Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

sligeach · 27-02-2019 3:08pm #1

Pokemon Sword / Pokemon Shield

Releasing on Switch later this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOPVBm0sA7Q

https://youtube.com/watch?v=oOPVBm0sA7Q

Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble are the new starter Pokemon.

The setting of these games is known as the Galar Region.

Bellevue, WA—February 27, 2019—During a Pokémon Direct presentation today, Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, announced Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, the newest additions to the main series of Pokémon role-playing video games. Developed by GAME FREAK inc., Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be launching late 2019 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch™ system.

The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games take place in the Galar region. Galar is an expansive region with diverse environments— an idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forest, and craggy, snow-covered mountains. The people and the Pokémon who live there work together closely to develop the industries in the region. Fans will have the opportunity to visit various Gyms in the Galar region in their quest to become Champion. They will not be alone, since the newly discovered Pokémon they choose to be their first partner will be by their side.

“Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are the latest exciting adventures in the Pokémon video game journey that began twenty-three years ago on this day,” said Mr. Ishihara. “Since then, Trainers around the world have discovered new Pokémon, engaged in epic battles, and made countless memories along the way. We look forward to continuing this journey by exploring a stunning new region in the Pokémon universe when the games launch later this year on Nintendo Switch.”

The adventure begins in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield when players choose one of three new Pokémon—Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Grookey, a Grass-type Chimp Pokémon, is mischievous and full of boundless curiosity. Bursting with energy, Scorbunny, a Fire-type Rabbit Pokémon, is always running about. The stealthy Sobble, a Water-type Water Lizard Pokémon, shoots out attacks as it hides itself in water.

For more information about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, please visit: https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/.

Mr E · 27-02-2019 3:10pm

As I said on the other thread, it's definitely a good taster.

It'll be interesting to see how big the Galar region actually is (if it's gen 7 size or much bigger).

ERG89 · 27-02-2019 3:15pm

Got excited when he said and that's not all, then it dawned on me its likely more shítty Pokemon Go stuff.
Really good trailer as I was half expecting the starters and name along with a bunch of stock footage of developers working on the game; seeing the map was a bonus too. Looks to be a lot of open space on that map.
One negative was that it looks like they dropped seeing the wild Pokemon before encounters. Most importantly you battle wild Pokemon now.

_Godot_ · 27-02-2019 3:24pm

I don't want to get it if I can't use my pokemon from pokebank with it.

Gunmonkey · 27-02-2019 3:25pm

Looks nice enough, not melting face amazing but solid enough. Will be interested to see what mechanical changes they have made, I hope they have kept "no more HMs" from Sun/Moon as the original HM system drove me demented.

Dunno about the visible wild Pokemon, but with no idea how many of the existing 800+ 'Mons that will be in, it could get pretty crowded if there were 30+ types to catch in each region as you wait for the right 'Mon to spawn in. Plus you wouldnt be able to have the nice large depth vistas as there would be dozens of animated figures melting the Switch's processor.

CastorTroy · 27-02-2019 4:01pm

I'll wait for Pokemon Motte and Pokemon Bailey.

Will watch when I get home just out of curiosity

Rhyme · 27-02-2019 5:05pm

Galar looks European/Old English, very nice. Pokémon Leave, Pokémon Remain.

plibige · 27-02-2019 5:16pm

Not gonna lie slightly underwhelmed by the graphics.

Hopefully there will be some interesting design/mechanics but i was expect a little more.

I fully expect to still get it but i'm waiting to be wow'd

TheDoc · 27-02-2019 5:43pm

Considering how much I'm enjoying Lets Go Pikachu, probably pick this up on release

BadTurtle · 27-02-2019 6:28pm

plibige wrote: »

Not gonna lie slightly underwhelmed by the graphics.

Hopefully there will be some interesting design/mechanics but i was expect a little more.

