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. EvilDAC
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Me a encantado, es una nueva experiencia de Pokémon en Switch, hubieron varios recortes y es porque GF es una compañía pequeña y conservadora que siempre se mantuvo en portátiles, pueden hacer más pero necesitan evolucionar, es un paso acertado por ahora pero no aceptado para futuras entregas
  2. Marcocritix
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Those are not pokemon, they some weird monsters, the design is terrible if compared to the previus games. The story is lazy, the enemies are too easy. Just a bad game and lazy studio.
  3. Nikolaisut
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    El juego es genial, lo mejor que he visto de Pokémon hasta ahora, Gracias Gane Freak!
  4. BenzSLR722
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Game is trash. Seriously... $60 with no National Dex, Mega Evolution, Z moves, and most good features from previous Pokemon games. Now I know all the Development funds went to Game reviews
  5. chaispaquichui
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    Épée et bouclier n'est que l'ombre de ce qu'aurait du être pokémon sur switch... Le scénario est médiocre (même pour du pokémon), plus de la moitié des pokémon sont absents, les méga-evolutions ont disparu et les graphismes sont passables. Un jeu sans ambition qui annonce un futur bien sombre pour les prochaines versions...
  6. The_Wildchild
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    This game is horrible. Starting at the visuals, bugs and glitches everywhere. There is a savebug that possibly can ruin your entire save stat. Then, the lack of Pokemon. It's bad, it's really bad. Also the lack of difficulty, I mean, okay, Pokemon was never "difficult" but you were at least able to make it difficult yourself with things like turning off the EXP share do so called "Lockes".This game is horrible. Starting at the visuals, bugs and glitches everywhere. There is a savebug that possibly can ruin your entire save stat. Then, the lack of Pokemon. It's bad, it's really bad. Also the lack of difficulty, I mean, okay, Pokemon was never "difficult" but you were at least able to make it difficult yourself with things like turning off the EXP share do so called "Lockes". But since the EXP share is forceably always on, you can't even do that any longer. This game is a **** show and the Devs lied and lied and lied over and over again.… Expand
  7. ZeroArmada
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    The worst game in the series. I just cannot recommend anyone to buy this game at full price. As a genuine Pokémon fan I still cought myself genuinely enjoying the game, simply because it's Pokémon. However by the time it was over, I was left sad about what it could have been. Since 3D graphics the regions have progressively become shallower and emptier. The illusion of a big region isThe worst game in the series. I just cannot recommend anyone to buy this game at full price. As a genuine Pokémon fan I still cought myself genuinely enjoying the game, simply because it's Pokémon. However by the time it was over, I was left sad about what it could have been. Since 3D graphics the regions have progressively become shallower and emptier. The illusion of a big region is there, however you can't actually properly explore any of it. The fact they put a lot of effort into the new dynamaxing system actually makes me sadder, because aparrently a completely new uneccesary mechanic was higher on the priority list then polishing the overall game, and this while they already had a completely fine mechanic called mega evolution that they just decided to drop. The new trainer customization options are really nice, yet for the truly important battles you're forced into this incredibly ugly football uniform, for just no reason. On top of it all for the firt time in the series I hated every starter design so much I just decided to release my starter at the beginning, and just picked another Pokémon instead. This is on top of all the glaring issues that have already been pointed out by many others. For the first time ever I had a Pokémon game randomly crash on me. Gamefreak just seems incapable of taking steps forward in one area without taking several steps backwards in another. To top it all off, this is the most expensive Pokémon game released to date. With nothing to justify the increased price tag, there is just no way I can recommend this game to anyone at full price. I just hope the amount of negativity and backlash will serve to finally wake gamefreak up.… Expand
  8. Davshunter
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Why accept a game like this? Pokemon isn't a indie company that should have a pass, this game is everything that is wrong with the game market and it's sad to see such a great franchise fall from grace like this.
  9. Divariomario
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Very poor game, all the issues seen in the trailers are real and even worse of possibile. 60 bucks thrown in the bin
  10. SirEpicPigeon
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    Played a couple of hours. I am enjoying the game but man, it has some problems:

    - It feels like an upscaled 3DS game, including the framedrops. Try walking in the wild area when connected to the internet, it will dip a lot. - Trading with friends still uses the old code system from lets go (we have a friends list, use it). I connected to other people with the same code several    Played a couple of hours. I am enjoying the game but man, it has some problems:

    - It feels like an upscaled 3DS game, including the framedrops. Try walking in the wild area when connected to the internet, it will dip a lot.

    - Trading with friends still uses the old code system from lets go (we have a friends list, use it). I connected to other people with the same code several times..

    - It feels like spending time in the wild area will make you overleveled but I still have to see for myself.

    - Beginning was boring to me, but that is a gripe I have with every Pokemon game

    - A lot of pop in, including "online players" because I'm pretty sure the trainers you see aren't real trainers walking around.

    Positives:

    - I LOVE the new Pokemon designs are super cute and awesome.

    - Music is great and energetic.

    - Wild area, while visually unimpressive, is awesome with all of the pokemon wandering around and sometimes chasing you

