«Previous post | Next post»

After Nintendo’s E3 Treehouse Live steam I have been seeing some dissatisfaction with the Game Freak’s decision to exclude the National Dex from the upcoming installments “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield”, and that may be an understatement.

This would not have a been a big deal (considering the Generation 7 titles didn’t have one as well), if it wasn’t for the fact this would also exclude several Pokémon from the entire series…

Simply put, Game Freak is limiting the Galar Pokédex to the new specimens and a selected group of Pokémon that would fit with the region’s biomes.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield a few exclusions would make sense

I would say a few exclusions would make sense but we’re talking about non-transferable Pokémon, a situation that only happened before because of hardware incompatibility.

Furthermore, it was also decided that Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves are also to be removed to focus on the new Dynamax mechanic.

You know…as a long-time fan of the main series games, I have mixed thoughts on the said subject.

I mean, sure. These are just personal opinions of a person who had played these games since “Pokémon Yellow” throwing his concerns and sentiments along with yours.

Nevertheless, I think that my thoughts, concerns, and sentiments are within reason for these issues. Before I begin, however, I would like to address that in a previous opinion article I had stated that I would like to see a focus on Dynamax, and solely on that.

Even so, as much as I stand with my statement I did not expect them to actually remove them for “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield”.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield pikachu

Sadly this would most likely include Cosplay Pikachu. It’s sad because who doesn’t want to see a Dynamaxed Pikachu Libre using Body Slam?

In the case of Mega Evolutions, I think the Dynamax mechanic is a good substitute, having one your Pokémon powered up once in a battle much like Mega Evolution but having more variety of Pokémon to choose from (with what we can have in Sword and Shield at least).

This would, however, remove favorite formes (mine personally being Mega Blaziken and Mega Lopunny) as well as what strategy they provided in battles from Generation 6.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield mega blaziken

One of the more popular Mega Evolved Pokémon used by fans as well as completive Trainers, Mega Blaziken, will also be cut but will the Torchic line be obtainable?

As for Z-Moves, I think they could have been implemented with “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield” if one or the other had to be removed.

Z-Moves are, as the name suggests, moves that would remain the same for any Pokémon that uses them with the corresponding move (with special exceptions). Essentially, I don’t think animating and programming would be that difficult if they were given more time.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield snorlax

Even Z-moves had to be cut. It’s a shame because some of these animations are fun to watch.

Anyways, I have enjoyed my experience with Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves (and still do). However, with the installment of a third type of wondrous power forged between Pokémon and Trainers I believe we might need to tone it down.

Despite this, I would have been fine with them appearing in the post-game. And now, what may be the worst of it, the limitation of Pokémon that can be on “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield”.

This essentially means there will be no National Dex and the only Pokémon that can be transferred to the initial Generation 8 games (if more are to follow) from previous Generations are limited to those that are a part of Galar’s Regional Dex.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield a national dex

I’m indifferent about not having a National Dex but it’s understandable for Trainers who have been catching them all for years to be surely upset.

It’s understandable that 800 plus Pokémon is a large pool of characters to model, animated, and program properly with the right element types and move pools when given a deadline…But that’s quite the cut there.

Sure, there was no National Dex in Generation 7. However, we still could transfer Pokémon over there, even with virtual consoles of Generations 1 and 2 coupled with “Pokémon Bank”.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield the pokemon bank

Pokémon Bank is, at the moment, the best way to officially to have all your Pokémon on one card, and having VCs of Gen 1 and Gen 2 made things easier.

Nevertheless, it looks like Game Freak is putting their foot down. I’m not entirely upset with their decision but I can agree that there are issues that will come with them cutting out several Pokémon, having years of catching them all or try doing so.

Now, will I still grab one of their new Generation 8 games? I know I’ll look like a shill for this, but yes, I will be getting a copy (“Pokémon Shield”).

As much as I can agree with arguments against these removals I am a fan of the main series, and I’d like to enjoy them for what they are and have at least to offer.

pokemon sword and pokemon shield junichi masuda

I suppose this would have happened eventually. I think no amount of Yamper might not fill the gap if your favorite doesn’t get in, though an Electric Corgi could take your mind off it.

Though if this was solely due to development time and deadlines (I’m sure there’s more to it), then we could have waited for another release date.

I mean, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” got another year of development and its fan base has been known for their arcane studies of summoning circles before its announcement.

With other developers creating apps and “Pokémon Go” still going strong what’s another year for Game Freak and Generation 8?

Perhaps more than what they could afford but what do you think? Will you still buy any of the games or pass because of the chance of your favorite Pokémon not surviving the Cut?

Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts in the comment section down below! And Train on.

Source:
YongYea (“Pokemon Fans Protest Incomplete Pokedex in Sword and Shield, Devs Respond”)
Nintendo (Nintendo Treehouse: Live – E3 2019)
Pokémon.com (“A Message for Pokémon Video Game Fans”)

Credit:
Robin Ek – Editor

***Disclaimer***
This is a personal opinion of the writer, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the other writers (nor The Gaming Ground´s) opinions.