WEB EXCLUSIVE 

It’s that time again, when the franchise that’s been popular since your childhood comes out with two new games to add exciting new Pokemon and regions to their world. That’s right, “Pokemon Sword” and “Pokemon Shield” are two popular turn-based RPGs that were released for the Nintendo Switch in November of 2019. The two are essentially the same game, but with different sets of Pokemon.

The game follows your character as you strive to become champion of the Galar region by defeating all eight gym leaders and the current champion himself. There’s also a subplot about the two founding heroes of the Galar region and the mystery behind something called the “Darkest Day” and their connection to the sword and shield.

The controls are easy to understand and makes for a simple game experience. The graphics are beautiful, as to be expected of a Switch game. The game isn’t too open world. There aren’t really side quests or things to do outside the linear story line, however you can travel to wild areas to level up whenever you want. The battles can feel repetitive at times, but provide ample opportunities to level up your Pokemon, and each gym mission is different to keep the player on their toes.

There are many other characters you meet along your journey. Many of them have their own quirks and personalities, making them memorable as you play. Some such characters would be Hop, your self proclaimed rival in your goal to become the champion, Bede the arrogant trainer endorsed by the chairman, and many others. There are a great variety of different Pokemon to catch as well, including Galarian versions of Pokemon you already know and new Pokemon never seen before.

This game is definitely worth your money. I would recommend this to someone who has time to kill. There’s a decent amount of content and hours you can put into this game, especially with the expansion pass that was announced recently. It can be quite fun and addicting. It’ll definitely leave you with fun memories, and there’s always more Pokemon to catch.

In the seemingly ever expanding world of Pokemon, this is one adventure you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a newcomer to the franchise or have been a fan since day one, this game can be enjoyed by anyone.