Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Metacritic Score Revealed

John F. Trent |

Nov 13, 2019

The Metacritic score for Pokemon Sword and Shield has been revealed and it is currently getting overwhelmingly positive reviews.

The Metacritic, Metascore sits at 81 with 14 positive reviews and 4 mixed reviews. There are 0 negative reviews.

Here’s what the critics are saying:

IGN gives the game a 93. They write, “Pokemon Sword and Shield are the best games in the series, streamlining its most tedious traditions without losing any of the charm.”

GamePro Germany gives the game a 91. They write, “The best game of the series so far.”

GameSpot gives the game a 90. They write, “In collecting, battling, and exploring, Sword and Shield cut out the bloat and focus on what makes these pillars of the Pokemon games so captivating in the first place. You’re not held back by overly complicated back-end systems or hoops to jump through; from the outset, you can start wandering the Galar region, seeing its new Pokemon, and trying out its new battle strategies with very little in your way. This leaves you free to enjoy what Pokemon is all about, and that makes for an incredibly strong showing for the series’ proper debut on Switch.”

https://youtu.be/AuyDfYNjvM0

GamesRadar gives the game a 90. They write, “Gameplay tweaks and attention to detail make Pokemon Sword and Shield the most compelling Pokemon world to date.”

Game Informer gives the game an 88. They write, “Pokémon Sword & Shield are strong first attempts for the series’ full transition to consoles. While some frustrations hold it back from true legendary status, this new generation proves the Pokémon franchise is still great more than two decades after its debut.”

Areajugones gives the game an 88. They write, “Pokémon Sword and Shield is a game that knows how to keep intact the inheritance it receives from previous titles of the saga and, at the same time, introduces a series of new elements that will lead the franchise into the future. In an attempt to be a gateway for everyone, Game Freak’s new project will please both newcomers and more experienced players because, although some sections of this new installment have received less attention, it still has a content which will be attractive enough for every coach to find his place in the new region of Galar.”

https://youtu.be/UMjKiC1l_yA

Nintendo Life gives the game an 80. They write, “Pokémon Sword and Shield succeed in bringing some new ideas to the table, but they’re also somewhat guilty of not pushing things far enough. What’s done right is done right, but what’s done wrong feels like it’s come from a decade-old design document. There are moments contained within that are best the series has ever been, but this joy is at times spoiled by contrasting moments that left us disappointed and did not match up to the rest of what the rest of these games can offer. What we’ve got here is an experience full of highs and lows, from the unadulterated wonder and joy of seeing a brand-new Pokémon in a stadium full of cheering crowds, to the monotonous and dragged-out dialogue we just wanted to skip.”

EGM gives the game an 80. They write, “The first new-generation Pokémon game to release on a proper home console does not disappoint. New features like Dynamaxing and the Wild Area are fun additions that make the experience of becoming a Pokémon champion still feel fresh. It’s just a shame that Game Freak didn’t lean into the new features more than they did.”

Metro GameCentral gives the game a 70. They write, “The furore over Dexit may be overblown but even without it this is an underwhelming and unambitious attempt to modernise Pokémon and expand its horizons.”

🚨 Our Galar Research is complete, Trainers! 🚨

Look back at what we’ve uncovered, then get ready to make new friends, face new challengers, and catch new Pokémon in #PokemonSwordShield!

⚔️🛡️ https://t.co/pVR7p0lLGI pic.twitter.com/6nnASMfsUL

— #GrookeyGang 🍃 (@Pokemon) November 11, 2019

VG247 gives the game a 60. They write, “Pokemon Sword & Shield is all too often a bit disappointing, and in some places actually feels a little unfinished, but it also fully provides that warm, fuzzy feeling that one expects from the series. Crucially, even through frustration, never once did I think about putting it down, which is to its credit.”

Daily Star gives the game a 60. They write, “Pokémon Sword and Shield are not bad games. But fun character arcs and inventive, creative designs of new ‘mon are often offset by poor pacing and restrictive world design. The world of Galar is charming, and is a Pokémon interpretation of Britain I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, but between gating what Pokémon you can catch behind Gym Badges, some half-baked route/City designs and a modest amount of post-game content, Sword and Shield can only be called ‘good’ Pokémon games… not ‘great’ ones.”

Pokemon Sword and Shield will be available for purchase on November 15, 2019.

What do you make of these critic reviews? Do you plan on picking up Pokemon Sword and Shield?