I fully expect to still get it but i'm waiting to be wow'd

Yup, got to agree. Im rarely concerned with graphics, but for the flagship Pokemon series first proper console entry, it doesnt look anything special visually, very similar to Lets Go, which itself looked like itd run on the Wii fairly handily.

Not the great leap forward i was expecting, and its highly unlikely to convert anyone, but it should be good nonetheless.

Mr.Nice Guy · 27-02-2019 7:20pm

I was looking for an excuse to get a Switch and this is ideal. Looks very exciting.

Wasn't a fan of the last gen's battle mechanics so I'd love if they scrapped Z-Moves and we could pretend they never happened.

Yakult · 27-02-2019 10:48pm

Been waiting for this announcement since I finished Pokémon let's Go. Which I loved (being a big fan of Gen 1 Pokémon).

I haven't really played Pokémon since the Gold and Silver days, which is a long long time ago. Hoping these are as good if not better than Let's Go!

TheChrisD · 28-02-2019 12:31am

sligeach wrote: »

The setting of these games is known as the Galar Region.

The disease region, that's unfortunate. :pac:

nix · 28-02-2019 3:43am

Ugh, it looks like the same old tired formula..

"Wake up child, You're off on an adventure!"

"Go see the professor he has a rodent that has the hots for you and a trapper keeper!"

"Im the gym leader of this town, you think you can take me and my obvious weakness on?" x 8

"We're team rocket, you will never stop us from capturing the super rare over rated pokemon that you will likely never use" x 5

"time to steam roll the pokemon league and defeat the guy who popped up throughout the game with helpful advice but waited until the last moment to reveal he's the pokemon master"

I havent played all of the pokemon games, but i have played a few, have they deviated at all from this path?

This new one looks good, but it just looks like much of the same, as in not much different than lets go pikachu/evee

I was expecting something more mega for the first proper pokemon console game

CiDeRmAn · 28-02-2019 3:02pm

"I don't like the new Pokemon main series game because, judging by the trailer, it looks like it has the same structure as previous Pokemon main series games"

Well, yes, it would wouldn't it?

I mean, otherwise it wouldn't be a Pokemon game!

Plus, jokes aside, the be more details over the time til launch, so I wouldn't worry too much

cjragoo · 28-02-2019 11:58pm

People seem to be underwhelmed because for some reason they expected breath of the wild level graphics in a huge open world with Mankeys climbing in trees and Fearows soaring overhead but that was never going to happen considering the development time for a pokemon game is at most what 2 years? Plus gamefreak just dont seem like the most ambitious bunch and you can't blame them really when they're sitting on such a cash cow.

nix · 01-03-2019 12:02am

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

"I don't like the new Pokemon main series game because, judging by the trailer, it looks like it has the same structure as previous Pokemon main series games"

Well, yes, it would wouldn't it?

I mean, otherwise it wouldn't be a Pokemon game!

Plus, jokes aside, the be more details over the time til launch, so I wouldn't worry too much

oh i still kinda enjoy them, i was just kinda hoping for something to freshen up the game with this outing. It's Nintendo, they constantly do it with Mario and Zelda and others, but this just looks like much of the same, where as I was expecting to be impressed.

plibige · 01-03-2019 8:20am

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

"I don't like the new Pokemon main series game because, judging by the trailer, it looks like it has the same structure as previous Pokemon main series games"

Well, yes, it would wouldn't it?

I mean, otherwise it wouldn't be a Pokemon game!

Plus, jokes aside, the be more details over the time til launch, so I wouldn't worry too much

Well wanting a franchise to change up its formula a bit is hardly asking too much.

Zelda does it constantly, and a lot of series pivot at some point.

I think Pokemon (like halo and smash) suffers from its hardcore fan base demanding familiarity which stifles innovation

CiDeRmAn · 01-03-2019 8:49am

It's cursed with massive success then, partially because it sticks to the formula, so no impetus to evolve.
That said, it's not like there hasn't been other Pokemon titles on the various Nintendo and mobile platforms that haven't tried something different, from Snap to Go, Mystery Dungeon to Rangers, so it's not entirely staid and stuck in a rut.

keane2097 · 01-03-2019 1:54pm

My main issue with the reveal of this is how crap the three new Pokejobs look - I suppose it's tough to keep inventing new critters but the design of those three just seems... awful.

