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. LesterYida
    Jun 25, 2020
    2
    Worst gen ever. Compared with other games on Switch, the graphic Sword & Shield is not good tbh. But let's forget that, Pokemon is never good with the graphics. But excluding hundreds of Pokemon from the game? Making such a boring story with absolutely no innovation? Selling a DLC with such poor content (oh, that's nice. at least is not ultra sword & shield) ? Game Freak and The PokemonWorst gen ever. Compared with other games on Switch, the graphic Sword & Shield is not good tbh. But let's forget that, Pokemon is never good with the graphics. But excluding hundreds of Pokemon from the game? Making such a boring story with absolutely no innovation? Selling a DLC with such poor content (oh, that's nice. at least is not ultra sword & shield) ? Game Freak and The Pokemon Company seems very satisfied with what they have right now and have no intention to improve anything in the Gen 8. The only good thing about this gen is getting a Pokemon ready for online battle is much easier than before. Unfortunately I don't like online battle. So screw it, worst Pokemon game ever for me.… Expand
  2. Sesma007
    Jul 19, 2020
    2
    More of the same, next generation of Pokémon and we still see same combat mode no effort in the game Nintendo is just milking the franchise
  3. Rjair94
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    Aventura divertida, competitivo decente, el arte es muy bonito, lo negativo los gráficos son de generación pasada y la poca cantidad de monstruos
  4. Danielife
    Jun 22, 2020
    7
    This game is fun, the story is good, even though I didn't like the end. Every character has their own personality. GF always gets better with characters, story and OST in new games. New Pokémon are very cute, they all are very caracteristic. BUT, this game has lots of problems that distract you from the good points. Of course, graphics and animation, those are very bad, and they can'tThis game is fun, the story is good, even though I didn't like the end. Every character has their own personality. GF always gets better with characters, story and OST in new games. New Pokémon are very cute, they all are very caracteristic. BUT, this game has lots of problems that distract you from the good points. Of course, graphics and animation, those are very bad, and they can't justify the choose of Dex Cut... I honestly don't really care about that, but the Cut was done so GF could improve graphics and animations, which has not been done. There are also problems with how they hand backgrounds... for example, there are 2 battles with a character on 2 different bridges, but only 1 of that has the bridge background. So I think this game was done in 1 year, without lots of quality checks. The online wasn't clearly test, because it's terrible. And this is a big problem for a game with a poor post game.… Expand
  5. Chartium97
    Jun 23, 2020
    0
    The beginning of the decline of pokemon, since the change to the 3d, gamefreak and the pokemon company have found the goose that lays the golden eggs doing less and less effort in each delivery, game and putting more abusive prices than the previous one with absurd dlcs that Supposedly they fix the content of the game, it is very sad that they give a kick to the fans that we have supportedThe beginning of the decline of pokemon, since the change to the 3d, gamefreak and the pokemon company have found the goose that lays the golden eggs doing less and less effort in each delivery, game and putting more abusive prices than the previous one with absurd dlcs that Supposedly they fix the content of the game, it is very sad that they give a kick to the fans that we have supported these games to only become more and more casual with other players, the exploration factor is totally suppressed in addition to the story, getting to do an annual installment to get the maximum possible benefit, when they could use that money to hire more people and that the final product becomes of quality like other games like super mario odyssey or breath of the wild… Expand
  6. Ihatemetacriti
    Jun 23, 2020
    0
    I HATE THAT **** ICE LEVEL WHERE YOU FALL THEOUGH TJE SNOW I HATE IT AND WHEN MY DAD LEFT I DIDNT KWNWO WHAT TO DO BUT THEN I PLAY POMXKON SWOFDAND SHIELD AND I FALL THROUGH THE SNOW **** YOU **** YOU SONY I HATE YOU REMOVE THE ICE LEVEL ****
  7. Darkmagician13
    Jul 22, 2020
    6
    As a massive pokemon fan this surely has been the most disappointing main game yet. The fact that game freak is making us pay extra to "catch them all" the lazy animation and some lazy graphics too. Also the story and plot are really boring and the villain has to be the less memorable of them all.
    On the other hand, the game has a beautiful soundtrack and the multiplayer raids it's    As a massive pokemon fan this surely has been the most disappointing main game yet. The fact that game freak is making us pay extra to "catch them all" the lazy animation and some lazy graphics too. Also the story and plot are really boring and the villain has to be the less memorable of them all.
    On the other hand, the game has a beautiful soundtrack and the multiplayer raids it's something that really is appreciated.
    The champion is actually great, with some charisma and it's actually pretty hard to beat unlike other champions before.
    Overall it's a mesh game, not to bad but not too good.    … Expand
  8. Neku_Tennyson
    Jun 26, 2020
    5
    Pokemon Gen VIII/8 is some mixed feelings for me at its core it's a Pokemon game but doesn't really improve on anything its basically the same formula since the beginning of the franchise. The new addition is the wild area which is great but what's not great so you can't catch a pokemon that's slightly higher level then your pokemon like if your Pokemon is level 28 you can't catch a levelPokemon Gen VIII/8 is some mixed feelings for me at its core it's a Pokemon game but doesn't really improve on anything its basically the same formula since the beginning of the franchise. The new addition is the wild area which is great but what's not great so you can't catch a pokemon that's slightly higher level then your pokemon like if your Pokemon is level 28 you can't catch a level 32 Pokemon, which in my opinion is very dumb. I think The Pokemon Compay should get another company to handle the mainline Pokemon games due to Gamefreak just being done with Pokemon. Gamefreak did handle all the work but I think their workers would be super tired of doing franchise over 20+ years yes I did repeat myself but this needs to be addressed, I'm excited that they are doing DLC instead of making other versions of the Gen 8 games so maybe this a step in the right direction. Oh another thing I didn't like is we lost Megas do to lets make Pokemon gigantic so I hope that for the DLC we get Megas back… Expand
  9. Niwai
    Jun 11, 2021
    2
    Нет русского языка. Игра и так не шедевр, а без русского вообще шлак. Русский язык третий в мире, но разработчику пофиг.
  10. Luts1224
    Nov 30, 2020
    6
    A really basic RPG. Nothing special about it. A few fun moments. Poor graphics. Poor story.
  11. KeybladeHero_05
    Jun 29, 2023
    7
    This game is okay. The only thing I'm going to talk about are the absence of voice acting to some parts of the game. It felt really weird during my first playthrough and I'm sure that I'll feel the same after going through my second attempt.

    The raids however is amazing and honestly, that's the only redeeming thing this game has. A good way to grind via EXP Candies because shared EXP is    This game is okay. The only thing I'm going to talk about are the absence of voice acting to some parts of the game. It felt really weird during my first playthrough and I'm sure that I'll feel the same after going through my second attempt.

    The raids however is amazing and honestly, that's the only redeeming thing this game has. A good way to grind via EXP Candies because shared EXP is a nightmare. If you're playing it for the first time and you don't have any time for grinding, go do the raid den as much as possible.    … Expand
  12. Paragonii
    Jul 20, 2020
    2
    Tbh this game is not good. I just cant understand people who are saying that generation 8 should be the best. It just steps back. If you still want to go through this game, expect like 25 hours, which is definitely the shortest Pokemon game, less content, a story that is non-existent and a rushed game in general. But that is not enough, they destroyed Competitive Play with thatTbh this game is not good. I just cant understand people who are saying that generation 8 should be the best. It just steps back. If you still want to go through this game, expect like 25 hours, which is definitely the shortest Pokemon game, less content, a story that is non-existent and a rushed game in general. But that is not enough, they destroyed Competitive Play with that 20-minutes-timer. The new feature the wild area is not really good, its like an excuse for doing less routes because you have to go through it many times instead of going on a new route and your wont be able to see new stuff there. Playing online while being in the wild area is a pretty bad idea, players gonna teleport around and the performance will be even more bad. The bad graphics is a point you can really see in the wild area, nothing looks really impressive plus things and NPCs are just appearing right in front of you. The only good thing about this game is probably the design of the characters which looks pretty decent. So should you play it? No. Should you play it if you are a big fan of Pokemon? No. And now, they want more money for more Pokemon in the DLC, I cant say how good or bad the newest DLC is, but one thing Im sure about is that Im not gonna waste any more money on Pokemon.
    Title: Worst Pokemon main game.    … Expand
  13. Bahethoven
    Jul 2, 2020
    5
    the game is lackluster and they held back pokemon for the 2DLCS....and the one dlc that realised was bad
  14. Hanekoma
    Jul 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What this game describes in game freak is very different from what I felt when I was playing. What is more regrettable is that the characters in the game plot have an interesting background and excellent design, but the story they are arranged in the game is too simple and boring… Expand
  15. rparzial
    Jul 3, 2020
    5
    I really wanted to enjoy this game. I ignored all the bad reviews and bought it anyway to give it a fair shake.

    BUT the game is just not a good game. It did some things well, and had some nice additions, but overall the game took 2 steps forward and 5 steps back. The magic and spirit of Pokemon is missing. The biggest complaint is how easy the game is. It's so easy, that it    I really wanted to enjoy this game. I ignored all the bad reviews and bought it anyway to give it a fair shake.

    BUT the game is just not a good game. It did some things well, and had some nice additions, but overall the game took 2 steps forward and 5 steps back. The magic and spirit of Pokemon is missing.

    The biggest complaint is how easy the game is. It's so easy, that it completely ruins any enjoyment of the game, everything seems inconsequential. From gym battles to even catching "rare" pokemon.

    Between EXP share always being on, and the EXP candies, the game is near broken. And in the DLC you get an EXP charm boosting EXP even further. I barely fight trainers or wild pokemon. Much less than you would have to in say gen 1-4, and i am 10-20 levels higher than every gym or trainer. I could EASILY be 30-50 levels higher if i grinded for even an hour on Raid battles for EXP candies. I just about 1 shot every single pokemon i face, even without type advantages.

    You CAN avoid the EXP candies, but you shouldn't have to set obstacles by omitting features of the game to get enjoyment. And without them, the EXP share is still too overpowered and can't be turned off.

    Everything down to the smallest detail is dumbed down. Gen 1-5 your rival always chose the starter that had a type advantage against you. In this game the rival chooses so YOU have a type advantage against him making it even easier. Your move selection tells you what is super effective, or not effective now. It's like they thought of every possible way to hold your hand.