    Overal enjoying my purchase but could have been so much more. The game should not have been 60 imo. Does the game deserve all of the hate it gets? I think so, because #GameFreakLied is a thing. It does not deserve the current 3.7 userscore but it does deserve some criticism to serve as a wake up call for GameFreak and Nintendo. What is there is fun but the game could have been so much more sadly enough. 6/10 for me, might change my review after beating the game.    … Expand
  11. CaptainCrack1
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    It's a downgrade from every other mainline pokemon game. Terrible mechanics, very laggy and rushed. Lazy design and not worth 60$. Some pokemon design are cool, thats the only positive.
  12. Gamelegend98
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Expected more of gamefreak, this game had the potential to be the best. Graphics and pop ins doesn’t really bother me. The only problem I have is there is little content compared to for example Pokémon heart gold and soul silver
  13. near4422
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Even though I have only 12 hours spent with the game I need to say this - I am amazed! And I am so sure the rest of the game is going to be as good or even better than what I saw earlier. Of course game has it's flaws, like everything but In my honest opinion (as a all time big fan of Pokemon who played every single main core game and many side games) this game is a wonder. It repairsEven though I have only 12 hours spent with the game I need to say this - I am amazed! And I am so sure the rest of the game is going to be as good or even better than what I saw earlier. Of course game has it's flaws, like everything but In my honest opinion (as a all time big fan of Pokemon who played every single main core game and many side games) this game is a wonder. It repairs dozens of little issues that the games before had. It is beautiful, the UI is so clean, it contains so many cutscenes, characters have many face impressions and it looks so living and cheering. Never before the world of pokemon was so consistent - there is a reason why those people stay in Gyms for example. Now, I was a little bit nervous when I acknowledged that hundreds of Pokemon are being cut off the game. I'd say I was a little upset at first. But then I realised I just love Pokemon and that should not be a problem to any fan. It gives us oppurtunity to try some new mons in our playthroughs. It allows to balance the meta much more than ever before (who tried to battle in USUM will notice that there aren't like few pokemon that can only be used in order to win fights). There is much easier way now to even prepare such pokemon for competitive purposes. At this point i am not mad at GameFreak for cutting off such many Pokemon. I am sure that those Pokemon will make their return in next games. If it comes to the cons of the game.. well there are few. For example the game drops FPS very frequently - even on every trainer who approaches us on a route. Not even talking about Wild Area on which the game gets down to like 10 FPS sometimes.. it's ridicolous and not pleasing at all. The online features are not polished as they should be. The lag is very sensible and anoying when playing together in a Wild Area. Also the functionality to join some random Raid battles did not work even once for me (I always hosted raids because of that). Speaking of raids - they are far to easy. I expected them to be a challenge but for now I don't even feel like doing so. They are boring. I can solo raids from 1 star to even 3 star no problem and it's not even rewarding. Most of the pokemon found in raids can be caught or trained up in a normal way. The game overall is a bit easy. There is a NPC who heals your pokemon everywhere, before the cave, after reaching the end of cave, inside the cave. There is almost no reason to carry potions. The Pokemon reach lvls pretty fast and if you're consistent you're going to outlvl your opponents really fast. Just because of that i quickly started to play with two parties of pokemon (other reason being that i wanted to play with so many pokemon i couldn't decide which to take with me) and once certain pokemon reached enough lvl to be a little bit above average i switched to the others - this way the game kept being pretty balanced and challenging at times. Also the Dynemaxing seems to be a little slippery. It looks good, animations are brilliant and I love the idea that pokemon can reach such size only in certain situations - it remains fresh and cool. But the damage of Dynemaxed pokemon seems to be so high it's insane. I can like one-hit KO a raid boss or Gym leader's strongest pokemon with Dynemaxing.
    To sum things up - I don't think we have ever had such good main series Pokemon game. This game is a wonder and can be a good place to start a new era of pokemon games on a better and stronger device which a Switch obviously is. The company tries to improve things and I think they are going great. If you consider yourself being a longtime true fan of Pokemon you cannot miss this game.    … Expand
  14. MrKiwaVGC
    Nov 16, 2019
    7
    This version of Pokemon is only fun by the Pokemon formula, if it weren't for that, it would go unnoticed by people. Although it should also be mentioned that the game has enough mechanics without risking anything because they are improvements of old mechanics but well implemented to be very enjoyed. The graphics are better than what they showed in the reviews, but the technical problemsThis version of Pokemon is only fun by the Pokemon formula, if it weren't for that, it would go unnoticed by people. Although it should also be mentioned that the game has enough mechanics without risking anything because they are improvements of old mechanics but well implemented to be very enjoyed. The graphics are better than what they showed in the reviews, but the technical problems are there. The gameplay is the same as always, there is nothing to highlight. The music, is the always classic Pokemon's music but with the regional arrangements. They miss many game mechanics and the Online game options are very complicated the first time (make a raid with friends isnt intuitive). The story and characters, this is the best and the worst, the good thing is that the game has many new and very good characters, your rival are again Hau and Silvio, these characters, and other more, help you develop a story, although it is not at all Interesting, it does the function. The trouble is that all people are Lillie to make your life impossible and stop for a conversation every 5 steps, because the game is a rail progression game, you can only go where they let you go, as in previous installments, it is something that happens a lot, before going you will have to watch a long conversation or cinematics. The difficulty ... It's very easy, in my case I am playing the Let's GO style game, I only capture the wild Pokemon that I have not seen (although I have captured several times for their ability, for the first Gym you would have already passed for the wild area and that's why I had already completed 1 and a half boxes) and I have faced all those who challenge me, the first Gym has its strongest Pokemon at Level 20 and my strongest Pokemon at level 22.… Expand
  15. Derrisa
    Nov 16, 2019
    5
    As always (I’ve always been a devoted fan of the pkmn games since I was a little girl) I’ve purchased the game. Maybe not so eager this time due to the dexit and all (it was really sad for me but I suppose it was so for a lot of people. But I guess this I can forgive... I guess). There’s one thing I cannot forgive and it’s the duration, the length (pardon my English, since it’s not myAs always (I’ve always been a devoted fan of the pkmn games since I was a little girl) I’ve purchased the game. Maybe not so eager this time due to the dexit and all (it was really sad for me but I suppose it was so for a lot of people. But I guess this I can forgive... I guess). There’s one thing I cannot forgive and it’s the duration, the length (pardon my English, since it’s not my first language...) of the game. They should be ashamed. Never has been a Pokémon game this short. I’m serious you can check in sites such as howlongtobeat and compare these to the other. To ALL the other. To say the difference is huge is not to say enough. Graphics and spirit remains cute but as I said, the problem with the duration of the game (along with the lack of more content) is almost unforgivable.… Expand
  16. Just_Critical
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    the game wasn't as bad as I had expected but the lack of care, time, love and design just gives the game this horrid feeling of "I don't give a **** the only thing that I would say is worthy for a place in Pokémon is the wild area. looking back at Pokémon's history you can prove the fact that they really don't care coz gold and silver for a Gameboy was made in the same amount of timethe game wasn't as bad as I had expected but the lack of care, time, love and design just gives the game this horrid feeling of "I don't give a **** the only thing that I would say is worthy for a place in Pokémon is the wild area. looking back at Pokémon's history you can prove the fact that they really don't care coz gold and silver for a Gameboy was made in the same amount of time looked better for what it was on and only four people made it fitting two regions in it, roaming legendries, a story, shinies for every Pokémon plus the old colours, 12 gyms and more this game is a disappointment and I hate to say it but this game needs to be taken off the shelfs and remade… Expand
  17. Death_ball13
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Absolutely love the open world mix between old and new school Pokémon the game mechanics and handling are amazing this has made me fall back in love with Pokémon after the fault of ultra sun and moon. Graphics are great love the camping and the raids as well have been playing this since release hope they keep making the games just like this
  18. mvsmax
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    need remove the multi exp thx, add other pokemon too, it need to be much better
  19. Miniiii
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    I had very high expectations for Pokémon sword/shield but all what I saw was pure disappointment let me list you the things I hated
    1-no national dex (obviously)
    2-re-used models and animations (and they are really bad) 3-why the hell is the graphics isn’t like botw or even better? You can’t tell me to except bad graphics when they literally have Billions and time no one cares about the    I had very high expectations for Pokémon sword/shield but all what I saw was pure disappointment let me list you the things I hated
    1-no national dex (obviously)
    2-re-used models and animations (and they are really bad)
    3-why the hell is the graphics isn’t like botw or even better? You can’t tell me to except bad graphics when they literally have Billions and time no one cares about the anime you could just delay the game and The anime it is really not that hard
    4-glitches and other stupid thing like the world freezes when you cilmb a ladder 5-why there isn’t any type of voice acting? Or something like Botw?
    6-charizard is cool but that doesn’t mean he must be the champion’s ace and the only starter in the game...
    7-Hop is a worse version of hau he even have the same animations!
    8- The game. Is. So. Easy. Like why is the Exp share always active? And there is no way of turning it off!    … Expand
  20. GatHalo117
    Nov 16, 2019
    7
    Look, I first entered the franchise when platinum came out, and I was excited because I wanted to see what Pokemon had in store as a game. It felt magical especially when I didn’t know all the Pokémon and that there were other Pokemon that I didn’t know that existed. Watching this game on YouTube with that mindset, it’s one of the most stunning of the series but not perfect. I played thisLook, I first entered the franchise when platinum came out, and I was excited because I wanted to see what Pokemon had in store as a game. It felt magical especially when I didn’t know all the Pokémon and that there were other Pokemon that I didn’t know that existed. Watching this game on YouTube with that mindset, it’s one of the most stunning of the series but not perfect. I played this game as a shiny hunter I was bit bummed when I couldn’t bring my Pokémon to the game, but I realized something. Yeah Pokemon games now might not be the same as I remembered as a kid but it’s because they are making a game for new kids to feel the same magic I did as a kid but from a new era. I know I can still love Pokemon at my age but as a passionate fan, I felt that my time ended in the sun and moon era not because of the games themselves but it’s just the natural change that is part of life. I’m happy with my memories and I think (very very) newcomers will feel the same with this game that I once had.… Expand
  21. george066
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    The game is very short and the post game is a joke. Why can't they do a good post game like in Emerald? We haven't had good post game content since then.
  22. oinutrewas
    Nov 16, 2019
    1
    This is NOT accettable in 2019
    It's the biggest franchise in the world but still we can't get a proper game.

    GF and Nintendo are clearly pointing to the wrong audience with these games, they need to realize that in 2019 most of the people who buys Pokemon are over 18 years old.

    STOP MAKING KIDS GAME
  23. PinguReviews
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    Expected a ton more from a console Pokemon game. It kicks off with a intro that is alright in animations but kind of jarring with the overall presentation because of the lack of voice acting. I believe the Pokemon phone games now have voice acting so why doesn't this? Continuing on, it's basically what you expect from a handheld Pokemon game. There's a lot of hand holding still and onExpected a ton more from a console Pokemon game. It kicks off with a intro that is alright in animations but kind of jarring with the overall presentation because of the lack of voice acting. I believe the Pokemon phone games now have voice acting so why doesn't this? Continuing on, it's basically what you expect from a handheld Pokemon game. There's a lot of hand holding still and on rails story gameplay. The new Pokemon designs seem good so far. Story seems okay I guess. Nothing special. The game really isn't anything new and is more of the same which is greatly disappointing after playing other Switch titles like BOTW and Mario Odyssey. My excitement of playing this game is the same as revisiting older titles honestly. I am not really happy with the $60 price tag when it should AT LEAST be priced at a DS game. Also I have heard they cut Pokemon and Pokemon moves out of the game.

    I'm going to give it a 3 for lack of innovation and not using anywhere near the Switches potential. This isn't the time to release a DS quality game onto a home console (or ever, unless it's a port). The game is just okay otherwise if you want a handheld Pokemon game that plays the same. Maybe a 5 but I know The Pokemon Company could do better and decided to rush this so I think it deserves a 3.    … Expand
  24. SYWNK
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    As someone who is a played a fair amount of Pokemon Sword so far and someone who enjoys almost every Pokemon game, I think this game is very good.

    No, I do not think this game is perfect or think its necessarily the best Pokemon game but I do think it is a very solid, nearly great Pokemon game. Pokemon Sword (and likely Pokemon Shield), are in every way, new entrees into the Pokemon    As someone who is a played a fair amount of Pokemon Sword so far and someone who enjoys almost every Pokemon game, I think this game is very good.

    No, I do not think this game is perfect or think its necessarily the best Pokemon game but I do think it is a very solid, nearly great Pokemon game.

    Pokemon Sword (and likely Pokemon Shield), are in every way, new entrees into the Pokemon formula. They perfectly encapsulate everything Pokemon so far - with intriguing new Pokemon, a simple though the enjoyable and satisfying story and plot, interesting new simplifications and additions to the franchise and the overall perfect formation of the fight, catch, fight, improve gameplay loop.

    Also, many of the aesthetic features such as music and the overall character design are well polished and satisfying.

    The game appears to have its share of negatives though, such as a lackluster aftergame - haven't seen it yet however it's quite apparent and overly simplistic region and city structure. I am sure there are also a couple of nitpicks to be made with the story and graphics however both elements are not below average, just average.

    This game will definitely be seen negatively by a lot of people, specifically dedicated Nintendo and Pokemon fans. This is not because the games are bad, more since it doesn't live up to there ideals. A lot of Nintendo fans expect a complete revolution of the Pokemon games, similar to Breath of the Wild or Mario Odyssey, which is honestly a ridiculous notion. The Pokemon Company, particularly Gamefreak have repeatedly stated that the Pokemon Games are handheld games and will always be designed likely handheld games. They will likely always be slightly linear, it's just how they are designed and it is not a particularly bad thing. A lot of people enjoy linear games, not everything needs to be open world and expansive. In contrast, A lot of hardcore Pokemon fans likely desired a return to basics - they wanted a more difficult, less handhold-y and more complex Pokemon Game, similar to something from Gen 4 or 5. This was never going to happen, for better or worse. A substantial section of their audience desires simplicity and less complex features. They want to get it the competitive space without grinding and thinking. Along with these groups with their high expectations, Gamefreak also made multiple errors of judgment, which only mildly affect the actual gameplay experience. The lack of the National Dex and over 50% of the total pokemon's inclusion is quite an aggravating decision, but it would only affect specific circumstances and hardly affect anything but the post-game. I cannot see how much it impacts it since I have not made it that far but still is a potential negative.

    To add my personal perspective to the Gamefreak drama, I believe that the gaming websites misunderstood the reason for the lack of Pokemon inclusion as having to remake models, when what they really had to do was create the Pokemon textures and animations. I believe that from translating Japanese to English, they mistranslated that statement however, I cannot confirm this so take it with a grain of salt.    … Expand
  25. Ccey
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Best Pokemon game so far. Many thinks are improving,from saving to pc-box on the go .. love this game
  26. anstrbt
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    TL;DR: Don't waste your money on an unfinished 3DS game.

