Pokémon Legends: Z-A: An Exciting Revitalization of the Pokémon Series with Action RPG Gameplay

The Pokémon series has always maintained its immense popularity and standing since its first appearance in the 90s. In recent years, the series has seen a renewed interest thanks to the huge success of Pokémon Go and the vibrant return of the trading card game. With growing public desire for new and innovative gaming experiences, the time is perfect for developer Game Freak to redefine the main video game experience. This is the challenge that the anticipated Nintendo game "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" seeks to achieve, by increasing its focus on action-oriented adventures in the journey of a Pokémon trainer.

Innovative Real-Time Combat System Changes the Game

During a special presentation by Nintendo at PAX West 2025 in Seattle, I had a limited opportunity to experience "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" and its revamped combat system. The game abandons traditional turn-based combat and adopts a dynamic real-time gaming approach. So far, this new installment in the Pokémon game series looks highly promising and could represent a positive and impactful shift in the trajectory of these beloved games.

Lumiose City: Center of Mystery and Mega Evolution

"Pokémon Legends: Z-A" takes place in Lumiose City, inspired by the charming atmosphere of Paris. The story focuses on a new trainer who develops their skills and expands their team of Pokémon. However, an escalating mystery engulfs Lumiose City after an unknown force causes many Pokémon to enter a frenzied state, mysteriously activating their Mega Evolution. As the hero progresses on their journey, they will soon discover the secret behind this surge in rogue Pokémon.

Mega Evolution is known as a temporary and intense transformation that affects certain types of Pokémon during battles, enhancing their power and changing their appearance. This type of evolution, which first appeared in Pokémon X and Y games, goes beyond standard evolution and usually requires a special Mega Stone and a Key Stone from the trainer to activate it [Bulbapedia, Serebii.net].

Aspirations for a Wider Pokémon Experience

As a long-time fan of the Pokémon series, who returns to it from time to time to enjoy its most exciting releases, I have always felt that Pokémon games tend to be repetitive and stop short of reaching the broad scope many players imagined by following the animated shows. Recent Pokémon games like "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" and "Pokémon Scarlet/Violet" have pushed the series forward in the right direction, and "Legends: Z-A" continues this trend by focusing more on the moment-to-moment actions of being a trainer.

Strategic Depth and Enjoyable Battles in Action RPG Style

Real-time combat is a fundamental change in "Legends: Z-A," a shift many long-time players will have to adapt to. "Arceus" laid the groundwork for a more open gameplay style, but still relied on a tactical turn-based approach when combat initiated. "Legends: Z-A" goes beyond this concept.

The demo began with a night training session, where I had to engage in several Pokémon battles against trainers in a designated combat zone in the city's back alleys. This required me to move cautiously and seek out trainers, using either a direct approach or more stealthy methods. During the experience, I was given a team consisting of Chikorita, Weedle, Mareep, and the flying Pokémon Fletchling. Upon entering combat, your trainer remains stationary in front of the enemy Pokémon, with your chosen fighter beside you. During these battles, you can move in real-time and have active skills with cooldowns. This might seem standard in the gaming world, but for a Pokémon game, it's a significant adjustment, and I found it immensely enjoyable after a few rounds.

What's interesting about "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" is that it has transformed Pokémon into an action role-playing game (Action RPG), somewhat similar to "Xenoblade Chronicles" but on a smaller scale. In addition to the need to activate the right skills at the right time, I also had to evade enemy attacks to prevent my Pokémon from taking severe damage. This action-oriented approach gives you many more options in how to deal with enemies, and there are even opportunities to stealthily approach trainers for a surprise attack and a good start to the fight. It might seem strange at first, but it's honestly quite fun to see trainers take powerful hits from your own Pokémon attacks.

Epic Boss Battles with Mega Pokémon

The next stage of the demo focused on another innovation in "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" – boss battles against rogue Pokémon. Upon starting to track them, you will eventually face them in fierce battles, and they will even activate their Mega Evolved forms. The boss battle I faced with the rogue Mega Absol felt inspired by other RPGs, such as "Final Fantasy" or "Nier: Automata," and "Legends: Z-A" presents them as amazing encounters where you must subdue these powerful enemies in a special battle arena. The addition of the Lucario Pokémon joining the fight further increased the excitement. I could also activate my own Mega Evolution for a temporary boost – similar to "Limit Breaks" in Final Fantasy, but for Pokémon.

A Look at Pokémon's Promising Future

"Pokémon Legends: Z-A," like its predecessor "Arceus," follows a new approach to the traditional Pokémon adventure, focusing on interactive exploration and engagement with the world. I was impressed by how it felt like a uniquely designed JRPG, with the addition of quirky side characters and an epic boss battle to overcome. It's quite strange to play a Pokémon RPG without turn-based combat, but I found its more relaxed approach to be fair and enjoyable.

There has long been a desire among Pokémon fans for the series to change to reach greater heights, but it's clear this is an ongoing process and won't happen all at once. "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" sticks to the familiar premise of a trainer's journey in the Pokémon world, but its action-oriented approach to leading your Pokémon shows some solid promise, and could indeed be a strong step forward for the series. As a former Pokémon fan, it's certainly a game I'll be watching with interest.

"Pokémon Legends: Z-A" will be released on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.