Pokemon trainers are dreamers. Our objective is to become the best, to catch em’ all, travel the worlds, forming bonds along the way. Even if these actions are taking place in a fictional, colorful world, the lessons, morals, connections, and feelings are real to us, so we get close to touching them. We can nearly feel the professor placing a Pokedex in our hands, the agony that pulses through us as we select our first partner hits our stomach in real time. In awe the first time we view a new location or encounter that rare find, especially the shinies everyone adores. Feeling the upset when an attack misses or the smugness of wiping the smirk on your coxy rival’s face. All the emotions with Pokemon are real and deep down, all of us trainers wish the experience was real in some format.
And that is why with generation 8’s introduction to a new tool, we got one step closer:
A TV screen.
Yes, Pokemon has been on a large screen before and some have had an RPG format, like Colosseum and Gale of Darkness (both excellent Gamecube titles), but a main series game has never been on a TV screen. But with the Nintendo Switch, this advance, this dream, could be true if we chose. And seeing such an incredible new region in front of my eyes in such splendor made my partners cherished, the power I hold swell inside me more, and made me escape during a transition time for my life. Pokemon has always been there for me. And Shield did not disappoint.
Now, let’s venture to jolly ole’ England…I mean, Galar. An area I have been patiently waiting to be adapted into this world. Remember: these are just my opinions. No need to get offended. I would to hear what you have to say as well. Also, all the images are from Google image search and all credit and respect go to their artist/creator.
Story/Characters: 8.5/10- This was a fun story. It just had an upbeat style and pace that really absorbed you into the adventure, but it didn’t seem childish. It was grounded, and that can be hard to achieve in such a bright world. The cast were a little over the top, but it fit the British mold to me and made me smile. I did like trying to figure out the UK slang speech they added to the dialogue. Some was pretty Far’fetched (ha!) and I am not sure if everyone would agree, but I enjoyed it.
I thought getting to befriend the Champion from the get-go was a pretty incredible new dynamic and I liked the design of him. Yes, it is a bit lame, but Leon made it work. And Hop was a neat character too. I admired his passion and even his depression spell during the middle of the story from losing to me all the time (I’m just that good) made sense, even if it was a little mopy. His slang was the best too. I still miss the days of a jerk rival, but Hop was fine. And him being the little brother of the longest running Champ made his goal feel very personal to me.
I did wish Professor Mongolia had a bigger overall appearance, being our second female Pokemon professor. I felt like she wasn’t used to her fullest abilities. And Sonia was really rad. Her style is to die for and I loved her hair candy clips. I liked that a cool girl was such a wonderful researcher, like Cynitha was a BA champion and researcher in generation 4. I was thrilled she wrote a book too and took over for her grandma. The relationship between her and Leon, being old rivals back when they got their starters, was so grand to see, making us older fans feel like the friends we make because of Pokemon is never lost, but evolves.
And Ball Guy at all the stadiums was the coolest! Best character ever! 😀
Now, Bede…Arg. Okay, don’t hate me. One, I couldn’t tell at first if he was a boy or a girl. Nothing wrong with that, but that confused me. The scowl he gave is what got me. It was so cruel, even for a bitter rival, so that really bugged me (not a fan of the outfit either). I get he was supposed to be used and he has a redemption arc, and that is amazing. I just didn’t like him overally. Now, once he became the newest fairy type gym leader, he got a little better and I thought that was a fitting end for his story.
I do feel I had too many secondary rivals in this game and it made the story lose it focus a little a few times. Like Marnie as a character was fine (loved her fashion), but other than adding to Team Yell’s existence (which I have my own thoughts on that), I didn’t see much point to her. There are mobile games like PubG where you can make the game more interesting with the help of pubg aimbot.
I think the only dragging feature was one that was for the Switch in general. I started playing the game on a friend’s Switch for a few days and when I wanted to transfer my data to the Switch I share with my husband, it was a nightmare. Took us all trials, hours of research, and lots of headaches. I ended up having to make a new account! Nintendo is bad about that.
