{"id":1179,"date":"2019-11-21T01:21:20","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T23:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-pokemon-sword-switch\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:18:47","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:18:47","slug":"review-pokemon-sword-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-pokemon-sword-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Pok\u00e9mon Sword (Switch)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pok\u00e9mon<\/strong> is a cultural phenomenon, so ubiquitous that most people have at least a passing familiarity with it. Even those who haven’t played the games can likely identify one or two of the pocket monsters. As I mentioned in my review of Pok\u00e9mon Detective Pikachu<\/strong><\/a>, I previously belonged to the category of people with limited Pok\u00e9mon<\/em> experience\u2014aside from a brief foray into Pok\u00e9mon Go<\/strong>. However, that’s changing now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pok\u00e9mon<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When I was asked to review the new game Pok\u00e9mon Sword<\/strong> for Nintendo Switch<\/a>, I accepted. My interest was piqued after watching the film, and I was eager to gain more firsthand experience with the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pok\u00e9mon<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Pok\u00e9mon Sword<\/em>, you assume the role of a customizable protagonist. You can assign your character any name you choose; in my playthrough, I opted for Henric<\/strong>. The game features text-based dialogue, creating a personalized touch when characters address you by name. Navigation and objective clarity are well-implemented, with ample textual cues and character interactions guiding you. Early battles are straightforward, and as you learn to capture and train Pok\u00e9mon, the collecting aspect becomes increasingly engaging. The game offers a diverse range of Pok\u00e9mon to discover and acquire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pok\u00e9mon<\/a>
You can also rename the Pok\u00e9mons that you train. Thought it was a fitting name.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pok\u00e9mon Sword<\/em> is designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch<\/strong>, ensuring a consistent experience whether played in handheld or docked mode. The game also supports online play, allowing you to battle and trade Pok\u00e9mon with other trainers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pok\u00e9mon<\/a>
Dig the detail that my avatar has its own Nintendo Switch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The graphics are polished and vibrant. The game is expansive, featuring numerous customization options and a vast array of Pok\u00e9mon to encounter. Personalizing your avatar’s appearance in the in-game stores can be surprisingly time-consuming for detail-oriented players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pok\u00e9mon<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Are there any drawbacks? A few. The battles can become somewhat repetitive over time. An option to accelerate the animations would be beneficial, as they can feel slow-paced after extended play. My perspective is also influenced by a lack of pre-existing nostalgia, my primary exposure to Pok\u00e9mon being the recent film. Furthermore, the game shares a similar issue with Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020<\/a> \u2013 a significant amount of dialogue must be progressed through before engaging in gameplay, which can become tedious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pok\u00e9mon<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, Pok\u00e9mon Sword<\/em> is a well-crafted game offering extensive playtime, but its appeal is not universal. As a relative newcomer to the franchise, I found it enjoyable, although perhaps not as captivating as it would be for a dedicated Pok\u00e9mon enthusiast. While not necessarily a mandatory purchase for everyone, I can still recommend Pok\u00e9mon Sword<\/em> to both new and experienced players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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