    This is completely avoiding the other issues it has as well like the national dex cut, the poor performance of the game, DLC just to get all pokemon, bland story, etc.

    I could forgive ALL of that, if the game was challenging and fun. But it just isn't :(

    I can only hope they learn and make the next game better. Because the potential and possibilities are endless on the switch for pokemon. To those saying "Pokemon was always easy", sure it was easier than some other RPG's, but you still needed to grind and be smart about your pokemon/move choices. And i don't know a single person who NEVER got wiped out by a trainer at least a few times over the first few games.    … Expand
  16. Kas_scientist
    Jul 4, 2020
    0
    It's sad that a company with so many resources did this.
    FPS problems, there are no strategy in the RPG and it's sooo easy... can't disable the XP share...

    The only thing that it doesn't make me regret buying it, is because I never played a Pokemon game since Pokemon Silver. But I still think that I maybe regret it anyway.
  17. Palletown
    Jul 5, 2020
    5
    Nice but not enough.
    The new adventure starts as every generation, it is impossible to contain the hype as you are in a new region, you meet new characters and so on. The problem starts with the unbalanced battles and the lack of interest to keep on playing, why? Well, basically the game rush through the main story, suddenly characters burst out of nowhere with no reason at all ( as    Nice but not enough.
    The new adventure starts as every generation, it is impossible to contain the hype as you are in a new region, you meet new characters and so on. The problem starts with the unbalanced battles and the lack of interest to keep on playing, why? Well, basically the game rush through the main story, suddenly characters burst out of nowhere with no reason at all ( as Oleanna being wicked towards you). The only character who deserves our attention, is Hop, he grows at the same time we grow and he end up being an amazing rival.
    Anyway, GF put all their efforts in this game, but still is not enough to what habitual players are looking for and how the game feels like a long demo and not a complete game. Therefore, the Galar experience turns into something boring and when you end the main story, there is nothing more to do in the game, like back in the first generation.
    In conclusion, as a huge Pokemon fan, this game is not that bad as to receive such bad critics, but somehow it fails in the main story and the experience of training your pokemon as the Exp share in this generation makes the game a complete joke    … Expand
  18. TwinJacks
    Jul 6, 2020
    3
    I've been playing Pokemon since 2004. I've played every main series game since the GBA era and this is my least favorite Pokemon game of all time. Honestly, I bought this game because our gamestop was closing down and it was on sale. I plan to buy the DLC but rn, I'm just waiting for the next generation.
  19. Saintadi
    Jul 10, 2020
    2
    Boring, nothing new, a bad game is a bad game. It feels like a 3ds game.
    Spend your money else where
  20. publicitystunt
    Jul 8, 2020
    0
    I’ve played every single Pokémon game and I can inform you that this is the worst game in the franchise. Gamefreak decided to cut more than 55% of all Pokémon to take more of your money with dlc. Second if they were gonna do that at least make the game good, this game is complete trash, when it comes to story and difficulty. I could give this game to a 5 year old and they would be able toI’ve played every single Pokémon game and I can inform you that this is the worst game in the franchise. Gamefreak decided to cut more than 55% of all Pokémon to take more of your money with dlc. Second if they were gonna do that at least make the game good, this game is complete trash, when it comes to story and difficulty. I could give this game to a 5 year old and they would be able to beat it. In Gen 6 to Gen 7 (excluding the Let’s Go games) the exp share was OP but at least you could turn it off, but in these games you don’t have an option. This makes every battle easy as hell. Also the friendly rival is trash, his Pokémon will always be 2-5 levels below yours. Also the lack of post game hurts. It’s like they took X and Y’s lack of difficulty and lack of post game and called it Pokémon Sword and Shield. Lastly they took away not only mega evolutions but also z moves, making the gameplay predictable. It’s safe to say that gamefreak doesn’t care about their fans, they only care about money… Expand
  21. Potatonian
    Jul 11, 2020
    8
    When the trailers and announcements first started appearing rumoring the absence of a national Pokédex and the inclusion of only 400 of the 809+ Pokemon (now 893+), I didn't have the urge to buy it like I did for all other main line pokemon games. Especially with the exclusion of Mega evolution, and the poor cutscene animations, the game had needed much to be desirable. Despite gamefreaksWhen the trailers and announcements first started appearing rumoring the absence of a national Pokédex and the inclusion of only 400 of the 809+ Pokemon (now 893+), I didn't have the urge to buy it like I did for all other main line pokemon games. Especially with the exclusion of Mega evolution, and the poor cutscene animations, the game had needed much to be desirable. Despite gamefreaks promise of there being completely new pokemon animations and cutscene animations, they were still clearly present with many pokemon animations appearing as far back as 2 generations prior. This however I believe is not really that perplexing despite the developers' promises as old assets are often used in newer games naturally to save time, resources and production cost which should instead be used to improve upon other parts of a game.

    The wild area graphics such as the infamous tree textures and the stiff pokemon animations are obviously a big let down, I remember the many comparison made to it, most notably the open world of Zelda: Breath of the wild. Despite the wild area being a rather shoddily done job, and being it having much to be desired, I am not particularly displeased as it is the first open world experience in pokemon and the wild area itself is magnificent. It also seems that gamefreak has used some feedback to make the open world of the Isle of Armor DLC. I bought it near launch regardless and found the story and gameplay to be great. Contrary to popular opinion I believe dynamax is a great gameplay mechanic added to the game albeit being a less enticing combination of mega evolution and z-moves.
    It has many competitive benefits and is a great aid in any battle. I believe that the competitive scene can truly be cemented with the inclusion of dynamax, mega evoltion and z-moves, allowing for much more stretegic play and a lot less stalling due to an increase in wall-breaking.

    The story itself heavily differed from the traditional stories of old pokemon games as there was no villain team. It had some similarities with Sun and moon's story. The characters however were much more well thought out than in previous games such as the character development of Hop being similar to Wally but much more involved. Leon being made to appear as a great champion much more than any previous game's champion, even going as far as having a remix of the hall of fame being his battle music which perfectly encapsulates his persona and character arc.

    The music in this game was absolutely fantastic with some being nearly or as good as Zinnia's battle theme, PWT final battle theme, Ultra necrozma's theme etc. To name a few, we have Marnies's and Bede's battle themes, the battle tower battle theme made by the living legend Toby Fox, the champion battle music, the wild area music, Mustard's final battle theme etc. I believe gen 8 music overall is nearly on par with gen 5.

    To name a few unmentioned but nice mechanics: the apparel and customisation in this game, camping and curries, trainer card customisation, pokejobs, max raids, enhanced experience training, nature mints, an actual pokemon 'league' that makes much more sense, and pokebox system.

    One very important and much appreciated thing this game has that no other pokemon game has ever had is a DLC. To explain very briefly why this is the best thing to ever happen to mainline pokemon games: every other mainline pokemon game to come out has always either been a remake or a second version of the game, what concerns us however are the second versions (such as Yellow, Crystal, Emerald, Platinum, Black 2 and White 2, Ultra sun and Ultra moon) all of which had additions and improvements to their older counterparts but too miniscule to be considered worth buying, this is apparent in their sales also as these games have significantly less sales. What the DLC does to benefit us and game freak is rather obvious, it gives us new content for less money whilst guarenteeing a lot more sales than a second iteration would. If this is gamefreak's new formula for the mainline games, it will greatly benefit both parties long term.

    Overall, the absence of key battle mechanics from the past two generations including the absence of many many moves and pokemon definitely knocks off a few points from my rating of the game, as does some poor animations and clear laziness in some parts of the game's development. However, this game is great like any other mainline pokemon game, it has all the mechanics and quirks befitting its status as being part of one of the most illustrious, and important series of games to ever exist. I believe it is a great addition to gamefreak's collection and also an important learning curve for gamefreak. Despite how well-received the game wasn't, I personally still believe that it excelled in many ways and performed better than many of its predecessors in some aspects, and will be remembered as an important game for how great it was and how bad it was.    … Expand
  22. Gorgola34
    May 5, 2023
    9
    Juegazo la octava generación, los legendarios increíbles, la historia simple pero contundente y los dlcs con los pájaros legendarios Buff vaya sacada y la ambientación no puede ser mejor, muy muy recomendable
  23. DantiDurum
    Jul 20, 2020
    7
    Esta nueva edición de Pokémon nos ha traído cosas muy buenas como la música, los diseños de las criaturas, los mejorados gimnasios y una mayor facilidad para introducirse al mundo del competitivo. A su vez, estas cosas buenas vienen acompañadas de otras horribles como los gráficos, que son bastante flojos para una Switch; algunas animaciones y texturas o incluso la historia del propioEsta nueva edición de Pokémon nos ha traído cosas muy buenas como la música, los diseños de las criaturas, los mejorados gimnasios y una mayor facilidad para introducirse al mundo del competitivo. A su vez, estas cosas buenas vienen acompañadas de otras horribles como los gráficos, que son bastante flojos para una Switch; algunas animaciones y texturas o incluso la historia del propio juego, la cual no tiene consistencia.… Expand
  24. emilyratesgames
    Nov 20, 2020
    7
    Score: 7
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  25. anxotheboss
    Jul 21, 2020
    7
    Pkmn Shield and Sword are not bad games, they're pretty acceptable Pkmn games, but the problem is that we've been playing the same type of games for two decades. Pkmn needs a big change as Zelda has done with Botw. And Nintendo Switch is the perfect platform for this change. I seriously ask Game Freak and The Pkmn Company to try something new with this franchise. In addition, I think thisPkmn Shield and Sword are not bad games, they're pretty acceptable Pkmn games, but the problem is that we've been playing the same type of games for two decades. Pkmn needs a big change as Zelda has done with Botw. And Nintendo Switch is the perfect platform for this change. I seriously ask Game Freak and The Pkmn Company to try something new with this franchise. In addition, I think this game could be very better in technical aspects, it looks like a 3ds game with HD resolution, while there are other games on Switch like Mario Odyssey, Zelda BOTW, Mario+Rabbids or Doom that look amazing.… Expand
  26. ShaddowMaann
    Aug 3, 2020
    6
    I think there is alot of negative reviews here the game isn't bad but its not amazing its a pokemon game with open world which is pretty cool but battles are too easy
  27. Cormacd69
    Mar 7, 2021
    6
    It’s easy to hate on the game because of the graphics, however even if the graphics were better, would this be a memorable experience? In what is in my opinion are worst the worst games to date, Pokemon must wake up and realise it needs to take a leaf out of it’s book and evolve. From a boring world and open area with next to no little grooves and hidden areas to explore, to the theIt’s easy to hate on the game because of the graphics, however even if the graphics were better, would this be a memorable experience? In what is in my opinion are worst the worst games to date, Pokemon must wake up and realise it needs to take a leaf out of it’s book and evolve. From a boring world and open area with next to no little grooves and hidden areas to explore, to the the abysmal and uninteresting story, these games are a hugely disappointing and lazy entry in the franchise. The open area seeks to be something intriguing but instead is a mess, where Pokemon only roam wild when you are close enough for them to pop in, the first encounters may amaze you but it grows old very fast. The DLC adds more to the wild area idea and is definitely a more polished and likeable wild area(s). However these games have let themselves down hugely nonetheless.… Expand
  28. Kiruiya
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    I really don't care about the missing national pokedex and the ugly trees. I just enjoyed the game the way it is.
  29. Crisener
    Sep 9, 2020
    6
    Pokemon formula has been proving to be timeless for many generations of consoles. Here we are, at the brink of a new decade, with Pokemon being the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, and yet it seems like for a good and polished game we will have to wait another few years.
    Every part of the game feels like it's unpolished in some way, the story is predictable and not    Pokemon formula has been proving to be timeless for many generations of consoles. Here we are, at the brink of a new decade, with Pokemon being the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, and yet it seems like for a good and polished game we will have to wait another few years.
    Every part of the game feels like it's unpolished in some way, the story is predictable and not interesting in the slightest and there are many additions which feel unnecessary, and the resources put to make them appear in the game could have been directed to making graphics look better or making multiplayer work intuitively.
    If you haven't played any Pokemon game for some time, go and grab this one (the best option being resale), as it still is a fun game. The Pokemon mechanics still work really well in 2020, the thrill of catching new monsters and making a team is still there, and the new Pokemon designs are very well done. It's just that Pokemon deserve better and releasing a game like that considering the franchise's position is just outrageous. It may not necessarily be Game Freak's fault, maybe they've done the best they could, and it's the pressure or lack of support from Nintendo or The Pokemon Company that resulted in all of this. But something definitely needs to change.    … Expand
  30. Agiru2003
    Jul 28, 2020
    5
    (I'm sorry for my bad English, but I'm Italian)

