Part 1 of the DLC is out - what do you think so far?

[Sheep]

I'm a little disappointed that frame rates/lag seems to be even worse than in the main game areas (or maybe I just forgot how bad it was), but overall I'm enjoying it so far and hoping I'll get a shiny Cutiefly while exploring around lol.

What do you all think?

 

[Devalue]

Finished the main story. Fell within rough expectations so far. Noticed no major performance issues (and little to no minor ones, in memory). Spotted some odd graphical bits:

• Black triangles in the far distance
• Unusual movement from Okidogi
• Saw the backside of the Pokeball during the catching animation once.
• Odd Pokeball movement from trainers when throwing out their Pokemon

Some positives:

• Morpeko's new Hunger Switch animation
• Likes Ogerpon more now. Feels better about the design after seeing it in-game.
• Enjoyed seeing some returning Pokemon again.

Spoilered the rest.

Spoiler:

Was surprised to see held items on multiple trainers. Includes one of the Ogre Clan trainers with Throat Spray + Clangerous Soul on Kommo-o. Really wonders about their stats.

Doubts the Ogre Ousting minigame to be very worthwhile. Only played once on Easy, though. Got an Enigma Berry from it too, interestingly.

Does not really care about the Teal Style Card. What difference does it make when your uniform destroys the whole outfit?

Approves of Shiftry getting Wind Rider. Feels less certain about Piplup losing Defiant for Competitive. Suits its stats better, given higher Special Attack. Liked the combination of Defiant, Swords Dance, and Power Trip, though. Sees Power Trip on so few Pokemon. (Technically still works with it, admittedly.) Cannot learn any good Special-boosting moves either.

On a similar note: new moves on old Pokemon. Knows about Tidy Up on Furret. Hopes for interesting moves on some other underwhelming Pokemon too. Hmm. Looked around.

• Psychic Fangs on Mightyena.
• Scale Shot on Arbok.
• Chlorophyll Solar Blade for Tropius, Shiftry, and Hisuian Lilligant. (Also Solar Blade on Ceruledge, Zacian, and Gallade, among others, apparently.)
• Headlong Rush for Torterra, Raging Fury for Infernape, and Wave Crash for Empoleon.
• Edit: Crabhammer for Gliscor? Removed Earthquake from its level-up moves for that. (Still learns it via TM.)

Awaits a list for clearer new move access.

Has not reached the Blood Moon Ursaluna yet. (Did not expect anything else new. Looked through Serebii information and found out.) Withholds judgment until seeing it in-game. Spotted the stat change, also.

Was not super satisfied by the story. Stems mainly from the protagonist's decisions. Wanted to tell Kieran everything. Led to a lot of unnecessary drama. Felt more and more in danger by being close to that family.

(All Day 1 impressions, for the record.)

 

[Sandslash Fan]

It's fun catching and filling Pokédex entries again. I am using DLC only Pokémon and my team got clapped by a trainer's Bellsprout of all things. Must have a held item or EV trained, it killed almost everything on my team with Poison Jab while I was using revive items (so my lead could still get XP). Got a shiny Dipplin already since it's easy to get a shiny Applin.

 

[Iceshadow3317]

Before anything, I want to say SV I didn't have any lag at all other than FPS stuff in the background, which for me is far from a massive let down. But as soon as I changed to Switch OLED, I started having more issues. But still not a massive issue for me. With the DLC, I only really experienced lag when I first played, but seemed to lessen the more I played. But the FPS drops seemed to disappear. I did have Okodogi problems when I was far away from him, but for me, that is a very very very minor thing. I haven't experienced anything else performance wise.

Now for the actual story ect.
I loved the story. It was probably my favorite thing since 6th gen, other than Lillie in SM. I love Carmine after the first couple of interactions made me think I'd hate her. Really glad they will be in the next DLC. I am disappointed that we got three random NPCs that went with us on the fieldtrip. They should have just picked us and been done with it. The other characters added nothing to the story.

Gonna put the next part in spoilers.

