Pokemon is back again with another role-playing game by Game Freak, Pokemon Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch. Since being released right after Let’s Go! Pikachu! And Let’s Go! Eevee! There are new features and a new region called the Galar Region. As a casual player, to be straightforward, the game seems pretty much the same, but hopefully more exciting.
The story is pretty similar to other games in the franchise. This time however, you, the player, embark on a journey to the Slumbering Weald. After receiving either a grass-type Pokémon, a fire-type, or the water-Pokémon, you are scared off by a very powerful Pokémon. From there the goal is the same. You must go to the different gyms while battling everyone and everything along the way to become the best.
The new features are the most exciting to me so I jumped in to that first. The exploitable open world area is a nice change. Free camera movement is very nice to have and the weather has changed the game too. Depending on the weather, some Pokemon won’t come out at all while others will hide. This includes the Gigantamax and Dynamax Pokemon. Usually a killer of games (when overdone) the Poke Jobs side of things give requests to the players to gain experience from in order to get rare items. Tasks include cooking or helping build etc.
One of the neat features to this game is the “Camp Mode.” Players can transfer their Pokémon from other platforms and game through the Pokémon Home Service. After spending some time cooking curry with your Pokémon you get bonuses and new customizations as well. Pokémon are more interactive here.
Since the game takes place in the Galar Region, players will see some familiar background settings for their Pokémon. Galar is mostly an updated area that has attributes from Great Britain. So, instead of completely falling in to a new story, players have more connection to the map as well. They see the Houses of Parliament and cottages through the adventure and a lot more. There are more elements mashed in as well like football stadiums and steampunk elements. Somehow it all seems to work together and definitely got my attention. The weather factors in here too. For example, there is snow toward the north part of the map that will affect your Pokémon when in the area.
Overall, the updates to the game are nice and refreshing. As a casual player of the game, the setting really drew me in. Also, the monotony I would have felt in early games isn’t here. This is due to new Pokemon, the weather differences and the new area. For die-hard players, the changes can be a bit shocking but the more you play, the easier it is to see the changes are good ones.
8.5/10
Available on Nintendo Switch
