Is Pokémon Sword Worth Playing? Our Thoughts and Review
- A to Geekz
- Mar 19, 2020
- 3 min read
Welcome to another A to Geekz review! Today, we’re diving into the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield, specifically Pokémon Sword, which we played extensively.
In this blog, we’ll break down our thoughts on the game, discuss its highlights, and ultimately answer the question: Is it worth picking up?
Joining me today is Julie, a familiar face from our past videos and podcasts. Let’s jump right in!
Characters: A Fresh Take
One of the biggest strengths of Pokémon Sword is its well-developed characters. While characters in past Pokémon games have always been important, this installment made them feel more integrated into the story than ever before.
The Rival Dynamic
The rival in Pokémon Sword feels more like a companion than a competitor. While he follows you throughout your journey, it’s more of a friendly rivalry rather than an antagonistic one. However, he does get beaten in nearly every battle, which can make him feel a little... well, hopeless at times!
Team Yell: A Fun Change
Team Yell is the game’s version of the classic villainous teams like Team Rocket, but with a twist. They aren’t truly evil; instead, they act as overenthusiastic fans. While some found them annoying, they added a refreshing change of pace to the traditional antagonist formula.
Pokémon: New and Exciting
One of the biggest concerns fans had before release was the limited Pokedex, but we found that the new Pokémon introduced were quite enjoyable!
A Great Mix of Old and New
Pokémon Sword features 81 new Pokémon, plus 13 Galarian variants of classic Pokémon.
Some fans were disappointed by the exclusion of many older Pokémon, but we found the new additions more likable than usual.
Starter Pokemon
The starter Pokémon selection is solid, but we had mixed feelings about their final evolutions:
Sobble: Cute at first, but its final evolution felt lacklustre.
Scorbunny: Had the best evolution, transforming into a sleek and powerful fighter.
Grookey: A great design with an awesome final form.
Overall, the Pokémon designs were strong, and even those skeptical about the new roster may find themselves pleasantly surprised.
Galarian Forms: A Unique Twist
Another fun addition was the Galarian versions of familiar Pokémon. Some notable examples include:
Galarian Ponyta: A pastel-colored, My Little Pony-esque redesign.
Galarian Weezing: Sporting a Victorian-era top hat and mustache, giving him a completely different vibe.
These new forms not only changed the Pokémon’s appearance but also their typing, adding an extra layer of strategy.
Legendary Pokémon: Well-Integrated and Memorable
The Legendary Pokémon of Pokémon Sword, Zacian, plays a pivotal role in the story. The game does a great job of introducing the legendary early on, making it feel like part of your journey rather than an afterthought.
Much like Pokémon: The Animated Series, where Ash encounters a legendary Pokémon early in his adventure, Pokémon Sword follows a similar path. This gives the story a sense of mystery and wonder, making it one of the best legendary integrations in a Pokémon game to date.
Story: A Classic Pokémon Adventure
The story of Pokémon Sword captures the same sense of adventure that made the original Pokémon games and TV show so compelling.
A Journey with Friends
Unlike previous Pokémon games where the protagonist feels isolated, Pokémon Sword makes it feel like you’re embarking on a journey with a group of people rather than just Pokémon. The characters have meaningful roles, adding depth to the adventure.
A Simple Yet Engaging Narrative
While the story is straightforward (as expected from a Pokémon game), it resonates with nostalgia. It successfully blends old-school Pokémon charm with modern storytelling.
Final Verdict: Is Pokémon Sword Worth It?
Absolutely! While the game isn’t perfect, it brings enough fresh ideas and engaging content to make it a worthwhile experience. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
✅ Strong character development
✅ Enjoyable new Pokémon designs
✅ Well-integrated legendary Pokémon
✅ Engaging story with a nostalgic feel
Cons:
❌ Some fans may miss the full National Dex
❌ Team Yell may not appeal to everyone
❌ Some starter evolutions are underwhelming
If you’re a Pokémon fan, especially one who enjoys the classic Pokémon experience, Pokémon Sword is worth picking up.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Have you played Pokémon Sword and Shield? What did you think about the new Pokémon and characters? Let us know in the comments!
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