Pokemon Sword

 Switch
User Score
4.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5909 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,997 out of 5909
  2. Mixed: 852 out of 5909
  3. Negative: 3,060 out of 5909
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  1. Gamefreakout
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Don't listen to the paid reviews, this game is utter garbage. I am giving it zero because for the first main series game on the switch for the "long time fans" this is a complete and utter failure. Terrible graphics/animations, boring/predictable story line and the game is deleting save files for other games. Game freak has lied to the consumers repeatedly about this game and need to beDon't listen to the paid reviews, this game is utter garbage. I am giving it zero because for the first main series game on the switch for the "long time fans" this is a complete and utter failure. Terrible graphics/animations, boring/predictable story line and the game is deleting save files for other games. Game freak has lied to the consumers repeatedly about this game and need to be called out. Avoid this game like the plague and we might finally get a capable developer to take over.… Expand
  2. pokefan12
    Nov 17, 2019
    4
    This is probably the least enjoyable playthrough of pokemon to date. You simply go from gym to gym. There are no caves to explore or team rocket to fight. It feels more akin to pokemon Colosseum than a flagship entry in the series. I can accept the smaller pokemon pool but the game just isnt fun
  3. nulli
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    A charming game and world with a lot to explore, collect and catch. Best part is you can do this together with your friends!
    I think it looks fine and sometimes reminds me of Dalis works. Framerate should be better.
  4. 8jscsgh
    Nov 17, 2019
    1
    when they started to develop Pokemon go...and then Pokemon let's go...you can predict the future of Pokemon games...too profit driven... Just played the Pokemon Firered again on GBA...it was so amazing that they could achieve such in that era. Seeing all the improvement of gaming development in game industry from other companies in the past two decades, and look at what has gf becomewhen they started to develop Pokemon go...and then Pokemon let's go...you can predict the future of Pokemon games...too profit driven... Just played the Pokemon Firered again on GBA...it was so amazing that they could achieve such in that era. Seeing all the improvement of gaming development in game industry from other companies in the past two decades, and look at what has gf become today...not quite into the mega revolution...they discarded mega revolution and now gigantamax!!!??? couldn't find a lazier way to declare a new feature???..feel sorry for the company...and feel sorry for all the fans...… Expand
  5. Anndra18
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    It's been amazing! I love the music, the design. The new Pokemon (some are really weird looking but it's a laugh). I've played every Pokemon main series games and I always love them. Yes! There are a couple of things that I don't like or would've liked to see, but then, that's true with all games and nothing is perfect! The national Dex doesn't bother me because I don't bother completingIt's been amazing! I love the music, the design. The new Pokemon (some are really weird looking but it's a laugh). I've played every Pokemon main series games and I always love them. Yes! There are a couple of things that I don't like or would've liked to see, but then, that's true with all games and nothing is perfect! The national Dex doesn't bother me because I don't bother completing them, I catch the Pokemon that I like and train them and I'm happy with that. Like I said, the music is awesome. The different themes within the game is great (The theme for the Wild Area having a Scottish theme with the bagpipes and Clàrsach is actually quite beautiful), and the gym leader theme. I think this one is my favourite! (The X&Y gym leader theme was my favourite for quite a while). The extra little things like hearing the wings flapping is a nice extra. I love that the Pokemon mostly wander about in the tall grass, I liked that about Let's Go! So, it was great seeing that again. I also like that you can buy lots of different clothes and get haircuts in this game. The little things add to the enjoyment. Overall, I am enjoying this game! I actually think it's one of the best in the series. I don't understand a lot of the negative comments that are just nasty. So, I'm just ignoring them and I recommend a lot of people do the same. At the end of the day, you should play the game for yourself. We all look for different things in games (for me, music is a big part of the enjoyment of a game but not everyone thinks that so, most of my review won't apply to them) some will be a huge fan of the National Dex and might be a bit disappointed and that's fine to be upset and yes, express that disappointment but save the nastiness and threats for yourself. Only constructive criticism is acceptable. This community does not need toxic, nasty people stirring up trouble and upsetting people.… Expand
  6. haranamorim
    Nov 17, 2019
    2
    Poor graphics, awful animations, this game is full of glitches..
    Looks that GF was so lazy to develop this game. Frustrating on every element.
    New Pokemon's are like monster with rare ones.
  7. Soyaccino
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    The national dex being cut is a downer but it is otherwise a very good, very well laid out, creative and fun Pokemon adventure.

    It’s a shame we live in an age where people deliver a 0/10 for not getting their way. I think lots of people expected them to re-invent the entire look of the past games - they didn’t, I’m glad. I am shocked by the backlash to this game considering US/UM were    The national dex being cut is a downer but it is otherwise a very good, very well laid out, creative and fun Pokemon adventure.

    It’s a shame we live in an age where people deliver a 0/10 for not getting their way.
    I think lots of people expected them to re-invent the entire look of the past games - they didn’t, I’m glad.
    I am shocked by the backlash to this game considering US/UM were basically just cash cows with hardly any new material.    … Expand
  8. WahjahEater
    Nov 17, 2019
    4
    Just stopped by to chuck a stone at Gamefreak. It's more of the same old baby a** gameplay. Not sure who gamefreak is targeting with these titles. My guess is that Japanese audience loves their grind-fest.
  9. Llere
    Nov 17, 2019
    9
    El juego es una pasada, evidentemente hay cosas que se podrían trabajar más como los diseños de los Pokémon iniciales, tema gráficos no veo a que viene tanto drama, es Pokémon siempre ha tenido ese toque de pincel que no son perfectos y me parece una pasada, a nivel jugarle muy bien y muy cómodo poder jugar mientras intercambias Pokémon y demás, el argumento de la historia principal meEl juego es una pasada, evidentemente hay cosas que se podrían trabajar más como los diseños de los Pokémon iniciales, tema gráficos no veo a que viene tanto drama, es Pokémon siempre ha tenido ese toque de pincel que no son perfectos y me parece una pasada, a nivel jugarle muy bien y muy cómodo poder jugar mientras intercambias Pokémon y demás, el argumento de la historia principal me vuelve a recordar a antiguos juegos de la franquicia y me gusta bastante la verdad, en dignifica un juegazo para disfrutarlo y olvidarse de todo aquel que lo critique simplemente por el apartado visual ( que me parece ridiculo ya que es una pasada)… Expand
  10. AnnieOP
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    I don't find sufficient differences between Sun and Moon and these games, basically the same with better graphics. You guys could have done so much more, I was expecting an open world like Zelda Breath of Wild, the wild areas and remove random encounters is not enough for me.
  11. nuba19
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Sin duda una gran entrega de pokemon, galar es impresionante, con un muy colorido mundo y con una banda Sonora de lujo, combates y emoción de sobra para este pokemon
  12. AlbertVDS
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Best Pokémon game in the serie. Feels like a traditional games but offers additions to make it unique.
  13. cancer2
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    Garbage. Nintendo should buy out the shares for Pokemon and get a new developer. Game freak deserves to be dissolved over this rushed game that is devoid of content and looks like it was a port from the 3DS.
  14. LeanneB
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    It's okay. Not the best pokemon game, but even though it's not fun and lacks voice acting and feels cheap, it's made by game freak, the same guys that gave us Black and White and Ruby and Sapphire. They're alright. Buy the game.
  15. Palomero3000
    Nov 17, 2019
    4
    Este juego fue apresurado y solo se hizo en mente para sacar dinero de manera facil sabiendo que su fan base pagarian por cualquier cosa sin importar la calidad del producto.
  16. LeHappitse
    Nov 17, 2019
    1
    Really really shameful game, coming from the highest grossing franchise on Earth. Technically subpar (awful graphics, lots of bugs, pathetic draw distance) and with lot of weird choices from Game Freak (removing half of Pokemon, removing hundreds of moves, replacing Megas with a cringey gigantism gimmick, replacing ridable pokemon by an ugly and boring bike....etc). Really sad that aReally really shameful game, coming from the highest grossing franchise on Earth. Technically subpar (awful graphics, lots of bugs, pathetic draw distance) and with lot of weird choices from Game Freak (removing half of Pokemon, removing hundreds of moves, replacing Megas with a cringey gigantism gimmick, replacing ridable pokemon by an ugly and boring bike....etc). Really sad that a franchose with so much potention fail to deliver that hard.… Expand
  17. Autems
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    If we didn't speak, pokemon games will get worst and worst
    lets not let them be lazy
  18. Bolvin
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    The game is nice but you cant get all pokemon and thats a no go for a pokemon game so 0 points!
  19. Darciukas
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Can't understand the negative reviews. If you aren't a nitpicking dip **** then you can really enjoy this game! I agree it may not be the longest game or the best graphics, but I really really like it! The Wild area is very very fun! If you are thinking of buying this game, buy it! You will like it!
  20. brad0812
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    True there are less Pokemon. But the game offers new twists on the Pokemon franchise which it really needed. We get stuck into a comfortable state and don't want the games to change. But change is great and should be encouraged if we want more change and adaptations in the future. So far loving the game, the story is average but the game really shines in its connectivity and wild area.True there are less Pokemon. But the game offers new twists on the Pokemon franchise which it really needed. We get stuck into a comfortable state and don't want the games to change. But change is great and should be encouraged if we want more change and adaptations in the future. So far loving the game, the story is average but the game really shines in its connectivity and wild area. Local coop is possible which i find is an amazing addition . I look forward to completing the game and am generally excited to see where this leads from here.… Expand
  21. Innominat
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    When the Pokemon team lied us telling they put only 400 pokemon because they made new and improved 3D models and animations and you see is only a pseudo-HD port of Sun/Moon you now you deserve this. This is not review bombing, is a lot of people that believed in you and you betrayed them. Screw Masuda, screw Tajiri, and screw Pokemon franchise forever.
  22. planternplant
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Despite what low expectations I walked in with because of the community, I came out happy with the game. There are obviously many changes in comparison to other Pokémon games but a majority of the new features make up for it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ideas of the new gyms, dynamax raids, and Pokémon camp, and it barely seems like the pokedex cut really mattered. It’s still a full andDespite what low expectations I walked in with because of the community, I came out happy with the game. There are obviously many changes in comparison to other Pokémon games but a majority of the new features make up for it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ideas of the new gyms, dynamax raids, and Pokémon camp, and it barely seems like the pokedex cut really mattered. It’s still a full and fun game, and it’s definitely one of the better Pokémon games in the series.… Expand
  23. Sunmellows
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    I really wanted to like this game. But the piss poor optimization with the constant slowdown, frame drops, and pop in absolutely kill the immersion constantly. The game is even more hand holdy than the first part of Sun and moon, and Hop won't ever leave you the hell alone. The routes are extremely linear,and the game is extremely short, being beatable within 16ish hours. Not helping isI really wanted to like this game. But the piss poor optimization with the constant slowdown, frame drops, and pop in absolutely kill the immersion constantly. The game is even more hand holdy than the first part of Sun and moon, and Hop won't ever leave you the hell alone. The routes are extremely linear,and the game is extremely short, being beatable within 16ish hours. Not helping is the fact that the game is insultingly easy. I never once lost a battle, and my team was constantly around 5 levels over most trainers. I wasn't too big on the music either. I despise the gym leader theme, and everything else besides Marnies theme is meh to me. Overall, this game definitely is not worth $60 in the slightest. I like some of the new Pokemon but the amount of things holding it back is too much to bare. I was willing to go softer on XY since it was the series first true jump to 3d and at least tried some new things, but this game is absolutely bare bones, and I find that inexcusable after Sun and Moon… Expand
  24. PaleSketcher
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    The most advanced Pokémon game yet to date has some graphical shortcomings and lacks the entire Pokedex, but is an expansive, fun, and streamlined experience overall.
  25. raykyogrou03
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    I get where people are coming from, seeing as old games used to have the national dex. And one day, we will have that game. It's just not this one. People complaining about using old models upscaled, and I say why not? It's the same Pokémon, and reusing old models is a lot less work than having to make a new set with every game. So if they already have about half the total dex releasedI get where people are coming from, seeing as old games used to have the national dex. And one day, we will have that game. It's just not this one. People complaining about using old models upscaled, and I say why not? It's the same Pokémon, and reusing old models is a lot less work than having to make a new set with every game. So if they already have about half the total dex released now, they are probably already working on the rest for the next games which might just be (fingers crossed) diamond and pearl remakes.… Expand
  26. Gamerking376
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    The game is honestly worth about $40. The reason I give this a 4 is the frame rate drops randomly for no reason especially in the wild area at times even freezing for a second and the graphics are very similar to mobile graphics their so bad even being pixelated all the time except in battles. After you finish the game/defeat the champion it’s boring the only other thing to do besidesThe game is honestly worth about $40. The reason I give this a 4 is the frame rate drops randomly for no reason especially in the wild area at times even freezing for a second and the graphics are very similar to mobile graphics their so bad even being pixelated all the time except in battles. After you finish the game/defeat the champion it’s boring the only other thing to do besides looking around is to play online which also gets boring with the new system. I beat this game in a day it wasn’t short but anyway I finished in a day and immediately got bored plays a link battle it was boring and then I tried link trade which doesn’t even let you see the pokémon the other person put in unless you click the trade button which then will give you a chance to accept. I know this game gets this a lot but there’s not enough pokémon, activities are boring like fishing, and the game is actually pretty hard at times like some gym leaders or the champion if you have the types that are effective against them you will lose. And finally the trainers are also annoying after like every 3 trainers you will have to go back to the pokémon center thank god they have a fast traveling type of system. This is my opinion but I wouldn’t say I regret buying it but it’s definitely not worth $60 it’s too unfinished and buggy I literally got it 2 days ago and i’m already bored of it and want to move on.



