POKEMON SWORD & POKEMON SHIELD
Platform: Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch Lite
Release Date: November 15, 2019 (Worldwide)
Game File Size: Approximately 9.5 GB
Serebii.net links: [ Game Information | Pre-release Screenshots | Pre-release Videos ]
Official Websites: [ English | Japanese ]
Platform: Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch Lite
Release Date: November 15, 2019 (Worldwide)
Game File Size: Approximately 9.5 GB
Serebii.net links: [ Game Information | Pre-release Screenshots | Pre-release Videos ]
Official Websites: [ English | Japanese ]
GENERAL INFORMATION
STORY, SETTING & CHARACTERS
NEW POKEMON
MECHANICS & GAMEPLAY FEATURES
ONLINE FEATURES & CONNECTIVITY
PURCHASE & PRE-ORDER BONUSES
*This list will only include bonuses within the US.
Other Sources:
- http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/174619482784
- http://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/0...itch-rpg-will-something-longtime-fans-waited/
- http://www.nintendolife.com/news/20...ms_pokemon_on_switch_will_be_generation_eight
- Pokemon Press Conference 2019
- Nintendo Direct E3 2019 Presentation
- Nintendo Direct September 2019
- Game Informer's November Cover
- Hands-On Preview Impressions (see links on next post under October 18 & 25, 2019)
- Pokemon Sword & Shield are the titular entries to Generation 8.
- According to Tsunekazu Ishihara, it is not meant to be an entry game, but a game that longtime Pokemon fans have looked forward to.
- The game is being directed by Shigeru Ohmori. He also directed Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire and Pokemon Sun/Moon.
STORY, SETTING & CHARACTERS
- The new adventure will take place on Galar Region, an expansive region with many environments—idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains.
- The region is apparently based and inspired from Great Britain.
- The vast expanse of land and lakes found in the central Galar region is known as the Wild Area.
- The Pokemon encountered in the Wild Area will vary depending on location, time and weather.
- A new weather condition has been introduced, Thunderstorm, where the battlefield will have both rain and Electric Terrain in effect.
- This area is divided into several sections; Lake Miloch, Lake Axewell, Rolling Hills to name a few.
- Scattered around the Wild Area are Pokemon Dens that are releasing a red pillar of light. These dens are home to Dynamax Pokemon where players can attempt Max Raid Battles.
- Wild Area is also home to powerful wild Pokemon. However, these Pokemon cannot be caught until the player is strong enough.
- Additionally, there are certain Pokemon that will emit a yellow aura. These Pokemon will have a couple of Max IVs or Egg Moves.
- Players can dynamically control the camera and access the PC only while in this area.
- Watts are Wild Area-exclusive currency that are gained by battling trainers and doing Max Raid battles. It can be used to purchase camp gear, items, and curry ingredients from merchants scattered around the place.
- The Pokemon encountered in the Wild Area will vary depending on location, time and weather.
- Apart from trains, the Galar Taxi is an aerial transport system used to travel between towns using a Corviknight.
- Here are some of the places in Galar:
- Wedgehurst is the player's hometown found on southern Galar.
- Slumbering Weald is the foggy forest south of Wedgehurst.
- Motostoke is the large industrial city directly north of the Wild Area.
- Gilmwood Tangle is a strange forest filled with glowing mushrooms.
- During your adventure, you will meet a lot of different characters:
- Leon is "the greatest Trainer in all of Galar". The undefeated and the current champion. He is the one who gives the starter Pokemon.
- Hop is Leon’s younger brother and the player's rival. He aims to be the champion.
- Professor Magnolia is Galar's preeminent Pokemon professor. She studies the Dynamax phenomenon.
- Sonia is Prof. Magnolia's granddaughter, assistant, and Leon's childhood friend. She will offer helpful advice and aid the player on his/her adventure.
- Rose is the Galar Pokemon League Chairman and a president of a large business conglomerate. He endorsed Leon for the Gym challenge.
- Oleana is Rose’s secretary and vice president. She is known for her calm and collected personality.
- Bede is also one of the rivals. Endorsed by Rose. He appears to have other objectives apart from being Champion.
- Marnie is also one of the rivals. She aims to be Champion to accomplish a certain goal.