Spoiler:

The Blood Moon Ursaluna seemed very random... I'm not sure exactly why it is a different pokemon from the Ursaluna lines we know. It was very random to have Perrin being there. All of it just seemed kinda disjointed. I will say that I loved the Picture Taking quest. I just wish it had been something more... involved. That pokemon included were just so basic.

There is another miniquest or two I've yet to finish, so I can't say much on those.

Now for the region: Story Spoilers as well.

Spoiler:

I wish they had come out in confirmed where it was. We are obviously near Kanto/Johto/Hoenn/Sinnoh. They mentioned Unove. And confirmed that is where BBA was. So I don't understand why they just didn't tell us where Kitakami was. Especially since the most logical guess is just north of Kanto where Sinjoh would also be. The Great Cater also just seemed needless... we didn't learn anything about why the Crystal Lake was there or how it was formed. All we did was go there, get a crystal and got attacked by a random Milotic. Nothing else came from it. No lore. No story. No history. No need. I'd rather wish they had just gone there and left it separate from Paldea's story. Now it just confuses everything else about pokemon.

Oh I will say I loved how the village actually seemed like a small town/village and not so uniformed. I could see myself walking into a neighborhood like that

Aside from that.... there is so many small pokemon. So it is really hard to avoid them. Half the time you don't see them. Aside from one of the things mentioned above, the northern half of the region is just so empty. There isn't really any unique pokemon there. And just didn't seem like it was needed.

Overall though I enjoyed it. I just wish the region had been used more thoroughly and that story elements weren't so disjointed. There was a lot that just seemed like they forced themselves to put in to link back to something and it just wasn't needed. Things would have been fine without some of the forced story elements that didn't even add anything to the overall story.


Edit: Possibility why story felt disjoined. Possibility of major spoilers.

Spoiler:

After thinking about it for a bit and rewatching someone play the game, perhaps everything was disjointed because everything will be tied together in Indigo Disk. Briar was obviously working on something and just happened to appear when we were at the Crystal Lake and maybe she doing something will explain the Milotic. And then the resurrections of the Three maybe Briar did something to turn back time. Especially after two earthquakes happening in both instances. And Carmine mentioning you can sometimes she people who have passed away at the Lake

Maybe the reason we were going with three nobodies was because Briar manipulated the lottery that she knew about. Perhaps she chose us because of our connection with the Area Zero and she knew if she brought the other three, she wouldn't be able to do what she was doing. She could do it while we were there because we were busy with everything else. And suddenly after everything was done, they had to return to BBA. I also feel like Carmen's brother is being manipulated some how by Briar or some other power.

The Ursaluna thing could have just be a nod saying that the Ogrepon story took place around the same time as Legends Arceus.

 

[Lavender]

I LOVE it! the scenery is so pretty! Okidogi is definitely my new favorite legendary too, he's awesome!
and don't get me started on the battle theme for the loyal three, it's amazing!

 

[Iceshadow3317]

Something else very small I just noticed, all the Nosepass in the wild are facing north no matter where they are and not moving like their lore says. And I love that small attention to detail.

 

[Sweet Serenity]

I didn't start the story yet. I am still just exploring the area and catching Pokémon. This is why I love the new generation of Pokémon; it has so much freedom. I can just enjoy the game and the scenery without having to sit through a ton of cutscenes.

 

[Adam Levine]

Kitakami has Charjabug, so that's really all I could've asked for.

Seriously, though, as someone who's into traditional Japanese aesthetics and folklore, almost too much so, I enjoy Kitakami and its lore. The battles were surprisingly challenging too (if only because I was using a less than optimal team and I didn't know what to expect in terms of levels, since I'd never played the SwSh DLC).

Some more random thoughts that require some spoilers:

Spoiler:

I think it's quite interesting that the "Loyal" Three are all male, while Ogerpon is female, as if to tell us that the "Loyal" Three are literally toxic masculinity personified, especially considering what else they've done. I did NOT expect Fezandipiti to be a Fairy-type, and Ogerpon's battle was quite an enjoyable one too. Overall, I like the direction they took with the Legendary Pokémon, being a twist on the Tale of Momotaro instead of just a simple retelling; the promotional material had me fooled as well.
I wish I wasn't spoiled on Bloodmoon Ursaluna's existence, because that storyline was an interesting twist. The fact that they brought back Legends: Arceus music is the cherry on top.

