During February 27’s Pokemon Presents, Game Freak and The Pokemon Company pulled the curtain back onPokemon Legends: Z-A. This brand newPokemon: Legendstitle will likely play a lot likePokemon Legends: Arceus, but fans will have to wait a while before they see more about the title, including gameplay. However, fans do know thatPokemon Legends: Z-Ais bringing back Mega Evolution. They also know the game is set in the Kalos region, specifically Lumiose City, which will serve as the entire setting of the game.
Many have been wanting anotherPokemon Legendsgame practically sinceArceuscame out. It introduced new elements and played with the old Pokemon formula enough that it stood out, while telling an interesting story and introducing players to Sinnoh’s past. Interestingly, it seemedUnova would likely be the nextPokemon Legendspick, although there was an argument for each region. It’s not clear why Kalos was chosen, nor will it likely ever be, but seeing what appears to be the future of the region is interesting. Except, players won’t be able to see the whole region inPokemon Legends: Z-A.
Pokemon Legend: Z-A is Doing Something No Other Mainline Pokemon Game Has Done Before
In a tweet followingPokemon Legends: Z-A’s reveal, Nintendo of America confirmed that the game takes place entirely within Lumiose City, with variety likely being introduced through the form of manmade structures like lakes, caverns, and so forth. It’s easy to see howPokemon Legends: Arceus' map stylecould be used for a city, but it’s proving itself a controversial choice nonetheless. Many fans replied to the below tweet, asking “Entirely?,” saying their hype was deflated, calling it a red flag, and more. Of course, it’ll be interesting to see how Lumiose City is brought to life exactly within the confines of this new game.
While the disappointment is understandable, it’s worth pointing out thatno mainlinePokemongamehas ever done this before. Pretty much every mainline game has explored an entire region, as well as the majority of spin-off games that had some form of exploration (excluding things likePokemonColosseum). This gives Game Freak another way to shake up the formula and do something the franchise has never done. It could be that the futuristic, cyberpunk-esque aesthetics seen in the reveal trailer are indicative of themes and tones as well: a cyberpunkPokemongame sounds like a lot of fun, as long as it is all balanced well, and focusing on a city as opposed to a region could be one way to accomplish that.
For now, perhaps the best thing to do is exercise patience.Pokemon Legends: Arceushad a lot of criticismheading into launch, but ended up being loved pretty well by the community. It could just be thatPokemon Legends: Z-Awill endure the same thing, but an expansive city, new Pokemon based on futuristic trends/cyberpunk aesthetics, an interesting core mechanic like Space-Time Distortions, Mega Evolution’s return, and everything seen in this teaser could be more than enough to justify the setting.
Either way, this provesPokemon Legends: Arceusis not a one-shot. It’ll be interesting to see howPokemon Legends: Z-Aties into Kalos' loreand, perhaps, which regions futurePokemon Legendsgames adopt.
Pokémon Legends Arceus
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is an action RPG video game set in the Hisui region, a place from the distant past in the Pokemon world. Players will explore this new region, inspired by ancient Japan, and study the behaviors of wild Pokemon. With the ability to sneak up on them and throw Poké Balls, players can catch Pokemon to add to their collection.The game features a new combat system where players can choose between a speedy agile style or a powerful strong style to take on wild Pokemon and other trainers. Players will also learn about the mythical Pokemon Arceus, who plays a key role in the game’s storyline.
