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. Elaami
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This game has nothing special, and it sold a lot of copies only for being pokemon There is not effort or love for the pokemon games anymore
  2. Bruno_Bastos29
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    • Outdated and poorly optimized graphics.
    • The wilderness is ridiculously poorly made.
    • full of popin.
    • no mega evolution (I hated the megamax system)

    *GameFreak cut DeX in half so I'll cut a score from 10 to 0
  3. Knabben
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    #GamefreakLiedToUs
    Charging 60$ for an incomplete rushed game should be a crime.
  4. sgillan
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    While there are many issues with Pokemon sword and shield, I don't think they warrant giving the game a 1 out of 10. The missing Pokemon, the cut moves, the lack of post game content, the general laziness, and the developer's arrogant attitude are all working together to make sure this game deserves a 0 out of 10. I am a huge fan of previous Pokemon games, and I don't want to see theWhile there are many issues with Pokemon sword and shield, I don't think they warrant giving the game a 1 out of 10. The missing Pokemon, the cut moves, the lack of post game content, the general laziness, and the developer's arrogant attitude are all working together to make sure this game deserves a 0 out of 10. I am a huge fan of previous Pokemon games, and I don't want to see the series fail. I cannot overlook the sloppiness present in this game, however. In the end, it's the worst game ever made.… Expand
  5. Kiohara
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    jogo pokemon desde o game boy, essa minha nota não tem nada ver com natinal dex, é apenas uma critica pela preguiça de uma desenvolvedora gigantesca como a GF de fazer o jogo nas coxas e vender pelo olho da cara, zelda Breath of the wild é um exemplo do que se pode fazer no switch se tiver vontade, pokemon teve muita coisa reaproveitada das versões anteriores como movimento dos personagen,jogo pokemon desde o game boy, essa minha nota não tem nada ver com natinal dex, é apenas uma critica pela preguiça de uma desenvolvedora gigantesca como a GF de fazer o jogo nas coxas e vender pelo olho da cara, zelda Breath of the wild é um exemplo do que se pode fazer no switch se tiver vontade, pokemon teve muita coisa reaproveitada das versões anteriores como movimento dos personagen, pokemons e a câmera fixa da rotas do jogo ( apenas a wild área é mundo aberto), o que não é o problema, e deveria ter dado tempo de sobra pra melhorar outras questões do jogo, como, ataque dos pokemons, e polimento gráfico, um exemplo é o double kick, o sprite do pokemon simplesmente da dois pulinho sem movimentação alguma, parece um papelão a versão digital do jogo é leve, cerca de 9gb e pouco e o switch ja demonstrou que aguenta o tranco, então sem desculpas, pokemon let`s go tem um gráfico MUITO melhor que o sword and shield… Expand
  6. darksoulz31
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Game is absolute garbage. Anyone who's giving positive reviews have been paid off. Graphics don't improve, many mechanics are terrible.
  7. MadViolinist
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Lamentablemente Gamefreak sigue con la mentalidad de desarrollar juegos para la 3DS. Este juego está pensado para esa consola, pero no para la nintendo switch.
    Cero innovación, cero mejoras.
  8. IICapN
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Absolutely sad excuse for a game, this is quite possible the worst game from any top developer in the past decade (not just GameFreak). Nintendo should be ashamed to be associated with this garbage. A very short list of issues:
    - Graphics are OBJECTIVELY worse than Let's Go Pikachu and I would argue they're worse than Pokemon USUM. This terrible excuse for graphics is why we lost over    Absolutely sad excuse for a game, this is quite possible the worst game from any top developer in the past decade (not just GameFreak). Nintendo should be ashamed to be associated with this garbage. A very short list of issues:
    - Graphics are OBJECTIVELY worse than Let's Go Pikachu and I would argue they're worse than Pokemon USUM. This terrible excuse for graphics is why we lost over half of all Pokemon in the game? What a load of garbage.
    - We lost over half of all Pokemon in the game. Not just uncatchable, but they're not even in the game, you can't transfer into the games because they excluded excluded metadata for them and decided to exclude EXISTING Pokemon models from the game, which is what they did for other Pokemon.
    - Only 80 new Pokemon overall. They didn't even try.
    - Their new Pokemon battle concept is essentially: "Look, the Pokemon is now bigger! See how big it is? Pretty cool, huh?" No creativity, it sounds like a throwaway idea someone said jokingly during a meeting that they took as a serious comment and went with it. It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of.
    - You'd think that Pokemon becoming bigger versions of themselves would mean Pokemon size would be an important thing to scale. Nope. They have Wailord shown as being slightly smaller as the 4'10" trainer (~150 cm). Wailord is supposed to be a 50 ft (~15m) long behemoth. But nope, huge (literally) details are no longer important.
    - Finally, the straw that broker the camel's back: the game froze when I was battling in the Ice-gym. I had auto-save on, but also kept manually saving anyway because I couldn't trust anything in the game at that point. When I restarted the game after it froze, the save point there was in Route 6, basically half the game ago.