- In the Galar Pokemon League, players will be able to challenge Gyms and aim to be the Champion once again.
- In the game's lore, there are a total of 18 Gyms that are classified into Major and Minor Leagues. However, there are only a total of 8 badges to collect. The gyms will vary in each version. The Gym Leaders are as follows:
- Milo specializes on Grass types.
- Nessa specializes on Water types.
- Bea specializes on Fighting types, and is exclusive to Pokemon Sword.
- Allister specializes on Ghost types, and is exclusive to Pokemon Shield.
- During the Gym Challenge, each challenger wears a special uniform for the occasion. Players can choose the combination of three numbers for their jersey.
- In the game's lore, there are a total of 18 Gyms that are classified into Major and Minor Leagues. However, there are only a total of 8 badges to collect. The gyms will vary in each version. The Gym Leaders are as follows:
- The game's antagonistic group is called Team Yell. They are Galar's troublemakers and Marnie's avid fans. They will do everything to make Marnie Champion.
NEW POKEMON
- The 3 new starter Pokemon are:
- Grookey - Grass | Chimp | Overgrow
- Sorbunny - Fire | Rabbit | Blaze
- Sobble - Water | Water Lizard | Torrent
- The box Legendaries are:
- Zacian (Pokemon Sword) - "Its shining blade can cut through anything."
- Zamazenta (Pokemon Shield) - "Its gleaming shield can turn back any attack."
- The following are the other new Pokemon:
- Gossifleur - Grass | Flowering | Cotton Down / Regenerator
- Eldegoss - Grass | Cotton Bloom | Cotton Down / Regenerator | Evolves from Gossifleur
- Wooloo - Normal | Sheep | Fluffy / Run Away
- Corviknight - Flying/Steel | Raven | Pressure / Unnerve / Mirror Armor (H)
- Drednaw - Water/Rock | Bite | Strong Jaw / Shell Armor
- Alcremie - Fairy | Cream | Sweet Veil | Has more than 28 forms called "Flavors"
- Yamper - Electric | Puppy | Ball Fetch
- Rolycoly - Rock | Coal | Steam Engine / Heatproof
- Duraludon - Steel/Dragon | Alloy | Light Metal / Heavy Metal
- Obstagoon - Dark/Normal | Blocking | Reckless / Guts | Evolves from Galarian Linoone
- Morpeko - Electric/Dark | Two-Sided | Hunger Switch
- Cramorant - Flying/Water | Gulp | Gulp Missile
- Polteageist - Ghost | Black Tea | Weak Armor
- Sirfetch'd - Fighting | Wild Duck | Steadfast | Evolves from Farfetch'd, Pokemon Sword exclusive
- Impidimp - Dark/Fairy | ??? | ???
- There are a few unidentified and unconfirmed Pokemon found in trailers:
- A squirrel/chipmunk seen in the shirt of one of the audiences in the Stadium
- An unknown Pokemon sent out by Chairman Rose during the opening ceremony
- An unknown Pokemon next to the man in the Pokemon Center's cafe
- A fish being spit by Cramorant
- Silhouettes/Statues of unknown creatures by the docks near Nessa's Gym
- A Pokemon that looks like Mr. Mime with a cane.
- A Pokemon that looks like a runestone.
- Galar has its own regional variants:
- Galarian Weezing - Poison/Fairy | Poison Gas | Levitate / Neutralizing Gas
- Galarian Zigzagoon - Dark/Normal | Tiny Raccoon | Pickup / Gluttony
- Galarian Linoone - Dark/Normal | Rushing | Pickup / Gluttony | Evolves from Galarian Zigzagoon
- Galarian Ponyta - Psychic | Unique Horn | Pastel Veil / Run Away | Pokemon Shield exclusive
- The National Dex and Mega Evolutions are not in the game. However, the feature is said to return in the future.
- To see the list of Pokemon possibly included in the Galar Pokedex, click HERE.
- To see a list of version-exclusives, click HERE.
- To see a list of new Moves introduced, click HERE.
- To see a list of new Abilities, click HERE.
MECHANICS & GAMEPLAY FEATURES
- The game's graphics are more visually impressive than any of the previous mainline games.
