'Pokémon Sword' and 'Pokémon Shield,' Welcome to the Galar Region—All the Information Released on the New Games

Fans have been buzzing for days knowing that the next generation of Pokémon was set for announcement any day. Many speculated the announcement would come on Pokémon day, February 27th, and they were correct! Announced through a live-stream, hosted by Tsunekazu Ishihara (the President and CEO of The Pokémon Company), Junichi Masuda (the producer of Pokémon Sword and Shield) and Shigeru Ohmori (the director of Pokémon Sword and Shield), they introduced fans to the next instalments of the game, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. The live-stream included so many things for Pokémon Trainers to get excited over. First off what the first look at the graphics for the games.

Welcome to the Galar Region.

Early rumours came out suggesting the next region could be based on the UK, and so far this rumour appears to be true. Galar is a long island with much countryside and some heave cities. The most obvious being a third down the map which would be roughly where Manchester would be located on a map of the UK. But what really makes this like the UK is the north most part of the map. Mountains and snow covers the top, very similar to Scotland in the winter months. Along with the region, the live-stream also showcased the male and female trainers for the players to choose from.

The male and female protagonists of 'Pokémon Sword' and 'Shield.'

As is now the norm, players will get to choose their gender in the game and both characters look set for a chilly adventure. The designs of the characters are very 'preppy' and fit with UK styles, which further adds to the leaked info of the UK being the inspiration for the region. If players will get to customise their characters with new hairstyles and clothes was not revealed. But with that being present in the last two generations of games and a watered-down version in Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, it is highly likely to return in these game. We also got to see the trainers in action through battles, both against other trainers and wild Pokémon!

Get ready for a battle!

Pokémon battles against other trainers is expected in Pokémon games. So it is no surprise they have returned for Pokémon Sword and Shield. However, the return of wild Pokémon battle is something to get excited over.

Minccino vs. a Wild Pikachu

Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee both dropped the traditional way of capturing new Pokémon. Rather than battling and weakening the target before throwing a Pokéball, trainers would simply throw a Pokéball at the wild Pokémon and hope they captured it. It is very similar to the catching mechanics in Pokémon Go with berries and varied strength Pokéballs increasing the chances of a successful capture. The return to the classic format will please fans, and they will be even more stoked for the next big return to the franchise.

Pokémon Gyms return!

Earning Gym Badges and entering the Pokémon League after earning all eight badges was a proud tradition in Pokémon games. However, they were removed in the seventh generation of games, Pokémon Sun and Moon, for a Pokémon Trail instead. These Trials were not well received by fans, so the fact The Pokémon Company has recognised their error is great for fans. The most interesting part of the live-stream footage was the final shot of the male trainer.

The male trainer enters a stadium.

We see the male trainer entering a stadium or arena of some kind. Not to unexpected as it could be a Pokémon Gym or the Pokémon League itself. However, his outfit now appears to be a soccer-like outfit, which is the only time a new wardrobe is seen in the live-stream footage. Perhaps it is a simple customisation for the trainers, or it could be a new form of gameplay in the games. It could be Pokémon Soccer is entering Pokémon or it could be the return of the Pokémon Contests. We will have to wait for the answers on that one. The final major thing to be shown was the three starter Pokémon from the games.

Meet the 8th generation starter Pokémon.

The three starter Pokémon are a basic essential to these games. Often starting out extremely cute only to evolve into powerful forms to aid any trainer in their battle. The three are always a Grass-Type, Fire-Type and Water-Type, and generation eight has kept to that lineup.

Grookey

The chimp Pokémon Grookey, he is a mischievous Pokémon with boundless curiosity.

Scorbunny

The rabbit Pokémon Scorbunny, who is always running about and busting with energy.

Sobble

The water-lizard Pokémon Sobble, who shoot out attacks as it hides itself in the water.

Needless to say, while the information given was just a fraction of what is to come out over the coming months, it is sure to set the fires of the Pokémon Trainer and make fan burn in anticipation to set out on a Pokémon Adventure once again. Set for release last 2019 for the Nintendo Switch, fans can now start saving and getting excited for their next Pokémon Adventure in the region of Galar.

What are your thoughts on the next installments of the Pokémon franchise?