Pokémon Sword & Shield | Girlfriend Reviews

Go to Squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com... and use code "GIRLFRIENDREVIEWS"
Usually I just watch my boyfriend play games, but Pokémon likes to release two games at once to make extra money. I played Shield and he played Sword. Can you guess who loved it and who hated it? #pokemon #pokémon
Thanks to this twitter user for the emo sobble clip:
Screamo Zamboni Clip from Twitter user @niicccooooooooo
And "The Pokémon Dream" speech at the end is a parody of George Carlin's "American Dream" bit in case you are interested in hearing the much better, much more important version!
• George Carlin ~ The Am...
Merch:
teespring.com/...
Support us on Patreon:
/ girlfriendreviews
Watch us play and capture our footage on Twitch:
/ girlfriendreviews
Twitter: @itsgfreviews
Instagram: GirlfriendReviews
Facebook: Girlfriend Reviews

[@oceanman_8370]

Is no one talking about how she used a masterball on a squirel and named it "no regrets"

[@jujutsushi]

tbh I can't find a good use for the masterball in swsh

[@akero_nj]

@@jujutsushi Glad to know I'm not the only one with this "problem"

[@Trinthegay]

@@jujutsushi The only game where it's worth it to use it is in R/S/E for Rayquaza imo

[@killme8697]

Gabi TGB haven’t played those in a while but aren’t you supposed to use it on latios/latias? Or am I thinking of the wrong game?

[@TheRedAzuki]

@@Trinthegay latios and latias tbh, since they can flee and is a random encounter. Ray-Q can just be whittled down with planning.

[@zelinskymatt]

That analogy to Mario & Zelda evolving and Pokemon staying the same is so crazy

[@crini413]

Zelda evolved so much that it's not even zelda anymore. Botw has nothing that makes zelda good. Evolution isnt always the way to go. Sometimes familiarity goes a long way

[@ordinarytree4678]

Crazy as in true you mean?

[@wjt764]

@@crini413 It's absolutely still Zelda. Just because that franchise has the balls to do something different doesn't mean its bad or shouldn't be considered as probably one of the best games of this decade. Its clear what happens when a game doesn't push it's boundaries, and you can see that clearly in sword and shield.

[@Maysey9241]

Breath of the Wild is the only Zelda game I played, and it's one of my top games ever. Idk what the franchise was before, but that game was good

[@AlbertoMartinez765]

@@wjt764 They have 93 Billion Dollars earned with the same formula but you in your MOM's basement are some sort of Game design genius?? hahaha Nope, its a game designed for children and it will always be a game designed for children. If your over the age of 14 you ass should be playing Monster Hunter..grow up please.

[@RedTV8888]

I got a little teary eyed towards the end because you perfectly described how I feel about the state of this franchise that I so dearly, dearly love. Thank you for laying into this game when it seems like nobody really does for the right reasons.

[@sirrismendozasunlessrealms5775]

"But oh, look at it! Let´s get it!

[@chicoperello2180]

Same here. Same here.

[@TheTlay101]

It's literally a George Carlin rant with Pokémon inserted

[@RedTV8888]

@@TheTlay101 Don't care

[@nate4137]

@The Stud Studio check out hg/ss if you want a fun but not mind numbingly easy Pokémon game that has a ridiculous amount of content

[@josh_augustine]

“Oh God no! Why is he sexy?! Take him back!” -Girlfriend Review 2019

[@JasperLane]

Think its because he looks like her boyfriend?

[@millennialacademy1087]

Exactly what I said when I saw Boyfriend. 😂

[@J2the707]

OH NO HE'S HOOOT!! - Squidward

[@trophycrusher7865]

OH NO IT'S HOOOOT

[@michaelolegario6399]

"My Pokemon has Yaoi hands and a thin frame". I personally just try not to think too hard about it when I'm actually playing in game. If they were gonna go with the humanoid approach again, at least make the design look appealing.

[@tweisel309]

That moment when you think to yourself “this rant sounds an awful lot like that time George Carlin talked about how companies bend you over a little bit further so they can get a better angle” then you flash to that exact moment. Thanks Girlfriend Reviews for yet again hitting the nail so squarely on the head.

[@slevinchannel7589]

So sad how people ignore the Problems. These are the Worst Games of Pokemon. I mean, JUST the AI that heals the Pokemon when they have full Health! This is JUST an Example! Nothing else!

[@tweisel309]

@@slevinchannel7589 Does that have anything to do with my comment?

[@slevinchannel7589]

@@tweisel309 Yeah, cause it's about the problems of these Games. And the Franchise. But whatever, this World has much bigger problems - who also get ignored!

[@Dahxelb]

This was one of the most honest and wholesome reviews of this game, no, this franchise, that I've seen in a long time. It's not overly analytical, it's just brutally honest, which is exactly how a review should be.

[@PewPew_McPewster]

Damn she savaged this game.

[@bunkflunk]

PewPew_McPewster i mean, she aint wrong

[@shattermelon496]

I think she gave it too much credit.

[@dr_birb]

She didnt. The ones makeing it did.

[@BankruptGreek]

doesn't take much effort to trash this game

[@Kool212]

Yet still bought two copies.

