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. Kingmercyles
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Great game, I recommend it to everyone it's like the old days and even better
  2. Fresh972
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    400 pokemon...
    The new pokemon are not beautiful. The game is too simple. The worst pokemon.
  3. manolo0
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    pokemon deserves more than this. poor graphics for a switch, the story is nonsense and boring,
    the difficulty is a joke and for sure the pokedex cut.
  4. Igorchagas
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    little innovation, massive game. outdated graphics and bizarre pokemon. à game freak needs to reinvent itself.
  5. Mabegotchi
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bestial poppin, 30 fps, not national pokedex, Game Freak promised reward that including best animations and quality content. The post-game is null, the story mediocre, and this worth 50-60 dollars?… Expand
  6. GeekFrank
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    After removing all the Pokemon I love, there isn't much you get to replace them. Less content, and just a cheap way to change the meta. I was hoping so much more from this "real" Pokemon game after Pokemon Lets Go, and I'm really disappointed.

    Bare bones game that got pushed out just because Nintendo needed something for Christmas.
  7. Ampha
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    A disappointment of Wailord proportions.

    Although, Wailord has been reduced to being no larger than your trainer, as Sword and Shield fail to correctly scale each Pokemon. This is just one of the many shortcomings in this new generation of mainline Pokemon games that have left long time fans like myself unsure of the future of Pokemon. The removal of over 50% of much loved Pokemon is a    A disappointment of Wailord proportions.

    Although, Wailord has been reduced to being no larger than your trainer, as Sword and Shield fail to correctly scale each Pokemon.

    This is just one of the many shortcomings in this new generation of mainline Pokemon games that have left long time fans like myself unsure of the future of Pokemon.

    The removal of over 50% of much loved Pokemon is a difficult decision to understand, when it seems that no additional content has been added to compensate for this, with the exact same models being used from the 3DS games. Battles feel as dated as ever, the over world is still confined to corridors and linear routes pathways and fly/surf/riding Pokemon has disappeared completely. Add this to the dismissal of previous game mechanics, a lack of post-game content and graphical issues, sadly all adds to the underwhelming experience.

    The only positive new feature is the addition of the wild area, which finally touches upon the open-world environment that so many fans have dreamed off. It is of course impossible to not compare this to other games with open worlds and unfortunately the novelty quickly wears off. Perhaps the next generation will build upon this and create a truly impressive and fully developed open world Pokemon game.

    Despite my love of Pokemon for over 18 years, I cannot bring myself to rate this as a stand alone game highly and I can only hope that the next generation of Pokemon games will be their very best.    … Expand
  8. Duelz96
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Words cannot describe how disappointed I was while playing this game. On my 6th gym I decided I couldn’t force myself to finish it. From poor animations to terrible graphics, this completely ruins the atmosphere of the game. Many successful features have been removed. The new content is not the best either.
    This is the worst entry in the Pokémon series by far. Save your money and by a game    Words cannot describe how disappointed I was while playing this game. On my 6th gym I decided I couldn’t force myself to finish it. From poor animations to terrible graphics, this completely ruins the atmosphere of the game. Many successful features have been removed. The new content is not the best either.
    This is the worst entry in the Pokémon series by far. Save your money and by a game that’s been polished and has actually been made with care.
    Pokémon sword was the worst thing that could happen to Pokémon.    … Expand
  9. ryan-g-82
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    I picked up Pokémon Sword on launch day entirely because it was blue, and my knowledge of the game was incredibly limited, not having kept up with the social media posts and news that is absolutely everywhere. The decision to ignore it and block everyone who talked poorly of the game was the best decision I ever made!

    Starting the game, I was blown away how great the intro cutscene is.    I picked up Pokémon Sword on launch day entirely because it was blue, and my knowledge of the game was incredibly limited, not having kept up with the social media posts and news that is absolutely everywhere. The decision to ignore it and block everyone who talked poorly of the game was the best decision I ever made!

    Starting the game, I was blown away how great the intro cutscene is. The lifelike and smooth animations that Rose exhibited is unlike anything I've ever seen from Pokémon X and Moon, the games that I had previously played that look like this Pokémon game. GAME FREAK really stepped up their game by completely changing the introduction since the last game I played. Getting to see a Pokémon I had never seen before at the beginning of the game was one of the more exciting moments.

    While I'm on the intro cutscene, I'll talk about the character designs. The new Pokémon Champion character, named "Leon" in the English release, has such a drastic change from the previous game, Pokémon Moon, where the champion wasn't even present until the end of the game. (To be honest, I don't even know who the champion of the Alola region was, I got stuck halfway through the game.)

    The level of detail and openness the game provides from the first moments to the next first moments is phenomenal, I get to go outside to meet my player character's friend Hau and watch as he scolds a Wooloo for doing his rolling animation into a gate which doesn't budge. It's an immersive world that I get to walk a small amount and learn a new thing every few minutes! I love how straightforward and simple Pokémon is, I always felt that the previous games I played in the series, like Moon, didn't tell me what to do nearly as often, and I hated not knowing what to do at every point in the game. It makes the experience so much better when I'm taught how to catch a Pokémon within the first half hour of the game! It really makes you feel like a Pokémon Trainer.

    I did hit a really big hitch though. Late in the game, you get to the Wild Area, a place where the game lets the player go in a direction other than forward with no roadblocks. What's with this place? I honestly can't get out of it because all the Pokémon there are extremely high level. Come on GAME FREAK, a level 30 Onix in the first hour of the game? How am I supposed to avoid this? IT MOVES RIGHT TOWARDS ME AT A LEISURELY PACE! (btw I play with joycons, sometimes the drift leads me directly into a Pokémon I was going to run directly into anyway. Whenever it does drift, I usually put the controllers down and ask my big brother what to do.)

    Anyway that's as far as I got, but I'm LOVING the game so far! I've spent approximately 8 hours 12 minutes 55 seconds playing this game and almost the entirety is trying to figure out my way around the Wild Area. I keep finding new things to explore and Pokémon I can't catch since I ran out of Pokéballs and don't know where to get them. The game didn't explicitly tell me where everything is and that's really disappointing. I'm hoping GAME FREAK will develop the game better next time, maybe they can highlight where I'm supposed to go next and make it absolutely unavoidable. I'm really good at moving directly forward!

    I'll check back later when I figure out how to dodge that Onix that keeps one-shotting my poor Sobble, but for now the game is perfect!    … Expand
  10. AlexTheAwesome
    Nov 15, 2019
    4
    It's the first time I tried to stay far away from a Pokémon game but someone sent me a copy so I had to play it. It is a game that I will despise for years to come but the thing is though: If we keep buying these more mediocre Pokémon games then Game Freak won't fix a damn thing. So it's sorta our fault for this but that doesn't mean people aren't unhappy. It looks like an N64 game most ofIt's the first time I tried to stay far away from a Pokémon game but someone sent me a copy so I had to play it. It is a game that I will despise for years to come but the thing is though: If we keep buying these more mediocre Pokémon games then Game Freak won't fix a damn thing. So it's sorta our fault for this but that doesn't mean people aren't unhappy. It looks like an N64 game most of the time and it has many framerate issues and glitches. I replayed Let's Go recently and while I don't think it's a good game I can respect it for what kind of game it is. I can't be easy on this game though as it is meant for the hardcore Pokémon fans (like me) and it is just a slugfest when it works and a train-wreck when it doesn't work (which is most of the time). To think that IGN gave this game a 9.3/10, a higher score than Uncharted 4, Doom 2016, The Outer Worlds, and plenty of other fantastic games (including older Pokémon games) is baffling and it isn't just IGN that I'm throwing under the bus. GameSpot, Kotaku and many more critics are all to blame for the bad information. In fact IGN lied that you can for the first time skip tutorials but that's not true. In Pokémon Gold And Silver you could skip tutorials and those games are considered the best by many hardcore fans. The big problem is that national dex though and it's not because it is there (remember Sun and Moon didn't have it either) but in Sun and Moon you could still bring any Pokémon you wanted which you can't do anymore. The big issue though is the fact that they lied about the animations which is why they said they removed it. When I saw that video on twitter of Zamazenta I cringed so hard that I was about to cancel my preorder. No matter how much you love Game Freak you can't deny that they lied and were maliciously trying to bank off of people's nostalgia which is gone because you can't even catch them all. 2019 has been a mess for gaming with the Doom DRM crisis, Modern Warfare exclusivity deal with Sony, Anthem sucked so bad, Blizzard banning Blitzchung and the list just goes on and on. This is the cherry on top of the cake finishing off a terrible year in gaming and this is a mistake that Game Freak will not catch because the game has already sold like 6 million copies. Seriously I can't believe we got a bad Pokémon game on the same day as an actually not terrible and pretty decent Star Wars game from EA of all things. Save your money and tell Game Freak this is not what we want and I wasted my own $59.99 to tell you this. Game Freak has made plenty of great games in the past and even recently but this just isn't one of them.… Expand
  11. Riksey
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    bad graphics, half pokedex cutted, no promised cool animations etc etc. Low effort game
  12. Jeryr
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Not for True Pokemon fans,