    At that point I juts gave up on the game. I lost half the progress because this terrible-developed game couldn't bother to QA their garbage product. I'm going to try to return the game, but doubt I'll be able to. This left a bad taste in my mouth and I may never buy another Pokemon game again unless management changes and they start making respectable games again.    … Expand
  9. Calabasaloka
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Pokémon nunca ha sido una franquicia especialmente ambiciosa. Es más, para algunos su atractivo reside, precisamente, en su anclaje a un estilo de combate por turnos que parece haber quedado en el olvido por el resto del mercado (con excepciones, claro está). A mi parecer, su conservadurismo ha llevado a Pokémon a ser lo que es hoy: un producto mediocre, incapaz de reinventarse, que cadaPokémon nunca ha sido una franquicia especialmente ambiciosa. Es más, para algunos su atractivo reside, precisamente, en su anclaje a un estilo de combate por turnos que parece haber quedado en el olvido por el resto del mercado (con excepciones, claro está). A mi parecer, su conservadurismo ha llevado a Pokémon a ser lo que es hoy: un producto mediocre, incapaz de reinventarse, que cada nueva entrega trata al jugador con mayor condescendencia. Jamás había visto creadores tan ajenos a su producto. Si Pokémon alguna vez fue un proyecto apasionado, ya solo quedan los restos insulsos de lo que alguna vez fue. Los fallos de estas nuevas entregas son muchos, por lo que haré una lista de algunos, aún a sabiendas de que será insuficiente:
    -Apartado gráfico sorprendentemente malo, sumado a las animaciones ortopédicas. No soy ni diseñador gráfico ni animador, solo un jugador del montón. Pero esto tiene que ser de coña. Tomándolo con humor, hasta agradezco que sea tan descaradamente desastroso visualmente; soy de quienes lloran de la risa con la cutrez del primer Resident Evil en este aspecto. No hay mucho que explicar, los que jugamos entregas anteriores sabemos que han reciclado hasta las animaciones de los personajes humanos (que ya de por sí dejaban mucho que desar) y que la cuestionable calidad de modelados y texturas se hacen más evidentes que nunca con el salto al HD.
    -Repartir experiencia forzado, que hace del juego prácticamente injugable. Un juego de estrategia en el que la estrategia es innecesaria, a mi parecer, es muestra de una incomprensión absoluta del modo en el que el juego debe interactuar con el jugador. No hay tensión ni placer en el jugar.
    -Eliminación de la GTS. Nada más que añadir.
    -Sustitución de mecánicas ya consolidadas (véase la megaevolución) por otras más pretenciosas que solo agradarán a los jugadores de Pokémon GO.
    -La ausencia de todos los Pokémon hasta la fecha. Esto no es algo que me moleste particularmente, de no ser por el desdén con el que se ha tratado a sus potenciales consumidores. Espero que la desconexión entre compañía y usuario se vea reflejada en las ventas.
    El único punto positivo de los juegos son los diseños de los pokémon, algunos más creativos que otros, pero tan ideales como siempre; más sintiéndolo mucho, unos diseños bonitos no redimen ni por asomo sus carencias.
    En resumen: la saga Pokémon ha muerto definitivamente, (para quienes lo dudasen incluso tras la salida de los Let's Go) y tristemente, los consumidores de comida basura que son sus fans, los responsables de su muerte, no la dejaran descansar en paz. De hecho, los fans estarán encantados con los títulos, para ellos lo tendrán todo: fanservice a más no poder y la inflada de precio a los 60€ que muy gustosos pagarán en su afán consumista, junto a los múltiples servicios de pago. Ah, y no nos confundamos. Esto no es un producto dirigido a los niños, sino a adultos que se niegan a crecer. La franquicia de Super Mario ha crecido junto a sus jugadores aún siendo accesible a nuevas generaciones. Pokémon intentó crecer, pero no pudo, porque sus jugadores nunca lo hicieron.
    P.D. Muy fan de la escena inicial del juego, que no echa en falta doblaje ni mucho menos.    … Expand
  10. Liamvida
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    In short, this game is awful for advanced players, mediocre for casual player and it's desirable that this is nobody's first Pokémon game, least they get the wrong impression. It is the worst Pokémon main duo ever released and the only positive aspects are derived from the standard Pokémon formula. Being understaffed isn't even remotely enough to explain the unacceptable low quality ofIn short, this game is awful for advanced players, mediocre for casual player and it's desirable that this is nobody's first Pokémon game, least they get the wrong impression. It is the worst Pokémon main duo ever released and the only positive aspects are derived from the standard Pokémon formula. Being understaffed isn't even remotely enough to explain the unacceptable low quality of these games; GameFreak has serious leadership issues.

    This trash heap is the result of complacency, and a lack of effort and dedication. If it had been developed with care and the consumer's satisfaction in mind, it would have been a polished title with a lot of content complementing the new features. Sadly, this is not the case.

