Pokémon Sword and Shield: Spoiler, leaks and datamine thread (Discussion guidelines in OP)

[Horohorohoro]

I honestly can't fucking believe the direction these Sword and Shield threads people keep making are taking. It's bad enough that I can't have an issue with a game without being lumped in with people who are genuinely harassing or making false rape allegations or whatever else, people need to make threads deliberately to stir shit within the fanbase. I'm excited for Sword and Shield, but holy fuck are some of the defenders AND criticizers making it hard for me to talk about this game that I'm excited for online. This is absolutely absurd.

 

[Will]

I didn't mean balance every single Pokémon, but balance stuff like Landorus-T

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Even if you're not trying to make every Pokemon viable you're still trying to make a meta with 800+ Pokemon where none of them are too OP. It's more difficult than just nerfing Landorus.

 

[Rodrigues solitaire]

Kinda wonder what is going on with all the new Sword Shield threads tbh....

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It's all gearing up to the final datamine of the models and animations thread. I suspect that thread will be a graveyard by the time it ends. We'll have peace and quiet in the OT afterwards (with the odd drive-by post here and there).

 

[Quinton]

I honestly can't fucking believe the direction these Sword and Shield threads people keep making are taking. It's bad enough that I can't have an issue with a game without being lumped in with people who are genuinely harassing or making false rape allegations or whatever else, people need to make threads deliberately to stir shit within the fanbase. I'm excited for Sword and Shield, but holy fuck are some of the defenders AND criticizers making it hard for me to talk about this game that I'm excited for online. This is absolutely absurd.

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I know how you feel. It's kind of my experience with the current Star Wars films, too. Hell, the modern Star Trek shows also fit the bill. It's rough.

 

[Deleted member 29464]

We do know you can hook up to Pokemon Plus a screen the leaker posted mentioning "going for a walk" with it I believe so maybe

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I don't know if that will make people happier or just make them angrier. Both I guess.

 

[Cyberninja776]

Not really but last I heard it is a rumour that morale is low at gamefreak.

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Unfortunately that rumor is almost definitely true. While myself and many other people are disappointed with how the games are turning out, a few bad apples are taking things way to far.

 

[Empyrean Cocytus]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, James Turner's art direction is one of the best parts of these games.

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Agreed. As someone who adores British culture, they've absolutely nailed so much of it with the world, style, and new Pokemon.

Hell, even the curry fits in perfectly given how huge it is in the UK diet. Though I do hope we get some chippy shops somewhere in the game.

 

[Razmos]

Well they do need to fire James imo, they could use better.

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"Yeah this guy needs to lose his job because I dont like his art direction"

 

[Inspirit]

I think James does fine work overall, or do you think they need a better art director? I think I would have asked for Mr. Rime to go back in the oven completely. It's like a totally different designer worked on it from the original.

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Well I'd say that's pretty subjective, but yeah, I don't like most of his designs. Phantump is probably the only one I actually like the best (design wise).

 

[dunkzilla]

TPC and GF have nothing to do with the Smogon meta game. Their goal is to balance VGC.

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I'm aware, but the point stands that even there Landorus-T's usage is sky high or at least was the last time I looked at the usage.

They could very well do that but then something else may just take its spot uts absolutely unrealstic to balance everything is my point if they only focus on one mon then that would just get people up in arms about nerfs just the same. At least with a smaller number they can at least give the new mons a chance to shine as well as some old mons instead of dealing with an ever increasing number that will become unmanageable

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Yeah I'm just pointing out that at least trying is a better alternative to getting rid of half of the dex as an attempt as "balance".

my point wasn't even aimed at GF, it was more that people were using that as a reason for the cut.

 

[Deleted member 29464]

I honestly can't fucking believe the direction these Sword and Shield threads people keep making are taking. It's bad enough that I can't have an issue with a game without being lumped in with people who are genuinely harassing or making false rape allegations or whatever else, people need to make threads deliberately to stir shit within the fanbase. I'm excited for Sword and Shield, but holy fuck are some of the defenders AND criticizers making it hard for me to talk about this game that I'm excited for online. This is absolutely absurd.