    This game reeks of bad development and greed. I used to be able to bring my original Pokemon with me regardless of how weird or quirky they were, now it is a roulette spin to see if your Pokemon is included. If that wasn't bad, the animations in this game are unfinished. Instead of Eevee taking each paw and individually moving like    TL;DR: Don't waste your money on an unfinished 3DS game.

    This game reeks of bad development and greed. I used to be able to bring my original Pokemon with me regardless of how weird or quirky they were, now it is a roulette spin to see if your Pokemon is included. If that wasn't bad, the animations in this game are unfinished. Instead of Eevee taking each paw and individually moving like a normal four-legged in being would, It instead just literally turns around on a dime. But it isn't all bad, this game also has a couple redeeming properties. Those being the amount of detail and the textures and land environments. This has one of the best looking visuals of any 3DS Game. That's the thing though, the level and detail seem on par with a 3DS port, but nothing beyond that. It never really seems to take advantage of the Switch's hardware. Who is this game for, then? People who either care nothing about Pokemon, or people who are super fanboys.    … Expand
  27. Othello91
    Nov 16, 2019
    2
    Non ci siamo.
    Sempre la solita solfa ogni anno, speravo in un doppiaggio almeno in inglese dei personaggi ma niente. Siamo ormai nel 2020 e troviamo ancora pokemon senza un doppiaggio con le scritte su schermo e i png che muovono la bocca, sistema di combattimento uguale come nel 1990, gioco che non accenna a un minimo di sfida, troppo semplice almeno inserite una nuova modalita dove    Non ci siamo.
    Sempre la solita solfa ogni anno, speravo in un doppiaggio almeno in inglese dei personaggi ma niente. Siamo ormai nel 2020 e troviamo ancora pokemon senza un doppiaggio con le scritte su schermo e i png che muovono la bocca, sistema di combattimento uguale come nel 1990, gioco che non accenna a un minimo di sfida, troppo semplice almeno inserite una nuova modalita dove scegliere la difficolta per i veterani.    … Expand
  28. Rebolonhosa
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    It's a cool game, but, not even close to XY. Wild Area has a lot of frame drops, the history is a bad one, all the cities are beautiful, but very hollow with not so much to do, not have the national dex, the online is terrible to play with friends, has a bug that crashes your sd card, you cant deactivate the xp share, a lot of bad pokemon design, removed moves. Besides that, it's a cool game
  29. Ctarblu
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    To all you people who enjoy the game: I'm glad that you didn't waste your money and now having fun with smth you like.

    With that out of the way let's talk about SwSh. I want you to abstract from mons and think about this game as a game not a franchise. So what is it? It is an extremely easy game with little to no gameplay. When you are not battling you have to walk a narrow paths.    To all you people who enjoy the game: I'm glad that you didn't waste your money and now having fun with smth you like.

    With that out of the way let's talk about SwSh. I want you to abstract from mons and think about this game as a game not a franchise.
    So what is it? It is an extremely easy game with little to no gameplay. When you are not battling you have to walk a narrow paths. Sometimes there are side ways with some useful items or NPCs but mostly there aren't. Wild area is hollow with pretty much nothing to do in it. When you are in the battle all you have to do is throw the strongest attack to one shot pretty much all your enemies. That makes encounters time wasting grinding. Games can't be entertaining if there's no challenge to them at all.
    What else is it? It is the game with pretty much no story to it. Each and every time stories in Pokemon games are pretty much the same. It doesn't mean it's bad. It just doesn't really evolve into anything. Imagine if TLoZ would repeat A Link To The Past story in every game with some tweaks here and there. It would be just boring. Same as Pokemon games right now.
    Graphics are not good as well. I'm mostly fine with GF reusing models from previous games. I don't care as long as Pokemon themselves does look good. The problem is everything else. Backgrounds are generally bad. Some textures look like they came from PSX/N64 era (hello trees and ground textures). Animations looks like they are from 2001. Ridiculous pop-ins.
    And these are not all the problems. We also have Dexit, lack of post game, moves cut, lies about animations, lies about models, lies about national dex to Japanese fan base, lack of voice acting, reusing room assets etc.
    I really want you to think about it: aside from Pokemons what makes you think that these games are good?    … Expand
  30. OriginalOne
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Never thought possible, Game Freak has done it yet again. Creating an even MORE disappointing entry after XY! I unfortunately wasted $90 AUSD on this game for a game where you can essentially just 'press A' to win every single encounter.
  31. kankanbow
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    -GF cut 500 pokemons, you can only use pokemon from the regional dex. you can't use any pokemon in PvP anymore (specifically the ones you've taken hours to breed and train for online) and you can't create autistically curated teams for other story runs and such.

    -They cut moves (which is frankly worse then the dex cut), they did cut some old gen 1/2 moves that have been powercrept to    -GF cut 500 pokemons, you can only use pokemon from the regional dex. you can't use any pokemon in PvP anymore (specifically the ones you've taken hours to breed and train for online) and you can't create autistically curated teams for other story runs and such.

    -They cut moves (which is frankly worse then the dex cut), they did cut some old gen 1/2 moves that have been powercrept to pointlessness but they also cut actually good moves seemingly at random.

    -They cut features such a riding pokemon, having pokemon follow you, petting pokemon

    -The game looks like **** and worse then pokemon lets go E/P despite being on the same console this being a mainline game and the former being a quick and dirty rehash/cash in to suck money out of lets go casuals.

    -charge $20 more then a 3ds game when it's objectivly a lesser product.

    -Bugs that cause freeze and other issues    … Expand
  32. BenjaminBM
    Nov 16, 2019
    7
    It's a good game, but the technical issues, not up to date graphics and Animations and cut pokemon/moves makes the game worse, than it is.
  33. Maurog21
    Nov 16, 2019
    7
    No me gusta la dirección que esta tomando la saga, el juego esta bastante limitado y técnicamente podían haberse trabajado mejor algunas texturas, la generación es bastante mediocre y hay cosas que realmente no comprendo, por otro lado, el juego tiene bastantes cosas innovadoras pero sin destacar demasiado, recomiendo el juego si eres muy fan de Pokemon o si es tu primer juego de Pokemon
  34. Litten92
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    This is what you get when you develop something in a hurry. There are problems and limitations in this game that are unacceptable from GameFreak. This game is mediocre in many different ways that are already well known. I really hope GameFreak will change its current strategy and fix things out.
  35. Alliusis
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    The game has glaring issues. It's short (less than 20 hours), and there's really not much to do. Most of the animations are incredulously bad (stiff and really don't have any life to them - most involve rotating the model on an axis, or moving them along a straight line), and they stick out like a sore thumb. The Wild Area is a really interesting concept, but executed poorly - it feelsThe game has glaring issues. It's short (less than 20 hours), and there's really not much to do. Most of the animations are incredulously bad (stiff and really don't have any life to them - most involve rotating the model on an axis, or moving them along a straight line), and they stick out like a sore thumb. The Wild Area is a really interesting concept, but executed poorly - it feels very empty while still seeming restrictive. I also run into performance issues and very short draw distances. In my playthrough, I'm finding I'm constantly overleveled, and there's no way to turn off the EXP share. The plot constantly interrupts my playthrough, and at the end of the day it doesn't even make any sense.

    The behaviour of the devs is another matter entirely. They said they removed the Pokemon to improve the animations, yet the vast majority of the animations are re-used from Pokemon XY (6 years ago). Since the transition to 3D, I've constantly given GameFreak the benefit of a doubt. My patience has run out. This is below an indie-tier game, considering all of the assets they had available to work with (they had future-proofed the models and used the same animations for Pokemon and people alike).

    The game really feels like a port of a rushed PS2 game, and this is unacceptable from the most profitable IP on the planet (worth more than StarWars, Harry Potter, Mario - you name it). For 90 bucks, it's not worth it. And I encourage you to send a message (vote with your wallet) to GameFreak and Nintendo, that this amount of laziness is not acceptable.    … Expand
  36. Galuck
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Waste of money. They removed the Pokedex to make "better animation", and these are just the worst. I lost all my hopes on the franchise.
  37. Madapes
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    I have not finished the game yet or even come close of doing so. I have about five hours into the game, but I have put in research and I have came to the conclusion that this is another Pokemon game but improves on many aspects from previous games. Here is a list of what I find as improvements.

    -You are able to catch pseudo-legendary Pokemon within the first two hours of the game in the    I have not finished the game yet or even come close of doing so. I have about five hours into the game, but I have put in research and I have came to the conclusion that this is another Pokemon game but improves on many aspects from previous games. Here is a list of what I find as improvements.

    -You are able to catch pseudo-legendary Pokemon within the first two hours of the game in the Wild area. Instead of being forced to wait to the end of the game like in previous gens.
    -You can catch a variety of Pokemon in the wild area ranging from different types and different generations of Pokemon.
    -QOL improvements you can access your PC more frequently since it is not restricted to the Poke Center. You have have an exp share going at all times. This does not make the game easier it makes it less tedious to raise a new Pokemon you want to level and it allows you not to have the two slave Pokemon's on your team from previous gens. The game has a built in system that allows you to skip a good portion of the tutorials at the start f you have know what to do in Pokemon already.
    -The end-game can be as long as you want it to be. This is due to how much emphasis Gamefreak put on adjusting the states of your Pokemon. They added features in that let you modify your Pokemon's nature after you have caught them and features that allow you to boost your Pokemon's IV's easier. To allow your Pokemon's to level faster you can give them XP candies as well. This makes it to where making new teams a lot less of a hassle allowing you to enjoy them more.
    -Being there is 400 Pokemon in the regional Pokedex between the two games, these games have the most catchable Pokemon in the regional Pokedex to date.

    Now that the improvements are out of the way. Its time to talk about the elephant in the room, the Dexit situation.

