Sword & Shield **Official news only** DLC Crown Tundra 22nd October

[Yung Dramps]

People saw a lot of gen 2 pokemon plushies in the last stream, and suddently thought it was a hidden message.

These kinds of theories are dumb as shit and I hope they stop. Remember when the Smash community thought some fucking chairs were foreshadowing Waluigi?

Pokemon MOBA seems intriguing enough. Not a fan of the genre so I'll pass but hey I'm sure someone's pipedream got fulfilled today

 

[Bull Of Heaven]

Pokemon MOBA seems intriguing enough. Not a fan of the genre so I'll pass but hey I'm sure someone's pipedream got fulfilled today

Close to my thoughts. Never liked MOBAs, this seems vaguely interesting, might check it out, why [fans] heff to be mad?

But I went into this with very low expectations because my only "theory" was that the timing made no sense for a main series announcement. I'd say my expectations were slightly exceeded.

 

[Worldie]

Y'all really gon get all excited for Switch Poke Finder then be mad at Game Freak because you thought gen 4 remakes were coming?

To be fair, aside from the memes, i'm mostly worried about two things.

First: GameFreaks isn't the pinnacle of balance ability.
We're talking of a *pvp moba*, a genre that's already very difficult to balance on top of attracting the most toxic playerbases you can imagine. And then giving it in the hands of GameFreaks, the company that managed to get death threats and have employees in depression for having been stubborn about not revealing their actual plans about Dexit.

Second: Tencent. That's the kind of company you hate to see partnering with. Obviously I shouldn't speak considering I do play League which is also basically a Tencent game, but moreso I don't like the fact kids data is going to get on their hands.

 

[Ironmage]

Like, I get it, they're using 'team-based' to mean multiplayer, but still:

"this is the first pokemon strategy game with 6v6 fights"

Conquest: Am I a joke to you?

 

[Siggu]

First: GameFreaks isn't the pinnacle of balance ability.
We're talking of a *pvp moba*, a genre that's already very difficult to balance on top of attracting the most toxic playerbases you can imagine. And then giving it in the hands of GameFreaks, the company that managed to get death threats and have employees in depression for having been stubborn about not revealing their actual plans about Dexit.

But Game Freak is not involved in this...

 

[Worldie]

But Game Freak is not involved in this...

Uhm, well, you aren't wrong I suppose... I'll still hold my doubts on bringing the franchise on this direction though.

Time will tell, that said if it was an actual PC game I'd have had interest in it, but a moba on Switch / mobile feels ugly to play so I'll be passing either ways for now.

 

[R_N]

To be fair, aside from the memes, i'm mostly worried about two things.

First: GameFreaks isn't the pinnacle of balance ability.
We're talking of a *pvp moba*, a genre that's already very difficult to balance on top of attracting the most toxic playerbases you can imagine. And then giving it in the hands of GameFreaks, the company that managed to get death threats and have employees in depression for having been stubborn about not revealing their actual plans about Dexit.

Second: Tencent. That's the kind of company you hate to see partnering with. Obviously I shouldn't speak considering I do play League which is also basically a Tencent game, but moreso I don't like the fact kids data is going to get on their hands.

Tencent is probably the one actually leading the gamebalance here, I imagine.

And yeah they're going to get their hands on kids data but so is like...anyone they partner with. Including Gamefreak themselves? They have put out like 12 different mobile games and even some of their 3DS games have "hey can we find out your stuff" hooks in them. It's a weird thing to focus on even if Tencent is (I guess?) notable for it.

 

[Kanburi]

To be fair, aside from the memes, i'm mostly worried about two things.

First: GameFreaks isn't the pinnacle of balance ability.
We're talking of a *pvp moba*, a genre that's already very difficult to balance on top of attracting the most toxic playerbases you can imagine. And then giving it in the hands of GameFreaks, the company that managed to get death threats and have employees in depression for having been stubborn about not revealing their actual plans about Dexit.

Second: Tencent. That's the kind of company you hate to see partnering with. Obviously I shouldn't speak considering I do play League which is also basically a Tencent game, but moreso I don't like the fact kids data is going to get on their hands.

