Nintendo and The Pokémon Company revealed the new mainline Pokémon RPGs today in a brief Pokémon Direct. The two games will be called Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield and will be out before the end of the year.
In addition to the name reveal we were treated to a video preview of the game (which noted not final game footage), the name of thw new region, and the starters for the game.
Grookey is the grass type starter. A mischievous Chimp Pokémon that is full of boundless curiosity. Scorbunny is the fire starter. A Rabbit Pokémon that is always running about, bursting with energy. And finally Sobble is the water starter. A somewhat timid Water Lizard Pokémon that shoots out attacks as it hides itself in the water.
The new region is called Galar, an expansive region with many environments—idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains. We’re also returning to the traditional gym battles with Sword and Shield with the goal to become Pokémon League champion.
The new Galar region
The game looks like it has stayed true to the new look from Pokémon Sun and Moon with some minor upgrades. I had hoped that the new game would be a complete visual overhaul but maybe that was a pie in the sky hope. Also it seems for now that Pokémon will still be using the Game boy era chiptune screeches for Pokémon cries rather than using the sounds popularized in the anime.
No firm release date yet, though the game will likely come out in November.
What do you think? Are you excited?
