Sword and Shield: After One Year

Around one year ago, give or take some days, there was a momentous occasion for Pokémon games. It was then that the newest members of the main series games, Sword and Shield, were released for the Switch. It was a big release in many ways, in part due to being the first on a very innovative console. And now that it's one year after the fact, it seems that it's worth it to discuss how the games have fared since then, as well as what it means for the games and possible related games that may come about in the future.

As is known very well, the games had a tumultuous beginning (even before their actual "beginning") by a controversy regarding the included content in the games. Today, that controversy has practically (been) settled, and the games are working out just like the main series games of the past, with connectivity, competitions, and collective efforts... at least if it weren't for the confounding conundrum that the world is in today. Regardless, the games can be said to be "business as usual", as usual as they can be like preceding games.

That "business as usual" is also helped by the Expansion Pass, which brought about new and old content alike. After two parts to it and the great deal of content in each one, Trainers have become appeased and/or pleased with them. The concept of the Expansion Pass is unprecedented considering the main series of Pokémon games, and it might be viewed as a less-than-ideal solution for the games of the present era, but it remains something of interest in any case, and similar implementations might be pursued in future games.

Based on what has transpired with the games, the most important matter seems to be "content, content, content". Content was the big thing behind the controversy, content continues to be big for the game itself, and content was a driving force for the method of expanding the game. To appease as many people as possible, the trick becomes the addition of as much content as possible while not sacrificing value of the games, though added value as with the Expansion Pass may be viable. This remains to be seen.

The act of the Pokémon main series games expanding to a console that is innovative is by itself an innovation, and it's almost hard to believe that one year has passed since that very moment. It's also been a year and more full of challenges that have crept in prior to and after the onset of the games that affects their enjoyment by loyal followers. Beyond those challenges, enjoyment is a certainty, especially for loyal Pokémon fans whose aim is only that, in a region and world so new in different ways.

One year ago: Everyone's Contributions

Two years ago: So Little and So Much

Three years ago: A Pokémon Menu