Pokémon Sword and Shield are double role-playing video games and the second in the Pokémon video game series. Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company for Nintendo Switch in 2019, they are a delight to play. They are the eighth generation of the Pokémon video game series and have a significant improvement on previous games. Pokémon Sword and Shield follow Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, which were previously released on in-home game consoles.

Pokémon Sword and Shield maintain the surprise element and joy factor that comes with playing one of the Pokémon RPGs. Although two separate games, they function largely the same except for some exclusive features. You are in for over 40 hours of playing two of the best Pokémon games. Take it from someone who has played them all.

Typical Pokemon Gameplay

You play as a young Pokémon trainer to collect pocket monsters and become the Pokémon champion. To do this, you need to build a strong team that can compete in the tournaments. Your adventure is set in the Galar region, which is based in the United Kingdom, and you go through a list of tournaments to dethrone Leon, the current champion. In your quest to be the tournament’s champion, you will battle eight powerful trainers called gym leaders before meeting the region’s champion. 

You start with one of three starter Pokémon and are accompanied by your best friend and rival, Hop. You and your buddy explore a forest called the Slumbering Weald, searching for Pokémon, and push each other to get better in battles.

Game Freak does some of the best character designs in the game, and these were no exception. It is great to see that they have successfully done away with the nonstop tutorials that used to bug me in previous games. Previously, experienced players had to sit through the tutorials as the developers attempted to introduce new characters. But you can now skip the cutscenes and maintain your momentum through the games.

Traveling across the world has never been this easy and quick. The general interface has also been improved because now you can start connecting and chatting with people by simply pushing the Y button. I can’t thank Game Freak enough for eliminating the random encounters that messed with the flow of gameplay. All of these factors combined make playing Sword and Shield better.

Interesting Approach To Multiplayer Mode

The new multiplayer mode involves Max Raid Battles, where you can partner with three other trainers to take on one gigantic Pokémon. You can team up with other players over the internet to battle. The Max Raid Battles can also be done with NPCs. They start quite easily but get complicated quickly.

After five gym battles, it stops being a walk in the park and requires more strategy and understanding of your partners. This is one of the best parts of the multiplayer mode because you need to adjust to accommodate your partner’s shortcomings and make up for it in your choice of Pokémon. This adjustment gives the battles a compelling angle and makes you look beyond throwing down Pokémon balls.

Welcome To The Wild Arena

The Wild Arena is a curious place that seems to change every time you get into it. It is like a park where you wander in search of Pokémons. It is also where raids are set, and you run into other players. Although there are Pokémons of all levels here, the obedience level and gym badges limit the types you can catch, which can be annoying.

The good news is that it increases your need to improve, and you can always return when you have leveled up. Your Pokémon’s appearance can also change due to the prevailing weather in the Wild Area. During a hail, you could get an ice Pokémon. This attention to detail is one of the things I appreciate about Sword and Shield.

Cool Graphics; Could Be Better

The many changes the developers made to the games’ interface did not adversely affect the signature elements that make Pokémon games what they are, which is good. The Switch interface has enhanced the graphics. The game’s world is rich and full of details. 

You get to see all your favorite Pokémon in a non-combative environment for a new player. They feel alive, like they are part of the world and react to you when you pass by; others are playing at camp. This graphical representation shows the rich personalities that Pokémon have. While some hide, others boldly approach you. 

Making My Own Curries

Instead of constantly searching for new monsters at the Pokémon centers, I sometimes just hold on to my Pokémon and heal them using curries. The best part is finding new curries and watching your Pokémon’s reaction to them. This doesn’t negate the over 400 pocket monsters in the game; it’s just that when you find a team you are comfortable with, you hold on to it. I also loved how the Pokémon in my team rejuvenated after every battle, which ensured that I could continue to the next stage without having to level up or switch them out continually.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the linear storyline, Pokémon Sword and Shield are an improvement in most ramifications. Some may think the improvements were geared towards making the games easier, but I don’t believe their difficulty levels were affected. The upgrades removed the game’s monotony and made the final lap deeply satisfying. The developers found a way to make linear games more interesting and make you feel like there were no limitations.

In these games, you would think you’re playing in an open world, but they have been well-designed, so you never notice. Despite the subpar cutscenes and the visually bland wild area, Pokémon Sword and Shield go beyond nostalgia and deliver as the best Pokémon RPG out there. They are highly recommended to lovers of the franchise and gamers.