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Pokemon Sword and Shield became sports games, and lost their character in the process
Pokemon Sword and Shield was the most daring attempt at the Pokemon formula yet. The legendary Game Freak series made changes never seen before and altered the series as a whole.
They controversially removed the National Dex, making some Pokemon unavailable in a main series game for the first time ever. Wild Pokemon were visible in the overworld for the first time, and instead of the trainer having to seek them out, they may run up to you for battle. The wild area added a whole new dimension to the experience.
The story itself felt significantly different from the usual Pokemon story as well. In previous games, you were a youngster heading out for an adventure. You would either be given a Pokemon as a signal of your entrance into young adulthood or by accident when you attempt to save your town's professor in some way.
In Sword and Shield your Pokemon adventure starts in a similar fashion to how the career mode in NBA 2k or Madden begin. You are an unseasoned athlete, beginning your journey, hoping to one day win a championship and become and legend in your sport.
This shift from “adventure” to “sports game career mode” exists throughout the game, and it leads to some weird, awkward interactions.
The “rival” role has been an important one in previous Pokemon games. In the first generation, Blue, is the grandson of the professor. He often berates you throughout the game, you have many battles (including one where you kill one of his Pokemon), and then you are met with the ultimate twist at the end as he is the champion awaiting you after the Elite 4.
Other rivals like Silver, a mysterious figure who steals a Pokemon from the professor, and wants to prove himself as stronger than the Team Rocket grunts that failed his father, Giovanni. There is a clear character arc, and a clear reason for him to prove to be your adversary.
Hop is only your rival in Sword and Shield because he has to have one. It even is straight-up stated to you early on, that since you are a trainer, you need a rival. Rivals in previous games had reasons to rival you. Hop is just your rival because he feels like he needs to be.
