Pokemon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor Reviews
A modest expansion to Pokémon Sword and Shield, Isle of Armor doesn't stray away from the established formula of last year's blockbuster game. But when the core experience was that good to begin with, more of the same is exactly what the series needs to still stay fun and fresh.
The Isle of Armor is a lovely addition to the base Pokémon Sword & Shield games, bringing in far more new features to tickle hardcore fans than we initially expected. On the downside, it's a little shy on narrative-driven content and is really all about the isle and its Pokémon inhabitants. Still, while we would certainly have liked to have seen more story-based gameplay, what's on offer is still excellent, and offers dedicated fans of the series an awful lot to explore and do. If you loved the Wild Area in Sword and Shield and want more of that, we can safely say you'll get a real kick out of this.
A solid first piece of DLC that has a few chinks.
The Isle of Armor isn't much, but it's a nice addition of content for an already great Pokémon game.
Nonetheless, we would still like to recommend the Mysterious Isle of Armor to all those who have enjoyed Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield , and we are confident that this new type of content will replace the now obsolete improved versions, offering a faster way and direct (and even cheaper) to access new content.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Isle of Armor is a short adventure on a small stretch of land. But, with new features, the expanded Pokedex, and a beautiful wild area, it's hard not to suggest it for anyone with the base game.
If you loved Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield, then this is a worthy addition. If you had any doubt, and aren’t fussed about catching Pokes and beating blokes, then this island should be deserted.
A slew of extra items and features making Pokémon breeding and training a bit better are also included, along with enough bonuses to warrant the existence of this DLC... but not much more than that.
The Isle of Armor is an expansion that does things right, but in the end it feels like an underwhelming experience. The main story leaves a lot to be desired and I can't help but think that some of its improvements should be on the base game.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Isle of Armor changes a classic format to more open-world-ish, but it couldn't reach its full potential.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
The Pokemon Sword and Shield Isle of Armor DLC is a worthy add-on to the base game, despite being somewhat light on content.
With few summer Switch games this year, The Isle of Armor is a breath of fresh air and its vibe will make you feel like you're on vacation. Plus, exploring the beautiful island while catching new Pokemon has definitely made me re-experience some of Pokemon Sword's magic.
Even though the Isle of Armor reintroduces 210 new Pokémon and provides a new and easier way to get certain items and upgrades, its story is too short and not entertaining to really prove itself worthy. However you are a big Pokémon fan and just want to capture more of them, this DLC will probably do the job for you.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Completionists will relish all Isle of Armor has to offer, with so many new Mon to add to your dex and lots to explore, as well as some new and unique powerups that further alter the way you play, it makes for an essential purchase. If you’re coming into this for story, though, you’re probably going to be pretty disappointed as it’s over before it even gets going and you’ll feel like Game Freak could have done a lot more with it.
The Isle of Armor compellingly builds on top of Pokemon Sword and Shield's experience, even if the main story scenario is rather brief. The new areas are diverse and fun to explore, and they will enthrall anybody who thoroughly enjoyed the base game's Wild Area.
Pokemon Sword and Shield‘s Isle of Armor is groundbreaking but it gets the job done in pulling trainers back into its world. It’s exciting to see the expansion of the Galar Region with new geography and new stories. Pokemon catching may be the selling point of these games but this time around it is the story and level design that shines brightest.
Pokemon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor is a great welcoming add-on to the base game.
As an experience, the Isle of Armor DLC feels insufficient and seems to be having many issues.
Review in Greek | Read full review
The first Pokémon DLC expands the area and Pokédex, and will put us to the test with the equipment we have.
Review in Spanish | Read full review