    +FOR > The new Pokémon designs are fantastic, I love almost all of them > OSTs are the best in the series > I quite liked the main characters, they're very well written (except Chairman Rose) -AGAINST > Graphics and animations are REALLY bad. It looks like a N64 game > The plot had excellent potential, but it turned out to be the usual    (I'm sorry for my bad English, but I'm Italian)

    +FOR
    > The new Pokémon designs are fantastic, I love almost all of them
    > OSTs are the best in the series
    > I quite liked the main characters, they're very well written (except Chairman Rose)

    -AGAINST
    > Graphics and animations are REALLY bad. It looks like a N64 game
    > The plot had excellent potential, but it turned out to be the usual predictable and poorly written story
    > Dexit
    > The main campaing is only 15 hours long, while older games (like HGSS or BW) lasted something like 40 hours
    > Galar is a terrible region, due to its lacking level design > This game's E A S Y. I haven't lost even once
    > They removed MegaEvolutions and Z-Moves for Dynamax, the least inspired novelty in the series
    > The online is horrible
    > If you wanna enjoy a full experience you have ti pay 300$ (Switch) + 60$ (Pokémon Sword or Shield) + 18$ (Pokémon HOME) + 30$ (DLC). More than 400$ for this bad game.    … Expand
  31. EatMyMayo
    Jul 29, 2020
    6
    I think having a mainline Pokemon game on Switch is awesome, and overall I have had a good time with the game. I am well over 150 hours into the game and I enjoy my time shiny hunting and completing my Pokedex. However, the story for this game was atrocious...it was the most mind numbing, hand holding experience that I have ever had in gaming. At every corner I was being told to go do thisI think having a mainline Pokemon game on Switch is awesome, and overall I have had a good time with the game. I am well over 150 hours into the game and I enjoy my time shiny hunting and completing my Pokedex. However, the story for this game was atrocious...it was the most mind numbing, hand holding experience that I have ever had in gaming. At every corner I was being told to go do this or go do that, and I was given little freedom to explore and do the game at my own pace. Hop is also super annoying to the point where I would dread going into new towns or going into gym challenges. Besides the story the game is pretty good in my opinion and I hope that GameFreak can pull their act together and make a really great game in the next couple of years.… Expand
  32. Xavi_Banks
    Aug 2, 2020
    0
    No tengo mucho que decir... me encantaría puntuar más alto el juego, en serio. Pero no pienso alabar estas jugadas sucias de gamefreak por mucho que lo tengan "justificado" ante el rechazo de sus fans a juegos hechos con cuidado como los de 5ta generación. Espero que les baste solo para atraer público y que a futuro realmente se pongan las pilas con el desarrollo de un buen videojuego,No tengo mucho que decir... me encantaría puntuar más alto el juego, en serio. Pero no pienso alabar estas jugadas sucias de gamefreak por mucho que lo tengan "justificado" ante el rechazo de sus fans a juegos hechos con cuidado como los de 5ta generación. Espero que les baste solo para atraer público y que a futuro realmente se pongan las pilas con el desarrollo de un buen videojuego, porque todos sabemos que estos no son buenos ejemplares, solo son Pokémon (más o menos).… Expand
  33. BillyBobJr
    Aug 3, 2020
    8
    I personally find Sword and Shield fine games in the series. Let's get the elephant out of the room, Dexit, a reference to Brexit, is the slang term given to how Game Freak cut out a large amount of pokemon from older games in SWSH. I'm not really going to get into this, as 1) people's main problems with Dexit were how Game Freak handled it, not exactly with Dexit itself in concept, and 2)I personally find Sword and Shield fine games in the series. Let's get the elephant out of the room, Dexit, a reference to Brexit, is the slang term given to how Game Freak cut out a large amount of pokemon from older games in SWSH. I'm not really going to get into this, as 1) people's main problems with Dexit were how Game Freak handled it, not exactly with Dexit itself in concept, and 2) explaining all the finer details would take forever. All you need to know is a large part of the National Dex was removed from the game, with a promise that some would be brought back later in DLC. Into the actual game, the graphics themselves are pleasant, they're nice to look at, and some attack animations and new pokemon are gorgeous, though there are occasional moments where they felt somewhat lackluster, given this was on a home console, yet looked a lot like the original handheld games. The battle system is the same it always has been, but without the old Mega-Evolutions and Z-moves of previous games, being replaced by the new Dynamax mechanic allowing you to make your pokemon increase in size drastically, with their health being doubled (so long as you've given them enough special candies) and their moves being powered up into "Max" attacks for 3 turns, or until the pokemon is defeated or switched out. There are also "Dynamax raids" where in the Wild Area, a place I'll get back to later, you're able to engage in battles against permanently Dynamaxed pokemon with up to 3 friends or AI trainers, these are incredibly fun early on, giving great rewards and potentially letting you catch a pokemon with great moves or stats, the problem however is the later you get in the game, the harder Dynamax battles get, and eventually it gets to the point where many raids are basically impossible to do with just AI trainers, thanks to a combination of the Dynamax pokemon having colossal HP bars with multiple shields that require several hits to break, the fact your teammate's are completely random, meaning you might end up with a group of water and flying types against an electric type, the AI of the trainers being absolutely horrendous, and the fact that if 4 of your teams pokemon are KO'd, which is very likely to happen given that AI trainers can't dynamax and are fairly weak, or 10 turns pass, you automatically fail the raid, which can be incredibly infuriating. On the positive side, the Wild Area is a taste of the open world fans have wanted from Pokemon since the game's inception. In the Wild Area, you're able to walk around a large open area with pokemon and raid spots appearing in certain parts of the area, this gives you a colossal amount of Pokemon, both old and new, to use early on. One problem however is that the Wild Area is separated into different sections, each of which have different levels of their pokemon, this is fine, but the problem is that the game will not let you catch pokemon of too high a level until you finish a certain amount of gyms, which is very infuriating given the game won't tell you if a pokemon is too high level until you're already in the fight, effectively just wasting your time. Moving onto the story, this is probably the game's weakest aspect. There really isn't much of a story until the last hour of the game, and even then it's a pretty poor one, you don't really have an enemy team either, just the little Team Yell, which aren't even that dangerous, as all they want to do is help a trainer they especially like. At the very least, the game's characters almost let you pretend the story isn't horrendous. Characters like Marnie, Bede, and Hop are very likeable, with Hop being the only rival since like GSC to actually change somewhat during the story, and these characters make me enjoy the game's fairly constant breaks for dialogue and random chitchat. One of the game's greatest aspects in my opinion is it's soundtrack. Dear god it's great, one of, if not my favorite OST of any pokemon game, with songs like Marnie's Theme, the Battle Tower, and the Gym Leader theme being personal favorites. I feel the game's strongest aspect is it's replayability, which I'd attribute to how many pokemon you have access to, fairly ironic given Dexit. In many pokemon games, most of the pokemon you're really interested are locked until mid to late game, sometimes even being after the champion, SWSH doesn't really have that problem. You're given such a variety of pokemon to choose from early game, even with the level cap, that most playthroughs will have very different teams. All in all, while I most likely wouldn't call SWSH the best pokemon game in the series, I'd probably say it is one of the better ones, with most people's complaints not having to do with the game itself, but with Game Freak and their odd PR decisions.… Expand
  34. frdifrna
    Aug 8, 2020
    2
    A very shallow pokemon experience, with a story and lore where everything happens under the player's nose, and cities that, no matter how big a populous, you only have access to a few houses, besides the extremely short routes. All this for a very badly executed open world that is the Wild Area, where it relies mostly of the online services that are very primitive in Y-Comm. InterestingA very shallow pokemon experience, with a story and lore where everything happens under the player's nose, and cities that, no matter how big a populous, you only have access to a few houses, besides the extremely short routes. All this for a very badly executed open world that is the Wild Area, where it relies mostly of the online services that are very primitive in Y-Comm. Interesting characters but extremely bad exploited in the game itself. It simply could be a better game with the developers weren't so greedy.… Expand
  35. Xverr
    Aug 11, 2020
    0
    As a pokemon player, this game is a complete disapointments. Graphics are an insult, wild area is bad imolemented, the game is ridiculously easy, no all pokemons,caves and dungeons are so linear, the history is awfull, to sum up, game is very incompleted.
  36. Kung_Kjartan
    Aug 14, 2020
    2
    Ugly graphics (TPC should be ashamed of themselves for that), bad story, weak gameplay and a way too easy game. Definitely the worst RPG of this generation. That's a shame, Pokemon has so much more potential but there isn't passion and boldness anymore.
  37. LindaSuperGamer
    Aug 20, 2020
    0
    Juego Recortado, una basura, precio muy alto, las versiones anteriores tenían mas contenido que este, mal juego
  38. SammyDelicious
    Jul 20, 2023
    1
    Pokemon blue, red, yellow, gold, silver and crystal are easily some of my favorite games of all time. I have replayed them countless times. I have waited for 25 years for a 3D pokemon game and this game was an insult to any lifelong, diehard pokemon fans. I don't have enough space to list everything that is wrong with this game so I'll keep it short.

