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. 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
  2. DoublePesto
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Gamefreak Lied, Gamefreak Lied, Gamefreak Lied, Gamefreak Lied, Gamefreak Lied
  3. 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.
  4. Witchearts
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Rekindled a welcomed wave of nostalgia! this game has a place for everyone new/old, and is definitely a step in the right direction! This is GF testing the waters... Fingers crossed for dlc, definitely excited for what they do next...
  5. victorlgarcia
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Such a terrible excuse for a game. Feels like a giant cash grab. The first couple of hours I tried to be positive but I can't pretend I don't see terrible grafics, animations and lack of innovation
  6. Zzz66
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    I hate gamefreak for this **** . Pls Nintendo buy Pokémon and switch the company. .
  7. 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
  8. Dazo77
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Pokemon S&S is just fine. Sure there are bits where it could have been done a tad better. But overall, this is Pokemon as you know it.
  9. Ramiro0318
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Mal diseñado, es un reciclaje de sus juegos anteriores pero peor programado
  10. Error-404
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Un épisode vide et sans intérêt. Après le médiocre Let's Go, Game Freak devait sortir le premier grand jeu Pokémon sur console de salon, mais le résultat est un jeu avec environ 60% de contenu en moins que les versions 3Ds ou DS, (nombres de créatures, type de combat, end game...). Un fiasco totale.
  11. DJTwinz
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    This game isn’t the worst game. But it’s not good or what you should expect from Pokémon. The largest media franchise ever. They have enough money they could implement every Pokémon, move, feature, and idea if they used a decent sized budget and expanded their team of 200. But this game is a sign of laziness. Most content is copied from sun and moon with a coat of paint and better graphicsThis game isn’t the worst game. But it’s not good or what you should expect from Pokémon. The largest media franchise ever. They have enough money they could implement every Pokémon, move, feature, and idea if they used a decent sized budget and expanded their team of 200. But this game is a sign of laziness. Most content is copied from sun and moon with a coat of paint and better graphics and resolution because it’s on the switch. It’s not worth $60. This game has less content, Pokemon, routes and features than most previous games. Heck if the post game was a polished up Alohla copy and paste where they just change wild Pokémon and NPCs around it would add twice the length of this game. If you want to play Pokémon Sw/Sh please buy preowned as I’m sure many second hand copies will start appearing in GameStop’s everywhere soon enough...… Expand
  12. Bbug
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Nada, nos quitan cosas, supuestamente para mejorar otras y es todo un copy paste de la generacion pasada, nos quitan objetos, pokemon, megas, movimientos z, y nos meten pokemon gigantes que acaba siendo lo mismo que la mega, no le veo nada de sentido, personajes sin carisma alguna, fácilmente olvida les, no me gusto
  13. Gyeasty
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    The newest mainline Pokemon game we've all been waiting for is in fact a disaster for the series. While only adding 81 new pokemon to the series, these new games managed to remove 490 (yeah, 490) pokemon from previous games, possibly forever. You won't be able to bring back your favorite pokemon that have been with you for years. Pokemon like Lucario, Dragonite, Greninja, and Sceptile areThe newest mainline Pokemon game we've all been waiting for is in fact a disaster for the series. While only adding 81 new pokemon to the series, these new games managed to remove 490 (yeah, 490) pokemon from previous games, possibly forever. You won't be able to bring back your favorite pokemon that have been with you for years. Pokemon like Lucario, Dragonite, Greninja, and Sceptile are gone forever, erased from these future games along with all mega evolutions. You would think that after erasing so many pokemon, Game Freak would add quality new pokemon to the series. But alas, and of course, no they did not. Grookey is the only starter that has a final evolution with a reasonably good design and none of the starters gain a dual type. There are only a few pokemon released in these games that are even usable in competitive play. Pokemon like Dragapult and Grimmsnarl are few and far between within the absolute pile of trash these new pokemon offer. Dynamax is a stupid gimmick that should have never been introduced and I feel like Game Freak is only hyping it up because they even realize it was a huge mistake. "Ooh, big pokemon, me like big pokemon." The only reason I'm giving this a 1 and not a 0 is because there were some decent functionality improvements to the game, but that in no way accounts for the absolute lack of content in these mainline games. I've been a lifelong Pokemon fan - from the first games that came out on gamboy, Red and Blue, and it hurts for me to say that this is the first major step backwards I've seen the company make in that time. What these games present for players is a purgatory of dreams deferred, a useful, connected space void of quality content and the hope that anything great will follow.… Expand
  14. FluffySpartan
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    its a cash grab with low effort in it. everyone expected a great and big game wich the pokemon series deserve after so many years and the most powerful console nintendo ever made.

