“Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield:” Old Dog, New Tricks

By: Zephaniah Jackson

Staff Writer

by Zephaniah Jackson (Image by Nintendo)

“Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” are a fantastic return to form for the “Pokémon” series. 

“Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” are the first “Pokémon” games to release on the Nintendo Switch, and the giant leap in performance from the Nintendo 3DS has benefitted the series greatly. 

While there’s much to love about these two games, like the new Dynamax feature that transforms your Pokémon into Godzilla sized creatures, and the new open world elements, there are still lingering effects of familiarity and staleness.

Journey into the Wild: 

 “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” offer something that no other “Pokémon” game has: an open world to explore. 

In the Galar Region, there are large areas where you and your Pokémon can explore called Wild Areas. In this open space, you can catch powerful Pokémon and add them to your group. 

The areas themselves range from grassy plains and snowy mountains, to flat and dry landscapes. 

In these zones, you can set up a campground and cook food for you and your Pokémon. Your skill at cooking can either strengthen or weaken your relationship with your friends. 

You can also play with your Pokémon to gain extra experience points and develop a friendly relationship with your comrades. This adds some much-needed innovation to the series, since many have complained that the series has become stale. 

Players can also group up in this area and find wild Dynamax Pokémon. The goal is to either defeat or catch the Pokémon before a wild storm forces you to retreat. 

It’s an exhilarating experience that requires great teamwork and cooperation. It greatly helps the game become fresh again and is a welcome addition that I hope stays with the series continuing onward.

New disk, Same game: 

The Galar Region is a beautiful country with vibrant colors, environments and Pokémon. 

The power provided by the Nintendo Switch allows the company Game Freak, creators of the “Pokémon” series, to fully showcase what they can do given enough time.

 However, there is one flaw with the game that has lingered since the early titles: familiarity. 

“Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” still have the same story and cycle as previous entries in the series. 

You and your friend challenge each other to become the Pokémon champion. You must fight and defeat the eight Gym Leaders of the region and acquire their badges in order to face off against the Elite Four, and eventually the Champion himself. 

All the while, you encounter an organization that is trying to steal the power of an ancient and powerful Pokémon to control the world. Once you stop the organization and claim the legendary Pokémon for your own, you face off against the Champion. Once you beat him, you are declared the new Pokémon Champion. 

While the process was entertaining in the beginning, it has started to struggle against the passage of time. That being said, it doesn’t deteriorate too much from the overall experience. 

Full Control of your Style:

In “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield,” you can fully customize the appearance of your character. Your hairstyle, hair color and clothing can all be fully changed at barber shops. 

This is something that many fans have requested for years and it’s great to see that Game Freak has listened to fan feedback. 

Each Pokémon you catch can also be released back into the wild if they aren’t to your liking. 

Speaking of the Pokémon, there are many different types to choose from. They can range from fire, water, grass, flying, rock, psychic, darkness, etc. There are even rare types like Fairies and Dragons. 

The amount of variety to choose from is what keeps me coming back to catch more. 

Final Review:

“Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” is a great revision of the “Pokémon” series. With these two being the first on the Nintendo Switch, many were concerned about how it would perform. 

However, Game Freak has shown that they have taken great advantage over the new hardware, and the series can only get better from here. 

While the repetitive story and cycle of “Pokémon” shows, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience, and is still a fun choice. 

That’s why my final verdict for “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” is a 9/10.