas en un juego triple A en pleno 2019 es bastante flagrante, las caidas de fps brutales hasta en las cinemáticas, y la dificultad del juego es irrisoria. Las animaciones son de 3DS, no solo porque estén mal hechas sino porque literalmente están copiadas del código del anterior juego. Lo mismo pasa con los sprites de los pokemon, estan copiados y levemente remasterizados. Que se congele el juego al subir escaleras no pasaba ni en la n64, y todos los elementos del mapa menos los edificios mas importantes aparecen de la nada cuando te acercas. Podriamos aceptarlo con los pokes salvajes pero pasa tambien con los árboles, esos que estan sacados del ocarina of time.
    Lo bueno: el inicial de planta, el de agua solo en su forma inicial, algo mas de libertad de movimiento (ni de coña estamos ante un mundo abierto).

    Definitivamente, no estamos ante el peor pokemon de la historia porque era dificil superar al Let’s Go, pero sin duda rivalizan por el puesto ambos. Llevamos tres tomaduras de pelo seguidas en esta saga, ultrasol, letsgo y espada, yo creo que ya va siendo hora de que game freak se desprenda de esta saga y se la entregue a una compañía que pretenda cuidarla.    … Expand
  78. Shid
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    They lied and used 3DS game models and animations and they didn't even include all models in the game.
    Not to mention the innumerous bugs, horrible graphics and lousy finish.
    Do yourself a favor and don't buy it!
  79. HVeigaT
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    Esse jogo destoa completamente do que é a franquia de jogos Pokémon, uma péssima região com pokemons interessantes, porém com mecânicas horríveis. Porque pokémons gigantes? Porque não temos a National Dex. Comprei o Nintendo Switch só para este jogo, e me arrependo profundamente.
  80. cumirebus2000
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    Horrible game, don't undersatnd what are all the hypes about! shame on the developer for creating such lousy games. Wake up this is 2019!
  81. Weegee400
    Nov 18, 2019
    4
    -Graphically terrible
    -Story is a mess
    -No national dex
    -No battle frontier

    +new pokemon are cool
    +raid balttles

    Below average pokemon games
  82. PapapauloIII
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    Lol, seems like no effort was put in this game. Cheap cheap cheap cheap cheap
  83. PentaGDVN
    Nov 25, 2019
    0
    Even removed 66% of national pokedex for better animation, the animation still full of trash and copy them from 3DS
  84. Sasa789
    Dec 17, 2019
    0
    Pokemon, make REAL videogames! This is not what we wan't. Evolve like all that other video games have, you of all companies have the funds to make the greatest game EVER.
  85. Kamarr
    Nov 23, 2019
    4
    Hot trash! Cause it's a Pokemon game it's gonna sell regardless of it being bad or great. There are many things wrong with this. 1 being Gamefreak being lazy and it shows. Copy paste trees lack luster Pokedex more than half of the Dex has been cut to bring in hot garbage Pokemon feels like a lot of the older games meant nothing. This is the best franchise in the WORLD and it doesn't showHot trash! Cause it's a Pokemon game it's gonna sell regardless of it being bad or great. There are many things wrong with this. 1 being Gamefreak being lazy and it shows. Copy paste trees lack luster Pokedex more than half of the Dex has been cut to bring in hot garbage Pokemon feels like a lot of the older games meant nothing. This is the best franchise in the WORLD and it doesn't show period. No real end game beyond online battling and Battle Tower and a tournament mode which is very dull. I'd give this a 0 but I feel they deserve a 4 cause at least the wild area and such was pretty legit beyond the copy paste tree's and water that looks like tar. Another thing to add is the fact that the Online capabilities of this game is trash and no GTS? like give me a break.… Expand
  86. gamerhero
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Creo que no se merece mas de 1 por el poco trabajo y respeto a los usuarios de la serie... teniendo en el año juegos como gears5, death stranding, sekir y resident evil 2, nintendo nos viene a vender este juego de hace dos o mas generaciones a precio de los anteriores. Un timo por cualquier lado que lo vean y sobre todo que te lo vende doble a precio full. Cuando no inova em ni un solo aspecto
  87. pahono6888
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    It is the shortest Pokemon game ever released. It cut too much content compared to previous games. It is the culmination of years of downgrading products. There is no story but somehow it doesn't leave you alone to explore either. There is nothing to explore. No sense of adventure. There is nothing to do after you beat the main "story". That alone makes it a 4/10. But it is also buggy andIt is the shortest Pokemon game ever released. It cut too much content compared to previous games. It is the culmination of years of downgrading products. There is no story but somehow it doesn't leave you alone to explore either. There is nothing to explore. No sense of adventure. There is nothing to do after you beat the main "story". That alone makes it a 4/10. But it is also buggy and unpolished, so it is a legit 1/10… Expand
  88. Bruhboinohomes
    Nov 18, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bruh moment, why no empoleon in the game.