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A lot of people in that last blocked thread aren't going to know the OP was being sarcastic and will think he represents Era. As he was making no attempt to clear things up, it made me suspicious he was just stirring shit.

 

[dunkzilla]

Even if you're not trying to make every Pokemon viable you're still trying to make a meta with 800+ Pokemon where none of them are too OP. It's more difficult than just nerfing Landorus.

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Christ ok. Clearly my point didn't get across right. Forget the post ever happened.

 

[Lark]

Are you asking game freak to balance a roster of 800+ creatures are you for real

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Even if you're not trying to make every Pokemon viable you're still trying to make a meta with 800+ Pokemon where none of them are too OP. It's more difficult than just nerfing Landorus.

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The number of fully evolved Pokemon is only about half the total of all Pokemon, and those are the only ones that would need to be targeted for balance purposes. It's certainly less than 800. Gamefreak has also made efforts to actually follow through on this in the past, in games with the full roster. They've adjusted BSTs, changed movepools and abilities, and the like. Regardless of how effective those changes were, the idea of trying to balance a large number of Pokemon isn't anything new to the series.

I don't think anyone expects functional parity between every single fully evolved Pokemon, but it's not unreasonable to suggest that it's possible to achieve a more balanced meta without banning half the Pokemon in it.

 

[Ragnarok Flames]

I hate how now Yokai Watch is the new punching bag like Digimon and Dragon Quest once were.

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i think im the only one ive seen compare the designs that way. and IMO the newer designs read more to me as yokai than pokemon.

 

[Rand a. Thor]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, James Turner's art direction is one of the best parts of these games.

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Υep. I like Gen 8s new roster a lot more than Alola's despite having some of my favorite Pokemon in there. I dunno why but the art direction feels a lot more Pokemon, if that makes sense. A lot of Gen 7 mon have this flat no shading look with a softer matte look, while what we have seen in official material Galar's Pokemon have more shading, some textures and an overall cohsive feel between them. Even the unrevealed stuff look good together. Looking back, inagine if he had been the art director of Gen 5, some of the Unova mon would look cool as hell in this newer style.

I'm still under the mindset that if Home is cheap enough and offers a dedicated battle suite that's basically the "Anything Goes" tier I actually think each game going forward being it's own contained game is kind of a good idea.

But this also means I hope the main games take a bit more risk. SwSh seems a bit too safe so far though my thoughts may change when I play.

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Home being a complete seperation of the meta and the ground works for an online launch pad for the contained Single Player adventure world is the best of any scenario as it would mean more focus and work being done on enriching the regions and their stories along with having more fullfulling gameplay, and I would personally love it. On the other hand SwSh being the first game for GF with that mindset looks to be the worst way to execute this and they might just walk back on such an endeavor, further muddying future compatibility.

 

[Will]

I don't know if that will make people happier or just make them angrier. Both I guess.

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If you need help predicting the reaction, just remember that some people see Pokeball Plus as $50 Mew DLC.

 

[Wander_]

I'm worried for the sales now. I mean, will still sells tons but I can't see these games breaking records anymore. the negative buzz is just too big rn.

 

[Hikari]

I dont hate the games. I'm very disappointed in on some aspects of it but I love pokemon so much and would never harass the devs or make these kind of stupid threads. Sure, my Shinies are all in limbo and everything I worked hard but it's still not worth accusing gamefreak of these bad things. I love some of the later designs this gen has for sure and i'm very excited to use them. And as a competitive player, Sword/Shield seems like a complete RESET of the metagame and I think I will really enjoy it more especially with things like Landorus and Garchomp out.

 

[Fulminator]

If there's anything good about these games it's the art direction. James Turner did a great job.
get out of here with that 'fire him' bs

 

[Ragnarok Flames]

It's all gearing up to the final datamine of the models and animations thread. I suspect that thread will be a graveyard by the time it ends. We'll have peace and quiet in the OT afterwards (with the odd drive-by post here and there).

