A really interesting experiment to change up the Pokemon formula. I like a lot of the ideas, but the execution of said ideas was pretty sloppy most of the time. I love the idea of the Dynamax/Gigantamax raids, but it was down to pure dumb luck if I ever got to join someone else's raid and most of the time, it was already timed out, or even worse, I got stuck with NPCs who, on 4/5-Star raids, would usually be the cause of a full wipe. The online portions of Sword/Shield are definitely the greatest struggle, which is not a surprise considering this is Nintendo we're talking about. I LOVE the camping and curry cooking aspects, especially where other players could pop into your camp. I just wish there were more Poketoy options than "stick" or "10 different kinds of balls."
EDIT
After playing the Isle of Armor and most of The Crown Tundra, I can safely say this I still really enjoy this game overall.
The Isle of Armor was definitely weak, forcing you to complete even more Dynamax raids on the Isle itself to make the Gigantamax mushrooms appear was nothing short of a huge annoyance. Only the first 3 you gather as a part of the story don't require doing Dynamax raids, but if you want any more? Well, I hope you enjoy suffering. The story for Isle of Armor was very must just...fine. I didn't dislike it. However, I hate Avery's guts. I want that stupid smug twink obliterated.
Meanwhile, The Crown Tundra is a really pleasant experience. The "story" is woefully short though and just revolves completely around you catching Legendaries. The Dynamax Adventure is REALLY damn fun though. You get to keep any Pokemon you capture during an excursion, at the end of which is a Legendary Pokemon or Ultra Beast not found in the game anywhere else. The Dynamax Adventures also have a 100% capture rate, so you don't have to grind your fingers to the bone just trying to get one. The online experience for Dynamax Adventure was also pleasant, at least when there were a lot of people playing it during the weeks after TCT released.
EDIT
After playing the Isle of Armor and most of The Crown Tundra, I can safely say this I still really enjoy this game overall.
The Isle of Armor was definitely weak, forcing you to complete even more Dynamax raids on the Isle itself to make the Gigantamax mushrooms appear was nothing short of a huge annoyance. Only the first 3 you gather as a part of the story don't require doing Dynamax raids, but if you want any more? Well, I hope you enjoy suffering. The story for Isle of Armor was very must just...fine. I didn't dislike it. However, I hate Avery's guts. I want that stupid smug twink obliterated.
Meanwhile, The Crown Tundra is a really pleasant experience. The "story" is woefully short though and just revolves completely around you catching Legendaries. The Dynamax Adventure is REALLY damn fun though. You get to keep any Pokemon you capture during an excursion, at the end of which is a Legendary Pokemon or Ultra Beast not found in the game anywhere else. The Dynamax Adventures also have a 100% capture rate, so you don't have to grind your fingers to the bone just trying to get one. The online experience for Dynamax Adventure was also pleasant, at least when there were a lot of people playing it during the weeks after TCT released.