Also, all the time in the wild zone, although neat, sort of got confusing and broke up the pacing for me. Although I enjoyed the giant battles and items, battling Pokemon way above my levels was really frustrating, especially until I figured out I couldn’t capture them if they were too high.
Graphics and Angles: 9.5 out of 10- No real issues. The Switch did an excellent job capturing the colorful world of Galar, switching (ha) between handheld and TV with ease. I could sit (rarely, but at least it made sense when I could), my running was in sync with my limbs unlike Sun and Moon, and the style of the characters fit into this world very well.
The only reason I didn’t give a perfect score was because of the wild zone and how easy it was to get turned around and lost with the angles. I get that was part of its charm, its vastness, but still, gave me a headache a few times.
And using the joy cons (sticks) actually worked fairly well too for the game.
Special Features: 14/20:
Lack of National Dex: Okay! I will put my hat in the ring. I get why many were very upset about this and yes, it would have been neat to have. But, there were a lot of Pokemon still included and from a good variety of regions and types. On top of the new Galar forms. It would be asking a lot of a system to have 800+ Pokemon between two games. Plus, this gives them a chance for DLC or expansions in the future. So, bummer, but not upset. I understand the choice.
Autosave: I personally like this feature, but I can see this being an issue on a rare occasion with catching a Pokemon. Luckily I always recall to save, but still, it was nice.
No HMS: Having Pokegear was cool and I don’t miss HMs at all, but I miss the more Pokemon interactions in Sun and Moon.
Rotom Dex/Rotom Bike: Rotom was just there in this generation I felt, not nearly as fun, beneficial, or interactive. And the bike was useful, but, again, not as fun as some of the other bikes (like Alpha and Omega) or the skates. They both worked, but I was bored with them.
Automatic EX Share: I like the evening EX share and how the first three Pokemon in your party get a little more. It being automatic worked well for me.
Character Customization: I always LOVE this feature! The prices were a tad steep, but I did like there were more of a variety of styles. At least, compared to Sun and Moon. I felt much more like myself in this game and had fun with my choices.
Camping: The camping feature was neat and I loved the perks for my Pokemon for it. Making the curry was fun, but a tad tricky. And it was cute to play with my Pokemon, but I didn’t like the limited amount of talking to them and toys (plus how they all aggressively attacked the feather wand bugged me for some odd reason, like my sweet babies shouldn’t act like that). I liked the playing with my Pokemon features in Moon better and X had cooler interaction/petting mechanics.
Poke Jobs: I didn’t do this feature, but I thought it was a cool concept.
Pop-Up Achievement Features: This was really neat and I liked how if my Internet would have worked for it like it was supposed to, this would have been useful to my quest in addition. It was cute how my game got excited with new captures.
Trading: Yeah, my Internet connection doesn’t like to work with these Pokemon games, so I didn’t get to wonder trade. AGAIN. Although I tried. I won’t blame the game for this.
Dynamaxing/Max Raids: These types of battles, Max Raids, were really fun once I figured it out! I captured some great Pokemon with it and I liked working with a team to do it. The how it works was hazy and I got turned around a few times, but I did enjoy this feature. Gigantamaxing: This was the big new feature in this game and it was cool in game, but I couldn’t get over how this would work in real life (silly, I know). They mentioned the star pieces, but it didn’t line up with me. Plus, I kept having horrid thoughts of a giant Charizard’s flamethrower killing all the people in the stands if it was too strong! It was simple to use and did help out in a pinch, but a little dull compared to other new features for battle. But, Pokemon may be running out of ideas, lol! Can’t blame them with 23 years of a franchise. Wasn’t a huge fan of many of the forms here either. They were too extra and hard to get. Charizard and Butterfree had my favorites.
