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. camb198
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Best Pokémon game I have played to date. In total I have played Pokémon yellow (on my pikachu edition GB), red, blue, gold, sapphire, sun, and now sword.

    As someone who has never gotten into competitive Pokémon and have played very casually, this game looks like it may be the one to change that.
  2. 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.
  3. kazui
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    It's a beautiful game, really engaging, and as for 2 hours in it feels just as good as the old ones. Lack of all Pokémon is inconvenient, and thus game will be lacking few old friends, but it makes you try new things which is not always bad. The only bug issue for me is lack of GTS
  4. dm_punks
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    The latest iteration is always the best and that holds true with both Pokemon Sword & Shield. Both longtime fans as well as newcomers are treated to a whole smorgasboard of new exciting features propelling Pocket Monster taming and collecting into the next gen. This is a must-have for both returning fans as well as prospective pnes coming into the franchise for the first time.

    Once again,    The latest iteration is always the best and that holds true with both Pokemon Sword & Shield. Both longtime fans as well as newcomers are treated to a whole smorgasboard of new exciting features propelling Pocket Monster taming and collecting into the next gen. This is a must-have for both returning fans as well as prospective pnes coming into the franchise for the first time.

    Once again, Gamefreak shows they are the true pokemasters, delivering an experience that improves upon all previous generations with an exciting new region.

    If you must play only one Pokemon game, this is it.    … Expand
  5. emnix
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    A grand quest, a fresh coat of paint, excitement on every turn! This game is a very welcomed addition to the home console, without losing any of its charm
  6. andreangel
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Jogo so peca em não ter todos os PK de resto esta mil vezes melhor que todos os jogos anteriores.
  7. skilly225
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    This is massively improved from Sun and Moon and significantly better than the poor outing that was X and Y. It's the same pokemon formula with streamlined QoL features and nothing as useless as the Pokepelago or the Festival plaza.

    The difficulty with the "Set" battle option is higher than Sun and Moon but on par with other games like ORAS, it's not significantly easier or harder in    This is massively improved from Sun and Moon and significantly better than the poor outing that was X and Y. It's the same pokemon formula with streamlined QoL features and nothing as useless as the Pokepelago or the Festival plaza.

    The difficulty with the "Set" battle option is higher than Sun and Moon but on par with other games like ORAS, it's not significantly easier or harder in any direction. For some that will be a disappointment, for others they know what to expect.

    Camping and Wild Areas are much better than horrible pokebean farming, the useless festival, or any other "feature" included with the last few gens.

    Will you miss some pokemon if you are the type of player to transfer hundreds of pokemon to your new game after rushing the elite 4? Yeah, probably. Is is the best pokemon game since BW2? Absolutely, it makes X and Y and sun and moon look terrible in every possible way.    … Expand
  8. Captain_Zoots
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm playing a mainline Pokemon game on my TV, wow! While I'm playing my single player game side by side with my gf playing sword an icon pops up. I jump into a raid battle real quick. Then go immediately back to what I was doing in the single player story. Amazing!!… Expand
  9. drumguru
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Who cares if the game doesn't have a National dex.. This game is awesome map is big, wild Area are fun..
  10. 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.
  11. sjmartin79
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Fantastic game! Only 10 hours in so far, but I’m having a blast. Love the story! The game is pure joy. The new Pokémon look great, and the graphics are the best the series has ever looked.
  12. 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
  13. pcburakq
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    The game fulfills everything you expect a mainline pokemon game and adds a lot more on top of it.

    Dense parts of Wild area lags a bit, dynamic resolution would've been nice. Gamefreak was indeed lazy with this, but the game delivers a full pokemon experience.

