Pokémon Sword and Shield has a number of new features that are getting a mixed reception from Pokémon players, including Shiny-locked starters, overpowered wild Pokémon, and settings that are unlocked by in-game items (via Game Rant).
Pokémon Sword and Shield will launch on Friday but a handful of people have their hands on early copies of the two games. Sharing screenshots and data mining the files, players have learned of new features and mechanics that they’re not too keen on. Firstly, it is apparently impossible to collect a shiny starter Pokémon. Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble cannot be shiny even if they’re found in the wild, and it’s the same story for the two legendaries, Zacian and Zamazenta. Pokémon Black and White and Let’s Go Eevee! and Let’s Go Pikachu! also had shiny-locked Pokémon, so this is not a bolt from the blue.
Secondly, it is reported that over 140 moves will not be included in Sword and Shield, like Return, Frustration, Hidden Power, Pursuit, Dragon Rage. This is like pouring lemon juice on a papercut for those players who are cheesed off with the limited Galar Pokédex. And, overlevelled Pokémon will be roaming the Wild Zone but trainers won’t be able to catch them. For example, if a level six trainer stumbles over a level 17 Diglett, the game will say ‘You can’t throw a Poké Ball! It won’t let its guard down!’ If this is the case, some are saying that it eliminates the risk and reward factor when approaching a high-level Pokémon.
Finally, the most recent revelation is that the game’s sound levels are unlocked when the player obtains the ‘Hi-tech Earbuds’ from a character in a town. Only then are the settings for background music, sound effects, and Pokémon cries able to modified in the options menu. It seems like a lot has changed. That’s the thing, though. It seems like Game Freak has made these decisions during development, and datamines don’t confirm that the features are in the final game. All of the moves could be included in Sword and Shield, or the developer may intend to add them in an update.
Or, it won’t, because too many moves would wreak havoc within the games’ balance and the competitive scene. Working with the Switch gave rise to new opportunities and challenges, and Game Freak has implemented gameplay elements that make the most of the hardware. In addition, these changes would imaginably lead to a new and unique Pokémon RPG that attracts rookies and veterans alike. To name a few, the Special Trade is a sweet way of connecting two random players who trade a random Pokemon from each others’ rosters, and the Nature Mints affect the way Pokémon stats develop. There’s also a Wooloo rolling minigame and Dynamax Raids that pit four players against a behemothic Pokémon with standout moves and abilities.
Pokémon Sword and Shield will launch on November 15 for the Nintendo Switch.
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