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. Zeliath
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Great game so far. Enjoying the Galar region, enjoying all the new Pokemon, and looking forward to battling, nuzlocking and raiding.
  2. blisss
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    A wonderful selection of new Pokémon, story that keeps you captivated, an open world to explore, likable characters and Pokémon choices. Good looking graphics, top tier music, and a wonderful tv screen Pokémon experience which is something I’ve always wanted.
  3. Malooga
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Don’t listen to the “Dexit” reviewers. The game is awesome. There’s over 300 Pokémon and lets be honest - it was too much at 150. Keeping the games unique in offering certain Pokémon is a staple of the franchise. Expecting it to change now is silly. Sound/music is excellent - new designs are awesome. It has a cartoony and pleasing aesthetics and much of the annoying “grind” is gone.Don’t listen to the “Dexit” reviewers. The game is awesome. There’s over 300 Pokémon and lets be honest - it was too much at 150. Keeping the games unique in offering certain Pokémon is a staple of the franchise. Expecting it to change now is silly. Sound/music is excellent - new designs are awesome. It has a cartoony and pleasing aesthetics and much of the annoying “grind” is gone. Replaced by clever mechanics that keep you searching for new partners and customizing the ones you love in cool ways. It feels like a NEW Pokémon game - 40+ hours long (didn’t even see the first gym until hour 10). I even like the odd mix of cockney slang they throw in to dialogue over the “baby-English” in most Pokémon games. If you want a new Pokémon experience, and you don’t mind some subtle gameplay formula changes to enhance experience and keep things lively - then check this out. If you’re an OCD completionist who likes to whine about promises that were never made - you’ll find good company in the droves of spoiled gamers who review bombed this release. Babies. 10/10… Expand
  4. SLURM187
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    There is not a single review in the red for this game that is valid. All these national dex cry babies realize the only power they have is leaving a low review for a game that is actually really great. If you are a Pokemon fan, you really owe it to yourself to play this game. For me, the wild area alone is fantastic. Its a great place to explore, level up, and find new Pokemon. It makes meThere is not a single review in the red for this game that is valid. All these national dex cry babies realize the only power they have is leaving a low review for a game that is actually really great. If you are a Pokemon fan, you really owe it to yourself to play this game. For me, the wild area alone is fantastic. Its a great place to explore, level up, and find new Pokemon. It makes me so happy knowing that the national dex whiners are the vocal minority, since the game has had massive sales. Keep doing what you do Game Freak. It's your vision, and it's a good one.… Expand
  5. lokiface
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    It's a great game with brilliant characters, the new Pokemon are exciting and the battles are a treat. The wild area is incredibly addictive and it's fun to go back and see what new Pokemon show up, and seeing the other players running around/biking. I've felt encouraged to play with friends using the raid system and have teamed up several times with my buddy in California. The gymIt's a great game with brilliant characters, the new Pokemon are exciting and the battles are a treat. The wild area is incredibly addictive and it's fun to go back and see what new Pokemon show up, and seeing the other players running around/biking. I've felt encouraged to play with friends using the raid system and have teamed up several times with my buddy in California. The gym challenges / battles feel epic and the actual difficulty is well-crafted (first gym Pokemon are level 20). The camping and curry making system is really fun too. Don't listen to all the negative reviews you'll just miss out on a good game.… Expand
  6. bernera
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    The game could be more visually neat, but bro is so much fun this wild area game even you will be hunting and raiding for a long time
  7. Ocosu
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Best pokemon yet. It isn't perfect for a lot of people since its missing a good half of the full pokedex, but I promise you if it had it, about 80% of the people bashing on this game would be giving it 7 to 10 score wise. Regardless of a few hiccups and some lower resolutions textures in heavy parts of the game, its stunning and beautiful in most parts of the game. I cant tell you how manyBest pokemon yet. It isn't perfect for a lot of people since its missing a good half of the full pokedex, but I promise you if it had it, about 80% of the people bashing on this game would be giving it 7 to 10 score wise. Regardless of a few hiccups and some lower resolutions textures in heavy parts of the game, its stunning and beautiful in most parts of the game. I cant tell you how many times me or my girlfriend are commenting about the amount of detail and care that went into some of the scenery in comparison to past titles. It is the best looking game yet; anyone saying otherwise is likely upset at the dex or isn't acknowledging the quality outside the few hiccups I mentioned above.

    The wild area is a great detail and I hope its something that remains and sticks with titles that come after this addition. Its a very good step in the right direction. Even outside of the wild area, pokemon walking around and adding different forms of encountering them really brings the world to life and seems to be something they intend to keep hopefully.

    Story... All and all, its definitely better than a lot of past entries, but its still what you would expect out of an pokemon game. I do like that they're adding more personality to their characters now that they're on the stronger hardware, but it stills sticks to the path you'd expect out of these games.

