Pokémon Sword and Shield – Are these the best games?
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are role-playing video games releasing today, November 15th, 2019, for Nintendo Switch. The games come with several new features, such as Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing functions, the Wild Area, and raids.
Both games are the first volume in the eighth-generation of the Pokémon video game franchise. The first Pokémon game, Pocket Monsters: Red and Green, was released in February 1996 for Game Boy. Whereas, the latest main addition, Pokémon Sun and Moon, was released for Nintendo 3DS in November 2016.
The plot of Pokémon Sword and Shield
Setting:
Like the other Pokémon games, the characters in Sword and Shield journey through the Galar region, which is based on the United Kingdom. The new region’s shape resembles the British Isles, with fans even saying that is is an upside-down map of Great Britain.
Starting from the north, we can see several famous London landmarks. For example, there is a skyscraper that resembles The Shard and a clock-tower that looks like Big Ben. Victorian architecture is prevalent in the cities and the buildings bear comparison with Westminster and the House of Parliament.
The snow-covered mountains are portraying the Scottish highlands and towards the middle, there is a city that mirrors Manchester and Liverpool.
The region ends with the countryside, suggestive of Scotland, with numerous cottages and farms sprawled everywhere.
Story:
Similar to the previous games, the mission in Sword and Shield is to become the strongest trainer in the Galar region. The adventure starts with choosing one of three starter Pokémon.
- Grookey (Grass-type).
- Scorbunny (Fire-type).
- Sobble (Water-type).
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The player then heads off to catch and train more Pokémon. Along the way, they take part in the Champions Cup and defeat eighth gym challenges.
Some new Pokémon in Sword and Shield
Starter Pokémon:
“The stick held by Grookey was originally a branch from the forest where troops of Grookey live, but it’s no longer a simple branch. It has gained special powers after being exposed to the energy within Grookey’s body.”
“Scorbunny uses its powerful legs to run and jump around its opponents, confusing and disorienting them. The soles of its feet can become very hot, and Scorbunny can kick opponents to damage and burn them, too!”
“When Sobble touches water, its body changes its pattern and color, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. If Sobble feels threatened, it will start to bawl … causing everyone around it to start crying uncontrollably. Sobble will then use this distraction as a chance to escape.”
Legendary Pokémon:
“Zacian attacks so gracefully that its movements can even captivate its opponents. It holds what appears to be a sword in its mouth.”
“Zamazenta’s regal and majestic movements overwhelm any opponents that dare face it. Its body is covered in what seems to be a shield.”
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New Features in Pokémon Sword and Shield
The Wild Area:
The Wild Area is “full of nature” and connects “different towns and cities” together. The area is open and gives the player the ability to control the camera. Different Pokémon appear in the area depending on the weather or location. So, try visiting the Wild Area at different times and you might see new Pokémons.
Dynamax and Gigantamax:
Dynamax allows a Pokémon to grow in size and allows it to use powerful Max-moves. Having said that, this mode can only be used once per battle and lasts for only three rounds. Dynamax can only be activated in certain areas of the Galar region.
Gigantamax changes the size and appearance of the Pokémon and the change lasts only three rounds. However, this mode is exclusive to some species. In other words, if you catch a normal Charizard it won’t be able to gigantamax; you will have to catch a special Charizard in raid battles. In addition, during battle gigantaxmaxing increases the power of the Pokémon and allows it to use a unique move known as a G-Max Move. Each gigantamax Pokémon G-Max Move is different, such as Charizard ‘s move is G-Max Wildfire and Pikachu’s is G-Max Volt Crash.
Max Raids:
Take part in Max Raid battles and with your friends fight against powerful Pokémon for a chance to catch rare Pokémon. You can play with four friends in the Wild Area. Raids are ranked from one to five stars, with one being an easier raid and five being challenging. Don’t worry about losing, you can replay the raid again.
Sources: Pokémon, Techradar, All Gamers, IGN,