Will still probably buy this as I haven't played one since the brilliant Red.

ERG89 · 01-03-2019 3:16pm

I think people are entitled to expect a bit more from the series having a main line home console version. People have been wanting it for 20 years now. I can't think of a game people had built up in their heads more.
I don't think Game Freak ever embraced that concept though.
They tried to change up the formula with Sun/Moon tbf but the games were pretty boring and lacking any challenge. They were better than X&Y which were a chore to play at times.
I kinda wish they'd try a few things

Change the Pokemon League format to be more than the Elite 4. Honestly I'd have a large knockout format with random challengers. I'd make the gyms random too.
Not use only Water, Fire and Grass type starters.
Focus less on towns/routes more on larger open areas outside them.
Make the world the game is set in unique from past titles. I liked how Sun and Moon tried this with featuring several islands and region types.
Have Pokemon show up randomly in areas on the map every few days, this is the only thing I'd take from Pokemon Go.
Allow the player to own and operate their own gym maybe with their friends and allow players online to challenge the gym.
More story content outside of completing the Pokedex, gyms & battle team whatever.
Play as an adult maybe as not everyone is 10 playing these anymore.
Not have more legendary Pokemon as there must be close to 50 now.
Several difficulty levels.
Based on the last 2 games take the bloated scripts and rip out half the dialogue.
Scrap Mega Evolutions, Ultra Beasts, Z moves and forget they ever happened.

Graphically it looks like what a HD remake would of the 3DS games, hopefully it runs better than those but Yo-Kai Watch 4 looks better as it did on 3DS.
I'll still play it as I have the previous 7 generations but I wish Game Freak would try more than say they have new ideas that will likely be fluff.

sligeach · 02-03-2019 10:55am

Pokémon Sword & Shield Reveal DISCUSSION - New Starters, UK Inspired Region & Soccer?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAL0O9r4zVA

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YAL0O9r4zVA

Pokémon Sword & Shield ANALYSIS - Reveal Trailer (Secrets & Hidden Details)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHkw2FOjQr0

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XHkw2FOjQr0

Pokémon Sword & Shield ANALYSIS - Galar Region Map (Secrets & Hidden Details)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMLMgCSUeFE

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YMLMgCSUeFE

ERG89 · 05-06-2019 3:36pm

Out November 15th.
Outside of the Town's (Wild Area) seems to offer players camera control and view wild Pokemon.
There is a new gimmick know as Dynamaxing, basically the Pokemon become gigantic. Honestly that part looks dire, somehow lazier than Z-Moves.
Dymnamaxed Pokemon in the wild can be battled in Multiplayer "raids"

Gunmonkey · 05-06-2019 4:05pm

Have to say.....Wooloo may be the cutest Pokemon ever!

Also seen a leak from a few days back which had a lot of this stuff bang on (character names, Dynamaxing, Wild Areas, some of the new revealed 'Mon) and some more, sounds pretty nice.

Spoilered in case people dont want to know/its very quickly made BS/someone saw the Direct in production and made up stuff to match it:

There is also Gigantomaxing, which more changes the loook of a Pokemon, one I remember is Pikachu changing to look like fat-chu from Gen 1
Regional variants back; Sir'fetched is a Far'fetched variant, a grey "spikey" Meowth
Gyms require a task before you can challenge them: Milo has you herding Wooloos and a so far unseen Electric type Corgis will chase them and make the run away, 2nd gym has you navigate a water themed maze, 3rd is a Pokemon catching challenge but you are against another player doing the challenge

Looking forward to E3, they might show off a few more bits n pieces or have a playthrough as part of the Treehouse livestream.