    boring    … Expand
  27. FierceFuzzz
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    I've played a good portion of sword and my fiance has played a portion of shield. The nastalgia hits good but after a while you encounter the same Pokemon more and more often unlike something like b2w2 where all the unova, sinho, jhoto, kanto, hoenn. National Dex is the butter while the main story is the bread, how we feel about swsh is that it's toast. It lacks the butta that it once hadI've played a good portion of sword and my fiance has played a portion of shield. The nastalgia hits good but after a while you encounter the same Pokemon more and more often unlike something like b2w2 where all the unova, sinho, jhoto, kanto, hoenn. National Dex is the butter while the main story is the bread, how we feel about swsh is that it's toast. It lacks the butta that it once had and nastalgia can only go so far.… Expand
  28. Ocosu
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Best pokemon yet. It isn't perfect for a lot of people since its missing a good half of the full pokedex, but I promise you if it had it, about 80% of the people bashing on this game would be giving it 7 to 10 score wise. Regardless of a few hiccups and some lower resolutions textures in heavy parts of the game, its stunning and beautiful in most parts of the game. I cant tell you how manyBest pokemon yet. It isn't perfect for a lot of people since its missing a good half of the full pokedex, but I promise you if it had it, about 80% of the people bashing on this game would be giving it 7 to 10 score wise. Regardless of a few hiccups and some lower resolutions textures in heavy parts of the game, its stunning and beautiful in most parts of the game. I cant tell you how many times me or my girlfriend are commenting about the amount of detail and care that went into some of the scenery in comparison to past titles. It is the best looking game yet; anyone saying otherwise is likely upset at the dex or isn't acknowledging the quality outside the few hiccups I mentioned above.

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

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

    My opinion? They're great games. It will lack some of your favorites and it might disappoint some fans in that regard, but isn't a bad game. It isn't a bad looking games. It is the best game yet and I look forward to the one that will follow.    … Expand
  29. Sercho
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Pokémon main line of game finally came to a home console and we couldn't be more disappointed.
    In a technical level, this game is basically still a portable console game. It doesn't take advantage of the power the switch has, I mean, we have breath of the wild and its beautiful environment and graphics. We have Mario Odyssey and its gorgeous style, we have a Master quest game rich in    Pokémon main line of game finally came to a home console and we couldn't be more disappointed.
    In a technical level, this game is basically still a portable console game. It doesn't take advantage of the power the switch has, I mean, we have breath of the wild and its beautiful environment and graphics. We have Mario Odyssey and its gorgeous style, we have a Master quest game rich in content and so many examples of good use of the hardware.
    However this game has trouble with drawn distances, the animations are so basic like in the DS games, the backgrounds are terrible being so basic in some gyms that almost feel like they come from the GBA era. The models just rotate in an artificial way and the wild area is so empty and bland. Back in the day we use to have amazing post-game content, but sword and shield fails to deliver in this area too.
    Additional to this disappointments the new Pokemon are (in most cases) horrible and bad designed. Bug heads, horrible eyes and anticlimactic final stages for the starters. So basically this is a portable Pokemon game with some HD textures glued over . Gamefreak created such a disappointment and lied about it so bad that makes me consider if the Pokemon main line needs a new developer more capable and less lazy to work on more powerful hardware.
    Finally after all the Pokemon they left out of the game they included Wailord even though they can't get its size right, are they really thinking or just making random stupid decisions?.    … Expand
  30. Seekerp
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    It really is just an okay game for what it is. Nothing innovative nor is there any significant changes in regards to gameplay or animation. Some new features, but the battle system is largely unchanged from previous generation's titles, leaving me disappointed and wanting for more. Overall, a "meh" game, but when considering the broken promises and quality of other recent switch titles,It really is just an okay game for what it is. Nothing innovative nor is there any significant changes in regards to gameplay or animation. Some new features, but the battle system is largely unchanged from previous generation's titles, leaving me disappointed and wanting for more. Overall, a "meh" game, but when considering the broken promises and quality of other recent switch titles, pokemon sword is an incredible let down.… Expand
  31. Indeedee
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Everyone is making it seem like these games are like Sonic 06 or something. If you actually took the time to watch let's plays on YouTube or play the games yourself, you'll find a lot of cool things about Sword and Shield! The only REAL concern (which is minor) is how loud the sound effects can be. Sometimes the Wild Area can be laggy but that's because of how many Pokemon can spawn there.Everyone is making it seem like these games are like Sonic 06 or something. If you actually took the time to watch let's plays on YouTube or play the games yourself, you'll find a lot of cool things about Sword and Shield! The only REAL concern (which is minor) is how loud the sound effects can be. Sometimes the Wild Area can be laggy but that's because of how many Pokemon can spawn there. I can't with people who review bomb without trying it out themselves. Call me a shill all you want but these games are seriously not terrible. Oh, Hop acts like Hau? Doesn't deserve a one star rating for similar characters. If you have actual criticisms, that's completely okay! There are things that always need improving, but this is seriously not as bad as people think.… Expand
  32. WhiteWolf_965
    Nov 16, 2019
    7
    it's a good game but the graphics are not good in dock mode it's looks like a 3ds game graphics with a bit of improvement. and the game became so easy that i used one pokemon for most of my battles most of the time with a one hit kill.
  33. Nexos
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Too many cut things, game looks unpolished, unfinished and rushed, sad cause i had high hopes
  34. JetStride
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    I’ve enjoyed to online features, gyms and league cards. However I dislike the wild area, lacking postgame, and with the reduction of dex the competitive scene will be less diverse. So for my score: Gamefreak gave us than half the dex so they deserve less than half the score.
  35. viniLPS
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    achei o jogo excelente, mas com muitos diálogos no início, e alguns cenários de batalha deveriam ornar melhor com o local que vc está
  36. ErickArel
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Juego maravilloso, totalmente disfrutable, muy bonito, y con mucho que hacer, pasan las horas y cuando te das cuenta ya pasaron 5 o 6 y nos has llegado al primer gimnasio
  37. Metacriticerr
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    Some QoL improvements, but not what you would expect from a AAA game on the switch in 2019. Lots of graphical issues, cant catch them all, no voice acting.
  38. The64thShadow
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    Honestly just very mediocre. It's not entirely awful as some might lead you to believe, and honestly would have gotten a 4 or 5 if not for the entire context surrounding the game, how it fails to live up to previous Pokemon titles, and how it can actually damage your switch hardware and SD card. The world just seems so empty, and while it does have moments where it looks impressive, thoseHonestly just very mediocre. It's not entirely awful as some might lead you to believe, and honestly would have gotten a 4 or 5 if not for the entire context surrounding the game, how it fails to live up to previous Pokemon titles, and how it can actually damage your switch hardware and SD card. The world just seems so empty, and while it does have moments where it looks impressive, those moments are few and far between. It's the bare minimum of what can be counted as a Pokemon game. You catch, you train, you battle. The gym challenges do offer a bit of side questing and replayability but not enough to hold my attention. It is nowhere near comparable to say, the Battle Frontier from Pokemon Emerald, a game released 14 years prior. Many of the textures look as though they have been lifted straight from a Unity game made by a highschooler, and the animations lack any sort of uniqueness or soul. Compare the Double Kick animation from this game with Pokemon Stadium, released on Nintendo 64 and the lack of anything interesting becomes clear.