[@josueperozo5319]

The boyfriend monologue is so true ngl. Hit me hard

[@DoctorJeo115]

We, need to rise up!

[@christianfarren1179]

The LOTR music was the icing on the cake.

[@jackkohlsaat6643]

I wish the entire KZbin content creators banded together and refused to buy the game setting the example for all of us but that’s never gonna happen

[@aqua5758]

The pokemon socialist revolution

[@hayk3000]

Fuckin' George! He's screaming up at us.

[@EduardoMartinez-fk2pv]

She roasted every single person remotely related to this community

[@realar]

Not me, I call out TPC for their crap.

[@leonardofarias8843]

She should force Adrive to hear everything she says

[@realar]

@@leonardofarias8843 Yeah, he's a bit of an apologist.

[@leonardofarias8843]

@@realar He's a massive idiot he went full lazy shill so Sword and Shield doesn't fail and made excuses for everything

[@leonardofarias8843]

@@realar Because his job depends on it, but what he didn't realize is that the money he earns by making people waste 16 minutes of their lives is far far lower than what he would earn if he bothers

[@blacksiopao]

"that"s just a trashcan" now the *trubbish run* makes sense

[@ZizZap4]

nah, trubbish and garbador have more value.

[@blacksiopao]

@@ZizZap4 i meant their livestresm video titles. but yeah I agree, tcg garbodor was broken.

[@mbalukimwagastika3259]

Boyfriend made me remember the dream, of one day VR pokemon's...but dont give me hope. I'm forever Hawkeye aka Ronin

[@nicolasdragotta2689]

@@CallOfGamer2012 Wonder woman.... i think.

[@theninjamaster67]

@@nicolasdragotta2689 yah the new wonder woman 1985 trailer movie looks pretty dope tbh

[@indeimaus]

Imma be real I miss the animated sprites of pokemon

[@user-nw9hi5hj9k]

Diamond and Pearl fan?

[@oKirin-]

I feel the same way about the sprites in Fire Emblem games.

[@shoOoterlegend]

I miss my old copy of emerald

[@Buffypoodle]

THGema D/P was static sprites, I think they’re talking about B/W

[@knoxgarfallen3355]

That's because it forced them to put in effort

[@jacoblashley4018]

Putting together MLK’s I have a dream speech, George Carlin’s “you have owners” monologue, and Lord of the Rings music together for the rip into the Pokémon franchise at the end was unbelievably good. That caliber of writing, editing, and performance is phenomenal and these two should be one of the biggest channels on KZbin for this consistent high quality

[@ashishshah6730]

Couldn't agree more. Infact I got teary eyed in the end.

[@jacoblashley4018]

AquaLion GG yea they have talked about themselves a lot more especially recently

[@dayaralattar54]

I was going to comments this EXACT THING

[@whetlands]

I like that this channel has been so willing to genuinely criticize bad practices and lackluster titles when it would be so easy to just go along with so much of games media and hand out 9s to all major releases. You've managed to keep a positive vibe while still dishing out criticism when warranted and that's honestly a feat for game commentation. Thanks so much for all you guys have done.

[@dxnlink]

“Hop tucks in his shirt to his gym shorts - looser” 😂😂😂😂

[@dorianjareth9198]

Loser*

[@PainCausingSamurai]

He's smart. Untucked jerseys are a technical foul in basketball.

[@Buffypoodle]

Tighter

[@coolguy02536]

Gotta use either one 'o' or at least three. Otherwise it'll just keep coming off as some deformed pseudo-spelling that a Brit would use unironically.

[@wolfgod6443]

Damn. I bought my brother, a huge Pokemon fan, Shield for Christmas. He hasn't even looked at it. Never complained about it or anything, I mean it was a gift, but I can tell what's going on. This really hit home as to why.

[@standingonbusiness1441]

I’m a huge Pokémon fan as well but when I saw Sword it was a bitter sweet feeling that Me and many others are just outgrowing this series but it drew me back into the series to see what all the hate was about and while I was dissatisfied….. I *liked* the game as a *whole* it’s not perfect and it’s lazy but I just can’t hate it

[@Lisa_Minci96]

The last part about it being an interactive commercial stung hard ngl

[@HelenGPitts]

Previous month I was able to pull my first five figure paycheck ever!!! I've been working for this provider on the web for twenty four months now and I never been happier... They are paying me $95 per hour, and the best thing about it is the fact I am not that tech-savvy, they only required standard knowledge of internet and elementary typing skill...Amazing thing about this gig is the more free time I got to spend with my family. I am in a position to dedicate quality time with my friends and family and look after my children and also going on family vacation together with them very routinely. Don't skip this opportunity and make sure to react fast. Let me show you what I do... *foryou49­.­c­o­m*

[@XxBakerxX72]

@@HelenGPitts Alternatively, everyone send me $5 instead and I'll promise to do nothing

[@complexityinc.5167]

Baker72 now that is a campaign I get behind

[@bluethan806]

I've never aggressively agreed with anything before... This feels dangerous

[@BakeryTakery]

Ethan Micallef Yeah same, that’s how cults get started...and I’m okay with that.

