Pokémon Sword and Shield angered a lot of longstanding Poké-fans after it was revealed that the games wouldn’t have a full and complete Pokédex. Not all the Pokémon we know and love will be transferable with the next titles in the series, with game director Junichi Masuda citing “time constraints” as the reason why.
In a new interview with Game Informer, Masuda gave a somewhat different reason for the smaller Pokédex, saying that it had to be sacrificed to make way for other game features.
“Up until now, we’ve been proud we’ve been able to include so many Pokemon in the games, but as a result of that, there’s actually been quite a few features or gameplay ideas that we’ve had to abandon in the past,” Masuda told the publication.
“Going forward, thinking about the future of Pokemon, we want to prioritize all those new gameplay ideas, new ways to enjoy the game, and want to challenge ourselves at Game Freak to create new ways to enjoy the game. That’s really what drove the decision for this new direction.”
So…what’s the deal? Do we not have all the Pokémon because of time constraints, or because of new gameplay ideas?
Despite the controversy surrounding Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Pokédex, the games are still looking pretty good in my opinion.
With just over a month until launch we’ve now met quite a few of the weird and wonderful new critters we’ll get to play alongside during our time in the Galar region.
The games’ official description reads: “Begin your adventure as a Pokémon Trainer by choosing one of three new partner Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Then embark on a journey in the new Galar region, where you’ll challenge the troublemakers of Team Yell, while unraveling the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
“Explore the Wild Area, a vast expanse of land where the player can freely control the camera. Team up with three other players locally or online in the new multiplayer co-op Max Raid Battles* in which players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon.
“Certain Pokémon can even Gigantamax to gain a new look and a powerful set of G-Max moves. But there’s more to being a champion than honing your battle skills: you can pick your own clothes and get a new hairdo while visiting the stores in town, so you can be the trainer you want to be.”
Pokémon Sword and Shield launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 15.
Featured Image Credit: Nintendo