- The Rotom Phone is a special gadget inhabited by a Rotom. Apart from the Pokedex, it has a lot of other uses. For example, it can be attached to the bicycle to increase speed on land, or help traverse water.
- The Pokedex has a minimap that shows which Pokemon are available in each area.
- The Dynamax Phenomenon is a new mechanic that is an integral part of Pokemon battles in the Galar region.
- Dynamaxing allows a Pokemon to grow into a giant as well as receive power boosts in battle.
- Only Trainers who possess a Dynamax Band are able to Dynamax their Pokemon.
- You can only Dynamax your Pokemon once per battle. It can only last up to three turns.
- Dynamax can only be used in specific locations, such as the Pokemon Gyms.
- All the moves of a Dynamax Pokemon will turn into special Max Moves.
- Max Moves are determined by what kind and types of moves a Pokemon knows.
- Max Moves also have secondary effects such as stat increases.
- Dynamax Power shrugs off moves that causes flinching.
- Each Pokemon has a specific Dynamax Level. However it's meaning is currently unclear.
- Gigantamax is a new feature which boosts power upon Dynamaxing and changes a Pokemon's form.
- Only specific Pokemon can Gigantamax, and these Pokemon are only found exclusively in Max Raid Battles.
- Each Gigantamax Pokemon have their own unique G-Move.
- Some known Pokemon than can Gigantamax are Drednaw, Corviknight, Alcremie, Pikachu, Eevee, Meowth, Butterfree & Charizard.
- Gigantamax Pikachu can be received by having Play Records on your Nintendo Switch system from Let's Go, Pikachu.
- Gigantamax Eevee can be received by having Play Records on your Nintendo Switch system from Let's Go, Eevee.
- Gigantamax Meowth is a special early purchase bonus, and is available through Mystery Gift from November 15, 2019 until January 15, 2020.
- Before starting a raid battle, the game indicates whether you're fighting a normal or a Gigantamax Pokemon. Gigantamax Pokemon has a yellow glow behind its sprite's silhouette.
- Max Raid Battles are a completely new battle format where players can team up with three other Trainers in order to take on a wild Dynamax Pokemon found in Pokemon Dens.
- If no other players are available, support Trainers will automatically be added to your team.
- Players can only use one Pokemon from your party or your box.
- Max Raid battles only last 10 turns.
- Trainers who may use Dynamax changes each turn but only one Trainer in the team can Dynamax their Pokemon and only once per battle.
- Wild Dynamax Pokemon will remain in their giant form for the entire battle.
- It may use multiple moves in a single turn.
- It may neutralize the Abilities of each player’s Pokemon or completely reset stat changes before attacking.
- It may put up a barrier that prevents damage. Each attack reduces at least one part of the gauge.
- Wild Dynamax Pokemon can only be caught once it's defeated.
- Each player will be able to throw one Pokeball in an attempt to catch the Dynamax Pokemon.
- Only one Trainer needs to catch the Max Raid Pokemon for everyone to obtain it.
- Victories in Max Raid Battles can also reward players with items.
- Pokemon encountered in Max Raids will also vary on the location and weather within the Wild Area.
- Some Pokemon are exclusive to Max Raid Battles.
- Hidden Abilities of Pokemon can be obtained through Max Raid Battles.
- To see the current Max Raid events, click HERE.
- Similar to Let's Go, wild Pokemon can be seen and encountered on the overworld. There are generally three methods to encounter Wild Pokemon:
- By approaching roaming Pokemon on the overworld.
- By approaching the [!] icon that will pop up in patches of tall grass.
- By simply running around the tall grass.
- The sneaking feature from Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire returns.
- Poke Jobs is a new feature where you can send your Pokemon to do job requests from corporations or universities.
- You can check available Poke Jobs at the Rotomi in Pokemon Centers.
- You can also directly send Pokemon from your Boxes.
- Pokemon will earn EXP as a reward, but how much it gains is based on how long they work and their types.
- Rotomi is an upgraded version of the PC found in Pokemon Centers.
- Aside from accessing Boxes, it has many other features such as Poke Jobs and the Loto-ID.
- Pokemon Boxes can be accessed anywhere, except in mission areas such as Gyms.