    This Game Is Not Fun. Plain And Simple.
  39. NuiHarime
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    el peor pokemon de la historia, juego incompleto, sin contenido completo, pokedex incompleta. una basura
  40. manuel812
    May 29, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un juego pésimo primero de todo es juego es SUPER fácil ya al comenzar te dan una cantidad de dinero absurda segundo el repartir XP es un desastre ya que entre el repartidor, los absurdos caramelos de XP y los pokemons a niveles absurdos en el área salvaje tu equipo siempre va a ir tipo 10 niveles por encima de los enemigos aparte de eso casi todos los npc te regalan items por la cara después la historia es una mierda primero de todo no hay ningún equipo villano porque me rehusó a llamar equipo villano a la mierda de team gel o como se diga y el villano final no tiene sentido porque como la crisis pasara dentro de 1000 años en ese tiempo la tecnología podría mejorar y solucionar todo aparte cuando lo vences el te APLAUDE wtf le acabas de arruinar el plan y el se alegra wtf aparte de eso es el juego con las rutas mas simples y lineales el 99% de ellas son puro pasillo aparte de eso tira a la mierda a los movimientos z a la megaevolucion y al ultravuelo para agregar a putos pokemons grandes por cierto los gráficos son asquerosos parecen de 3ds sin mencio lo unico bueno del juego es el competitivo… Expand
  41. joshuee
    Aug 26, 2020
    3
    pessimo in tutta la sua interezza (breve interezza)
    Post game nullo, tecnica pre 2010 e difficoltà inesistente... Zero chicche e solo corridoi
  42. Maattio97
    Aug 30, 2020
    4
    Llevo jugando a este juego desde pokemon plata, y puedo decir que soy un gran fan. Tenia muchisimo hype con esta entrega, la decepción fue gigante. Ni termine el juego de lo aburrido que era, solo tienes que clickar sin parar y te lo pasas todo, la historia aburrida, 0 dificultad, la falta de los pokemon de generaciones anteriores, el dinamax no hace falta ni opinar de el... no saben conLlevo jugando a este juego desde pokemon plata, y puedo decir que soy un gran fan. Tenia muchisimo hype con esta entrega, la decepción fue gigante. Ni termine el juego de lo aburrido que era, solo tienes que clickar sin parar y te lo pasas todo, la historia aburrida, 0 dificultad, la falta de los pokemon de generaciones anteriores, el dinamax no hace falta ni opinar de el... no saben con que innovar y se estan cargando la saga. Es triste que prefiera jugar a juegos de hace 10 años antes que a las nuevas entregas. Parece que prefieren sacar juegos con los que contentar a niños de 6 años en vez de hacer un punto medio y gustar tanto a gente nueva como a los que llevamos amando esta saga desde hace mas de 20 años.… Expand
  43. NakedWizard
    Sep 7, 2020
    4
    Pokemon Shield has great new pokemon designs, a few beautiful places and some nice new mechanics. But, overall, this game has so many problems that I simply cannot recomend it to anyone.

    Graphics and animations: It looks and feels exactly like a HD version of a 3DS game. That's not a metaphor, that's not a joke. Pokemon sword and shield are upscaled 3ds games. It is really disapointing    Pokemon Shield has great new pokemon designs, a few beautiful places and some nice new mechanics. But, overall, this game has so many problems that I simply cannot recomend it to anyone.

    Graphics and animations: It looks and feels exactly like a HD version of a 3DS game. That's not a metaphor, that's not a joke. Pokemon sword and shield are upscaled 3ds games. It is really disapointing to see those battles with almost no movement on the TV screen, and the characters animations are robotic and unatural in a way I've never seen in a console game.

    Difficulty is inexistent in this game. This is the easiest entry in the franchise and that says a lot. It is also one of the most handholding entries (comparable with sun & moon) and sometimes it seems like you are only pressing A.

    The wild area was the biggest promise of this game (and for god sake, it's only an open 3D area), but turns out it's only another big disappointment. This part of the game has big performance issues, including heavy pop-in, frame rate drops and terrible textures. Besides that, the area seems empty and there's not really much to do after you try the dinamax raid battles a few times (spoiler: these battles are boring too).

    Overall, the game feels empty, childish and unfinished. Unacceptably bad for a console game, even more if you consider it's one of the biggest and more profitable game franchises.    … Expand
  44. pikminpro20
    Sep 13, 2020
    3
    Its a pokemon game...but not really I've played almost all of the other pokemon game and this one has significantly less content than them even though its a $60 console game. Even the wild area isnt actually very big (I explored the whole place in less than an hour) and the routes are incredibly linear to the point of even caves being a straight path. For reference in the original redIts a pokemon game...but not really I've played almost all of the other pokemon game and this one has significantly less content than them even though its a $60 console game. Even the wild area isnt actually very big (I explored the whole place in less than an hour) and the routes are incredibly linear to the point of even caves being a straight path. For reference in the original red and blue the first cave was 3 floors this game doesnt even have a multi layer cave. i dont really mind the dex cut but the game literally look like an upscaled 3ds game 90 percent of the time (That ten percent of the time is the camping minigame) the graphics could have been good just look at rescue team and poken tournament dx. One of the towns is just a gym and a pokemon center and the other ones arent really much better. The game really just feels rushed and thats about all there is to say about it.… Expand
  45. Jose-Colon
    Oct 3, 2020
    7
    Es un juego hermoso gráficamente comparado con los anteriores. Me encantaron los nuevos pokemon y las nuevas dinámicas dinamax, pero el juego tiene muchos errores y la historia es pésima, llega el momento dónde piensa que la historia no tiene importancia, parece cómo si hubiera cortado la historia para sacar el juego antes de tiempo. Con la expansión de armadura arreglan un poco algunasEs un juego hermoso gráficamente comparado con los anteriores. Me encantaron los nuevos pokemon y las nuevas dinámicas dinamax, pero el juego tiene muchos errores y la historia es pésima, llega el momento dónde piensa que la historia no tiene importancia, parece cómo si hubiera cortado la historia para sacar el juego antes de tiempo. Con la expansión de armadura arreglan un poco algunas cosas, pero esa mala historia daño el juego.… Expand
  46. xchrmoney
    Oct 5, 2020
    2
    Rapido e incompleto. post-game absurdo. Y online pesimo
    Cuando me lo compre tenia mucho hype y disfrute las primeras 20 h pero cuando me pase el juego no había otra cosa que hacer ni estaba la pokedex completa ni habia un online bueno como el online de juegos anteriores. Kenebfujsnjeifisjenoeuyfnfrk dibfrn ixbrnek k la is a good 7 for all the use of the web and the website itself is not    Rapido e incompleto. post-game absurdo. Y online pesimo
    Cuando me lo compre tenia mucho hype y disfrute las primeras 20 h pero cuando me pase el juego no había otra cosa que hacer ni estaba la pokedex completa ni habia un online bueno como el online de juegos anteriores. Kenebfujsnjeifisjenoeuyfnfrk dibfrn ixbrnek k la is a good 7 for all the use of the web and the website itself is not the same as the one who has the most excellent quality and quality and you can buy a new one 4 a great price and a great idea of how many you will need for the new year with a price for of your two products to make sure you your best product and for the selling of product and is the a leading supplier to for sale your business product in order with the highest quality and affordable quality of product for your home customers or with other any products that are available for purchase and sell or products to or from any from the manufacturer or from any other any manufacturer of products or services that are available in the following categories or by the seller or by the seller or by the manufacturer or manufacturer supplier of to provide information on the    … Expand
  47. ObamaGames
    Oct 12, 2020
    0
    I wish this game was good but it just isn't. The story is mediocre, even by pokemon standards, fan-favorite features are consistently missing, the difficulty is nonexistent, animations are abysmal, graphics look like a 3DS game, and the Dynamax feature is a complete gimmick that exists for no reason other than to be shoved into advertising. Overall, Sword and Shield are just 3DS games thatI wish this game was good but it just isn't. The story is mediocre, even by pokemon standards, fan-favorite features are consistently missing, the difficulty is nonexistent, animations are abysmal, graphics look like a 3DS game, and the Dynamax feature is a complete gimmick that exists for no reason other than to be shoved into advertising. Overall, Sword and Shield are just 3DS games that are on the Switch. Not ObamaGames approved.… Expand
  48. prakx9
    Nov 26, 2020
    3
    Un pokemon malo,corto, con unos gráficos feos y con un rendimiento malo también. Han quitado pokémon's para meterlos en el dlc (que es contenido recortado).
  49. GingerLoves
    Oct 25, 2020
    3
    It is the same box standard pokemon game as pokemon Red and Blue. The visuals have been updated (In some regards only slightly,) The basic gameplay loop is the same. The plot is non-existant, the online is quite disappointing. There are even frame rate drops at times. It seems like Gamefreak do not have enough staff to make a competent and satisfying game in the strict timetable theyIt is the same box standard pokemon game as pokemon Red and Blue. The visuals have been updated (In some regards only slightly,) The basic gameplay loop is the same. The plot is non-existant, the online is quite disappointing. There are even frame rate drops at times. It seems like Gamefreak do not have enough staff to make a competent and satisfying game in the strict timetable they have to uphold. If you own any pokemon games, you will have played this game before.… Expand
  50. DaHomeaSimpzon
    Oct 28, 2020
    8
    Before I stated my thoughts on the game, I don't condone review bombing as they may have never played it before. The reason why I am making this is because the review bombing of the game on Metcritic just bothered everyone. I want to let you know I had played the game (Yes, I had both versions) and let me tell you the designs of the characters and the new Pokemon are great. If there thingsBefore I stated my thoughts on the game, I don't condone review bombing as they may have never played it before. The reason why I am making this is because the review bombing of the game on Metcritic just bothered everyone. I want to let you know I had played the game (Yes, I had both versions) and let me tell you the designs of the characters and the new Pokemon are great. If there things that Game Freak needs improve on is the National Dex (which they already did with the DLCs), the graphics, the storyline and other issues. Maybe an update would be perfect to improve the games. Even though I am bothered with the price of the game and the DLCs, it still hadn't stop me from liking Pokemon. Even though the games had some bad moments, Game Freak was trying their best as they can.… Expand
  51. Reed_Reviews
    Oct 28, 2020
    5
    For everything this game does well, it does another thing poorly. There is now a wide-open wild area full of realistic encounters that reduce the tedium of random encounters, but every other route in the game is painfully linear and short. Combat added the new gigantimax gameplay addition to make battles bombastic, but gigantimax is not a particularly strategic core gameplay mechanic. GymFor everything this game does well, it does another thing poorly. There is now a wide-open wild area full of realistic encounters that reduce the tedium of random encounters, but every other route in the game is painfully linear and short. Combat added the new gigantimax gameplay addition to make battles bombastic, but gigantimax is not a particularly strategic core gameplay mechanic. Gym leader battles are now epic with well crafted game feel elements, but there is no Elite Four. Most of the new Pokémon are great, but many of the old Pokémon do not make an appearance. Towns take cultural inspirations from England, but there is hardly any interactivity with those towns.

