Pokemon is a series that has been going strong now for a long while. After a slightly slow entry onto the Switch with Pokemon Let’s Go, the Switch finally gets a worthy Pokemon game. While it might not have all of the Pokemon, Sword and Shield is a fun entry into an amazing series. The region of Galar is filled with interesting places to explore and Pokemon to capture. The trainer once again begins their journey after the player selects their skin tone, as a brand new trainer. This trainer can start as quickly as the player would like, by telling the game they have played this series before. There is something so comforting knowing that I didn’t have to experience a slow capture tutorial right out the gate. I’ve been playing Pokemon since the beginning so it was nice to step into it without all the guidance. The three starters of this generation are Grookey the Grass Monkey, Scorbunny the Fire Rabbit, and Sobble the Water Lizard. Each of these Pokemon has their energy and players might have trouble deciding which to use. It’s great to see such energy in the starting Pokemon and with a touch of the hand, the bond of friendship is cemented in. It’s spectacular seeing the bond form before our eyes, as the trainer selects their starter.
As players travel through the region, they will, of course, take on gym leaders and gather badges. All of this culminating in a tournament where the winner will face the undefeated champion, Leon. Leon is the main character’s best friend Hop’s older brother. A champion who takes on all challenges with gusto and believes you can learn from every battle you see or participate in. There is a nice cast of other characters as well. The evil team might seem to be the wicked Team Yell, but something sinister lurks beneath the surface. There are two other rivals, the cocky Bede and the Punk Rocker Girl Marnie. Plus a solid group of Gym Leaders who will take on our hero and push them to be the best their ever was.
Pokemon Sword takes place in the UK inspired Galar. A region filled with history and innovation abound. After Sun and Moon’s island challenges, Gyms are back. Though they do have their unique spin, these battles are done in front of a huge crowd in a stadium. It’s great to see a huge crowd cheering on the player and when the Pokemon Dynamax, boy do they cheer. It makes the battles seem just a little more important and I respect that. Dynamax is a phenomenon that is only possible in Galar. Using a special crystal band, players can change their Pokemon’s size. There are a few Pokemon that can Gigantamax and this offers a form change as well. This transformation only lasts three turns but can help turn the tide of battle with special max moves. I appreciate this change up and think some of the max moves are downright devastating.
This game has a rather vast expanse of land known as the Wild Area. This wild place is great for trainers to catch Pokemon, camp, and experience the majesty of Max Raid Battles. The Wild Area is a place of utter delight and one where players are sure to spend a good majority of their time. The Wild Area is an ever-changing hodgepodge of different weather patterns where all sorts of Pokemon congregate. This lush open plane is home to so many Pokemon that players are sure to find something new with each return visit. As the player gets stronger they will gain access to more of the region and can capture more of the Pokemon within.
At the start, Players will only be able to catch Pokemon below level 20. When they first arrive on the scene there will be monstrous Pokemon above that, that the player should avoid. Though there is a quick heal spot at the start of the Wild Area incase the trainer runs into trouble. This is quite different from previous games as players could simply catch any Pokemon they saw fit. Though I appreciate that this game shows the player there is always bigger and better Pokemon to catch!
Max Raid Battles are one of the highlights of this generation. These battles take place in magic dens where Pokemon can use the new battle feature of Dynamaxing. This allows for the Pokemon to grow to a gargantuan size and unleash super powerful moves. Players will face Dynamaxed Pokemon, and if they can beat them along with three other players, they can even catch them. The dens rate from 1-5 stars and offer up great rewards. The higher starred raids even can include special Pokemon who can Gigantmax, which is Dynamax with a form change. This makes for intense hunting fun, as players can quickly fill up raid groups. After completing raids players will gain Experience candy, berries, and the new Technical Records. Technical Records are old school TM’s that break after one use.
Another important aspect of this game comes down to Camping. Camping takes the place of Pokemon Amie but allows for Players to enjoy time with all of their Pokemon. This is great as the Pokemon not only get to interact with each other but with the trainer. There are loads of different little events that can happen and it is great seeing the Pokemon so carefree. Pokemon can also be played with and will play with each other. Players can throw a ball and have them fetch. There is also a cat toy of sorts that the Pokemon will play with. Though in actuality it just makes them attack the player. It’s fun seeing a little more energy from the Pokemon and it also gives them more experience! Camping also offers up the chance to cook. Players can even cook with up to three other players. Using berries and other items they can make curry. The curry system can heal up Pokemon and the best of the best can even restore PP. The curry is ranked on a scale with the highest being Charizard Class. This Curry is usually only attainable when more players work together, so join up with friends often. The game has a curry dex that players will want to complete. As they make curry they will be added to the dex. There is a boatload of different curries to make and the ratings will always be left in the dex. It’s nice to try and find all of the curries as some of them are quite odd. They might not all sound delicious but its always a treat seeing the Pokemon happily eat.
There is also a battle tower where players can take on strong opponents. These opponents can be taken on using the player’s Pokemon or rental teams. It might be best to use the rental teams until the player has a strong team for competitive play. By rising the ranks players will earn great rewards and battle Leon once again. This game also has something new known as Mints. These special items are obtained from the Battle Tower. Unlike Bottle Caps which raise the IV’s of Pokemon, these mints can change the Pokemon’s nature. Though the nature won’t change in the description the IVs will change to match the nature of the mint. This is important for trainers who aim to win in the competitive scene. This game also has online functionality in the form of online battles. With a simple button press, the game will connect to the internet and players can try to take on their friends. They will also be able to trade Pokemon and join in Max Raids. At this point, internet connectivity can be spotty and people seem to have issues with it. Hopefully, it will be fixed in the future but until then players will have to suffer.
Players also can create trainer cards using a Rotom in Pokemon Centers. Players can choose from different decals, images, and poses to create the best card. The best thing is they can trade them between friends. Players will also obtain the other characters’ cards in-game and they shed light on who they are. It’s another to the story and I always approve of that. Pokemon can now also go on out jobs. Some of these jobs offer rewards and money. But the best of them can raise the EV’s of Pokemon. Players can send any of the Pokemon in the boxes to different jobs. They will always gain experience so its good to do this from time to time.
Pokemon Sword and Shield might not be the best Pokemon game to some, but it is a terrific experience. The Galar region is filled with life and adventure abound, especially with the Wild Area. This game brings out the next generation of Pokemon in style and I for one can’t wait to see what is next. With tons of new Pokemon, a wild area, and a new gym challenge will the player head out to pick a starter?