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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ToshiroTakashi
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    What an amazing game! I'm not a diehard Pokemon fanboy, but I grew up playing Pokemon Yellow on my Game Boy when I was a kid in the late 90s. Now that I have a Switch, it's so great to play this game on on the go and on my tv. I can recommend everybody to play this game. It feels traditional but also very new. It's this mix that makes the game so nice to play.
  2. Justos91
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Its a bit embarrassing to be a part of the fandom, but this is the best 3d pokemon game without a doubt.
  3. Zequi
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Against all critics and after many hours played, i must say It's the best Pokemon Game ive ever played.
  4. Carlinhos_86
    Nov 20, 2019
    8
    Finally, an actual Pokémon mainline entry for Switch! Despite the dex cut and the removal of mega-evolution, which is a personal favorite feature, it has exactly what I expect from a Pokémon game: an awesome multiplayer VGC format battle system, which remains unmatched by other turn based RPGs. Character models and environments looking better when compared to previous games on theFinally, an actual Pokémon mainline entry for Switch! Despite the dex cut and the removal of mega-evolution, which is a personal favorite feature, it has exactly what I expect from a Pokémon game: an awesome multiplayer VGC format battle system, which remains unmatched by other turn based RPGs. Character models and environments looking better when compared to previous games on the franchise is also a plus.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. Bari
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    The start of the game and graphics show they had put in effort. It is a shame with the pokedex but with other features it is a nicely made game in shape. Does wish for future updates if possible or a link with the next remade 4th gen.
  7. SilverScale
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    This game is incredible, I dont know how people dont like it, this game is a masterpiece and is a good step of Game Freak on Nintendo Switch
  8. Vengar1965
    Nov 21, 2019
    10
    I have never played a Pokémon game untill now. So I can't argue with criticism that people post. However, I can give my own personal view on the game. I am extremely enjoying this game. It is very short but I still am having fun. Especially playing with my friends etc. I like the fact the Pokémon are quite a few but not a massive list that I end up forgetting about some in my arsenal. TheI have never played a Pokémon game untill now. So I can't argue with criticism that people post. However, I can give my own personal view on the game. I am extremely enjoying this game. It is very short but I still am having fun. Especially playing with my friends etc. I like the fact the Pokémon are quite a few but not a massive list that I end up forgetting about some in my arsenal. The graphics are ok as it is a switch game after all and I wouldn't own one for graphics in the first place. It is very charming and colourful and quite addictive. I love the combat and cooking, fishing and camps are very interesting. Looking forward to further updates to game.… Expand
  9. EscorpionDorado
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Despite his “flaws” is a complete and inmersive adventure. The new players will receive a grateful experience.
  10. Nbrslayer89
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    I don't understand the review bashing. This game has captured the heart of pokemon.
  11. BaconPancakes
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Shield has an advantage with tyranitar, but trading is super easy. I hope they continue this direction and fix the small problems (They are small). I would like another difficulty.… Expand
  12. NotCallum
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    One of the best Pokemon experiences since the likes of X and Y, at least that's my opinion, they've removed alot of the tedious issues the old games had, added alot of new things to do such as the Wild Area and my personal favorite addition is the decent character arks.

    I'm not gonna give any spoilers but if you could just look past the controversies you'll find a really solid Pokemon    One of the best Pokemon experiences since the likes of X and Y, at least that's my opinion, they've removed alot of the tedious issues the old games had, added alot of new things to do such as the Wild Area and my personal favorite addition is the decent character arks.