    Best part of the game: the gym leader battles.
    Worst part of the game: the barebones story and heavy-handed dialogue.    … Expand
  52. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    6
    +
    Fórmula Pokemon, funciona y divierte.
    Muchísimos pokemons a ser capturados y criados. Las áreas silvestres pueden suponer un reto, ya que hay pokemons de todos los niveles. - Gráficamente es para echarse a llorar, de lo peor de la consola. Es para despedir a cada uno de los trabajadores de Game Freaks y otorgarles el premio al vago del año. Inadmisible en un AAA. 0 interés en    +
    Fórmula Pokemon, funciona y divierte.
    Muchísimos pokemons a ser capturados y criados.
    Las áreas silvestres pueden suponer un reto, ya que hay pokemons de todos los niveles.

    -
    Gráficamente es para echarse a llorar, de lo peor de la consola. Es para despedir a cada uno de los trabajadores de Game Freaks y otorgarles el premio al vago del año. Inadmisible en un AAA.
    0 interés en completar la pokédex invirtiendo una descomunal cantidad de horas en conseguir todos los pokemons para que la recompensa sea nula.
    Las incursiones no funcionan y suponen una pérdida de tiempo inmensa.
    La franquicia pide a gritos una revolución. La habrá? No lo creo.    … Expand
  53. honchkrow_lover
    Dec 14, 2020
    3
    very lazy and mediocre game , for a triple A game it feels like a half assed $20 indie game
  54. sera1
    Nov 17, 2020
    5
    Pretty small step from the 3DS version, a game for a console that is capable of a game like Zelda BOTW shouldn't just be stamped off with a 3DS-Feeling game. The big cut in the Pokedex is my opinion a big mistake, compared to all the reused skins it just feels lazy. I wouldn't mind the cut if we got some new and awesome sprites for the new Pokemon, but everything here seems pretty reused.Pretty small step from the 3DS version, a game for a console that is capable of a game like Zelda BOTW shouldn't just be stamped off with a 3DS-Feeling game. The big cut in the Pokedex is my opinion a big mistake, compared to all the reused skins it just feels lazy. I wouldn't mind the cut if we got some new and awesome sprites for the new Pokemon, but everything here seems pretty reused. Another big nope from me is the lame world, the potential of the nature zone isn't used fully and the lack of content on the routes is just a disaster, boring walks and some couple of fights aren't what i call a "long time adventure". This feels also approved by the fact that EP sharing is always on, there no need to grind before gym fights. Overall its not a bad game but it has its own fight with many missing content, like who thought its a good idea to cut the GTS and put it on a phone app?? Pokemon Shield just gives me the feeling of "laziness" and "filling the market with a new entry". Gamefreak could and can do better. Also i would prefer a open world game like Borderlands, big free explorable areas. after playing this game, ike i read it in many other reviews i don't think Gamefreak is ready for a open world game like BOTW.… Expand
  55. StarLorder
    Dec 2, 2020
    0
    Absolute **** a fan of pokemon since im 5 yo,but gamefreak simply doesnt give a crap anymore for the games.
  56. lehepl
    Dec 5, 2020
    10
    One of my favourite games of all time. The low reviews definetly have their merit, but whilst playing they are barely noticable. The story is good and the DLC is amazing. Definetly one of the best pokemon games.
  57. leeaw
    Jan 8, 2021
    5
    I can best describe this game as "it's Pokemon, again!" And while Pokemon is good, this entry feels very, very tired. Yes, it has made some improvements over prior entries, the core gameplay is the same, with all of the dated mechanics therein, rushed into what's at it's core just "another one"- though it admittedly does still preserve the good parts as well. The Pokemon series hasI can best describe this game as "it's Pokemon, again!" And while Pokemon is good, this entry feels very, very tired. Yes, it has made some improvements over prior entries, the core gameplay is the same, with all of the dated mechanics therein, rushed into what's at it's core just "another one"- though it admittedly does still preserve the good parts as well. The Pokemon series has essentially survived on changing very little between entries, but with the jump to much more powerful hardware, it feels more blatant than ever. I did have a fun time with the game at launch, but several playthroughs later, the cracks are definitely showing.
    If you're craving a new Pokemon story, sure. This is just that, and it does have some delightful elements- the exploration of the wild area was fantastic the first time around, and I'm a big fan of some of the new designs- it's the same structure, and it's beginning to rust. I can only hope Game Freak sees the criticism and is overhauling the series, because without, I can only worry the magic will become lost on the public as it now is on me, but with the sales numbers they got, I question whether they truly have the motivation to.    … Expand
  58. fed_up_nerd
    Dec 21, 2020
    6
    Expected way more, it was enjoyable but the mechanics and game design has not changed in two decades.
  59. JackReviews
    Dec 20, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I bought both Sword and Shield and was very underwhelmed. The game could be very ugly at some points, there was 0 game after catching the legendarys, and half time game was DLC. The game was also VERY easy I only lost twice once to Leon once to the dragon gym leader. Yes you can do a nuzlock and it’s very fun but that’s self imploded rules not the game. I don’t think it was worth the 60$ price tag and I wish I hadn’t bought both. If you want to play it be my guest but if I were to recommend a Pokémon game it wouldn’t be this one.… Expand
  60. Joeycapss
    Dec 22, 2020
    1
    Absolute **** excuse for a Pokémon game, I’ve seen higher quality animations and visuals in GameCube games from 20 years ago, need some serious restructuring at gamefreak cause they have no idea what they’re doing anymore
  61. SwShDie
    Dec 28, 2020
    0
    When will this game be succeeded?? GameFreak cut corners in order to make the 2019 release date as it seems they release a mainline Pokemon game every year. But lo and behold, this steaming, half ***-ed pile of a game is still the current main game as 2020 is ending. We want a new main Pokemon game in order to leave this one to rot away (and to get the bad taste out of our mouths if GameWhen will this game be succeeded?? GameFreak cut corners in order to make the 2019 release date as it seems they release a mainline Pokemon game every year. But lo and behold, this steaming, half ***-ed pile of a game is still the current main game as 2020 is ending. We want a new main Pokemon game in order to leave this one to rot away (and to get the bad taste out of our mouths if Game Freak doesn't mess up that one too). Even a month with Sword/Shield is far too long.… Expand
  62. Firekirb74
    Feb 19, 2022
    6
    Is this game the best PKMN game? Absolutely not. The story isn't that great, the game's map design is pretty terrible, and the game is rather easy overall. I don't mind the lack of the National Dex, but the graphics should definitely be better. There are also not many QoL features in this game. But, this is one of the best games for competitive battling, the characters are all great, theIs this game the best PKMN game? Absolutely not. The story isn't that great, the game's map design is pretty terrible, and the game is rather easy overall. I don't mind the lack of the National Dex, but the graphics should definitely be better. There are also not many QoL features in this game. But, this is one of the best games for competitive battling, the characters are all great, the Wild Area is super fun and enjoyable, and the music is bopping. I don't think this is the best thing in the world, but it certainly does not deserve this much hate.
    Gameplay: great 8/10
    Charm: 6/10
    Graphics: 4/10
    Sound: 9/10
    Other: 5/10
    Total Score: 6/10    … Expand
  63. JohnnyBanana99
    Dec 31, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Before starting my review, I want to say that I had good expectations for this game before playing it, as these are the first main pokemon games on a home console I was expecting a huge revolution for the saga. Addressing some issues, I think the pokedex cut was necessary, there are now too many pokemon and this was going to happen sooner or later (that doesn't mean GF can lie though). Reusing models is not that big of a deal they are well made... What I’m saying is I don't hate this game because of controversies, I just want to review this game as any other game... and I must say it's a disaster, it doesn't hold up in any department.

    *EXPLORATION: My biggest issue with this game. For me pokemon was always a game about exploring the world around you but in this game and just like in pokemon sun&moon routes feel like corridors except this time it feels more accentuated without any hidden paths nor mistery. Routes' only purpose in this game is to connect point A to point B unlike any other pokemon game where you could find other sub-areas like the power plant in gen 1 or shoal cave in RSE for instances.
    As for the Wild Area, it's completely empty and spreading some pokeballs over the place with useless items doesn't solve the problem, everything mildly interesting in this area is just decoration like the watchtower ruins or the lake of outrage. The wild area is just a flat terrain with the layout of an "old times route" (you can't just call it “route” since now it means corridors) and with the false impression of "open world" they give you by letting the player handle the camera.
    Lastly, towns and cities are full of inaccessible buildings and there’s nothing to do other than buying items or clothes and beating the gyms.