- Trainer Customization returns with more clothing, hairstyle and makeup options. Items for sale will vary per boutique.
- Players are given League Cards that provide detailed information about the Trainer.
- You can use the Card Maker function of Rotomi to fully customize your card such as changing the background, frame, facial expression, pose, etc.
- League Cards can be traded with other players, and are displayed during Link Battles.
- In-game characters such as Leon and the Gym Leaders will also give you their autographed League Cards.
- League Cards received from others are stored in your album.
- Pokemon Camp, similar to Pokemon Amie and Pokemon Refresh, is a feature that allows you to interact and play with your Pokemon to increase their friendship.
- In Camp, players can cook Curry and eat them with your Pokemon. Curries will vary based on the ingredients used.
- Curry ingredients can be found, bought or given/received. Recipes can be found, bought, gifted or self-discovered through experimentation.
- You can join camps of other players or have them visit yours.
- Camps can have up to 4 players.
- In Camp, players can cook Curry and eat them with your Pokemon. Curries will vary based on the ingredients used.
- The EXP Share is enabled by default without use of an item. It cannot be turned off.
- There are new methods introducced to allow players easily create competitively-viable Pokemon:
- Mints can be used to change the stat-growth pattern of a Pokemon. There is a mint for each nature.
- Vitamins can now be used until a Pokemon's base points is maxed out.
- Exp. Candies can be used to raise a Pokemon's experience by a set amount. For example, Exp. Candy XL gives 30,000 Exp.
- Pokemon of the same species can now pass Egg moves onto each other in the Day Care without breeding.
- Autosaving has been introduced. It can be turned off.
- The Nickname Rater, Move Deleter, and Move Relearner is now offered by a single NPC in Pokemon Centers. It does not require Heart Scales.
- You can now give nicknames to traded Pokemon that didn't have one, but it can only be done once.
- There is no voice-acting.
- Z-Moves are not in the game.
- HMs do not return.
- To see a list of new items introduced, click HERE.
ONLINE FEATURES & CONNECTIVITY
- The Y-Comm, the successor to Gen 6's Player Search System (PSS), is a new feature that allows interaction with other players both locally and globally.
- It can be used to organize trades and battles, including Max Raids.
- It also shows a news/status feed from other players, which may also pop up as stamps when the player is on the field.
- You can meet other players on the Wild Area if you are connected through the Y-Comm. Other players may give you items.
- It can be accessed at any time by pressing Y.
- One of Y-Comm's features is the Surprise Trade. Simply select a Pokemon from your Boxes and the game will find a trading partner for you, which could either be local or global.
- Items received through Mystery Gift will be added straight into your bag. Clothing items will be available straight away at any Boutique to wear. Any BP is added when you check your League Card. Pokemon are automatically sent to your Box.
- The Battle Stadium, the successor to the Battle Spot, is where players can connect online and battle against Trainers from around the world. The following are the battle modes available in the Battle Stadium:
- Ranked Battles is similar to Rating Battles of previous games however, Ranks are now tier-based.
- Each rank in Ranked Battles belongs to a specific tier: Beginner, Poke Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball and Master Ball Tier.
- You can only face trainers within the same tier.
- Points earned are based on the battle results.
- You rank increases as you earn points.
- You can earn items if you meet certain criteria, such as battling multiple times in a row.
- You can check rankings using the Pokemon HOME smartphone app.
- Casual battles are basically unranked battles. Unlike Ranked Battles, this mode allows Legendary and Mythical Pokemon.
- Ranked and Casual Battles both run Single and Double Battle formats.
- Online Competitions have two categories:
- Official Competitions are special battles with its own rules and regulations. Some official competitions may offer a chance to be part of the World Championships.
- Friendly Competitions are battles hosted by players. The host decides the regulations.
- Rental Teams is a returning feature that allows players to borrow or create their own Battle Teams to share publicly online. Rental Teams can be used on Ranked Battles.
- To see the current Online Competitions, click HERE.
- Ranked Battles is similar to Rating Battles of previous games however, Ranks are now tier-based.
- Pokemon HOME is a new cloud-based Pokemon storage system introduced for the Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android devices.
