Pokémon fans, it’s that time again! The creators of the beloved franchise have released two new games for the Nintendo Switch: Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. If you’re a fan, you’re most likely wondering which one to buy. Fear not, as we break down the differences between the two games and give our verdict on which one comes out on top.
Gameplay and Storyline
Both games are set in the Galar region, a beautiful land inspired by the United Kingdom. As with all Pokémon games, you play as a trainer who sets out to catch and battle Pokémon across the region, eventually facing off against the elite trainers in the Pokémon League.
However, the storylines differ slightly in Sword and Shield. In Sword, you’ll encounter the legendary Pokémon Zacian, who is known for its elegant and graceful movements. In Shield, you’ll come across Zamazenta, a fierce Pokémon with a lion-like appearance. The main storyline remains pretty much the same, but depending on which version of the game you choose, you’ll have a different legendary Pokémon to accompany you on your journey.
As for the gameplay, both Sword and Shield feature the same mechanics as previous Pokémon games, but with a few new additions. One of the most notable new features is the addition of Dynamaxing. During battles, trainers can now Dynamax their Pokémon, turning them into giant, towering beasts. This not only makes battles more exciting but also allows for a strategic edge as Dynamaxing Pokémon gain additional powers and abilities.
Additionally, Sword and Shield also feature new characters and locations to explore, further adding to the adventure aspect of the game.
Verdict: The gameplay and storyline in Sword and Shield are virtually identical, so this one is a tie.
Pokémon exclusives
One of the biggest differences between Sword and Shield is the Pokémon exclusives. Each game has its own set of exclusive Pokémon that can only be caught in that particular version. For example, Sword-exclusive Pokémon include Deino and Jangmo-o, while Shield-exclusive Pokémon include Larvitar and Goomy.
This means that if there’s a particular Pokémon you’re after, you’ll need to purchase the corresponding version of the game to catch it. However, if you have friends who own the opposite version of the game, you can trade with them to complete your collection.
Verdict: This one ultimately depends on which exclusive Pokémon you prefer, so we’ll call it a draw.
Graphics and Design
The graphics and design in Sword and Shield have been significantly upgraded from previous Pokémon games. The Galar region is beautifully rendered, and the addition of 3D rendering and more realistic shading makes everything come to life.
Both games also feature new designs for the Pokémon themselves. Some fans have criticized the new designs for being too simple or silly, but others appreciate the new direction the designers have taken.
Verdict: The improved graphics and design in Sword and Shield make this one a tie.
Game Difficulty
One of the biggest complaints about recent Pokémon games is that they’ve become too easy. Sword and Shield have tried to address this by introducing the “exp share” item, which allows all of your Pokémon to gain experience points even if they aren’t in battle.
This makes it easier to level up your Pokémon and progress through the game, but it also means that battles are less challenging. Some players may prefer this, while others may find it too easy.
Verdict: The game difficulty is more subjective, but we’ll call this one a tie.
Which One Should You Buy?
So, after weighing up all the factors, which game should you buy?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the elegant and graceful Zacian, go for Sword. If you prefer the fierce and ferocious Zamazenta, go for Shield.
If you have friends who own the opposite version of the game, you may want to purchase the opposite version to trade exclusive Pokémon with them. This will allow you to complete your collection and get the most out of both games.
Overall, both games are excellent additions to the Pokémon franchise, and it’s clear that the developers have put a lot of time and effort into making both games unique while still retaining the classic gameplay and mechanics that have made Pokémon so beloved over the years.
Keywords: Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Galar region, Nintendo Switch, legendary Pokémon, Dynamaxing, exclusive Pokémon, graphics, design, game difficulty.