Pokémon Legends: Z-A isn’t Perfect, But Still Worth Buying a Switch 2 For

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Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a crucial title, not just for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, but for the future of the Pokémon series. Previous games on the original Switch, like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, were often criticized for their poor performance and graphics – the animations were noticeably rough, and the games struggled to even maintain a stable 30 frames per second. With a more powerful new console on the horizon, players have been eager to see how Pokémon games will look and perform going forward.

The New Real-Time Combat System in Pokémon Legends: Z-A Is a Success

With Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak moved away from the classic turn-based battle system, opting for a more dynamic, real-time combat experience. While turn-based battles are enjoyable, this new system feels much more immersive and, importantly, more like watching the Pokémon anime. The ability to quickly switch between moves using the D-Pad and the use of cooldowns during attacks create a consistently exciting and engaging gameplay loop – it truly captures the fast-paced action of the show.

Changing up your Pokémon team and how you play adds a lot of strategic depth to the game. The excitement of trying to overcome tough opponents will really energize the series. In addition to the standard battles, you’ll also face special Rogue Mega Evolution battles – think of them as challenging boss fights where both your Pokémon and trainer can take damage. These battles will require skillful dodging and learning enemy attack patterns. To succeed, you’ll need to collect Mega Stones, which allow your Pokémon to Mega Evolve and become powerful enough to win.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A shines when you’re actually playing, but it’s weighed down by everything else. There’s a lot of text to get through, especially at the start, which might frustrate players. Much of it is tutorials that go on for too long – even those new to the game will likely understand the basics quickly, so it feels unnecessary and slows down the fun.

Some of the optional missions can actually detract from the game, especially as they start to feel repetitive. When these side quests are innovative – like requiring specific Pokémon in your team – the game is much more engaging. Unfortunately, a number of them feel like unnecessary filler in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

The Art Style for Pokémon Legends: Z-A Takes Strong Inspiration From Paris, But is Too Flat

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is unique because it’s set entirely within the city of Lumiose, which is clearly inspired by Paris. The result is stunning – the game’s art beautifully captures a sense of history in the buildings and streets. The blend of old and new architecture makes this version of Paris a place players will love to explore, particularly seeing humans and Pokémon living together harmoniously.

The game’s environments don’t feel very detailed. Lumiose City, in particular, often feels empty and lifeless unless you’re battling Pokémon. It’s noticeable when you get a view from above – the city’s structure is quite bland. Because Lumiose is the only major location in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and isn’t very large, it can sometimes feel confining.

The game would have benefited from fully embracing a Parisian aesthetic. While it includes elements like cobblestone streets and cafes reminiscent of Paris, and even nods to the Eiffel Tower, it feels incomplete. It’s likely the limitations of the Switch 1 held back more ambitious design choices. While understandable, it’s a bit disappointing. Fortunately, the Switch 2 allows for a visually updated Pokémon game with significantly improved performance and no blurry textures.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Is Fun for Fans and a Great Jumping On Point for Newcomers

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is worth buying just for its innovative battle system. While longtime fans may have some reservations, it’s a fantastic addition to the series as a spin-off title. The new battle mechanics are really engaging, especially when switching between Pokémon, and they make battles feel more dynamic and closer to the action seen in the Pokémon anime.

The gameplay often felt restricted, as if the developers weren’t letting players fully enjoy the experience. A constant stream of text and tutorials, along with somewhat tedious side quests, became quickly frustrating. While these issues did impact my overall impression, they weren’t enough to discourage me from recommending the game. This title offers a fresh take on the Pokémon formula, and it’s a welcome change. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a solid addition to the Switch 2’s library, arriving just in time for the holidays.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now available on the Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2.

This review was written with a review code of Pokémon Legends: Z-A provided by Nintendo.

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2025-10-30 18:37