    Simply put, it's boring, it's bland, it doesn't look good, and if that wasn't enough it launched with numerous bugs that can brick your Switch and corrupt your SD card. There are much better Switch games you can spend your money on.    … Expand
  39. Archen
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    How else can I rate a game that can delete your sd card if you download it. This is not even counting the issues such as the entire game freezing when on a ladder, or that a certain special fight has no music. This game only has 435 pokemon and of those 35 may not even be in there, and only exist in the data. I was already going to hate this game because of it having no national dex, butHow else can I rate a game that can delete your sd card if you download it. This is not even counting the issues such as the entire game freezing when on a ladder, or that a certain special fight has no music. This game only has 435 pokemon and of those 35 may not even be in there, and only exist in the data. I was already going to hate this game because of it having no national dex, but every, single, day, there is more and more awful awful things "discovered" about the game. The entire reason that dexit happened was that Game Freak said they were redoing the models, but from the data mine it turns out that that's a complete and utter lie and that there is no real reason to not bring back all the pokemon.

    UPDATE: The game is bricking people's consoles. The game is made so **** that it can, and will brick peoples consoles from being played at all.    … Expand
  40. MaMadeOfGouda
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    If I wanted to play a game that looks and runs like its being played on a 3ds, I would've just played one of the many actually good and well made Pokemon games for that system instead. Sword and Shield are a direct representation of how much Game Freak just doesn't care about actual game play or their fans anymore. They only care about racking it as much cash as possible. They know peopleIf I wanted to play a game that looks and runs like its being played on a 3ds, I would've just played one of the many actually good and well made Pokemon games for that system instead. Sword and Shield are a direct representation of how much Game Freak just doesn't care about actual game play or their fans anymore. They only care about racking it as much cash as possible. They know people will buy the games just because its Pokemon,… Expand
  41. Matiija
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    This game is a very mixed generation for me, I've been a Pokemon Fan for as long as I can remember. Pokemon Sword and Shield was a very exciting game for me at first, but as I learned more about the game I discovered flaw after flaw. There is good in this game, but I feel like a lot that has been taken out such as more than half of the total pokedex is not something I wanted to happen to aThis game is a very mixed generation for me, I've been a Pokemon Fan for as long as I can remember. Pokemon Sword and Shield was a very exciting game for me at first, but as I learned more about the game I discovered flaw after flaw. There is good in this game, but I feel like a lot that has been taken out such as more than half of the total pokedex is not something I wanted to happen to a Pokemon game. This game also comes with lies, stating that they removed all those Pokemon for better, improved animations when in the end they only copy and pasted from the previous generation on the 3DS. The game feels pretty empty, not sure if its due to the lack of FOV but it certainly doesn't feel lively enough. It feels a lot was rushed, and doesn't feel like a complete Pokemon game to me, once again there are positives in this game, but the bad just out weighs it for me.… Expand
  42. kungfuhuntch
    Nov 16, 2019
    7
    The game to be bit buggy but reminder this first time done online thing on mass plain with other player bit buggy but game still good without national Dex the game still good to play with friend. Mostly this waste their money, without Dex, or multiplayer be buggy, The Dynamax is cool idea but better mega or z-move, At Game Freak should be happy what they made for people to happy. And guessThe game to be bit buggy but reminder this first time done online thing on mass plain with other player bit buggy but game still good without national Dex the game still good to play with friend. Mostly this waste their money, without Dex, or multiplayer be buggy, The Dynamax is cool idea but better mega or z-move, At Game Freak should be happy what they made for people to happy. And guess people can't pinch of salt i guess. Serious people to have fun with the game it better be handhold gameplay.… Expand
  43. Chickynator
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    This game goes below average.
    It's utterly disappointing that this is all we get as the first title in the new gen. Finally on more powerful hardware yet barely any of that is felt in the game.
    Some areas are very aesthetically pleasing. Certain buildings and forests have great presentation. But gods above the textures and pop-in are horrid in the towns and especially the Wild Area.    This game goes below average.
    It's utterly disappointing that this is all we get as the first title in the new gen. Finally on more powerful hardware yet barely any of that is felt in the game.
    Some areas are very aesthetically pleasing. Certain buildings and forests have great presentation. But gods above the textures and pop-in are horrid in the towns and especially the Wild Area.
    Routes are abysmal, barely any better than SuMo, which is not saying much.
    No dungeons, the fights are braindead easy. No Pokemon has not always been this easy. Play gen 3 games and try to have a full team. You need to put in effort to make it work.
    Here it's just such a short and uninspired 'adventure' constantly being interrupted every few minutes with more forced npc interactions than ever.
    Forget all the external issues with the game. It's pretty goddamn bad on it's own two feet without the context of the other games in the series.    … Expand
  44. slambammer
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This series has become an absolute shell of its former self. I will not mention the National Dex controversy because I really don't care about it. But the graphics alone prevent me from immersing myself in this game in any way. Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade 2, and many, MANY other games manage to make even simple environments look better, and those are FAR bigger games. This game alsoThis series has become an absolute shell of its former self. I will not mention the National Dex controversy because I really don't care about it. But the graphics alone prevent me from immersing myself in this game in any way. Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade 2, and many, MANY other games manage to make even simple environments look better, and those are FAR bigger games. This game also follows the trend of stupification. The entire game is a tutorial, just like Sun and Moon. I know the primary demographic is a younger audience, but the older Pokemon games were aimed at kids too. There's no excuse for how insulting this game is to peoples' intelligence. The animations are lazy, and many are reused, the frame rates drop, and worst of all, this is an EXTREMELY short game. Even doing extra stuff and taking your time exploring, you'll be done with this game in a few days. Disappointing, utterly and completely disappointing.… Expand
  45. bugmaniac
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    As someone who is not personally effected by the national dex, I wanted to provide a review about the other aspects of the game. I recommend trying the game if you enjoy pokemon and not letting the reviews here sway your opinion as this is getting reviewbombed by websites like reddt. Full review below:

    It's baffling to me that these are rated so low compared to the 3DS games. The only    As someone who is not personally effected by the national dex, I wanted to provide a review about the other aspects of the game. I recommend trying the game if you enjoy pokemon and not letting the reviews here sway your opinion as this is getting reviewbombed by websites like reddt. Full review below:

    It's baffling to me that these are rated so low compared to the 3DS games. The only thing I can think of that any of them do better than sword & shield is that SM have a stronger plot + characters. Everything else is an improvement from the 3DS games. The towns have great flavor to them and are far more fun to explore than any single town from the 3DS games, the graphics are better with no real slowdowns unless you're online in the wild area (where SM slowed down a lot during the trials, XY during hordes), the game doesn't hold your hand as much as SM and lets you skip tutorials, the designs are generally higher quality in my opinion but not by much to be honest, the gym leaders have lots of personality and involvement in the story (SM did this pretty well too though), customization is improved, and power creep is improved by the removal of previous game's legendaries.

    The primary thing that these have over the 3DS games is pacing. The removal of random encounters makes it so the progression is a much more pleasing experience, where you have freedom to adjust your pacing to your mood and aren't constantly interrupted by a random encounter to make routes feel more artificially long than they are. This makes the games shorter, but I'd far prefer a short game to an artificially long game. This pacing is helped by the fact tat a lo of the new cities are aesthetically pleasing and fun to see every nook & cranny of. It's very motivating to explore when the locations generally look unique.

    The biggest flaws outside of the national dex controversy are the graphical issues in the wild area, the trouble with wild area connectivity when trying to raid, and the flatness of some of the main characters in the story. Hop is not very interesting and kinda just feels like a reskin of Hau with less cheeriness. There's nobody here as fun as Guzma, as interesting as lusamine, or as charming as lillie.

    Overall I am a pokemon fan & these games are the best since gen 5 (which are 10/10), so I think a 9/10 is fair coming from someone that loves pokemon as much as I do.    … Expand
  46. pucho
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    Lamentablemente este debe ser sin lugar a dudas, el peor lanzamiento de gamefreak en su historia. Se esperaba mas del primer juego en sobremesa de la saga. Se nota claramente que han rehusado modelos del 3DS sin embargo han reducido la mitad de pokedex. Se siente que han apresurado la salida del juego para este año.