    This game is most likely going to start the trend of Dex'ing. But really its not a bad thing to cut Pokemon from here on. There are over 1,000 Pokemon at this point, if there was 1,000+ Pokemon in every generation from here on out it would be impossible to even fathom completing a national Pokedex in the game. You would have to transfer all your Pokemon from previous gens to the most recent gen and repeat the same process over and over agian for each gen to complete the National Dex. Now is that really saying you completed the national dex in game or is it just saying you had the Pokemon to complete the national dex.

    Another reason why cutting Pokemon from the game is not a bad thing. Imagine facing Primal Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza everytime you start up a game online for every gen from here on, out or Mewtwo or any other legendary Pokemon from other generations. It would get very old and people would start to lose interest in playing online because in order to combat some of the strongest legionaries you have to use like or better but its hard to be better than top tier Pokemon. So you have to match the Pokemon well if you didn't transfer your Pokemon over well your out of luck.

    This also helps with making the Pokemon Gamefreak chooses to be more specific to the current gen of Pokemon they are making. So the Pokemon they feel are needed will be added and others will not make it.

    Now I understand if your favorite Pokemon does not make the cut and you do not want to buy the game because of that. That is a fair reason for not buying the game. But take into consideration that there are new Pokemon and the game is still Pokemon so if you like Pokemon you will like the game.

    The graphics and models is another discussed topic. The graphics I can tell are not the best in the over world and that is where I feel the game really missed the mark. I knocked the game down .5 for that. I really don't see the issue with models, to me they look fine and the battles do look really good. If you never heard that the models where reused or even if you did I don't think anyone would tell a difference.

    I knock .5 off for the game not scaling the Pokemon in the overworld to how big they are supposed to actually be

    Final Response:

    Although, half of the Pokemon in the series are no longer available in the game. The game improved in many areas compared to the previous titles with a main focus being on competitive, QOL improvements, allowing you to make a variety of teams earlier in the game due to the Wild area. The game lacks in graphics and correctly scaling the models of Pokemon in the overworld.    … Expand
  38. Gilligfan
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Lousy graphics and animation in places!
    Laggy in places!
    Several launch day and pre-launch day
    bugs and glitches.
    A sad day for the franchise.
    Less quality and content with a higher price
    tag
  39. EvilBunneh
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Pokemon sword and shield i have not played it myself but with all this review bombing, this game looks like your normal Pokemon game since the black and white days but i honestly don't mind that myself as i enjoy that sort of style in a game.

    i understand everyone is upset with the national dex not being in this game but you would have to think about it the install size of the game    Pokemon sword and shield i have not played it myself but with all this review bombing, this game looks like your normal Pokemon game since the black and white days but i honestly don't mind that myself as i enjoy that sort of style in a game.

    i understand everyone is upset with the national dex not being in this game but you would have to think about it the install size of the game would be massive if we have the entire dex and everyone would complain about that especially if you have downloaded it instead of buying it on cartridge.

    the graphics in the game are good i think people where expecting details like death stranding but people don't think about how the Pokemon will look if they had real life graphics... (it would no longer be a children's game).

    people also being mad about no Z moves or any other Pokemon changing things from the previous games but this is where dynamaxing comes in, this is the new type of special power moves that game freak wanted to give us and im excited to try it out.

    i wish people would stop review bombing a fairly decent game as it is not fair on the companies that make these games.

    thanks for reading.    … Expand
  40. Kazukii
    Nov 16, 2019
    3
    There is really no excuse for a half baked experience like this from the same creators of masterful titles in the past, are we really not able to shift up the pokemon formula for it's first ever main series console iteration, not only is this a rehash of past games with slightly enhanced graphics that do not even optimize well on the Switch with exact model duplicates from Sun and Moon itThere is really no excuse for a half baked experience like this from the same creators of masterful titles in the past, are we really not able to shift up the pokemon formula for it's first ever main series console iteration, not only is this a rehash of past games with slightly enhanced graphics that do not even optimize well on the Switch with exact model duplicates from Sun and Moon it has most of the regular content you expect slashed, story is none existent, end game is purely pvp focused, the famous Dexit, and on top of that it's painfully easy to play, you would think an ageing audience would allow you to increase difficulty instead each game is feeling lazier than the last without any thought or reason to actually play anymore other than a few new interesting creatures added. And that, at least for me, is not worth dropping 60$.… Expand
  41. Amuzurill
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Fantastic.
  42. Keffir
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Лучшая игра про покемонов!

    Но... Графон все же плох, да.
  43. Faegesubsig
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Really fun Pokémon game. Loads of Pokémon to catch and max raids are awesome!
  44. Therapygame
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    TOTALLY UNFINISHED!!! I completed the game in only 12 hours and there is No post-game content. The graphics look like a PS2 game (and even worse), animations are the worst i've ever seen in the last 15 years, Pokémon cut, moves cut, stupidly Easy (you can't turn off the exp. share so your Pokémons Will Always be overleveled). Dynamax Battles are even worse than megaevolutions, raids areTOTALLY UNFINISHED!!! I completed the game in only 12 hours and there is No post-game content. The graphics look like a PS2 game (and even worse), animations are the worst i've ever seen in the last 15 years, Pokémon cut, moves cut, stupidly Easy (you can't turn off the exp. share so your Pokémons Will Always be overleveled). Dynamax Battles are even worse than megaevolutions, raids are BORING, and the wild area is EMPTY. This game doesn't even deserve to be reviewed.… Expand
  45. Liiriko
    Nov 15, 2019
    7
    Siendo sinceros llevaba un tiempo desconectado de la saga Pokémon y si veo el recorte enorme en la Pokedex y fallos técnicos pero he podido disfrutar del juego por supuesto se que no es perfecto ni mucho menos y está limitado pero no es un mal juego
  46. MaestroPokeFer
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Asco de juegos estúpido gamefreak.
    gamefreak le esta apostando mucho a las nuevas generaciones y bota de lado a los que crecimos con la franquicia,
    Pero han olvidado una cosa, las nuevas generaciones ya no son fieles a nada solo siguen lo que esta de moda y cuando pokemon deje de ser moda adios
  47. blakexac
    Nov 15, 2019
    2
    It feels unfinished, unpolished, and empty. I’m not just talking about the missing 500 Pokémon either. Hand holding, graphical errors, no plot. Pokémon has lost its way.
  48. njcclarkson
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    I can honestly say that this is the most fun that I’ve had playing a Pokémon game in a long time. I was initially worried about not having the National Dex, but as I got into the game that was not a problem for me because I was having so much fun playing. All of the new Pokémon have great designs. Dynamaxing is a great mechanic, it feels like a good power up to your Pokémon, but it’sI can honestly say that this is the most fun that I’ve had playing a Pokémon game in a long time. I was initially worried about not having the National Dex, but as I got into the game that was not a problem for me because I was having so much fun playing. All of the new Pokémon have great designs. Dynamaxing is a great mechanic, it feels like a good power up to your Pokémon, but it’s limited so it isn’t a complete nuke button like mega evolution and z-moves. The wild area is amazing. I was in awe of all of the Pokémon walking around beside me. I really enjoyed the characters in this game too. Hop is just like Hau so he’s pretty bad, but the rest of the cast is pretty good for a Pokémon game. I will say there were moments that the game suffered from frame rate drops, but there was nothing game breaking in my experience. The best thing that the games accomplished was giving battles a proper sense of scale. It was truly amazing battling gym leaders in massive stadiums, and there is nothing more epic than when two dynamaxed Pokémon face off in those stadiums. This game is just an absolute blast to play!… Expand
  49. AdvengerTime
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    Truly disappointing watching the first mainline Pokemon switch game be such a blatant & lazy cash grab. My prediction is next year Game Freak will come out with sword and shield 2 & finally have the game looking as it should.
  50. Nacaruh
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This is half of a game we have 3 years ago in 3DS!!! Sun an moon have a lot of more content, portatil game have more content thsn this $60 game!!!
  51. zdk00
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Could care less about the lack of NAT dex. That's not the problem here. Game felt outrageously rushed. Was a solid 5.5/10 for me until i reached the last 80% of the game and then it just flopped COMPLETELY. it really was a drag and i regret spending the $60 on this. I love pokemon and have always been a fan but it hurts me to say, I could never recommend this game to anyone. Just feelsCould care less about the lack of NAT dex. That's not the problem here. Game felt outrageously rushed. Was a solid 5.5/10 for me until i reached the last 80% of the game and then it just flopped COMPLETELY. it really was a drag and i regret spending the $60 on this. I love pokemon and have always been a fan but it hurts me to say, I could never recommend this game to anyone. Just feels like the devs no longer care and the rushed launch makes it seem like they are only in it for the money.… Expand
  52. obliterator789
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    Game play is solid, and feels like it should as a Pokémon game. Not too easy for veterans and not too hard for newbies. There are TONS of Pokémon to be found in the wild, which is fantastic. I love that Pokémon spawn in the overworld like in let's go, but you can also have random encounters - a perfect balance imo. I like the new dynamax mechanic and the overall flavor of the new regionGame play is solid, and feels like it should as a Pokémon game. Not too easy for veterans and not too hard for newbies. There are TONS of Pokémon to be found in the wild, which is fantastic. I love that Pokémon spawn in the overworld like in let's go, but you can also have random encounters - a perfect balance imo. I like the new dynamax mechanic and the overall flavor of the new region and story arch. Only complaint is that graphics are hit or miss. There are parts of the game that are absolutely stunning visually, and then there are parts of the game that look like absolute garbage. I personally think the Let's Go games had better polish as far as how the world looked, but they also had a more cartoon look for the environments compared to Sword and Shields more realistic attempt. In the end, the graphics overall are good enough to not hinder the enjoyment of an otherwise excellent game.… Expand
  53. Leopanic1997
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    If you want a game that isn't a pokemon game this is for you-- one of the last great developers of our life times finally decided to give up our best interests for a cash grab. 55 percent of our favorite pokemon are now out of the game, and before you say anything-- yes they are in the game files still. Ironically they also took some moves out, and instead of just getting back to megaIf you want a game that isn't a pokemon game this is for you-- one of the last great developers of our life times finally decided to give up our best interests for a cash grab. 55 percent of our favorite pokemon are now out of the game, and before you say anything-- yes they are in the game files still. Ironically they also took some moves out, and instead of just getting back to mega evolutions or z moves they instead went with a whole new feature. Game freak has stopped caring what the fans want and started caring about keeping the company's wallet fat.… Expand
  54. Amida
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Caro, ridículamente fácil, y ademas de todo con una campaña publicitaria fraudulenta
  55. timesteiner
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Dejando de lado la dex nacional y los movimientos eliminados, el juego esta lleno de errores y bugs que hacen que s cierre a cada rato, esperemos que llegue pronto un parte para arreglar esto.
  56. cillianoconnell
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    I am not a hardcore gamer, I have not played pokemon since I was 5. I started playing pokemon games with Pokemon Go. I am probably the target audience, the type of player they are trying to bring in, someone who can't recite all the names/stats/move sets. Nor do I want to have to learn all of that over the course of one game. It's a pleasant game, so far it hasn't bored me them way "Let'sI am not a hardcore gamer, I have not played pokemon since I was 5. I started playing pokemon games with Pokemon Go. I am probably the target audience, the type of player they are trying to bring in, someone who can't recite all the names/stats/move sets. Nor do I want to have to learn all of that over the course of one game. It's a pleasant game, so far it hasn't bored me them way "Let's Go' did. My one major issue is that it is overpriced for what is there. As mentioned by others the graphics are not the best, OK in handheld mode, but not on the large screen tv. This is probably what the first couple of the original Pokemon games were like, if people would get their heads out and go back an replay them. It's not bad, it's not great. It's a pleasant way to while away a lazy afternoon… Expand
  57. jkf16m
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    I've seen game plays of this game... Compared to what switch users expected, this is not as great as all reviews said.


