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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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!
  4. Felipecarneiro
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Joguei somente o modo offline, passando até o pós-game, mas gostei bastante do jogo. Ainda sinto falta dos Pokémon que não estão na dex, mas o que realmente me deixou chateado foi a desculpa da GF sobre os “problemas operacionais”, mas o jogo em si, me diverti e ainda estou me divertindo bastante ✌️
  5. alcremieimpidip
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    My favourite game for sure. It was so so funny, the pokemon designes are perfect! I love this so much!
  6. 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
  7. lucasts02
    Nov 21, 2019
    0
    Sweet jesus, why? Spent 100 dollars on the bundle for this peace of garbage.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. pokefanboi
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Not a bad game, definetely needs work and deserve to be release later. Not a fan of the cut but has a good storyline {not spoiling the story}, adore the graphics, love the starters and the way they tried to give the gyms a brand new style like an actual sports event. I dislike how short the league was but it wasn't too bad. I also love Dynamax, GIgantimax and the online universe into theNot a bad game, definetely needs work and deserve to be release later. Not a fan of the cut but has a good storyline {not spoiling the story}, adore the graphics, love the starters and the way they tried to give the gyms a brand new style like an actual sports event. I dislike how short the league was but it wasn't too bad. I also love Dynamax, GIgantimax and the online universe into the game. I dislike the server yeah but other than that the game is good. Needs work on the resoloutions, since I'd rate the reso a 5.… Expand
  11. Cindadams1
    Nov 21, 2019
    9
    I don’t understand all the hate. I get it, Pokemon were cut, that was a mistake. The gym battles, the characters, the character development, all on point. I can’t remember the last time I walked away from a Pokémon game remembering each individual gym leader. Also, the MUSIC. Omg. The music is so good. I came into this game very skeptical, and was worried about how it wouldI don’t understand all the hate. I get it, Pokemon were cut, that was a mistake. The gym battles, the characters, the character development, all on point. I can’t remember the last time I walked away from a Pokémon game remembering each individual gym leader. Also, the MUSIC. Omg. The music is so good. I came into this game very skeptical, and was worried about how it would play out. Please please don’t listen to these upset fan boys. This game is a masterpiece, just with a few rough edges.… Expand
  12. MaidHikari
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Love it. Not the best Pokemon game but deffo not the worst etheir not bad for there first try at a home console game.
  13. 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
  14. DragonGamerZ
    Jan 29, 2020
    10
    Just read my review for Pokemon Sword, it covers about everything. Maximum enjoyment from these titles, being second only to Black and White in my eyes.
  15. MoviesRUS
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Awesome game. Ignore the haters cause they are idiots. They never played the game before and are only hating on it because they have no life. I recommend this game.
  16. nickalleye
    Jan 30, 2020
    8
    First things first: when I play a pokemon game I only use the new gen creatures. That means I don't care about the national dex. People need to stop being so conservative. As for the game itself, it has its fair share of issues (hello always-on exp. share), but it's ultimately a fine game. The designs are pretty cool. Playing it to this day, taking me longer than most cause I want to tryFirst things first: when I play a pokemon game I only use the new gen creatures. That means I don't care about the national dex. People need to stop being so conservative. As for the game itself, it has its fair share of issues (hello always-on exp. share), but it's ultimately a fine game. The designs are pretty cool. Playing it to this day, taking me longer than most cause I want to try all the new monsters.… Expand
  17. 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.
  18. Epiq122
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Excellent entry very fun.
  19. Vanbeef
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    After several Hours of Gameplay I really can say: It's the best Pokemon Game ive ever played.
    Started my Journey with Pokemon Red & Blue and came all my Way to Shield now.

    The Game looks amazing
    Smooth Gameplay
    Cute Pokemon Style
    Over 350 different Pokemon... thats just amazing!!
  20. Pepe4k
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Es el mejor Pokemon en cuanto a contenido y entretenimiento, eso nadie puede negarlo. Mejor juego del año con diferencia.
  21. Saxophilist
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    This game introduces over 80 new pokemon and new training mechanics that makes EV training much easier. It deserves points just for that.