    Eat pant

    Animations are kinda bad

    LiTtLe ToWn HeRo Is BeTtEr.    … Expand
  89. justinpeoples13
    Nov 18, 2019
    4
    Story is too basic and streamlined. There is nothing by the way of side quests like in all other games. Your rivals are laughable and all the gym challenges pose little challenge if you are familiar with the battle mechanics. There is a lack of interesting things to do besides the main quest like previous games. Gambling, beauty contests ect. The lack of mysteries to explore and the scaledStory is too basic and streamlined. There is nothing by the way of side quests like in all other games. Your rivals are laughable and all the gym challenges pose little challenge if you are familiar with the battle mechanics. There is a lack of interesting things to do besides the main quest like previous games. Gambling, beauty contests ect. The lack of mysteries to explore and the scaled down size of the Caves/Routes is really disheartening. The lack of world interaction with buildings and npcs is sad aswell feels very dry and like you're just pushed into a linear story. Sure you can play around in the wild area but you can explore all of that rather quickly and then it becomes stale and boring. In the end I felt like I was playing a glorified Pokemon Stadium with a story and the wild area to make up for the lack of depth implemented.

    I hope they improve upon what they have going on for the next installment but if they take the same route it will surely be another disappointment to longtime fans of the series. Here's to hoping for a remake of Pearl and Diamond to see what a real classic pokemon experience can feel like on the Switch.    … Expand
  90. Sweetpair
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    This is a disaster! All content is cuter away! No Pokemon from previous gens! No National pokedex! It's terrible!
  91. Fidelator
    Nov 20, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Terrible graphics, laughable battle animations, missing half the pokémon, there is no voice acting, the wild area does not have anything to do, Dynamax is ridiculous and not nearly as good as Megas. The story on the game is utterly recycled and terribly bad. They took away useful mechanic, specially the world trade center. 0/10, would not buy again, go spend your money on Witcher 3 or dragon quest so you can see the definition of a well made game.… Expand
  92. lucasts02
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    Sweet jesus, why? Spent 100 dollars on the bundle for this peace of garbage.
  93. gargom
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    Esto es absurdo, un juego a medio hacer con las texturas a 144pixeles y repitiendo exactamente lo mismo que en nintendo ds pero en switch, innovación cero. Un juego hecho con prisas y sin novedades, no pienso comprarlo, no parais de reiros de vuestros fans, game freak porfavor dejad de querer hacer dinero fácil sin esforzaros lo más mínimo.
  94. Fran0990
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    Un terrible juego. Gráfico de n64 y faltan la mitad de los pokemon. Gamefreak es el nuevo EA. Pokemon es el nuevo CoD
  95. Trajliner
    Nov 26, 2019
    0
    Game is really easy even someone who dont understan how it works can finish it without any problems.
    You should focus more on older people do not expect this is only for 6 old kids.I as 2-3 old kid finished a lot of games on SEGA without saves bcs they didnt exist back then.How game looks i dont care.
    Game is not evolving at all its really easy to change it upgrade combat system !!!.    Game is really easy even someone who dont understan how it works can finish it without any problems.
    You should focus more on older people do not expect this is only for 6 old kids.I as 2-3 old kid finished a lot of games on SEGA without saves bcs they didnt exist back then.How game looks i dont care.
    Game is not evolving at all its really easy to change it upgrade combat system !!!. New pokemon names and look is ridiculous. 0/10 Its better play yellow crystal then this.
    People who crating this game doesnt care bsc name Pokemon will sell this game anyway.......    … Expand
  96. Black_S
    Feb 28, 2022
    3
    Not acceptable. Many bugs, lies, DLCs etc.
    It is 3DS like game at switch for full price.
    Gamefreak is burned.
  97. Sorites
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    Where are all the Pokemon? Gatta catch em all just thrown out the window huh?
  98. Xarai
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    First of all I still own this game I did not return it in hopes they release dlc or an expansion because that is literally the only way they can redeem some dignity in the game. I have played the entire series from red and blue all the way to sword and shield including the 3rd "installments" to each series.

    First problem - This is by far the easiest game in the entire series. Arriving    First of all I still own this game I did not return it in hopes they release dlc or an expansion because that is literally the only way they can redeem some dignity in the game. I have played the entire series from red and blue all the way to sword and shield including the 3rd "installments" to each series.

    First problem - This is by far the easiest game in the entire series. Arriving at the first gym I was already 30 levels above their pokemon and this remained common all the way til the end so my absolute biggest gripe is it is way way way too easy. at least in the older games like black and white for example the game wasnt totally easy it but had SOME challenges.

    2nd problem - Pretty much no story at all - took me a few hours to beat the game, and that saddens me probably the most because yeah we all know pokemon stories aren't complex or anything surprising but come on! Next to no story not really any villains at all just some moron who wasn't evil or bad or anything he was just stupid thats not a story hell that isnt even a lesson.

