Summary
ThePokemon Legends: Z-Atrailer gave fans of the long-running franchise something to look forward to, but provided little information as to what the game has in store for players. However, it is reasonable to expect the starter lineup for the new addition to thePokemon Legendsspin-off series to follow the same format as the previous title.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which took place in a historical version of the Sinnoh region, shocked fans by showcasing starters not native to the fourth generation game. Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlett appeared as the starter Pokemon for the region, with their final evolutions gaining unique regional variants of their classic models.Pokemon Legends: Z-Aalsoteased the return of Mega Evolution. Some starter Pokemon, namely all the generation one and generation three starters, already have Mega Evolution forms, and may not make a return to this iteration of the game. With this in mind, there are certain aspects that players should keep in mind when expecting the starter Pokemon to be revealed.
2
Release
1999
The tiny blue crocodile Pokemon from generation two may make an appearance as the water starter forPokemon Legends: Z-A. A favorite among fans, Totodile, and its evolutions haven’t been in the spotlight since 2009, whenPokemon HeartGoldand SoulSilverwere released.
Perhaps one of the few things bringing down Totodile’s chances of making a return is the argument that Game Freak might prefer to choose starters from a game that hasn’t gotten a regional variant at all. Since Cyndaquilappeared inPokemon Legends: Arceus, and its final evolution, Typhlosion, received a regional form, Game Freak may decide to turn away from the generation 2 starters as a whole.
Similar to the Totodile situation, Chikorita stands a chance at making a return as a starter Pokemon inPokemon Legends: Z-A. Standing as the least popular of all starter Pokemon, Chikorita is in much need of a boost. Should Game Freak choose to include the leaf Pokemon,a regional formof its final evolution, Meganium, may charm players into choosing this underrated grass type.
As with the water-type starter from generation two, Chikorita’s chances may be hindered by Cyndaquil’s inclusion as the fire-type starter inPokemon Legends: Arceus. Even so, fans shouldn’t count out Chikorita just yet!
7
2016
Pokemon Sun and Moon, as well as their sequels, marked the final addition to the franchise’s runon the Nintendo 3DS. Litten, the Alola region’s fire-type starter, has plenty of room to make a memorable comeback in the next iteration of the Pokemon Legends series.
Litten’s final evolution, Incineroar, has received some extra attention from Nintendo, appearing as a playable fighter inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. A fan-favorite Pokemon, Litten and its evolutions could potentially be seen making an appearance in the Kalos region.
5
2010
Coming from the popular generation five games, Snivy fits the regal aesthetic of Kalos. A regional variant of its final evolution, Serperior, may soothe fans' desire for additional generation 5 content.
However, as with previous entries, Snivy may have its chances hindered by the water-type starter from its same region. Oshawott, who appeared beside Snivy inPokemon Black and White, also appeared as a starter forPokemon Legends: Arceus.
8
2019
One of the newer starter Pokemon of the franchise from the Galar region, Sobble has the potential to make a return.
Sobble’s final evolution, Inteleon, did receive a special appearance in the form of Gigantamax Inteleon, but with the gimmick power-up ability unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, this form will likely only remain in generation 8 games. WithMega Evolution making a return, however, Sobble’s final evolution may have a chance to make a grand return with a new form in tow.
Similarly to Sobble, Scorbunny debuted inPokemon Sword and Shield. Scorbunny hasn’t received much attention since the release ofPokemon Sword and Shield. Should the rabbit Pokemon make a return as the fire-type starter forPokemon Legends: Z-A, fans should expect eithera regional variant of its final evolution, Cinderace, or even a Mega Evolution form.
Especially since all three of the starter trio fromPokemon Sword and Shieldevolved into single-type evolutions, a dual-typing variant form of the Galar starters may be in the cards.
This starter from the Alola region may stand more of a chance at making a return than its fire-type counterpart. While Litten’s final evolution received additional attention from Nintendo throughSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, Popplio has been seemingly left in the shadows since its debut.
Popplio’s final evolution, Primarina, is a favorite among fans. Since the Kalos region, wherePokemon Legends: Z-Atakes place, introduced the fairy typing, the return of this charming Pokemon is more than likely.
4
2006
Generation 4 received a remake through the additions ofPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlin 2021. Many fans were excited about the games receiving a much-needed overhaul, while others found the games to be lacking in content.
Even so, Turtwig, as the representative grass-type starter for the Sinnoh region, has plenty of ground to stand on in the hopes of making a return. Turtwig’s final evolution, Torterra, has no regional variant form, and no Mega Evolution, making it the perfect candidate as a starter forPokemon Legends: Z-A.
Much like Turtwig, Chimchar hasn’t received much attention from Game Freak, even despite its reappearance inPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Chimchar’s final evolution, Infernape, has no variant form and no Mega Evolution.
Chimchar is an incredibly popular Pokemon, and not just because of its debut as a generation 4 starter. As Game Freak and the Pokemon Company continue to adapt, taking afan favorite Pokemonand granting it a Mega Evolution and/or variant form would excite fans.
Piplup stands a fantastic chance of making a return as a starter forPokemon Legends: Z-A. Seeing as how none of the starters fromPokemon Legends: Arceushailed from generation 4, Piplup, with its adorable charm and fan-favorite status, may make a return in the spin-off series.
Piplup’s final evolution, Empoleon, has no Mega Evolution and no variant form, making it the perfect candidate for such features. Fans of this endearing penguin Pokemon may be treated to a return asPokemon Legends: Z-Acontinues to make announcements.