    *COMBAT: So as everyone says the game is easy you already know what I’m going to say: exp share bad, rival gets the weaker starter to yours, Sonia gives you a ton of revives, etc. But i want to focus mainly on dinamax and gigantamax.
    They should have sticked to megaevolution, I already thought that Z moves were a "nuke button" but now with dina/gigantamax you get 3 turns of that. Megaevolutions at least were more circumstantial in the sense that it changed the pokemon's typings, abilities and stats in a way that sometimes it could play against you (for ex: pokemon losing speed, gaining weaknesses due to the typing changing, etc), on the other hand dina/gigantamax is just a power boost that makes you win instantaneously without any negative consequences

    *PLOT: Almost non-existent, and the story is told almost entirely in speech bubbles by Sonia. The plot is driven by a boring villain with stupid motivations.

    *CHARACTERS: I'm unable to care for any of the 3 rivals, Leon doesn't have a personality, Sonia doesn't let me go anywhere without talking for over 3h, Rose is stupid, Oleana's personality is that she's Rose's assistant, the Gym leaders are OK, just OK, and don't get me started on the royalty brothers from the postgame, they are unbearable.
    *ANIMATIONS: I won’t say much but there are only 2 combat animations for each pokemon which doesn't look good for a good part of the moves. Outside of battle you will see a lot of moments where the screen fades to black to avoid animating the characters, there are moments where the screen doesn’t even fade to black and the characters are still not animated.

    *MUSIC: Probably the best thing of this game but still (and this is to my liking), the music sounds cheap, as in it is mainly made by computer and not instruments, in previous games you could already hear orchestrated themes, in Sw&Sh you get very generic rpg library themes.

    *POSTGAME: Lacking, the episode of the royal brothers is poorly written, boring, and even frustrating at some point, once you finish it the only thing left is the battle tower.

    *CONCLUSION: It’s a boring and rushed game without any incentive to ply it other than "it's pokemon", and it's a terrible game, nobody should defend this; it fails as an RPG, as an open world, as a game by home console standards, but as a pokemon game apparently not because people would buy anything that says “pokemon” in the title. This game would still be a bad game even it had come out for the Gamecube, it makes some mistakes that are unforgivable for any game. I could keep highlighting bad aspects of this game all day: performance issues, graphics, character customization, pokemon camp, the curry mechanic which CONTRIBUTES NOTHING TO THE GAME, immersion, etc. There are a lot of issues I haven’t talked about that I despise in this game, but I think these are the most important aspects to highlight.
    I won’t talk about the DLCs because I haven’t played them, but since it must be built from the base this game has established, I doubt making 2 new areas and introducing some pokemon is going to change this game’s problems.
    I give this game 1/10 (and not 0/10) because it has Yamper and I love corgis.    … Expand
  64. CurriMan
    Jan 4, 2021
    2
    My expectations were really low, and it still dissapointed me.

    The game takes out a lot of stuff from previous titles and gives really little back, the only way I found to make this game even a little difficult is by imposing limitations yourself, wich is really underwhelming. Most of the stuff in the DLCs and the other services this game requiers you to have for you to enjoy it as    My expectations were really low, and it still dissapointed me.

    The game takes out a lot of stuff from previous titles and gives really little back, the only way I found to make this game even a little difficult is by imposing limitations yourself, wich is really underwhelming.

    Most of the stuff in the DLCs and the other services this game requiers you to have for you to enjoy it as it was supposed to is stuff that was included with the purchase of games that came long before it, and even then most things are poorly optimized and really leave a lot to be desired.

    The "plot", gameplay and several aspects of the game are really underwhelming, even with the standards that the last few titles have set. The game doesn't rival the grafic capacyties of most switch games, and the plot doesn't even get close to other pokemon games that came more than a decade before it, everithing in the game seems really artificial, you don't get rewarded for exploration and most times random NPCs will pop up and drag you in the direction required for the game to progress, most of the adventure and region comes out as linear and really unnatural, when I, for example, came across people repairing or doing contruction works in a route, that served as a roadblock and also felt natural in it's enviorment, but when i come across a random corvinight in the middle of nowhere blocking a path, that feels really forced and artificial.

    The dinamax mechanic, as mos other recent gimmicks, is absurdely broken, and the fact that it can be used by any pokemon without any restriction or downside really hurts. The other gimmicks in the franchise at least had some limitations and downside, but this one is just plain broken.

    In a nutshell: SW/SH are really underwhelming pokemon games and even with their DLCs and punchrasable content, they don't mach any spectations and come out as lame and unidimensional.    … Expand
  65. Gio00
    Jan 13, 2021
    1
    Such a shame for pokemon legacy to be so poor and lazy this game..0 Creativity and the skills you ve got to have for this game is a 2years old kid
  66. jar6
    Feb 18, 2021
    2
    Pokemon Shield (and Sword) are easily the worst in the franchise's history. The potential that a Pokemon game on the Switch has is incredible. This could have been one of the greatest games of all time. Period, full stop.

    BUT, GameFreak decided to just wing it this time. This game, to put it bluntly, sucks. The graphics are legitimately 3DS quality (arguably worse at times), the    Pokemon Shield (and Sword) are easily the worst in the franchise's history. The potential that a Pokemon game on the Switch has is incredible. This could have been one of the greatest games of all time. Period, full stop.

    BUT, GameFreak decided to just wing it this time. This game, to put it bluntly, sucks. The graphics are legitimately 3DS quality (arguably worse at times), the gameplay is the same as every other Pokemon game and does stand out, and this entry in the series is by far the most empty one. This is despite touting its expansive wild area as a selling point. Speaking of the wild area, it also sucks. When you're connected to the internet, you are moving at around 3 frames per century. And, as alluded before, despite being the largest area in a Pokemon game to date, it is barren of any content. The dynamax dens are cool for the first five or so raids. After that, it's just a slog fest and is honestly one of my least favorite parts of the game.

    I forgot to mention this point before, but now that I'm on the topic of the dynamax dens, it needs to be mentioned: the candies you get from these dens make this game so unbelievably easy. In fact, even without these candies this game is a breeze. Realistically, the only way to make this game challenging is by using a self-imposed ruleset known in the community as the Nuzlocke ruleset. This means, essentially, when you lose a Pokemon, it's gone for good. I could go on about the difficult,y, but that is one of the most cited issues.

    In fact, everything I've brought up has been talked to death. However, I think a less common insight (while still being pretty well-discussed) is how this game's mechanics translate to the competitive side of the game. Dynamax is a terrible mechanic. Ever since mega evolution, Pokemon's gimmick mechanics have been getting worse. Mega evolution was actually a pretty cool opportunity to give weaker Pokemon the boost they need to be competitively viable (did this happen? No, but you can thank GameFreak for this). Z-moves were kind of a mess and spawned a lot of annoying builds (i.e. Z-Geomancy Xerneas). However, topping the faults of both of these mechanics is Dynamax/Gigamax. This ability, on its face and in concept, should be the best gimmick. However, the implications of stat-boosting moves, doubled health, and the fact that any Pokemon (including already broken and overpowered ones) have access to this makes it terrible to play against and not that exciting to use either.

    Finally, perhaps the worst transgression that this game has made is the $60 price tag. Now, I would understand $60 if this was the greatest Pokemon game in the history of the planet. However, I believe that this is the opposite. This is the worst Pokemon game in the history of the planet, and I'm including Pokemon GO, Let's GO, and Pokemon Rumble Blast in this history. Charging the player $60 for a bad 3DS (at best) is one of the most insulting things I've ever seen a company like GameFreak do. On top of this egregious pricing, GameFreak has the audacity (THE AUDACITY!) to charge money for DLC that should have been in the game on release, bumping up the price for the (full) game to $90 ($60 for the base game and $30 for the expansion pass which gets you Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra). I will not address the Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra DLC expansions for two reasons: this section of Metacritic is for the base game of Pokemon Shield (and Sword) and I was smart enough not to buy the DLC.