    My opinion? They're great games. It will lack some of your favorites and it might disappoint some fans in that regard, but isn't a bad game. It isn't a bad looking games. It is the best game yet and I look forward to the one that will follow.    … Expand
  8. RyogaWanderer
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    I just spent 5 hours playing with my friends after getting our copies. The games are fun, the graphics are a serious step up from previous Pokemon games, and the new Pokemon are awesome. Raids are super fun, and there are ton of Pokemon to catch right off the bat (seriously, I have 36 and I just got to the first gym). The people here that are slamming it with 0's either haven't played it,I just spent 5 hours playing with my friends after getting our copies. The games are fun, the graphics are a serious step up from previous Pokemon games, and the new Pokemon are awesome. Raids are super fun, and there are ton of Pokemon to catch right off the bat (seriously, I have 36 and I just got to the first gym). The people here that are slamming it with 0's either haven't played it, are not Pokemon fans, or wanted to be angry so bad they did not give it a fair chance. It's Pokemon, it's great.… Expand
  9. Jose12
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Normally I would give it an 8, but Im very sure people that hasnt even played the game is giving this game a 0, and thats not fair at all, Im having a lot of fun with this game, I love the new pokemon, I love the gym leader mechanics, the music is awesome, the wild area is the future of the gamem, Im very aware that the graphics arent the expected for a console like switch but thats why INormally I would give it an 8, but Im very sure people that hasnt even played the game is giving this game a 0, and thats not fair at all, Im having a lot of fun with this game, I love the new pokemon, I love the gym leader mechanics, the music is awesome, the wild area is the future of the gamem, Im very aware that the graphics arent the expected for a console like switch but thats why I give it a fair 8, but in my heart is really a ten, cause Im faving fun like no other pokemon game ever, if gamefreak fix the graphics issues and some npcs mechanics we will be talking about a game of the year in future presentations, maybe adding actors to some dialogues would be awesome two, besides that is awesome… Expand
  10. JDRH
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Nice and beautiful game, I just love it, nice music, pretty soothing graphics
  11. Minishfrank
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Looks pretty great, all big a colorful! Also, this game is SO fun & the soundtrack is AWESOME.
  12. batmattman
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Good game, oozing charm, lots of fun.
  13. RYSCO
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    Just say I think it's a great game. I don't usually follow pokemon games, but I think it's a very good and entertaining game. It has hooked me and I love that there are few pokemons and not the string of pokemons that there is ... is a hook... Recommended... Although I see a lot of hater that I would have to play... And many people who do not know how to value the games for their fun andJust say I think it's a great game. I don't usually follow pokemon games, but I think it's a very good and entertaining game. It has hooked me and I love that there are few pokemons and not the string of pokemons that there is ... is a hook... Recommended... Although I see a lot of hater that I would have to play... And many people who do not know how to value the games for their fun and their hours of fun that I carry few and I can say that I find a good game ... entertaining, fun and has me hooked ...… Expand
  14. rucus
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    by far the best Pokémon game to be released so far. been playing for about 34 hours and just got to the 6th gym. defiantly a long game and I have yet to get bored. its a most buy for anyone that is a Pokémon fan.
  15. amed_fonseca
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    el juego se ve muy bien a pesar de todo lo que han dicho, para ser el primer juego de la saga principal desarrollado para una consola casera esta excelente, por lo que llevo jugado me parece un gran juego de pokemon así que no tengan miedo al comprarlo, si el juego les llama la atención no se arrepentirán al comprarlo, juego 100% recomendado.
  16. Velisu
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    This game is not about grafix or some realistic effects, its game about gameplay. And this game is doing well, in time where games be more like movies instead be more like games!
  17. Moemoe1
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    so many people exaggerate this game is a nice game and does what it needs to do
  18. Lushen1212
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    El pokemon que llevo deseando muchismo tiempo. La espera merecio la pena. Es una joya y divertidisimo
  19. Mikki1986
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Storymode took me 30hrs to finish. Playing docked and graphics are really nice. 400 pokemon are more then enough for me. Me and my 11 year old love it 10/10
  20. ResilientFightr
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Graphics get a B. Story a B+. Characters a B+ and new pokemon designs an A. The added mechanic of giant pokemon is amazing its like my kaiju childhood fantasy from playing rampage came true with CHARIZARD and TYRANITAR
  21. Fready
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Mal endlich was neues mit relativ guter Grafik.
    Bis jetzt finde ich es einfach nur super.
    Auch wenn manchmal die Auflösung im Handheld modus niedrig ist.
    Das Design ist in manchen Punkten vielleicht nicht für jeden was, aber schlecht auf kein Fall.
  22. Epiq122
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Excellent entry very fun.
  23. Will2000
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    A great game. The low score is completely undeserved and is the result of "fans" angry at it over the fact you can't transfer old Pokemon over. I have no idea what people are talking about with low play times, I'm 7 hours in and have only just beaten the first gym. The graphics are a massive improvement over previous installments to the Pokemon franchise.
  24. ErkMcleod
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    The best pokémon experience ever, surpases all other pokémon gameplays, no random battles, the pokémon game I"ve been waiting for all this time.
  25. Lesh0
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Best pokemon Game to date. Who cares that some pokemon are cut out when u got 400(more than enough) who cares that 100 moves are cut out of the game when u dont really need taht many anyways. Graphics are amazing and story is decent. This is the right direction to transfer the Pokemon franchise to the new graphics. New dynamax system is fresh and fun. I own all pokemon games and I wasBest pokemon Game to date. Who cares that some pokemon are cut out when u got 400(more than enough) who cares that 100 moves are cut out of the game when u dont really need taht many anyways. Graphics are amazing and story is decent. This is the right direction to transfer the Pokemon franchise to the new graphics. New dynamax system is fresh and fun. I own all pokemon games and I was never a competitive pokemon player more on the casual side and I can asure you that the game is worth it !!… Expand
  26. XsGamer
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    NOTE: If you are review bombing because of the pokedex. Grow up, you're a child and should never be taken seriously. I would urge anyone actually reading these user reviews to ignore the ones spouting crap about it due to a pokedex (not all the pokemon being in the game). Their opinion in this matter is invalid.

