Pokemon Sword and Shield Gigantamax Trailer, My Thoughts

Back in July, I looked at the Nintendo Direct for Pokémon Sword and Shield. It was in this Direct that we got to learn about a unique new mechanic for the game: Dynamax. Basically, your Pokémon get really big for three turns, and you can do a TON of damage during that time...if you time it right.

Well, a new trailer is out that reveals more about the UK-inspired region called Galar, as well as a further layer of Dynamaxing. Let's take a look!

Wait, is playing soccer going to be a thing in this game? I mean, it makes sense. Soccer is big in the UK (they call that 'football' over there), after all.

Who is that guy?

Meet another new Pokémon: Alcremie. We've seen Pokémon based on ice cream cones, why not a Pokémon based on whipped cream?

Yamper is adorable. Again, it makes sense they'd make a corgi-based Pokémon for a region based on the UK. Queen Elizabeth II loves her corgis. If it has an evolution, I hope it's based on a bulldog.

Rolycoly looks like it could be a pre-evolution of Geodude. I hope it evolves into a walking volcano.

Duraludon looks like something you build to fight Godzilla.

People have made jokes about Tyranitar looking like Godzilla, I would not be surprised if Mecha-Godzilla inspired this one. I don't think I've ever seen a Steel/Dragon combination before. But then again, there's nearly 1000 Pokémon now, I could be wrong. It's a cool-looking Pokémon, though.

I'm guessing Chairman Rose there is the big boss of the Gyms in the region. I hope they don't pull a Lusamine with him. I also imagine Oleana has a Russian accent and always sounds freakin' bored.

And we meet two of the Gym leaders of the games, the Fighting-type specialist Bea and the Ghost-type specialist Allister. I like that their designs portray them as almost like members of a sports team, but with unique designs that let them show a bit of individuality. The little details like Allister's mask and sleeves. The Gym Leaders were replaced with Trials in Sun/Moon/UltraSun/UltraMoon, so maybe they're trying to do something a little different with the Gym Leaders here as well? I like the idea of Gym Leaders here in Galar being more like a sports team.

As I said earlier, Dynamax has another layer: Gigantamax. I wonder if a Pokémon has to be Dynamaxed in order to reach Gigantamax form. Like Mega Evolution, Pokémon that undergo this process change their appearance. I've heard that this is the replacement for Mega Evolution...and it has angered some fans. I personally don't mind, as I have never really used Mega Evolution in my Pokémon gaming. It's no big loss to me. I'm sad for the people who did like it, but personally, I never cared.

A Dynamaxed Alcremie turns into a giant wedding cake. Oh, I sense tragedy if it ever finds itself battling a Snorlax...

Giantamaxed Drednaw and Corviknight look AWESOME.

I am so excited for these games! I really am! I think the new Pokémon are really neat, and I can't wait to battle these new Gym Leaders. I am also quite curious about Chairman Rose and Oleana. I think this will be a ton of fun!

Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, spread it around! See you next time!