Summary
Pokemon Legends: Z-Awas revealed, and it hints at breaking a pattern in the series that has been continuing since 2018. Granted, just the mere fact that it’s aPokemon Legendstitle means thatPokemon Legends: Z-Awill be taking its own path compared to most main series titles. Most details of the game aside from the premise are largely a mystery due to the trailer being a reveal rather than showing off gameplay, but at least one notable detail emerged.
To celebrate Pokemon Day 2024,Pokemon Legends: Z-Awas announcedwith a 2025 release date. Similar toPokemon Legends: Arceus,Z-Awill be taking players on a trip to a certain point in thePokemonworld’s history. This time, the game centers on Lumiose City, the largest city in Kalos and core of the region. Rather than returning toLegends: Arceus' distant past,Legends Z-Alooks to take place in a modern, if not futuristic setting, centered on the building of Lumiose city as a utopia for people and Pokemon alike. It will be interesting to see what else is revealed over the coming months.
The Return of Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends: Z-A Is Worth Celebrating
The end ofPokemon Legends: Z-A’s trailer hints at thereturn ofPokemon’s Mega Evolutions. While nothing is specifically said, after the game’s name is revealed, the familiar Mega Evolution symbol appears onscreen for a few minutes. Mega Evolution has continued to live on through spin-offs, and yet it hasn’t existed as a mechanic in the main series sinceLet’s Go, Pikachu!andLet’s Go, Eevee!After not making an appearance inPokemon Legends: Arceus,Pokemon Legends: Z-Ahas telegraphed their return well in advance. Considering the mechanic’s popularity, letting players immediately know of its return will likely prove to be a wise move.
Mega Evolution returning inPokemon Legends Z-Amakes perfect sense because the Kalos games were where it debuted in the first place.
Mega Evolution offered upgraded forms of certain Pokemon, and among the manygimmicks introduced acrossPokemongenerations, it was one of the most notable. Mega Evolution was subject to some controversy, both due to only being available to certain Pokemon, as well as some, most infamously Mega Rayquaza, being absurdly powerful. However, considering how popular fan-designed Mega Evolutions are, it’s clear that the mechanic was warmly received. Despite that, it has only appeared in a few main series titles:
How Mega Evolutions May Help Redefine Pokemon Legends
Since Mega Evolutions, the series has experimented with other region-specific gimmicks in battles. Alola featured theZ-Moves fromPokemon Sun and Moon, Galar’sPokemon Sword and Shieldprominently featured Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, and the most recentPokemon Scarlet and Violetshowed off Terastallizing.
All of these mechanics provide an extra trick for the users' Pokemon to employ in battle, in the form of a new form, new attacks, or both. All of these gimmicks have their fans, though they each only stuck around for a single generation. With Mega Evolution returning inPokemon Legends: Z-A, there may be hope for other gimmicks to make their own comebacks later.
Not only is aPokemon Legendsgame set in Kaloscoming out to flesh out the region further, but Mega Evolution is making a return alongside it. While plenty of old Mega Evolutions are certain to make appearances, some new ones are likely to emerge as well, similar to the Hisuian Form Pokemon fromPokemon Legends: Arceus. The return of Mega Evolution inPokemon Legends: Z-Ais probably going to be one of the game’s major selling points.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
