The game came out with many divisive topics, but I wanted to give it a good chance. Overall though, as of now this sits as one of my least favorite mainline games. Combining the worst elements of the last two generations, and adding a couple more I disagree with.
To discuss, the graphics, they aren't up to the standard provided by the Switch's first party library, I am unsure if there were bugs but everything looks incredibly fuzzy on console whenever I attempted to play docked, as if the resolution had not been changed, this is without discussing the lackluster wild area.
In terms of gameplay. there were many changes that I wasn't happy with. Although probably in the minority. Random battles were never exciting since every battle was intentionally entered or a nuisance. This meant I ran from almost every battle not encompassing a new pokemon to catch. Because of this change, I also felt like routes were less exciting, which may coincide with the shorter amount in the game overall. Since I never found it necessary to train all my pokemon equally thanks to the always-on exp share, I actually found myself caring less about my pokemon, and sticking to a couple of power houses for anything but type advantages. Even playing this way, I never found myself in dire shape.
Although the story felt just as stop and start as pokemon sun and moon, there were some interesting ideas presented with the gym leaders, and the last area. Although. in the end. the game diminished these by making these points extremely easy.
What I can say is the the music is great as always, and even if you do skip this game. I do suggest giving it a listen.
Honestly, I can't give the game a recommendation as it doesn't excel in anything the series is known for. You would do better to go back and try an older game to get a probable better experience.
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This was reviewed in 2019 and this game actively killed any enthusiasm for further pokemon. As in the game was so against my enjoyment of Pokemon lasting from Generation 1 (A continuous player), that I am no longer excited for new Pokemon games.
To discuss, the graphics, they aren't up to the standard provided by the Switch's first party library, I am unsure if there were bugs but everything looks incredibly fuzzy on console whenever I attempted to play docked, as if the resolution had not been changed, this is without discussing the lackluster wild area.
In terms of gameplay. there were many changes that I wasn't happy with. Although probably in the minority. Random battles were never exciting since every battle was intentionally entered or a nuisance. This meant I ran from almost every battle not encompassing a new pokemon to catch. Because of this change, I also felt like routes were less exciting, which may coincide with the shorter amount in the game overall. Since I never found it necessary to train all my pokemon equally thanks to the always-on exp share, I actually found myself caring less about my pokemon, and sticking to a couple of power houses for anything but type advantages. Even playing this way, I never found myself in dire shape.
Although the story felt just as stop and start as pokemon sun and moon, there were some interesting ideas presented with the gym leaders, and the last area. Although. in the end. the game diminished these by making these points extremely easy.
What I can say is the the music is great as always, and even if you do skip this game. I do suggest giving it a listen.
Honestly, I can't give the game a recommendation as it doesn't excel in anything the series is known for. You would do better to go back and try an older game to get a probable better experience.
====================================================
This was reviewed in 2019 and this game actively killed any enthusiasm for further pokemon. As in the game was so against my enjoyment of Pokemon lasting from Generation 1 (A continuous player), that I am no longer excited for new Pokemon games.