    Bugs, no endgame, half pokedex, mediocre graphics, less features than previous games...should I keep talking? Save your money and don't but this dumpster fire of a game    … Expand
  11. pmcnichols
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    It **** sucks, devoid of content. What's the point in buying Pokemon anymore?
  12. Feraligabriel
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    As bad as sword or perhaps even worse, the changes between the games are almost minimal, so there isnt much to enjoy kn buying both copies, i would advise a player to only purchase one of them, but honestly i advise them to not purchase this garbage.
  13. Drezziks
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Game feels 50% incomplete. Horrendous draw distance, pixelated shadows, empty Wild Area, and a practically non-existent post game. This is not a game for veteran players, like GameFreak stayed it was.
  14. ZeroHorugane
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Garden
    4 mounths for GARDEN
    This is a Pokémon Game?
    Pokémon Go have a Best history than this game
  15. Pikario
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. No puede ser verdad, este juego es horrible. No sólo quitaron cosas que a la mayoría de fans le gustaban si no lo sacaron antes de tiempo para poder generar ganancias nada más, ahora resulta que está tan incompleto que hasta borra partidas
    #gamefreaklied    … Expand
  16. DRGXIII
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Full of Bugs and glitches, 3ds style graphics, less features than previous games, half of the pokedex was removed for what turned out to be lies,constant stuttering,and still a bare-bones endgame.
  17. Bdiz
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Made for the hoi polloi with no appreciation for sophisticated strategy and challenge. The selection of carried over pokemon from previous versions is nonsensical (see Mudsdale), Dynamax is LAME, and they spent all that time making the game LOOK good while the pokemon still make garbled 8-bit sounds (except for Pikachu and Eevee). Save your money, play older versions and wait until theMade for the hoi polloi with no appreciation for sophisticated strategy and challenge. The selection of carried over pokemon from previous versions is nonsensical (see Mudsdale), Dynamax is LAME, and they spent all that time making the game LOOK good while the pokemon still make garbled 8-bit sounds (except for Pikachu and Eevee). Save your money, play older versions and wait until the next installment at which point Gamefreak will have hopefully realized their stupidity and reinstate the full pokedex and the deleted move-sets. OH AND WE STILL DIDN'T GET A NEW EEVEELUTION! #gottacatchemall NOT #gottacatchabouthalf… Expand
  18. LordCheezey
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    I can't say this is even close to the Pokemon game anyone wants. I started this game out with high hopes, but as it turns out, this is just a rehash of the 3ds games. And if you're wondering, the money grubbing second version scheme has no benefit past exclusive Pokemon and two different gym battles, Please, avoid this game at all costs and play Heart Gold or Soul Silver for the DS, thoseI can't say this is even close to the Pokemon game anyone wants. I started this game out with high hopes, but as it turns out, this is just a rehash of the 3ds games. And if you're wondering, the money grubbing second version scheme has no benefit past exclusive Pokemon and two different gym battles, Please, avoid this game at all costs and play Heart Gold or Soul Silver for the DS, those games, while old, give a much better experience.… Expand
  19. Ralet
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    worst pokemon ever. No national dex. No endgame. Short and boring story. Terrible graphic.
  20. vylleon
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    A falta da nacional dex, o modelos reutilizados de outros jogos o corte de mais de 400 pokémons no jogo.
  21. Leci
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Horribly rushed, had false advertising, game is a joke when it comes to difficulty, many features were stripped away just to charge extra for them despite being extremely overpriced already.
  22. Kyhrux
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    If you expected to get the full blown home console Pokemon experience with this game, I'll have to disappoint you. Everything in this game just looks like an upscaled 3ds port, the textures are bad, some objects seem like they're from a n64 game and let's not even talk about the animations which were supposed to be of higher quality in exchange for the lower amount Pokemon in the game. TheIf you expected to get the full blown home console Pokemon experience with this game, I'll have to disappoint you. Everything in this game just looks like an upscaled 3ds port, the textures are bad, some objects seem like they're from a n64 game and let's not even talk about the animations which were supposed to be of higher quality in exchange for the lower amount Pokemon in the game. The graphics are really bad we know that already what about the gameplay? What does the new big Pokemon game for home consoles bring to the table with it's supposed revolutionary gameplay? Dynamaxing
    Dynamaxing has been one of the most boring gimmicks for Pokemon since they stared doing them and funny thing is
    You can't even use them in every fight, only in some story missions and arena battles. The other gameplay is very linear and boring and there is next to no late game gameplay.
    I wouldn't recommend to buy this game and I feel so strongly about this game that I would honestly say that hate this game and everything it stands for I'll never ever support gamefreak again.    … Expand
  23. Redx
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    No Dragonite nor other people favorites. Vote with your wallet people! If enough people see this and contribute changes can happen.
  24. OmegaChase1002
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Just buy Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition, EvoCreo, Temtem, or Yokai Watch instead.
    WHAT the H-E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICK was Gamefreak THINKING!?
    No National Dex, bugs everywhere, cut moves, horrible animations (despite Masuda claiming they would be the best in the series), hand-holding EASY difficulty since we're unable to turn the EXP share off anymore, free full heals literally    Just buy Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition, EvoCreo, Temtem, or Yokai Watch instead.
    WHAT the H-E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICK was Gamefreak THINKING!?
    No National Dex, bugs everywhere, cut moves, horrible animations (despite Masuda claiming they would be the best in the series), hand-holding EASY difficulty since we're unable to turn the EXP share off anymore, free full heals literally everywhere even when not in a Pokémon Center, abysmally short campaign, almost no postgame, a rival who is literally just Hau 2 (right down to his animations), a Champion with an unlikeable egotistical personality, obvious gen 1 pandering, a bug that can actually erase the save data of all your other games saved on your Switch, and a whole host of other problems.
    Stick to the older games from gens 1 to 7. This game is the death of Pokémon.    … Expand
  25. Wakarahen
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Gamefreak, why you lie?
    I mean, it's obvious that players would discover it was all a big lie, then why getting on the bad side of players?
    This brand need to get back to high quality, this is unacceptable for the company of one of the highest selling game brand.
  26. Zazash
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Just the worst pokemon ever. 5xx pokemon, linear story, tiny map, no more mega evolve, useless dynamax, less moves, ugly charadesign
  27. TheBlizWiz
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    They cut features and raised the price.