    In summation, Pokemon Shield (and Sword) are easily the worst games in the franchise. I credit this label to numerous parts of the game that are either low quality or obstruct good parts of the game (the general Pokemon game formula). This game is not worth buying. Please, value your voice as a consumer and don't encourage lazy, greedy behavior in the gaming companies which are supposed to cater to YOU. I understand that companies are greedy by nature and will cut corners if possible, but you are able to hold them accountable with your dollar. So, PLEASE, do not purchase either game in this installment in the franchise. You are better off playing a fanmade rom hack (this is not to insult these games, they are sometimes better than most of the mainline games) and have an exponentially greater amount of enjoyment. Thank you, do not buy these games, be well.    … Expand
  67. Shadowsky101
    Jan 22, 2021
    7
    It‘s a fun game. It‘s Pokemon! But technical it‘s not the best. Gamefreak needed one Year more for this game. 7/10 is decent.
  68. Jejeff
    Jan 23, 2021
    0
    Gamefreak stopped in 1996. Terrbile technical issues, animations and lacks challenge.
  69. GameFriet
    Feb 2, 2021
    0
    For a Switch game Compaired to Mario Zelda DragonQuest it was not that good..
    The game feels behind in Year 2010
    Where is the exploration, difficult and good story?
  70. hammyG
    Feb 8, 2021
    1
    The weakest games from the mainline Pokémon series yet. Developed entirely by greed, truly these games are proof that evil still exists in the world. Skwovet's pretty cute though.
  71. daxypoo2
    Feb 9, 2021
    8
    While pokemon shield is absolutely not perfect it was an amazing game, the plot was good enough, the new pokemon are great, the galar region feels alive and big. Now one thing i like but also hate is the pokemon cut, it makes sense to cut some pokemon now that we have 898 pokemon (including dlc) and it also forces the people who would just trade in older pokemon to use new pokemon... but iWhile pokemon shield is absolutely not perfect it was an amazing game, the plot was good enough, the new pokemon are great, the galar region feels alive and big. Now one thing i like but also hate is the pokemon cut, it makes sense to cut some pokemon now that we have 898 pokemon (including dlc) and it also forces the people who would just trade in older pokemon to use new pokemon... but i just wish that they had cut less pokemon or let us trade in certain pokemon because some of my favourite pokemon were unobtainable until the dlc.… Expand
  72. cfc1998
    Feb 19, 2021
    5
    This is the worst Pokémon game ever. Gamefreak hited an all time low with this release. The game is to easy and the routes are just a joke, staight lines with no life and personality. The wild area was a good step forward but it feels like a missed opportunity. Lets not forget the graphics, after seeing Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild this game feels just like a Nintendo DS game thatThis is the worst Pokémon game ever. Gamefreak hited an all time low with this release. The game is to easy and the routes are just a joke, staight lines with no life and personality. The wild area was a good step forward but it feels like a missed opportunity. Lets not forget the graphics, after seeing Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild this game feels just like a Nintendo DS game that was port into the Switch. Pretty sad to see what this franchise has become.… Expand
  73. Tonico8
    Mar 2, 2021
    1
    I only could enjoy the first 2 hours, afterwards it's an empty game, the routes are shameful, and there's no sign of difficulty in any part of the game, except one or two exceptions. I've never felt more cheated
  74. Kennanady
    Mar 6, 2021
    2
    I was very excited for this game when it came out being an avid Pokemon fan, but boy was it a huge disappointment. I’d like to address its flaws:
    The online is horrible. Nintendo online has never been great, but this takes it to a whole other level. While in the Wild Area and connected to the Y-Comm, the game’s frequent lag-spikes and FPS drops to at times 5 FPS can be truly unbearable.    I was very excited for this game when it came out being an avid Pokemon fan, but boy was it a huge disappointment. I’d like to address its flaws:
    The online is horrible. Nintendo online has never been great, but this takes it to a whole other level. While in the Wild Area and connected to the Y-Comm, the game’s frequent lag-spikes and FPS drops to at times 5 FPS can be truly unbearable. They managed to downgrade true online system that the 3DS had already well-established. The graphics are nothing short of lazy. The tree textures look fresh out of a PS2 game, not to mention the same poor Pokemon move animations that haven’t changed since essentially the original with Pokemon not even getting up close. How is a Pokemon using scratch going to show me a poorly animated claw effect that my Pokemon just summons that doesn’t even go near the opposing Pokemon?
    These are only a few of this games several horrific flaws—completely skipping over the story (with writing that truly does show how much of a rushed project this was, the post game is probably the worst wrote thing I have ever seen in a game), the limited amount of content in the base game and more. The only well-done original thing I can see from this game is Pokemon camp. This is where you can tell the animators had more time to give your Pokemon character and life rather than the soulless beings they are everywhere else. The cooking I also found to be quite fun and just watching your Pokemon interact with each other each with actual personality was definitely my favourite part. The game also has the huge national dex problem which was sought to be fixed by a poor and sloppy dlc that I won’t be talking about. Overall, very lacklustre and there are so many games out there on the switch that are just better. This was the game that truly told me to wake up and stop buying Pokemon, the franchise is running itself into the ground.    … Expand
  75. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 24, 2021
    1
    There are so many things wrong with this game.
    The graphics. The national dex. The gameplay itself.
    I don't have much to say that hasn't been said already.

    The fact that this even exists makes me want to not even buy New Pokemon Snap.
    But I'm a sucker, so I already preordered it.
  76. Traumvita
    Sep 6, 2023
    4
    Baby hand holding simulator. Looks like an up res 3DS game. Limiting options. Can’t explore without someone telling me where to go. Worse Pokémon game to date. A shame because the setting was interesting
  77. nowhy
    May 6, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The "plot" gets forgotten about halfway through the game, and when you're reminded that there's supposed to be a story, the champion tells you to mind your own business and keep getting gym badges. Then when the story gets decent, they tell you that Eternatus was awakened! Who or what is Eternatus? They don't tell you, and it's an insta-catch. This was a rushed game and it shows.… Expand
  78. GoPackGo08
    Jun 6, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’ve been a Pokémon fan for almost a decade now, and this is the worst main line Pokémon game I have ever played. Even though this game isn’t inherently awful, I feel like the dev team should have spent a bit longer developing it. The biggest problem many have is the absence of the National Dex. This means that not every Pokémon from past games are in this game. This wouldn’t be a major problem to me, however, the lack of some Pokémon like Squirtle and Bulbasaur at launch really angered me, especially considering Charmander and it’s evolution line had a crucial role in the game. Now, Bulbasaur and Squirtle were added in the DLC, but I’ll hash my massive complaints about that later. The story in this game is incredibly weak. It uses the “create a new world” schtick like half the games before, but the villain was predictable, and it just seems stupid to me. I was ok with the way the villain Pokémon were defeated in the past but “Oh! Now two random dogs are helping us after they came from the woods where we saw them at the beginning, Wow!” Just pisses me off. Also, I laughed to hell and back when the characters Swordward and Shielbert came in, they just look SO STUPID. They have no reasons to exist in this game, other then to add a pointless postgame plot line. Now something I strongly disagree with other people about when it comes to this game is new Pokémon designs in the Galar Region. Even though it has some stinkers, Squovet, Dottler, the entire Galatians Meowth line, it also features some of the best designs in the history of the series. Yamper, Grookey, Corviknight, Copperajah, Hatterene, Runerigus, and so many more. I think the designs are amazing. With the review above, I would have given it a 7/10, and said fine. But the DLC was SO BAD, that I put it at five, and could have put it lower. This DLC is just ass. That’s it. The crown tundra was fine, but I hate Calyrex, and the music was just annoying. My real beef is with the Isle of Armor. Oh my god the isle of armor. It is the most boring, monotonous thing, I have ever played. The fact they locked this many Pokémon behind a paywall is really scummy to me, considering people already payed $60 for the game. Also, Kubrick and Urshifu look COMPLETELY DISGUSTING. I was really worried that one of them would get added into smash bros. It’s way too easy, and it would have been so much cooler if they had made it level scaling with the Pokémon in your party. I didn’t even finish Isle of armor, the first time I haven’t fully finished the story in any Pokémon game. It’s ok if you buy the game, just don’t buy the DLC.… Expand
  79. EasyGamerBoi
    Jun 10, 2021
    4
    I’ve never experienced a game that brought out such vivid anger & disappointment from me until this one. Pokémon has been on a steady decline for years in terms of quality but this was undeniably the breaking point. I know it’s all been said before but Dexit should have NEVER happened. Cutting major content while increasing the price of your product is always an L & I don’t care how manyI’ve never experienced a game that brought out such vivid anger & disappointment from me until this one. Pokémon has been on a steady decline for years in terms of quality but this was undeniably the breaking point. I know it’s all been said before but Dexit should have NEVER happened. Cutting major content while increasing the price of your product is always an L & I don’t care how many Nintendo apologists throw themselves into the fire over this pile of crap. This game should have been delayed for another year at most to get it right & it’s incredibly frustrating because there’s glimmers of hope in this trainwreck. The gym battles are actually an event this time & got me hype everytime, the visuals don’t always look terrible in spots, the new Pokémon roster took some getting used to but there are many gems among them like Appletun & Toxtricity, & I did enjoy the max raid system a lot more than I thought I was going to. At this point in the game’s lifespan I’m completely burned out on just about everything though. Despite my criticism, I played this game for 400 HOURS. That’s mostly from shiny hunting in max raids & being the only new Pokémon game out in a while. The DLC is overpriced tbh but the Crown Tundra alone was infinitely better than anything else this game had going for it. My biggest problem with this game’s existence is the pitiful excuses the developers gave for its shortcomings. Focusing on “higher quality animations” as a reason for cutting over half the Pokémon in the dex is a load of bull, especially since we got very few of those animations in the final product. Then adding some of them back later saying “it was always planned this way” is damage control 101 & y’all know it. Pokémon is a stagnant bubble waiting to burst & the sooner they get GameFreak’s crap together, give them a workable budget & timeframe, then they can maybe avoid a potential Pokècrash. Because this is unacceptable. I can’t believe this is the same studio that gave us classics like Platinum, HGSS & Black n White. While the game can be fun at times & has things going for it, it pales in comparison to the rest of the series (I’d still rather play this than any Gen 1 game though). Pokémon, GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER.… Expand
  80. Fraxxo
    Sep 9, 2023
    5
    I think this one may be one of the worst mainline Pokémon ever created.
    Sure the game has some good concepts like the Wild Area, the camping and raids, but they are all bad executed and boring.
    The game is one of the most linear experience of the entire franchise, even more than the original Red and Green on Game Boy, and the game general design is bland, slow, uninteresting. After a few    I think this one may be one of the worst mainline Pokémon ever created.
    Sure the game has some good concepts like the Wild Area, the camping and raids, but they are all bad executed and boring.
    The game is one of the most linear experience of the entire franchise, even more than the original Red and Green on Game Boy, and the game general design is bland, slow, uninteresting. After a few hours in, there was nothing that motivated me to play the game more since all there was to know and do was throwed at the player face during the first hour and that was it. Nothing more is introduced after the first hours of gameplay, nothing. It never changes, it never tries to give you something new.
    The game is so easy, it's basically a button mashing game since your Pokémon will always be 15 or 20 levels over the average enemy.
    The only good thing about the game is that there's a decent degree of personalization, from your team of Pokémon to your character clothes, and catching 'em all is less frustrating than past games thanks to the high catch rate and how easy is to find any species.
    As for the story, it's mediocre even for the series standard: the character had potential that is just not used at all. Their only purpose is to get destroyed by the player.
    Kinda forgettable soundtrack (Idc Toby Fox made one OST, that's not gonna change the fact I don't remember 3/4 or the soundtrack), dull and lifeless art direction and the worst online interface I've ever saw in a videogame.
    Also, bad graphics, bad performance. A mess of a game...    … Expand
  81. Moxiberry
    Jul 5, 2021
    1
    This game is **** Awful, I played it on release and I did have fun but the the flaws really show through the towns and routes are do bland and uninterested the game looks awful it looks ok in some areas but it's mostly awful and the game is so easy to boot, this is one of the most brain dead pokemon games I've ever played
  82. Mark6440
    Jul 6, 2021
    5
    well it's not a secret that the game isn't to good, but its a chill game to just relax to its not that hard you can basically play the whole game without dying once and you don't have to be a pokemon expert to do so. The game is very new player friendly when in battle because it sometimes says what is super effective and what isn't. Pokémon shield isn't as good of a game as Pokémon blackwell it's not a secret that the game isn't to good, but its a chill game to just relax to its not that hard you can basically play the whole game without dying once and you don't have to be a pokemon expert to do so. The game is very new player friendly when in battle because it sometimes says what is super effective and what isn't. Pokémon shield isn't as good of a game as Pokémon black and white, but it does the job all though Pokémons can spawn right in your face when using the bike. which is annoying when you just wanna avoid them and get going in the story, i would much rather recommend Pokémon let's go Pikachua and eevee, even though they are a remaster of Pokémon Yellow.… Expand
  83. Foxylary
    Apr 3, 2023
    4
    A lot of good ideas poorly executed. The idea of ​​the dynamax is not so bad, the new creatures are cool, fighting in stadium is great, gym leaders are charismatic, character customisation is pretty good and the country has a good atmosphere. But it's extremely ugly and empty. The npc's are all the same (there are often clones next to each other), there are no voices, no cutscenes, theA lot of good ideas poorly executed. The idea of ​​the dynamax is not so bad, the new creatures are cool, fighting in stadium is great, gym leaders are charismatic, character customisation is pretty good and the country has a good atmosphere. But it's extremely ugly and empty. The npc's are all the same (there are often clones next to each other), there are no voices, no cutscenes, the game is designed as a 2D game. The "main story" unfolds by itself without us havin any role to play. There is no epic moment, no plot twist, no real story after all. The game is much too easy, so much so that I tried to add more difficulty by myself. When I remember Pokemon Blue or Silver, even Black... Did they try to makes peoples dumb and lazy by avoid the frustration of difficulty ? And what about difficulty options ?! There is no options to organize Pokemon Boxes. It's that hard to make ?! The list is long and it really is a beautiful mess. Because of laziness, lack of time or developers ? I don't care. Releasing a product like this is insulting. When I see that they added content that should be in the base game for 25€, I find it disgusting. There are no excuses, Game Freak don't put any effort on it, it's just easy money. I bought it second-hand years after its release because it's the only game on Switch that has all my favorite creatures and despite everything, it's not so bad next to Pokemon Scarlett Violet, that's to say the level of this last game. Looks like they want to see what the players were willing to accept.… Expand
  84. dragonblade
    Feb 1, 2022
    4
    A bunch of half baked ideas put into one package. I will put as much effort in this review as gamefreak has put into this game.
  85. GamingGuy25
    Nov 20, 2022
    0
    sh1t game refer to a review about scarlet on why its ****

