Pokemon Sword and Shield was announced earlier today, and now Nintendo and friends have released some new details about the upcoming 8th generation of the iconic RPG franchise. The Switch is bringing a number of new and returning Pokemon with this new game, so fans and new gamers to the franchise are going to have a ton of catching to do.
The game features full 3D environments thanks to the Switch hardware, which is pretty cool. We also get to see the new region of Galar which blends modern and classic elements of the regions of the previous games to create a completely new set of areas with hundreds of new Pokemon. The environs vary from idyllic countrysides to a large industrialized metropolis, each with their own themes, and of course rosters of Pokemon.
Nintendo and The Pokemon Company also had some details and screenshots to share for the three iconic starters which players will pick from in Gen 8. For those that somehow don’t know, the three starters in Pokemon Sword and Shield are Grooky, Scorbunny, and Sobble.
Grooky is classified as the “Chimp Pokemon” and is said to be “mischievous and full of boundless curiosity.” Next is the “Water Lizard Pokemon” The second reveal is Scorbunny, the “Rabbit Pokemon” who is “bursting with energy.” Finally there’s Sobble, who is described as a “stealthy” Pokemon that “shoots out attacks as it hides itself in water.” And with those starters, there was also a reveal which included Pikachu as well. So one of my favorites from Gen 1, Raichu, is in this game and I’m happy. Now I’m just stuck wondering what new locales we’ll see as well. Please god no Mt. Moon 8.0!
There’s also the full recap of the Pokemon-focused Direct down below with said screenshots, check that stuff out down below. Pokemon Sword and Shield are planning to drop onto the Switch later in 2019.
“Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are the latest exciting adventures in the Pokémon video game journey that began twenty-three years ago. Since then, Trainers around the world have discovered new Pokémon, engaged in epic battles, and made countless memories along the way. We look forward to continuing this journey by exploring a stunning new region in the Pokémon universe when the games launch later this year on Nintendo Switch.”
