Pokémon Legends: Z-A marks another bold evolution in developer Game Freak's ongoing reinvention of the Pokémon franchise. Building on the concepts introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this latest entry introduces new mechanics, a darker story and a more immersive battle system. While the game shines in several areas, it also stumbles in others, ultimately offering a mixed but promising experience.
The story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in Lumiose City, where a redevelopment plan aims to create a space where both people and Pokémon coexist. A new trainer arrives and is recruited by a group called Team MZ to protect the city and compete in the "Z-A Royale," a series of battles to find the strongest trainer. The story also involves the mysterious AZ, the corporation Quasartico Inc. and a growing threat of rogue Mega Evolution, all of which the player must confront.
One of the stand-out changes in Z-A is its revamped battle system. Fast-paced and intuitive, it prioritizes quick decision-making and strategic positioning, requiring players to be as mindful of their environment as they are of move choices. Gone are the days of sitting through drawn-out animations; instead, battles flow seamlessly, with Pokémon reacting in real-time.
This change brings a refreshing sense of urgency to battles, where positioning and timing are just as important as the moves themselves. The result is a system that rewards players for tactical thinking, making every fight feel fresh and dynamic. The new approach is a step forward in making Pokémon battles feel more engaging without abandoning the series' roots.
The return of Mega Evolution in Z-A is one of the most exciting elements for longtime fans of the series. Mega forms are as imaginative as ever, with designs that both honor and reinvent classic Pokémon. Perhaps the most fun Mega form is Mega Starmie, which provides a laugh-out-loud moment with its absurd design.
These new Mega Evolutions show that Game Freak hasn’t lost touch with the more playful side of the franchise, while still adding serious power to the competitive side of things. The return of this mechanic injects creativity and excitement into the game, making battles feel even more varied and strategic.
The story in Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes a significant step toward maturity. Gone are the straightforward narratives of past games; this time, the game dives into more complex themes, such as redemption, power and the consequences of one's actions.
A subplot involving your rival Urbain/Taunie takes a darker turn when they are dragged into an extortion plot by a local crime syndicate. This storyline gives the game a much-needed edge and adds layers of moral complexity to what is typically a family-friendly series.
More impactful is the return of AZ, the immortal king from Pokémon X and Y. His journey to reconcile with the sins of his past offers a sobering reflection on the costs of power and the importance of redemption. These mature themes help elevate the game’s narrative beyond what fans might expect from a typical Pokémon title, proving that the franchise is capable of handling deeper, more emotionally resonant stories.
Z-A takes place almost entirely within Lumiose City, a decision that has both advantages and drawbacks. On one hand, the city is grand, with vibrant markets, hidden alleys and expansive rooftops to explore. This dense, vertical layout gives the city a unique charm, and it’s fun to get lost in the twisting streets and underground tunnels. However, the focus on a single city can also feel restrictive, especially for players used to the vast, open worlds of previous Pokémon Legends game.
While the city’s design is undeniably impressive, it leaves many players wishing for more — more freedom, more environments to explore and more variety in the world outside. The game’s confined scope is an interesting choice but one that may leave some fans wanting more open-world exploration.
Graphically, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a mixed bag. While the game runs smoothly on the Switch 2, the visuals don’t quite match. The buildings in Lumiose City, for instance, feature repeated textures, with windows and balconies that lack depth and variation. Additionally, Pokémon models sometimes pop in and out of view as they render in the distance, breaking immersion.
Even with the technological advantage of the Switch 2, the game’s visuals feel somewhat underwhelming. While the art direction does a lot to make the city feel alive, the overall graphical presentation doesn’t live up to the promise of a fully realized, open-world Pokémon experience.
Ultimately, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a game full of potential, with many exciting changes that show Game Freak is willing to take risks and push the franchise forward. The revamped battle system, return of Mega Evolution and more mature storytelling are all welcome additions that make the game feel fresh and engaging.
But the game’s limited environment, underwhelming graphics and occasional technical hiccups hold it back from reaching its full potential. With a bit more polish and a broader scope, future games could easily build on this foundation to create the truly open-world Pokémon experience fans have been hoping for.