>most toxic playerbases
We acting like the Pokemon playerbase with the whole #BBND "movement" wasn't toxic enough?

>Dexit
It's such a non-issue I don't even know why people still talk about it.

>Tencent
Meh, don't really care for that. Seems like people make it a bigger issue than it really is.

 

[Codraroll]

I moved over a bunch of posts about Pokémon Unite over to the dedicated Pokémon Unite thread. Please keep discussion about that game over there, and this thread for Sword/Shield news. Thanks.

 

[Yung Dramps]

So uhhhh... Is it safe to assume that something has gone wrong with Pokemon Sleep's development?

We've heard absolutely nothing since the May 29, 2019 trailer, well over a year ago. Sure, that can also be said for Detective Pikachu 2, but that's an actual videogame for the Nintendo Switch that basically only had a logo when it was first confirmed so we can give a little leeway there even though it's still kinda suspicious neither Presents thus far has talked about it.

EDIT: Oh yeah, forgot to mention Sleep was explicitly slated for 2020 while DP2 didn't have a definitive release window of any kind.

 

[Count Bleck]

So uhhhh... Is it safe to assume that something has gone wrong with Pokemon Sleep's development?

We've heard absolutely nothing since the May 29, 2019 trailer, well over a year ago. Sure, that can also be said for Detective Pikachu 2, but that's an actual videogame for the Nintendo Switch that basically only had a logo when it was first confirmed so we can give a little leeway there even though it's still kinda suspicious neither Presents thus far has talked about it.

The collab with Tencent was announced last year as we ll, think nothing of it til we get confirmation.

 

[Kanburi]

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for Go/Home compatibility to transfer a bunch of stuff over. I hope that's not been given up on.

EDIT:

No delays expected yet for Crown Tundra despite covid, according to the latest Nintendo report.

新型コロナウイルス感染症による世界的な生産活動や消費活動の落ち込みが懸念される状況にありますが、Nintendo Switchについては、引き続き、「Nintendo Switch」と「Nintendo Switch Lite」の2つのハードの魅力をお伝えし、普及拡大に努めます。 ... さらに、シリーズ初となる追加コンテンツ『ポケットモンスターソード・シールドエキスパンションパス』の「鎧の孤島」を6月に配信し、「冠の雪原」を今秋に配信します。

 

[Pikachu315111]

I actually forgot they were doing a second Direct which might have been a good thing because when I checked Serebii and saw this I thought "oh, well this is a thing, good thing I didn't get myself hyped or this would have been super disappointing".

I still wish for a Pokémon x Puyo Puyo game. I mean, just imagine Schezo and his team of cute mons...

If we're talking about crossovers wouldn't mind seeing Pokemon x Animal Crossing, though obviously this wouldn't be the time for it as New Horizons is making bank.

So why is talonflame here?

Guessing someone at Tencent working on the game likes Talonflame.

People saw a lot of gen 2 pokemon plushies in the last stream, and suddenly thought it was a hidden message.

Said this on another thread but yeah, wish people would stop assuming someone's office decorations at the Pokemon Company is a hint when it's just office decorations. They're not going to redo their plush and toy collection of their favorite Pokemon/gen just to give a vague hint only a few people will catch to hint at a game they're going to tell you about in a bit anyway.

Not yo say it isn't interesting to see what the decorations in the back are, just doesn't take any meaning from them aside whoever's office this is they like these Pokemon/the gen these Pokemon are from. Like the black Pikachu plush caught my attention but I didn't think it was anything hinting at a game, was just curious why I never heard of what I'd imagine would be popular plush (and turned out it had an interesting backstory).

Well, I guess any opinion I have for Pokemon Unite should go on its dedicated thread. And since I don't think we're allowed to talk Tundra leaks (AGAIN GF? This isn't even a demo! Why would you leave Tundra data in the Isle expansion?).

Anyway, going to be playing through Isle myself now (I WAS BUSY) so I'll probably have plenty of thoughts about it to post here soon.

