Pokémon Legends: Z-A was an unnecessary reveal during this week’s Nintendo Direct, but the details about this new game were fascinating. The trailer doubled down on Legends: Z-A’s focus on combat, whereas Legends: Arceus was more about catching these critters.
Furthermore, one of the game’s big hooks was also revealed; there’s a wild battle royale that only happens at night, and players have to work their way up to increase their rank. Naturally, trainers will start at Z, with most of them aiming for that prestigious A position to get “a wish.”
That’s right, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a shonen tournament arc, adding plenty of focus on the game’s battles.
Whether it’s the original Dragon Ball, Yu Yu Hakusho, or Hunter X Hunter, these shonen anime always have tournament arcs. Some of them diverge from the norm, like Hunter X Hunter, while most of them follow that satisfying formula. It seems Legends: Z-A will be more of the latter, though we’re sure there’s going to be some form of twist with that wish.
Gamers could argue that all Pokémon games go through tournament arcs, as the League is literally a series of battles that determine who the region’s best trainer is. That’s all well and good, but seeing Legends: Z-A make players work through each letter before being crowned as the top trainer is interesting. It’s a great way to avoid the franchise’s badge system, while also putting more focus on the game’s real-time battles.
Since fighting is going to be a major part of the game, it will be interesting to see how difficult things get. Hardcore fans have wanted a Hard Mode in this series for the longest time, so this form of progression might give it to them. Granted, this is still the Pokémon elemental system with added real-time movement, but the new mechanics could lead to more strategies.
Even if Pokémon Legends: Z-A ends up being an easy JRPG, the new battle mechanics and unique progression system could make this a standout entry. Fans are already happy to see Mega Evolutions return, even if that’s more of a Digimon feature, with some new ones also planned for some quick surprises.
Because the Switch 2’s presence is looming on this game, with the system’s Direct likely overshadowing it, the impact of Z-A should be interesting. Gamers are hoping that this JRPG gets a Switch 2 port to maximize the game’s potential. At the very least, fans will be able to play this game on the new console, which is the most important part.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A could be the greatest tournament in this series. With a focus on combat and the unique progression system, fans could be talking about this game for years to come.