As I venture deeper into the woods, a mysterious creature appears before me. In the foggy Slumbering Weald, I run into a couple different types of new Pokémon, which I unfortunately can’t talk about. However, upon leaving, a Wooloo has broken through the fence by your house, so you must wander into the eerie Slumbering Weald to find it. After winning the battle, it’s time to head back to Wedgehurst – this time to visit Professor Magnolia’s lab. It feels cinematic, even though it’s not anything we haven’t seen in other games outside of Pokémon before.
The transition from the overworld to battle is flashy, with expressive trainer images leading directly into their Pokémon sequence. As is tradition, with our first Pokémon in our possession, I battle my rival. With a subtle emphasis on Leon bringing the grass-type back to his possession, I ask if we’ll ever see that particular Grookey again. Leon then recalls the sole remaining Pokémon, Grookey. Hop’s overflowing energy matches that of Scorbunny, so in my mind, it’s a perfect match. I choose water-type Sobble, and Hop scoops up Scorbunny since he’s positioned as a friendlier rival than those from the earlier games, he always picks the Pokémon that’s weak to the type you choose. When you meet him again back closer to your house, Leon gives you your starter Pokémon. After a spirited speech, it’s revealed that he’s Hop’s brother. After making it to Wedgehurst, the first small town in Sword and Shield, you run into Leon who is addressing the town.
Your mum (get ready for lots of U.K.-inspired slang, by the way) and your friend Hop encourage you out the door as you learn the basics of the game. Once you assume control of your character, you’re inside your idyllic countryside home. Leon calls out his trusty Charizard and the broadcast cuts away just as his Charizard grows enormous in size.
After a brief speech, undefeated Galar champion Leon emerges to begin a battle with a character I can’t yet discuss. The speech goes over the same beats as your typical Pokémon opening, but sets the tone for the sports-centric atmosphere in the Galar region.
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However, instead of it being the typical professor giving the monologue, Sword and Shield open with a speech from Chairman Rose in the middle of stadium in the style of a TV broadcast. As with all Pokémon games, the story begins with a character telling you about the exciting world of Pokémon.