    The Dex cut was an insult to most as their favorite Pokemon were excluded, the animation and model has not change since the previous games, Gamefreak made an attempt to lie to us by saying the Pokemon cut was to improve quality but there models and animations are EXACTLY the same as the previous games. It was a amateur attempt on lying and a amateur attempt    Not for True Pokemon fans,

    The Dex cut was an insult to most as their favorite Pokemon were excluded, the animation and model has not change since the previous games, Gamefreak made an attempt to lie to us by saying the Pokemon cut was to improve quality but there models and animations are EXACTLY the same as the previous games.

    It was a amateur attempt on lying and a amateur attempt of making a new game with no innovation, hope they improve the next game even better.

    Refunding/reselling the game after completing it is a good choice as $60 is unjust price for this beta version.    … Expand
  13. mr_gem_guy
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    This is the worst game in the series. The animation and graphics are too inconsistent. The story is a rehash of Sun ans Moon. If you are looking for a new pokemon game, avoid this and wait until Gamefreak gets their act together.
  14. betobeto95
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Un retroceso en la saga quitando pokemones, cristales z, mega evoluciones, gráficas que dan mucho que desear para lo que ofrece la consola.
  15. Syperis
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Im a long time fan, I played every pokemon while growing up, upon getting pokemon sword, I was amazed by how it looked, i always wanted a pokemon game on a home console. Upon getting to my first gym, for some reason my game crashed and just keeping me an orange screen, now whenever i turn my switch on thats all i get. I looked it up online and turns out pokemon just brick'd my switchIm a long time fan, I played every pokemon while growing up, upon getting pokemon sword, I was amazed by how it looked, i always wanted a pokemon game on a home console. Upon getting to my first gym, for some reason my game crashed and just keeping me an orange screen, now whenever i turn my switch on thats all i get. I looked it up online and turns out pokemon just brick'd my switch console. I have never had this happen when i played other games like smash, Mario cart, or even pokemon lets go pickachu. Upon calling nintendo support they told me i have to send my console in for repair and i need to pay for it, a console that was working 100% fine eariler is now dead weight because of 1 game,

    I was looking forward to this game, but it breaking my console is unacceptable, how does gamefreak or nintendo even let something like this be released????

    Never buying another pokemon game again unless GF reimburses me the money i have to pay now to fix their screw up.    … Expand
  16. Cosmic06Star
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Awful game made by awful developers. This is not a current gen game, this barely qualifies as a PS2 game at best. Don't support this game so that maybe the devs learn and actually decide to put effort into Pokemon.
  17. Amfibios
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This could have been the best game ever made but it's a shameless cash grab instead. The graphics are from the PS2 era, the models are copy/pasted from X/Y and the gameplay is the same as the original games that came out in the 90s only without the exploration. For this and all the other reasons you know already, this game is a kick in the nuts to every pokemon fan.

    I was already    This could have been the best game ever made but it's a shameless cash grab instead. The graphics are from the PS2 era, the models are copy/pasted from X/Y and the gameplay is the same as the original games that came out in the 90s only without the exploration. For this and all the other reasons you know already, this game is a kick in the nuts to every pokemon fan.

    I was already disappointed with sun/moon but this is a new low. Pokemon games aren't Gamefreak's first priority anymore, look at "Little town hero".

    I'm not gonna support any of this anymore. The series has gotten as stale as it gets but they think "Oh it's pokemon so no matter how little effort we put into it, it'll sell like hot cakes", i'm gonna let them know this is not the case as i'm not buying any more of their games unless they do something that's worth paying for.

    Just for the record, my first pkmn game was the original RED and i've bought pretty much all games that came out since then. I never thought i'd "outgrow" them but gamefreak found a way to force it. Oh well, now i have more money in my pocket to buy GOOD games, this isn't even worth pirating.    … Expand
  18. zeromaru
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    el juego es demasiado mediocre es en el apartado gráfico y jugable el modelado 3d es horrible muy reciclado la animación es muy limitada los npc son muy repetitivo ,el modo historia es demasiado sencillo puede llegar a ser entretenido pero se ve muy simple pero lo compensa con los personajes carismático lo poco imaginativo es la propuesta del gigantamax no se siente lo explote muy bienel juego es demasiado mediocre es en el apartado gráfico y jugable el modelado 3d es horrible muy reciclado la animación es muy limitada los npc son muy repetitivo ,el modo historia es demasiado sencillo puede llegar a ser entretenido pero se ve muy simple pero lo compensa con los personajes carismático lo poco imaginativo es la propuesta del gigantamax no se siente lo explote muy bien para ser juego 60 dolares dejar mucho que desear para ser de una franquicia multimillonaria gamefreak o pokemon company se tiene que poner las pilas o estará perdida… Expand
  19. Anelko
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Good game. Better than expectet. I dont need every single pokemon in the game.
  20. lemony
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Lying Devs
    Reused animations
    Reused Models
    No Global Trading
    No National Dex

    0/10
  21. RyukCrossX
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Tuve la oportunidad de comprarlo el día de estreno, luché por no comer ningun spoiler y lo logré, después de más de 20 horas de juego, terminé el nuevo pokémon
    Hay momentos en los que te dices a ti mismo "GameFreak, aquí pudiste hacerlo mejor" como en el caso del primer experimento de Rose, imaginan como hubiera sido si el Pokémon gigante hubiera destruido parte de la ciudad y hubiésemos tenido oportunidad de presenciar eso? Oh, Arceus, sería el mejor pokémon con escenas de éste tipo, pero al menos se dan a entender... hay muchas falencias en los juegos, la SWITCH le quedó grande a GameFreak, es verdad, pero como "Pokémin", es otro juegazo, se disfruta como cuando éramos niños, yo realmente ame sus personajes y hasta ahora estoy perdido en la WildZone, criando Sobble bebés y enviándolos por intercambio prodigioso 2.0

