Summary
Although a lot aboutPokemon Legends: Z-Ais still unknown, fans of the series can be sure that the game will build upon the elements introduced inPokemon Legends: Arceus. As only the second game to bear the “Pokemon Legends” name,Pokemon Legends: Z-Ahas the opportunity to experiment with the mechanics and world design of the series to solidify conventions that could become standard for futurePokemon Legendsgames. While this role might put a lot of pressure on the game,Pokemon Legends: Z-Acan afford to make some mistakes or try unconventional things as the subseries begins to find its identity.
The reveal ofPokemon Legends: Arceuscame as quite a surprise for fans, as thePokemonseries had been receiving criticism for becoming too formulaic and stagnant in recent generations.Pokemon Legends: Arceuswent on to become widely praisedby fans despite some rough edges for its efforts to bring an entirely new gameplay loop to the franchise. With the initial proof of concept out of the way withPokemon Legends: Arceus,Pokemon Legends: Z-Anow has a license to get creative with its expansion of thePokemon Legendsseries.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Has the Perfect Excuse to Try New Things
The Pokemon Legends Series is Still in its Infancy
Pokemon Legends: Arceusalready brought a new perspective to the franchise by taking players back in time and allowing them to freely catch mons in the overworld through active Poke Ball-throwing gameplay. With only one game to build upon, there are near-endless directionsPokemon Legends: Z-Acan take to further the ideas introduced in its predecessor without betraying the core of the buddingPokemon Legendsseries.Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais also set to be thesuccessor toPokemon X and Y, putting it in the perfect position to follow in those games' footsteps when it comes to elevating the franchise to new heights.
The Kalos Region Has a History Of Experimentation
Despite the criticism ofPokemon X and Y, Gen 6 is arguably one of the most crucial generations in the series when it comes to defining the modern era ofPokemon. These titles marked the first time a mainlinePokemongame featured 3D graphics after five prior generations of 2D sprites. Along with this transition into 3D, the hardware of the3DS allowedPokemon X and Yto experiment with different mechanics that were not possible in past titles.
The 3DS' circle pad allowed the games to feature eight-directional movement that resulted in cute additions like the ability to roller-skate and perform tricks on the skates. The improved technical specs of the 3DS also allowedPokemon X and Yto feature the largest city featured in a mainline game up to that point inLumiose City, filled with different streets and shops for players to explore. While not directly tied to 3DS hardware,Pokemon X and Ytook experimentation a step further and featured the fan-favorite Mega Evolution as a new gameplay mechanic, spawning the trend of generational battle gimmicks still seen inPokemon Scarlet and Violettoday.
While some of the mechanics Gen 6 experimented with were more successful than others, they helped push the series forward in terms of breaking its formulaic mold. Now,Pokemon Legends: Z-Afinds itself in a similar position as thePokemon Legendsseries begins to find its footing after the success ofPokemon Legends: Arceus. With this upcoming title taking players back to theKalos Region of Gen 6, it seems only natural thatPokemon Legends: Z-Awould adopt the spirit of innovation and experimentation that its spiritual predecessor took when expanding on established series conventions.