    Las texturas sobre todo en la zona salvaje son pésimas.

    Bajones de FPS
  47. sogeking10
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Jogo de 3ds no switch,sem os pokes completos e com animações horríveis. Uma absurdo a maior franquia de jogos do mundo ter um jogo tão mal feito como esse. As animações são dignas de pena.
  48. Ace61
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    My favorite Pokémon game so far and i have played every Pokémon game. The Graphics are awesome, in the Nature Zone it could be a little bit better but i am happy with it. It is a Must Have game for every Pokémon fan.
    And for everyone that is sceptic because all the hate: Dont believe them they are just overreacting.
    The only thing i am sad about is that there is no GTS.

    Best Pokémon Game.
  49. Amikin
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It lacks national pokédex, not enough content, game visuals are repetitive from previous versions without any improvement considering it runs in a nintendo switch.… Expand
  50. Zris96
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Pokemon Sword/Shield has the same magic from other Pokemon games adding some new features like Dinamax and being able to move the camera in some area... The wild area feels like some fresh air to the series, I really like a lot, it's not perfect but from my point of view it can become something really great in the upcoming games...

    The soundtrack is really nice too... Half of the    Pokemon Sword/Shield has the same magic from other Pokemon games adding some new features like Dinamax and being able to move the camera in some area... The wild area feels like some fresh air to the series, I really like a lot, it's not perfect but from my point of view it can become something really great in the upcoming games...

    The soundtrack is really nice too... Half of the Pokemon's and a lot of moves were removed from the game... but it seems like a good move to balance the game and see more variety in the competitive.

    The Pokemon's, battle's, and that feeling of adventure is what needs a Pokemon game, and this one has all of that.    … Expand
  51. iHaikou
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game by itself isn't bad, its a fun game with the pokemon charm we all love, there are some great new features and the graphics are mostly beautiful, nothing like BOTW but still good. There are some good animations, but most of them are really bad, something i would expect from a jrpg from 2011, the online is bugged and some mechanics are clunky, the animations on the camping are absolutely awful. The story is good, i mean, is the same story from every single Pokemon game, the villain team is awful tho, completely unnecessary, the game would be better without them, the Rival, Hau, i mean, Hop, is annoying, at least Hau was original and charming, Leon is the worst Champion in the franchise, hes also annoying.… Expand
  52. TapirReviews
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Simply put ignore the immature hate.

    As a longtime fan of the series who started with Red and Blue, sword and sheild has finally revitalized my enjoyment of the series. The 3ds era may have had access to the entire pokedex, but they were without a doubt the WORST entries of the series, and were incredibly boring (looking at you sun and moon.) Sword and shield use the standard Pokémon    Simply put ignore the immature hate.

    As a longtime fan of the series who started with Red and Blue, sword and sheild has finally revitalized my enjoyment of the series. The 3ds era may have had access to the entire pokedex, but they were without a doubt the WORST entries of the series, and were incredibly boring (looking at you sun and moon.) Sword and shield use the standard Pokémon formula, with a few new twists.

    I personally loved the variety of Pokémon that a player can chose and I personally ditched my starter (Grookey) for a Snover as soon as I encountered it in the new open space area. The biggest problem that this game really has is not enough endgame material. A New game+ or multiple profiles really should be a new standard to the series for those who dont want to fork over one hundred twenty dollars for multiple playthroughs.

    If graphics and difficulty are what you are looking for Pokémon has NEVER been that series that pushed for a difficult experience (its target audience is either kids or casual gamers.) I would rather have this kind of Pokémon a thousand times over if it meant never having another X&Y or Sun & Moon. This game is worth a playthrough for sure, and am very satisfied with my purchase.

    9/10    … Expand
  53. Suronal
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    I picked up Pokemon Sword, after seeing all the Reviews I wanted to see for myself... I am about 4 hours in now, and I have to say.. it's not as bad as people are saying it is and I am having fun.

    The Obvious issues being the national dex missing and animations could be more fluent in the nex gen age. But sticking with the older animations could also be a nod to the style of game freak.    I picked up Pokemon Sword, after seeing all the Reviews I wanted to see for myself... I am about 4 hours in now, and I have to say.. it's not as bad as people are saying it is and I am having fun.

    The Obvious issues being the national dex missing and animations could be more fluent in the nex gen age. But sticking with the older animations could also be a nod to the style of game freak.

    Pokemon are great and vibrant and fun to level. New Mechanics and QOL changes are a nice touch. Yes some battles feel a little easy, i think the level balancing is a bit off, but it also matters how many side battles u do or how much pokemon you catch. New battle mechanics like Dynamax are kinda cool. And the online match ups are easy and fun!

    There is still an online trading system even though the other reviews talked about the trading network gone.. which it is.. but you can still trade online, and do random trades.

    I would give it a solid 7 or 8 .. i am enjoying it as the next entry into the pokemon series. But i will say Lets Go Pikachu did a better job with animations and scaling.

    Still a fun entry, think its getting a bit to much hate.    … Expand
  54. Chouin023
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Really bad multiplayer feature and you can’t even use Dinamax when you want .... if they are going to drop the quality that badly just to release the game earlier than It would of been A LOT better to make us wait 1more year and work on the game so it can be any good... it’s just BAD like really Bad for a Pokémon game... I actually preferred Pokémon Let’s Go to this one by a very longReally bad multiplayer feature and you can’t even use Dinamax when you want .... if they are going to drop the quality that badly just to release the game earlier than It would of been A LOT better to make us wait 1more year and work on the game so it can be any good... it’s just BAD like really Bad for a Pokémon game... I actually preferred Pokémon Let’s Go to this one by a very long shot...… Expand
  55. Agent8
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Muy buen juego hay muchos Pokémon nuevos y el mapa está muy genial, han hecho un gran salto respecto a los antiguos juegos de Pokémon
  56. Qaj
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    I like the game for what it was and I never gave a rat's ass about the national dex thing
  57. ByTutuquita
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    Muy desepcionado, esperaba un gran salto en la saga Pokémon como tuvimos con zelda breath of the wild, y me quede con un sabor bastante agridulce, tenía todos los recursos necesarios para ser un gran juego y ser un punto y aparte en la saga, sin embargo se quedo en un simple intento, una verdadera lastima bajo mi punto de vista.
  58. Level100Mudkip
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Amazing game and an awesome new experience in the Pokemon series.
  59. Dregal
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Definitely the game formula has become obsolete. Basically it is the same game of 1996 but with different pokemon and graphics that are not up to the console.
    Currently we see games like Mario or Zelda that evolve, but Pokémon has nothing new that can attract new players. Same game, same mechanics but this time with less pokemon. The story mode is the same as always, this time shorter. It    Definitely the game formula has become obsolete. Basically it is the same game of 1996 but with different pokemon and graphics that are not up to the console.
    Currently we see games like Mario or Zelda that evolve, but Pokémon has nothing new that can attract new players. Same game, same mechanics but this time with less pokemon. The story mode is the same as always, this time shorter. It is a conservative game where they have not innovated anything. The open world that was supposed to be novelty is a disaster, since it is tiny and boring.
    Game Freak developers can do whatever they want since the game will sell very well, but for the next time I will surely no longer buy a new Pokemon game    … Expand
  60. PopeJames
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    I played Red & Blue when I was young and that’s all the Pokemon experience I have video game wise with this franchise. I’m about 10 hours into the game and it’s surprisingly complex for something seemingly simple. I put down Luigi’s mansion to start this game from the year of hype before the release. While this is no BOTW, it does have an open world feel to it if you spend the time toI played Red & Blue when I was young and that’s all the Pokemon experience I have video game wise with this franchise. I’m about 10 hours into the game and it’s surprisingly complex for something seemingly simple. I put down Luigi’s mansion to start this game from the year of hype before the release. While this is no BOTW, it does have an open world feel to it if you spend the time to enjoy Those moments. Story isn’t gripping but, these games were never about that. It’s absolute fun catching new Pokémon and let it be what it was meant to be. Catching them all and battling. Everything else is just icing on the cake.… Expand
  61. WilliamGame
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    Let's start with some good! The game has been pretty enjoyable for me as it is a Pokémon game, which is a franchise I've grown up with. In addition, the devs have made competitive Pokémon way more accessible than in previous generations through new features like mints. Some areas have really nice graphics. The wild area is a great idea! How you encounter Pokémon in this game is also quiteLet's start with some good! The game has been pretty enjoyable for me as it is a Pokémon game, which is a franchise I've grown up with. In addition, the devs have made competitive Pokémon way more accessible than in previous generations through new features like mints. Some areas have really nice graphics. The wild area is a great idea! How you encounter Pokémon in this game is also quite fun as they appear in the overworld. In my opinion, I think the new Pokémon designs are quite great... Besides Sobbles final evolution. All jokes aside, the new Pokémon are all pretty solid. This game Pokémon Camp feature is a very fun way to interact with your Pokémon. I also really enjoyed the character designs. The character customization was really extensive. The music was nice all around! The gyms were also really fun and had a lot of charm in my opinion. There have also been tons of quality of life additions.