    Pokecucks are mentally ill
  86. Christian_TV
    Apr 15, 2023
    6
    This game it's just what you expect from Game Freak.Nothing more,nothing less
  87. Satsoku
    Jan 8, 2023
    7
    I feel like this game gets a lot of criticism for the poor graphics more than anything else. To me personally however, the graphics are not as relevant if I'm being honest. The story was OK. The gameplay is focused around the traditional formula that fans of the series know and love by now. Even though the small issues that I had with it, this game managed to keep me busy for 200+ hours,I feel like this game gets a lot of criticism for the poor graphics more than anything else. To me personally however, the graphics are not as relevant if I'm being honest. The story was OK. The gameplay is focused around the traditional formula that fans of the series know and love by now. Even though the small issues that I had with it, this game managed to keep me busy for 200+ hours, so giving it anything less would be unfair.… Expand
  88. Tomplexthis
    Nov 19, 2022
    1
    its just a soulless skippable game, pass hard on this dumpster
    the starters look nice, but its just way too many problems
  89. xSpOokie
    Dec 1, 2022
    6
    stop listening to this critics , the game is great , the graphics are a bit poor but the game is a lot of fun and the story is good , not the better , anyways the generation is so good have some pokemons who are so cool , people nowadays in nintendo always try to make something to give a game a poor rating , they want everything in a game , the cons in this game are the legendarys and thestop listening to this critics , the game is great , the graphics are a bit poor but the game is a lot of fun and the story is good , not the better , anyways the generation is so good have some pokemons who are so cool , people nowadays in nintendo always try to make something to give a game a poor rating , they want everything in a game , the cons in this game are the legendarys and the fact that the game is to easy , but yes if you're a pokemon fan YOU SHOULD buy this game! [UPDATE] after 2 years i replayed the game , after playing brilliant diamond and arceus to , for the record i love arceus 9/10 , after replaying the game , i can tell the game isnt that good , than i first writed , not talking about graphics , but talking about performance itself , a lot of fps drops , and when you connect to wifi to do raids , very laggy servers , the first time i didnt pay to much attention on the story but after replaying i have to say that the story is not that good , you get very confused even if you pay to much attention + is boring and one more thing that is extremely anoying is the fact that you constantly battling with your rival who btw is to much annoying , changing from 9/10 to a 6/10 , the only thing who is preventing me from putting red score is the pokedex , the pokedex was the reason who made me replay the game because the first time i played it i didnt use any of the new pokemons from this gen , and other thing that is preventing me to put score 5/10 is the world building , citys and the wild area + the gym leaders are well designed , concluding i dont change my opinion about the game , if you like pokemon i recommend you buying this game , because after all its still a pokemon game , the mechanics , the thing of training them and the gameplay itself is what can get you through the game and make you have fun , because is still pokemon and the essence is there , so yes if you are a pokemon fan you should buy this , its gonna get you those 25 hours of fun .… Expand
  90. KinimodYunmi
    Dec 12, 2022
    10
    Die neue Grafik und das neue Movement ist perfekt, hat extre viel Spaß gemacht, wirklich alles top!
  91. Tovar_pk
    Aug 23, 2023
    0
    Sinceramente la mayor decepción de juego jamás creada, sabiendo que ha sido la generación introducida por primera vez en una consola de sobre mesa. El potencial esta muy por debajo de lo que se puede conseguir con la switch, además de que la propia región carece de personalidad. Tanto ciudades como rutas son perfectamente olvidables. Lo unico que se puede salvar de estos juegos, es elSinceramente la mayor decepción de juego jamás creada, sabiendo que ha sido la generación introducida por primera vez en una consola de sobre mesa. El potencial esta muy por debajo de lo que se puede conseguir con la switch, además de que la propia región carece de personalidad. Tanto ciudades como rutas son perfectamente olvidables. Lo unico que se puede salvar de estos juegos, es el diseño de la pokedex.… Expand
  92. Bozzy943
    Nov 20, 2022
    2
    Stop giving Game Freak your money. Quality is just as important as gameplay.
  93. arlatius
    Nov 19, 2022
    1
    this game is a prime example on why you should only trust user reviews and never critic reviews.

    dexit nixed a ton of pokemon, including fan favorites. then gamefreak released two dlcs (which combined totaled the cost of the game itself) whose only real draw was the inclusion of pokemon missing from the main game. But even with these DLC, the dex is still missing huge swaths of pokemon.    this game is a prime example on why you should only trust user reviews and never critic reviews.

    dexit nixed a ton of pokemon, including fan favorites. then gamefreak released two dlcs (which combined totaled the cost of the game itself) whose only real draw was the inclusion of pokemon missing from the main game. But even with these DLC, the dex is still missing huge swaths of pokemon. it leads me to believe that dexit was not only motivated by laziness, but by greed - the DLC was always the plan.

    the plot was nonexistent, and the games mechanics come nowhere near being able to make up for it. the main enemy team is completely unrelated to the main antagonist - the main antagonist whose motivations were nonsense and who was only revealed to be the antagonist in the last hour or so of this 20 to 30 hour game.

    im giving it one point to acknowledge the only good trait about the game: the setting design for the locations were all very strong. its the only strong thing about the game. if it werent for PLA i would have been sure that this spelt the end for the pokemon franchise    … Expand
  94. divegold
    Nov 19, 2022
    10
    Pokemon sword and shiel is great! It has the best gym environment, the best gym leaders and a wonderful soundtrack! Not to mention the well-built dex! The best pokemon experience I've had on the switch
  95. mestaku
    Nov 19, 2022
    0
    Someone should pay you to play this absolute garbage game. The graphics are the same as some random bad game from 2006.
  96. Unnypops
    Nov 20, 2022
    8
    The hate for these games is unjustified. These games aren’t perfect but they’re fun.
    The graphics do not bother average players. A good chunk of people have been hating on every single Pokémon game since X and Y for no real reason. They have no idea what they actually want. They just like to complain.. so do yourself a favor and ignore most of these negative reviews. Shield is fun,    The hate for these games is unjustified. These games aren’t perfect but they’re fun.
    The graphics do not bother average players. A good chunk of people have been hating on every single Pokémon game since X and Y for no real reason. They have no idea what they actually want. They just like to complain.. so do yourself a favor and ignore most of these negative reviews. Shield is fun, especially with the DLC.    … Expand
  97. LeGabrielUrbano
    Nov 21, 2022
    5
    The game has very good ideas that it did not know how to take advantage of, the high points are overshadowed by the lowest points, so the game remains a weak product, which hardly supports itself, it is a strong step back then the small advance that had been achieved in the seventh generation.
  98. BorisThe_Spider
    Nov 21, 2022
    8
    I'm not here to complai about National Dex and other things. I'm here just to score the experience of one person that stopped playing main Pokémon games since 2003. It was overall fun, to me this game represents to discover lots of new Pokémon. And the wild area was also a good experiment to prove new and more free ways of gameplay. The main issues of playing this title was the drop of FPSI'm not here to complai about National Dex and other things. I'm here just to score the experience of one person that stopped playing main Pokémon games since 2003. It was overall fun, to me this game represents to discover lots of new Pokémon. And the wild area was also a good experiment to prove new and more free ways of gameplay. The main issues of playing this title was the drop of FPS and the boring and linear difficulty of it.… Expand
  99. eye-zitt
    Nov 23, 2022
    7
    The game is a little underwhelming, but overall I really appreciated my time with it and have put more hours into this game than almost any other.
  100. gian_pkr
    Dec 28, 2022
    7
    Animations model and graphic style is really good. Unfortunately this kind of gameplay starts to feel a bit old and repetitive. Performance are fine.
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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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