 

[pkmfan]

Do we know the time shiny Zeraora will be sent out to those who participated in the events?

 

[Pikachu315111]

Do we know the time shiny Zeraora will be sent out to those who participated in the events?

Nope, it's information to come.

 

[Kanburi]

Do we know the time shiny Zeraora will be sent out to those who participated in the events?

Mentioned it in the IoA thread here. Will be available 20 hours and 3 minutes from this post.

 

[Zowayix]

I actually forgot they were doing a second Direct

It was never a Direct, it was a Press Conference that was given a rename due to not having press anymore.

Said this on another thread but yeah, wish people would stop assuming someone's office decorations at the Pokemon Company is a hint when it's just office decorations. They're not going to redo their plush and toy collection of their favorite Pokemon/gen just to give a vague hint only a few people will catch to hint at a game they're going to tell you about in a bit anyway.

Their 2017 Direct opened with Decidueye and Pikachu Libre plushies, which may have been hinting at the Pokken Tournament DX reveal about 30 seconds later, but that probably barely counts (even though I don't think it was a coincidence).

Like the black Pikachu plush caught my attention but I didn't think it was anything hinting at a game, was just curious why I never heard of what I'd imagine would be popular plush (and turned out it had an interesting backstory).

Wait, the black Pikachu plush had a backstory?

 

[Pikachu315111]

Wait, the black Pikachu plush had a backstory?

Explained in the first segment of my "A Little Bit Of Everything" spoiler.

EDIT: Actually, since it's so short I'll just repost it here:

Black Plush Pikachu: Just something in the background of Ishihara's office I noticed. It got me curious and I looked it up and found it had some interesting trivia you all may find fun to also know. The plush was part of a collection of merch for Mewtwo Strikes Back-Evolution that was known as the "THUNDERBOLT PROJECT". The Pokemon Company teamed up with a Japanese imprint company called Fragment Design (sometimes shortened to "FRGMT") and made all this neat looking black merch for the movie. However that black Pikachu plush has an interesting story behind it: it was never for sale. It was a special plush made only for the staff involved with the THUNDERBOLT PROJECT. Now a few have since appeared on online auctions, but still a bit of interesting Pokemon history especially if you wondered what that black Pikachu plush was about.

 

[Pikachu315111]

So finished the DLC! Though the story took only a few hours to finish, it was several hours packed with content both to flesh out the story and extra to add lore to the Pokemon World. I was quite surprised with some stuff they added with little disappointments here and there, but the pros certainly outweighs the cons. I think to get my full thoughts across I'll actually have to go through the story quickly and give my thoughts on things as they come up.

PART 1: ARRIVAL
After taking a train to take us to a Flying Taxi (seems a bit redundant... wait a second how did a Galarian Slowpoke get to Postwick if you need to take a Flying Taxi there?), I arrive to the Isle of Armor. I talk with a scientist who upgrades my Pokedex and then to a guy who's supposed to join the Master Dojo but is afraid of someone hanging outside the station. Turns out to be Avery, the Shield exclusive rival for the Isle of Armor, and he's here to pick up the new student. The guy ran away so Avery mistakes me for the new student. Avery is egotistical so tries asserting his dominance as top student by beating me in a battle. His Pokemon aren't even Level 60, all my Pokemon are Level 100 (going to be a common issue with me sadly, I'm sure I missed out a bit of interbattle dialogue but I don't want to train up a new team plus I can read up what other stuff they say on Bulbapedia).

After sweeping his team, Avery panics thinking if I join the dojo I'll quickly overtake his top position, so tells me that I'm not dojo material since Champion Leon trained there so only top trainers can train there (apparently the dojo doesn't get any news from the mainland... yes, I know the writing is taking into account if you haven't beaten the main game yet). Avery gives me a Style Card for the trouble, unlocking new clothing options at Boutiques (why would they hide merchandise unless you have this card?), and says we can explore the rest of the island but not to bother going to the dojo. So of course I head to the dojo.