    Now on to the not so good. The game is incredibly easy, the decision to remove turning off EXP share was completely unnecessary. I would be fine with it if they balanced the game around it. However, I don't think they did and I finished the game in only around 18 hours. I even tried to purposefully avoid trainers at a certain point as my Pokémon were so strong. I also had to box my most powerful Pokémon for a bit until I progressed far enough to feel comfortable playing with them without feeling like I cheesed the game. Although some areas of the game are really pretty, others are not. The wild area for example, that place feels incredibly barren and lifeless compared to some of the towns. A lot of the textures could've used more polish. The weather is also quite jarring in the wild area as it switches from sunny to snowy in what seems like two minutes when you're biking around. There is also a feature where you can't catch Pokémon that are too high of a level if you don't have the badge requirement to catch them. This decision makes no sense to me. This is all a shame as the wild area was the selling point of the game for me. Across the board, almost all areas had really bad pop-in and draw distance. Framerate did also noticeably drop occasionally. Although I had loved Mega Evolutions, I don't care at all for dynamaxing as it's most likely going to be scrapped anyways in future generations, it wasn't nearly as creative as Mega Evolutions, and felt the most gimmicky out of Megas and Z-Moves from past generations. Megas also gave love to Pokémon that needed more love. Dynamax doesn't really give love to "unpopular" Pokémon as every Pokémon can dynamax and a lot of generation one Pokémon got gigantamax forms. The rival is insufferable and seems to appear every three steps I take and won't leave me alone. The story was meh, and there was little postgame. The story was also very linear. And I haven't even touched "dexit" yet. All I would like to say about dexit is that I don't like being lied to, especially if I'm your consumer. Overall, the game wasn't "awful" but it definitely isn't "amazing" either. However, it was disapointing. And yes, a review is the perfect time and place to criticise and praise a game when necessary.    … Expand
  62. videobob
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    Everything that this game does, another game in the series does better. It's not terrible, but there really is no reason to play this game if you've played the others. Deceptive business practices, terrible graphics, and so many cut corners provide a disappointing experience the whole way through.
  63. WottSquad
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    What more do I have to say that hasn't been said by countless others? The graphics are average. The slowdowns in the Wild Area are irritating. Not all Pokémon that I've grown to love will be transferrable. It's really easy. There are positives though. The soundtrack is great as expected of Pokémon games with catchy tunes and really cool tracks (Bede's battle theme especially). I like quiteWhat more do I have to say that hasn't been said by countless others? The graphics are average. The slowdowns in the Wild Area are irritating. Not all Pokémon that I've grown to love will be transferrable. It's really easy. There are positives though. The soundtrack is great as expected of Pokémon games with catchy tunes and really cool tracks (Bede's battle theme especially). I like quite a few new pokémon designs. I liked the story and characters but I feel some characters should've had more backstory. I'm going right down the middle with this one. Definitely not the worst Pokémon game but far from the best.… Expand
  64. Diobestia
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    The whole things is just messy, incomplete, and disappointing, it was such a lazy rush job. Absolutely the WORSE Pokemon game ever created so far. I'd rather spend 60€ whoring than buying this, so called, "game". Don't settle for less, FIGHT FOR MORE!!!
    NINTENDO, but mostly that **** software house, GAME FREAK need to understand this.
  65. rayshooter
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    Game with good potential but left in unpolished I was able to get around national dex missing only to find I didn't need to put any effort into battles and the move animations suck.... Hoping the game gets tougher later on.... also didn't notice a night/day cycle yet.... I would say game is worth around 30 bucks
  66. Brodecai
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    Presentation: Despite not looking as robust as other first party AAA games on Switch, Sw/Sh are the best looking game in its series. I don't think the whole game looks terrible; it's just bad in some places than others. For example, some places are nicely designed and have great attention to detail. Others have very muddy looking textures and models-like in caves (some rocks/walls lookPresentation: Despite not looking as robust as other first party AAA games on Switch, Sw/Sh are the best looking game in its series. I don't think the whole game looks terrible; it's just bad in some places than others. For example, some places are nicely designed and have great attention to detail. Others have very muddy looking textures and models-like in caves (some rocks/walls look straight out of a PS2 game) and of course, the infamous "Nintendo 64 trees" of the wild area. Next, we have the user interface. To be frank, I love it. It's simple and effective. Not much more to say. Lastly, let's rip on the animations/models for the 1000th time. Nah, but seriously a lot of character/Pokemon models look like they came straight from the 3DS. Plus, they all have this shiny, plastic-y look to them. Kind of reminds me how they did Wind Waker HD's character models on Wii U. There are character animations that are re-used, as well. I'll just use Hop for the sake of time. He literally uses numerous animations from Hau. I even compared them. It's funny because they're pretty much the same character. There's a lot more cutscenes this time around. Better than the games on 3DS, but clearly dated. For example, a lot of movements look still look stiff. The render distance is pretty bad, also. Sometimes, NPCs don't pop up until you're almost near them.

    Gameplay: This game plays how you'd expect if you're a veteran. The basic formula is still catch, battle, train, whip your rival's ass, take on the bad group, beat the gym leader, and catch the legendary because you're the "chosen one" BUT with the addition of Dynamax battles (battling but with a bigger,stronger version of your 'mon) and little side features such as camping and jobs. Basically, camping lets you play with your 'mon (A la Pokemon amie in X/Y) and use ingredients to make curry (of all foods??). And jobs are basically like daycare, but your 'mon can earn much more EXP doing work. You look at job listings (which are easily accessible in the Pokemon center) and send 'mon that meet the qualifications. Later, you come back and collect your 'mon and you may even get an item that they recieved (or stole) from their job. I actually like the concept, but wish it was like the Pokeathlon in X/Y. Actually doing the little work mini-games and getting EXP or stats based on your score would be a nice break from the main adventure. Gym battles work similar to how they did in every other game besides Sun/Moon (thank Arceus). There's a little "mission" you do before taking on the gym leader. Some of which are pretty nice. Others are eh. Now, I'd like to talk about gameplay changes. I'm running out of characters, so I'll highlight the best ones. Certain NPCs like the name rater/move deleter/relearner are now conveniently placed in the Pokemon centers. Also, you can buy TMs very early on by using "Watts": A new type of currency found by investigating energy spots in wild areas. You also get a small explanation of a new item whenever you pick it up from the overworld and lastly, you don't have to step inside a daycare to deposit 'mon.

    Difficulty: If you thought Sun/Moon were easy, boy you're in for it, now. Game Freak thought it was a swell idea make EXP share a feature that you can't turn off. You know what I liked about Pokemon games early on? Switching out 'mon and giving each a turn to fight. And even when my weak ass pidgey was going against an Onix, we toughed it out, just so he could level up. It made the victory very savory, ya know? Now, that's gone. Also, you're given a PC Box link, which allows you to access your PC box from anywhere (except Gym challenges), which means fully healed 'mon are just a click away. And speaking of gym battles, you have the option to dynamax at any point in the battle. The effect wears off after 3 turns, but its still possible to sweep the gym leader's team if you D-max at the beginning. Lastly, there's a LOT of hand-holding. Hop is there to make sure you always know what to do and it's rather annoying.

    Conclusion: My final thoughts are that this game is extremely safe for Pokemon's debut on home console.No spoilers, but the story is what you'd expect from a pokemon game, with a few small shake-ups in the formula. Plus, you have the removal of over half the amount of 'mon and 100+ moves, which essentially halfs the amount of content the prior games in the series had. I knew we'd get to a point where not every 'mon would be available, but Game Freak outright said we'd be getting higher quality animations AND that models would be made from scratch in exchange for the national dex. Needless to say, what a load of Tauros crap. What bugs me is that Genius Sonority, the developers of Pokemon Battle revolution on Wii, managed to make unique animations for 450+ 'mon with a dev team of    … Expand
  67. Zumabuma
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    In today’s day and age there are a number of game companies who have proven that they are interested in one thing and one thing only. Money. This is obvious when games are constantly being rushed through their development cycle and are released with cut content, bugs, poor graphics relative to the current hardware, and endless micro transactions. Recently developers who have spent yearsIn today’s day and age there are a number of game companies who have proven that they are interested in one thing and one thing only. Money. This is obvious when games are constantly being rushed through their development cycle and are released with cut content, bugs, poor graphics relative to the current hardware, and endless micro transactions. Recently developers who have spent years cultivating a loyal fan base through thoughtful game design and innovation have turned their backs on the consumers who helped to build them in to powerhouses of the industry. Bethesda, Bioware, and now GameFreak just to name a few. It’s unfortunate that GameFreak has chosen to release an unfinished and unpolished game in order to take advantage of the holiday season.

    With the release of Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, GameFreak took their first steps towards creating the first open world Pokémon game that many of us have dreamed about. While the game itself was not the mainline Pokémon game everyone was hoping for it did capture a lot of the nostalgia of previous entries. Between the original Pokémon returning, and the ability to have your Pokémon follow behind you while you traveled through a fully rendered Kanto region. The game did a lot of things right even with it’s flaws. Then, with the announcement of Sword and Shield, GameFreak teased the game that we had all been waiting for. The first mainline Pokémon game for the Nintendo Switch. With the experience of 23 years of Pokémon games under their belt and the framework set by Lets go Eevee and Pikachu GameFreak was on their way to creating the game that fans had been asking for. Yet somehow they managed to take a step back in almost every conceivable way. Starting with cutting a majority of Pokémon from the game completely.

    Coined “Dexit” this was a red flag the second the information leaked online. Actually seeing it implemented in game is nothing but heartbreaking. This is a Pokémon game that is missing a huge number of its most popular Pokémon, including a day one favorite in Squirtle (SQUIRTLE!). While including some of the more forgettable ‘mons of previous generations (looking at you ice cream cone and bag of trash). The lack of the National Dex hurts this game in so many ways and severely limits the longevity and creativity of the game. This is a feature that has been included in almost every other mainline Pokémon game. Games with far less storage capabilities than the current generation. On top of this, GameFreak has gone on record as saying that the reason for the lack of a national dex is due to time constraints and their inability to animate the entire library of Pokémon in time. The first problem with this is that GameFreak set the release date. There is no reason why the game could not have been delayed in the same way that Animal Crossing recently was. It has been proven time and time again that consumers and fans would prefer that a studio take their time and ship a complete game rather than rush the game out before it's finished.