    This is not the law of equivalent exchange
  28. Kophice
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Really bad game!! Game Freak is literally making fun of his fans! They think you're going to buy it whatever the crap they make! Don't buy this game! If you want to try yourself, wait a friend who already has the game finish it and borrow from him. Just not give give your money to Game Freak, they don't deserve it! At least they don't deserve for this game! But im warning you, it's not good!
  29. JakePlayZ_OG
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Unfortunately, these games were review bombed & very underservingly so too.

    As these games *in my opinion* are in the top 3 Pokemon games EVER. Ranking among Diamond/Pearl & Ruby/Sapphire. The story is easy & straight to the point, not including some mega person who wants to end the universe *Thank the heavens* & the gameplay is overall a lot more fun than some other main-line Pokemon games.
  30. Shaydows
    Mar 2, 2020
    0
    Even though this was a rushed mess, I would have given this at most a 2/10. However, Gamefreak lied to the entire fanbase about why it's so bad and not a complete game. That combined with my original score makes this a easy 0/10, I wish it could be lower.
  31. Francescolomaz
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An absolutely mediocre game with no postgame and horrible grapich and plot.… Expand
  32. JoaoJorge
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Bad game! Game Freak has made his laziest job with this game! Don't buy it! It's **** it's trash, it's short and don't deserve your money and your time!
  33. Kelvynklain
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Muito ruim eles prometeram cortar a dex porém teríamos animação de qualidade E o que temos é uns Pokémon travados. Um rival chato da porra. E um final ruim que desmerecer muito os fans.… Expand
  34. Picklez888
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    While I bought this game,as I have for every generation of pokemon, I regret it for the first time. The first console entry should be bigger, not smaller. There is no excuse to cut SO MANY pokemon. I can understand removing legendaries for lore reasons or others but this is just laziness. This is the biggest media franchise ever...what is their excuse again? It surely can't be a lack ofWhile I bought this game,as I have for every generation of pokemon, I regret it for the first time. The first console entry should be bigger, not smaller. There is no excuse to cut SO MANY pokemon. I can understand removing legendaries for lore reasons or others but this is just laziness. This is the biggest media franchise ever...what is their excuse again? It surely can't be a lack of resources.… Expand
  35. annslow41
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    As a fan who's bought (sometimes both version) and played every single mainline Pokemon game and was even in the hardcore training & battling scene for years, I will NOT be buying this game. I will NOT support lazy developers. Both game freak a Nintendo know they COULD have made a great game - the game we've all wanted - the Breath of the Wild of Pokemon.

    But let's face it, they knew    As a fan who's bought (sometimes both version) and played every single mainline Pokemon game and was even in the hardcore training & battling scene for years, I will NOT be buying this game. I will NOT support lazy developers. Both game freak a Nintendo know they COULD have made a great game - the game we've all wanted - the Breath of the Wild of Pokemon.

    But let's face it, they knew people were going to buy the games like hot cakes regardless of how much effort they put in. The promise of an "open world" Pokemon game will be too much to resist, full-well knowing their fanbase will be expecting so much more. But the bottom line is it's going to sell, so they'll deliver the bare minimum on that and on everything else. It's going to sell and they're going to make their money. Why put the extra effort in? It's a business decision, and as far as their profits are concerned, a pretty good one.

    It's still bullsh*t: a huge disservice to their fans. They know it. We know it. But it's not going to stop them from making their money. Still, I won't be contributing to that because that's not the kind of developer I want to support.    … Expand
  36. Draco901
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Absolutely pitiful. Half of the entire dex is cut, megas and z-moves are gone meaning far less strategical diversity, the main game is only about 14 hours long, exp share was buffed to make the game stupidly easy, there's practically no side content in the least, practically no post game at all, no elite 4, bland and uninspired Pokemon designs, and a new battle "feature" which is not onlyAbsolutely pitiful. Half of the entire dex is cut, megas and z-moves are gone meaning far less strategical diversity, the main game is only about 14 hours long, exp share was buffed to make the game stupidly easy, there's practically no side content in the least, practically no post game at all, no elite 4, bland and uninspired Pokemon designs, and a new battle "feature" which is not only limited to a handful of battles in the entire game, but fundamentally adds no amount of strategical variance in the slightest. This piss poor excuse of a game isn't even worth the dirt on my shoes. Free fan games have done better and will continue to do better.… Expand
  37. Thunder103093
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Once again just like LGPE i have to skip this. Been playing Pokemon since 1999-2000 & i cannot except how this game has screwed up & no one else should too. The most obvious problem is acorse the removal of the national dex. Along with lying to us about why they did it. That needs to be resolved immediately & them saying they "aren't going to" is both likely a lie & also. not acceptable.Once again just like LGPE i have to skip this. Been playing Pokemon since 1999-2000 & i cannot except how this game has screwed up & no one else should too. The most obvious problem is acorse the removal of the national dex. Along with lying to us about why they did it. That needs to be resolved immediately & them saying they "aren't going to" is both likely a lie & also. not acceptable. The game has graphical issues & bugs & glitches, including the good old delete save date glitch from XY came back. That is not acceptable for that to be in the game, especially when it happened before & Gamefreak deserves criticism for letting it happen again & no, people saying the issues were lies & people were forcing them to happen, that isn't true & i saw numerous poketubers doing videos & streams on this game all day today & those problems were happening to them also. So gamefreak can't make a game right anymore apparently. along with the non existing "graphics & animation improvements" that were suppose to happen with the national dex removal. Forced EXP Share on us, Removing moves, Z-Moves & Megas, higher price for less gameplay & how Gamefreak lied to us for months now & Poketubers blindly defending them. If you really love pokemon as much as i do. do not buy this game, wait until the problems are fixed in the future versions. But right now you should do your wallet & the series a huge favor & ignore this game… Expand
  38. Zara_Masters
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This game is so unbelievably bad, Not just compared to previous Pokemon games, not just compared to previous RPGs, just in general.