[@lancelovecraft5913]

Im so heated after watching this but I completely agree with everything she said

[@mickmack4049]

Ethan Micallef genwunner

[@REIQ]

Good George Carlin Monologue there LOL

[@pagnedaman3777]

Glad i found this comment. I thought some of that sounded familiar. :)

[@gamedemon89]

I love when they add bits from comedy specials like bill burr and Carlin

[@andymcclurg9916]

They call it the Pokemon Dream Because you have to be forever ten years old to believe it

[@sle2470]

Yep I caught that too! LOL!

[@alexr9564]

Frr

[@notredonsnek]

"The ground, the trees, and the core gameplay" Love it

[@Zooted1278]

That intelleon running at you is gonna give me nightmares....

[@brauliorodriguez8951]

I can't believe she has more balls than ign xD

[@forfuchsake2254]

The IGN reviewer was a woman as well so balls are not really an option

[@yosefshekelberg5433]

It's almost like ign is a corporation and this is a KZbinr.

[@joaogarcia6170]

I remember a person who used to work on those sites, she said that the scores are different from what we imagine, for example a 10 score is a masterpiece but they don't have a masterpiece Definition. So basically scores in those websites are EXTREMELY convoluted, a game With a score of 5 is more like a Score of 1 and 10 is not really a 10 Most of the time. Tl;dr game reviewing sites suck balls.

[@shinshin656]

That "The Office" part with Michael saying he will kill himself as r/Pokemon and Nintendo be like "Wow" was hilarious. Made my day, thank you.

[@garrusvakarian4112]

Shin Shin It’s genius because reddit can actually be that overdramatic

[@Drakenwild]

@@garrusvakarian4112 I feel like your statement holds true for most social media platforms.

[@the_abyss_walker2817]

Shin Shin Really I swear she has used that clip with same context before.

[@garrusvakarian4112]

THGema They’re not. Just because I critiqued Reddit doesn’t mean other social medias aren’t also a circlejerk shithole lol

[@dustinrausch5008]

@@Drakenwild The internet in general speaks hyperbole as its first language. Why people keep being surprised by this is beyond me.

[@orions2908]

Damn, came here fully expecting an overly positive review that completely ignores all the issues with the game, just like, you know, all other reviews, but it seems like I understimated you guys. Amazing review.

[@leonardofarias8843]

You underestimated Gamexplain too i see

[@krissa9664]

Well just because you agree with this one doesnt mean its "good" a review is an expression of opinion an opinion isnt "good" because you happen to agree with it

[@steveponnsaf4032]

Yeah this critique earned a lot of respect, and it was probably because the channel doesn't have to tip toe around a gaming company to stay in business. There are many thought provoking aspects to this review.

[@joep2999]

@@krissa9664 Nah mate, reviews aren't expressions of opinions. Or at least, they're not supposed to be. A review is supposed to be, you know, a review of the game. An objective assessment of what the game did well, what it did poorly, how much each one mattered to the experience and most importantly, a comparison to games of its kind. A review isn't there for the critic to give their opinion, a review is there for a viewer to find out if the game is worth it for them. Reviews that try to assign simple ratings like "10/10" to a game are doing it wrong. Even if the game is 10/10, it's not for everyone. A 10/10 soulsbourne game is not a game everyone would enjoy. Anybody who was familiar with the series and played it would have immediately known it was a step back with no redeeming features that the majority of people wouldn't be interested in. Instead, we got showered with praise, "8/10" being the lowest you'd see from the big sites. "9+/10" was more common. It's a fun game, don't get me wrong. As Shelby said, it's perfectly good for newcomers. Sure, some things could have been done better, but if you're new it's not a waste of your money. But for the game to get reviews in the 9+/10 range, that's suggesting it's an absolute masterpiece, but there are people who've played better and more expansive versions of this to the point that they are now bored of it.

[@krissa9664]

@@joep2999 Joe P that is your opinion i played all the alola hames twice unova and kalos and the remake of hoenn and im still playing it even though i pumped over a 120 hours into it im not saying what he said is neccesarily wrong although i disagree im saying that agreeing with a review doesnt mean its exactly good .

[@OceanFragments]

GoDAMN this girl was savage, and so, SO on point. It was deeply satisfying to hear that callout.

[@CorpoHawkWasabi]

Her boyfriend wrote her script ;)

[@OceanFragments]

@@CorpoHawkWasabi and ya know what? He was savage too.

[@breadwinner80]

@@CorpoHawkWasabi you don’t know that?

[@laiika511]

@@breadwinner80 Not counting the times where they've said Matt writes the scripts, Shelby literally says she's reading a monologue from her boyfriend in this video

[@breadwinner80]

@@laiika511 honestly I don’t know why I was so stupid when writing this comment

[@FinleyFawkes]

It really hurts me that pokemon throws it's potential out of the window like that. I had so much fun as a kid training and batteling these monsters. But if I wanted to play the same game over and over, id just replay one of the older ones

[@Charizard215]

That ending monologue: There is truth in the world!

