Pokémon Legends Z-A is the latest installment in the beloved Pokémon franchise, and after completing the main story, post-game, and all side missions, it's time for a detailed review. As a player who explored every corner of the game, here's my honest analysis of what worked, what didn’t, and whether or not you should jump into this adventure.
The Pros of Pokémon Legends Z-A
Smooth Performance and Visuals
One of the first things I noticed about the game was its flawless performance. Running at a steady 60 fps on the Switch 2, the gameplay was buttery smooth without any noticeable bugs or glitches. Coming from playing Scarlet and Violet, which had its share of frame drops, the upgrade was very welcome. On the Switch 2, Pokémon Legends Z-A runs beautifully, and I expect future Pokémon titles to maintain or even improve on this quality.
Engaging Characters
The characters in this game are some of the best we've seen in the series. Every character feels well-written and integral to the story, with each one having their moment to shine. They were present throughout the story, and many of them even made appearances in side quests, adding to the depth of the world. I found myself genuinely caring about each character, which is something not all Pokémon games achieve.
Side Quests Galore
There are a whopping 119 side quests in Pokémon Legends Z-A, which is a significant step up from previous titles. These side quests are not just filler content; most of them are engaging, offering small yet impactful stories. Some were funny, like a quest where a lady wanted to stack her Pokémon on an Avalog for a photo, while others were more complex and involved battling or solving problems for NPCs. The sheer number and variety of side quests kept me busy and entertained, and I hope future Pokémon games continue this trend of offering rich, diverse content beyond the main story.
Mega Evolutions Take Center Stage
One of the highlights of Pokémon Legends Z-A is the new Mega Evolutions. I had the pleasure of discovering new Mega Evolutions like Mega Chandelure and Mega Dramper, which were beautifully designed. While some of the Megas, like Mega Star Me, didn’t quite hit the mark for me, the majority were exciting and visually impressive. Mega Evolution fans will have plenty to enjoy here.
Customization Returns in Full Force
After the disappointment of the limited customization in Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Legends Z-A takes a massive leap forward. The character customization in this game is far superior, with tons of options that allow players to personalize their characters to their liking. Whether you’re into creating a wild look or a more reserved outfit, the game gives you the freedom to express your style, which is a much-needed improvement.
A Stunning Soundtrack
The music in Pokémon Legends Z-A is incredible, as is typical for the series. From intense battle themes to melancholic moments, the soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere perfectly. There’s something about the music that really pulls you into the world, and I found myself listening to certain tracks on repeat even after I finished the game.
Lore Drops That Keep You Guessing
The game is filled with interesting lore that had me theorizing about future Pokémon games. For example, hints about characters like AZ and the mention of Landre had me thinking about the deeper connections to past Pokémon lore. These drops not only enrich the world but also set the stage for what could come next in the franchise.
The Neutral Aspects
A Story That’s Decent, But Not Groundbreaking
The main story in Pokémon Legends Z-A is serviceable, but it didn’t capture me in the same way the characters or side quests did. The plot revolves around saving Lumios and becoming the strongest Mega Evolution user, but it didn’t feel as engaging as I hoped. While there are some interesting moments, such as mysterious hints about the future, the story itself felt a bit flat at times. I found myself enjoying the character-driven subplots more than the central narrative.
PvP: Fun But Not Essential
The addition of PvP was a neat feature, and I enjoyed the matches, especially when aiming for specific rewards like the Greninja Mega Stone. However, I don’t see this as something that will keep players engaged long-term. It’s fun for a while, but once the necessary items are obtained, PvP doesn't offer enough to keep it relevant.
Battle System: Fun, But Could Use More Depth
The battle system in Pokémon Legends Z-A is enjoyable but not without its flaws. While it improves on the agile and strong style system from Legends Arceus, it still feels like it lacks the depth found in traditional turn-based systems. I appreciated the action-oriented battles, but I would have loved to see more interaction between the player and the Pokémon, such as controlling Pokémon directly. There’s potential here, but the system needs more refinement to make it truly engaging for long-term play.
The Cons of Pokémon Legends Z-A
Where Are the Roller Skates?
One of my biggest complaints about Pokémon Legends Z-A is the absence of roller skates. After X and Y, where skating was a fun and fast way to explore, I was disappointed to see it missing here. Traveling through the expansive Lumios felt tedious at times, especially given how large some areas are. A bike or roller skates could have made exploration more enjoyable and faster.
Pokémon Legends Z-A is a game with a lot of heart and a ton of content. While it does have its shortcomings, like a lackluster main story and a PvP mode that doesn’t feel essential, it offers enough unique features, like its engaging characters and side quests, to make it stand out. If you’re looking to buy shiny Pokémon or pokemon za buy pokemon, the game offers a great opportunity to dive into its world and enjoy new Mega Evolutions and a plethora of activities. For those who enjoy rich world-building and character depth, this game is definitely worth playing. However, if you're someone who prioritizes a deep story or PvP, it might not hold your attention for long. Overall, I’d recommend it to Pokémon fans looking for a fresh experience with a lot to do.
