A Nintendo switch Pokemon game review Galarian edition (Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield)

By Aaron James Stead 16/07/2025

In a recent article, I shared my adventures throughout the Paldean region, exploring both the in-game journey and the broader public reception of the game and its downloadable content (DLCs). Today, I'm shifting focus to the eighth generation of Pokémon—specifically, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. While both titles offer similar core experiences, I’ll primarily be discussing Pokémon Shield, as it features a unique Gym Leader not found in Pokémon Sword, which slightly alters the gameplay and narrative experience.

Set in the Galar region, which draws heavy inspiration from the United Kingdom, Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced several new mechanics and design choices that marked a turning point in the franchise. The most notable of these is the introduction of the Wild Area—a sprawling, open-world environment where players can freely control the camera, encounter a wide variety of Pokémon, and participate in Max Raid Battles. This feature was a clear attempt to blend traditional Pokémon gameplay with more modern open-world exploration elements, and while it wasn't perfect, it was a promising step forward.

Pokémon Shield features exclusive content that sets it apart from its counterpart, including version-exclusive Pokémon and the Ghost-type Gym led by Allister, a shy and mysterious character whose aesthetic and battle style contrast sharply with the Fighting-type Gym led by Bea in Pokémon Sword. Allister's Gym was a highlight for many players who appreciated the darker, more atmospheric tone it brought to the usually bright and energetic Gym Challenge.

Generation 8 also introduced the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, which allow Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes during battles, changing both their appearance and abilities for a limited number of turns. While this mechanic was met with mixed reactions, it undeniably added a new layer of strategy and spectacle to Gym battles and competitive play.

One of the most defining and talked-about features introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield is the Dynamax mechanic. Dynamaxing allows a Pokémon to grow to a colossal size for three turns during battle, drastically increasing its HP and replacing all of its moves with powerful Max Moves. These Max Moves aren’t just stronger versions of existing moves—they also come with special secondary effects. For example, Max Flare (from a Fire-type move) sets up sunny weather, while Max Airstream (from a Flying-type move) boosts the user's Speed. This adds a layer of strategic depth, where timing and type synergy play crucial roles in deciding when to Dynamax.

An extension of this system is Gigantamaxing, a more exclusive variant. Only select species—and in some cases, only specific individual Pokémon—can Gigantamax. These Pokémon not only grow larger but also change form and gain unique G-Max Moves, which differ from the standard Max Moves. For example:

Gigantamax Charizard’s G-Max Wildfire continues to damage non-Fire types for four turns also the champions ace pokemon.

Gigantamax Snorlax’s G-Max Replenish restores consumed berries.

Gigantamax Lapras’s G-Max Resonance sets up Aurora Veil to reduce damage for several turns.

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the Gmax Pokemon in the early stages of the Sword and Shield era as in some official Pokemon formats they completely banned the use in certain formats such as Smogon Single as they were concerned over how easily it could swing battles with little counterplay.