    pokemon is the biggest franchise on this planet and they give nothing back to the fans ! how about giving the license to another studio wich cares about the players?

    gotta catch them...... few
  15. bertkevin
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    My favourite pokemon has been deleted! Tha graphic performance is too bad. The map design is for infants.
  16. KaptainKlench
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Perhaps the worst entry in the series. Constant graphical glitches, the inability to import my favorite Pokemon from previous games, and the lack of a national Dex, have all served to make me hate this game. Waste of money. Do yourself a favor, skip this one.
  17. 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
  18. ChronikSpartan
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    A fantastic addition to the Pokemon main line of games. As expected gameplay is similar to usual, but that is what we love about Pokemon.
    Graphics look wonderful and the subtle changes to the standard intro of the story are a refreshing change. The only two issues are: Obviously a full Pokedex would have been better. Also character voices definitely should have been added now that this is    A fantastic addition to the Pokemon main line of games. As expected gameplay is similar to usual, but that is what we love about Pokemon.
    Graphics look wonderful and the subtle changes to the standard intro of the story are a refreshing change. The only two issues are: Obviously a full Pokedex would have been better. Also character voices definitely should have been added now that this is a Console experience.    … Expand
  19. The_Stapler
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    I have owned every Pokémon game FYI. Pokémon Sword and Shield: 9

    I must admit Sword and Shield are awesome! Here’s why: Dynamax Online play! The music is superb! First main Pokémon game on console! The battles are hyped up and fun! Generation 8 Pokémon are unique! Being able to see Pokémon roam freely AND still being able to have wild encounters is a cool idea that works     I have owned every Pokémon game FYI. Pokémon Sword and Shield: 9

    I must admit Sword and Shield are awesome! Here’s why:

    Dynamax Online play!
    The music is superb!
    First main Pokémon game on console!
    The battles are hyped up and fun! Generation 8 Pokémon are unique!

    Being able to see Pokémon roam freely AND still being able to have wild encounters is a cool idea that works great! There are many other reasons why I rate this game so high but I will leave it to you all to see for yourselves! Being a long time fan of the series it’s a breath of fresh air to be in a new region with new Pokémon. Yes some of my favorites did not make the cut to sword and shield and THAT IS COMPLETELY FINE. I have all of the other Pokémon games so if I really want to play as that Pokémon I can go back to that nostalgia trip. It’s nice to have something different. Why would I want to play with the same Pokémon every single game? That’s straight up boring to main the same Pokémon every game. Some people are taking this Pokédex situation way too far like it’s a personal attack. It’s just a game. I don’t mind the EXP share at all. I don’t have all of the time in the world to grind away just to level up one particular Pokémon. I have a full-time job and a family soooo less time spent grinding is a good thing. The only gripe I have with the game is the graphics in hand held mode. ***I’m sure there will be a future patch to address this though as I have faith in GF.***

