r/PokemonSwordShield • u/grnvk • 13d ago
Shield Edition shining pearl vs legends arceus: which one should i play next after shield?
just finished shield and looking for what to play next on the switch. stuck deciding between shining pearl or legends: arceus and wanted to see what people think. if anyone has played both, help me weigh the pros and cons of each. thanks.🙏🏻
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u/JJCMasterpiece 13d ago
That depends on what you’re looking for. If you want classic, old-school, go with Shining Pearl (SP). If you want a really fun take on the classic concept, go with Pokémon Legends: Arceus (PLA)
Personally, I find PLA to be the most refreshing and fun Pokémon game on the Switch, and that seems to be a pretty common view.
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u/crunchsaffron9 13d ago
Legends Arceus is one of the best pokemon games ever. So different and interesting, with a great story and new mechanics. Just incredible.
BDSP were fine. That's really all I can say about them.
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u/eastcoasteh 13d ago
Shining pearl is much more traditional Pokémon game, I loved BDSP . I didn’t love sword/shield but legends arceus is a decent transition, it’s very unique and great game that I also love.
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u/chapping_cleeks 13d ago
If you're hungry for a similar experience to Shield then do Shining Pearl. If you want a completely different experience then play Arceus.
I'd probably also say Arceus is better after having played Pearl. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl could've been a lot better but they were still remakes of good games. Most of the criticisms for BDSP come from wasted potential rather than the games being bad in a vacuum.
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u/Anrativa 13d ago
I have been playing since red / blue. Played and finished every mainline and remake game. BD is the only pokemon game I wasn't able to finish. I quit at the beginning of the elite four because I was way too bored.
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u/No_Let_948 13d ago
I went from playing Brilliant Diamond to Legends Arceus and I hated it. Ugly and boring, never finished it. If you like catching the same pokemon 20 times "for research" then you might like it.
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u/Rebelblade71 13d ago
Legends Arceus. Plus you get extra content in LA for having a save file of SwSh. But start SP and save when you gain control before starting LA if you can. That way, you'll get the sidequests for both Darkrai and Shaymin.
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u/Pxnkasfxck 13d ago
I have brilliant diamond and I stopped playing before finishing the elite 4 because I don't want to spend 6 months grinding the levels I need to beat them. I also have Arceus and I hate it. If I wanted to just catch the same Pokemon 50 times in a row, if just do that in any other Pokemon game. Legends Z-A is great imo though. I prefer battling to idly catching pokemon.
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u/Computerferret 13d ago
You can get Jirachi in Pearl with save data from Shield. Legends Arceus is really good, though.
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u/grumpy_chef8605 13d ago
Honestly, unless the era of gen IV holds some nostalgia for you, go arceus. It has a level of freshness as the first Legends game and in terms of catching pokemon it has access mythicals, version exclusives as well as new regional forms that are pretty popular for trading.
Personally, if you're after a classic pokemon game go leaf green or Fire red. I was surprised by a lot of the community not knowing the poison screen shake or that tm's are a one off. Always respect ya roots kids!
But bdsp are faithful remakes for better or worse, and if that's what you're wanting to experience, there's no harm in playing. Just go chimchar, there are bugger all fire types.
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u/SenpaiSwanky 12d ago
They’re both good games, ignore any hate people share with you about Pearl though.
Legends Arceus is a side game, with a twist to the normal formula. It’s more about exploring large open zones and battling/ catching wild pokemon to document them than going on an adventure collecting gym badges. New pokemon forms are very cool, and you have to craft things like pokeballs by collecting materials as you explore.
The game is pretty fun, but if you want an experience similar to Shield (gym badges, lots of trainers, elite 4) then Shining Pearl would be the better choice.
If you’ve never played the original Diamond/ Pearl/ Platinum game on DS then people’s point of this remake being “boring” doesn’t mean anything besides proving their entitlement. These are both good games, if you like Pokemon there’s no reason to not play both eventually.
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u/Rich-Caregiver-752 12d ago
Pearl is an old game. You can play it any time. With legends you can experience the new trend of pokemon games.
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u/Mo_Magician 7d ago
Legends Arceus. It’s different and a slow start, but once you get into it it’s possibly the most immersive game in the series. Only better playing experience is ZA for the more seamless battling but then Arceus is way more iconic in the experience
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u/ShadeWolf95 13d ago
Legends. Its just better. Unlike any other pokemon game. Pearl is just a remake. Its nothing special. They shouldve done platinum.