Gym Leaders: 9 out of 10: The gym leaders had very brilliant designs in this game and I liked how their personalities shone through. Having them all compete to be champion against me, all eager to defeat Leon, made them more humanized to me. A job of a Pokemon trainer is never done and I love that message, striving to be your best.
One thing I have always loved about Pokemon is its diverse cast. These gym leaders represent that, in every beautiful skin tone, shape, height, personality, culture, age, experience level. Having someone from Hoehn be a gym leader was a sweet touch too.
Milo was so kind and calm.
Nessa was beautiful and strong, reminding me if Katara from Avatar was in Pokemon. I can see why she has so many fans.
Kabu took me back to happy times and I loved his work ethic.
Alistar was a tad creepy to me (which was the point), but I did like his design and concept, especially being a kid gym leader.
Opal was a lovely lady and such an inspiration. A woman of the theater!
Melony was divine. But, I wish she had more screen time. Gordie was pretty rocking, but I recall him the least.
Piers’ design wasn’t my favorite at first, but I really grew to like his morals and personality. And he was a huge help in the post story.
Raihan was very intense, especially in battle. He scared me a few times and I am not sure if his outfit was cool or just confusing (I didn’t know he had a headband for the longest time; thought he just had odd hair). And his selfie obsession was comedical. He was supposed to be this key character and I think him, Sonia, and Leon fit into a trio well, but he was a little too in my face sometimes for me to love him. But I do like him.
Some of the challenges were indeed challenging. I can’t recall any that were amazingly fun, but they did give you some good choices. Opal’s was dumb though and I know Melony’s was very hard. The gym buildings were stunning too.
The outfits by type to purchase was a rad concept, but way too pricey and the designs were super wild, even for me. I did like the basic outfit I had and all of the gym leaders’. Nessa’s was my favorite.
The ‘football’ concept of gym battles was a touch that gave a familiar concept a fresh coat of paint. I did like it. And having these gym leaders wanted to battle me again in an Elite Four smackdown, all to get back at me or the Champion, was different, but once I adjusted to the idea, I got into it.
Battling alongside them in the post story and how they protect their towns respectively was epic.
I really like the gym leaders in this game.
Towns/Cities/Region Layout/Routes: 19/20: I felt fully immersed in the UK because of this game. Each town represented different parts of this lovely land so well. From the pastures of sheep to seaside towns. The train stations to Easter Islands. And the castles?! AH! Breathtaking! I really adored all the settings.
Ballonlea was so charming with the glowing mushrooms and fairy lights. It was my favorite to visit even if it was small. And my town being by an ancient, enchanted, misty forest spoke deeply to my soul. Thought it was odd how my Pokemon got so sleepy even after I left that area the second time.
I thought it was all spaced out good and the routes were not overly confusing, which I appreciate.
Again, my main grip is the Wild Zone and just how vast it was. I totally get it and it had its own appeal and a purpose. Still, it was harder than it should have been sometimes. So, that’s my only real complainant.
Team Yell/Villains: 4/10: Team Yell…SO. DUMB! There was no point to them. They were just in the way and not even funny like Team Skull. They did nothing. And then them derping around to help me at the end was just facepalm worthy. And the outfit designs?! NOPE! I just can’t. It’s pretty bad when you beat Team Flare on stupidness, but at least they had a BA leader.
SPOILER ON WHO THE TRUE VILLAIN WAS (SKIP IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED):
Chairman Rose being the true bad guy was not a huge surprise, but I think he was more paranoid than anything, not purely a secret evil intent. And then he lets you fix his mistakes. Woo-hoo…lucky you, I know. But I guess that makes it seem he redeemed himself. His obsession was what got him, scared him, but again, nothing purely evil in my mind. The leader of a reign that was a celebrity also having so much power sort of hit close to home with our current world. Did Pokemon do that on purpose? Hmmm… Oleana, his vice president, terrorized me with her resting *itch face all the time and she looked insane towards the end. It’s so easy to tell she is madly in love with Chairman Rose or at least almost sickeningly loyal to him. I want to know THAT backstory, how she met and WHY she treats him like a god. Her Pokemon battle was one of my favorites though.