    The other issue with GameFreaks explanation is that a ton of the animations in the game are ripped directly from Sun, Moon, X, and Y. This is blatantly obvious in game as many Pokemon’s animations are choppy and not up to the standards one would expect from a current gen game. Especially a title as popular as Pokémon. Not to mention that people who have gone through the games files have confirmed the animations were carried over and in some cases slightly altered. Now, if the studio is going to cut such a large number of Pokémon and copy and paste animations you would at least expect the game to excel in other aspects. But you would be wrong.

    The list of cut content is so long it’s actually difficult to remember. We’re talking minimal post game content, a large number of moves removed, including quite a few used in competitive teams. A main story that last somewhere between 16 and 20 hours which, for a $60 game is unnaceptable. No PSS, contests, riding Pokémon, safari mode, battle frontier, horde battles, rotation battles, triple battles, not a single roaming legendary, no second region, mega evolutions, Z moves, AND no GTS! Although, a version of the GTS may be tied to “Home” which is another paid service on top of Nintendo Online that you’ll need to pay for.

    That’s a TON of cut content with almost no replacements except gigantamaxing which is a ridiculous concept that is not nearly as interesting as mega evolutions. This game lacks content, creativity, and soul. Playing through this game it’s obvious that GameFreak has taken advantage of some of the most loyal fans on the planet. It’s just another example of greed in the industry. GameFreak and Nintendo should be ashamed. If you feel compelled to buy this game and experience these issues first hand buy the game used. Don’t support this cash grab or nothing will ever change. We as consumers have the power.    … Expand
  68. Bari
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    The start of the game and graphics show they had put in effort. It is a shame with the pokedex but with other features it is a nicely made game in shape. Does wish for future updates if possible or a link with the next remade 4th gen.
  69. BronxGamer
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Awsome return to a classic franchise.. while nothing blows you away (least not after my 14 hours so far) it holds true to everything that works with the series. Wild Area is a great addition, and wild pokemon pack a heavier punch than what I recall from the past.
  70. emotionside
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    O pior game da franquia com folga, game não empolga em nada e a wild area é uma porcaria sem sentido, para que ter vários pokemon de alto nível se não pode captura sem falar as outras cagadas, eu não recomendo não comprem até eles fazer um jogo descente e completo "Gotta Catch 'Em All" e o jogo ta muito fácil meu Deus vão a merda
  71. Mitsuri
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    First, before I start this, I'd like to say to anyone looking at this website to form your own opinion, rather than allow someone else's to do so for you. Many people are upset with the game for various factors, but I can tell you, 90% of the issues that people have with the game are not legitimate claims, and rather, ones that are being spouted out to discredit any form of good the gameFirst, before I start this, I'd like to say to anyone looking at this website to form your own opinion, rather than allow someone else's to do so for you. Many people are upset with the game for various factors, but I can tell you, 90% of the issues that people have with the game are not legitimate claims, and rather, ones that are being spouted out to discredit any form of good the game does.

    Now then, when I speak of this, let me point out the things that keep me, personally, as well as a few legitimate gripes people have from making this the greatest Pokemon game. Firstly, when playing Online, the game does tend to lose frames quite a fair bit. It is still playable, but it pulls you out of the experience when it drops off to 15 frames or less at times. Another point I would like to make is about some of the trainer battles, specifically the ones indoors. Those ones do tend to have very generic backgrounds that leave much to be desired. A little nitpick that doesn't harm my enjoyment personally, but it's sad to see that those ones weren't made to be different. I can also see the issue about the EXP Share always being on being a problem too, especially for those who want to level up Pokemon individually. It is sad that there is no way to turn it off and on at will.

    These aren't things that should blow off the positives of the game though. Let me give different things that are false that people continue to complain about. For one, the battle animations are NOT lazy. At times, I've been blown away by how unique some of the animations are. Fighting through battle after battle while seeing these Pokemon properly display their moves looks really good, better than previous entries, which it should be. Stories in these games have never been amazing, but it is interesting to follow through with each of the characters to see what role they play in the story, as well as learning about the history of the Galar region as a whole and discovering the mystery behind Dynamax. I've found myself at some gyms too while being overleveled that there was still a semblance of a challenge, along with the Pokemon that reside in the Wild Area. Speaking of which, sure, if you are rushing through trying to beat every gym immediately, the game may take you around 15-18 hours. Yet there are many things to explore. Regardless of the Dex cut, there are TONS of Pokemon to meet, including those that are new. From time to time it took me around two hours to get out of the Wild Area because I was so busy battling Pokemon, shaking trees, doing Dynamax Raids, camping out with my pokemon and cooking curry for them. There's also the matter of creating your own Trainer Card and customizing your trainer's look, all sorts of things this game does GOOD.

    Listen, I could go on and on because I truly enjoy this game. It's hard for me to put down after 20 hours of gameplay and having only 5 badges obtained. Again, buying this game is your choice. It truly is. Just make a fair judgment on it, look at legitimate gameplay. Not ones where they are purposefully only showing the good, or purposefully only showing the bad.    … Expand
  72. ryguyreiser
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    F in the chat for Gamefreak and the Pokemon Company. Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon made me lose hope in the series, but now it is clear to see just how far low this series has come to.
    Yikes.

    Please do not support this game or you are actively telling the pokemon company to keep putting out bad, lazily made, poor quality games.
  73. hyenaglasses
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Even judging it on it own merit it is not worth the money. It doesn't look like a switch game.
    Graphical glitches and poor animations. My little girl played this and didn't mind that but they were frustrated that they couldn't train their Pokemon individually like they did in past games.
    (She was also sad that they couldn't follow her like in lets go pikachu but that can't be helped)    Even judging it on it own merit it is not worth the money. It doesn't look like a switch game.
    Graphical glitches and poor animations. My little girl played this and didn't mind that but they were frustrated that they couldn't train their Pokemon individually like they did in past games.
    (She was also sad that they couldn't follow her like in lets go pikachu but that can't be helped)
    The major bugs it had with deleting peoples sd card data also doesn't help.    … Expand
  74. Noobie123
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Terrible game. I have never seen animation that bad since my last roblox session and that was 4 years ago.
  75. handsomebird
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    one of the worst and boring game i play recently in 10 years, 60$ game in 2019 for less than ps2 game
  76. Shadowowlf
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    The game is really fun! I hate all the backlash this game is getting. I'm not a major pokemon fan, but still, I've played a lot of games and i can tell if it's bad or good and this is good. Good job, Gamefreak!
  77. MimiPiggyOrc
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This game is not just lazy it actually feels unfinished. Someone needs to tell Game Freak a new entry is supposed to offer something new. This game is awful for advanced players, mediocre for casual player and I hope this isn't any body's first Pokémon game, because they will get the wrong impression of the Pokémon series as a whole. This trash heap is the result of complacency, and a lackThis game is not just lazy it actually feels unfinished. Someone needs to tell Game Freak a new entry is supposed to offer something new. This game is awful for advanced players, mediocre for casual player and I hope this isn't any body's first Pokémon game, because they will get the wrong impression of the Pokémon series as a whole. This trash heap is the result of complacency, and a lack of effort and dedication, it is as if Game Freak doesn't care!… Expand
  78. Victorshp
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    Me gusta este juego. Superó mis expectativas y todo lo mal que la gente hablaba
  79. disappointedpkm
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Pretty disappointed with the graphics, the cut Pokémon and the lack of challenge.
  80. Pardner
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    Very disappointed. While many issues have already been pointed out, there are a few major ones that few, at least from what ive seen, have pointed out.
    1. The handholding. Everyone hates hand holding, from kids to adults alike. Unfortunately, Hop, the "rival" is literally everywhere and won't let you take a few steps before he needlessly tells you what you already know. There's hand    Very disappointed. While many issues have already been pointed out, there are a few major ones that few, at least from what ive seen, have pointed out.
    1. The handholding. Everyone hates hand holding, from kids to adults alike. Unfortunately, Hop, the "rival" is literally everywhere and won't let you take a few steps before he needlessly tells you what you already know. There's hand holding everywhere. We aren't idiots. The handholding makes us feel like one, however, and it very quickly makes you hate Hop. 2. The lack of challenge. This game is incredibly easy. The EXP share is always turned on, so your Pokemon are usually overleveled. Along with that, there's zero puzzles or dungeons. The old games had plenty, and completing these made you feel accomplished. There's none of that here. Without challenge, are you truly playing am JRPG? Challenge is what makes Pokemon games fun. So no challenges or puzzles really hits hard here.
    3. Shiny locked and gigantamax locked Pokemon. Unfortunately, there are shiny locked Pokemon again. This time, it's not only legendary Pokemon, but gift Pokemon as well. Keeping shiny Pokemon locked behind events doesn't feel like you earned it. There cheap grabs. It's insulting. Not only that, but you can't just give the gigantmax trait to any Pokemon. You have to catch them. This means any Pokemon you have been with for a long time cannot gigantamax. You must replace them if you want a gigiantamax version of your Pokemon, even shiny versions. This feels cheap to me.
    4. Lack of new Pokemon animations. While Gamefreak did have to create new textures and tweaks to the wireframes, it doesn't excuse about how they lied about new animations. While the moves are wonderful to look at, the Pokemon themselves aren't wildly animated like this. It's all the same. It seems the animation budget went towards moves and not Pokemon. Now that all the moves have new animations, hopefully the Pokemon themselves will get more animated in the next games.
    5. Non Scaled Pokemon. I gripe I have is that Pokemon aren't properly sized in battle and in the campsite. Pokemon that should be massive are the size of the player. An example of this is tyranitar. Hes proper size in the overworld, but he's absolutely short in battle and the campsite. Same is true for the third legendary. Absolutely giant in cutscenes and in the overworld, but it's the size of a charizard in battle and the campsite. It makes no sense.
    6. Mediocre wild area textures. The textures in the wild area are awful compared to the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the wild area is a large part of the game, so you can't escape it. The trees look like they came from the 64 era, the grass looks like it was smothered on, the water looks a bit glossy and doesn't even have water ripple around swimming Pokemon, it's just bad.