[@thefilminformer]

The LOTR soundtrack was too much 😂

[@janekskiba1201]

It's actually a rewritten speech by George Carlin called "You have no choice". You can find it on KZbin, I highly recommend you do

[@Ultimare]

She actually borrowed that speech from George Carlin. She even includes a clip from him in his actual stand up special. lol

[@deanwillis1500]

Gamers rise up

[@23Joe91]

@@janekskiba1201 I was wondering why it hurt so much 😅

[@collecttcg1122]

What she said at the end about the whole pokemon franchise and that they dont care about the games, seems true and crushed my hopes and dreams:(

[@coolguy700able]

Wasn't expecting a George Carlin reference in a Pokemon review.

[@servantofthemosthigh2525]

Well...he isn't wrong

[@ZTMercx88]

Same. I am just so happy to see one.

[@LeonardoYoshimitsu]

Me neither

[@PKHalford]

It was more than a reference, it was an entire segment of his with Pokemon copy-pasted into it XD

[@maiquelac9678]

This game is the popular kid fron school 20 years ago and nowdays he still wear the exact same thing because some people still believe he is cool

[@salmon-stan]

I can't _believe_ they reused Hau's animations for the new guy. That's just inexcusable. :(

[@pizza619]

It's just a way they can save money and time.

[@salmon-stan]

@Autistic Gamer I'd forgive it since there's so damn many of them. But Hau's animations are distinctly Hau's -- if you use them for some other guy, he's not a new character, he's a reskin.

[@HerrProfessorr]

And they said they couldn't include all the pokemons because of animations...

[@morganirbs2523]

We already hated Hau, why did Game Freak give us another ban character

[@salmon-stan]

@@morganirbs2523 I liked Hau. :(

[@anthonyg6839]

When LOTR music kicked in I almost cried in my cubicle

[@Amocoru]

You were by far the best gaming channel of 2019.

[@diode_wow]

But The Game Theorists move so much cash!

[@tunzv7282]

@@diode_wow you have a point

[@thatredjevil6137]

No

[@companyoflosers]

the reaction to sobble's evolutionary chain in this video is pure gold XD

[@pswiisixtee]

IGN gave these games a 9.3/10 and nominated them for Game of the Year. They are part of the problem. Girlfriend Reviews > IGN.

[@arekmg0003]

Where did IGN said that they nominated Pokemon Sword/Shield for game of the year?

[@Padenjs]

ign has been rating games on the 8-10 scale for at least 20 years now. this is not news to anyone.

[@coolguy02536]

@@Padenjs Except Death Stranding, Yakuza 4, Alien Isolation, Pokemon MD EOS, Days Gone, Deadly Premonition, and God Hand apparently.

[@tristanweide]

@@coolguy02536 PMD EOS is my favorite game ever. It has so much more story and spirit than the mainline. I don't know how that scores so low yet sword and shield can get a 9.3/10

[@coolguy02536]

@@tristanweide "It's Pokemon, 9.3" "It's a spinoff, 4.9"

[@chimmychunga]

The shade thrown at IGN at the end was the best part of the review. I love me some Girlfriend Reviews.

[@FraserSouris]

Shannon West Except for many of her videos, she’s done the same thing. We don’t criticize her for praising something a lot. Also, since when has GR reviews become so serious?

[@m1sh474]

@@FraserSouris IGN is well known for praising shitty games because companies pay them. GFR is just 2 dudes reviewing the games they play, nothing more.

[@lordfaust023]

Fraser Souris nah...IGN had done a lot of stupid reviews...you cant compare GFR to IGN...IGN just seems to upload reviews that are plagiarize, biased, and 7/10 because too much water

[@zach3861]

Does IGN understand that their entire company looks like a complete joke in the public's eyes? Is there literally anybody willing to take their word for quality anymore?

[@narata1541]

@@m1sh474 True. Pokémon has been boring since it came out on the 3DS and IGN literally gave all of them perfect scores, which makes me wonder how much they are getting paid.

[@battlep0t]

I want Game Freak to take risks again like they did with Black & White, but the sales of those games made them play it incredibly safe with X/Y and I don't think they've ever got out of that mindset.

[@geaarmel6764]

In what way u want them to take risk?

[@hioeo]

What risk did they take with Black and White? Lmao.

[@TacticusPrime]

@@hioeo They took out all the old pokemon. It was a completely new set. They told an actual story that was pitched more toward 12yos than 6yos. They made sequels, Black 2 and White 2, that were actual sequels and not just shameless cashgrabs. And those were the worst selling of all the versions.

[@DylanXD-]

"Hop tucks in his shirt! HOP TUCKS IN HIS SHIRT TO HIS GYM SHORTS, LOSER!!!" i'm dead XD

[@hobbsm666]

HHahaha

[@hectorcastro347]

mykey Priceless you are a dead f

[@aivreescend7945]

It's unrelated, but i found your majestic Barbatos Lupus pfp really awesome. And when I'm drawing Lupus Rex while listening to GF review. Weird coincidence.

[@coolguy02536]

Thumbs up for spelling LOSER correctly 😍

[@StummerVogel]

Thumbs down for spelling "shirt" wrong. J/k but really how did you confuse shirt with shorts?

[@bigdogdelf5634]

“OH GOD ITS RANGO” I’m pissing omg

[@domo190]

Noah Cabarcas DO IT IN A BOTTLE

[@domster1621]

“And the streamy award goes to-“ GFR: *sweats with anticipation* “-The Game Theorists!” GFR: “Dang it!!” Well ya can’t deny their amazing transitions, buddy

[@coolyeh1017]

Damn even the casuals are harping on the game.