    Sí creciste con Pokémon, al igual que yo, no te pierdas ésta nueva aventura, que como la región nueva que es, siempre tendrá muchas novedades y personajes que quedaran grabados en la historia ♥️    … Expand
  22. Beans2520
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    #GameFreakLied Why should we buy a 60$ game that has less content the previous entries?
  23. Snowplant
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    It’s really a wonderful game.Besides,Pokemon has always meant „Gotta catch em all“ not gotta catch everyone that exists so for me it isn’t a big deal that there isn’t a nationaldex
  24. DMGspacemanspif
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is an excellent addition to the World of Pokemon. They have added a certain level of difficulty to balance out the inability to turn off exp share. This is the first Pokemon game I have been unable to breeze thru with just 1 set of pokemon so far. I am disappointed with no new Eeveelution, but with the switch, expansions are always possible! Highly recommended to new player or veterans! Mega Floof Eevee is the best Eevee!… Expand
  25. Mario94M
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    Se su 3DS ci si poteva accontentare del solito gioco di Pokemon che ogni tanto introduceva qualche piccola rivoluzione su Switch hanno fallito su tutti i fronti. La storia è la solita solfa per bambini scemi, si poteva sperimentare con nuovi metodi narrativi e invece Gamefreak ha ritenuto giusto riproporre il solito teatrino con personaggi senza carisma e assolutamente dimenticabili. IlSe su 3DS ci si poteva accontentare del solito gioco di Pokemon che ogni tanto introduceva qualche piccola rivoluzione su Switch hanno fallito su tutti i fronti. La storia è la solita solfa per bambini scemi, si poteva sperimentare con nuovi metodi narrativi e invece Gamefreak ha ritenuto giusto riproporre il solito teatrino con personaggi senza carisma e assolutamente dimenticabili. Il gameplay subisce la stessa sorte, una ridondante esplorazione lineare e guidata come non mai da punto A a punto B, fatta eccezione per le terre selvagge che non sono altro che enormi distese di vuoto e desolazione utili a farmare in modo da rendere il gioco ancora più semplice e superficiale. Il lato tecnico è... assente! Gli sviluppatori dal braccino evidentemente troppo corto hanno riutilizzato gli stessi asset risalenti al 3DS, la grafica è paragonabile a quella del peggior MMORPG presente su PSP, le animazioni legnose se non assenti. L'unica gioia che il gioco ci regala è quella di poterlo finire (volendo) in meno di 20 ore, in modo di poterlo rivendere il prima possibile e rientrare nel furto dei 60€.… Expand
  26. misalima
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    A very nice and competent installment in the series. May not be the best, but its a good generatiom
  27. Sensiblegamer2
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    400 is more than enough. Having a blast with Pokemon! Great job game freak!
  28. ResilientFightr
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Pokemon games have always been children oriented, the franchise did not grow old its the people leaving 0 on a wonderful game that are old and being immature. The graphics and resolution and framerate are not praise worthy they are however better than any 3DS pokemon game. This game can be compared to JRPGs on the PS3 and Switch in terms of quality except maybe dragon quest 11. ThePokemon games have always been children oriented, the franchise did not grow old its the people leaving 0 on a wonderful game that are old and being immature. The graphics and resolution and framerate are not praise worthy they are however better than any 3DS pokemon game. This game can be compared to JRPGs on the PS3 and Switch in terms of quality except maybe dragon quest 11. The characters are fun and lively even if they lack voices. The new pokemon are amazing, I especially like the new bugs. The cities and towns are so pretty, walking the nature paths is even fun honestly with so many sounds in the background like pokemon and the wind and river. I think it is the best pokemon game since gold and silver and only black and white 2 come after it.… Expand
  29. Gigachad
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    With a heavy heart I write this review.
    My long time friend, Vargene, has been a fan of Pocket Monsters ever since we were kids. Now, I personally lost interest in this series after Emerald, but my friend enjoyed every single iteration of these games. That is, up until now. Vargene's birthday was coming up and what better gift, or so I thought, than the latest new Pokémon game: Sword and    With a heavy heart I write this review.
    My long time friend, Vargene, has been a fan of Pocket Monsters ever since we were kids. Now, I personally lost interest in this series after Emerald, but my friend enjoyed every single iteration of these games. That is, up until now. Vargene's birthday was coming up and what better gift, or so I thought, than the latest new Pokémon game: Sword and Shield. I bought a copy for both of us, because I wanted to spend some time with my friend since we're both working adults now. At his birthday party, which comprised of him, myself, and his dog, I gave him the games. He was so excited, he had kept himself spoiler free all this time. I brought my Nintendo Switch so we could play together.
    When we started the game, both of us encountered crashes. No problem after a few tries. Once the ball got rolling we were transported to the world of Pokémon, while graphically on the low-end, I didn't mind as long as my friend was happy. We were plagued by the rival and champion character of the game. It was charming at first, but quickly turned to annoyance when the rival and the so called champion halted us in our exploration. Speaking of exploration, we were shocked when we encountered strong Pokémon, but were not allowed to capture them. I brushed away these minor hiccups, and my friend was thoroughly focused on the game. That's when the straw broke the camel's back. Vargene and I looked online to see how to transfer some Pokémon, he expressed horror when we came across information that his favorite Pokémon, the one he raised since we were kids, his Venusaur, could not be transferred. He burst into tears, I couldn't believe it, I thought this game was meant for "long-time veterans". The fact that one of the original starter trio was excluded from the game was unforgivable. I calmed him down and we played the Digimon game that came out on the Switch together instead. Vargene was angry and never wants associate with the Pokémon brand ever again.
    I, of course, returned both our copies. Its tragic that this game had to ruin my friend's birthday party. I strongly dislike this game and only give it a 1 out of pity towards hard-working developers who were no doubt shut down and out while making it.
    Please avoid this game, and brand until they create a worthwhile product.

    Sincerely,
    A Disheartened Customer    … Expand
  30. Longoria21
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Pokemon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, streamlining its most tedious traditions without losing any of the charm.
  31. PolymerMan
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    AWESOME GAME! I've played every generation of Pokemon, and I can honestly say this one is one of the funnest. The throwback storyline and the quality of life improvements make it well worth playing. And just wait until you experience your first gym battle in a stadium full of THOUSANDS of screaming fans. Wow! Sure, the graphics aren't as good as they could have been with the Switch'sAWESOME GAME! I've played every generation of Pokemon, and I can honestly say this one is one of the funnest. The throwback storyline and the quality of life improvements make it well worth playing. And just wait until you experience your first gym battle in a stadium full of THOUSANDS of screaming fans. Wow! Sure, the graphics aren't as good as they could have been with the Switch's capabilities. And there isn't a National Pokedex (which was inevitable with over 800 Pokemon now). But who plays Pokemon for the graphics? If you like Pokemon, buy the game and enjoy. If you've never played Pokemon before, then this is a great jumping-on with the previously mentioned quality of life improvements. Ignore the trolls. This game is REALLY GOOD!… Expand
  32. Bellomy
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    This game is a ton of fun. I'm six hours in and having an absolute blast, the wild area is a little bare but awesome to look around. Dynamaxing looks amazing and while the graphics and animstions are hit or miss they hit HARD, and artistically the design of the game is gorgeous. The soundtrack is simply outstanding, maybe the best in a pokemom game.

    If you were wondering if this is worth    This game is a ton of fun. I'm six hours in and having an absolute blast, the wild area is a little bare but awesome to look around. Dynamaxing looks amazing and while the graphics and animstions are hit or miss they hit HARD, and artistically the design of the game is gorgeous. The soundtrack is simply outstanding, maybe the best in a pokemom game.

    If you were wondering if this is worth the money, the answer is absolutely yes. There are flaws but the overall package is wsy too fun to miss. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  33. blackwolfrise
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    I am by no means a diehard Pokemon fan. I quite often skip generations at times between playing these games. Every 6 or 7 years though the bug bites me and I get a hankering to revisit the franchise and that is what has happened here.

    This is the most fun I've had with a Pokemon game since the gameboy advanced. It may not be revolutionary, the graphics might not be next gen, but as far as    I am by no means a diehard Pokemon fan. I quite often skip generations at times between playing these games. Every 6 or 7 years though the bug bites me and I get a hankering to revisit the franchise and that is what has happened here.

    This is the most fun I've had with a Pokemon game since the gameboy advanced. It may not be revolutionary, the graphics might not be next gen, but as far as just pick up and play joy is concerned it has really scratched that 7 year itch for me. The changes to mechanics might not be revolutionary but they are welcomed and I enjoy how much more freedom this game gives you to just pick up and get right into the game without as ll the tedious hand holding the franchise has forced on us in the past. When someone asks if you know how to do something and you say yes, that's it, they let you move on. It is wonderful.

    The graphics are crisp and clean but like most pokemon games they are a bit bland. Still it's quite a step up from the 3DS games as far as my eye can tell. The story so far is standard pokemon fair so in other words nothing to write home about. Where the game shines is in the fun snappy battles, early diverse pokemon selection, and nostalgic tone. I live the ability to avoid battles and knowing for the mist part exactly what I'm fighting when I do enter a battle. There are some battles in the grassy areas that you can't tell what you are going to fight but those are also avoidable.

