
Radio stations vary from Professor Oak's Pokemon Channel (which gives you locations of the monsters in the game), a music channel and the Lucky Channel. Keeping track of time is important as some monsters only appear during certain times of the day. With the Pokegear you can check the time, look at an overworld map, make and receive cellular phone calls and listen to the radio, among other things. The Pokegear is possibly the handiest gadget in the game next to the backpack. Like the previous versions there are monsters only available in one cart or the other. There are artwork differences between Gold and Silver-some Pokemon have different poses depending on which version you're playing. Special versions of different monsters will turn up during the game too, and you'll only have one chance to catch them (for instance, the Gyarados who's terrorizing a lake area is gold-colored, different from normal). Gold and Silver have two new types of Pokemon-Dark and Steel, in addition to later evolutions of some monsters like Onixand Slowbro. Eevee can evolve into two additional forms-A psychic Eevee and a dark Eevee. Get a male and a female of those and take them to a farming couple which breeds Pokemon and you'll get an egg about a half hour later (see sidebar). Some of these are pre-evolved forms of popular monsters like Pikachu, Electabuzz and Clefairy. Not only are Pokemon Sword and Shield excellent RPGs, but they're also relaxing games that are satisfying to play and keep you coming back for more.There are a total of 251 Pokemon in the new games-151 from the first, and too new. This is a good thing, since you'll likely want to capture and collect the nearly 400 unique Pokemon in the game, completing your Pokedex and becoming a true Pokemon Champion. The new features such as DynaMax Pokemon and Pokemon Camp keep the experience fresh and fun, ensuring the game doesn't get too repetitive. The differences between the two are minimal, so pick whichever one seems the coolest to you and enjoy! Although the lack of combat difficulty might annoy more skilled players, the easier adventure is great for new Pokemon players. Whether you're a seasoned Pokemon fan or looking to jump into your first Pokemon adventure, both Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are excellent choices. When the battling gets too exhaustive, the new Pokemon Camp feature lets you blow off some steam. You can also discover various Pokemon trainers who will engage you in battle, as well as challenging “DynaMax” dens where you battle gigantic Pokemon for big rewards. In these expansive areas, you're able to freely roam about, battling and capturing wild Pokemon in order to strengthen your team. Large, open-ended “wild” areas break up the otherwise linear paths throughout the Galar Region. While a large chunk of Sword and Shield is similar to other Pokemon games, there are a handful of new additions that help spice up the gameplay. The classic battle system revolves around elemental strengths and weaknesses, so recognizing enemy weak points becomes crucial as you advance. There are various Gym challenges that mark your progress throughout the adventure, each one themed around a different type of Pokemon. You'll travel through luminous forests, open plains, and icy tundras, discovering new species of Pokemon and leveling up their abilities. Along the way, you'll meet a cast of memorable characters, including the seven respected Gym Leaders. After customizing your character and choosing one of the three elemental “starter” Pokemon, you'll set out into the Galar Region to capture new Pokemon and build up your battle team. Much like the rest of the Pokemon franchise, Sword and Shield are a mixture of open-world exploration and turn-based combat gameplay. In addition to the Gym Challenge, a mysterious and powerful Pokemon lurks in the forest, beckoning to be discovered and tamed.



Along with your best friend Hop, you'll travel across the Galar Region competing in the Gym Challenge, a prestigious set of Pokemon battles that take place in giant arenas. Your journey starts in the small town of Postwick, where you, a bright-eyed child with dreams of becoming a star Pokemon trainer, prepares to leave home. Prominent Pokemon trainers are recognized across the land, with many children hoping to one day become Pokemon Champion. Citizens in the Galar Region are enamored with Pokemon battling, treating it like a massive sport. Your adventure in Pokemon Sword and Shield takes place in the Galar Region, a lovely and varied land bustling with joy and excitement.