 

[Ninetales]

I loveeee it!! I'm having so much fun. I caught a new team of pokemon primarily exclusive to Kitakami. The region is beautiful, and it's fun to just explore and wander around aimlessly. Fellhorn Gorge is among my favourite locations, it's such a majestic place!

 

[Devalue]

Now for the region: Story Spoilers as well.

Spoiler:

I wish they had come out in confirmed where it was. We are obviously near Kanto/Johto/Hoenn/Sinnoh. They mentioned Unove. And confirmed that is where BBA was. So I don't understand why they just didn't tell us where Kitakami was. Especially since the most logical guess is just north of Kanto where Sinjoh would also be.

Spoiler:

One additional point of interest: a time zone difference, according to Serebii. Claims 6 hours, though, which makes no sense. 360 minutes / 72 minute day/night cycle = 5. Lines up to exactly the same times.

Perhaps actually an 8 hour time zone difference? Consulted a map. States +1 GMT for Portugal/Spain and +9 GMT for Japan.

Aside from that.... there is so many small pokemon. So it is really hard to avoid them. Half the time you don't see them. Aside from one of the things mentioned above, the northern half of the region is just so empty. There isn't really any unique pokemon there. And just didn't seem like it was needed.

Tripped on tons of little Pokemon too. Wishes for bigger models. Blames many of them being first-stage Pokemon too. Experienced this problem in Paldea as well, between Capsakid, Flittle, and Nymble.
_________________

Found an updated list of trainers. Contains the Pokemon particulars. Contains spoilers, obviously.

Spoiler:

[Link]

The short version:

• Kieran: Good natures (mostly), 25 IVs across the board, 252 HP EVs in the second half of the higher level version, and held items on all Pokemon for the higher level final battle.
• Carmine: Good natures (mostly), 25 IVs across the board, no EVs, and held items on Morpeko and Polchageist/Sinistcha on some of the higher level battles.
• Ogre Clan: Good natures, 31 IVs across the board, mostly full EVs (some with 252/252, some with 252/252/4), and held items on two of four.
• Perrin: Neutral natures. 25 or 20 IVs for all.
• O'Nare: Neutral natures. 20 IVs for everyone.
• Normal trainers: Neutral natures and 15 IVs across the board.

 

[Squirtkipfan01]

i finished the main story of the dkc so spoiler free opinions

-I really ogerpon now, definitely on the upper tier of legendaries
-i called the plot twist immediately
-accidentally stepped on many small pokemon because you cant see them
-no graphic jank, abit of slow down here and there
-seeing alot of returning pokemon is cool
-made an entire new team from what i found rather than trouncing the dlc with my lvl 100s, was way more fun that way
-veeeeeery interest to see the follow ups in part 2

overall id rate it a 7/10. Pretty good, nothing amazing though

 

[Devalue]

Minigame testing:

Spoiler:

Spent roughly 38 minutes on 4 solo Hard mode Ogre Oustin' games. Flubbed the first one a bit. Fared better on the other three. Received:

• 11 Health Mochi
• 20 Muscle Mochi
• 19 Resist Mochi
• 13 Genius Mochi
• 21 Clever Mochi
• 12 Swift Mochi
• 7 Fresh-Start Mochi (6 from the fourth game).
• Other odds and ends, like feathers, experience candies, Tera Shards, Razor Claw, and Unremarkable Teacup. Knows mints to be possible too.

Conclusion: Poor efficiency for the required effort (solo, anyways). Wants triple the Mochi rewards before even considering it for EV-training. Wears you down after a while from the button-mashing turn-ins too. Do not bother unless you want Fresh-Start Mochi or evolution items (particularly the Masterwork Teacup).

Recommends the Power items over this minigame. Would even EV-train a single Pokemon through battles over this. (Trains up to 6 Pokemon simultaneously with Power items, for the record. Takes ...20 minutes? Under 30, at least.)

