Pokémon Sword
- November 15, 2019
- Game Freak
- 40h median play time
A fun, yet fleeting Pokémon experience that will appeal most to hardcore fans satisfied with the core formula than those looking for a game that pushes storytelling or graphics to the next level.
Pokémon Sword is a fantasy open-world game that offers both single-player and multi-player modes. Set in the new Galar region, players can explore the vast world while catching, training, and battling Pokémon. Unsheathe your sword and take up your shield as you embark on a thrilling adventure to become a Pokémon Master.
Reviews
- The game features an engaging gym challenge system that adds excitement to battles and makes players feel like real trainers.
- The graphics and scenery are breathtaking, especially in the wild area, enhancing the overall exploration experience.
- The introduction of new Pokémon and the diversity of old and new designs provide a fresh experience for both new and veteran players.
- The game feels short and lacks substantial post-game content, leaving players with little to do after completing the main story.
- There is excessive hand-holding throughout the game, making it feel too easy and linear, which may disappoint veteran players seeking a challenge.
- The absence of many Pokémon from previous generations and the lack of a national dex has frustrated long-time fans, leading to feelings of loss regarding favorite characters.
- story60 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it predictable and lacking depth, often describing it as a typical Pokémon narrative that prioritizes gameplay over storytelling. While some appreciate the engaging characters and plot twists, others criticize the linear progression and excessive hand-holding, which detracts from exploration and immersion. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the story is serviceable, it does not stand out as a strong aspect of the game.
“The story is engaging and well-written, with plenty of interesting characters and plot twists to keep players invested in the adventure.”
“The pacing of when you get stopped to talk with NPCs for the main story is a lot better in this game, and the text scroll speed and dialogue length isn't unbearable.”
“The story was as good as you'd expect a Pokémon game story to get.”
“The story felt shorter and lackluster, towns underwhelming, and there was just so much handholding.”
“The story is a dumpster fire of adults telling you 'nah bro, just go to the next gym, we'll handle the threat,' and the handholding is a little excessive.”
“Sadly, there’s little room to deviate from the intended plot progression, which makes it feel less like exploring a world and more like reading a book.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics in the game have received a mixed but generally positive reception. Many players praised the detailed 3D models of Pokémon and the vibrant environments, particularly in towns and caves, while noting that some elements, like certain trees in the wild area, appeared less polished. While the graphics may not reach the level of other AAA titles, they are considered the best in the Pokémon series to date, with some inconsistencies in quality across different areas.
“The graphics in the towns, caves, and routes are completely breathtaking, so there's nothing negative I can say there :)”
“The graphics in the game are top-notch, the 3D models of the Pokémon look great and the environments are full of detail.”
“Having played these games since Pokémon Red for the original Game Boy, I can say that Sword and Shield have really done a lot to make the user interface much better; and the graphics for this game are easily the best in the series!”
“No it isn’t as deep graphically as other games, but Game Freak isn’t a true AAA game company; they are small time accompanied by several other companies that market Pokémon through various media and merchandising.”
“The graphics aren’t a huge leap forward and are still lagging behind many other Switch games.”
“Graphics are inconsistent: in some parts of the game, they’re pretty good; other times, they’re worse than a 3DS game.”
- gameplay25 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, with players enjoying the fun mechanics, especially on the Switch, and the ease of training competitive Pokémon. While the core gameplay remains familiar and engaging, some criticize the repetitive nature and lack of a captivating story. New features like Dynamaxing and multiplayer raids add variety, but the absence of certain mechanics from previous generations leaves some fans wanting more.
“The gameplay is familiar to fans of the series, with players exploring the region, battling trainers, and catching Pokémon to add to their team.”
“It's a turn-based RPG that is refined and made interesting via strategy utilizing additional mechanics like type advantages, EV/IVs, natures, etc. I think this is the greatest appeal of Pokémon games.”
“The raids mechanics are great, providing variety to the standard wild battle mechanic.”
“Repetitive story beats, repetitive gameplay, repetitive animations, et cetera.”
“Basically, the gameplay in generation 8 is copied and pasted from the previous games, but without mega evolutions and no Z moves.”
“Controls: 3.5/5 moving in the overworld can be annoying probably because of how movement mechanics with the left joystick isn't refined.”
- music13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many players praising its ability to enhance the gaming experience, particularly during gym battles, which are described as hyped and immersive. While some find the soundtrack nostalgic and beautiful, a few critics note that certain tracks can be forgettable, with only a few standing out. Overall, the music is considered a strong aspect of the game, contributing significantly to its atmosphere.
“The gym music really gets me hyped.”
“Some human voice acting really wouldn't hurt, but overall the music is well done.”
“The music especially shines in these games, making for an immersive tone.”
“I love the concept, plus the battle music for them is absolutely one of my favorite tunes from Pokémon ever.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players appreciate the reduced emphasis on grinding in recent Pokémon games, highlighting improvements like shared experience and experience candies from raids that allow for more efficient leveling. Many feel that these changes enhance gameplay by enabling experimentation with team compositions without the burden of tedious grinding, making the experience more enjoyable and focused on strategy rather than time-consuming battles.
“No more endless grinding.”
“I was not a fan of the most recent games because they were too child-oriented and the difficulty felt a bit bleak for me compared to what the games were, but given how the gaming industry has evolved, they included an open-world scheme and some quality of life improvements that allow you to focus less on grinding and more on learning how to use your team effectively, which is a better use of your time compared to the way things were before.”
“She loved it and was eager to even get the expansion pass, so I see that it has taken a turn for the better in order to bring on people that liked the game's exploration options and battles while avoiding the grinding schemes that made the games artificially long.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by quirky and amusing character designs that initially seem odd but become endearing as players engage with them. The surprise elements in their evolutions and typings add to the charm, making the experience enjoyable and lighthearted.
“The characters are weird and funny looking, but they really grow on you as you figure out they are great in battles! When they evolve, I still love the designs and was so surprised by the typings that were added, making them even more useful to keep on your team.”
“The humor in the dialogue is top-notch, with clever puns and witty banter that kept me laughing throughout the game.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, with hilarious situations and quirky characters that always bring a smile to my face.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is not explicitly addressed in the reviews, but there are hints at a reliance on downloadable content (DLC) to enhance post-game experiences, suggesting a potential for additional costs beyond the initial purchase. Players appreciate the ease of acquiring rare Pokémon through multiplayer raids, which may imply a shift towards a more community-driven, potentially monetized gameplay model. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable content, the reliance on DLC for expanded features could be seen as a downside for some players.
“The monetization in this game feels excessive, with too many microtransactions that disrupt the overall experience.”
“I was disappointed to see that many features are locked behind a paywall, making it hard to enjoy the game fully without spending extra money.”
“The constant push for in-game purchases takes away from the enjoyment; it feels like the game is designed more to make money than to provide a fun experience.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the wild area is generally well-designed, players have noted significant performance issues that detract from the overall experience.
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that the upcoming DLC for the game, along with its counterpart Pokémon Shield, is expected to enhance replayability significantly, moving beyond the traditional model of games that offer little incentive to replay after completion.
“I believe that with the upcoming DLC, this game (and its counterpart Pokémon Shield) will take the franchise further beyond the typical once-beaten, no replay value games of the past.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices that would encourage multiple playthroughs, making it feel like a one-and-done experience.”
“After completing the main story, there isn't much incentive to return, as the side quests feel repetitive and uninspired.”
