Revamped Pokemon Legends: Z-A battle system and expanded exploration offer a surprising level of novelty
In the world of Pokémon gaming, a new legend is about to be born. Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to release on October 16, 2025, introduces a significant evolution in the battle mechanics of the beloved franchise.
Unlike its predecessors, Pokémon Legends: Z-A features real-time battles, a departure from the traditional turn-based combat. This dynamic approach to combat requires players to dodge, time attacks, and manage cooldowns, making battles more action-packed and strategic.
Other notable changes include cooldown-based attacks, where the timing and sequence of moves matter during real-time combat. Players can also control their trainers directly during battles, enabling them to sprint, dodge, and use items, adding a layer of action and positioning complexity.
Sneak attacks and battle initiation have also been introduced. Players can sneak up on trainers for a tactical advantage, temporarily stunning the opponent’s opening Pokémon. The combat flow is more like an MMO, with casting times and behind-the-scenes calculations affecting outcomes.
Pokémon behaviour in Z-A is also noteworthy. While players can't directly command Pokémon to dodge, their AI will retreat to the trainer's side to avoid area attacks when not locked on, enhancing the fluidity and real-time feel of fights.
Mega Evolution battles in Z-A present a new challenge. Players must collect Mega Power orbs during battle to Mega Evolve and maintain the form, adding a risk-reward real-time element.
The game takes place in the densely urban Lumiose City, which appears less open than in previous games, seemingly to address technical woes. The city allows players to roam for a chance to capture wild Pokémon, but it remains unclear how the improvements in Z-A affect this creature-collecting context.
Stealth Rock, a familiar feature from the series, places rocky mines around the playspace. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the game will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.
However, despite running on powerful hardware, Pokémon Legends: Z-A does not appear to be technically impressive, with a basic presentation that has been a consistent issue in recent Pokémon titles. The limited demo, focusing on a small back alley and a rooftop fight, makes it difficult to assess how Z-A's other mechanics have progressed or how its new developments will shake out in the context of the full game.
Lumiose City in Z-A appears bare, lacking personality, and strangely quiet, raising questions about the game's overall presentation. Nonetheless, fans are eagerly awaiting the full release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A to experience the new real-time battle system and other innovations firsthand.
- The new game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to launch on October 16, 2025, will be available on both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch, expanding the reach of its real-time battle mechanics.
- The evolution of the battle system in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is quite significant, with real-time battles replacing the traditional turn-based combat, adding an element of action and strategy to the gameplay.
- One unique aspect of these real-time battles is the cooldown-based attacks, where the timing and sequence of moves matter, requiring players to manage their attacks and cooldowns thoughtfully.
- In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players can also control their trainers directly during battles, allowing them to sprint, dodge, and use items, creating a more immersive and dynamic gameplay experience.
- Sneak attacks and battle initiation have been introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, letting players gain a tactical advantage by sneaking up on trainers and stunning their opening Pokémon.
- Mega Evolution battles in Z-A pose a new challenge, as players must collect Mega Power orbs during battle to Mega Evolve and maintain the form, adding a real-time risk-reward element to these encounters.
- Despite its impressive hardware, Pokémon Legends: Z-A's presentation seems basic compared to recent Pokémon titles, with Lumiose City appearing bare and quiet in the limited demo available, raising questions about the game's overall presentation.