    I'm not gonna give any spoilers but if you could just look past the controversies you'll find a really solid Pokemon game with loads to do.    … Expand
  13. AlbertVDS
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Best Pokémon game in the serie. Feels like a traditional games but offers additions to make it unique.
  14. Gary1408
    Nov 17, 2019
    1
    Conheço essa serie há mais de 20 anos, minha infância foi marcada por ela, deixei muitas vezes de sair com amigos pra ficar no sofá anoite com o Game Boy nas mãos, mas infelizmente depois de todos esses anos eu não posso dizer que a franquia está tomando bons rumos, tirar Mega Evolução que foi um acerto muito preciso em XY pra colocar essa mecânica Gigantamax bizarra que foge totalmente doConheço essa serie há mais de 20 anos, minha infância foi marcada por ela, deixei muitas vezes de sair com amigos pra ficar no sofá anoite com o Game Boy nas mãos, mas infelizmente depois de todos esses anos eu não posso dizer que a franquia está tomando bons rumos, tirar Mega Evolução que foi um acerto muito preciso em XY pra colocar essa mecânica Gigantamax bizarra que foge totalmente do aceitável, da minima coerência do que se conheceu do universo até hoje é piada, design dos Pokemons totalmente relaxado, absurdo e genérico plagiando personagens de animações infantis, My Little Poney, Scooby Doo, gráficos que são uma mistura de Android, Nintendo 64 e 3DS com texturas borradas e opacas, sem o minimo de qualidade do que se espera de um console seja ele qual for em pleno 2019, ainda mais na maior franquia do mundo, não recomendo esse jogo de forma alguma e acho que chegou a hora da serie sair das mãos da Game Freak e ser entregue para um estudio terceirizado que saiba fazer jogos para consoles de mesa, por que claramente a Game Freak não tem essa capacidade...… Expand
  15. heartceed
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    My second favorite pokemon yet.
  16. Rogalik66
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    To start with, I play pokemon since red/blue versions, so you can't say that whole dex cut is not touching me. At first when i heard that there will be no national dex in the game i was a little mad, but think about it. There is almost 1k pokemon now, so i can understand that they might resign from putting all of them in a game for balance reasons. I almost finished the story and i willTo start with, I play pokemon since red/blue versions, so you can't say that whole dex cut is not touching me. At first when i heard that there will be no national dex in the game i was a little mad, but think about it. There is almost 1k pokemon now, so i can understand that they might resign from putting all of them in a game for balance reasons. I almost finished the story and i will definitely play some online battles.
    Graphic in the game does not bother me, it's not great but for me it's a good start on switch for Game Freak and i hope for improvements in future titles.
    Most of the pokemon designs are great, like Inteleon with his snipe shot, Corviknight, Sirfetch'd and Toxtricity.
    Yes the adventure is not the longest, but i think that's because there is much less random encounters in the tall grass. If you think logically, in older titles encountering 100000 zubats and tentacools was falsely making the game longer and that is not something i will miss.
    Another plus for me is that Game Freak made it so much easier to get a competitive viable pokemon, by possibility to change natures.
    And finally the best aspect of the game: music! It is great, i love the gym theme, route 7 music with it's Scottish feeling and many more.
    At the end i must say that i don't understand all the hate the game is getting. Ok some of my favourites were removed from it as well like Porygon line, Eelektross, but many of them are still in the game. Just realise that there are almost 1000 pokemon already and that move had to be made. I bet that 90% of the bad reviews are people that did not even play the game, they just cry about dex cut.
    Just i don't understand a rating 0-4 is for games like "Big Rigs" or " Limbo of the lost" not to a solid game like this.    … Expand
  17. mwkelly13
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Despite the worries, Pokémon Sword and Shield is a very entertaining game which kept me engaged throughout. It was everything I like about Pokémon. The region and new Pokémon designs are incredible. My favorite part of these games is the addition of max raids. I love being able to play cooperatively!
  18. MaidHikari
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Love it. Not the best Pokemon game but deffo not the worst etheir not bad for there first try at a home console game.
  19. Wasabi_Beats
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    It's pokemon! If you enjoyed the previous ones your going to enjoy this one. It's an amazingly charming game with the same Pokemon magic!
  20. konus43
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Good Pokemon games. Love the wild areas and new pokemons are awesome.
  21. MadBaron
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    I don't normally write reviews but with the crazy amount of controversy surrounding these new games I thought it would be best to write a little something.

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

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

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

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

    But SwSh are close.

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

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

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

    2. "The story is short" - is it? I bought Link's Awakening recently which was the same price as SwSh and that game can be completed in    … Expand
  22. bigmacdaddyHBZ
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Its more pokemon. I understand that people are upset that not every pokemon is in the game and I am too but I still really like the games.
  23. DerplandMcherp
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Lmao the game is great..probably the most fun I've had in a Pokemon game
  24. XeliMoon
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    The game is fun and if you like Pokémon then this is a game for you.
  25. TheRealJaXx
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    From what I've experienced so far is it's an amazing Pokémon game.
  26. Mockyy
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    The charm and excitement that this new entry brings to the series is overwhelming, the game is brimming with emotions and new designs, it comes as a breath of fresh air to the series, even if it’s a shame that some cuts were made for long term fans the new designs and direction more than make up for them and make way for a new generation of pokemon players, when I saw the new fossils,The charm and excitement that this new entry brings to the series is overwhelming, the game is brimming with emotions and new designs, it comes as a breath of fresh air to the series, even if it’s a shame that some cuts were made for long term fans the new designs and direction more than make up for them and make way for a new generation of pokemon players, when I saw the new fossils, coalossal, the new penguin and the gigantimax mons I could only think “YES, NINTENDO FINALLY HIRED THIS MAN” personally as a long term fan of pokemon GO I found the increased difficulty fantastic, I would wholeheartedly recommend this game to anyone getting into the franchise, children below the age of 10 or to pokemon GO fans looking for a quick 10 to 15 hours challenge… Expand
  27. amed_fonseca
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    el juego se ve muy bien a pesar de todo lo que han dicho, para ser el primer juego de la saga principal desarrollado para una consola casera esta excelente, por lo que llevo jugado me parece un gran juego de pokemon así que no tengan miedo al comprarlo, si el juego les llama la atención no se arrepentirán al comprarlo, juego 100% recomendado.
  28. Rene69
    Nov 16, 2019
    0
    Ridiculamente corto el juego,la historia es una risa dura 10h si vas a saco.
  29. 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.
  30. unpluggedeagle
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Great Game the transition into the new era is a bit rocky but the game shows great potential for the series with the wild area and multiplayer features.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 87 Critic Reviews

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