TLDR Review: Pokémon Sword
Published: December 19th, 2024
Pros
- •Gym challenges provide engaging, unique objectives beyond just battling, enhancing traditional gym experiences.
- •Dynamaxing introduces a strategic layer to battles, upping intensity and adaptability.
- •Freedom to explore the Wild Area, loaded with hidden items and diverse Pokémon, breaks from the series' linear progression.
- •New Pokémon designs are charming, and new typings add depth to gameplay strategy.
- •Impressive animations and improved graphics, especially in towns, caves, and routes, enrich the visual experience.
- •The fantastic musical score, particularly gym tracks, adds to the game's excitement.
- •The multiplayer component, especially in raid battles, fosters engaging and rewarding experiences.
- •Simple yet profound game mechanics suit both new and seasoned trainers alike.
- •Pokémon visible in the wild before encounters make capturing more interactive.
- •The game is perfect for those easing back into gaming, offering cozy and approachable gameplay.
Cons
- •The game is somewhat brief for a mainline Pokémon installment and lacks substantial posame content.
- •The story can feel unimaginative, with juvenile dialogue and excessive hanolding.
- •The online functionality is subpar, making teamwork in Wild Area raids frustrating.
- •Excludes a significant number of Pokémon from past generations, disappointing lonime fans.
- •City and town designs are overly simplistic and linear, limiting exploration.
- •Catch rates for Gigantamaxed Pokémon are frustratingly low.
- •Insufficient innovation in gameplay leaves it feeling like a uninspired rehash of earlier titles.
- •The repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements, such as sending Pokémon on jobs, detracts from engagement.
- •Trading systems are cumbersome, complicating interactions with friends.
- •Reused animations and missing features from previous games can make the experience feel lacking.
Bottom Line
While "Pokémon Sword" brings some elements of innovation, like the Wild Area and Dynamaxing, it might disappoint those expecting a major evolution in the series. With its short storyline and exclusion of familiar Pokémon, it doesn't quite deliver the depth some fans desire. If you're looking for a more nostalgic yet fresh experience, the expansion packs or even "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" could offer a fuller dive into Pokémon adventures.
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$54.50 at AmazonWhere to Buy
Prices last updated: June 1st 2025 11:43 pm
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