    They're over praising the game.... And now there are news about "review bombing" in this website, of course of course...
  58. RyogaWanderer
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    I just spent 5 hours playing with my friends after getting our copies. The games are fun, the graphics are a serious step up from previous Pokemon games, and the new Pokemon are awesome. Raids are super fun, and there are ton of Pokemon to catch right off the bat (seriously, I have 36 and I just got to the first gym). The people here that are slamming it with 0's either haven't played it,I just spent 5 hours playing with my friends after getting our copies. The games are fun, the graphics are a serious step up from previous Pokemon games, and the new Pokemon are awesome. Raids are super fun, and there are ton of Pokemon to catch right off the bat (seriously, I have 36 and I just got to the first gym). The people here that are slamming it with 0's either haven't played it, are not Pokemon fans, or wanted to be angry so bad they did not give it a fair chance. It's Pokemon, it's great.… Expand
  59. hagetaka
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    It is not worth paying for this game.
    Game freaks have become a scam group that cheats fans.
  60. Pnx725
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    I want a refund for this game and I am not getting one. I feel scammed. This game is medriocre for a switch game but it could be ok for a handheld I guess.

    There is no voice acting, there is only one save file, the landscape and graphics are not breathtaking and the combat system is awful, so awful and dull and uninspired. I was expecting something different. I am no longer buying    I want a refund for this game and I am not getting one. I feel scammed. This game is medriocre for a switch game but it could be ok for a handheld I guess.

    There is no voice acting, there is only one save file, the landscape and graphics are not breathtaking and the combat system is awful, so awful and dull and uninspired.

    I was expecting something different. I am no longer buying anything from Gamefreak. At least they should have released a demo so we could see how bad it was.    … Expand
  61. Superabsol13
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    I just want to make this early review to redeem the quality of the game mentioned. Pokemon Sword has been an entertaining game thus far (I'm near the 2nd Gym atm). The User review bomb for this game is COMPLETELY UNWARRANTED!!! I won't know for sure how great this game is before I finish it, but from what I have played so far, this game has met my expectations for a Pokemon game. TheI just want to make this early review to redeem the quality of the game mentioned. Pokemon Sword has been an entertaining game thus far (I'm near the 2nd Gym atm). The User review bomb for this game is COMPLETELY UNWARRANTED!!! I won't know for sure how great this game is before I finish it, but from what I have played so far, this game has met my expectations for a Pokemon game. The battles are engaging, the new pokemon are fun to play with and Dynamax form are only available during raids or Gym battles (so far from what I've olayed). This has been the most enjoyable Pokemon game that I have played since Pokemon Alpha Sapphire. I I truely reccomend that you give this game a try before judging it by the standards that others have told you about.… Expand
  62. devilxs
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This was a very rushed game and took a big step back on some of the cool features of lets go, such as riding pokemon, or having them follow you.

    Gameplay is very linear and holds your hand the whole way through. Exploration outside of the 2 flat wild zones is non-existent. Your bike rides on water, and with no exploration, moves like surf/dig/cut/etc, have been removed from use.    This was a very rushed game and took a big step back on some of the cool features of lets go, such as riding pokemon, or having them follow you.

    Gameplay is very linear and holds your hand the whole way through.
    Exploration outside of the 2 flat wild zones is non-existent.
    Your bike rides on water, and with no exploration, moves like surf/dig/cut/etc, have been removed from use.
    Certain gym cities are unacceptably short and have 3 buildings.
    Pokedex was harshly reduced. Apparently in exchange for other improvements? (there are none)
    Graphics-wise, it's still behind it's time for a switch game. I think lets go looks better.
    Content is severely limited and being forced down 1 path while my "rival" checks in on me every 5 minutes left me very annoyed.
    Npc models were reused excessively. I've never felt like I was constantly seeing the same character over and over in previous games. Are there even more than 5 unique characters other than the main cast in this game?

    Overall, there's just been too many excuses, too many lies, and just downright disrespect by game-freak to release something like this at practically double the price of previous (content rich) handheld games. It's a slap in the face to fans everywhere and really gives Pokemon games a questionable future.    … Expand
  63. zanzou
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Shortest mainline pokemon game ever made, no end game, fewest pokemon since generation 3, automatic EXP share means you are always too high-level, models were imported from a low-fi handheld game, terrible graphics and animation, dynamax is a terrible gimmick to replace mega-evolutions
  64. Iantonio13
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    El juego es magnifico. Las nuevas mecanicas son muy buenas, la zona silvestre es entretenida y la región logra cautivarte.
  65. Tester75
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Most new Pokémon designs look terrible, the world is open but feels empty simply because there isn’t much to do. The wild area is ok but seems like a missed opportunity. The camping and cooking mechanics are cumbersome and I rarely use either of those features. The story is one dimensional and boring. The dynamax mechanic is just gimic that isn’t that exciting. The exclusion of a nationalMost new Pokémon designs look terrible, the world is open but feels empty simply because there isn’t much to do. The wild area is ok but seems like a missed opportunity. The camping and cooking mechanics are cumbersome and I rarely use either of those features. The story is one dimensional and boring. The dynamax mechanic is just gimic that isn’t that exciting. The exclusion of a national dex would have been bearable had the above issues not been there, but since the game is riddled with all these issues (lack on content and poorly designed Pokémon) I now find it inexcusable. This game had all the potential to be the best Pokémon game yet, but is one of my least favorite in the entire series. Tbh, don’t waste your money on these games. Hope that the next set of games are better… Expand
  66. Zyrraki
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    Pokemon sword and shield are the best Pokemon games I've played since black and white. While not perfect I'm really enjoying them. The national dex doesn't really change much of the enjoyment in this game like I thought it would. If you're a fan of the pokemon series I urge you to try them yourself and don't let these negative reviewers who probably haven't played it change yourPokemon sword and shield are the best Pokemon games I've played since black and white. While not perfect I'm really enjoying them. The national dex doesn't really change much of the enjoyment in this game like I thought it would. If you're a fan of the pokemon series I urge you to try them yourself and don't let these negative reviewers who probably haven't played it change your mind.thebgraphocs may not be as strong as they could be but they're definitely not the worst I've seen.. besides some particular trees. I've not ran into any glitches that some are claiming but that I've not beat it just yet. I've played around 12 hours.… Expand
  67. bondmaster
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    The style is great, I love the new Pokémon, and the story is really good. I think they’ve introduced a lot of cool new concepts to fill in some of the gaps of what was excluded. All around this game is really good, and will inspire a new generation of Pokémon lovers, like my son. Having played Red version when it first came out, to now watching my 5 year old play his first with Sword, IThe style is great, I love the new Pokémon, and the story is really good. I think they’ve introduced a lot of cool new concepts to fill in some of the gaps of what was excluded. All around this game is really good, and will inspire a new generation of Pokémon lovers, like my son. Having played Red version when it first came out, to now watching my 5 year old play his first with Sword, I love it!… Expand
  68. HankHill420
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    The game is full of life, and you'll see this from the minute the game starts. This is the most gorgeous game to date, despite some poor textures in some areas that are quite obvious. The characters are the most full-of-life we have seen in any game thus far. The designs of the Pokemon are amazing, and the game contains some of the most creative designs to date. For example, one of theThe game is full of life, and you'll see this from the minute the game starts. This is the most gorgeous game to date, despite some poor textures in some areas that are quite obvious. The characters are the most full-of-life we have seen in any game thus far. The designs of the Pokemon are amazing, and the game contains some of the most creative designs to date. For example, one of the designs incorporates a modern environmental problem, which does an amazing job of shedding light on how depressing it really is.

    Obviously the Pokedex was cut, and this IS a problem because there was any huge improvement on any areas of the game. I don't think this is AS big of a deal as people are making it out to be, as no one actually completed the national dex, and for me, I would much rather find new Pokemon to have an adventure with, rather than transferring the same Level 100 Pokemon to each game. People complaining about moves being cut are purposely being oblivious. 99% of the moves removed were completely useless. The only notable moves removed were Return, Frustration, and Pursuit. Return and Frustration are easily replaceable by better moves, and while it sucks that Pursuit was removed, this provided a much needed buff to the Psychic Type. Some other small problems you may encounter are some linearity issues and difficulty issues. These are pretty minor, especially the difficulty issue since I believe it's very easy to make the game more challenging.

