Pokémon Sword and Shield

As in many, many Pokémon games before this release, Pokémon Sword and Shield does not change the old working formula: you play as a little boy or girl, in the same small town, in which for some reason is considered the norm, which is 13 -year-old child travels the world unaccompanied by adults. You catch monsters, and put them to fight against other monsters, until one of them runs out of health points. All in order to get the coveted stadium badges and become the champion.

Certain elements have, of course, been added or modified to keep the story alive, such as the main story arc about the legendary Pokémon Sword and Shield that saved the world from a Dark Day. But the plot has never been the main reason why we take these games over and over again. It's a sense of adventure and friends that we make along the way.

Pokémon Sword and Shield Setting

This time, Pokémon Sword and Shield is set in the Galar region. The stadiums are back after a short break in Alola - bigger and better than ever. Now there's a real show going on here, the crowds roaring - Pokemon fighting is the number one sport in Galar. In general, the whole game is sustained in a competitive environment, which is very pleasing. Upon registration, each tournament participant receives a sports uniform with his personal number - just like famous football players on the TV screen.

Traveling through Galar, you will fight in eight (as usual) stadiums, but for the first time this journey of glory and greatness will be the main motivation for the hero. There is no evil team (at least not a real one) or danger threatening to destroy the world (for most of the game). There is a story about the discovery of the history of the region, but for the most part, Pokémon Sword and Shield is about climbing to the top to become the strongest trainer in the region. The concept is simple, but focused and effective, and the elimination of the global threat element means you won't feel like you're wasting time training Pokémon, finding rare species, or raiding with friends.

Dynamax

The main feature of the battles in Galar is Dynamax - a special transformation of Pokémon, which increases its size tenfold, and also increases health and changes attacks. Some Pokémon also have access to Gigantamax - this transformation has all the same features as Dynamax, but at the same time, the Pokémon's appearance completely changes, and it has a unique Gigantamax attack.

But you won't be able to take advantage of this opportunity anywhere. There are special places of power scattered throughout the Galar region, where trainers with dynamax armbands can dynamax their Pokémon. It was on these sources of power that the Galar stadiums were built.

Enjoy the natural beauty in the Wild Zone

One of the new features of Pokémon Sword and Shield and a major marketing ploy is the Wild Zone. This is a huge part of the Galara map, filled with a variety of Pokémon, with gorgeous views. This is the only place in the game where you can control the camera. There are so many opportunities here that you can just get lost and forget about the main plot for the sake of research.

When a player enters the Wild Zone for the first time, it feels both delightful and overwhelming. You are already accustomed to navigating isometric screens, running in the grass, not knowing which Pokemon you will come across, and constantly moving forward, conquering stadium after stadium. The Wild Zone is the antithesis of the Pokémon formula fans are used to. You not only control the camera, but you also meet Pokémon, openly, everywhere.

As you pass through various biomes with lakes, forests and deserts, Pokémon will catch up and run away from you. Sometimes you can meet very strong creatures, with a level much higher than your team, and with difficult evolution conditions, for example, from an exchange. However, do not be encouraged - a novice coach will still not be able to catch them. Pokémon encountered also depend on changing weather - thunderstorms, for example, attract electric monsters.

Another feature of Pokémon Sword and Shield is camping. Outside buildings, you can pitch your tent to play with your Pokémon or make curries. In the Wild Zone, you can do this online with your friends, which doubles the fun. Find new curry ingredients and add different flavors of berries to fill your curry dex.

Raids in Pokémon Sword and Shield

Raids in Pokémon Sword and Shield are the game's greatest strength. While exploring the Wild Zone, sometimes you will see red pillars of light - this means that somewhere nearby there is a Pokémon's lair. Here you can fight Dynamax Pokemon by inviting three friends. And the battles will be very interesting, because these monsters break all the rules - they hide behind shields and use several attacks in one turn.