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. Ciano2
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    My first Pokémon game and loving it so far great battles and wonderful landscapes
  2. Csnively715
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    I am really enjoying this game. The animations look really good, the new Pokémon are interesting and fun to use. I really like the way they changed the HM alternatives. Plus the wild area is a completely new type of challenge. My favorite Pokémon game since Black and White’s release
  3. Xvolsted
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    Although the lack of a national dex may seem disappointing at first, it doesn’t bog the experience down at all due to the wealth of new and old Pokémon in the game already. One of the only problems I had with the game was that the pacing can be a little odd at times. But overall I think it’s a game that all Pokémon fans should play. As it’s one of the best yet, only surpassed by Heart GoldAlthough the lack of a national dex may seem disappointing at first, it doesn’t bog the experience down at all due to the wealth of new and old Pokémon in the game already. One of the only problems I had with the game was that the pacing can be a little odd at times. But overall I think it’s a game that all Pokémon fans should play. As it’s one of the best yet, only surpassed by Heart Gold and Soul Silver.… Expand
  4. Alpha88
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Great so far 10 hours in and I have only just got my first gym badge a must buy for the pokemon trainers of old and new. My advice take your time with it explore and enjoy the new additions to a game that has improved in many areas. The gym battles and stadiums are an impressive much welcomed new look.
  5. KaiserL19
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    A very big upgrade from past generation games! Wild area is amazing and gym battles are challanging
  6. Atomicfish
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    I’m by far not a die hard Pokémon fanatic, I’ve only truly played two of there games thoroughly. I’ve always had a hard time maintaining my excitement through there games and also feeling immersed in the very unique and exciting world the Pokémon has created. Pokémon shield has honestly resolved all those issues, by far their best game yet. It’s obvious that gamefreak put a lot of effortI’m by far not a die hard Pokémon fanatic, I’ve only truly played two of there games thoroughly. I’ve always had a hard time maintaining my excitement through there games and also feeling immersed in the very unique and exciting world the Pokémon has created. Pokémon shield has honestly resolved all those issues, by far their best game yet. It’s obvious that gamefreak put a lot of effort in fixing the parts of their games that were boring or burdening. All of these new additions to the games is only making more excited to see what’s next for the franchise and how they can continue to make their games truly immersive.… Expand
  7. AD2
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Easily the best Pokémon game yet. From the user interface, to graphics, to sound, to convenience, it beats nearly every Pokémon game on nearly every metric.
  8. Ruvi
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    It's my first real Pokemon game though so I don't know all the drama behind the expectations other people had for it. I think It's relaxing and fun. Well thought out!
  9. Interface9009
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    I love this game, I have played about 23 hours now and I'm just about to enter the challenger's cup. I don't understand all the criticism for this new entry for Pokemon. It's just a really solid game in general.
  10. Ctwilliams98
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Pokémon Shield is an excellent game and for a long time pokemon fan it brought back the magic to me that I used to get from the games as a kid. I loved going into the game completely blind and feeling surprised at finding a new Pokémon. All the new Pokémon designs are fantastic and it took a lot more time to settle on a team because there were that many great Pokémon to choose from. EvenPokémon Shield is an excellent game and for a long time pokemon fan it brought back the magic to me that I used to get from the games as a kid. I loved going into the game completely blind and feeling surprised at finding a new Pokémon. All the new Pokémon designs are fantastic and it took a lot more time to settle on a team because there were that many great Pokémon to choose from. Even though all of the Pokémon were not in the game I never felt like I was missing anything and the Pokémon that were in the game made sense. With the amount of Pokémon there are now it's understandable that eventually they would need to make cuts. Pokémon Sw/Sh are amazing games and I recommend them to any long time fans that are still on the fence. Game Freak did a great job and I think they should be proud of what they have achieved!

    Also don't let the review bombing cloud your judgment, the Pokémon community is incredibly toxic    … Expand
  11. Dysingeriii
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Shield has quickly become my favorite game in the series. The new wild area is easily addicting
  12. NinjaSox7
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Well since I've actually played some of the game, I think the user reviews are very gross. Don't judge a book by it's cover and actually bother playing it. I know I'm not helping by giving it a perfect 10 but somebody has to balance out the BS this toxic fanbase is causign. In actuality I'd probably give it an 8 so far. The game is very fun and I seriously recommend giving it a second chance.
  13. Fran2211
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    The Game is fresh air for the pokemon franchise Si Manu new Pokémon takes out in part de sadness of not having de national dex and the feeling of epicness un the gyms is really good
  14. Beautybrand
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    I love it!!! This is an incredible game, and a lot of fun. I think it will go down as the best.
  15. Ya_boi_Jingles
    Nov 18, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I absolutely love and adore this game. I am aware of the flaws it has which is why it doesn’t get a perfect score, but it’s just such a blast to play, and the Champion, Leon, was one of the most amazing fights I’ve played in Pokémon. It really was challenging. The new Pokémon are fantastic, and the music is amazing.… Expand
  16. Lupinwolf89
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Great addition to the franchise. Game is fun and beautiful and the sound track is amazing. Have been playing since the beginning and am excited to see where the franchise goes.
  17. Kainolan
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Beautiful graphics, great mechanics, a super fun time. I can't put it down.
  18. Jakey92
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    The best game in the series to date. The Wild Area in particular is any Pokémon lovers dream.
  19. Lugui96
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Haven't been this excited for a Pokémon game for so long. The graphics are not mindblowing, but thats not what I expect out of a Pokémon game. For me, the gameplay and atmosphere are what matters most, and this game nails it.
  20. fidalgo0
    Nov 20, 2019
    9
    The story is amazing and entertaining. The pokemon selection, despite incomplete, is perfect for the region. The music is amongst the best of all the franchise. The wild area is immersive, and a great step forward in the franchise.
  21. Mattminty
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Best Pokemon in time loved it. Great Pokémon great mechanics . I’ve been a fan since gen 1 . The only reason the user score is low is be cause some children are having a strop(tantrum) about not having all the Pokémon in the game.
  22. Lawrence7
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    For anyone debating whether they will like the game or not - stay assured that game freak put a lot of thought and love into this game. I played non-stop the last few days, and I have had a blast. A very charming and fresh addition to the series. There is always room for improvement of course, and I hope the next games on the switch are even better. As a casual Pokemon fan I am very happyFor anyone debating whether they will like the game or not - stay assured that game freak put a lot of thought and love into this game. I played non-stop the last few days, and I have had a blast. A very charming and fresh addition to the series. There is always room for improvement of course, and I hope the next games on the switch are even better. As a casual Pokemon fan I am very happy with it and don’t regret buying it at all.… Expand
  23. Rolling740
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    This is still a great game even though the animations '' arn't as good ''. The battles are still fun and that is what the game is about.
  24. 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
  25. NILord
    Nov 17, 2019
    2
    No national desk, bad optimization, random glitches, where are all the movements? Bad animations. Maybe worth pokemon so far.
  26. 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.
  27. jorgeben292110
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    Es un "buen" juego si ignoras ciertos apartados (gráficos, etc), lo mismo con la otra versión, sin embargo es cuestionable el hecho de haber eliminado de forma masiva la mayoría de Pokémon, también megaevoluciones , etc. No es lo que esperaba, espero que la próxima entrega sea mucho mejor que esta.
  28. 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
  29. Aioria
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Fantastic Game.
    It's a Must have , new designer, pokémons , raids on line, If you have a Nintendo Switch, buy It .
  30. 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.
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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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