Pokemon SwordandShieldstirred up plenty of controversy on its release over a long list of design choices, but Nintendo has proven that it intends to keep supporting the titles with downloadable content, much to the joy of several fans. TheIsle of ArmorDLC has been out for a few weeks now, so players and critics alike have had the chance to formulate their thoughts on the Pokemon franchise’s first monetized expansion.
DLC forPokemongames stirred up some controversy too at the time, since players had no idea what to expect from such a thing. Now, the precedent has been set.Isle of Armortells players a lotabout what to expect fromThe Crown Tundrain terms of length, content, and potential.
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Isle of Armor’s Impressions
Both ofSwordandShield’s DLCs are focused around adding new areas to the Galar region for the player to discover, as their names indicate. TheIsle of Armortakes players off to an adjacent island where the Champion Leon’s former trainer and the new legendary Fighting-type Kubfu await. In spite of its inherent controversy,Isle of Armorwas set up for success by including many features that players had hoped for in the base game.
It adds a hundred Pokemon to the Galar region that did not make it into the final version ofSwordandShield. Additionally, while traveling around the Isle of Armor, players can have a partner Pokemon following them around outside of battle. That was previously featured in Pokemon titles likeHeartGoldandSoulSilveranddemanded forSwordandShieldby fans. Unfortunately, even with the DLC, players can only have a partner at their side on the Isle.
Some still felt the DLC was lacking.Fans have criticizedIsle of Armorfor being a brief experience, the plot taking only a few hours to complete, and the area being short on new locations. Some have also said the area needed more difficult battles and fails to offer much for veteran players looking for a challenge. Overall, the DLC has been fairly well received for picking up on a few of fans' greatest wish list items, but its imperfections are widely acknowledged – and very telling forThe Crown Tundra.
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Into The Frozen Tundra
IfIsle of Armorsets a reliable precedent forSwordandShield’s DLCs,The Crown Tundrawill be a more modest experience than players are likely hoping for. The DLC prices are identical, which would suggest that they will provide matching experiences.The Crown Tundrawill likely focus a pretty brief plot involving Calyrex, the new Grass-Psychic Legendary Pokemon. Afterwards, a few sidequests andcollecting all the new Pokemonwill be the player’s main way of experiencing the tundra.
There is always the chance thatThe Crown Tundrawill defy expectations, and there are some signs that could be cause for optimism. Another criticism levied atIsle of Armorwas that it neglected to reintroduce Legendary Pokemon from previous generations, butThe Crown Tundrais reuniting players with Legendariesof old on top of a large roster of classic Pokemon that can’t be found in Galar yet. It could be a sign that Nintendo is keeping aware of reception and player demands with the intention to cater to them.
Nintendo has about four months to work on the second DLC, leaving plenty of time to make additions and adjustments.Isle of Armornot only sets a precedent for players about content, but it sets a precedent on player reception to its kind of content for Nintendo’s reference. If it feels that the first DLC did not meet expectations, Nintendo has ample opportunity to increase the challenge level and expand on sidequests forThe Crown Tundra.Still,Isle of Armorindicates players should keep their expectations modest for now. It seems likely the second expansion will be limited in scope if earnestly trying to please fans.