    There is barely anything I can possibly compliment, uhh there are a few cute Pokemon? Like every previous game, except they removed 50% of all Pokemon including the cute ones. This game has also been the cause of multiple Switch based glitches. So if you    This game is so unbelievably bad, Not just compared to previous Pokemon games, not just compared to previous RPGs, just in general.

    There is barely anything I can possibly compliment, uhh there are a few cute Pokemon? Like every previous game, except they removed 50% of all Pokemon including the cute ones.

    This game has also been the cause of multiple Switch based glitches. So if you are looking for a Christmas gift, consider a classic Pokemon game? Or just any other RPG.    … Expand
  39. KlariNoX
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Don’t buy it, burn Pokémon, they only want our money, it’s a scam, let Pokémon brand finish, it’s all trash, stop Pokémon stop them
  40. CodyVCalderwood
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    this was supposed to be Pokemons time to shine, all these people making console games on Nintendo platforms for years finally make games that are big change UPS to the formula to better suit the switch. And this is when Pokemon should have stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun but instead they lied to fans, divided the fan base, and watered-down The experience. My largest issue us thatthis was supposed to be Pokemons time to shine, all these people making console games on Nintendo platforms for years finally make games that are big change UPS to the formula to better suit the switch. And this is when Pokemon should have stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun but instead they lied to fans, divided the fan base, and watered-down The experience. My largest issue us that they cut Pokemon and raise the price. They told us years ago that Ultra sun and Ultra Moon asre $40 worth of Pokemon, yet this game will have less features and less Pokemon but it's $60? It just doesn't add up to me… Expand
  41. Meteorsmash
    Nov 19, 2019
    0
    The Short Version: Hire Genius Sonority again for 3D games. Gamefreak is incompetent.

    The Long Version: GameFreak wanted to spare efforts cutting down content as much as possible for maximum profits, their reason for doing so is: "It's Pokemon! Even if it's garbage it will sell! The consumers are kids and adults who disregard quality after all, right?" WRONG! And I think the overall    The Short Version: Hire Genius Sonority again for 3D games. Gamefreak is incompetent.

    The Long Version: GameFreak wanted to spare efforts cutting down content as much as possible for maximum profits, their reason for doing so is: "It's Pokemon! Even if it's garbage it will sell! The consumers are kids and adults who disregard quality after all, right?" WRONG! And I think the overall Metacritic score speaks volumes. Let me list the issues of the game once again...
    -The game is full of low quality environments and textures.
    -Pop-in is Awful.
    -Cutscenes that look like they were meant to have voice acting makes the game feel awkward...this is inexcusable in 2019
    -ALL FAN-FAVORITE POKEMON CUT FROM THE GAME!! There's NO starters from previous regions, NO fossil pokemon, No legendaries from previous games either, hell, they went out of their way to piss a lot of people off. What was the point of Pokemon Home then??! Greedy and lazy summarizes GameFreak's "efforts" this generation.
    -Story is the most dull and boring I've seen in any pokemon game...
    -Recycled models and animations from the 3DS, AND NO, THEY ARE NOT "NEW" MODELS, THEY ARE THEY VERY SAME! There's a pretty absurd rumor online that the models were made from the ground up, that's an obvious lie, unless you are blind.

