As the first entry in the core Pokemon series to land on Nintendo's hybrid console, Sword and Shield opened us up to the world of Pokemon like never before.

Pokemon Sword and Shield was one of the most anticipated games of 2019, and with good reason. While it isn't quite as good as some of the earlier games, it’s one of the best looking entries in the franchise so far, and will always be notable for transitioning the main Pokemon series into the realm of 3D. It also introduced yet more interesting Pokemon, including the addition of the fairy-type, as well as new social features. X and Y propelled the series forward and laid down the groundwork for what was to come in Sun and Moon. While it is only cosmetic, it added to the role-playing element of the experience in a fun way. X and Y also brought in a lot more customisation, allowing you to change the look and style of your trainer. It was a welcome touch that finally let you pet and play with your favourite battling buddies. The Pokemon-Amie system was also introduced for the first time, which lets you interact with your Pokemon companions and form bonds with them. The charming sprites of yesteryear turned into gorgeous 3D models on the handheld, which elevated the battle sequences to new animated heights. It was a significant change from the other titles that came before it, and felt like it truly marked the start of a new era for the long-running franchise.

Pokemon X and Y took Pokemon into the world of 3D on the Nintendo 3DS and let us experience its universe like never before. Pokemon Sun and Moon's lush world and interesting story are still worth working your way through, and it also has nice features that build on what was established in X and Y, including tons of character customisations options, and more of a social aspect. This doesn’t mean its a bad entry in the Pokemon series by any means, and it’s certainly more accessible for newcomers in certain respects - it just lacks the same feel. Plus, it's very light on the post-game content after you finish the main campaign. The change from the typical gym battles was odd too, and made Sun and Moon felt a lot slower to get going than the earlier games. Some of the Alolan designs are quite unforgettable, although we’re pretty sure everyone will remember the mighty Alolan Exeggutor for the rest of their days. The Alola region was nice breath of fresh air for the series, since it really changed up the setting and reflected its theme in its unique Alolan Pokemon variants. It’s vibrant, bright, and offers a slightly different experience than you're used to. Pokemon Sun and Moon is like going on a tropical Pokemon-themed holiday.

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