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peace and quiet in what context?

 

[Greywaren]

I dont hate the games. I'm very disappointed in on some aspects of it but I love pokemon so much and would never harass the devs or make these kind of stupid threads. Sure, my Shinies are all in limbo and everything I worked hard but it's still not worth accusing gamefreak of these bad things. I love some of the later designs this gen has for sure and i'm very excited to use them. And as a competitive player, Sword/Shield seems like a complete RESET of the metagame and I think I will really enjoy it more especially with things like Landorus and Garchomp out.

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This is the right attitude.

You can be critical of something without harassing or attacking anyone. You can be critical of something and still enjoy that thing.

 

[Will]

The number of fully evolved Pokemon is only about half the total of all Pokemon, and those are the only ones that would need to be targeted for balance purposes. It's certainly less than 800. Gamefreak has also made efforts to actually follow through on this in the past, in games with the full roster. They've adjusted BSTs, changed movepools and abilities, and the like. Regardless of how effective those changes were, the idea of trying to balance a large number of Pokemon isn't anything new to the series.

I don't think anyone expects functional parity between every single fully evolved Pokemon, but it's not unreasonable to suggest that it's possible to achieve a more balanced meta without banning half the Pokemon in it.

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I know they've made efforts at balancing in the past but the total roster is only growing with every new game. If you want them to reevaluate older Pokemon you have a better chance of that happening in a limited meta like we have now.

 

[Deleted member 29464]

If you need help predicting the reaction, just remember that some people see Pokeball Plus as $50 Mew DLC.

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I was thinking more of more favourites getting in vs anger at gen one pandering, but now that you mention it, along with GTS rumours, it would really set some people off.

Anyway, I'm just speculating because of Mew.

 

[SlumberingGiant]

I'm worried for the sales now. I mean, will still sells tons but I can't see these games breaking records anymore. the negative buzz is just too big rn.

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why does that worry you?

 

[Rodrigues solitaire]

peace and quiet in what context?

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Because half the people will be banned for inflammatory accusations and the like, lol.

Spoiler

Where we can actually talk about the games instead of each page half being filled up by people stirring shit left and right.

 

[ExoExplorer]

The people who like to stir the pot are just really tiring to deal with. I'm amazed at how many bad faith actors are seeking to mischaracterize this whole controversy. At least there's always the ignore option on here.

 

[Minataur]

Aside from Technical Records seemingly requiring a bunch of grinding, I think my only big disappointment with SwSh is the seeming lack of fanservice from previous games.

If there was one thing SM were good at, it was bringing old characters like Red, Blue, Grimsley, Colress, and hell, even Anabel back with updated designs and personalities. Aside from one Gym Leader MAYBE being related to a legacy character, it seems like SwSh have next-to-no connection with previous gens and that's a damn shame.

 

[Scarlet Spider]

While I'm not a fan of some Pokemon James Turner did, he knocked it out of the ballpark with Buzzwole. God damn that mosquito is perfection.

 

[TimeFire]

I find that this thread is actually quite good to discuss the Nat dex cuts. Most people here I find are quite level headed

 

[DNAbro]

I'm worried for the sales now. I mean, will still sells tons but I can't see these games breaking records anymore. the negative buzz is just too big rn.

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It'll be fine.

 

[Wander_]

why does that worry you?

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because this can hurt switch sales too.

 

[Deleted member 19742]

because this can hurt switch sales too.

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The Switch will be fine.

 

[Deleted member 3815]

Well they do need to fire James imo, they could use better.

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Perhaps you should think before you talk because that's a horrible thing to say.

I think James does fine work overall, or do you think they need a better art director? I think I would have asked for Mr. Rime to go back in the oven completely. It's like a totally different designer worked on it from the original.

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James isn't charge of approving Pokémon design. It goes before a panel and the creator has to pitch it to them and then it gets approve or rejected.

It's a group effort.

 

[Harpoon]

I'm worried for the sales now. I mean, will still sells tons but I can't see these games breaking records anymore. the negative buzz is just too big rn.