    Overall: Gamefreak need to wake up, it's 2019, this piece of garbage is inexcusable, Switch games so far have set the bar pretty high, if you compare this game to Zelda, Mario, Xenoblade, Smash, etc. GameFreak should feel ashamed of themselves for releasing this game in its current state, shame on you...    … Expand
  42. Ramiro0318
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Mal diseñado, es un reciclaje de sus juegos anteriores pero peor programado
  43. Viivi
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game not fine grafics, but this a game with 10 Fu***g GB!
    Where all pokémon of Pokedex and where good grafics?
    And the region and the history game not is a impressive, this a generic game.    … Expand
  44. Zzz66
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    I hate gamefreak for this **** . Pls Nintendo buy Pokémon and switch the company. .
  45. lolopopo
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    From a franchise literally worth billions of dollars, this unpolished, low-budged game is nothing but an insult aimed the long-time fans.
    This is really disappointing, considering that this game is on the switch, and it is uglier and has less content than the 3ds games.
  46. awdwaffges
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Cut corners mixed with a predictable story, laziness and stupid features noone asked for. Don't spend any amount of money on this. Even if you get it for free, don't play it because your time is more **** valuable than anything this piece of garbage could provide you.
  47. RenXYZ
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bugs all over the game. Visuals are some of the worst in the console. Many Pokemons and mives are missing. The game is very short.… Expand
  48. icharlyi
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Do not think the game is a 0. Just want Nintendo to notice, address the discontent and improve next time.
  49. FutureZQ
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    They cut the nation dex,but bring what they call "quality" for us. shame on them
  50. drowzeem
    Nov 28, 2019
    0
    Pokemon Sword and Shield are strong proof that at some point Gamefreak just stopped caring. The level of mediocrity showed in this game is insulting to their fanbase, the game is inconsistent to the core (rushed times and unfulfilled deadlines show clearly). Part of the mediocrity comes from management, a bunch of people rushing the game for the holidays and for 2019. That mixed withPokemon Sword and Shield are strong proof that at some point Gamefreak just stopped caring. The level of mediocrity showed in this game is insulting to their fanbase, the game is inconsistent to the core (rushed times and unfulfilled deadlines show clearly). Part of the mediocrity comes from management, a bunch of people rushing the game for the holidays and for 2019. That mixed with Gamefreaks usual level of mediocrity and laziness is a recipe for disaster. Pokemom became too big for Gamefreak to handle. Is inexcusable that a multi billionaire franchise like this has such poor development team, just sad and disheartening to see such a beloved thing as Pokemon being treated so lightly and rushing it to the point of making it the worst game in the main series. Pokemon stands as the black sheep of beloved Nintendo games. The Legend of Zelda continues to show great games not year after year, they show the game when it’s ready, even if it takes 2 more years, they show respect, they show integrity to provide quality and a magical experience. Gamefreak just wants to finish it and move on to the next one so management and marketing stops bothering them. The recipe for disaster: Bad Management, Marketing that doesn’t care, Unqualified Development Team, Bad Writers, Bad Animators. It just gets worst from here on.… Expand
  51. fairyfairyfairy
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Zero effort was put into this game. Boring ugly not visually appealing and the gameplay is terrible. The new pokemon designs are plain uninspired and just garbage
  52. spicysmoochy
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Don't buy this crap, seriously. The animations are terrible, all of my favorite Pokemon are gone. Terrible.
  53. Volans
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This is a Nintendo 64 game ported to the Nintendo switch #GameFreakLied. This is actually appalling.
  54. whitecypress
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This game doesn't deserve my time. It is not finished, contain tons of bugs and doesn't have national dex.
  55. Ivysaurtrainer6
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    A pokemon game without all the pokemon....yeah 0/10. They could have just used all of the 3DS models and called it good. At least then we would use all of the pokemon.
  56. devilxs
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This was a very rushed game and took a big step back on some of the cool features of lets go, such as riding pokemon, or having them follow you.

    Gameplay is very linear and holds your hand the whole way through. Exploration outside of the 2 flat wild zones is non-existent. Your bike rides on water, and with no exploration, moves like surf/dig/cut/etc, have been removed from use.    This was a very rushed game and took a big step back on some of the cool features of lets go, such as riding pokemon, or having them follow you.

    Gameplay is very linear and holds your hand the whole way through.
    Exploration outside of the 2 flat wild zones is non-existent.
    Your bike rides on water, and with no exploration, moves like surf/dig/cut/etc, have been removed from use.
    Certain gym cities are unacceptably short and have 3 buildings.
    Pokedex was harshly reduced. Apparently in exchange for other improvements? (there are none)
    Graphics-wise, it's still behind it's time for a switch game. I think lets go looks better.
    Content is severely limited and being forced down 1 path while my "rival" checks in on me every 5 minutes left me very annoyed.
    Npc models were reused excessively. I've never felt like I was constantly seeing the same character over and over in previous games. Are there even more than 5 unique characters other than the main cast in this game?

    Overall, there's just been too many excuses, too many lies, and just downright disrespect by game-freak to release something like this at practically double the price of previous (content rich) handheld games. It's a slap in the face to fans everywhere and really gives Pokemon games a questionable future.    … Expand
  57. Bunnings_Snags
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This new Pokemon release is unfitting to Nintendo's high standard of timeless and everlasting game design
  58. Xenon98
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Disappointed...not worth the price....too short...felt really rushed...no national dex because working on the animation for 800+ pokemon was hard but I didnt feel like the visual fidelity was anything to ride home about especially based on what the switch can handle....
  59. MaestroPokeFer
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Asco de juegos estúpido gamefreak.
    gamefreak le esta apostando mucho a las nuevas generaciones y bota de lado a los que crecimos con la franquicia,
    Pero han olvidado una cosa, las nuevas generaciones ya no son fieles a nada solo siguen lo que esta de moda y cuando pokemon deje de ser moda adios
  60. Javieraso12
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This game is probably a 4, but a 0 for gamefreak. Poor ney mechanics and graphics. The national dex is obly the peek of the mountain. I'm afraid of the remake of 4th gen. Pls gamefreak do your job.
  61. samuellsilva
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    No National Dex
    Lazy work from GameFreak
    Graphics from 3DS?
    Its a minigame?
    I think that i forgot to cite that no have National dex?
  62. Piecake
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Missing Pokemon, bugs galore, horrible textures, bizarre spawning areas for certain pokemon, no difficulty curve at all because of constant xp share, reports of the game breaking save files and switch consoles, I've been waiting 20 years for this, super super disappointing.
  63. Gamefreakout
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Don't listen to the paid reviews, this game is utter garbage. I am giving it zero because for the first main series game on the switch for the "long time fans" this is a complete and utter failure. Terrible graphics/animations, boring/predictable story line and the game is deleting save files for other games. Game freak has lied to the consumers repeatedly about this game and need to beDon't listen to the paid reviews, this game is utter garbage. I am giving it zero because for the first main series game on the switch for the "long time fans" this is a complete and utter failure. Terrible graphics/animations, boring/predictable story line and the game is deleting save files for other games. Game freak has lied to the consumers repeatedly about this game and need to be called out. Avoid this game like the plague and we might finally get a capable developer to take over.… Expand
  64. kbrooks25
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Awful cut-ins and graphics, and a terrible cut to pokemon and moves. Honestly worse than the 3DS games.
  65. Sirasseater
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Uh oh stinky game. Low effort cash grab trash hope this game flops so gamefreak actually has to try with the next game.
  66. Amenoch
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Too much water 7/10, too less pokemon 93/100? What's your point, IGN? Now seriously, tell me when a Pokemon game comes out. I said a trully Pokemon game
  67. SamPorters
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    - Less Pokemon species than previous games
    - Less moves than previous games
    - Core mechanics of previous games are removed
    - Worst looking graphics than the average PS2 game
    - Close to every animation is reused from previous games
  68. Inlustris
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    I am a simple man, I see no GTS, the game gets a 0 .
  69. Batman431
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    The Game is Broken, unfinished and the graphics seems to he from 10 years ago.
  70. Quinneyboi
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This game is no improvement. Same old Pokémon game. Graphics are garbage. There’s glitches that happen in the game. Not impressed at all.
  71. Guerreroo
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Hate the new Pokemon design they look like zootopia characters, the worst Pokemon so far.
  72. Aulina
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Where my bulbasaur is!!?

