It promises a few game-changing features, most notably a real-time combat system and a revamped setting.
Here is a detailed preview of everything we know aboutPokemon Legends Z-A.
What is Pokemon Legends Z-A?
Pokemon Legends Z-Ais a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG).
It is the next instalment in the long-running core Pokemon series, which currently comprises 28 games.
More specifically, it is the secondPokemon Legendsgame afterPokemon Legends Arceus.
Nintendo announced the game early last year during a Pokemon Presents event, albeit it willlaunch in late 2025.
Story
The story inPokemon Legends Z-Ais centred around Lumiose City.
The city is in the process of implementing an urban redevelopment plan.
This means that it is getting bigger and better.
Whats more, the new urban plan is designed to let humans and Pokemon co-exist in the city.
However, there is a deeper underlying element of the games story.
Zygarde, aLegendary Pokemon, appears to have taken an interest in the players character.
Its brain is made of Zygarde Cores, while its body is made of far more powerful Zygarde cells.
At 10% Forme, the Zygarde looks like a dog with sharp fangs and incredible speeds.
Finally, the Zygarde turns into a humanoid creature with wings and a tail at 100% Forme.
The Zygarde truly is a powerful, impressive legendary Pokemon.
So, why is it interested in the player, and what is the connection between them?
Players will have to wait to unravel the mystery.
The setting, Lumiose City, is getting a face-lift.
It looks bigger and better, and the new design seamlessly integrates green spaces into the urban jungle.
Moreover, the game packs sharper graphics, making the visuals better.
The player meets three Pokemon when they arrive: Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile.
They can choose one of these Pokemon to be their partner as they explore the city.
The Pokemon have unique personalities, abilities, and fighting styles.
Besides the starting Pokemon, players can also catch wild Pokemon as they explore.
The Pokemon roam all over, including on the streets and especially in the Wild Zones.
Some of the Pokemon are easy to catch, while others can put up a fight.
For the latter, players can use their Pokemon to fight and weaken them before catching them.
It is also worth noting that some Pokemon are weary of strangers, necessitating a stealthy approach.
Every Pokemon that players capture comes in handy in battle.
Notably, the combat systemPokemon Legends Z-Amakes a major shift from previousPokemon games.
Instead of turn-based combat, the fights are now based on a real-time combat system.
This means that Pokemon can move around during fights.
Moreover, they unleash their abilities only when the trainers command them.
In addition to being based on a real-time combat system, the fights are also strategic.
Every Pokemon has unique abilities and fighting styles, and players can swap Pokemon in between fights.
Moreover, different moves take varying periods to execute, and the range of their impacts also varies.
As such, players must make calculated decisions when choosing which Pokemon and fighting styles to use.
Interaction with NPCs is a big aspect of the gameplay.
Players get one close friend, and they can proceed to make many other friends across town.
Notably, every character in the game has a unique personality and story to tell.
And, as usual, the publishers are Nintendo and The Pokemon Company.
The game is still in development and will be complete towards the end of 2025.
Trailer
The official trailer forPokemon Legends Z-Ashowcases many scenes of its gameplay features.
The opening scenes showcase Lumiose City in all its new glory.
One scene even showcases the players character hunting wild Pokemon.
The best part showcases the epic battles between Pokemon, including the Mega Evolution feature and real-time combat system.
The closing scenes showcase the games characters.
Besides the official trailer, the publisher also released another video titled An Extended Look atPokemon Legends Z-A!
Unlike the trailer, this video has a narrator explaining the games biggest features.
Players can learn more about the city, characters, Pokemon, and combat system.
In the meantime, players can pre-order the game at thePokemon Center official site.Pokemon Legends Z-Awill only supportNintendo Switch.
Cynthia Wambui is a gamer who has a knack for writing video gaming content.
Blending words to express one of my biggest interests keeps me in the loop on trendy gaming topics.
Aside from gaming and writing, Cynthia is a tech nerd and coding enthusiast.