    All in all at about 10 hours in I have had a blast with this game. Is it a massive Breath of the Wild style reinvention, no. What it is is a polished, charming, bit of monster brawling fun that quenches my generational thirst for playing a pokemon game. At this point I would give it a solid 8/10.    … Expand
  34. Neyr
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    I've played 11 hours and can confirm it may have some issues like npcs not loading until your 10 feet away from them and some shadow textures are wierd but those seem to be rare for me And I'm bummed out about there not being a national dex but personally I think this game is still 10/10
  35. zefiro
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Bad Pokemon made without fantasy and all the nice old one directly in the oblivion. No content, plain story, worst starter ever seen (playing pokemon since the 1st generation), a desolate world. Just how to kill the fun and the "dream" to catch them all and become don't catch them at all. well done game freak
  36. Ekcity17
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    It’s a Pokémon game what more needs to be said sure losing some mons sucks but doesn’t take away from the actual gameplay Great Game
  37. Dungeon1103
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Rushed Game that depends on nolstalgia.
    So far this is the Pokemon game with the least content, only 10 routes (and most of them are straigth lines). No caves to explore, no secret bases to invade, no dungeons. Just look at the icy mountains, the forests and cities on the map, because you can´t explore none of these places. While other games of the franchine offered a lot of post game    Rushed Game that depends on nolstalgia.
    So far this is the Pokemon game with the least content, only 10 routes (and most of them are straigth lines). No caves to explore, no secret bases to invade, no dungeons. Just look at the icy mountains, the forests and cities on the map, because you can´t explore none of these places. While other games of the franchine offered a lot of post game content, this generation lacks anything.

    Basicaly, it´s the shortest game of the franchine, with the leats content, while also being the most expensive. The only appeal seems to be a nolstalgic factor for a franchine that puts less and less effort,    … Expand
  38. MadBaron
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    I don't normally write reviews but with the crazy amount of controversy surrounding these new games I thought it would be best to write a little something.

    Firstly, before I say anything else, I am kinda sceptical by the sheer number of reviews talking about the "lack of postgame". These are reviews from a few hours after the game released. Umm, did you play for 20 hours straight on the    I don't normally write reviews but with the crazy amount of controversy surrounding these new games I thought it would be best to write a little something.

    Firstly, before I say anything else, I am kinda sceptical by the sheer number of reviews talking about the "lack of postgame". These are reviews from a few hours after the game released. Umm, did you play for 20 hours straight on the first day of release? I think not.

    Anyway, I am a guy from the UK who has loved pokemon for many years since Gen 1. The main thing I can say is: this is the most beautiful looking pokemon game ever! I was getting slightly hesitant with all the negative information about the game but in all honesty, once you play the game you realise that all these things people have fixated on are such minor aspects of the game.

    Now, for me, no game is ever going to overtake crystal. That game was just insanely good.

    But SwSh are close.

    As of writing this, I have just completed the 4th gym. That's because I am going through the game like a NORMAL pokemon fan - catching as many pokemon as I can, talking to all the townsfolk, exploring everything etc. It seems like every single negative review are speedrunners....

    Now let's address the main negative points people have said about the game prior to its release:

    1. "Severely lacking postgame" - I don't know what the postgame is, nor care too much about it. Why don't you just play the actual game rather than complain about a postgame? Ever since gen 1, the real postgame is completing the pokedex and then training pokemon and battling other players. With that, as a 5 year long competitive player myself, i can tell these games are also going to have one of the best competitive formats ever.

    2. "The story is short" - is it? I bought Link's Awakening recently which was the same price as SwSh and that game can be completed in    … Expand
  39. Reyeszen
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    I haven't played a lot of pokemon games but this game by the few hours I played of it was actually really fun,unlike many really dumb reviews on this site I think this game is actually fun and has a lot of cool pokemons and systems like the camping and the customization is really nice,I can really say this british looking game is my cup of tea
  40. MetaWander
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Lastimavel o quanto a Game Freak foi preguiçosa no desenvolvimento deste jogo! Animações pífias e a redução de pokemons não impediu isso. E decepcionante uma franquia bilionaria e tao amada chegar a este ponto em um console robusto como o switch.
  41. etlewis3762
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    As a game, Sword and Shield is weird to pin down and depending on what you look for in a pokemon game will determine your love for it. A lot of aspects, like camping and the wild area, and max raid battles are great and an absolute blast to play with. Other parts of the game, graphics especially and the age old JRPG trope of lots of uninteresting talking that's hurt pokemon in recent gamesAs a game, Sword and Shield is weird to pin down and depending on what you look for in a pokemon game will determine your love for it. A lot of aspects, like camping and the wild area, and max raid battles are great and an absolute blast to play with. Other parts of the game, graphics especially and the age old JRPG trope of lots of uninteresting talking that's hurt pokemon in recent games hurt the experience. If you don't mind the mediocre graphics, excess talking, and lack of a national pokedex, you will undoubtedly love this game. If you do mind these flaws can be extremely 'in your face' and seriously damper your enjoyment of an otherwise really fun game.

    My personal gripe is that the exp share is now a permanent and unchangeable fixture of the game, and I've got to do extra work to keep the game challenging I didn't have to do in sun and moon (I never finished X and Y because those games are too painfully easy for me to enjoy and the only games I don't like). While I have not finished the game and only just gotten started I will not judge the story though it seems to follow a similar route to gold and silver, but without a previous games knowledge hiding behind it.

    I personally love the game and am forcing it down to a 7/10 to keep this objective. My personal vote is an 8/10. However that's because I am one of the people who love Pokemon for a reason that was cared about, intentionally or accidentally, by game freak when making this game. A lot of people will feel thrown under the bus because the aspects they cared about were given less care than other parts of the game and they aren't into aspects that were given extra love and care.    … Expand
  42. sebathawk
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    is an amazing game, the best i played so far. I love the new pokemon, so i only can see good things of the game.
  43. Suikoboj
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    The game is definitely a step in the right direction. The graphics definitely could use some upgrading, but definitely look a lot better than previous entries, even with re-used models(people need to go back and actually read transcripts and understand they did not promise completely new models instead of just going off of what everyone else says), I can't say I got into post game.The game is definitely a step in the right direction. The graphics definitely could use some upgrading, but definitely look a lot better than previous entries, even with re-used models(people need to go back and actually read transcripts and understand they did not promise completely new models instead of just going off of what everyone else says), I can't say I got into post game.

    Though the game can use a little more in the wild area as well an incentive for actually not just doing solo and playing with people. As well as a bit better hit detection for the roaming pokemon, but over all even with the cut dex, it is the best looking pokemon game out right now, as well probably one of the best in the series and definitely if they continue in this direction, the next game can definitely be a knock out of the part.    … Expand
  44. Mistermeatloaf3
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Very enjoyable game it has a nice battle system and it's graphics are good. I like the new improvements it made
  45. Jorgeros
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Se esperaba mucho de este videojuego sin embargo resultó peor de lo esperado con muchos problemas
  46. Aeroxale
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Cut features overshadow miniscule improvements and overpriced. Game was rushed to development with bugs and glitches so the price hike is unjustified.

