>>51492686I only played after getting back into Pokémon in 2021. Prior to playing SwSh, I played the following in order: White, White 2, Y, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, and Let’s Go Pikachu.
Due to my timing, I was able to play with full access to DLC and incorporated the Isle into my run between the opening ceremony and gym 1. Overall, the games are a lot of fun. The music grows on you and the character models are expressive (unlike the dead smile of gen 7). The Champion fight is good and the post game battles provide some challenge.
Ironically, before PLA, SwSh was the most fun I’d ever had collecting Pokémon. The legendaries in the DLC really feel earned:
Roaming Pokémon are back, but not as annoying RNG teleports.
The Regi’s have full temples with special entry requirements.
The Swords of Justice require footprint tracking and finding the small island.
Keystone legendary still requires you talk to people.
Earn a certain legendary via scavenger hunt and battle with another dojo student.
Harvest legendary quest.
If you use the AI partners, Dynamax Adventures are actually difficult.
If I was going to change on thing, I would have them change the Pokémon loyalty system to match PLA. Under PLA loyalty, even if you catch a strong mon, you have to get the stars or it ignores your orders. If the did this in SwSh, then you wouldn’t need to restrict catches in the Wild Area since you would have hard coded level caps.
All of that said, if I was to recommend one Pokémon game to a newcomer, it would be… Pokémon Sun. Despite the long cutscenes, it is still the most moving and memorable story. The game is balance well if you avoid grinding. The championship fight was amazing. The best arc for Pokémon Journeys was a Sun and Moon arc. That tells you everything.