[@FraserSouris]

Nyeh Not really. Judging by the sales and r/Pokémon, most are content with the game

[@andreapareti324]

I mean, tbf, the boyfriend is clearly not a clear-cut casual of the series. I think this is why I didn't like this review nearly as much as the others.

[@BigFearedBalloon]

I really hoe GameFreak do improve, cause each time they don't, it's another £45 I spend somewhere else. Like yesterday, I bought Minecraft for Nintendo Switch, and really enjoyed playing Minecraft again, especially now since Sony decided to stop being stubborn and made PS4 Minecraft Cross Platform, meaning I got to play the game alongside my brother on different consoles.

[@SubliminaIMessages]

@@FraserSouris well to be fair, most Pokemon fans are braindead sheep who will buy anything with "Pokemon" slapped onto it.

[@leonard9624]

@@SubliminaIMessages heh, true

[@edgybravo4287]

lol a girl that has played only 2 pokemon games can see how lazily made and bad the newer games are and some hardcore fans that have been playing for 10-20 years are blind or can't admit it kinda sad

[@Summer-us5ql]

Chris A. I don’t see the point of your comment. The original commenter agrees with you

[@danielpena2136]

Touche

[@stewartbanner]

What does her gender have to do with it?

[@mexicanamiqo2405]

Stewart Banner Shut up you degenerate

[@stewartbanner]

@@mexicanamiqo2405 insightful

[@Davidrsq]

I'm having a hard time believing you are a "newcomer" to videogames. You know videogames too well! Even better than some "gamers". I like your view points and the way you present them. Doesn't feel forced or pretentious. You give valid points and i like that.

[@ExtrangHero]

In one of the Q&A, they did say that the script was written by the boyfriend who happens to be a big video games fan.. and then the girlfriend inputs some memes and jokes and add ons along the way.. so there you go, don't think too much.. just enjoy watching haha

[@Davidrsq]

@@ExtrangHero That make's sense. I guess you are right, maybe i should just enjoy the videos.

[@Chronokinetic]

@@Davidrsq So this review channel, is too, a commercial to draw in sponsors.

[@joselocalau123]

Well Matt does write the scripts and adds his knowledge, but he’s also just putting into written words what Shelby says and thinks. It’s a collaborative work tbh

[@namelessnpc6689]

@@joselocalau123 Yeah. They've also re-clarified that again, even, in one of their newer videos (their behind the scenes video)

[@4nimeJax]

Pokemon Nintendogs... Nintendo: *Write that down! Write that down!*

[@djdeadbeat4380]

Jaxson Shoemaker haven’t they done that already a few times? I wouldn’t know, I don’t play or follow the Pokémon series

[@4nimeJax]

@@djdeadbeat4380 I low key wouldn't be surprised if they have.

[@Spot_Faceless-Soldier]

The "boyfriend speech" towards pokemon was the equivalent of clubbing someone's belly

[@LordHoun]

I think that's what was meant to happen, it was a literal rip from George Carlin.

[@DrunkTalk]

Lord of the Rings music: *I'm not crying you're crying*

[@InconsistentContent]

The best!

[@ChristianBawden]

For real

[@johnnydab]

Which one is it?

[@MrEvolutionable]

@@johnnydab "The Breaking of the Fellowship" by Howard Shore

[@isaiah1516]

Still waiting for my Boyfriend Reviews "Should Your Girlfriend Play Animal Crossing?"

[@OhKeiSyd]

They are probably waiting for the new Animal Crossing coming this Spring! :)

[@isaiah1516]

@@OhKeiSyd I know they are, I just like to annoy them by posting this on every video lol

[@flutterymuffins]

Ironic that a game about evolving is less evolved than some of the fossils its pokemon came from >.>

[@Limbaughisgreat]

"...and even form emotional bonds with them..." Since you have now reached this point, I'd like to introduce you to a little something we call the Nuzlocke challenge.

[@4nimeJax]

But awww, look at it! *Pokemon in a nutshell*

[@brainrich1358]

"Oh God! It's Rango!" Lol 😂😂

[@graehampton]

I did play the game, and I did get Sobble, but mine was a girl and that made it so much better.

[@theodorepinnock1517]

I really don't like how they took the actual effort out of training Pokémon - in previous games, only Pokémon who took part in battles, or were holding an XP Share (an item specifically for giving XP to a Pokémon who hadn't fought) got any experience. Now literally all of your Pokémon get experience regardless.

[@fictionarch]

I don't mind that bit. it cuts back on grinding and encourages using different teams of Pokemon. Problem is the game never tailors the enemies level to account for this leaving you unintentionally over leveled for most if not all of the game.

[@MikeSW]

@@fictionarch A game where you play as a Pokemon TRAINER that doesn't need to actually train Pokemon...riveting. This is one of my largest complaints with the past few Pokemon games. In early entries, you'd develope a history with your party by adventuring around the map and putting each one to work.