    Gamefreak lied continously and kept information hidden.
  47. Ruandro
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    too pricy for such an unpolished game. seen some improvement but far far away than enough improvement. Gamefreak should sell this IP to better company
  48. Minishfrank
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Looks pretty great, all big a colorful! Also, this game is SO fun & the soundtrack is AWESOME.
  49. KuwaitiJakey
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    I think this game is average. First the things I liked, I thought the fact that you run into almost entirely new Pokémon on route 1 & 2 that weren’t spoiled by marketing is fantastic. The beginning of a Pokémon game is always magical. I also really liked the concept of the wild area. It’s something Game Freak has to build on in the future - when I first went there I spent hours justI think this game is average. First the things I liked, I thought the fact that you run into almost entirely new Pokémon on route 1 & 2 that weren’t spoiled by marketing is fantastic. The beginning of a Pokémon game is always magical. I also really liked the concept of the wild area. It’s something Game Freak has to build on in the future - when I first went there I spent hours just wondering around. The problem with the wild area is that it needs more to do, I think there should be dungeons or buildings to find and explore. Hunting for Pokémon is great but imagine if the whole game was wilderness and you had to find your next gym hidden in a forest or behind a mountain. The worst part of the game is the graphics. Frankly the animations and graphics are unacceptable for a switch game. It feels unfinished. The battle animations haven’t changed since X & Y. Pokémon models seem stiff and sometimes only their waiting animation just hops up and down. I didn’t care about this as much back on the 3ds, but it looks just plain bad on the switch. I wish Gamefreak would have spent more time in development on this game, update the animations and better communicate why they made the decisions they did. It seems jarring that Fire Emblem made the jump from 3ds to Switch in such a huge and significant way, but Pokémon only slightly improved their formula. Hopping Nintendo recognizes the criticism isn’t all just hate and comes from a place of love for their series and spends the time, money, and care to improve the next game. This game is enjoyable, but not the significant jump I thought it should’ve been for the first console Pokémon game.… Expand
  50. pahono6888
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    It is the shortest Pokemon game ever released. It cut too much content compared to previous games. It is the culmination of years of downgrading products. There is no story but somehow it doesn't leave you alone to explore either. There is nothing to explore. No sense of adventure. There is nothing to do after you beat the main "story". That alone makes it a 4/10. But it is also buggy andIt is the shortest Pokemon game ever released. It cut too much content compared to previous games. It is the culmination of years of downgrading products. There is no story but somehow it doesn't leave you alone to explore either. There is nothing to explore. No sense of adventure. There is nothing to do after you beat the main "story". That alone makes it a 4/10. But it is also buggy and unpolished, so it is a legit 1/10… Expand
  51. Pales
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Um game que tinha tudo para ser o melhor porém a empresa conseguiu a proeza de destruir tudo. Uma enorme tristeza para muitas pessoas que tiveram Pokémon na infância e adolescência.
  52. Dwilly
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    I personally love this game. As a long time Pokémon fan i am happy to play this game because it still gives me that experience that only Pokémon offers. Sure game freak noticeably cut corners, and I understand why many are upset but for a casual fan like me that is looking for a good time this game great!
  53. ThatOneGuy14
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was super hyped for this game and i couldent bring my chums over because i found out about #BringbackNationalDex until release day, i felt the game was too easy. Its ok to hand hold but not for the whole game.… Expand
  54. JamesG3675
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    I read the reviews and I see that there are no bad ones that have actual fact. There are only 400 Pokémon, people expected more and they shouldn’t have. With 400 Pokémon the game is already a bigger file size than breath of the wild. People also need to realize how big of a corporation the Pokémon company is, the games realese date can not be changed because of all the other products thatI read the reviews and I see that there are no bad ones that have actual fact. There are only 400 Pokémon, people expected more and they shouldn’t have. With 400 Pokémon the game is already a bigger file size than breath of the wild. People also need to realize how big of a corporation the Pokémon company is, the games realese date can not be changed because of all the other products that come out along with the games. Other than stupid complains of people whining and being way to privileged the game in my opinion is outstanding it is a fundamental pokemon game the minimum is tic design is incredible and the battles are fun. There is even some challenge where I find my self highly under leveled. The wild area is also incredible. Seeing other people run around with you and being able to interact with them is amazing. Great game minus the toxic unwarranted hate.… Expand
  55. SangDuhBeast
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This game is an unfinished game, GameFreak did not take the Switch to it full advantage.
    Lagging frame rate Nintendo 64 graphic
    “High (LOW) quality animation” Image standing still no back ground for Pkm battle Wrong Pkm battle back ground Non expressive Pokémon The game look like it could run on a 3DS I understand there are also many cool feature out there but this game is like a middle    This game is an unfinished game, GameFreak did not take the Switch to it full advantage.
    Lagging frame rate Nintendo 64 graphic
    “High (LOW) quality animation”
    Image standing still
    no back ground for Pkm battle
    Wrong Pkm battle back ground Non expressive Pokémon
    The game look like it could run on a 3DS
    I understand there are also many cool feature out there but this game is like a middle finger to the hardcore Pokémon player. Competitive Pokémon is something you work hard for, hours of playing to get a perfect Pokémon, now you can use it for an item. Going to the Pokémon center is to get your Pokémon feel like you actually put them away, now you can access the PC out of nowhere which is BS in my opinion, there’s so many short cut that I don’t like. There no such things as competitive Pokémon anymore. By this point all the Pokémon is basically hack Pokémon because it’s so easy to make a strong Pokémon    … Expand
  56. Shiakuzo
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Fails in so many levels, that I cannot believe this is the product of a 20 year franchise..
    As a gamer and Pokémon fan from the beginning I am disapointed and it will take a lot for Gamefreak and The Pokémon Company to have my respect and suport again..
    I am truly sad..
  57. AH9711
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    The only reason why People will buy the game is because of the name. The game design and graphics is really bad and not in a pokemon style design. The story is Good but the rest of the game is not Good at all
  58. Velisu
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    One of the really massive game of Pokémon, good grafix, good scenario, a lot of my favourite Pokémon and really quite Sobble
  59. 1000fps
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    This is the best Pokémon game to date. It do what Pokémon does best. Catch em all and such.
  60. mishi631
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    This first Pokémon in Nintendo Switch! Not bad! The Pokedex National is a wrong decision, but is normal for the a bit time for developer.
  61. RollEXE
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    Pokémon Sword and Shield is an enjoyable game. I enjoyed the music, the battles but found the graphics lacking for a Switch game and I felt with all the datamining that the National Dex could've be completed and there are sometimes glitches (sure they will patch them out). The games doesn't either deserve 9/10 nor 1/10, it's a fun enough game to pass your time.
  62. Ikereviews1