Except, before going over the bridge I get stopped by an Alolan Diglett and then its trainer and told about the 150 other Alolan Diglett he has. So let's take a quick second to talk about this quest. First off, really GF, 150? You think that's enough, I don't care if it's a reference to the original 150 (and with the Diglett we first encounter 151) Pokemon, it's still a bit egregious. Plus with how hard it was to see the Diglett's head (especially on the smaller Switch Lite's screen) I just used Serebii's guide to find them all. I didn't really start doing it until after I had to get friendlier with Kubfu, but when I did it was mostly easy... until I got to Potbottom Desert. I had to pull up a Youtube video and follow EXACTLY what the guy did in that video to find the remaining Diglett that they placed in the middle of the desert. Who thought placing a bunch of Diglett in a middle of the desert was a good idea?! And, while complaining about exploring the map, F@#$ whoever decided to have charging Sharpedo in the water! That said the other Alolan Pokemon and the Alolan Starters was a pretty neat reward, though also reminds me that in all future games they're going to have to do something like this where they have a trainer give out Alolan and Galarian Pokemon (though hopefully it's done more moderately next time).

Anyway, I cross the bridge but before going to the dojo spot another character to talk to and they offer to upgrade my bike!.. And this is where one of my first disappointments come in. While the black bike and white bike look cool, I was hoping we'd be able to customize them more. Or at the very least why couldn't you let me mix and match the bike color and trail effects? What if I wanted a black bike with a blue trail effect? Or what if I wanted one of the new bikes but keep the trail effect of the normal bike? What if I don't like the complete helmet and wanted the normal helmet or wanted to wear the new clothes but ride the normal bike? But nope, it's either all or nothing.

And I think this is where I'll end with Part 1. Tomorrow I'll continue on with Part 2 where we start with the dojo.

 

[DrPumpkinz]

It's interesting how divisive the opinions are toward the Sharpedo.

 

[R_N]

I don't think I've seen anyone like the sharpedo

i get their purpose, the ocean areas are quite large and having something to "spice up" the encounter and make it more engaing while searching for the little islands and crannies makes sense. But these spawn way too frequently and are near impossible to dodge and even when you do there is almost certainly either another one that already spawned or spawned at the same time that you can't dodge. They also home in on you from way too far away and near instantly. One time I remember getting on the bike about to head into the water and 2 spawned way out on the other side of the screen, on opposite corners.

 

[Count Bleck]

Hey, people wanted more pokemon interactions in the world. Better start pedaling faster!

But real talk, I absolutely loved my first encounter with the things and have learned to consistently avoid them if im too bored to fight them so they became a non issue. Im honestly surprised more ocean pokemon arent as aggressive. I cant think of any other pokemon that guns straight for you from the second it spawns, but i feel like thst could be a fun idea for future installments

 

[sb879]

I don't think I've seen anyone like the sharpedo

i get their purpose, the ocean areas are quite large and having something to "spice up" the encounter and make it more engaing while searching for the little islands and crannies makes sense. But these spawn way too frequently and are near impossible to dodge and even when you do there is almost certainly either another one that already spawned or spawned at the same time that you can't dodge. They also home in on you from way too far away and near instantly. One time I remember getting on the bike about to head into the water and 2 spawned way out on the other side of the screen, on opposite corners.

I like the Sharpedo! They're not that hard to dodge when you get the hang of it. Even if they're off-screen you can hear them coming towards you, plus you can rotate the camera to get a good view of your surroundings. Then when they get close you need to turn out of the way rather than outrun them, since they charge straight at you at that point. They make for a fun little thing to learn and improve on outside of the typical combat gameplay.

 

[Antihaxxer]

I played a new game to discover IoA before first badge and Damn, the rival killed my starter and my Slowpoke and I lose to him ! He's a tough game ! That Abra does so much damage with Confusion !

 

[DreamPrince]

I don’t mind the Sharpedo, but I do agree that it’s annoying. Generally speaking, I wish repels worked on Pokémon in the over world, it would be a lot easier to navigate especially when pop in is used to manage all the Pokémon appearing in the overworld. Can’t tell you how many times I got into because it didn’t show up in the overworld in time.