- Pokemon from Pokemon Bank, Pokemon GO, Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, and Pokemon Sword/Shield can be transferred and stored into HOME.
- However, Pokemon stored in HOME and only Pokemon found within the Galar Pokedex can be transferred back to Pokemon Sword/Shield.
- One of its features allow trainers to trade with each other locally and globally.
- Pokemon HOME will launch early 2020.
- The Poke Ball Plus, a peripheral introduced in Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, is compatible with these games.
- You can transfer one of your Pokemon into it and play with it outside the game.
- However, it cannot be used as a controller.
- You can transfer Mew into the game only if you connect a new Poke Ball Plus.
- Pokemon Global Link will not support these games.
- Functionality such as checking rankings, distribution regulations, and the event calendar will be available in the Pokemon HOME app instead.
- Also, since there is no more need to Game Sync, joining online competitions will be done directly within the game, through the Battle Stadium.
PURCHASE & PRE-ORDER BONUSES
*This list will only include bonuses within the US.
- NINTENDO SWITCH LITE
- A new model of Nintendo Switch dedicated to handheld play has been announced. Nintendo Switch Lite will launch worldwide on September 20, 2019. It has a suggested retail price of 19,980 ¥ in Japan and $199.99 in America.
- It has a smaller 5.5" screen, slightly better battery life and weighs less.
- Since it is dedicated to handheld play, it has built-in controllers and will not connect to a TV. You can, however, connect JoyCons wirelessly.
- A special "Zacian & Zemazenta Edition" of Nintendo Switch Lite has been announced. It comes in gray and features cyan and magenta buttons. It also features Zacian and Zamazenta. This version launches November 01, 2019 in Japan and November 08, 2019 in NA/EU.
- A new model of Nintendo Switch dedicated to handheld play has been announced. Nintendo Switch Lite will launch worldwide on September 20, 2019. It has a suggested retail price of 19,980 ¥ in Japan and $199.99 in America.
- DOUBLE PACK
- If you purchase the double pack, you will receive two codes that will reward you with special items known as Dynamax Crystals. These can only be used on the giant Pokemon Den found in the Wild Area.
- These crystals will enable you to face Dynamax Larvitar and Dynamax Jangmo-o in special Max Raid Battles. You’ll be able to attempt these Max Raid Battles as many times as it takes to win or until midnight on the day that the Dynamax Crystal was used.
- Larvitar is Shield-exclusive while Jangmo-o is Sword-exclusive. But you’ll be able to catch them in either version by using these Dynamax Crystals.
- You can only use the code for each Dynamax Crystal in one game and save data. You can’t receive the rewards more than once.
- DOWNLOADABLE VERSIONS
- From Nov 15, 2019 – Jan 15, 2020, players of the downloadable version can receive 12 Quick Balls. Code is only valid through Nov 30, 2020.
- Two codes for 12 Quick Balls each will be given to those who purchased the download-card version of the double pack.
- You can only use the code for each set of Quick Balls in one game and save data. You can’t receive the rewards more than once.
- Purchasing both games separately with a pair of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers will not grant the special bonuses included with a purchase of the double pack.
- POKEMON CENTER
- Pre-ordering the games at Pokemon Centers will come with Plush Keychains of the starters while supplies last.
- AMAZON US
- If you purchase the Double Pack from Amazon before November 14th, you'll get a serial code for a Gold Stud Backpack, a trainer customization accessory in the game. The download codes will be sent starting November 15, 2019
- GAMESTOP
- Pre-ordering and purchasing the Double Pack at GameStop comes with a double-sided wall banner of the Galar Region.
- For details on purchase, pre-order bonuses and other related merchandise in Japan, click here to visit the official Japanese Pokemon Sword/Shield website.
- For details on other global events, click here.
Other Sources:
- http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/174619482784
- http://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/0...itch-rpg-will-something-longtime-fans-waited/
- http://www.nintendolife.com/news/20...ms_pokemon_on_switch_will_be_generation_eight
- Pokemon Press Conference 2019
- Nintendo Direct E3 2019 Presentation
- Nintendo Direct September 2019
- Game Informer's November Cover
- Hands-On Preview Impressions (see links on next post under October 18 & 25, 2019)
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