    All in all, Pokemon Sword (and shield) is a mediocre Pokemon game. It feels like this should have come out on the 3ds. It just isn't as good as it should have been. I mean, it's a decent game, but it's not a great game. Hopefully with the reported longer development time for future titles, we can get the Pokemon game that truly earns the title of #1.    … Expand
  81. Erapanzon
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Comparing it to other Switch big IP's this game has absolutely 0 content,
    you cant pay 60 dollars for an experience lasting 20 hours max.
    The charm of pokemon games is usually completing the pokedex and looking for your favourite pokemon, which is not possible in this game, since more than a half of all the pokemon have been cut. The new battle mechanic is too gimmicky and restricted,    Comparing it to other Switch big IP's this game has absolutely 0 content,
    you cant pay 60 dollars for an experience lasting 20 hours max.
    The charm of pokemon games is usually completing the pokedex and looking for your favourite pokemon, which is not possible in this game, since more than a half of all the pokemon have been cut.
    The new battle mechanic is too gimmicky and restricted, dynamax wil raids are fun but will end up being boring after a while since they are too simple.
    The overworld graphics are unpolished, but usually pokemon games do not have great graphics so its kinda normal.
    Overall i suggest you to not buy this game, since game freak usually release an "enhanced edition" the year later, which could fix most of the problems above.    … Expand
  82. AnRPGFan
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion, Sword/Shield is weaker than all previous Pokemon games in practically every aspect. There's so many different ways you can look at this game and no matter what it always falls short compared to previous entries.

    Length-wise the game is short, you could potentially beat the main story in one sitting. It still feels like you're playing a handheld game made to be played in short bursts rather than a huge home console game. While this is mostly due to the story's actual length, I'd say the blame also falls partially on the difficulty. I understand that mainline Pokemon games have never really been hard, but this game takes it to another level. In my experience, it felt as though you would have to be constantly going out of your way to gimp yourself to bring any sense of challenge at all. Playing through the game "normally" felt absolutely brainless this time. The post-game content is also what has now become the standard barren experience we've seen in the past couple of generations. There's the usual short story expansion and Battle Tower. It seems to mostly exist just to nudge players toward online interactions with PvP battles or exploring the Wild Area.

    The story is nothing special and, in my opinion, weaker than previous entries in the series. It feels like the developers weren't sure what to do and ended up creating a sort of caricature of past Pokemon stories. Just your standard Pokemon story but with completely ridiculous villains, even for what would be considered the "norm" for Pokemon. I thought the post-game story's plot and villains actually had potential, but they're obviously only around for a short while and thing wrap up way too soon.

    Presentation might be where this game hurts the most. As far as Graphics go the game will bounce from looking amazing to looking like a middling budget Gamecube title. Major story moments look mostly great but then something like wild area is just the polar opposite. Music in this entry is incredibly weak compared to previous entries in my opinion. So many songs are just grating to me and very few stick out. The average Pokemon game doesn't wow me with its music, but it's never been outright bad like in Sword/Shield at times. One sort of small aspect of the presentation that really bothers me is the how battles look. Pokemon are still poorly scaled like they were in battles in other 3D entries. In extreme scenarios like with Waillord this looks completely ridiculous. The majority of Pokemon are still animated to look totally lifeless which is jarring when compared to many of the new, pretty animations given to the moves themselves. Battle issues don't just stop at the Pokemon, I would describe the trainers as robotic in battles outside of scripted scenes. They just stand around and won't react to their Pokemon getting hurt or anything. All of these roll together to make battles feel as far from immersive as possible; they feel closer to simulations of Pokemon battles than actual Pokemon battles.

    The design of the world as a whole I would just say is okay. Towns look pretty and are well-made but are generally lacking in depth which leads to exploring them not feeling very fun. Routes and dungeons, however, are much worse. They're incredibly simplistic and railroaded this time, which leads to very little exploration. If a player wants to explore, the only option is really the Wild Area. Running around in the Wild Area can be fun, but it feels pretty empty and a bit too large for its own good. The world itself is just okay at best, but I was mostly satisfied with the characters in it. Most of the NPCs in the region look nice but don't feel particularly active in the overworld. The new Pokemon of this region are mostly great, but that's obviously to be expected. My favourites are probably the new fossil Pokemon.

    I'd say the new major additions this game brings to the table are a mixed bag. The Wild Area is a great concept, but it ends up feeling empty and what I'd describe as tech demo-like. Pokemon Camp is a big letdown in my opinion. It's this entry's version of Pokemon Amie and Refresh but it doesn't do much new. Just the usual interacting with Pokemon except now you have multiple (awkwardly) walking around at once and can play with a ball. The QoL changes are pretty great, however. With nature mints and the ability to breed egg moves onto existing Pokemon you can now take any Pokemon and make it competitively viable. This means you can eventually take Pokemon you had with you through a single player adventure into online competitive battles with almost no downside. The issue, of course, is that these additions come with the trade off of other major features being removed. In particular, the game's lack of the GTS is just insulting.

    Overall, I see Sword/Shield as easily the weakest mainline Pokemon game. If you skipped out on past Pokemon games I'd recommend you look there for a Pokemon fix before even thinking about this game.    … Expand
  83. HungryAlex
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    The game is amazing and definitely an upgrade from previous games past. I went in spoiler free and while I haven't finished the game yet, I find myself enjoying the drag. The story itself remains the linear game it has always been but this is nothing new. The wild area has become my favorite part! Pokemon as far as the eye can see! The new mons are amazing as well! Looking forward toThe game is amazing and definitely an upgrade from previous games past. I went in spoiler free and while I haven't finished the game yet, I find myself enjoying the drag. The story itself remains the linear game it has always been but this is nothing new. The wild area has become my favorite part! Pokemon as far as the eye can see! The new mons are amazing as well! Looking forward to finishing this game and seeing what's to come! This comes from someone who has played every game since gen 1 as well… Expand
  84. Trip02
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    The game is fun but:
    - 3Ds graphic's
    - bad framerate
    - more than half the dex gone
    - easy af
    - reused bad animations from old games
    - poor post-game content
    - Game Freak lied
  85. skylerrabbit
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Here's the thing. If a person's entire opinion of this game is going to be based on whether or not there are nearly a thousand Pokemon in it, they've missed the point of the effort. Sword and Shield is an ambitious attempt to redefine what a core Pokemon game can be. _They've succeeded._

    When 'Let's Go!' came out for the Switch a year ago, I made a prediction to friends, even as reviews    Here's the thing. If a person's entire opinion of this game is going to be based on whether or not there are nearly a thousand Pokemon in it, they've missed the point of the effort. Sword and Shield is an ambitious attempt to redefine what a core Pokemon game can be. _They've succeeded._

    When 'Let's Go!' came out for the Switch a year ago, I made a prediction to friends, even as reviews for that installment were...fair to middling. 'It only has the first 150 and it's not breaking new story ground because what 'Let's Go!' really is is an experimental testbed. They're trying new ideas to see what can work'.

    I came into this game legitimately unsure if I'd burned money on a game that had experimented too far, and flown too close to the sun, at the price of halving the number of Pokemon you could catch. I'm one of the converted.

    After realizing the online capabilities that Pokemon Sword and Shield has, particularly the ability to do surprise trades (formerly known as WonderTrades) in the background as you play, seeing who of your friends wants to do a link trade or battle WITHOUT having to go to some special 'Online Zone' and stopping your play entirely...and having an MMO area in the Wild Area, where real time raids for Pokemon happen, I'm sorry. Critics about the dex are not looking deep enough. After spending two hours screwing around in the Wild Area, exploring, capturing, raiding - all online, and some of which being with friends where I DIDN'T have to do 20 minutes of prep on another IM client just to make that interaction happen, I said to another friend, 'I could give a crap about the National Dex having played this. This is the future of Pokemon. If they do 'this' but with more filled in features, they'll have me at the next game. And if they included 500 Pokemon with the same old models to satisfy review bombers, they'll have them too.'

    Effort in this game was put toward completely different improvements, like the Wild Area, raids, a streamlined online experience where being Online doesn't mean stopping your game cold, earlier emphasis on customizing your look, tougher trainers to battle on your journey. Some of these don't sound sexy, and AREN'T sexy if one's assessment of Pokemon begins and ends with 'I want every single one' and everything else - even the challenge and balance of battles - is secondary. Pokemon having grown its Information Technology so online play is possible while you also play the game is the definition of sounding 'boring as hell', but it was needed very very badly for a DECADE. There are a million Gachapon games out there. Pokemon needs its opportunity to grow beyond that into a richer experience people can play on a console.