  22. Banjo0119
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Honestly this game is good. It's definitely not USUM or Black and Whote levels of perfectuon, but it plays well. I don't really care about 400 pokemon, i juat want new ones. It would get a 10 however the game is very easy and should've had difficulty settings
  23. Ccomet2385
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    This is a great Pokemon game not the best, but it’s good.
  24. Arutina
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Having played this game for 15~hours i can definitely say that this game is not anywhere near as bad as the reviewbombs of people that have not bought the game make it out to be. Try it for yourself and then make an opinion.
  25. Onimaru
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Yeah have some problems but be real, which game does not? Still a good game and new graphics 10/10 from me.
  26. Nick_bs
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    It's alright for what it is. It follows the same formula as other Pokemon games and if you liked them you'll like this and if not then you won't. The gameplay is always fun in Pokemon games and that still stands here. However this isn't any big jump for the series as many expected. Overall I enjoyed it because it's still a Pokemon game and at it's core it's still a fun experience.
  27. Andmyaxe90
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    I don't understand the hate this game gets. Yes, it's a bit rough around the edges, but the points made by the negative people don't stand. The dex cut was needed. Balancing 890 Pokémon is an impossible task. The animations are fine. But most importantly: the game is fun.
  28. UnionJack0714
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    This game is very bitter sweet. The game itself, is as good as 'pokemon' games get, at the expense of missing favourites... but honestly the designs of the new Pokemon are so good, it's forgivable... to an extent. Obviously I want my old favourites back, but at the same time I'm finding some new favourites. The wild area is great, even if it's not the best looking area in the game and isThis game is very bitter sweet. The game itself, is as good as 'pokemon' games get, at the expense of missing favourites... but honestly the designs of the new Pokemon are so good, it's forgivable... to an extent. Obviously I want my old favourites back, but at the same time I'm finding some new favourites. The wild area is great, even if it's not the best looking area in the game and is very bare bones in terms of decoration, offering a unique take on Pokemon encounters, and playing with other players is brilliant too. The story and characters definitely aren't bad, but are predictable if you've played Sun and Moon... very obvious inspiration there. The music ranges from the best in the series to this doesn't fit at all, thankfully more good than bad songs. Dynamax and Gigamax forms aren't the silly gimmicks I thought they would be, they offer up some great battles, especially towards the end of the game. And most importantly, unlike Sun and Moon, the game doesn't have a long unnecessary tutorial. Overall, if you want a good Pokemon game, this is for you. If you wanted a massive leap forward in the series, maybe wait for Gen 9 instead and safe yourself the anger and hate towards this game.… Expand
  29. Aman144
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    After playing this game for over 25 hours beating the main story and postgame story, I can easily say this is my favorite Pokémon game and it’s hard to go back to older ones with all the improvements sword and shield has to offer. Animations are amazing especially Dynamax moves and starter signature moves. The art style goes so well with this region that in some areas it just looksAfter playing this game for over 25 hours beating the main story and postgame story, I can easily say this is my favorite Pokémon game and it’s hard to go back to older ones with all the improvements sword and shield has to offer. Animations are amazing especially Dynamax moves and starter signature moves. The art style goes so well with this region that in some areas it just looks gorgeous. Depending on how you build your team the game can be very difficult as some trainers have really good AI. The league battles were incredible being in the stadium knowing everyone is watching you and hearing them cheer for you truly is a great feeling. The cities are big and there were many secrets to find. The game just felt ambitious and with some more time I know this game would have been even better but still I’m happy with what we got. The hate on this game is overblown more people need to play it and most importantly play it with an open mind or you’ll never like it. Definitely a 9/10 game for me and the most fun I’ve had ever playing Pokémon

    Also to address the National dex controversy I believe that is overblown as well, when you are playing the game and seeing all the new Pokémon you forget all about the Pokémon that aren’t there. If a game is bad to you because of frame rate drops and pop ins which in a technical sense in the wild area keeps the game from being unplayable then I don’t know what to tell you. It’s barely noticeable and if it bothers you that much I don’t know how you play many other games. Lastly I just want to talk about how great the music in this game is my lord definitely my new favorite Pokémon soundtrack you got to listen to it with headphones it’s so incredible    … Expand
  30. bigmacdaddyHBZ
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    More pokemon so I already knew I was gonna love it however the whole cutting of the PokeDeX sucks.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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