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    This is worst pokemon game ever the same is a pile of crap. gamefreak is nothing but a company that lies to its customers. removing half the pokemon for so called high quality animations like glitches and freezing pokemon randomly despawning. really bad human animations and pokemon animations like the legendary moonwalking game freezing when on a latter and when the person asks for aThis is worst pokemon game ever the same is a pile of crap. gamefreak is nothing but a company that lies to its customers. removing half the pokemon for so called high quality animations like glitches and freezing pokemon randomly despawning. really bad human animations and pokemon animations like the legendary moonwalking game freezing when on a latter and when the person asks for a handshake its some awful animation no actual handshake also bridge = grassland and no effort in backgrounds even lets go had that effort. gamefreak reusing the same models as x and y and sun and moon and lets go. they cut mega evolutions for dynamax that just makes the pokemon bigger and gigantamax is stupid also the new pokemon all suck as well. dont buy this… Expand
  63. Holyserpent
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    15 hours in, by far the Best pokemon game I have played since Silver and Gold. I love how high level pokemon are mixed in with low, and everything is streamlined. I just wish the Pokemon Community wasnt this toxic and would try the game before giving it a poor rating, or just move on to a different game.
  64. someactorkid
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Disappointing. The few positives that came Game Freak put into this game are MASSIVELY outweighed by the negatives. The National Dex controversy aside, the graphics are terrible for a Nintendo published game. The animations are rigid (flying Pokemon, battle moves, etc) or just lazy (taking animations from older games). There is no soul whatsoever in this game. I think it's time for PokemonDisappointing. The few positives that came Game Freak put into this game are MASSIVELY outweighed by the negatives. The National Dex controversy aside, the graphics are terrible for a Nintendo published game. The animations are rigid (flying Pokemon, battle moves, etc) or just lazy (taking animations from older games). There is no soul whatsoever in this game. I think it's time for Pokemon to be handled by a different company.… Expand
  65. QueenWolfen
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    The whole things is just messy, incomplete, and disappointing. This game was a lazy rush job, and it shows.
  66. PkmGBA
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    El juego es disfrutable, pero se nota, demasiado que no lo an pulido bien, con la transición al Switch, me esperaba algo mas bestia,
  67. YoKrawzer
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    I'll don't even bother to explain all the fails in this game, the national Pokedex most be in every main game of this franchise but what kills this game is the awful development decisions.
  68. Greg94polska
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Is the best Pokémon game ever. I don't understand why the people dislike this game
  69. eKorn
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Super short game, extremely easy, filled with bugs, no National Pokedex, No HM/TM, reused textured, poor render distances, reused models, no shines, permanent exp share and lots and lots of features removed from the previous games.
  70. KrawzerOn
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Primero que nada es una traición al concepto de la saga al no tener todos los Pokémon disponibles en el juego para atrapar o transferir de anteriores entregas, el desgano y prisa de los desarrolladores está patente en el pésimo apartado técnico, una lástima que teniendo tan buena música, dirección artística y diseños de nuevos Pokémo no hayan logrado una buena sinergía entre todos estosPrimero que nada es una traición al concepto de la saga al no tener todos los Pokémon disponibles en el juego para atrapar o transferir de anteriores entregas, el desgano y prisa de los desarrolladores está patente en el pésimo apartado técnico, una lástima que teniendo tan buena música, dirección artística y diseños de nuevos Pokémo no hayan logrado una buena sinergía entre todos estos elementos, el área silvestre tiene el peor apartado técnico visto en un juego de Switch, de lejos el peor juego de la saga principal.… Expand
  71. Julpyz93
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Yes maybe the game isn't perfect graphically but sorry it's the best pokemon yet and remember that it's the first real pokemon in an HD consol so imagine the next game?
  72. SnooberReturns
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    Since reviewers are not mentioning key problems with the games, allow me to do so. The following are problems with Sword and Shield that anyone who grew up with the franchise should know about:
    1. Reused battle animations. Despite Game Freak reiterating that the reason so much was being cut from Sword and Shield was because of extra polish, most of the battle animations are taken straight    Since reviewers are not mentioning key problems with the games, allow me to do so. The following are problems with Sword and Shield that anyone who grew up with the franchise should know about:
    1. Reused battle animations. Despite Game Freak reiterating that the reason so much was being cut from Sword and Shield was because of extra polish, most of the battle animations are taken straight from the 3DS. It's sad when a Nintendo 64 game that came out 20 years ago has drastically better battle animations than a Switch game.
    2. Al extra battle features like Dynamax are useless. Since they removed Mega Evos and Z moves, why even care about Dynamaxing? it probably won't be in the next game, so adding it to your team won't even matter.
    3. The better half are gone. When they said they were gonna cut the Dex, I figured some here and there. Some of the obscure ones would be gone, but the big names would stay. However, some of the all time greats won't be in the game, including my favorite, Alakazam, which leads to my next point...
    4. Even if Game Freak is trying to cater to the competitive scene (which I don't understand, since others in the past had just as much going for them online as this game), what does it matter if you can't assemble your full team?
    5. This is some of the weakest post-game in the series. I have no clue why, but after Black and White 2, it's like Game Freak quit caring about it. Here is no different. 6. Despite the game being on Switch, it's relatively linear and, although graphically beautiful at parts, has noticable places that look lackluster for a PS2 game.
    7. Follows the trend of treating the player like they are two years old. It is not as bad as Let's Go, and although you can skip tutorials, it feels like your team is always overpowered. Game Freak tried to add overpowered Pokemon to the wild area to rectify this I suppose, but that barely even budges the difficulty. The games are just plain easy.
    8. As mentioned, you are paying $60, nearly double the price you would for it's predecessors, and are getting much less content. Look at X and Y. There are 719 Pokemon you can register on the Pokedex, so even though the game had little to do post game, it was made up for by filling up the Pokedex. I cannot understand how no reviewer hit on the fact that now, we have about 200 more Pokemon added in since Sun/Moon and Sword/Shield, and the Switch cannot handle it? A 3DS could do 700+ Pokemon, but Switch can't pump 400+? I don't know what Game Freak paid these guys to keep stuff like this quiet, but it had to be a lot.
    All in all, I don't spam bad reviews. I give what is fair. When a company takes a game and completely ruins it by taking the easy way out due to sheer laziness, that's when someone needs to take a stand. It is sad as a lifelong Pokemon fan, seeing what Game Freak is doing to the series. Anyone else who grew up with it should feel the same way.    … Expand
  73. skinnyrates
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    Pokémon Sword and Shield aren’t bad Pokémon games, not by a mile. It’s arguably one of the better additions to the franchise, but that isn’t a high bar to set for a franchise entirely isolated to handheld systems. Textures range from okay to horrific, with painful frame rate drops. A lack of content post-game makes for an unfulfilling experience. In cutscenes, characters incessantly flapPokémon Sword and Shield aren’t bad Pokémon games, not by a mile. It’s arguably one of the better additions to the franchise, but that isn’t a high bar to set for a franchise entirely isolated to handheld systems. Textures range from okay to horrific, with painful frame rate drops. A lack of content post-game makes for an unfulfilling experience. In cutscenes, characters incessantly flap their lips to absolutely no spoken dialogue, a necessity for most AAA games nowadays. This game shows that Pokémon has no intention on getting with the times, too okay with sitting at a comfortable mediocre rather than showing love and care.… Expand
  74. Cookie69
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Pro+
    +Short Loeading Times
    + creative Caracters Mixed +/- +/- why still 2 Versions and no real Co up Game Modes. +/- Dynamax Pokemon are just Upscaled Versions of normal Pokemon. (Exept for the GymTrainers Special Version that are not available for Players) So why ..just 400 and not 800 Pokemon in the Game? Negativ- -Feels like a HD remake of a 3DS Pokemon Game -Animation    Pro+
    +Short Loeading Times
    + creative Caracters

