Pokémon Sword and Shield

Sword and Shield is the 8th generation of the main line Pokémon series and takes place in the Galar region – a large, narrow expanse of land based off the UK. This time around we are introduced to three new starts – the grass-type Grookey, the fire-type Scorbunny, or the water-type Sobble. Choose wisely on starting your adventure. While exploring Galar you might run into Galarian form versions of older Pokémons, such as Ponyta and Farfetch’d. You must build your team and get stronger to help legendary Pokémon Zacian (Sword wolf) and Zamazenta (Shield wolf) to defeat and then catch Eternatus.

Many have criticized the smaller Pokédex with more than half of the national Dex missing and no plans to add them in with a future update. Some features were removed from past games such as Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and a smaller post-game. To be completely honest, this is not a deal breaker with features like “Dynamax” and “Gigantamax” giant forms. Max Raid battles an all new multiplayer experience with up to 4 trainers against a Dynamax Sized Pokémon and an emphasis on simplicity and streamlined encounters like in the Pokémon Let’s Go games.  With added gameplay improvements, the overall game is a great play, and a definite recommendation to try Sword and Shield. Exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.