    If you are a Pokémon fan this is a must play.    … Expand
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. SainxtrichX
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    Quizá uno de los mejores juegos de pokemon, las cadencias son claras, y destacan mas en switch, pero la experiencia en general fue muy grata y entretenida. Lo recomiendo a 100& y recomiendo no dejarse llevar por las controversias y jugarlo por que vale mucho la pena.
  23. JuniorBertao
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Muito bom!
    Gráficos bonitos
    Pokémon sendo Pokémon
    Galarian Forms 10/10
  24. 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
  25. maxspin
    Nov 15, 2019
    5
    I have just played this game for 5 hours and all I can say is that the rumors were right. Graphics are lackluster (to not say bad) for a Switch game, animations are not detailed like Nintendo promised, routes are boring and most are just straight lines, national dex is nowhere to be seen (I was expecting this but whatever), and tons of other small issues that end up causing a snowballI have just played this game for 5 hours and all I can say is that the rumors were right. Graphics are lackluster (to not say bad) for a Switch game, animations are not detailed like Nintendo promised, routes are boring and most are just straight lines, national dex is nowhere to be seen (I was expecting this but whatever), and tons of other small issues that end up causing a snowball effect. I really did expect it to be a bit better, but as a long time fan, I'm just disappointed.… Expand
  26. Lersotakus
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    Pokedex no no no noooooooooooooooooooooo potencia diabloooooooooooooooooooooo
  27. Cozzy
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    I’ve played the game for thirteen hours done five gym badges and have had an absolute blast
    It’s a great little Pokemon entry
    The wild area is great The animations of the Pokemon are nice when there out in the wild or in battle the characters and overall story are fine for a Pokemon game. yes it’s not the Witcher 3 or the last of us type story driven and character building games with    I’ve played the game for thirteen hours done five gym badges and have had an absolute blast
    It’s a great little Pokemon entry
    The wild area is great
    The animations of the Pokemon are nice when there out in the wild or in battle the characters and overall story are fine for a Pokemon game.
    yes it’s not the Witcher 3 or the last of us type story driven and character building games with beloved characters you care for.
    because guess what this is a Pokemon game not a narrative driven gaming experience
    Dynamaxing is far more than a gimmick it’s a great little added element that just makes raiding or gym battles that much more fun and cooler to witness.
    There are 436 Pokemon to catch as of now and if that isn’t enough for you then I’m sorry your a self entitled A hole that should get a job at game freaks at see if you can do better than they have.

    There is plenty to do in this game overall from customisation for your character to side actives to raids and post game activities that I haven’t personally experienced but will update once I have.

    This Pokemon game does what it does very well and if your hating on it as part of the band wagon or controversy over the national dex how about you shut the hell don’t buy the game and go play something else you actually like and leave people that actually like the game alone
    At the end of the day it’s just that a game it’s not a way of life the world isn’t gonna end of it
    Once sword and shield ultra or whatever they call it comes out next year with improved features content and so on you’ll have a defining Pokemon experience.
    It’s a great set of games to build up on in the future and I personally am looking forward to it. .    … Expand
  28. 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
  29. erion94
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    In 20 years following and loving Pokémon (specially in that times that people bullied who did it), this is the first time I got disgusted with the franchise.

    Theses games are nothing more than a mix of recicled Pokemon, models, animations and scripts, literally just a 3ds Pokemon game upscaled(citra did it better). And even worst, with HALF OF THE CONTENT CUTTED!!! 500 less Pokemon    In 20 years following and loving Pokémon (specially in that times that people bullied who did it), this is the first time I got disgusted with the franchise.

    Theses games are nothing more than a mix of recicled Pokemon, models, animations and scripts, literally just a 3ds Pokemon game upscaled(citra did it better). And even worst, with HALF OF THE CONTENT CUTTED!!!
    500 less Pokemon
    100 less Moves
    No Megas
    No Z Moves
    No Special Pokemon (Cap Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu)

    And the new stuff S*CKS
    PokeCurry is just a new Pokemon Amie mini game feature.
    Dynamax is just a Mega Pokemon copycat.
    New mechanics made the game even more easier, even if you want to play in a hardcore way.

    Why bothering training, breeding and trading if you can get perfect Pokemon so easily?

    The only old Pokemon that received more attention are the gen 1 ones, again.

    Omori, Masuda LEAVE POKEMON COMPANY RIGHT NOW!    … Expand
  30. Videogamer7800
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Pure **** Fire masuda and let nintendo deal with pokemon. These games are as fun as a dead dog. And all the gamefreak apologists suck too
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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.
    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]
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