Pokemon Shield - Nintendo Switch (European Version)

For me, this game was fantastic! Of course, I know a lot of people are not going to like this game and I will give reasons why you should or shouldn’t buy this game.First of all, this is not the USA version, it’s the European (I believe).The game has a certain controversy called ‘Dexit’ in which a portion (234) of the 898 Pokémon are missing in the game. They cannot be caught or transferred from a later game. So some of your favorites may not be in it.This game also has DLC ($29.99), paid content to further your gameplay. I have the DLC and I really enjoyed it. There’s a whole new island and another new area to discover with brand new stories.This game has a ‘boring, unmemorable gimmick.’ Pokémon games usually have a gimmick like X and Y’s mega evolution but Sword and Shield’s is Dynamax/Gigantamax. Basically Pokémon get bigger and more powerful for 3 turns. Some Pokémon change appearances also. You can decide whether you like it or not. I don’t hate it or love it, so it didn’t really ruin the game for me.This game is pretty easy. It is one of the easiest games to beat. For me, I didn’t dynamax through the whole story or use any items in battle to up the difficulty. You could also try a nuzlocke or another challenge. This is the right difficulty for kids though.There is character customization so you can dress up but you cannot change your Gender once you select it.For returning players, this game has added some quality of life features like the removal of HM’s (yay) and many new Pokémon. There is also a new fairy type if you played before X and Y. No more heart scales to relearn moves either!For competitive players, this game makes it really easy to breed Pokémon and teach them old moves (no heartscales)! They can max out IV’s with an item and there are lots of TM’s and TR’s (one-time-use TM’s). Don’t worry - you can get multiple TR’s of the same move.Multiplayer- this game has some multiplayer aspect to it. There’s online (playing using internet) and local (people physically next to you). You engage in battles by teaming up with 3 other people and fighting a big dynamax Pokémon. BEWARE: You will have to pay for a subscription to play online ($20 for 1 year). Locally, it’s basically the same thing as online but you don’t need a subscription and you see the person. Each person also needs their own copy of Sword or Shield and their own switch, which can get pricey.There are still version exclusives. Basically, this game and Pokémon Shield are the same game but with minor tweaks. *maybe small, minor spoilers ahead* There are 2 gym leaders exclusive to each game (Sword has Fighting and Rock and Shield has Ghost and Ice). Also, some Pokémon are only found in 1 copy of the game (either sword or shield).Most, if not all, trade Pokémon can be caught in the wild.That’s all for my review. I personally loved this game but it ultimately comes down to you if you want it. It’s the perfect addition for kids!

I know there’s a lot of controversy with this games graphics but this one has my favorite BY FAR, and I’ve played tons of Pokémon games on the 3Ds, Game Boy, and Nintendo Switch. Probably more. I love how the models are clearly outlined, almost giving it a 2D look while still being 3D. It stays very true to the Pokémon style in the anime. The plot was really fun and I loved Eternatus. He was super unique and unsettling. The end scenes gave me chills. I also like both of the legendaries, but Zacian is definitely cooler. That’s why I got Sword. I finally put this game down with about 75 hours on it. I’m usually not a fan of the special mechanics Pokémon introduces with every game, but I LOVED the concept of dynamaxing, especially Gigantamaxing. I always love seeing old Pokemon get brand new forms. They all look amazing. I just wish more could Gigantamax. I played so many raid battles it’s ridiculous.

Pokemon is always good.

I had a copy of Sword and loved playing it. I was about to purchase the expansion pack…. And my wife “accidentally” threw the game in the trash. After playing several other Pokemon games, such as Brilliant Diamond, Arceus, and Violet, I simply found myself missing Sword. I hate rebuying the same thing so I justified my purchase by getting Shield this time. There are a bunch of cool pokemon that are version specific and a couple of gym leaders that are version specific. Kind of feels like a new game and familiar at the same time :)

This was my introduction to Pokemon. Originally I got it for the wife and kids. I'm not really one for video games. But I thought I would try it out. And I instantly feel in love with the game. The plot line I give a lower star rating and the dialogue could definitely improve. But all of this gets overlooked with the sheer fun factor of entering the world of Pokemon, catching them, and (my favorite) watching them level up to a new evolution. The game is super rewarding and has made me a Pokemon lover. I now have a Pokemon mug. And I have beaten the entire game including both expansions. I'm excited to get Arceus Pokemon. But I want to pace myself so that I don't run through it all too quick. I should say that my wife and children are also all big fans of this game. They are asking for Pokemon stuffed animals and toys. I think this is a big success!

Giving it four stars because the product is perfectly functional and as described. The game itself disappointed me. I've enjoyed Pokemon merchandise and cards since I was a kid but never played the games. This was my first Pokemon game so take this review with a grain of salt. I was disappointed by the game and quickly grew tired of it. Granted, I was mostly looking forward to collecting Pokemon and the story line over pvp but I was definitely underwhelmed. Your npc friend is perhaps the least interesting fictional character I've encountered and dialog feels like complete filler. (No voice acting and many scenes skipped like the $60 game did not animate me eating with a gym leader, they just skip the whole interaction). The npcs are really un-special in my opinion, mostly repeat and lack dimension. I feel cheated. I enjoy Pokemon GO much more and it's... free.

This is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made to buy this game for the most reasonable price.

I bought this for my nephew as a birthday gift. It arrived the very next day! My nephew loved his gift.