    The core Pokemon experience is still in tact, and it is better than ever. The characters are full of life, the designs are amazing, and the region of Galar is the most beautiful region we've seen. I haven't seen much mention of the improvement on the competitive scene, but this is probably the most positive thing to come out of the Dex cut. Pokemon like Landorus, Manaphy, Ultra Beasts, as well as several other broken Pokemon will no longer be able to control the metagame. Pokemon that are traditionally bad received new moves to make them more viable, and Pokemon like Aegislash, which are stronger than average, received nerfs in order to make it more balanced. I am very excited to get involved in competitive after these improvements.

    Pros:
    - Beautiful region
    - Great Pokemon designs
    - Great characters
    - Pokemon in the overworld was carried over
    - Some of the BEST soundtracks in the entire franchise
    - MUCH improved competitive metagame
    - Removal of useless moves and additions of very useful ones
    - League which is much more similar to the Anime (the E4 didn't get cut like the other reviews say, it's just a different format which I find to be much better)
    - Same core experience that we all know and love

    Cons:
    - Dex cut
    - Some linearity and pacing issues
    - Texture problems
    - Can be too easy for older players

    Overall, if you have loved previous Pokemon games, you'll love this one too.

    If you want GameFreak to make changes, offer CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, and provide legit reviews that give your honest opinions on the game, instead of automatically clicking 0 on Metacritic without playing a second of the game. If these games had reviews that actually reflected the quality of the game, I feel like GameFreak would be a lot more likely to understand what needs to be improved next year.    … Expand
  69. OtherwiseSix
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    I battled a gigantic ninjask with my kaiju-sized crying baby lizard and experienced levels of hype about a Pokemon battle that I haven't felt since I was a kid battling my friends on Pokemon Stadium for the N64. The Dynamax system is an absolute game-changer and really fits well with the feeling you get that Pokemon battles and Gym-challenges are huge events in the Galar Region.

    For me,    I battled a gigantic ninjask with my kaiju-sized crying baby lizard and experienced levels of hype about a Pokemon battle that I haven't felt since I was a kid battling my friends on Pokemon Stadium for the N64. The Dynamax system is an absolute game-changer and really fits well with the feeling you get that Pokemon battles and Gym-challenges are huge events in the Galar Region.

    For me, Pokemon Sword and Shield are a big step forward for the Pokemon series. I think this sort of soft reboot is exactly what the series needed to get people truly excited about Pokemon again. Just being able to see Pokemon flying or wandering around in the wild and in the backgrounds while travelling is so much fun.

    And I think that's why these games resonate so well with me. Pokemon Sword and Shield is getting Pokemon back to it's roots of just being a simple, fun game to sit down and play. It's a lot more streamlined than previous titles and there are a bunch of Quality of Life changes that I think were long overdue.

    Do you actually still want to run back to a Pokemon center all the time while grinding up some new Pokemon? Well you're completely free to do so. Or you can pop up a nice little camp, play with your Pokemon a bit, make some curry and just have an absolutely charming rest there on the spot.

    Do you want to have the ability to change your Pokemon's nickname or moves location locked to a specific city that you might not make it to for a long time? Feel free not to use the super handy all-in-one Pokemon rater found in all the Pokemon centers.

    Would you prefer to not see which Pokemon you're about to fight while running around in grass? Well close your eyes because the ability to speed up the process of trying to catch the final Pokemon in an area is an absolute godsend to those of us who really just want to get to the next area and keep playing.

    Here's some extra stuff about where I think the state of the game is, but it's not technically about Pokemon SwSh, so you can definitely stop reading. Why is anyone reading this in the first place?

    I've been out of the Pokemon game for a while now. I was never really behind Z-Moves, Megas or the myriad other mechanics that just seemed to be piling onto the later generations of Pokemon games. That doesn't mean that Pokemon X & Y, Black & White, Black & White 2 or Sun & Moon were bad games or anything.

    In fact, each iteration of the main games seemed like an innovative evolution of the series striving to both satisfy older fans while bringing in a new generation of trainers. Unfortunately I just fell slightly outside of the box on those games. They weren't really for me, and that's okay. They didn't hurt or change any of the older games I hold so dearly and I understand that now (as an adult) I am not the target audience for a children's game.

    The number of Pokemon in the games is still daunting to me in today's gaming landscape where a new game, DLC or balance update seems to come out every week. However, with a lot of the menial grinding and monotony removed from the game I feel like this might actually be my chance to actually fill a Pokedex for the first time in 15 years and I'm really excited.

    Here's a final lukewarm take on my end; Pokemon started as a very simple premise and as technology advanced, the games expanded and advanced along with it. I think a lot of people got to grow up alongside the Pokemon series as the games continued to become more bloated and complex. I think it was probably a great experience for some hardcore fans out there, but again, these are games for children.

    I think all the competitive trainers out there are great for the game, but at the end of the day they have to realize that they are not the target audience of this series. I'd be surprised if most trainers make it to the Pokemon League, let alone sink 1000 hours into endgame systems, Pokedex completion, selective breeding or competitive battles.    … Expand
  70. ovejadeluz
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    cd project no tiene ni la mitad del dinero que gamefreak genera con pokemon y no es posible que su videojuego lograra entrar en un cartucho de switch, gamefreak y masuda no tienen perdon en entregarnos el peor pokemon de la historia.
  71. BaddyBad
    Nov 15, 2019
    4
    Firstly I want to start with explaining everything I liked about this game. I love the new Pokemon. Some of there designs are really unique and creative and I love using them. Clearly some designs are better than others and there is a few ugly Pokemon mixed in but if you stare at them for long enough you'll notice they have their own charm to them. Another thing I really like is theFirstly I want to start with explaining everything I liked about this game. I love the new Pokemon. Some of there designs are really unique and creative and I love using them. Clearly some designs are better than others and there is a few ugly Pokemon mixed in but if you stare at them for long enough you'll notice they have their own charm to them. Another thing I really like is the detailed character customisation. Customisation has been in the games in the past but this version of customisation is an improvement. Another thing I like is you can finally change the camera angle. This is quite a big deal as we have been without this feature for 23 years! I understand this is a minor thing that most people take for granted but Pokemon games aren't like normal games so this is actually a massive step forward. Another thing I like is some of the quality of life improvements such as making it easier to create competitive Pokemon for wifi battles.

    Now it's time for the negative things. For a Pokemon game I'd say this game is quite mediocre. It offers an below average Pokemon experience when it comes down to the story. If you're a casual fan you might love this game, if you're a hardcore player you will probably find it difficult to enjoy. When compared to previous Pokemon titles it is very forgettable. The most memorable thing about this game are the bugs, low effort animations and the controversy surrounding the game. Games such as Black and White 2 and Heart Gold and Soul Silver offer a much more enjoyable experience when it comes to story and available features. This game is quite disappointing as many people (myself included) expected a considerate jump from the 3DS games to Switch. It has taken steps forward in some regards but also has taken a few steps back. Although graphics have improved slightly compared to the 3DS games they are not as impressive as the graphics found within the Gamecube and Wii pokemon games (from 2005-2006). Gamefreak have failed to take advantage of the new hardware and have delivered what looks to be another shallow 3DS game. You will get just under 24 hours of playtime from this until you finish the story. The map within the game is small and one of the largest zones known as the "Wild Area" is empty and barren. Another thing to mention which wasn't great was how easy this game felt. It holds your hand through the whole game with a forced EXP share which you cannot switch off and infinity heals for you to potentially exploit. This game was designed for very casual players which makes it feel too easy and kind of boring. Another thing to mention is you cannot walk far during the story without running into somebody who will talk at you while you spam buttons. Hop especially will not leave you alone and is always forcing one sided conversations with you. I remember a time when the only time you saw your rival was if they wanted to battle... I miss those days. Oh, and I hate the concept of gigantamax and dynamax. It is a mechanic nobody really wants or cares for. I would have much preferred some new mega evolutions, but they have been taken out of the game along with 60% of Pokemon and also lots of items and moves too.

    There is also a lot of controversy surrounding this game due to the fact Gamefreak lied about this game and failed to deliver what was promised. They removed around 60% of Pokemon in this game for basically no reason. A lot of fans are upset about this, myself included. The way Gamefreak tried to justify this is quite baffling. They lied, many times to justify this change. They said they had to remake the Pokemon models but they didn't as they're the same models used for all the previous 3D games. They also said they cut the Pokemon to focus on high quality animations, but they reused most of the animations from previous titles and most of these animations are incredibly low quality anyway. They never actually gave a real reason for why they cut them out. They just blatantly lied to their fans and thought people wouldn't find out. Actions like that are harmful for the trust between developer and customer. It also shows a lack of respect for the fans because they are lying so blatantly and think the fans are too stupid to notice.

    This game is a pretty weak Pokemon game, it's definitely not good and is one of the most shoddily put together Pokemon games I have ever played. It's very rough around the edges and seems rushed, but that's probably down to the development of Little Town Hero taking 20 developers focus away from Pokemon. The bugs, glitches and mistakes are quite shocking for a released product but I'm sure some of the more serious ones will get patched eventually. The quality of this product does not look like it came from the most successful media franchise in the world. Pokemon deserves better and so do we.