    Could it've been better? LOL Obviously and absolutely. But this isn't as bad as people make it to be.
  14. chuydavid
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Best Pokémon game ever! period. OPEN world makes it so beautiful. It has better graphics and style than Pokémon Let's Go. I highly recommend it.
  15. 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
  16. heireaper
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Great game ...i hope people will stop crying and try it out for real it trying new ting and its in the righg mind set its deferent then all the other game
  17. tomyvengeance7
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    The best pokemon game in years , i finish the game and still sad.....gorgeous game , history, characters and music.
  18. CDizzness
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    After playing literally all night, I believe I have more grounds to review this game properly. While it is far from perfect, this is in fact the best Pokemon game I have played in my opinion; I have played all of them as well. The game is charming, fun, and has a lot of character, plus being based in England only makes it that much better. Let's address a few things, first off, I dont careAfter playing literally all night, I believe I have more grounds to review this game properly. While it is far from perfect, this is in fact the best Pokemon game I have played in my opinion; I have played all of them as well. The game is charming, fun, and has a lot of character, plus being based in England only makes it that much better. Let's address a few things, first off, I dont care about the cut Pokedex, I think 400 Pokemon is plenty, heck, Id be fine with 150. When I play newer Pokemon games, it's always overwhelming with how many Pokemon there are to catch, and me being OCD MUST "Catch Em' All" so thank you GF for making my life a little easier. I have read a lot of people stating the graphics look like a "PS2" game which is complete rubbish. The PS2 would not have the power to play a game such as this, sure the AA isnt the best, but considering this is GFs first attempt at a true full-fledged Pokemon console game, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. (PS, I have had no frame rate issues on my play-through) They have always developed on low-spec hardware, so to make a jump like this is no easy task. (Pokemon Colosseum DOES NOT COUNT, nor do the Random Pokemon Stadium games, I dont even think they were developed by GF, dont quote me though.) This is a fully featured Pokemon game, which returns back to the series roots. I love the exp share, it makes it less of a pain to level up which is something I always disliked about the other games. (yes I know you can give Pokemon Exp share items in older games) Seriously though, I dont know what sort of people are playing this game that are review bombing it, but I think if anything it deserves a solid 8.5. Literally everyone I know loves it and noone has anything negative to say. My only complaint would be the fact that you cant make the little icon on the bottom left go away...its pretty much always there. Nonetheless a wonderful addition to my Pokemon collection and I cant wait to see what is in store for Pokemon in the future. The implementation of the Wild Area is amazing btw, I believe this a sneak peak into where the series is going. (Completely open world Pokemon game, sign me up) There are only 10 routes, but the map is massive, so who cares if there are not 30 something tiny routes. it makes more sense this way. Long story short, if you love Pokemon, and you can accept minor changes I highly recommend this game. Oh! I almost forgot, you can play online with other trainers all around the world and battle Dynamaxed Pokemon together, which Dynamaxing is AMAZING. Seeing a Pokemon that is the size of Godzilla gives me life. Also, you can set up camps and trainers can stop by and hang out. It really brings new life into Pokemon. (Addressing the amount of time it takes to completely beat the game, I am 25 hours in and just now beat the 8th gym leader)… Expand
  19. flametorrent
    Dec 1, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is god damn fantastic and anyone that says otherwise hasn't played it and doesn't understand why Gamefreak did what they did.

    I'm facing the chairman, and that moment he looked down at the pokeball in his hand like he HAD to do what he's doing... I could feel that emotion. That guilt. That duty. And the music for this battle is epic.    … Expand
  20. Jose12
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    Im having a lot of fun with this game, I love the new pokemon, I love the gym leader mechanics, the music is awesome, the wild area is the future of the gamem, Im very aware that the graphics arent the expected for a console like switch but thats why I give it a fair 8, but in my heart is really a ten, cause Im faving fun like no other pokemon game ever, if gamefreak fix the graphicsIm having a lot of fun with this game, I love the new pokemon, I love the gym leader mechanics, the music is awesome, the wild area is the future of the gamem, Im very aware that the graphics arent the expected for a console like switch but thats why I give it a fair 8, but in my heart is really a ten, cause Im faving fun like no other pokemon game ever, if gamefreak fix the graphics issues and some npcs mechanics we will be talking about a game of the year in future presentations, maybe adding actors to some dialogues would be awesome two, besides that is awesome… Expand
  21. 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.
  22. i_mush
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    The critiques are so stupid that I have to counterbalance somehow. This game is not a 10, should be a decent 7-8, but still, it’s a step in the good direction and the bad ratings are just rants from greedy and needy people. “There is no story”... like seriously guys, if you’re looking for good stories in Pokémon games, a franchise for kids, I think you are confused to say the least.The critiques are so stupid that I have to counterbalance somehow. This game is not a 10, should be a decent 7-8, but still, it’s a step in the good direction and the bad ratings are just rants from greedy and needy people. “There is no story”... like seriously guys, if you’re looking for good stories in Pokémon games, a franchise for kids, I think you are confused to say the least. There is some real setback when it comes to animations, voice acting and textures, but judging the way game Freak has slowly evolved the game in the years, I think it’s a decent first step in a new generation. The Pokedex has been dubbed down but there are still a lot of Pokémons to use, it’s just gonna be a fresh start in both the competitive and collecting scene for new users, and it’s gonna make the meta game more balanced, and that said, who knows what the future will bring, older mons are gonna be stored in Pokemon Home, they’re just not usable in sword and shield, so there’s really no point getting all crazy about it, if you can’t find your perfect team with 400 mons you’re just wining because you’ve got nothing better to do with your time. Just get the game and enjoy some polished Pokémon naivety.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. DerplandMcherp
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Lmao the game is great..probably the most fun I've had in a Pokemon game
  25. 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.
  26. Rui666
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    The game is awesome, great graphics, wild area is very different, awesome
  27. linkking
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Como juego, pkm SS cumple perfectamente con que un titulo nesecita, no muchos tienen la capacidad de entender desiciones de cocepto como el supuesto poping que en realidad esta puesto de esa manera con intencion para q a cada paso que de manera repentina te aparezca pokemones a los cuales seguir, y asi muchos otros detalles mas, muy divertido y con amplio postgame a explotar,
  28. Alexparsley
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Es un buen juego. Quitando puntos del apartado técnico, para mí mejora en muchas cosas y jamás he completado la Pokédex, no me afecta en absoluto el recorte. Le pondría 9,5, pero no hay notas intermedias. Redondeo a 10 por eso, pero contadlo con 0,5 menos.
  29. Mat145
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    It’s a great entry into the series. After having skipping the last few i felt this one was a worthy re-entry into the series for me and i wasn’t wrong.
  30. Cfgk24
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    OMG! Best Damn Pokemon game I've ever played! Loving the fluidity of the gameplay.
    Without hesitation - you should get Pokemon Sword/shield. :)
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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 »