Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield Reviews Summary
Summary: Despite some alleged controversy, Pokemon Sword and Shield is a highly appreciated entry for the series. Making its home console debut on Nintendo Switch, the series maybe could've taken a bigger step forward, but it's still the best entry in years according to most.
New Ways to Catch 'Em All
Wild Areas and Dynamax creatures are a fun new twist on the formula.
Complex Combat
Game Freak has modernized the battle system for the better.
Plays It Safe
Not without new features, some were expecting a bigger leap for the series' first home console entry.
Rating Summary
Based on 120 critic reviews
OpenCritic Rating
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Top Critic
Pok'mon Sword and Shield add some brilliant new creatures, but like their gargantuan Dynamax forms, the games feel like a hollow projection.
Top Critic
Pokemon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, streamlining its most tedious traditions without losing any of the charm.
Top Critic
The furore over Dexit may be overblown but even without it this is an underwhelming and unambitious attempt to modernise Pokémon and expand its horizons.
Top Critic
Gameplay tweaks and attention to detail make Pokemon Sword and Shield the most compelling Pokemon world to date.
Top Critic
Top Critic
The compelling formula of simultaneously building your collections of monsters and gym badges has proven timeless, but the new additions and enhancements show Pokémon isn't done evolving
Top Critic
The surprise in Sword and Shield is that I’m still finding things that surprise me, even after putting in so many hours. It’s in how Game Freak has made a linear game feel so much less linear.
Top Critic
Pokemon Sword and Shield scale down the bloated elements of the series while improving what really matters, making for the best new generation in years.
Top Critic
The magic of Pokémon is that it lets you tap into a sense of wonder that becomes more and more difficult to access as an adult. Sword and Shield do that more successfully than any Pokémon release has in years. It won’t be everything to everyone, and it will not make everyone happy. I’m not sure it needs to. It’s a portal to a new world.
Top Critic
Despite the controversy, Sword and Shield offers a great time.