    Overall it's a mediocre game and it also has a lot of controversial baggage due to Gamefreak lying and failing to deliver what they promised.    … Expand
  72. Nintenhero
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    La amalgama perfecta entre los pokemon de las versiones portatiles llevados de gran manera a un juego de mundo abierto .
  73. Kronos_EVC
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    El juego no es perfecto, sobretodo flaquea en las áreas silvestres, pero el apartado artístico es precioso, el diseño de los Pokémons es de los mejores de las pasadas generaciones, el salto talvez no ha sido tan grande como uno esperaba pero todo fue por conservar lo clásico del juego. A mí me encanta!
  74. Irarius
    Nov 15, 2019
    4
    ok listen.. this game is just about mediocre. graphics wise its just like sun and moon. which also offer more content. content wise it feels like you can just go and get pokemon lets go instead of this..
    now also problematic are all the little things that are in this game for no aparent reason exept gamefreak beeing gamefreak and doing things for literally no reason other then lazyness    ok listen.. this game is just about mediocre. graphics wise its just like sun and moon. which also offer more content. content wise it feels like you can just go and get pokemon lets go instead of this..
    now also problematic are all the little things that are in this game for no aparent reason exept gamefreak beeing gamefreak and doing things for literally no reason other then lazyness

    why cant you catch mons with higher lvls ? cause gym badges must be earned... so this directly kills alot of the fun in exploring the wild area this games gimmick. meaning the biggest sellingpoint has a gigantic drawback.
    instead of just balancing catch rates or make them disobeying you if you dont have the badges they just said you cant catch them... a move that screams i didnt want to work today.

    this game is at points UGLY like legit looks like **** some things you dont notice but some you do.. bushes and trees have the ANCIENT 3d design of minecraft looking cheap and just rly rly lazy. trees as it was seen in trailers look laughable at times AND NO they did not fix them.

    things load in slowly and behave weard at times. gimmicks beyond gimmicks, the wild area beeing lets go but limited to the area. nothing rly exiting in it.. the barebones experience.

    literally not worth the price. at 30 bucks you could get it and get what you pay for but nothing else.
    you can get sun and moon which are better then the ultra versions because they are simpler and cleaner offer you a WAAAAY better experience. you get graphical the same thing. and if you want it on switch i saw lets go for 20 bucks on amazon 2 months after release. and that will do for you. it doesnt gate you like sword and shield. it also feels more complete.

    so since this game is just short in about everything and because they have no real excuse here this game is beneath mediocre so a 4 out of 10-

    remember they plit the dev team in 3 teams
    1 did lets go which btw didnt give us all the 151 mons into sword and shield... laughable
    1 did town which failed if i saw that correctly
    and 1 did this.

    maybe next time they actually dont split the teams up in 3 and focus. if they already take old modells then at least put them all in, have a better wild area, have things happen in there. give us back some of the old gimmicks such as seasons which could have improved replayability
    and also by the love of god polish this game... dont buy it,... at least for the near future. maybe they patch some things ( HIGHLY UNLIKELY) but possible. also the price might drop at sales. so it gets closer to a price deserving of this game    … Expand
  75. Bunnings_Snags
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This new Pokemon release is unfitting to Nintendo's high standard of timeless and everlasting game design
  76. MetoroidoPrime
    Nov 15, 2019
    2
    Unfortunately, instead of a jump in quality when coming to the switch (like many other franchises) what the most profitable media franchise has on offer here is only mediocre and more of the same. Nothing really feels like it couldn’t have been done on the 3ds. The amount of content has been cut and the price has increased. The cut Pokemon seems to be a dubious action that may lead toUnfortunately, instead of a jump in quality when coming to the switch (like many other franchises) what the most profitable media franchise has on offer here is only mediocre and more of the same. Nothing really feels like it couldn’t have been done on the 3ds. The amount of content has been cut and the price has increased. The cut Pokemon seems to be a dubious action that may lead to future dlc or paid subscriptions on behalf of the Pokemon company. Do not support this.… Expand
  77. JosefVonBrosef
    Nov 15, 2019
    3
    Yes, there are new features in this game that are great. With that said NOTHING will make up for the damage that removing the National Dex will do to the franchise, now or moving forward. Pokemon games are now more expensive, with fewer creatures and more bugs.
    With that out of the way, I believe that all criticism should be constructive, so here are some suggestions for the developers on    Yes, there are new features in this game that are great. With that said NOTHING will make up for the damage that removing the National Dex will do to the franchise, now or moving forward. Pokemon games are now more expensive, with fewer creatures and more bugs.
    With that out of the way, I believe that all criticism should be constructive, so here are some suggestions for the developers on how to improve the games moving forward.

    1. Stop removing beloved Pokemon from the games. Removing Pokemon from a core game is antithetical to everything the series stood for over the years. Past pokemon games were about bonding with mystical creatures and exploring a dangerous, fantastical region with these friends. The new ones are about capturing “friends” and trying to bond with them so you can throw them aside as soon as the newest Pokemon game decides to cut them from the dex. Not quite the same is it? Also, I know this next point is made a lot, but it is valid. The catchphrase of the series is “Got to catch them all”. This game does not have HUNDREDS of “em all” in it. I don’t mean there are pokemon you can not encounter, there are hundreds you are not allowed to play with, even if you have them in Pokemon home/ Pokebank. This is, in fact, the only “core” game that activity stops you from having “em all” in over a decade. When your catchphrase is no longer applicable to your games, you have taken a misstep.

    2. Please make a “hard mode” available in future games. To older players, these newer games (gen 6-8) can be fun but they are nowhere near as fun or challenging as the older games are. Adding an optional hard mode would engage older fans while still allowing younger fans to enjoy the games on normal difficulty.

    3. This game is buggy. It appears that it was rushed out. I get it, deadlines are awful. But a company as well monied as the Pokeman company should have the manpower to put out games that are complete and near bug-free. They gained that money by building a reputation as a company that only created great games. I still play pokemon games from Gens 3-5 and I’m blown away by how good they are. I expect incomplete nonsense from Activision or Bethesda, not Game Freak.

    And finally, I will talk about the aspects of this game that I like. Adding automatic floats to the bike is an amazing idea. Good job there. Many of the new Pokemon designs are cool and the Dynamaxing/Gigmaxing component of the games is not awful. For these reasons, my score is not a 0.
    On the off chance that anyone who works on the game sees this review, thank you for seeking out criticism. One of the most honorable actions a person can take is to acknowledge their mistakes and to learn from them.    … Expand
  78. SaiyanPride89
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    The game cut over 100 battle moves!?! What the hell. Over 500 Pokémon got Thanos’d. No post story. Some textures look like N64 graphics(seriously Gamefreak rehire Genius Sonority to help you make 3D models like they did with Colosseum/XD/Battle Revolution). Story is mediocre. And most importantly Gamefreak lied. I hope the Diamond/Pearl remakes don’t suffer the same fate. As a die hardThe game cut over 100 battle moves!?! What the hell. Over 500 Pokémon got Thanos’d. No post story. Some textures look like N64 graphics(seriously Gamefreak rehire Genius Sonority to help you make 3D models like they did with Colosseum/XD/Battle Revolution). Story is mediocre. And most importantly Gamefreak lied. I hope the Diamond/Pearl remakes don’t suffer the same fate. As a die hard Pokémon fan that owns every game from Gen 1-7 and loves competitive battles, I will pass on this game and get a refund. This is Fallout 76 style of deception and controversy. Do better Gamefreak.… Expand
  79. Zerozen
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    I don't understand why people are giving this game such a bad score I've been playing Pokemon games since red and blue The Originals all the way through current-gen well yes it sucks they took out so many Pokemon and the National dex I still think the pros outweigh the cons the graphics are decent the gameplay is great and the new mechanics are fantastic definitely an improvement inI don't understand why people are giving this game such a bad score I've been playing Pokemon games since red and blue The Originals all the way through current-gen well yes it sucks they took out so many Pokemon and the National dex I still think the pros outweigh the cons the graphics are decent the gameplay is great and the new mechanics are fantastic definitely an improvement in Pokemon games I will admit there is a little bit of slowdown in the game when you have online functionality turned on but that's to be expected when you're playing a game with lots of other players on screen but when it's turned off there is no lag whatsoever… Expand
  80. tomariscool
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    The game was great, although the story was probably 2 hours shorter than XY or SM were. Yeah, the graphics aren't stellar. They don't look as good as Zelda or Mario Odyssey. But do we Nintendo fans care about the looks? If we did. we'd be on PlayStation or PC. Only if a game is fun, not pretty, is it good. Is it fun? You bet.
  81. Rigur29
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El juego esta muy bien. La forma Dinamax reemplaza las megas, pero lo hace incluyendo a todos los pokemon. Las megas modificaban el diseño, pero se abandona y creo que esta bien perder eso, para incluir a todos.
    La historia no la senti tan larga y algunas texturas del area silvestre se pueden mejorar.

    En cuanto al Gameplay estan bueno como siempre creo que es una compra muy recomendada si buscas un titulo Rpg que te divierta.
    Si buscas tu pokedex nacional pasa de largo.

    El juego estan bueno como cualquier otra entrega.    … Expand
  82. Rub3n15
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    It’s nice to finally have an official Pokémon game on the switch that not let go pikachu and lets go eevee
  83. JonCamRo
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Es tan adictivo como cualquier nueva generación de pokemón, entretenido, una jugabilidad excelente
  84. SenseiSoriel
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    Before deciding if a game is good, I first do the 1 hour test. if within that hour I have no fun, then that game is not for me and my review will reflect that. The same is true for the case where I do have fun. I find it deplorable that this game was hit by both sides of the fake reviews just of angry little kids on either side of the line. This review shows that these games are for me.Before deciding if a game is good, I first do the 1 hour test. if within that hour I have no fun, then that game is not for me and my review will reflect that. The same is true for the case where I do have fun. I find it deplorable that this game was hit by both sides of the fake reviews just of angry little kids on either side of the line. This review shows that these games are for me.

    After playing both games, I believe this game is an 8 out of 10 if we consider this the first mainline pokemon on a home system. And I played each games for more than 1 hour and found them fun, which is my first criteria to find if I like a game or not.

    Added features:

    -Pokemon camp is usefull and well taught. In previous games, we had to run to the pokemon center each time we wanted our pokemons healed. Now, we just have to pitch the tent almost anywhere, cook curry and rest. I'm curious to see what will end up as curry recipe guides from diferent players. This, in it's own way, is similar to the coocking of Breath of the Wild.

