Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield Double Pack

Our analysis

Strong core formula and the wild area offers exciting exploration, but poor presentation, lazy design outside the wild area, archaic battle systems, and severely limited post-game content disappoint.

Our analysis

Disappointing entry failing to evolve franchise for modern consoles. Insulting to long-time fans.

Our analysis

Pokémon Shield disappoints Skill Up with stagnant design, dull combat, weak storytelling and poor visuals. He acknowledges why other fans enjoy Sword and Shield but does not share their enthusiasm.

Our analysis

The Wild Area, spectacular stadium gym battles, surprisingly fun Dynamax and Max Raids, strong new Pokemon and a superb soundtrack make this a solid start to HD Pokemon, held back by rigid routes, stiff dialogue, a cut Pokedex and uneven visuals.