Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order vs Pokemon Sword & Shield: Which Game Should You Buy If You Can Only Pick One?

November has once again resulted in a whole slew of amazing video game releases, with games coming out in just about every major genre. Among those releases including two titles from well-established entertainment franchises: Star Wars Fallen Order and Pokemon Sword & Shield.

While both are likely worthy of your money, what if you could only afford to get one of these epic new games? We will compare these titles to see whether Star Wars Fallen Order and Pokemon Sword & Shield is going to be the better purchase for you.

Since these are pretty different games, we will go a bit more into depth for each title individually, providing a brief summary as to which one you’d likely want in bold at the bottom.

Story

Depending on what you’re looking for, these two games will take you down diverging paths in regards to their stories.

Like pretty much every plot from previous Pokemon games, Pokemon Sword & Shield has players start off in a new region, selecting from one of three level-one starters to help begin their adventure.

Interacting and battling with NPCs shows off new characters and expands the lore of the game’s new region, something that is also accomplished via exploring and searching for Pokemon in tall grass.

While you’ll interact with antagonistic characters like Team Yell and gym leaders, the story is pretty straightforward and casual, really not even requiring you to play previous titles to know what is going on.

On the other hand, Star Wars Fallen Order dives into the illustrious pre-established history of the Star Wars franchise, carving its own story via a new main character and original plot.

Taking place shortly after the events of Order 66, the game tells the story of Cal Kestis, one of the last living Jedi that is being hunted by the Empire.

With the assistance of his helpful droid, Cal navigates the dangers of his situation, fighting for survival all the while.

Throughout his journey, he meets well-known characters in the Star Wars universe like Saw Gerrera and explores preexisting worlds such as Kashyyk.

For both titles, it is definitely safe to say that players will benefit from having previous knowledge of each franchise.

In regards to which one you’d want to pick up, Pokemon Sword & Shield is definitely more for casual players and Star Wars Fallen Order is for those looking for a deeper layered story.

Choose Pokemon Sword & Shield: Casual narrative

Choose Star Wars Fallen Order: Deep-layered story

Gameplay

It shouldn’t entirely surprise anyone that these two titles feature considerably different options in terms of what they offer gameplay-wise.

For Star Wars Fallen Order, you get a third-person action-adventure title that places a heavy focus on small, difficult encounters with enemies.

Unlike previous installments in the series, the gameplay isn’t as fast and frantic. Instead, it is more like Dark Souls, as Cal must battle stormtroopers, giant frogs, and a handful of other enemies with slower, more realistic combat abilities.

While lightsabers and the force are still in play, it’s definitely a more methodical experience than any other Star Wars game in the franchise, requiring more thought and strategy to succeed.

For Pokemon Sword & Shield, gameplay is a combination of luck, math, and grinding.

With a rotation of only six Pokemon, you have to capture and create a roster that will give you the advantage.

For example, certain situations may call for more of one specific type of enemy that knows specific strong or helpful moves. As the game progresses though, things leveling comes into play.

Alongside leveling, other variables come into play that may require specific types of Pokemon to help you in battle. In order to get these Pokemon, you’ll either need to get lucky with RNG and find one in wild with a high level or grind and raise the one already in your inventory to reach the appropriate level.

Just like with the story, anyone who has played previous games in the series won’t have any problem with Pokemon Sword & Shield, as gameplay is almost identical.

When it comes down to it, your choice between these two will likely come down to if you’re itching to play an RPG or an action-adventure game.

If it is the former, then Pokemon Sword & Shield is for you. If it is the latter, prep your lightsabers, as Star Wars Fallen Order is going to take over your life.

Choose Pokemon Sword & Shield: Love RPGs

Choose Star Wars Fallen Order: All about Star Wars or action-adventure games

Replayability

While replayability might not be too big of a sell for some, considering all the great games currently available, there is still a market for it, especially when games are $60 each.

When it comes to replayability for Pokemon Sword & Shield, it is safe to say that there is a lot of distinct content that can’t simply be squeezed into the first playthrough alone.

From choosing a different starter on your first run to the hindsight of adjusting your roster to overcome situations you know are coming, you’ll need more than one go around to truly experience all there is to offer.

For Star Wars Fallen Order, the game is a little bit more linear. Cal will always be the main character and the story is always going to stay the same.

With that said, the combat, world, and other features that make up the game certainly warrant playing it more than once. Even after beating the game, there is no doubt many will want to hop right back in and continue living the life of a rogue Jedi.

Of the two titles, Pokemon Sword & Shield’s casual and varied style does lend a little bit more to want to replay them, as you can get different Pokemon from the start and change up your approach on a second playthrough.

For Star Wars Fallen Order, though the story might not change with new playthroughs, anyone who loves the combat and ambiance isn’t really doing to complain about more of it.

Choose Pokemon Sword & Shield: Similar, but varied second playthrough

Choose Star Wars Fallen Order: Combat over story

Conclusion

So what is the answer to the question of which game should you buy if you only have one?

If you are looking for an action-packed game that features razor-focused combat, or merely love Star Wars, Star Wars Fallen Order is the game for you.

On the other hand, if RPGs and casual gaming are more your style, there is no better way to spend your weekend than by exploring the new Galar region in Pokemon Sword & Shield.

Regardless of your choice, Pokemon Sword & Shield and Star Wars Fallen Order are both games that you give a shot if possible.

Choose Pokemon Sword & Shield: Casual experience with varied replayability

Choose Star Wars Fallen Order: Action-focused, calculated, Star Wars Story