Pokémon Legends: Z-A Is A Step Forward For The Beloved Series

Three years ago, the Pokémon video game series hit a low point.

The release of Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet received mixed reviews from critics. The issues plaguing those releases frustrated the gaming world—their potential was ruined by the fact that they were rushed.

Pressure began to build on Nintendo, The Pokémon Company and Game Freak. To maintain the trust of their loyal fanbase, they had to release a high-quality video game.

The franchise aimed to bounce back with Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It was released on Oct. 16 for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems.

It takes place in the fictional Kalos region, five years after the events of 2013’s Pokémon: X and Pokémon: Y. The protagonist goes on vacation in Lumiose City, which is inspired by Paris.

They soon find themselves a part of the city’s urban redevelopment plan. The corporation responsible for this plan—Quasartico Inc.—aims to redesign the city so both humans and Pokémon can live together happily.

Players must pick from three starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile. With a team of six Pokémon, you help with Lumiose City’s redevelopment plan, bond through exploring and battle to be the very best.

Lumiose is filled with residents hanging out with their Pokémon. You can do the same by sitting in one of the many cafés to drink tea together. The sewers and rooftops are also explorable.

Players encounter wild Pokémon through the city’s wild zones. It is important to keep a distance because some choose to run, while others attack.

The character customization is one of the strongest in the series. There are various hairstyles, clothes, hats and colors to choose from.

Previous games had a turn-based battle system, but Z-A mixes things up. Pokémon can run freely around the area during combat. Players can do this to dodge attacks and must be in position to deliver an effective move.

At night, the Z-A Royale is in effect. It’s a tournament that allows trainers from around the region to battle on sight, to try to go from rank Z to rank A. The Z-A Royale’s battle is fun, but the main game could have spent more time on it.

My only gripe is with some of the game’s open world features. The city’s buildings feel like walls. You can’t go inside most of them. The visuals could have been better, but it was not a huge dealbreaker. It would also be nice if the rideable Pokémon could help with exploration.

Mega Evolution from Pokémon X and Y makes its triumphant return. Pokémon are given new forms that make them stronger in battle. Some forms return from prior entries, but you need to battle these forms to progress through the narrative.

The story manages to tie up loose ends from Pokémon: X and Pokémon: Y, while delivering something fresh for newcomers.

Although far from perfect, Pokèmon Legends: Z-A is one of the better 3D installments for Pokèmon. It changes things while maintaining the charm of the series.