[@fictionarch]

@@MikeSW can't say I relate. As a kid I found experimenting with different pokemon was largely punished by the game because you would need to grind them for so long before they become worth something. I found it allot faster/easier just to have one over leveled starter and 5 meat shields the rare exception being when I faced an enemy with pokemon strong to mine but this proved to just be a minor inconvenience where I use a pokemon strong to theirs for one fight and then have them go back to being a meat shield. It didn't help that back then everyone at school with a level 100 didn't get it by playing the game but with cheats. Actually playing the game was something to be avoided and they would spend money on action replays to do it.

[@MikeSW]

@@fictionarch The possibility of cheating is an illegitimate critique.

[@fictionarch]

@@MikeSW don't know what you mean by possibility. They would tell you you that they use action replay. No reason to hide it after all it is still a video game.

[@Ceej582]

This is the second year in a row I've been about to fly home and a girlfriend reviews video has gone up while I'm in the airport. Travelling tends to make me stressed and your videos always give me a smile and help calm me down.

[@leah66]

The emo screaming Drizzile took me out of existence

[@ShayHezarkhani]

2:10 came here to give props to the Senses Fail cameo. respect.

[@Pwnstarrunner]

This is probably one of the best, thorough reviews for why Pokemon is tanking in quality. They know they can just shove out the next generation of half-assed pokemon, ignore graphics upgrades and creative game play. Your comparison to BOTW is spot on as to how lazy Game Freaks have become. And unfortunately, more and more people are going to continue to buy it, thus resulting in a forever degrading game. The Pixelmon mod is a better game overall.

[@BrazillianCara]

Did you pay attention to the video? They aren't lazy, they are forced by TPC to keep a tight schedule.

[@Optamizm]

The problem with Pokemon is new kids are born everyday, so by the time kids/adults get bored with the games, new kids are old enough to play and the cycle repeats.

[@twigz3214]

@@BrazillianCara They could have done a lot more, they are lazy. They spent hours on a useless feature when they could have made the core gameplay better and not lied to the public about why they are cutting pokemon from the dex.

[@internetguy7319]

Zachary Johler they literally do not control how much time they do or what they get to do

[@nasuada4732]

I’d recommend watching Mother’s Basement’s video called “The Secret to Pokemon’s Success”. It’s a really good video imo that talks about that stuff regarding the multimedia nature of the Pokémon franchise in more detail than here, and I thought it was a pretty good look consideration of the franchise from different angles.

[@goldenchi1d228]

The BF “Pokemon Dream” Excerpt had impactful words from a true Pokémon fan. Respect

[@nasir4741]

The moment I heard "it's called the Pokemon Dream..." I almost immediately remembered George Carlin(R.I.P)...and there he was. Great Work :D

[@mmo3284]

People aren't upset Pokemon stayed the same, it's actually devolving.

[@joshheinink]

It's up and down. Remember sun moon had zmoves and megas

[@lorettabes4553]

Yup. And it's because of a *lot* of reasons.

[@Gareth_Muse]

151 likes!

[@nameman9997]

Gareth Mewes 153, can’t forget bayleaf

[@Bllue]

X&Y was such a great installment and everything that has come since has been so disappointing.

[@pnut3844able]

Them: "Not everything has to be an office meme." Me: "Why are you the way that you are? Every time I try to make something fun you make it not....that. I hate so much about the things you choose to be....."

[@SunBro_Talos]

pnut3844able I... DECLARE... BANKRUPTCYYYY!!!!

[@JoelGarcia-lu3tw]

Not everything has be an office meme

[@mathiastwp]

Gamefreak: **Slithers past some tree textures** The internet: So, mortal, dare ye venture into the ring of fire?

[@Nick-yi2rn]

That Lord of the Rings music hit me like a truck

[@lachlangawthrop6625]

Instantly makes any speech 1000x more emotional!

[@carllubrin8518]

Nick V the Bain one was the best lol

[@civiccc]

You forgot to say how they cant afford voice actors.

[@arcangel879]

My brother's rant every dialogue while painfully playing the game.

[@jowysw]

GameFreak is just an indie company. Please understand.

[@mr.frenzy7304]

@@jowysw that's sarcasm right? i hope ur joking

[@jowysw]

@@mr.frenzy7304 of course it is not sarcasm. Everyone knows Pokemon is a small franchise that doesn't generate billions of dollars at all /s

[@peterelliott4922]

They can very easily afford them, it’s the most financially successful video game franchise in history. They’re just tight-arse jerkoffs that squeeze every penny from the playerbase without investing in the evolution of the series gameplay mechanics

[@mikerinty87]

Wow, you completely eviscerated not just the game, but the company as well. Absolutely brutal...and totally true.

[@antduude]

"I say to you, Girlfriend..." You guys wuz robbed at the Streamys. Even though I know nothing about Pokemon(and I intend to keep it that way), you made it fun and interesting to listen to the history behind Chinpokomon. Also, nice use of the LOTR and Psycho soundtracks.

[@Keithustus]

I am just now trying to watch some Game Theorist videos for the first time. And I can’t. They’re too cringy and childish. This channel and others have spoiled me.

[@leho_123]

Keithustus hey you take that back, Matpat and Crew are wholesome, fun, and pretty educational!

[@FabRz998]

"Hop tucks in his shirt to his gym's shorts. Loser". You just won a new subscriber

[@Envinyata91]

Haha "who dresses like the burger king for some reason."

