Pokémon Sword: A 90-Day Review On Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Sword: A 90-Day Review on Nintendo Switch

Hey everyone! So, you're curious about Pokémon Sword on the Nintendo Switch, huh? Well, you've come to the right place! I've spent a solid 90 days (and then some!) diving headfirst into the Galar region, battling Gym Leaders, catching Pokémon, and basically living the life of a Pokémon Trainer. Released on November 15, 2019, this game has been a staple in my Switch library, and I'm stoked to share my experiences. In this review, we'll cover everything from the initial hype to the long-term gameplay, the good, the bad, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned Pokémon veteran or a newcomer to the series, this should give you a good idea of what to expect if you decide to embark on your own Pokémon journey in the Galar region. We will also talk about the key features such as the graphics and performance. Let's dive in!

First Impressions and the Galar Region

Alright, let's rewind to the day Pokémon Sword hit the shelves. The anticipation was real, guys! Trailers showed off the stunning new Galar region, inspired by the UK, with rolling hills, bustling cities, and a general sense of adventure. The graphics were a significant upgrade from the 3DS era, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The opening sequence, with the introduction of your rival and the legendary Pokémon, immediately pulled me in. It's a classic Pokémon start, and it works. The Galar region is vast and varied. From the charming towns to the wild areas teeming with Pokémon, there was always something to explore. This sense of exploration is a core element of the game. I found myself eager to discover new routes, uncover hidden items, and of course, encounter new Pokémon to add to my team. The game also introduced a new gameplay mechanic, the Wild Area, which gave a different style of battling from previous entries. The Wild Area truly changed the game and gave the players a breath of fresh air. The Wild Area is a massive open world and allows players to freely roam around and explore, and battle against different Pokémon. During the first few weeks, the game was a joy. There were loads of new characters and Pokémon to meet. The world of Pokémon Sword felt alive, and the initial hours were a blast. The main storyline in Pokémon Sword follows the usual formula: you choose your starter, you battle Gym Leaders, you thwart Team Yell's plans, and you try to become the Champion. While this core structure might seem familiar to anyone who's played a Pokémon game before, Pokémon Sword brings new elements to the table that keep things fresh and exciting. The game introduced a new battle feature known as Dynamaxing. Dynamaxing allows your Pokémon to transform into giant versions of themselves for three turns. This can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Galar region is a fantastic location, and it's full of hidden secrets to discover.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

Let's talk gameplay. The core mechanics of Pokémon Sword stick to the tried-and-true formula that Pokémon fans have come to love. You travel from town to town, battle other trainers, and catch wild Pokémon. But it's the new features that really make the game stand out. First up, we have Dynamaxing, a special mechanic that lets your Pokémon grow to gigantic sizes during battles. It's an awesome visual spectacle and can give you a huge advantage in Gym battles and other challenging encounters. This feature adds a new layer of strategy. The Wild Area is a vast, open-world area where you can freely explore, encounter wild Pokémon, and even team up with friends for Max Raid Battles. This is where you encounter Dynamax Pokémon. This is a blast. The Wild Area is a welcome addition to the Pokémon formula, offering a new way to interact with the world and catch Pokémon. Then there are the Raid Battles, where you team up with other players online (or with AI trainers) to take down powerful Dynamax Pokémon. These battles are incredibly fun and a great way to earn rare items and Pokémon. The game also includes a competitive mode. This allows you to battle against other players to show off your skills as a trainer. Overall, the gameplay in Pokémon Sword is solid and engaging, with enough new features to keep things interesting. The developers did a great job balancing the new and the old, creating a Pokémon experience that is both familiar and fresh. The controls are simple and easy to learn. It's easy for players of any age to pick up and play.

Story, Characters, and World Building

Pokémon Sword's story follows the standard Pokémon formula, but it has its own unique charm. You embark on a journey to become the Champion, battling Gym Leaders along the way. Your rival, Hop, is a likable character, and his interactions add to the warmth of the game. The supporting cast is memorable, from the Gym Leaders to the quirky characters you meet along the way. While the story might not be the most groundbreaking in the series, it's well-executed and provides plenty of opportunities for adventure and discovery. The world-building in Pokémon Sword is one of its strongest aspects. The Galar region is inspired by the United Kingdom, and the game does a fantastic job of capturing the region's atmosphere. The towns have their own unique personalities, and the wild areas feel vast and alive. It truly feels like an actual place. From the music to the architecture, everything is designed to immerse you in the world. The attention to detail is impressive, and it makes exploring the Galar region a true joy. There are plenty of secrets to uncover. There is also a great amount of side content to experience. You can also customize your trainer to your liking. In the end, Pokémon Sword is a fun experience to enjoy.

Graphics and Performance

On the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Sword looks pretty good. The environments are vibrant, and the Pokémon models are well-designed. While the graphics aren't the most advanced on the platform, they're more than adequate for a Pokémon game. During battles, the animations are smooth and engaging, and the Dynamax transformations are impressive. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly for the most part. There are occasional frame rate drops in the Wild Area, especially when there are a lot of Pokémon and players on the screen, but these are generally minor and don't detract from the overall experience. The game is stable, and I didn't experience any major bugs or glitches during my 90 days of gameplay. Overall, Pokémon Sword is a good-looking game that runs smoothly on the Switch. It might not be a graphical powerhouse, but it does its job of bringing the world of Pokémon to life. The graphics are not the most important aspect of the game. But the experience is great, even for some technical issues. The game has a unique charm that will keep you entertained for hours.

What I Liked

  • The Galar Region: Seriously, the UK-inspired setting is a winner. It's beautiful, diverse, and fun to explore. I found myself just wandering around the Wild Area for hours, just taking it all in.
  • Dynamaxing: This is a blast, making battles feel epic and changing up the strategic dynamics. It's a cool visual spectacle.
  • The Wild Area: This is a true innovation for the series. It adds a new dimension to the gameplay and provides hours of content.
  • Raid Battles: Teaming up with friends (or strangers) to take down giant Pokémon is super fun and rewarding. I enjoyed all the raid battles.
  • Variety of Pokémon: The game features a great roster of old and new Pokémon. This includes legendary Pokémon.

What Could Be Better

  • Frame Rate Drops: The Wild Area can sometimes chug, especially when lots of Pokémon are around.
  • Story: The main storyline is a little predictable. Although I enjoyed the story, it lacked creativity.
  • Difficulty: Some players might find the game too easy, even with the new battle mechanics.

Final Verdict

So, after 90 days (and a few more) with Pokémon Sword, what's the verdict? It's a solid entry in the Pokémon series, especially if you're looking for a good time. It's not perfect, but the strengths outweigh the weaknesses. The Galar region is fantastic, the new mechanics are fun, and the gameplay is engaging. If you are looking for a Pokémon game with a lot of content, then this game is right up your alley. Pokémon Sword is a must-play for fans of the franchise and a great starting point for newcomers. It's a fun and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Pokémon, Pokémon Sword offers a great adventure. Overall, I recommend this game.

I give Pokémon Sword a solid 8.5/10! Go catch 'em all, guys!