    Mixed +/-
    +/- why still 2 Versions and no real Co up Game Modes.
    +/- Dynamax Pokemon are just Upscaled Versions of normal Pokemon.
    (Exept for the GymTrainers Special Version that are not available for Players)
    So why ..just 400 and not 800 Pokemon in the Game?

    Negativ-
    -Feels like a HD remake of a 3DS Pokemon Game
    -Animation stiff and outdated
    -Story is Irrelevant and forgetable
    -Online Mode is leggie and Looses regularly Internet connection
    -‘‘New Features‘‘ are not new - like Clothing and Hair Customation
    -Wild Area‘s Free Camera is very limited. 360° horizontal but vertical u cant look more then 10° +/-
    (So u cant look into the Sky or on to the Ground)
    -Pokemon and Characters textures are weak and on Tv even worst. Looking like a mix of 3DS & PS2 Grafic
    -30FPS but it feels like in the Wild Area, it drops even below 30

    For all the Hype ..... S / S did not deliver what was promised.
    It’s just a nother Cookie cuter Pokemon Game that u can forget as soon the next Pokemon Game get announced. ( whether GO, mobile phone, or something else.)    … Expand
  75. poojabehavior
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    The game itself is fairly mediocre with some good and bad. It fixed many of the series long problems but also doubled down on many of the worst parts. The game also isn't the most pleasing to look at, and I don't mean it has to have the highest poly count or the most advance effects, but the combination of poor textures, texture filtering, world assets and the bunch, it hurts to look atThe game itself is fairly mediocre with some good and bad. It fixed many of the series long problems but also doubled down on many of the worst parts. The game also isn't the most pleasing to look at, and I don't mean it has to have the highest poly count or the most advance effects, but the combination of poor textures, texture filtering, world assets and the bunch, it hurts to look at sometimes and doesn't look like a triple a switch game. The story is bare bones while still having obtrusive and annoying character interactions, but the base gameplay is still fun even if it's abit easy and seeing the new Pokemon did put a smile on my face. Also the challenges and the whole stadium setting was pretty cool to. This game probably would of gotten a 5 or 6 based on the game itself but I have to lower it a few points dou to the lies game freak and the pokemon company had stated about new character modules or improving character animations as reasons for cutting the national dex and other little things they have done as a company.… Expand
  76. Proki
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Best of all pokemon game :). Gameplay is awesome, super story and nice graphic. Thx Nintendo
  77. OmegaChase1002
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Just buy Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition, EvoCreo, Temtem, or Yokai Watch instead.
    WHAT the H-E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICK was Gamefreak THINKING!?
    No National Dex, bugs everywhere, cut moves, horrible animations (despite Masuda claiming they would be the best in the series), hand-holding EASY difficulty since we're unable to turn the EXP share off anymore, free full heals literally    Just buy Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth Complete Edition, EvoCreo, Temtem, or Yokai Watch instead.
    WHAT the H-E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICK was Gamefreak THINKING!?
    No National Dex, bugs everywhere, cut moves, horrible animations (despite Masuda claiming they would be the best in the series), hand-holding EASY difficulty since we're unable to turn the EXP share off anymore, free full heals literally everywhere even when not in a Pokémon Center, abysmally short campaign, almost no postgame, a rival who is literally just Hau 2 (right down to his animations), a Champion with an unlikeable egotistical personality, obvious gen 1 pandering, a bug that can actually erase the save data of all your other games saved on your Switch, and a whole host of other problems.
    Stick to the older games from gens 1 to 7. This game is the death of Pokémon.    … Expand
  78. ThePuli
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    es un juego de pokemon muy malo, no esperaba nada de ti y aun asi logras decepcionarme, no es la gran cosa deja mucho que desear unos gráficos de generación pasada, en fin un asco.
  79. BabylonRoses
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    I've been a fan of Pokemon since I was a kid. The decline of quality of the games since the jump to 3D has been pretty astounding; between the overwhelming majority of my favourite Pokemon being cut, to the abismal excuse for graphics, to the terrible writing, to no post game, to the sheer amount of glitches, I find myself conflicted between giving this a higher rating simply due to itI've been a fan of Pokemon since I was a kid. The decline of quality of the games since the jump to 3D has been pretty astounding; between the overwhelming majority of my favourite Pokemon being cut, to the abismal excuse for graphics, to the terrible writing, to no post game, to the sheer amount of glitches, I find myself conflicted between giving this a higher rating simply due to it being a Pokemon game and giving it a 0 to indicate the lowest point in the series. I even made this account just to indicate to the torn users that this is not worth the price.… Expand
  80. cmcgee
    Nov 15, 2019
    5
    -Cut over 1/2 the pokemon
    -Linear route/map design
    -Indoor battles are in a boring white void
    -Exp share cannot be turned off
    -Wild area is mostly empty
    -Battle animations are still meh
    +The new Pokemon are cool
    +The upgraded textures are nice
    +Overword encounters
  81. ssammyblue
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've played over 50 hours. IMO the game overall does not FEEL like a $60 console game: maybe it could be a considered 10/10 if it was a launch title for the Dreamcast back in 1999, but not in 2019, when compared to other more fleshed out titles like the Witcher 3 running on the same hardware.

    I had fun and enjoyed the QOL improvements like the air taxis, XP system, and being able to change pokemon anytime from the menu, but the game felt rushed towards the end ( Spikemuth City just felt like a long hallway with nothing to see or do and I always expected there would be more places to catch pokemon; there area handful of routes, but only two large expanses of wild areas where you're expected to catch 75% of all pokemon (the one between wedgehurst and motostoke, and the one between motostoke and hammerlocke). I love pokemon so I could have bumped my score up all the way to 8/10 if there was a second Island, but overall the game feels lazy and past games have offered more content    … Expand
  82. Pikiro03
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Me parece un juego genial, una historia que con cada entrega va siendo mejor, un desarrollo de la trama espectacular, buenas animaciones durante el combate con los diálogos,, una buena región, buen sistema online y el área silvestre es 10/10.

    Sin duda recomiendo el juego a cualquiera, ya que es una gran aventura Pokémon con el mejor toque posible.    … Expand
  83. Goran1620
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Its a fun new Pokémon with slightly better visuals than Lets Go, but doesn't deliver the full Pokémon experience. It is way too easy, the Game treats you like a 4 year old who doesn't know how to walk, some wild battles can be challenging but the arenas and other Story fights are just too easy. The animations are lazy and straight up the same as in Sun and Moon. 400 Pokémon are cut andIts a fun new Pokémon with slightly better visuals than Lets Go, but doesn't deliver the full Pokémon experience. It is way too easy, the Game treats you like a 4 year old who doesn't know how to walk, some wild battles can be challenging but the arenas and other Story fights are just too easy. The animations are lazy and straight up the same as in Sun and Moon. 400 Pokémon are cut and Graphics are a disappointment. The Story is linear and doesn't stand out in comparison with the other Editions. But I still gave it a 8. I love the new Pokémon and the Galar forms and as I said, its still fun. Pokecamping is a great new feature and the Wild Zone is a open world like area where you can catch a vast amount of Pokémon, fight in Dynamax Battles and find a lot of items. The City's look better than ever and the Music is great. Its still a shame how much Gamefreak could've done, but they still deliver a fun new Pokémon with some great and some not so great changes.… Expand
  84. Victorcm
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Inside the city the game is very pretty, but when we are out of town the Pokemon just jump off the screen ... trees come out of nowhere especially when we are cycling and the graphics very average compared to Zelda breath of the wild or The Witcher.… Expand
  85. Lordkraker
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    To make it short, this doesn't feels like a transition from 3DS to Nintendo Switch, this is a recicled 3DS game ported to switch

    Game Freak didn't even made new animations in battle and used default ones for almost every move The game story line is kinda short, and isn't the big deal Exp.Share system is awful Wild area feels empty Dynamax honestly looks a little bit dumb The reason    To make it short, this doesn't feels like a transition from 3DS to Nintendo Switch, this is a recicled 3DS game ported to switch

    Game Freak didn't even made new animations in battle and used default ones for almost every move
    The game story line is kinda short, and isn't the big deal
    Exp.Share system is awful
    Wild area feels empty
    Dynamax honestly looks a little bit dumb
    The reason this game have sold many copies is because it has Pokemon logo on it, otherwise it'll be just a Indie rpg    … Expand
  86. sdffsd
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Wow big size Pokemon , such a great idea. No need for new design too.

    Bad game, i played like 8 hours and didn't enjoy it not even a little bit.
  87. ViniBoy20
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Nintendo comprando críticos para darem notas melhores; que vergonha Nintendo
    disseram que iam refazer o game do zero e o que eu vejo é claramente um reaproveitamento dos design anteriores
    animações mal feitas e batalhas chatas sem animação; um dos piores games da nintendo e da marca pokemon
  88. Cloud-Strife
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    This is a fun game, unpolished but fun. Sometimes is hard to overlook the rough edges... I just wish this game was more on par with all the other first-party titles. The animations are clunky for the characters/NPC/ Pokemon, it could be better. With all the money Gamefreak makes, is hard to overlook all this.
    But yeah, Pokemon players can have some fun with this game.
    One thing that    This is a fun game, unpolished but fun. Sometimes is hard to overlook the rough edges... I just wish this game was more on par with all the other first-party titles. The animations are clunky for the characters/NPC/ Pokemon, it could be better. With all the money Gamefreak makes, is hard to overlook all this.
    But yeah, Pokemon players can have some fun with this game.

    One thing that bothers me is how every single Pokemon/NPC keeps disappearing and popping up one after another, for no reason. Some "cutscenes/animations" are poorly made, there are some videos on youtube highlighting these bugs as something funny, but I find them pretty annoying considering how much I paid for the game.
    My favorite part about Pokemon Sword: The character designs. They are simply amazing. The NPCs and the Gym leaders    … Expand
  89. Pizzaboy24
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    The game is a mess and insulting to Pokémon fans all over the world. If you like hand holding, bugs, reused assets from an inferior system, missing content, no post game, frame rate drops and over all bad graphics then this is the game for you.
  90. PedroMC
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Años de transferencias consecutivas para no poder ver mis queridos Pokémon capturados desde gameboy en mi switch.
  91. Stalnox
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    It's a pokemon game. It's fun. Its bright, shiny, pretty and so far has had no glaring errors.
    Yes, it could have been some huge open world RPG esque adventure with 850+ pokemon, but this one actually fits with the franchise. As a new gen it is a good effort. The new pokemon are cute and I'm a huge fan of the area.
  92. Pedro27
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Even with the Dexit, the game still great and with great potencial to improve.
  93. maxfif
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    If all you are looking for is a basic Pokemon experience, this game will scratch that itch.