    Per amore del brand mi rifiuto di giocare questo capitolo.
  73. CLJgamer
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    #GameFreakLied
    Total descaso com os fans, Pokedex super capada, jogo ficou muito mais casual, reutilização de modelagem 3D, gráficos meh, Pokemons novos péssimos (tudo bem q eles se perderam em alola). Não vale nem ferrando os R$300 gastos.
  74. Mutthear
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Big disappointment! Just cut most important features and made the journey bland
  75. billythorton198
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Half the pokemon missing means these games arent worth anything, and the fact that they lose to their fans
  76. FabioGarcia
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    The worst Pokémon ever. PSX graphics (the cutscenes are disgusting). Very easy. GF removed a loooooot of Pokémon from the ND. It seems an PSX game with a lot of limitations. REALLY GF? We wait for this game for decades and you give us this SH?
  77. AntonicoG
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Only 400 Pokémon, like Pokémok Diamond of 13 years ago. And this sacrifice for a bad experience.
  78. poxotaf266
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    The people giving it a 10 can't even give 3 reasons why they like the game. It is the worst installment of the franchise:
    - removed 450 pokemon
    - removed 130 moves - removed key features - fewer than 100 new pokemon - linear region - only 10 routes - no dungeons - reused models - reused textures - reused animations - reused music - short playtime - short postgame - boring    The people giving it a 10 can't even give 3 reasons why they like the game. It is the worst installment of the franchise:
    - removed 450 pokemon
    - removed 130 moves
    - removed key features
    - fewer than 100 new pokemon
    - linear region
    - only 10 routes
    - no dungeons
    - reused models
    - reused textures
    - reused animations
    - reused music
    - short playtime
    - short postgame
    - boring story
    - handholding
    - low difficulty
    - buggy
    - unpolished
    - lazy
    - rushed
    - no cohesion
    - potentially console-breaking (NAND issues are legit according to experts)    … Expand
  79. merkstw
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Short game, crap, I didn't like it at all. I finished it in 3 hours. Not recommended at all, please buy another game.
  80. Tkm7
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Barebones. Would have been a decent 3DS game. No post game, bad graphics. Some of the new Pokémon have promise, but it’s just so, so disappointkng
  81. TheOnlyShape
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Played about 45 minutes, blindlessly A button pressed through pointless/badly animated cutscenes and hand holding opening battles and realized that it's the same old garbage that's been repackaged and resold for the past 20+ years.

    Honestly, if you play through the first hpur tou'll immediately understand. Took it back to Gamestop under their 48 hour full refund policy and exchanged it    Played about 45 minutes, blindlessly A button pressed through pointless/badly animated cutscenes and hand holding opening battles and realized that it's the same old garbage that's been repackaged and resold for the past 20+ years.

    Honestly, if you play through the first hpur tou'll immediately understand.
    Took it back to Gamestop under their 48 hour full refund policy and exchanged it for a game that hopefully won't treat me like a braindead child.

