The Pokémon Company revealed two titles to the Pokémon Video Game Series on the Pokémon Presents livestream: Pokemon Champions and Pokemon Legends: Z-A . The latter being a sequel to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the first open-world game in the series.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes place in the present time, unlike Legends Arceus. I really liked the setting of Legends Arceus though, it was unique to the franchise as there hasn’t been an ‘ancient’ based Pokémon before. With the rise in popularity of Pokémon Cards, this is a great time to capitalize on Pokémon’s popularity.
As I’ve mentioned in my Pokémon Adventures review, I am a huge Pokémon fan. This game has me excited as I loved Legends: Arceus and Pokemon S&V were kind of let downs to be honest.
What Did the Pokémon Presents Livestream Reveal?
Story & Premise
In the teaser trailer we found out that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be set in Lumiose City of Pokémon X and Y’s Kalos Region. A high-tech urban redevelopment plan is underway for Lumiose City. A company called Quasartico Inc. manages the plan.
Lumiose City wants Pokémon and people to coexist. To aid in this mission they have set up ‘wild zones’ throughout the city.
Wild Zones: habitats are areas where wild Pokémon can roam freely and thrive.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Starters
The teaser reveals the starters, and trainers can choose Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. The reaction to the starters has been leaning towards the negative side. Especially the Gen 2 Starters.
However, I really like the choices, and the Pokémon I’m going to choose is Chikorita actually. Chikorita is my favourite of the three.
If you know Pokémon, you’d know that players favor the Johto starters less because Chikorita performs poorly early in the Johto games.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Battle System
There also seems to be a new style of battling, as the game swaps out the traditional turn-based battle system. Moves have area of effects, they have a max range of how far they can hit. This adds more depth to fighting than just hitting a super effective move.
You will also need to have precise timing for swapping in battle. Trainers need to fight and move in real time during battles. Pokémon also moves when their trainers do. Skill expression is something lacking in the current games, so this is a fresh battle system in the series.
Return of the Mega Evolutions
We also saw Pokémon undergo Mega Evolution. A fan favourite gimmick in the series, finally makes a return after 10 years.
This is my all-time favourite gimmick in the series. I was so sad they left mega evolutions behind with Pokémon ORAS. I’m glad they’re returning here, and hopefully they can return in future mainline games.
Pokémon Champions
Alongside Legends: Z-A, the reveal of Pokémon Champions took place. This is a more battle-focused game for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices! This will resemble the traditional battling that fans know and enjoy. This game will also be cross platform, meaning you will be able to play with Nintendo Switch and mobile users alike.
Pokémon HOME will be available for this, so trainers can make use of their Pokémon saved from different games such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
When will Pokémon Legends: Z-A Release?
A release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A has not yet been announced. However, the game will be released later this year.
Want more Pokémon content? Check out some Must-Buy Pokémon Cards!