    With that said, i am not enjoying it. i have been playing Pokemon for 20 years. i have played literally all of the games. i have seen the highs and the lows. this game is not a high, for me at least. Pros: Some improvements to the user experience. things have been added that make doing the    If all you are looking for is a basic Pokemon experience, this game will scratch that itch.

    With that said, i am not enjoying it. i have been playing Pokemon for 20 years. i have played literally all of the games. i have seen the highs and the lows. this game is not a high, for me at least.

    Pros:
    Some improvements to the user experience. things have been added that make doing the grind-heavy things more simple. There's a "quick button" to throw a Pokeball that makes catching Pokemon more efficient. Also, you can easily check the current status of your opponents during battle, including buffs and other new information not included in previous games.

    Nice visuals. There amazing to be honest. On the whole, you won't notice the visual bugs that are being heavily reported.

    Exploring the new world is fun for the first time around, anytime afterwards becomes bland and dull.

    New Pokemon designs are pretty creative and often times comical. I won't spoil any details, there was many instance where I laughed out loud when I first saw a new Pokemon.

    Cons: MANY.

    Stop with the handholding. Previous games are guilty of this as well, it's hard to believe but it has become worse. You are getting stopped every few minutes to watch a cut scene or slog through another tutorial. And what's worse is that you can't skip them! Most of the time the tutorials appear after you have been doing what they teach for much longer.

    This game is EASY. I understand it was made for children in mind but holy mother even children could use a challenge. Most of the game's battle are able to be beaten by just pressing A on an attack. No matter what you do, you will be overleveled, most, if not the entire game.

    Dynamax is just plain BORING. It's a cool visual the first couple times around, but does nothing to alter character stats. You will get 3 boosted attacks, but you can still beat enemy opponents just by pressing A.

    Open world is bland. The hype was too much. Imagine those really wide open areas of BotW with no monsters. This is the same with Sw/SH except with a few Pokemon here and there.

    The rival. Simply put, if I could go back in time, I would not spend my $60 on this game just because he is the most annoying thing I could spend my free-time with.    … Expand
  94. Properbadman
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    THIS GAME ISNT AS BAD AS THE REVIEWS ARE SAYING.
    the game looks almost great..
    The new pokemon designs look great The galarian forms are great new additions. And at a push their is 20 hours worth of gameplay in terms of story However the story just felt like their was nothing to show. And it felt like it never went anywhere.. Just felt like all I did was battle gym after gym And how many    THIS GAME ISNT AS BAD AS THE REVIEWS ARE SAYING.
    the game looks almost great..
    The new pokemon designs look great
    The galarian forms are great new additions. And at a push their is 20 hours worth of gameplay in terms of story
    However the story just felt like their was nothing to show. And it felt like it never went anywhere..
    Just felt like all I did was battle gym after gym
    And how many times do you have to battle your rival? Jheeez.
    I accepted the pokedex cut however its pokemon man.. gotta catch them all
    The game isnt that bad but if your going to pay 45 pound for it.. it just will never compete with zelda games Was hyped for the game for years especially when I fount out It was coming on switch.. but I'm just a little disappoint .
    It had so so much potential    … Expand
  95. Harrison17
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Es una estafa, lleno de bug, con pocos Pokémon, un mapa linial cuando prometieron mundo abierto, gráficos de la Pokémon sol y luna solo que con mas resolución. Es una estafa hecha con la ley del mínimo esfuerzo en su máxima expresión, esperó y arreglé este juego incompleto
  96. Alanmaster
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Corte de pokedex jogo porco sem mega mega sem pokemons suficientes e qualidade porca tudo nesse jogo é ruin
  97. gxsosbee
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Wow where do I start, Gamefreak removed
    -Pokemon
    -Mega forms -day and night cycles -music from certain encounters -the ability to catch Pokémon higher level than your team -post game content -the elite 4 -pokemon Amie -the global trade server The game is choppy even though the graphics look like they’re from 15 yearsa ago. Objects float, vibrate and disappear depending on how you rotate    Wow where do I start, Gamefreak removed
    -Pokemon
    -Mega forms
    -day and night cycles
    -music from certain encounters
    -the ability to catch Pokémon higher level than your team
    -post game content
    -the elite 4
    -pokemon Amie
    -the global trade server

    The game is choppy even though the graphics look like they’re from 15 yearsa ago. Objects float, vibrate and disappear depending on how you rotate the camera. The game is rushed and it’s incomplete. That’s probably why we didn’t get access to all existing Pokémon, laziness and labor.

    It’s sad living long enough to witness every series and franchise you enjoyed sell a dishonest lackluster product to the new lowest common denominator, iPhone YouTube children with no standards because of loot boxes.

    That is the case of Pokémon Sword and shield.



    you rotate the camera    … Expand
  98. Ridly
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    The story is very lackluster. The story is also very short being only 15 hours. The post game is also very lacking because the cities are very narrow and their are less Pokémon to catch and train. The wild area was fun it is about the size of 2 regions in breath of the wild which is nice but it starts to feel small when you explore it for a while. The new dynamaxing feature is very lame itThe story is very lackluster. The story is also very short being only 15 hours. The post game is also very lacking because the cities are very narrow and their are less Pokémon to catch and train. The wild area was fun it is about the size of 2 regions in breath of the wild which is nice but it starts to feel small when you explore it for a while. The new dynamaxing feature is very lame it only makes the Pokémon bigger and even the giganticmaxing is also lame it hardly even changes the Pokémon. It is basically just a Mega Pokémon with every attack as a zmove. It is a Op gimmic it basically makes the Pokémon indestructible for 3 turns and all your moves one shot everything. Luckily though you can’t use this gimmic when every you want unlike megas and z moves because of how broken it is which is good. But not being able to use the gimmic when ever feel restrictive. Around 60 percent of Pokémon were taken out of the game which runs n the competitive more because it restricts the variety of Pokémon you can use and mix up your team it limits you to the Pokémon that is available in the game. Which doesn’t help give a chance for other Pokémon to shine because no one is going to use a Pokémon just because their is less to pick from there are just going to use their favorite. The lack of Pokémon also shortens the post game because there is less Pokémon to catch. They said they did it to improve the graphics but the graphics are nearly the same just more polished up what they should have done was redone the animations like the double kick move they should have at least made the Pokémon move to the Pokémon and actually kick instead of showing to feet on the enemy Pokémon. Removing the Pokémon to balance out the competitive is also dumb because we can just ban the Pokémon from use or only let certain Pokémon be used in tornment like ubers only or RU Pokémon only. Not only that megas and z moves were removed from the game which is a much better, more balanced, and cooler gimmic. The enemy team is just a remake of team skull but worse. Instead of being a bunch of gang kids with Guzma as their leader now it’s just some Fans of Marnie. Another problem is this game is now worth 20 dollars extra for a game that just removed good features from older games or replaced features that some are arguably worse… Expand
  99. Gamechad
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Journalists obviously paid to ignore flaws in the game, evident in the way they dance around talking about bugs instead talking about "convience" in xp share, skipping the catching tutorial ect. Massive issues with pop in, animations, textures, as well as general bugs like the ladders stopping time. Gamefreak has a massive history of using spaghetti code, but the 3d format brings theJournalists obviously paid to ignore flaws in the game, evident in the way they dance around talking about bugs instead talking about "convience" in xp share, skipping the catching tutorial ect. Massive issues with pop in, animations, textures, as well as general bugs like the ladders stopping time. Gamefreak has a massive history of using spaghetti code, but the 3d format brings the issues to a boil, resulting in massive asset bloat and glaring errors.… Expand
  100. seba2212
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Soy fan de pokemon y llevo un par de horas de juego, no es la octva maravilla, pero me encanta
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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.
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  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Jan 14, 2020
    78
    Pokemon Sword/Shield is uncharacteristically user-friendly: now there’s no need to backtrack half across the world to heal your entire team of pokemon or to get to a particular city, for example. [Issue#242, p.66]
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