    -''Let's go'' and ''traditional'' encounters makes it fun to catch pokemons. More common pokemons appear on screen and the tall grass encounters makes it have this random bit element common to RPGs.

    -Wild Area, altought it has it's downsides like having ''super strong'' pokemons, it is still a fun place to explore. Max Raid Battles can be done both single player or multiplayer, there is a good variety of pokemons that can be found there (and some do not appear in the pokedex, which means a post game expanded pokedex).

    Removed features:

    -National Dex, don't really care about that as long as I can get Mawile from one of the games.

    -No GTS, good ridance, no more ratata's in exchange for a hard to get pokemon...

    -No backward compatibility with previous pokemon games, I don't really care, this is a new page in Pokemon's history and it should be seen with a clear mind instead of saying ''hey it should be done like that''. In fact, I welcome this change since it allows to develop a new competitive scene for pokemon. I can see both the 3ds and the switch competitive scenes coexist at events since both systems are fundamentally differents.

    Pros;

    -New chapter in the pokemon franchise. Gamefreak did their best under a tight schedule.

    -Graphics are representative of what Pokemon is. I don't care what Gamefreak said, they don't have the best PR team right now, and I don't care what ''dataminers'' said. Does this game look graphically good and appealing to me? Yes.

    -The soundtrack has some good remixes of old themes and the new themes are rather enjoyable to hear on long gaming sessions. If only Nintendo released the soundtracks of the games instead of putting them under a heavy lock.

    -No need to grind hours just to find one specific pokemon, most of them appear on the screen making it easier to choose what pokemons you want to get.

    -You can skip the tutorial section if you already have played a pokemon game before. This was a huge problem with Sun and Moon, now there is no hand pulling that forces you to follow that specific tutorial.

    -You can send your boxed pokemons do jobs! So yeah, now they are not left to rot in the box anymore.

    Cons:

    -Dependance on Date and Time for the weather in the Wild Area.

    -Power drainer, the game drains a switch out of it's energy in roughly 3 hours, if you own the version 1 of the switch. I do not know how much it drains the battery on the revised switch nor on the handheld only switch. But this can be easilly solved with either an electrical outlet or an external battery.

    -Limited open world elements, maybe one day we would see a fully open world mainline pokemon game, but it is not this game. I suspect that this will become better with time.

    -Bugs. At this time, there is a huge bug with the auto save feature that erase the saves of the games on a nintendo switch.

    -Almost no skipable cutscenes. I own both games and some cutscenes are long. I don't particularly care to see the same cutscene 2-3 times to have every starter pokemons in my teams, but I would have liked it if the ''skip cutscnes'' feature was better.

    I still have a few things to try, I have not completed any of the two games, but so far I am enjoying myself with these games.    … Expand
  85. ThisGameIsGreat
    Nov 15, 2019
    4
    Truth is, this game has positive qualities. However, for me, a longtime, relatively casual, yet passionate fan of Pokemon since Gen 1, there are also just as many negative aspects that really stand out in comparison to past entries in the series, and from a technological standpoint, the game just does not live up to 2019 standards for high-end Switch games or RPGs.

    Now, honestly,    Truth is, this game has positive qualities. However, for me, a longtime, relatively casual, yet passionate fan of Pokemon since Gen 1, there are also just as many negative aspects that really stand out in comparison to past entries in the series, and from a technological standpoint, the game just does not live up to 2019 standards for high-end Switch games or RPGs.

    Now, honestly, graphics have never mattered much in Pokemon, but the consumers and fans were also lied to by Game Freak in saying that the reasoning behind the cut content is a bigger focus on higher quality graphics and animation, and also that they were re-doing the models from scratch. The latter turned out to be a blatant lie, and the supposed focus on better graphics is just not apparent to me in anyway. Sure, the game looks better than the 3DS game, but looks worse than pretty much every other big Nintendo franchise that's made the jump to switch.

    Ultimately, this game has the least amount of content by any Pokemon game since the GBA. Right out of the box, this game immediately has less to do than Gens 4-6 by getting rid of so many Pokemon. Pair that fact with a $20 price increase from 3DS titles and you have yourself a Pokemon game that just barely tries to check all the boxes that casual and uninformed possible customers look for when it comes to the name "Pokemon". At this rate, the games will continue to have less and less content because so many people are just fine with that. Those that actually do care are unfortunately no longer the target audience for Game Freak.    … Expand
  86. Zeliath
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Great game so far. Enjoying the Galar region, enjoying all the new Pokemon, and looking forward to battling, nuzlocking and raiding.
  87. soniction
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Compared with previous generations, the picture has improved. Although there is no national illustration, when you enter the world of sword shield, you will not be able to extricate yourself.
  88. lalox005
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    bastante divertido y la música fue hermosa, estuvieron geniales las batallas de gimnasio
  89. Jahearn
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    All the new Pokémon and towns look great you can finally skip over tutorials and the story it actually has actually holds your attention unlike earlier entries. The only big complaint I have is when online it the wild area I have MAJOR lag but all the new features make up for it, I can’t get enough or max raid battles!
  90. whitecypress
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    This game doesn't deserve my time. It is not finished, contain tons of bugs and doesn't have national dex.
  91. Ivysaurtrainer6
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    A pokemon game without all the pokemon....yeah 0/10. They could have just used all of the 3DS models and called it good. At least then we would use all of the pokemon.
  92. Luisdiego
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Buen juego de Pokémon enganchados y adictivo aunque no estén todos los Pokémons te ayudo a pensar nuevas estrategias cumple y supera expectativas
  93. Aetheryn
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Naturally the "legitimate" critics had pockets lined by GameFreak so real reviews from them ain't gonna happen. Figure I may as well even them out a bit. Cut corners and get your review score cut as well.
  94. doubledd1403
    Nov 15, 2019
    1
    Dont trust any of the 80% and above public reviews. This is a perfect example of paid positive reviews. I agree with 95% of all user ratings and their points below 3 points.

    This game is just crap, rolled out to the mass market to earn money. The pop up of characters just a few steps before you are in front of them is ridiculous and the worst I have seen since 15 years.
  95. OscarXvita
    Nov 15, 2019
    2
    A upscaled 3DS game that betrayed long time players childhood dreams.

    Game freak didn't take Pokemon SwSd as an important project compared to town. Instead, they are going the EA way... Corporate PRs, Lots of deleted Dex, skills and TMs coming along with Curry and bulls*it.
  96. Barrott
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Probably one of the best games I’ve ever played. If you get this game you will have an amazing time with it.
  97. Albr0110
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    One of the best Pokémon games so far. Great graphics and mechanics.
    All cities come to life and you can play on tv and on the go.
  98. spudarcade123
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    Don't take IGN seriously: their review is biased and purchased (by TPC). Here's the truth about Pokemon Sword and Shield.

    Pokemon Sword and Shield are the first ever Mainline games in the franchise to settle down on the Switch. Set in a reimagining of Britain, they fail to create the spark of wonder and excitement of generations 1 to 6, including Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire of    Don't take IGN seriously: their review is biased and purchased (by TPC). Here's the truth about Pokemon Sword and Shield.

    Pokemon Sword and Shield are the first ever Mainline games in the franchise to settle down on the Switch. Set in a reimagining of Britain, they fail to create the spark of wonder and excitement of generations 1 to 6, including Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire of Generation 7 (Sun and Moon are garbage so they are not worthy of mention).

    Pokemon Sword and Shield's world is:

    -Ugly, in every single way.
    -Devoid of the beauty and life that OR/AS brought to us.
    -Lazy.
    -Lacking in innovation and imaginiation.
    -A throwback to Sun and Moon's ugly environment and backdrops for battle scenes.
    -The worst for player character animations I have ever seen in any Pokemon game (and that's saying a lot since the isometric days of Pokemon were beyond basic).
    -Home to a boring gimmick in 'Dynamaxing'.
    -Plagued by a ridiculously LAUGHABLE UI, my God. It is so basic, that it looks like a High School student's first assessable graphic design project that failed.
    -A shameless cash grab.
    -Lacking in passion, which is a damn shame as Gamefreak loved their IP (Pre-Sun and Moon).
    -Too *easy*. A massive mistake was eliminating the Generation 2 EXP Share in favor of leveling the entire party at once, resulting in overpowering early gym leaders and gimping EV spreads and progression for Pokemon who evolve based on specific stats (Lookin at you, Tyrogue).
    -Empty, now, because of the stupid decision to remove the national dex.
    -Lacking in lower level end-game and post-game content, and content in general (the post-game is a total joke)

    As a Pokemon fan who has been raised on the franchise since my childhood days, I am mortified, disgusted and outraged by the filthy greed of TPC, the lack of spine and backbone in Gamefreak and the mutilation of our beloved franchise. Pokemon is dead.

    Tl;dr: Play OR/AS and SS/HG instead of this pathetic excuse for a mainline Pokemon game.    … Expand
  99. Gaeloa28
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Me atrevo a decir que Espada y Escudo son grandes juegos, que marcarán un antes y un después en la saga que amamos, sin duda, esta es un obra maestra de GameFreak, aunque exista mucha critica hacia el juego, es porque, las personas solo saben quejarse, no gustan de ver el trabajo que conlleva crear juegos, y se limitan a criticar de manera destructiva lo que no les gusta. Se que cualquierMe atrevo a decir que Espada y Escudo son grandes juegos, que marcarán un antes y un después en la saga que amamos, sin duda, esta es un obra maestra de GameFreak, aunque exista mucha critica hacia el juego, es porque, las personas solo saben quejarse, no gustan de ver el trabajo que conlleva crear juegos, y se limitan a criticar de manera destructiva lo que no les gusta. Se que cualquier persona que ame verdaderamente la saga, se dará cuenta que Espada y Escudo no son perfectos, pero desde luego son excelentes juegos.… Expand
  100. Mako97USA
    Nov 15, 2019
    0
    GameFreak thinks we are **** stupid, the only thing we wanted is a complete game and not this **** it's a incomplete game for 50$. I don't know, go buy death stranding in this Friday.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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