    3rd problem - team yell yeah nuff said right there and I thought pokemon sun and moon had horrible "villains"

    4th problem the map/areas - these are tiny, minuscule I didnt feel like I was exploring any of them, I breezed right through every single area in less than 5 minutes - how long did we all spend on victory road? or caves? or the frozen caves? or mazes list goes on, these were nice to look at but they were tiny.

    5th problem the running animation - not a big problem but this felt like a mobile game

    6th problem - the graphics - wow this is the nintendo switch the same console that brought us...zelda breath of the wild brings us...sword and shield... the nintendo gamecube game wannabe game. and you actually used the exact same models as you did from the 3ds which brings up the most obvious problem

    7th problem - laziness galore! - holy crap using the same models and saying theres not enough time to bring all 1k pokemon? that was utter **** btw theres barely any new pokemon in galar and it seems like no effort was put into these new pokemon like seriously a **** apple!!!! a god damn apple is a pokemon let alone the teacup like seriously wtf. the map is tiny, like really really tiny.
    and there are only 3 legendary pokemon, 1 you are guaranteed to get anyways.

    8th problem - this might be the absolute worse problem of them all... end game content
    yeah lets talk about this huge problem - there is none, the battle tower that is literally it. besides the tiny quest for your legend there is nothing to do once your done, no re-exploring the map to find new secret areas, no new region, nothing notta. no exciting minigames, no battle factory. nothing
    like wtf i beat the game in like 4 hrs and then i cant do anything except level my pokemon up for ig online play against other ppl.

    9th problem - maybe this is nintendo problem but.. ya internet play sucks.. like horribly also wtf no global trade station? da actual hell is that, you made trading EVEN WORSE how did you do that? oh i know by literally removing it and leaving us to find random ppl in hopes they have what you want for what you have which isnt likely gj now we gotta rely on **** like discord for simple trading.

    10th problem - oh wow double digits on problems thats never good. this was in my graphics complaint but still dexit had a good point. not all the pokemon are included which is a huge problem also, reusing old sprite models means you didnt even make them from the ground up and adding then wouldn't have been that hard to do.

    11th problem - the gameplay hours - the most important part.... pokemon shoudnt be a small quick game that takes 4 hours to beat unless you are speedrunning the game with foreknowledge of what to do where to go and how.

    12th and final problem on the top of my head - raids - why is this a problem? because they are available way way way too soon making the ability to level up to literal max way to early way too soon and way way too easy    … Expand
  99. Underrated
    Nov 26, 2019
    2
    "The lowest improving pokemon generation", thank you Gamefreak for trying to break the old thing but it turns into worst with your lazy nature. The first worst of this generation is cutting the pokemon without reasonable but with many excuse to make sure you could go comfort zone. The second worst, you committed that you will never update other patches to add cut pokemons, this so attacks"The lowest improving pokemon generation", thank you Gamefreak for trying to break the old thing but it turns into worst with your lazy nature. The first worst of this generation is cutting the pokemon without reasonable but with many excuse to make sure you could go comfort zone. The second worst, you committed that you will never update other patches to add cut pokemons, this so attacks fan hearts who believe the core of the pokemon in the concept "Catch 'em all". The worst of this generation, you complained about animation of 3DS how it poor but your ruined your mouth with lazy by using all recycled animations and while you couldn't make the scene of battle to be good. Plus the open world is the worst but I expected it to be good with patch if you read this little comment. 2 points for you made open world but it so poor. bye see you next gen.… Expand
  100. Logibear1010
    Nov 26, 2019
    0
    This has to be the worst game to date. Crap graphics, reused animations. Hop is Jay from sun and moon, they are the exact same. I want my favorites, all 1000 Pokemon. I just want to be excited about Pokemon again, make the game a challenge, make it hard. No exp share permanently on. This game is a shame to Pokemon.
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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Switch Game of 2019
3
#3 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 89 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 89
  3. Negative: 0 out of 89
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 30, 2020
    90
    Sword & Shield have a lot to love for old and new fans, and they're pure quality from top to bottom. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 72]
  2. GameCritics
    Feb 6, 2020
    75
    I enjoyed my time with Pokemon Sword and Shield, but I ended feeling conflicted. I appreciate many of the changes and felt that it generally respected my time, but I almost felt like a passive participant. The more complex gym challenges had a meatier role, but the narrative shouldn’t have been shoved to the side. Overall, I would recommend it to players who want to have a Pokemon experience, but this one won’t stick with me the way the older ones have.
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  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Jan 14, 2020
    78
    Pokemon Sword/Shield is uncharacteristically user-friendly: now there’s no need to backtrack half across the world to heal your entire team of pokemon or to get to a particular city, for example. [Issue#242, p.66]
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