The story drove itself a lot in Pokemon Shield where it didn’t need a lot of conflict and I think, on that end for the tale they were weaving, the creators implemented that well. Although the legendary I had to save, the one Chairman Rose captured, wasn’t very memorable to me. The battle was challenging and the effects it had on the region was graphically pleasing, but the legendary itself didn’t stick in my memory.
SPOILER ENDS HERE. CONTINUE TO READ! 😀
Generation 8 Pokemon: 12 out of 15- Now, the starter Pokemon in this generation me and all my friends thought were the weakest design wise. I didn’t love any of them, but Scorbunny was the one I selected and he was a good partner.
There were some weird designed Pokemon. The faces really got me sometimes, like the shapes compared to body or the number of eyes. And the fossils?! Gross! I’m sorry! The mismatch patterns and how they were made to be not able to survive in this world basically! No, just no way! I didn’t like a good handful of the odd designs, but that is to be expected.
Yet, I thought the colors and patterns on the new Pokemon overall was more well-rounded than generation 6 and 7. And I could feel the British lore through all the new creatures.
I did like the lore from the title legendaries. I didn’t like how late we could get them or how they looked alike, but proving myself to them and protecting their sacred items did feel important and battling alongside them was rad.
The new evolutions for Mr. Mime, Corsola, and Far’Fetched were eh in appearance, but I liked them respecting these classic Pokemon and their abilities were neato.
Obstagoon was in my party. It took me FOREVER to get him. Obtaining some of Pokemon evolutions have been stranger and harder the past few years. This game is not an exception to that. And Perrserker?! What the even heck?! Why does Meowth keep getting messed up? We don’t need this thing. Geez, making me feel bad for this Team Rocket veteran.
The Galar forms were not as entertaining as a whole as the Alola, but I get Alola started the trend. Weezing with his steampunk factory smoke stack made me grin.
AND THE BEST PART OF ALL WAS MY NEW GALAR PONYTA! My sweet baby was made of cotton candy, rainbows, and dreams and I loved every second with her! She is too perfect for words and did me proud!
Battles: 14/15- Like started from the last few games, I give major props here for the perfect graphics. I felt like I was in a movie every time I was battle Hop. And when my dynamax bracelet lit up and I had this look of determination on my face, I shuddered with pride each time. Watching the massive Pokeball be thrown was so cool. And with each gym leader holding a different Pokeball, I felt engaged more into the battles.
Other things I liked/Didn’t like:
I do miss the coffee shop and treats from Sun and Moon,
Organizing my Pokemon Boxes was great,
Seeing the Pokemon in the grass and how they interacted with my movement. That made it feel even more real to me. \
Flying from the map with a giant metal bird was neato.
Leveling up is so much easier than the grinding days and I still am so grateful for that. And the enhancement items work wonders!
Overall Ranking/Final Comments: What a fun game, a grand adventure! All jolly good!
90/100- A-
My Champion Team/Hours/Pokedex:
Cinderace- Level 65
Thieval- Level 65
Boltund- Level 67
Gardevoir- Level 62
Obstagoon- Level 62
Galar Ponyta- Level 62 (I refuse to let her evolve!)
Time I beat the story: 35 hours, 32 minutes (It’ll be more when DLC comes out)
Pokedex for the story: 135 Pokemon
If I had to have ONLY Shield Pokemon on my team:
Cinderace
Thieval
Boltund
Corviknight
Drednaw
Frosmoth
Others I like:
Skwovet
Wooloo
Carkol
Applin
Hattrem
Sirfetch’d
Alcremie
Falinks
Morpeko
Dragapult
Duraludon
Zamazenta
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