Nicetrustedcup · 05-06-2019 5:44pm

Watched the gameplay there,

Me and one of the lads from work said this really looks like a zelda game with the huge open words that we seen in the video.

I am wondering could this be built in the same engine as the last zelda game?.

I just hope they don't make it as easy as pokemon sun and moon!!!

Mr.Saturn · 05-06-2019 8:04pm

Nicetrustedcup wrote: »

I just hope they don't make it as easy as pokemon sun and moon!!!

Indeed. I'd also hope they realised they don't need a cutscene everyone 5 seconds- first 5 hours of Ultra Sun had me rolling me eyes something fierce.

Game looks gorgeous. Mad excited. Am I misunderstanding or have they confirmed we're getting overworld wild encounters like Let's Go?

Gunmonkey · 08-06-2019 11:36am

Is it wrong my Pictures folder is quickly becoming a mecca for cute Wooloo pics?

2BhCUzx.jpg?1

ERG89 · 11-06-2019 10:25pm

https://twitter.com/SerebiiNet/status/1138517799675019264?s=19

For a dog Pokemon this is very logical

12-06-2019 12:29pm

Seems that not every Pokémon will be transferable to Sword / Shield :

Some of your Pokémon won't transfer to 'Sword' and 'Shield' [Engadget]
Pokemon Sword And Shield Have Transfer Limitations [GameSpot]

Explains the like/dislike ratio here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmWu-f6L0Mo

ERG89 · 25-06-2019 1:18am

https://pokemon.alexonsager.net/

Pokefusion was trending earlier on Twitter & it's pretty cool. Only the original 151 pokemon available tho

CastorTroy · 05-10-2019 1:23am

Anyone really bored?

A 24 hour livestream from the Galar Region. Has been on a while already with glimpses of Pokémon, new and old

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya3CyVN5S_w

And a reddit thread keeping an eye on it
https://www.reddit.com/live/13qj0ax0bpo3y

Jason2379 · 30-10-2019 6:52pm

So I guess we're getting to that pre-order/pre-load stage now and I was just wondering what people are doing?

For games that I'm really excited for I usually pre-load so I have it at the time of release but Smyths have a pretty good offer now where if you pre-order and collect in store it's only €49.99! But I'm also wanting to take a risk and order for delivery and finally be one of those people who receive a game a day or two early due to shipping times. Anyone know any stores that are good for this?

sligeach · 30-10-2019 9:31pm

RECEIVE A PHYSICAL STEELBOOK FOR PRELOADING 'POKÉMON SWORD AND SHIELD' ON THE EUROPEAN ESHOP
But...why?

https://gonintendo.com/stories/348021-receive-a-physical-steelbook-for-preloading-pokemon-sword-and-sh

Ya, why?

long_b · 02-11-2019 11:46pm

On the pre order, the dual pack is out of stock now on Smyths amd does not appear on the gamestop website.

Anyone know what gives?

Edit: Same craic on Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pokemon-Sword-Shield-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B07SQP7WZ2?tag=gamespot-preorderguides-20

sligeach · 06-11-2019 10:42am

Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield – Overview trailer (Nintendo Switch)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grO7u1R866o

Red Silurian · 09-11-2019 2:00am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Seems that not every Pokémon will be transferable to Sword / Shield :
Some of your Pokémon won't transfer to 'Sword' and 'Shield' [Engadget]

Pokemon Sword And Shield Have Transfer Limitations [GameSpot]

Explains the like/dislike ratio here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmWu-f6L0Mo

I'm ok with this, in fact I'd say, unless they're going to give a new evolution to one of the previous generations Pokémon, they should start with a new game and a fresh Pokédex limited to ~150 brand spanking new ones!

ERG89 · 12-11-2019 2:17am

A guy is streaming this on YouTube right now. Looks like it's similar to the 3DS games with no real challenge (he beat the gym leader's 2 Pokemon using just 2 moves, one on each) and there seems to have noticeable slow down with the Dynamaxing. Not really a surprise as the 3DS games ran very poor at times for a turn based game to me that comes across so bad.

