Why Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Legacy Should Be Picked Up By Pokemon GO

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Why Pokemon Sword and Shield's Legacy Should Be Picked Up By Pokemon GO

Highlights

  • Pokemon GO has largely overlooked Sword and Shield, focusing on Gen 9 instead, leaving a gap for Gen 8 content.
  • Niantic should introduce more Sword and Shield elements into Pokemon GO, including the Dynamax mechanic and Max Raids.
  • Pokemon GO could redeem the controversial Sword and Shield by putting Gen 8 features and Pokemon in the spotlight.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of Pokémon experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia as I watch Niantic skip over Sword and Shield like a pebble on the path to Gen 9. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the Ultra Raids or the new fusion mechanic, but come on, guys! We still have plenty of Gen 8 Pokémon waiting in the wings!

Using Pokémon GO capitalizing on the overlooked past generations, its next potential leap could be imminent with the brief reign of Pokémon Sword and Shield. Recently, Pokémon GO celebrated Gen 7 with a sequence of Ultra Raids, introducing hitherto unseen Ultra Beasts, such as Necrozma’s debut and a new fusion mechanism for its Dawn Wings and Dusk Mane forms. However, with Pokémon GO Fest 2024 ongoing, it appears that Niantic intends to delve deeply into Pokémon’s history, while Nintendo moves forward swiftly towards Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the resurrection of Mega Evolutions.

Given that all Ultra Beasts have been introduced, and just a few Pokemon from Generation 7 remain, it’s worth discussing Niantic’s plans for new content in Pokemon GO. Although the game has already introduced several Generation 9 Pokemon, including the starters from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, it could be strategic to revisit the region of Galar, which corresponds to Generation 8’s Sword and Shield games. With many Generation 8 Pokemon still missing, a new fusion mechanic to exploit, and Max Raids as an ideal substitute, there’s never been a more opportune moment for Pokemon GO to rekindle the legacy of Sword and Shield.

Pokemon GO Has Largely Overlooked Pokemon Sword and Shield So Far

Although being the initial Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Sword and Shield received a mixed response upon release due to concerns such as the abandoned National Pokedex and uninspired storytelling. However, some gamers have since developed a more positive outlook towards Gen 8’s Sword and Shield, appreciating its inventiveness in character design, settings, and customization options. It seems that Game Freak has continued this creative approach with Gen 9’s Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as evidenced by the games’ DLC which acknowledges and pays tribute to their Gen 8 predecessors by introducing new cross-generation evolutions or convergent forms for certain Pokemon from Sword and Shield.

In contrast to expectations, the game Pokemon GO appears to have moved past Sword and Shield prematurely, jumping straight to Scarlet and Violet. This leap is evident in the incorporation of newly introduced Generation 9 Pokemon such as Gimmighoul and Gholdengo into early research stories. Moreover, the starters from Sword and Shield have yet to be included in the game, while Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco from Scarlet and Violet were among the initial Generation 9 Pokemon introduced in Pokemon GO. Although Niantic has not strictly adhered to introducing Pokemon by generations, there’s a noticeable gap emerging with regards to Generation 8 Pokemon.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are Perfect for Pokemon GO

Why Pokemon Sword and Shield's Legacy Should Be Picked Up By Pokemon GO

As more Pokemon up to the seventh generation are now playable in Pokemon GO, except for a few exceptions, it seems that Generation 8 is paving the way for the game’s future direction. The recent integration of a “fusion” feature for Necrozma in Pokemon GO during its Shared Skies season could be a hint towards the potential inclusion of other fused Pokemon like Kyurem and, more significantly, Calyrex from Generation 8. Apart from the numerous new Pokemon that Niantic might introduce from Sword and Shield, there are several reasons why these Generation 8 games align well with Pokemon GO.

In essence, it’s been suggested that Pokemon GO might follow suit by incorporating Dynamax forms and Max Raids, similar to an improved version of its current Ultra and Mega Raids. The feature of Gigantamax forms in Sword and Shield is akin to Mega Evolutions, suggesting that Pokemon GO could effortlessly incorporate this concept, along with other elements from the Gen 8 games, such as those listed below.

  • Choice-based research events for Pokemon like Toxel, Kubfu, and Calyrex.
  • New evolution methods for Pokemon like Cursola and Alcremie.
  • Reward Pokemon with Gigantamax forms from special and limited-time events.

In essence, Pokemon GO might provide a second opportunity for temporary features and novelties from Sword and Shield to thrive, along with underappreciated Generation 8 Pokemon. This could enhance their reputation beyond their initial launch period.

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2024-08-03 19:03