[@mdctenga]

The monologue at the end brought a tear to my eye. Truth was shared this day.

[@Wolfdawg504]

This is literally the best and most honest review of the game that I've seen so far. I'm with you boyfriend. I've played Pokemon since '98. I've bought every single mainline game and dealt with the shortcomings because "it's on a handheld". But sword and shield were not just disappointments, they were insults, and even after month of coming to accept that fact, I'm still not sure how to feel about it.

[@CreepyConnor]

"I know they probably made a lot of new animations for this" The pokemon twitter community would like to have a word about reused animations-

[@sirborkington1052]

Yeah I stopped playing/being intrested in Pokemon after finishing Pokemon Y. Everything just got so stale, I hope they make big improvements, it's the Assassin's Creed of Nintendo.

[@darkmoon2503]

After playing Shield (yes, Shield players actually exist)... I think I might have to step away, too. There were a lot of issues that got in the way of my enjoyment that weren't in the previous titles, and I'm not even sure I'd want to get the next game if those issues aren't fixed (and I ain't just talking 'bout the Pokedex this time).

[@LucasDeziderio]

I mean, even Ubisoft is at least trying to make new things with the more recent Assassin's Creed. Some are good, some are bad, but at least is innovation.

[@stygy9929]

@@LucasDeziderio i wouldnt go as far as to say the new AC games are innovating but I will say that atleast theres clear effort into them especially with the geographical and historical accuracy (minus the changes in plot ofcourse its a game afterall). Pokemon is just. Hmm heres new mons, new region, new characters lets call it a day boys.

[@LucasDeziderio]

@@stygy9929 Yeah, that's what I meant. AC has always new characters, new plots, new missions, a few new mechanics, different location and time period... It's like a burger: there are dozens of ways of making one, but it's still a burger. No the new Pokemon games are always the same game with a different coat of paint. I, personally, would love to see a more “mature" version of Pokemon where the wild ones can actually kill you, your mons can get hurt and die, gym leaders are more akin to the head of the local gang than quirky trainers.

[@TheElliotEquation]

Christmas came early y'all we got a new girlfriend review!

[@Leviathanemperor]

This is like the best sword&shield review I've ever watched.

[@cosmicredpanda2420]

It’s funny because a lot of the “new” animations for camp are re used from Pokémon amie on the 3DS

[@michaelberger7526]

Even threw his teenage emo phase: Cue Senses Fail HAHAHA! Got me cracking up over here

[@muhammadsyafiq1004]

Which sense fail song is that again?

[@shadow281299]

OMG i was so totally not expecting that song to come up hahaha the song is the irony of dying on your own birthday!

[@redstickviking2808]

The sly use of a slightly altered George Carlin rant makes me love and respect you guys even more. Keep it up!

[@FernandoGarcia-xc5xy]

I noticed its not "should your boyfriend play..." Anymore

[@justsomeguy1014]

Fernando Garcia I guess she doesn’t believe your boyfriend should play this game

[@epiccarrot88]

Probably because it doesn't make sense for what these reviews are normally about. They're about whether being a back-seat gamer is fun or not for the games they cover. Games your boyfriend absolutely SHOULD buy may be ones that you absolutely SHOULD NOT watch them play.

[@arnoldrothstein4517]

They did it because of youtube algorithm and comments like: "How dare this woman tell her boyfriend/us what game he/we should be playing."

[@StummerVogel]

@@arnoldrothstein4517 Really? That's just petty. Can't people take a joke? Or they just saw the title and got offended without actually watching the video.

[@AcesMaven]

@@RadicalDreamer9000 I believe they posted a video that says the boyfriend writes the reviews and she is the voice of the reviews.

[@prinzcharls8454]

The Monolog made me sad 😢

[@sunburstno7]

This... hurts my soul. I know it’s true but it still hurts.

[@boltsnapbolt]

This is the best review for this game/franchise I have ever seen. I love this channel. Every video is such high quality and you can just tell they care. Keep making awesome content guys!

[@mauricer.4873]

jesus christ that fellowship of the ring soundtrack really hit me

[@jorisessen8410]

Lord of the rings u mean? Fellowship of the ring is the name of the first movie.

[@Robert-vk7je]

@@jorisessen8410 If I remember correctly, it was "The road goes ever on" from the soundtrack of the "fellowship of the ring". But I don't know, if the theme recurs in the second and third movie. Probably tho', because of leitmotifs.

[@lamardavis688]

DON'T THINK I DIDN'T CATCH THE GEORGE CARLIN REVISED MONOLOGUE BEFORE YOU SHOWED HIM. Really great revision btw, quite beautiful

[@adrianford1073]

"and just dumb enough to pre order" as IGN review pops up. Genius. Loved this video.

[@BergsArt]

Haha, love that Monster Hunter reference. Cuz MH had pretty much the same circumstance as Pokemon. Everybody dreamed they turned to a AAA game someday coming to big screen consoles, seeing new and old monsters in to a modern masterpiece..... at least one of them did it right.

