With each new game in thePokemonseries, fans are always eager to see what sort of new animations and details will be included for the new Pokemon in the title, butPokemon SwordandShieldwere controversial entries in that regard, to say the least. Fans were disappointed with the seeming lack of care that was put into a lot of the character animations and one fan found a great example of whatlegendaries Zacian and Zamazentawould look like if their animations came from the real world.
Originally posted to the Subreddit r/aww by Reddit user u/Gastonbeast24 before being reposted to r/Pokemon, user u/SpaceWaterVoid points out the similarities between this video of a dog quickly turning around without seeming to move its feet to the animations that Zacian and Zamazenta have inPokemon SwordandShield. The video points out just how ridiculous the legendary Pokemon look while turning and that, if seen in real life, the movement would give many people reason to pause.
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The turning animation for Zacian and Zamazenta wasn’t the only onecriticized inPokemon SwordandShield,as fans found plenty of reused animations from previousPokemontitles within them. Normally, that wouldn’t be much of an issue as studios who develop sequels to games that run on similar engines often reuse animations; however, Game Freak promised thatSwordandShieldwould have some of the best animations ever included in aPokemongame and cited the many new, detailed animations as a reason for the games' exclusion of a National Pokedex.
When looking at some of the poor-looking animations that were included in the final cut of the game, with Zacian and Zamazenta’s turning being one of the worst, it’s no wonder why fans were dissatisfied. Although there wereattempts to boycottPokemon SwordandShieldas a way to show the Pokemon Company and Game Freak that fans wouldn’t stand for any more poor quality, cookie-cutter titles in the series,SwordandShieldstill went on to be one of the Switch’s best-selling titles.
It seems like Game Freak may have listened to some of the critique raised by fans, however, withPokemon Legends: Arceusseemingly shaking up thePokemonformula. It’s still to be seen if Game Freak’s next title will be able to deliver on the promise of aPokemongame that features unique, detailed animations, but so far, it seems likePokemon Legends: Arceusmight be able to win fans back with its changes to the series.
Pokemon SwordandShieldare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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