    Love it or hate it, the least people can do is respect the effort and where the effort was put. I am not seeing that from the negative side whatsoever. 'I didn't get what I want so it sucks, sight unseen.' It disgusts me that people are giving '0' reviews to a game they haven't even purchased because it didn't live up to their expectations set months and years before the game's release. Pokemon cannot grow in a static bubble. And it badly needs room to grow. Game Freak WILL do it with or without those who refuse to give that growth a chance.    … Expand
  86. Exitmichael
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Hey, if loved the 3ds games of pokemon, this is the perfect game for you, pretty much just got a horrible face-lift you will feel right at home in 2011, because they look just like an upscaled version of them just 30$ more expensive with less content, what an offer!
    Seems like the developers are unable to provide a 2019 RPG with graphics on par to other Nintendo titles. (Breath of the    Hey, if loved the 3ds games of pokemon, this is the perfect game for you, pretty much just got a horrible face-lift you will feel right at home in 2011, because they look just like an upscaled version of them just 30$ more expensive with less content, what an offer!
    Seems like the developers are unable to provide a 2019 RPG with graphics on par to other Nintendo titles. (Breath of the wild, Luigis mansion, etc)
    The experience is linear, the game suffers from terrible frame rate connected to the internet, the render distance is almost non existing.
    They tried making an average game, and they succeeded. It's sad having a great Idea and slowly killing it by doing mediocre work and not putting the right amount of resources to create something that will take the pokemon franchise to another level.    … Expand
  87. Soup197
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Bad graphics, too short, no post-game. Not being able to play the game with my favorite teams and mons I trained for years really sucked
  88. IllBeYourSenpai
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    This game is amazing one of the best Pokemon games out right now. I know there is a lot of negitive comments going around about this game but they people who say these things probably dont understand how making a game works.
  89. rokubato
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Boring plot. Weird and old looking animations. Bad graphics at some parts. Immersion is highly disrupted by pokemon popping in and out of existence for no good reason. The Switch should be able to handle rendering a couple of models from further away.
    To sum this all up we have been lied to. We where told that content was cut in order to make room for better animation and new models. We    Boring plot. Weird and old looking animations. Bad graphics at some parts. Immersion is highly disrupted by pokemon popping in and out of existence for no good reason. The Switch should be able to handle rendering a couple of models from further away.
    To sum this all up we have been lied to. We where told that content was cut in order to make room for better animation and new models. We got none of that. Just less content for more money.    … Expand
  90. jorgeben292110
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    Tenían la oportunidad de lanzar el juego definitivo de Pokémon y... , aún así es un "buen" juego si ignoras ciertos apartados (gráficos, etc), en definitiva lo que lo hace ser el peor de todos los Pokémon hasta la fecha es la eliminación masiva de la mayoría de Pokémon.
  91. BlackPhanthom2
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    -La historia es muy corta, bien planteada pero muy mal ejecutada (también va para los rivales)
    -El apartado gráfico va desde lo decente (ciudades) a lo realmente malo (área salvaje) y no compensan en absoluto los sacrificios (recorte de pokedex nacional y mecánicas establecidas)
    -Un postgame ridículamente corto. -el juego no supone ningún reto, es muy fácil -Si buscas una experiencia    -La historia es muy corta, bien planteada pero muy mal ejecutada (también va para los rivales)
    -El apartado gráfico va desde lo decente (ciudades) a lo realmente malo (área salvaje) y no compensan en absoluto los sacrificios (recorte de pokedex nacional y mecánicas establecidas)
    -Un postgame ridículamente corto.
    -el juego no supone ningún reto, es muy fácil
    -Si buscas una experiencia RPG o un juego con muchas horas recomendaría infinitamente el Xenoblade crhonicles 2 y el fire emblem three houses que son muy superiores en todo (salvo el FE, el apartado grafico es algo feo, pero lo compensa enormemente con otros aspectos).
    -Se lo recomendaría exclusivamente al jugador competitivo de pokemon, ya que el resto de apartados es insuficiente para motivar su compra    … Expand
  92. pipetboy
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    "Un juego atrasado eventualmente puede ser bueno, un mal juego es malo por siempre"
    - Shigeru Miyamoto
    Una filosofía que muchos en Game Freak jamás tendrán "Yo comence a jugar Pokemon en 1998, cuando la versión Red y Blue llego a Estados Unidos para el Game Boy. He jugado cada generacion y muchos de los spin off y puedo sentirme seguro en decir que este es uno de los mejores juegos de    "Un juego atrasado eventualmente puede ser bueno, un mal juego es malo por siempre"
    - Shigeru Miyamoto
    Una filosofía que muchos en Game Freak jamás tendrán

    "Yo comence a jugar Pokemon en 1998, cuando la versión Red y Blue llego a Estados Unidos para el Game Boy. He jugado cada generacion y muchos de los spin off y puedo sentirme seguro en decir que este es uno de los mejores juegos de Pokemon que he jugado. El que no juegue el juego por quejarse y llorar, no sabe lo que se esta perdiendo. Para mi, el juego es un 100." sientan el sarcasmo    … Expand
  93. tikiwiki
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Sword and shield have made amazing changes and some of the worst changes in the series. The changes on training pokemon specially to be able to go online are incredible, but on the other side removing pokemon in a series that used to seem to pride it self on being able to carry over all your old pokemon is such a fatal flaw i can't look past it.
    Wild area is cool but needs to be    Sword and shield have made amazing changes and some of the worst changes in the series. The changes on training pokemon specially to be able to go online are incredible, but on the other side removing pokemon in a series that used to seem to pride it self on being able to carry over all your old pokemon is such a fatal flaw i can't look past it.
    Wild area is cool but needs to be implemented better, also the sound track is probably the worst one we've had for a while tracks like galar mines actually made me feel dizzy
    Also dynamax is the worst gimmick ever and throws any balance out the window.    … Expand
  94. Ciop
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pro: Very good story and characters Con:First of all: some of the new pokemon are TERRIBLE. After completing the story you can clearly tell that a lot of them are in the game just for their dynamax form.
    Wild lands are only a "safari zone" and I'm 90% sure they didn't even tested the dynamax raid. HOW CAN YOU DEFEAT A RAID IF YOUR AI ALLIES KEEP HEALING THE BOSS (es: water moves on a pokemon that can absorb water type moves) AND HE HAS 4X4 BARRIERS + A S**T TON OF HP?? PLUS HE CAN ATTACK TWICE AND ONESHOT YOUR ALLY POKEMON! WTF?! Not to mention that AI's pokemons use moves like a wild pokemon would do (totally random, sometimes the move has no effect on that situation etc.) Making impossible to destroy barriers in the time limit and defeat any high level raid.
    Post-Game becomes very boring after the first 3 dynamax bosses and can't clearly be compared to the good main campaign.
    No national pokedex means no real competitive game, so I'm not even motivated in keep playing.
    The "camping" thing is only a minigame that last 1 min and just heal your party.

    Conclusion: it's a new game that fails in every new mechanics, removing some of the best one of the predecessor. Characters and the main story are good, but that's it. No replay value, boring post-game, no complete pokedex. For a 70 dollar game it's bad.    … Expand
  95. Jkfudge
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    I must admit that I went into this game fully expecting to, and almost wanting to, hate it. I hated the removals of Pokémon and just the lack of national Dex in general. I disliked Gigantamaxing as a system, and thought the game seemed poorly made in general. Despite all that, this game was a joy to play. Gigantamaxing is incredibly fun, and the wild area is just wonderful. So far, theI must admit that I went into this game fully expecting to, and almost wanting to, hate it. I hated the removals of Pokémon and just the lack of national Dex in general. I disliked Gigantamaxing as a system, and thought the game seemed poorly made in general. Despite all that, this game was a joy to play. Gigantamaxing is incredibly fun, and the wild area is just wonderful. So far, the story is much better than expected, and much of the tutorial, handholding part of the game has been streamlined. Grinding has become quick and fun with the wild area, and raid battles are a blast. I really recommend you give this a try, I was as put off as you were by the flaws with the release, but it turned out to be a wonderful game.… Expand
  96. rogene13
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    The game feels rushed. The story is mediocre and short. There are almost no sidequests. The map feels empty. There are no voice acting even on cut scenes. The music is annoying most of the time. Graphics are outdated and it looks worse in the wild area, Almost half of pokemon and dozens of moves are missing from previous games yet they charge $60 for this.
  97. MightySloth
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Raids are a great addition and add a whole new thing to do with friends. The wild area could be bigger, but the fact that we can see huge incredibly strong pokemon walking around, smaller pokemon running after you and weak pokemon running from you add so much to the experience that this is probably the best pokemon game in a long while. Not to mention that the designs of the surroundingsRaids are a great addition and add a whole new thing to do with friends. The wild area could be bigger, but the fact that we can see huge incredibly strong pokemon walking around, smaller pokemon running after you and weak pokemon running from you add so much to the experience that this is probably the best pokemon game in a long while. Not to mention that the designs of the surroundings are unexpectedly beautiful!… Expand
  98. koopabros128
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    crap game.
    garbage story.
    Wii graphics.
    400/800 pokemon.
    Linear game.
    0/10
  99. DavoNZ
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Can't believe this quality of game was released, despite being for one of the highest grossing franchises ever. Feels like it was made by indie developers. I havnt seen pop-in this bad in over a decade.
  100. chuydavid
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Best Pokémon game ever! period. OPEN world makes it so beautiful. It has better graphics and style than Pokémon Let's Go. I highly recommend it.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Switch Game of 2019
1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 87 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 87
  3. Negative: 0 out of 87
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 30, 2020
    80
    Sword & Shield stumble in a few areas and history may not be kind to them, but they're setting up a future that I'm excited to see. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 73]
  2. GameCritics
    Feb 6, 2020
    75
    I enjoyed my time with Pokemon Sword and Shield, but I ended feeling conflicted. I appreciate many of the changes and felt that it generally respected my time, but I almost felt like a passive participant. The more complex gym challenges had a meatier role, but the narrative shouldn’t have been shoved to the side. Overall, I would recommend it to players who want to have a Pokemon experience, but this one won’t stick with me the way the older ones have.
    Read full review
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Jan 14, 2020
    78
    Pokemon Sword/Shield is uncharacteristically user-friendly: now there’s no need to backtrack half across the world to heal your entire team of pokemon or to get to a particular city, for example. [Issue#242, p.66]
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