[@WolfLykaios]

I remember talking to my friends somewhere around 2009, of what I wanted Pokémon to be: a 3D, high res, open world, where you do as Ash Ketchum does and travel the whole world, battling in gyms in whatever order, finishing the league which you try get in the top ten rank and not just the first place because the competition is brutal, and then go to the other region restricted to only bring one Pokémon. Yet here we are.

[@borismuller86]

Wolf Lykaios I love that idea and it makes me sad to think it’ll never happen.

[@knownparadox8649]

Honestly..... utterly correct review. And after years of playing pokemon from gen 3 and onwards, and considering myself learned in the video game industry... I did indeed have a great time playing Pokemon Shield, had a whale of a time playing this formulaic and static entry in the series, and still having an enjoyable time in the battle tower while going through another playthrough on a different account on my Switch. Difficulty was actually higher than I expected most of the time, wild pokemon especially, and the Champion fight felt like a proper Champion fight for the first time since the original Black and White. I may have low standards, and intelligent enough to realize the glaring issues and faults the series has as a whole, still. I had fun.

[@brengis]

IVE NEVER BEEN THIS EARLY I LOVE YALLS CHANNEL SO MUCH, I SHOWED MY GIRLFRIEND AND SHE LOVES IT KEEP MAKING CONTENT I LOVE YOU GUYS

[@Inemity]

Best review so far. You make pretty much every point as to why I hate Pokemon. It's never about the game, just the merchandise, and people will drool over it and buy whatever is thrown at them.

[@TacticusPrime]

It seriously is just a commercial for the merchandise now. This really hit the nail on the head.

[@angelbless45]

My pokémon dream died when they said they were going to cut the National Dex. I too started pokémon in my game boy under the "Gotta catch ´em all" motto and now, everything seems to be gone, dug into a tomb of corporate lies. You don´t need to feel the same if you like the game, just understand there are different points of view about this subject.

[@internetguy7319]

angelbless45 I am a weird breed. I, too, feel the shit. But I also enjoy the game...

[@Knight5015]

Like you can catch all thousand Pokemon.

[@angelbless45]

@@internetguy7319 its ok. I played the game. Its not bad.

[@angelbless45]

@@Knight5015 I have the complete dex since Ruby all the way to Sun/Moon. You can do it.

[@Knight5015]

@@angelbless45 Unfortunately you're one of the 10% of the people who actually does that.

[@john.c6508]

I was losing my mind trying to remember where i heard that monologue before. Now i have a comedy special i need to rewatch.

[@GirlfriendReviews]

Link in the description!

[@user-no6wc6ln8w]

@@GirlfriendReviews good

[@stevenblance3566]

Best Pokenon Shield Review I've seen. I watched so many (looking at you IGN!!) that praised these as the best Pokemon games ever before buying it, and I haven't played a Pokemon title as bad as this. Never had so much hand holding in a game.

[@Winning2108]

2:13 is this a Senses Fail joke in the year of our Lord 2019??

[@Epomanclassics]

Winning2108 had me pissing myself

[@Badenhawk]

I legit got excited hearing it, I've followed that band since their first EP.

[@BradTheAmerican]

What's the song

[@Epomanclassics]

Irony of Dying on Your Birthday

[@MultiZelda13]

3:33 I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS. I even conceptualized the whole process of running your own day care and raising your pokemon and upgrading the place for different types with mini games! and They all do a bunch of unique animations

[@ShadowTheDeathhog]

Favorite channel of 2019, its so refreshing to have a game reviewer/comedy channel host who's also a woman, has good vocal expression and is also fuckin hilarious

[@bluesmurff6163]

That's exactly what it though of this game when i played it 1 week ago with a friend, like it could have been made 10 years ago. It's also way to easy. She went through the game while never training or choosing which pokemon to fight

[@glitchasaur]

When you play Dragon Quest XI on draconian settings & then play Pokemon Shield; feels like a budget holiday where the hotel has a drained swimming pool.

[@TheNmv20]

I know this was a Pokémon review , but that Lord of the Rings song was perfect👌🏽😂

[@NobleVagabond2552]

100% accurate. This game (and too many others these days) insults your intelligence

[@moose-mancer]

And that's what bothers me, like, kids nowaday are SMARTER than when I was a kid. Do you think I could've figured out an iPad? Hell no.

[@mochoman312games2]

i'm not that smart so you insult me for giving me credit

[@BadgunmusicII]

I’d been with it since Red and Blue came out when I was in the 4th grade. I’d played every one till Black and White. At that point I’d played it all so much that I realized it was just the same thing over and over. When I finally put it to rest, I was sad. That last rant really reminded me of the day it died. 🙁

[@kevinsantos5050]

Because ppl keeps preordering, like the compolsive cattle sorry consumer they are. They just want to get the new shiny thing to get bored 5 hours into it, and complain about it on the internet for views. Ppl are so afraid of missing out that publishers have them by the balls and they know it, but can't do anything about it. That's why you don't preorder, you wait until the game is release or until the reviews

[@edenrav]

Thank you for making the most accurate Sword and Shield review possible.

[@mahnameisj]

I hope you two never stop making these videos. These are always a treat to watch and everything is reviewed as fairly as possible from both the eyes of a gamer and the eyes of a bystander. Keep up the amazing work!

[@Newtons_Ghost]

The "They've got gamefreak by the pokeballs" imagery was clever 😂