Pokemon Sword

 Switch
User Score
4.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 5909 Ratings

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

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

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



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

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

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

    My opinion? They're great games. It will lack some of your favorites and it might disappoint some fans in that regard, but isn't a bad game. It isn't a bad looking games. It is the best game yet and I look forward to the one that will follow.    … Expand
  29. Sercho
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Pokémon main line of game finally came to a home console and we couldn't be more disappointed.
    In a technical level, this game is basically still a portable console game. It doesn't take advantage of the power the switch has, I mean, we have breath of the wild and its beautiful environment and graphics. We have Mario Odyssey and its gorgeous style, we have a Master quest game rich in    Pokémon main line of game finally came to a home console and we couldn't be more disappointed.
    In a technical level, this game is basically still a portable console game. It doesn't take advantage of the power the switch has, I mean, we have breath of the wild and its beautiful environment and graphics. We have Mario Odyssey and its gorgeous style, we have a Master quest game rich in content and so many examples of good use of the hardware.
    However this game has trouble with drawn distances, the animations are so basic like in the DS games, the backgrounds are terrible being so basic in some gyms that almost feel like they come from the GBA era. The models just rotate in an artificial way and the wild area is so empty and bland. Back in the day we use to have amazing post-game content, but sword and shield fails to deliver in this area too.
    Additional to this disappointments the new Pokemon are (in most cases) horrible and bad designed. Bug heads, horrible eyes and anticlimactic final stages for the starters. So basically this is a portable Pokemon game with some HD textures glued over . Gamefreak created such a disappointment and lied about it so bad that makes me consider if the Pokemon main line needs a new developer more capable and less lazy to work on more powerful hardware.
    Finally after all the Pokemon they left out of the game they included Wailord even though they can't get its size right, are they really thinking or just making random stupid decisions?.    … Expand
  30. Seekerp
    Nov 16, 2019
    4
    It really is just an okay game for what it is. Nothing innovative nor is there any significant changes in regards to gameplay or animation. Some new features, but the battle system is largely unchanged from previous generation's titles, leaving me disappointed and wanting for more. Overall, a "meh" game, but when considering the broken promises and quality of other recent switch titles,It really is just an okay game for what it is. Nothing innovative nor is there any significant changes in regards to gameplay or animation. Some new features, but the battle system is largely unchanged from previous generation's titles, leaving me disappointed and wanting for more. Overall, a "meh" game, but when considering the broken promises and quality of other recent switch titles, pokemon sword is an incredible let down.… Expand
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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.
    Read full review
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Jan 14, 2020
    78
    Pokemon Sword/Shield is uncharacteristically user-friendly: now there’s no need to backtrack half across the world to heal your entire team of pokemon or to get to a particular city, for example. [Issue#242, p.66]
See all critic reviews »