Cognition Dissemination: Pokémon Fans Should Calm Down

Pokémon fans are upset.

A vocal portion of the series’ massive fanbase has been disappointed about the state of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield since the games were revealed earlier this year, which release worldwide tomorrow. The titles in the newest generation boast improved graphics over the Pokémon Let’s Go titles released in 2018, but they still look below par given what the Nintendo Switch is capable of. Game Freak’s inability or unwillingness to take full advantage of the hardware’s power irked the fanbase, something they should have the resources to do for a new installment in one of the world’s most popular video game franchises.

But that was all nothing compared to the sheer level of upset that’s followed, as fans learned about other elements and features previously taken for granted that didn’t make the cut this time. The days where fans were merely concerned about the graphics was the halcyon time.

It’s since been revealed that not all the Pokémon from previous games would be present in Sword and Shield. Attitudes toward these titles worsened further when the list of Pokémon present revealed how more creatures were excluded than expected, including popular types like Jigglypuff and Psyduck. Even starter Pokémon from previous games like Bulbasaur and Squirtle didn’t make it. This phenomenon is being called #Dexit, referring to Pokémon that have exited the Pokedex.

Game Freak tried to alleviate the concerns about the graphics and missing Pokémon by discussing how the animations were being redone for the returning creatures. Yet evidence suggested otherwise, and those that weren’t redone look jarring in the new graphics system, especially compared to those given to the new Pokémon. Well over 100 moves have also been cut, including useful techniques like Hidden Power and Pursuit. The core games are reportedly shorter than previous installments, though the campaign is hardly short per se. Several other smaller issues are upsetting fans, but you get the point by now: The most vocal audience is not happy at all.

Pokémon fans have good reasons to be disappointed with the state of the newest title, but the community has been in an extended cartoonish fit of rage for the last month. Fans have gotten into heated arguments on message boards and social media, and taking snipes at each other. The owner of popular Pokémon fansite Serebii, Joe Merrick, has received threats from some fans for having the gall to maintain a neutral stance in a desire to avoid the drama. This was why the hashtag #IStandwithSerebii was trending for a good amount of time on Tuesday.

For what it’s worth, critics largely, though not entirely, enjoyed the games. They mentioned how the overall experience didn’t feel like it was hamstrung by the above issues as they played through them. Critics also appreciated presentation enhancements over previous installments, despite the graphics not being the most stunning they could be. This is, after all, the first new generation mainline installments made for an HD platform, and the first that will be playable on the television without an additional device like the Game Boy Player.

Those who were disappointed in the games were smaller in number, but notable. VG247 reviewer Alex Donaldson mentioned that the experience felt unfinished in certain parts and was “not the revolution that was promised or hoped for” thanks to the above issues, like the lower number of Pokémon and discarded moves. But he didn’t think it was all bad, thanks to aspects of the experience that gave him the “warm, fuzzy feeling that one expects from the series.” Several participants in the newest Eurogamer Podcast felt that while the games represent a step forward in some areas, they take two steps backward in others.

Fans aren’t wrong for taking issue with its features, or the lack thereof. But nothing justifies the fits of insanity some vocal fans have been engaged in, those attacking both fans and developers who don’t agree with them. They’ve lost the plot, and the entire community will be taken less seriously because of them.

There was bound to be a time where new mainline Pokémon games wouldn’t retain all the creatures from previous installments, thanks to how many there are. Even the biggest team in the world doesn’t have the resources to add over 800 creatures and create individual move sets for each of them, all while adding new ones with their own move sets and animations. That is, unless it’s a live service-style title that will be updated over time, an idea they could explore in the future. It’s certainly possible they went a little too far with the cuts here. But I can’t emphasize enough that nothing justifies the vitriol coming from facets of the community.

I know how rabid fanbases operate, and several of the loudest critics will still buy one of these games on day one. Hopefully they’ll enjoy it, but if they don’t, constructive criticism could help Game Freak and The Pokémon Company create improved experiences the next time around if several players agree. Sure, that sounds like what the biggest critics wanted for these particular installments, but the development team will have the freedom to add more features as they further adjust to HD platform development and the Switch hardware.

If they still don’t improve anything, feel free to harshly criticize them. But I cannot emphasize this enough: Keep it sane.