The eighth generation of Pokémon debuted in 2019 with the arrival of Sword & Shield. The games, set in the UK-inspired Galar region, introduced several gimmicks, including the Gym Challenge and the Dynamax and Gigantamax forms. Still, they mainly felt like two safe and expected entries to the Pokémon canon.
Reception to the games was divisive, and it didn't take long for fans to voice their concerns and complaints. Reddit is the perfect place to express their divisive and sometimes outright unpopular opinions about the games. Not all the takes are necessarily critical, but they are all controversial among the community.
Sword & Shield Have A Good Story
The Pokémon franchise mostly stays away from heavy or overly complex subjects. Still, previous entries in the franchise tried to experiment with the classic formula. However, Sword & Shield's story is safe and unsurprising, demonstrating a lack of interest in evolving.
Redditor SpagEddie8113 has a different opinion. The game's simple storyline is an asset in the user's mind because it makes the Pokémon League feel essential. "There doesn't need to be a complicated story because the basis that the story revolves around is so much more interesting now." The user has a point, but previous games definitely hyped the Pokémon League and the Champion while introducing a few surprising elements to the plot.
Dynamaxing Is Better Than Megas Or Z Moves
Later Pokémon generations introduced changes to keep battles exciting. Generation VI had Mega Evolutions, which most fans consider the best gimmick so far. Gen VII had Z Moves, which turned out to be rather forgettable. Gen VIII came with Dynamaxing, and while most fans enjoyed it, almost everyone considered it inferior to Megas.
Yet according to LordEspurr, Dynamaxing is a better gimmick than Megas or Z Moves. "Dynamaxing is much more balanced than Mega Evolutions and more game-changing than Z Moves." To each their own, but there is nothing game-changing about either Dynamaxing or Z Moves; they're only available in battle and for a limited period. As for being "more balanced" than Megas, that's an entirely subjective claim, and the consensus is the opposite.
The Towns And Cities Are Too Big
The best video games in the Pokémon franchise always have compelling and colorful cities bustling with life and joy. After all, fans enjoy becoming immersed in this world, so much so that they spend hours playing these games. Players continually ask for more detail to go into the games' cities, towns, and landmarks.
Still, not every fan enjoys exploring these settlements. Redditor SelTar3, for instance, disliked how "big" the towns in Galar were. The user describes the cities as "huge, complicated, and filled with way too many NPCs." Pokémon cities used to be minuscule, so the current ones would seem large in comparison. However, calling them "huge" is an overstatement considering some of the expansive open worlds of such games as Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Fallout 4.
The Experience Share Is An Asset
Long-time Pokémon fans were not pleased when the Experience Share became a permanent fixture in the Let's Go Games. Things didn't change in Sword & Shield, which made them even more upset. Casual or returning fans don't mind the Experience Share. On the contrary, they appreciate and welcome it with open arms. Users like Barl0we appreciate not having to go through the tedious process of grinding. "There's nothing quite as annoying as having to stop progress to a screeching halt because I have to go back to the first areas to level up." The user makes a compelling argument, but the solution is simple: the Experience Share should be optional, not a mandate. Making it a permanent fixture is an insult to veteran players.
Pokémon Should Have One Game Per Generation
Since the franchise's beginning, every Pokémon generation has debuted with two games. It's one of the series' many traditions, one that introduces some complexity to the games and the decision-making process. Some fans don't appreciate the separation, though. Redditor MrCanzine wholeheartedly disagrees, claiming the decision is "annoying and stupid," as well as a "consumer-unfriendly approach." However, the games are not dependent on each other and exist separately. Furthermore, the exclusive Pokémon on each can always be traded between games, rendering the point moot.
Story Isn't Important To Pokémon Games
Most Pokémon games feature a straightforward story without handling overly complex issues. However, the franchise itself isn't plain or barren. Plenty of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon have exceptional and intriguing lore, enhancing the gaming experience and the world's overall depth.
Still, some fans don't seem to appreciate or even acknowledge the franchise's mythos. For example, Redditor the_imagesmith believes that Pokémon has never been about the story. "Who cares massively about the story? I just wanna fight Pokémon and be the best." Battling is a cornerstone of the franchise; that is indeed true. However, lore is also crucial in Pokémon, being a significant part of many players' enjoyment. If lore is absent from a Pokémon game, it would alienate a lot of fans and dilute the brand.
Pokémon Is For Kids
Many fans have legitimate complaints about how safe the Gen VIII games are. As long-time fans of the franchise, they have a right to voice their concerns, especially when many of their suggestions would result in making Sword & Shield substantially more difficult for players.
Some fans don't agree with these complaints, which is understandable. However, many of them discard them under the pretext that Pokémon games are so easy because they are for kids. Commenting on a post where a fan expressed several frustrations with S&S, Reddit user ZeusiQ snarkily remarks that "another Pokémon fan grew up and realized their favorite games were meant for kids!" Most commenters fired back, saying that other franchises like Mario and The Legend of Zelda are also "for kids," yet put more effort into their games.
Team Yell Was Interesting
Regional evil teams are a pillar of Pokémon. From Team Rocket to Team Flare, these criminal organizations add plenty of excitement to the games. Their plots are always silly and contrived, but they are still a beloved and necessary part of the franchise.
Sword & Shield featured a new take on the evil team, and while fans appreciated the intent, they disliked the execution. Team Yell felt unnecessary and lamer than usual, which is saying much. Even so, some fans liked Team Yell, and a few even considered them intriguing. "It was a very interesting spin on the evil team dynamic," said Redditor RigatoniPasta. Well, at least someone found them entertaining!
Leon Is Better Than Cynthia
The Pokémon League Champion represents the best the region has to offer. Champions are unforgiving, brilliant tacticians who aren't afraid to heal, mix and match during their battles. Their teams are surprising and include some of their regions' best Pokémon. So far, the consensus is that Cynthia, Sinnoh's Champion, is the best in the franchise, thanks to her impressive and balanced team.
Leon, Galar's Champion, is no pushover by any means. However, he's also not the best or most challenging opponent in the games. His team has some heavy hitters, but his battle is somewhat disappointing, especially after the previous hype. However, Redditor Kerosene_kerosensei believes Leon is "on Cynthia's level, if not higher." That's undoubtedly a bold statement, and the user is entitled to their own opinion. However, in this case, they might be alone in that front.
Galar Is A Boring Region
Generation VIII is the most divisive in Pokémon history. Most fans don't appreciate it and consider it outright dull and rushed. The Galar region becomes collateral damage to the criticism. Its routes are very linear and somewhat barren, but its cities are some of the most visually impressive in the franchise.
Reddit user Chemical-Cat severely dislike Galar, calling it "boring" and criticizing all the "wasted space." Galar may not be the most extensive or detailed region in the games, but it is far from being boring. It has some ambitious and dazzling locations, and cities like Ballonlea and Wyndon rank as some of the franchise's best. As for all the "wasted space," it's not like previous Pokémon regions were intricately detailed.