Already checked the sell price for Mochi too. Cannot remember the exact number. Maybe 150 Pokedollars per? Something low.

Finds the minigame a bit frustrating at times, as well. Spawns no balloons of one color near you sometimes. Would also like to choose which map and time of day also. Prefers the big hill for being more open and for having a better berry stand configuration (box versus line).

Favors multiplayer heavily, according to Serebii. Requires 1.6 times the balloons for 2 players, 1.8 times for 3 players, and 2 times for 4 players. Basically halves your personal requirement in 4 player. Realizes balloons are harder to come by. Doubts that matters much.

One other observation:

Spoiler:

Checked the food stalls. Offers mainly weak food. Found only one food item with a level 2 buff: Catching Power: Poison. Wait! Might be great for catching those Poison-type legendaries! ...Except no. Via Dragonfly Cave's catch rate calculator:

Capture Power active (note that this does not apply to static encounters such as legendaries, Gimmighoul or ex-Titans)

So...useless, once again.

 

[VisionofMilotic]

I haven't bought the dlc yet, but one thing that I wanted to ask was if there is anything resembling a battle facility in the Teal Mask? I am not looking for the Battle Frontier, something like the Battle Tower or Dojo would be enough for me, just a place where I can fight challenges in-game against as many trainers of my level as I want, not just one quest, but something I can do indefinitely. I missed not being able to visit that kind of spot in Paldea, and was hoping there could be a facility for me in Kitakami.

Feel free to spoiler tag the answer so you don't give away anything to other players who haven't gotten through the dlc yet. It's just one of those things I would like to know, and would be a factor in buying. Thanks in advance if anybody cn give me a yes or no :)

 

[Devalue]

I haven't bought the dlc yet, but one thing that I wanted to ask was if there is anything resembling a battle facility in the Teal Mask? I am not looking for the Battle Frontier, something like the Battle Tower or Dojo would be enough for me, just a place where I can fight challenges in-game against as many trainers of my level as I want, not just one quest, but something I can do indefinitely. I missed not being able to visit that kind of spot in Paldea, and was hoping there could be a facility for me in Kitakami.

Feel free to spoiler tag the answer so you don't give away anything to other players who haven't gotten through the dlc yet. It's just one of those things I would like to know, and would be a factor in buying. Thanks in advance if anybody cn give me a yes or no :)

As requested:

Spoiler:

No. Nothing like that. Knows of zero repeatable trainers.

 

[VisionofMilotic]

As requested:

Spoiler:

No. Nothing like that. Knows of zero repeatable trainers.

Thank you for your help Deva

Spoiler:

I might have to wait for the Indigo Disk to be available before making a decision on buying, maybe what I am looking for will be in there. Thanks again for giving me some more info, I appreciate it.

 

[ReKoil]

The only repeatable trainers I know of are at the Academy Ace Tournament in the main game after you beat the main story. I go there whenever I find myself in need of money and do it a couple times in a row. The opponents vary, but the pool of possible opponents is not that big.

As for the DLC I haven't played it yet, busy with other stuff and games =P

 

[PageEmp]

Also, as a preface: when they first announced DLC for this generation, I was cautious before being excited. I was mostly worried that I'll be the exact same stuff as the Gen8 DLC. And also, I… was not a big fan of the Gen8 DLC myself. I dunno, I just felt in general it was missing… something, and overall I feel like I could play the original SnS without it.

I might have said I was excited for Gen9's DLC in the past but that was just for the plot I planned for when I play it and if I document my playthrough. In general, since again, I didn't like the last generation's DLC. So I was hoping for it to at least not be exatly like it…

And not only did we get something unlike it, but something I GREATLY enjoyed! Yes, even I'm surprised I really liked this! The characters were excellent, the plot was excellent, the new place looked really nice, Ogerpon's backstory was neat, I didn't expect to enjoy using Ogerpon, and I didn't expect the DLC to be this good! I know I should give this an 8/10 at most, but for how it impressed me I'd give it a 9/10.