    0/10 Pokemon is **** dead    … Expand
  82. Alanmaster
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Corte de pokedex jogo porco sem mega mega sem pokemons suficientes e qualidade porca tudo nesse jogo é ruin
  83. KrawzerOn
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Primero que nada es una traición al concepto de la saga al no tener todos los Pokémon disponibles en el juego para atrapar o transferir de anteriores entregas, el desgano y prisa de los desarrolladores está patente en el pésimo apartado técnico, una lástima que teniendo tan buena música, dirección artística y diseños de nuevos Pokémo no hayan logrado una buena sinergía entre todos estosPrimero que nada es una traición al concepto de la saga al no tener todos los Pokémon disponibles en el juego para atrapar o transferir de anteriores entregas, el desgano y prisa de los desarrolladores está patente en el pésimo apartado técnico, una lástima que teniendo tan buena música, dirección artística y diseños de nuevos Pokémo no hayan logrado una buena sinergía entre todos estos elementos, el área silvestre tiene el peor apartado técnico visto en un juego de Switch, de lejos el peor juego de la saga principal.… Expand
  84. YoKrawzer
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    I'll don't even bother to explain all the fails in this game, the national Pokedex most be in every main game of this franchise but what kills this game is the awful development decisions.
  85. SangDuhBeast
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This game is an unfinished game, GameFreak did not take the Switch to it full advantage.
    Lagging frame rate Nintendo 64 graphic
    “High (LOW) quality animation”
    Image standing still
    no back ground for Pkm battle
    Wrong Pkm battle back ground Non expressive Pokémon
    The game look like it could run on a 3DS
  86. GDarch
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    I’m disappointed : no national pokedex, poor animations, gamefreak lied to us.
  87. AliGrispi
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ho appena finito la storia dopo 26 ore di gioco. No. Non ci siamo. Cosa non mi è piaciuto: trovare revitalizzanti, anche nelle fasi iniziali del gioco, in così grande numero lo trovo troppo semplificativo, in generale tutto è semplificato, dalla grafica (con quelle maledette texture in 144p) alla trama che spinge sul farti sentire forte ma sbaglia il modo. Non mi sento forte dopo un combattimento, non mi sento forte a catturare eternatus e soprattutto non mi sento forte a battere il campione. Non ha senso la storia del team yell che ti blocca la strada, non hanno senso le pecore che ti bloccano la strada, non ha senso andare a cercare i tipi della lega che hanno la chiave, non ha senso che la segretaria da un momento all'altro si prenda a male e diventi cattiva. In generale la trama non ha senso. Non c'è post game, dopo 26 non ho altro da fare se non Raid e catturare "i pokemon più forti per il competitivo"? Non voglio giocare competitivo, ho speso 60 euro per un gioco vecchio e che non mi ha lasciato niente se non un vuoto dentro il portafoglio. Questo gioco è un insulto ai videogiocatori e soprattutto ai fan del brand. Vergogna GameFreak. Suggerimento: puntare al sandbox più che ad un possibile "openworld", non c'è bisogno di creare nuovi pokemon ma di migliorare l'esperienza con le risorse che avete già. Spero di poter essere ascoltato.… Expand
  88. Zp999
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Underwhelming gameplay, terable graphics compared to what game freak was eluding to, unbearable loss of my personal favourites like kingdra, metagross, etc. Not worth a penny out of your pocket...
  89. memelasjoey
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Feels like a 3rd party, unpolished and incomplete game, lacks a lot of content and graphically is severely subpar to the console's capabilities.
    The kind of game that could fit in a smartphone free to play app, but packed in a 60$ box
  90. 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.
  91. Jeryr
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Not for True Pokemon fans,

    The Dex cut was an insult to most as their favorite Pokemon were excluded, the animation and model has not change since the previous games, Gamefreak made an attempt to lie to us by saying the Pokemon cut was to improve quality but there models and animations are EXACTLY the same as the previous games. It was a amateur attempt on lying and a amateur attempt    Not for True Pokemon fans,

    The Dex cut was an insult to most as their favorite Pokemon were excluded, the animation and model has not change since the previous games, Gamefreak made an attempt to lie to us by saying the Pokemon cut was to improve quality but there models and animations are EXACTLY the same as the previous games.

    It was a amateur attempt on lying and a amateur attempt of making a new game with no innovation, hope they improve the next game even better.

    Refunding/reselling the game after completing it is a good choice as $60 is unjust price for this beta version.    … Expand
  92. zzzelkova
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    I ignored the controversy and gave this game the benefit of the doubt and boy did I pay for that blind ignorance this game bricked our Roku because it is so poorly optimized, I have to put my switch on airplane mode while playing Pokemon specifically so my family can watch TV. Nintendo should pass this game to a different developer in the future,
  93. Duelz96
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Pokémon Shield is absolute trash.
    This game is very much the same as Pokémon sword. I put the game down before the 3rd gym this time. From poor animations to terrible graphics, this completely ruins the atmosphere of the game. Many successful features have been removed. The new content is not the best either.
    This is the worst entry in the Pokémon series by far. Save your money and by a    Pokémon Shield is absolute trash.
    This game is very much the same as Pokémon sword. I put the game down before the 3rd gym this time. From poor animations to terrible graphics, this completely ruins the atmosphere of the game. Many successful features have been removed. The new content is not the best either.
    This is the worst entry in the Pokémon series by far. Save your money and by a game that’s been polished and has actually been made with care.    … Expand
  94. DavoNZ
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Such poor quality despite funds clearly not being an issue...this is Pokemon after all. Haven't seen pop-in this bad or textures this bad since the Wii
  95. cancer2
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    Garbage. Nintendo should buy out the shares for Pokemon and get a new developer. Game freak deserves to be dissolved over this rushed game that is devoid of content and looks like it was a port from the 3DS.
  96. disappointedpkm
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Again, disappointed with the cut Pokémon, lack of challenge and graphics. No background scenery when fighting indoors.
  97. efg94
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    They’ve **** it up this gen. Kuddos to GameFreak for **** on life-long fans. It’s going to take a lot to clean up your act now.
  98. Mabo123
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Bad in every way except for the core gameplay. Hop is the most annoying rival in history, animations are reused from nintendo ds/3ds, national dex is cut in half, leaving out like 75% of the top 20 most liked pokemon, world and cities look empty and static, online sucks as usual, pokemon design very questionable.
  99. kinzu19
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    From the entire saga this is the worst game, i think that game freak dont need to create more pokemons generation if they cannot include all in one game, And to be honest they just create crap new pokemons. (Please just use the past generation and create great games, We dont need more pokemons)
  100. Skyllersy
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    looks like a 2008 game.

    booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooomb

    this game got stuck in the past.
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »