Nintendo and Game Freak have made some controversial changes in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. The Nintendo Switch game pair hasn’t changed much since launch, unless you count the pair of expansions that have added and enhanced the experience for both. In addition, Nintendo and Game Freak have done very little with the pair of games. However, the pair recently announced the Classified Battle Series 9 rulebook, which in turn revealed a number of changes, some of which are proving to be quite controversial.
With season 8, trainers can use a restricted Legendary Pokémon. At the time, this was a change from the set of rules for season 7. That said, for season 9, this change is being reversed. In other words, this aspect of the rulebook is going back to season 7. And, of course, that means that the current goal is shifting and shifting on a grand scale, again.
For some players, this is great news. Legendaries are legendaries for a reason: they are very powerful and are on the limit of the OP. Of course, this means that players would exploit legendaries, particularly Zacian, which meant that those who were not competing with Zacian and others on his team felt pressured to change their party to correct this. In other words, he created a somewhat restrictive goal, and it is this goal that many players are happy to see go away.
However, others are saying that Nintendo and Game Freak need to stop constantly shaking the goal. All competitive online games make meta changes, but these changes are usually gradual. Players against changes are quick to realize that regular changes make the game difficult to keep up with and prevent strategies from evolving over time.
Sure, both arguments have merit, but for now, it seems that Nintendo agrees with those in the first field. That said, for now, it remains to be seen what the goal will be in season 9, although it is probably similar to the goal in season 7.
As always, feel free to leave a comment or two with your opinion or, if you prefer, contact me on Twitter @Tyler_Fischer_ and let me know there. What do you think of these changes? Meanwhile, for more coverage in Pokémon Sword and shield and everything about Nintendo, click here.