Pokemon: Every Main Game Ranked Worst To Best

8. Gen Eight - Pokemon Sword & Shield

Even before its release, Pokemon Sword & Shield received a lot of backlash, critics noting, in particular, the games' sub-standard graphics, which seemed more suited for a Wii title than a game released three years into the Switch's lifespan.

While the British-village inspired region of Galar is arguably the most memorable and charming of the series, the games' gorgeous backdrop is undermined by the overwhelming feeling that Sword & Shield were released before they were truly completed.

Large swathes of the map feel empty, with the brand new and initially promising Wild Area falling just shy of the mark.

The integration of Pokemon into the landscape (rather than having them hide in long grass as per previous games) increased immersion and drenched the games in charm, but the lack of true battle animations for regular Pokemon is almost unforgivable for a game on a system that gave us technical masterpieces like Breath Of The Wild.

Even more insultingly, the removal of the National Dex and the inability to catch 'em all represents the franchise turning away from what was once its principal appeal, while also sticking a middle finger up at fans who have been collecting Pokemon and transferring them across games and systems for their entire lives.