Mr E · 12-11-2019 9:17am

Reviews for this will be fascinating. Lots of 5s and 6s I fear....

CiDeRmAn · 12-11-2019 12:08pm

Mr E wrote: »

Reviews for this will be fascinating. Lots of 5s and 6s I fear....

Gods but I hope not.
This is the fatted calf that is going to make Ninty/Gamefreak.

ahnowbrowncow · 12-11-2019 12:23pm

I'd like to be wrong but it really doesn't look great.

Less than half the amount of pokemon, poor graphics and some terrible battle animations. Lack of any challenge, especially with exp share always being on. Removal of megas and z moves while being replaced with gimmicky dyna/giga maxing
It also appears quite short with little post story content.

Was hoping for a monster hunter esque handheld to console evolution but it looks like it's regressed.

Yakult · 12-11-2019 2:31pm

Mr E wrote: »

Reviews for this will be fascinating. Lots of 5s and 6s I fear....

Can't wait to read Metacritic on Friday and see the review bombing that will occur! Always makes for an entertaining read :pac:

average_runner · 12-11-2019 2:34pm

Quick Question,
Want to get this for 7 year old, is this a one player or 2 player game, as my daughter also likes pokemon?

Thanks

Thar_Cian · 12-11-2019 4:37pm

I cancelled my pre-order for both today. I had just about gotten over Dexit, but from the leaks it looks like they're not worth my time or money. It's a shame since I enjoyed most of the new Pokémon I saw and was looking forward to going in somewhat blind for once.

Rhyme · 12-11-2019 5:32pm

People seem to have turned on this pretty fast, is it touted to be that bad?

I'm still going to pick up my pre-order on Friday, I'm sure it'll be a fun game regardless of what experienced Pokémon players are saying. I've no previous Pokémon games to transfer from, have no real interest in online play and have not played any since Ruby/Sapphire so maybe I'm an ideal catch for this game; new players and returning players?

RobbingBandit · 12-11-2019 5:37pm

The thing about these two gamea is Pokemon Sleep Pokemon Home and other unannounced updates will play into exactly what the games can and can't do Sun and Moon were terribly limited but I think Sword and Shield will be better, I'm hoping to get the dual pack myself on Friday either here or I've someone gonna try get it for me in London.

ERG89 · 13-11-2019 12:53pm

https://opencritic.com/articles/899/pokemon-sword-and-shield-review-embargo-details

The reviews will be out at 2pm if my math is right. I don't expect anything except 8's or 9's as was the case with X/Y & Sun/Moon neither of which were particularly good but reviews never expressed that.

AMGer · 13-11-2019 1:30pm

Cancelled my pre order when curry & rice dex became a selling point

super_furry · 13-11-2019 3:07pm

Hugely positive review from IGN. I might be going back tomPokemon for the first time since the DS.

"Pokemon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, streamlining its most tedious traditions without losing any of the charm."

https://t.co/8OF0Tp1NTi

ahnowbrowncow · 13-11-2019 3:17pm

super_furry wrote: »

Hugely positive review from IGN. I might be going back tomPokemon for the first time since the DS.

"Pokemon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, streamlining its most tedious traditions without losing any of the charm."

https://t.co/8OF0Tp1NTi

Eurogamer's review seems far more balanced, doesn't give it a recommended "Shadow of a former great".

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-13-pokemon-sword-and-shield-review-a-shadow-of-a-former-great

super_furry · 13-11-2019 3:17pm

So strong reviews from Kotaku and Polygon, who I find align with my tastes more often than not and 9s from IGN and GameSpot. Eurogamer seem cold on it, but I think I might be picking this up.

Mr E · 13-11-2019 3:22pm

Wow. My hat is well and truly eaten. Well done, Game Freak.

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

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