Fixing Pokémon Sword and Shield's Story

The narrative in Pokémon Sword and Shield had a lot of interesting ideas and concepts that unfortunately weren’t given proper treatment. What could they have done differently to make these ideas shine? Let’s look at the story’s strengths and weaknesses and then discuss how it could have been done instead.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:11 - Story Summary and Critique
31:19 - Improving the Narrative
56:53 - Conclusion

Sources

Videos:
H I G H Q U A L I T Y A N I M A T I O N S – DistantKingdom
   • H I G H   Q U A L I T Y   A N I M A T...  

Pokemon Sun & Moon - All Gladion Encounters & Battles - Zephiel810
   • Pokemon Sun & Moon - All Gladion Enco...  


Background Music:
Hi Hi Hi – Earthbound
Court Jesters – Final Fantasy IX
Fleeing – Gin no Saji
Through the Woods (Forest Area) – Kirby’s Return to Dreamland
Nanimo Okoranakatta Sekai – Little Busters!
Ticktack Routine – Little Busters!
Dimble Woods - Act 1 – Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
Dimble Woods - Act 2 – Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
Friendly Battle – Pokémon Colosseum
Sevii Islands: Six & Seven Island – Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
Goldenrod Game Corner – Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Pewter City – Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Battle! (Trainer Battle) – Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee
Kecleon’s Shop – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
Northern Desert – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
Hazy Pass (Highlands) – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity
Battle! (Bede) – Pokémon Sword and Shield
Battle! (Chairman Rose) – Pokémon Sword and Shield
Battle! (Champion) – Pokémon Sword and Shield
Bede’s Encounter – Pokémon Sword and Shield
Chairman Rose Encounter – Pokémon Sword and Shield
Sonia’s Encounter – Pokémon Sword and Shield
The Darkest Day – Pokémon Sword and Shield