Pokémon Shield

Platforms

• Nintendo Switch

  Nov 15, 2019

  ---

  8.6

  playscore

  8.1

  62 Critics

  9.6

  17.7K Players

62 critic reviews · 54 community reviews across all platforms

Critic Reviews

• 

  Nintendo Insider

  8.0

  Pokémon Shield is a warm and familiar experience with some interesting twists and ideas thrown into the mix. The presentation left me disappointed – the game still showing its handheld roots – but, the hook of capturing and training Pokémon is as addictive as it has ever been, while the Wild Area teases an exciting new direction for the series.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  ZTGD

  8.5

  Either catching ‘em all, or taking on the Wild Area and the Gym Leaders, there’s plenty of content here even if some people think the National Pokédex removal is a deal breaker. It’s still a lot of fun and can keep players busy for hours on end. The style and look is great and it controls fantastically. Is it my favorite Pokémon game in the series? I’m not sure, but it still holds the standard for one of the best out there. Any RPG fan will get enjoyment out of this one and Pokémon fans new and old will have a great time exploring the Galar Region.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  Attack of the Fanboy

  8.0

  As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.As has been the case with Game Freak for years, Pokemon Sword and Shield feels like two steps forward in some ways and one step back in others. The loss of more than half of the total number of Pokemon is certainly felt, but the introduction of the Wild Area and the reemergence of gyms on a much larger scale help to make Pokemon Sword and Shield another must play Pokemon experience regardless of the more glaring than usual flaws.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  Wccftech.com

  8.0

  Pokémon Sword and Shield have a few problems which prevent them from attaining classic status, but what's here is an incredibly fun, pretty, and enjoyable RPG that is hard to put down once you start playing. The loop of fighting trainers and catching Pokémon is one that works incredibly well here as it ever has, but I can understand why hardcore Pokémon fans will feel let down. Still, if you're not bothered by Dexit, this is a great Pokémon game to pour a couple of dozen hours into, at least.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  RPGFan

  8.0

  The game delivered quite strongly in its presentation in a way that sets the stage for the franchise to continue into future generations, but at the same time the lack of real gameplay and story innovation could endanger some of that staying power, especially among longtime fans.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  Dual Shockers

  7.5

  If you are already angered at the fact that your favorite Pokemon didn’t make it into Sword and Shield, then the poor visuals, shoddy online infrastructure, and underwhelming Dynamax mechanic won’t do much to win you back over. Still, many aspects of Pokemon Sword and Shield show promise, and if a future game in the series can feature this title’s best elements while having better graphics and every Pokemon, we may have the best game in the series on our hands. That’s why the middle evolution metaphor is very apt.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  Video Gamer

  9.0

  Pokémon Sword and Shield is a bold move into a new generation. There are technical hiccups, but those pale in comparison to the bustling Wild Area and the charming Gen 8 additions.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  We Got This Covered

  10

  Pokémon Sword and Shield is not only a worthy start for the series on mainline consoles, but is quite possibly the best entry in the series. With the new Pokémon, Dynamax raids, gyms, and the expansive Wild Area, Pokémon Sword and Shield filled me with a joy I rarely feel playing games.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  Pure Nintendo

  9.5

  There are some aspects of Pokémon Sword and Shield that feel like they’ll reach their full potential in the next generation, but overall the game is fun, pretty and has a universality to its appeal that is genuinely impressive.

  Reviewed on Switch

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• 

  COGconnected

  7.9

  Pokemon Sword and Shield present a revitalizing and refreshing perspective on the series, taking steps back to the series’ roots to remind players what it means to try and become the Pokemon Champion. Several of the new streamlined mechanics make this an easy experience to jump into while focusing more on strategic gameplay in the wild, yet remaining kid-friendly. The new Wild Area is a great feature, and seeing the Pokemon before you encounter them makes for incredible immersion.

  Reviewed on Switch

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Community Reviews

About the game