    With that said: Pokemon sword/shield provide a different experience than    NOTE: If you are review bombing because of the pokedex. Grow up, you're a child and should never be taken seriously. I would urge anyone actually reading these user reviews to ignore the ones spouting crap about it due to a pokedex (not all the pokemon being in the game). Their opinion in this matter is invalid.

    With that said: Pokemon sword/shield provide a different experience than previous games. None of my favorite pokemon are in the game. However that sort of thing doesn't bother me. Unlike people complaining about the lack of the entire dex I know it would take tens of thousands of hours to animate every single action and attack.

    The biggest downfall is the performance issues when you play with the online enabled in the wild area. Other than that it's really not a big deal. The entire experience is enjoyable and I've done nothing but enjoy my time spent playing.    … Expand
  27. JuniorBertao
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Muito bom!
    Gráficos bonitos
    Pokémon sendo Pokémon
    Galarian Forms 10/10
  28. BloodMutt
    Nov 21, 2022
    10
    I don't know why everyone has hated on this game. It was good and I played it through to completion.
  29. thiago__vascon
    Nov 22, 2019
    10
    I really dont understand all the hate. I've played over 60 hours and just keep coming back for more. I believe it to be the best game on the series, or at least very close to it. It would be better if there were all the pokemon? Yeah, sure. But also sure the cute didn't really affect the gameplay. The graphics are good, not outstanding, but you find a lot of enchanting places in the game.I really dont understand all the hate. I've played over 60 hours and just keep coming back for more. I believe it to be the best game on the series, or at least very close to it. It would be better if there were all the pokemon? Yeah, sure. But also sure the cute didn't really affect the gameplay. The graphics are good, not outstanding, but you find a lot of enchanting places in the game. I only wish it had a bigger story, but it's just because the game is so nice i wish to keep playing more and more. Also, the wield area is definitely the best thing in the pokemon series til now, it's really fascinating and filled with all kinds of pokemon. Again, my only wish was it all was bigger, but not because it's small, but because i wish to play more and more.… Expand
  30. aderpaderp
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    This game brings me back. I haven't played a Pokemon game since Red/Blue/Yellow and I can say that this game builds off the same feel good Pokemon experience. This is one of the best turn-based strategy games ever created. You can tell the developers wanted to bring it back to the old school Pokemon days. The poor reviews on here make no sense because this game is very similar to howThis game brings me back. I haven't played a Pokemon game since Red/Blue/Yellow and I can say that this game builds off the same feel good Pokemon experience. This is one of the best turn-based strategy games ever created. You can tell the developers wanted to bring it back to the old school Pokemon days. The poor reviews on here make no sense because this game is very similar to how Red/Blue/Yellow played. The game has wonderful graphics, quick loading times, brand new (and some old) Pokemon, and has Online Battle modes.

    To answer some of the criticism about Gameplay: There are 400 Pokemon (not sure why anyone complains about a lack thereof), YES you can transfer Pokemon between your Pokemon Battle lineup and your storage. YES you can store all of the Pokemon you find in 8 storage boxes and access them at any time. You can FAST travel between locations. The game mechanics are wonderful and load times are a breeze.

    I'm pushing 30 years old and wonder how many of these 0 reviewers were even alive when Red/Blue/Yellow were out. Anyway, if you want some nostalgia and throwback feel good, pick up Sword/Shield. You will not be disappointed. And shame on all these kids posting 0's. Shame!    … Expand
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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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