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I really wouldn't worry.

 

[Deleted member 35077]

Aren't those screencaps from 2ch, anyway? From what I've heard, that place can be even more toxic, vile, and bigoted than 4chan at its worst, so I wouldn't go parading them around like they're some sick burns tbh

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Your assertions are correct, but honestly there isn't any JP game forum that is better, much less any that are comparable to this site modding standards. Maybe company official ones.

 

[Charlie0108]

Aside from Technical Records seemingly requiring a bunch of grinding, I think my only big disappointment with SwSh is the seeming lack of fanservice from previous games.

If there was one thing SM were good at, it was bringing old characters like Red, Blue, Grimsley, Colress, and hell, even Anabel back with updated designs and personalities. Aside from one Gym Leader MAYBE being related to a legacy character, it seems like SwSh have next-to-no connection with previous gens and that's a damn shame.

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which gym leader is related to a legacy character? I missed that

 

[Weebos]

which gym leader is related to a legacy character? I missed that

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Spoiler

Kabu might be Flannery's grandfather.

 

[Minataur]

which gym leader is related to a legacy character? I missed that

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Spoiler: Gym Leader stuff

Kabu's card says he hails from the Hoenn region, and that combined with his age, personality, and type preference seems to imply that he's the grandfather Flannery replaced as Hoenn's Fire-type Gym Leader.

 

[Birdie]

.

Honestly the cameos in SM were pretty weak bar the Burnett payoff so I don't mind new characters

 

[CatDoggo]

A lot of people in that last blocked thread aren't going to know the OP was being sarcastic and will think he represents Era. As he was making no attempt to clear things up, it made me suspicious he was just stirring shit.

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I'm pretty sure I've seen that guy make various different threads lately that were obviously meant to stir shit while having enough plausible deniability to avoid catching a ban for trolling. And it isn't just Pokemon based topics that he does it for either.

 

[Squid Bunny]

Some people were saying Japan did not care about the dex being but

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That was BS too.

 

[JakeNoseIt]

Long thread, any collection of leaked info? Looking for less about the Pokemon/Dex and more about the game, its structure, new features, etc.

 

[arlu]

If anything, the sales taking a hit might be the only thing getting TPC to examine their handle of the franchise, only because they have to answer to investors and owners (Nintendo?).

 

[DevilPuncher]

So is there any final say on what the version exclusives are? Struggling to decide which version I'll be getting.

 

[Atheerios]

Long thread, any collection of leaked info? Looking for less about the Pokemon/Dex and more about the game, its structure, new features, etc.

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Hmmm I don't know what you want to know specifically? It has a structure similar to every game and we already know most features maybe except Technical Records that are like move tutors / old style TMs combined.

 

[Delio]

I dont hate the games. I'm very disappointed in on some aspects of it but I love pokemon so much and would never harass the devs or make these kind of stupid threads. Sure, my Shinies are all in limbo and everything I worked hard but it's still not worth accusing gamefreak of these bad things. I love some of the later designs this gen has for sure and i'm very excited to use them. And as a competitive player, Sword/Shield seems like a complete RESET of the metagame and I think I will really enjoy it more especially with things like Landorus and Garchomp out.

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The Comp meta is what I find exciting. I cant wait to see how it shapes up.

 

[Birdie]

If anything, the sales taking a hit might be the only thing getting TPC to examine their handle of the franchise, only because they have to answer to investors and owners (Nintendo?).

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How do we know Nintendo isn't on board with this?

 

[Big One]

Leaker can't access online features and hasn't seen the GTS anywhere, so people are scared it's not coming back.

But there's no way it's not coming back.

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Let's Go already removed the GTS. What do you mean there's "no way"? They've already done it

 

[MegaXZero]

I think I've reached the limit on threads and am bowing out till after the games are out. The nintendo soup thread and the clear trolling thread about Masuda make it clear it's only going to get worse.

 

[Deleted member 8791]

I just want the datamine now. Give me all the info. Full movesets, abilities, and so on. I want to start planning teams for the ladder.