A New Direction for Pokémon Legends Z-A
Pokémon Legends Z-A, for me, was an entirely different experience from every other Pokémon game that I have played before. Game Freak is trying something new again. The most exciting change is that battles are no longer turn-based. We now have a real-time action RPG. For me, this is probably the most exciting step forward for the Pokémon franchise since Legends: Arceus.
Almost immediately from the adventure, you feel the change: trainers move around freely on the battlefield, while Pokémon move alongside them in real-time. It is impossible to just sit there and think about what you want to do on the next turn: every single move has a cooldown. So, it matters if you time the moves right, react quickly, and make wise decisions.
Pokémon Battles in Real-Time
Right after entering the demo, the first thing I tried was dodge rolling. It sounds simple enough; however, something about dodging in a Pokémon battle just ups the tempo and intensity. Now, battles have a rhythm: thinking of positioning as much as attacking. The more you are about to balance moves and hard hits, the greater the game rewards you.
This very aspect breathes life into the fights, which the turn-based systems of yore could never really accomplish; for me, it was reminiscent of the good old action RPGs that I used to play, with a Pokémon twist.
Mega Evolution versus Gigantamax Battles
One of the ultimate highlights of the demo was the Mega Lucario fighting against a Gigantamax Absol. To see Absol walking around like a titan on the battlefield was breathtaking. The fight was far from a simple affair of pressing attacks: there was a lot of dodging, running, and picking the scattered Mega Evolution orbs across the field.
It broadened the strategic depth: Will you risk charging a powerful attack or spend your time running, grabbing energy to power your Pokémon? Constant alertness is required from trainers and Pokémon alike. It is a true test of speed and skill.
ZA Royale in Lumiose City
Another big thing on display was ZA Royale, a ranking mode played in a revamped Lumiose City. You actively fight other trainers in the hopes of raising your ZA rank. In my view, this was where things got personal in a bespoke-within-a-battle context. You can move right up onto trainers, dodge their attacks, and directly command your Pokémon using buttons.
The mix of movement, positioning, and fast decision-making thus constitutes a stark contrast to the older Pokémon games. Lumiose City is organized into districts, and placing them on the map through an increase in ranking gives one the sense of exploring in battle.
Rogue Mega Evolution Battles
Rogue Mega Evolution battles are another cool twist. You either need a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve to join or allow it to join Mega Evolutions. While fighting, the opponent sends out energy balls. You have to grab them to fill your Mega Meter. Once it’s full, your Pokémon can Mega Evolve and completely shift the battle in your favor.
Both trainer and Pokémon can take damage. All this makes the fight even more risky and thrilling. These correlate quite well with an aggregate of fast, chaotic fun, and I would bet that these are the most fun battles present in this game.
Performance on Switch 2
Surprise reviews for this version seem to show a positive argument: smooth 60fps the whole way through, better pop-in than Scarlet and Violet. The graphics themselves are rudimentary, but the battles are really getting that feel of smoothness and responsiveness. For me, smooth gameplay is more important than high-fidelity graphics, so big win there.
Other Gameplay Changes
The game also implements longer cooldown periods for potions, items, and any kind of healing. You have new ranged attacks that don’t require contact. Battles become harder as one progresses, and that scaled difficulty feels more honorific than the older games.
The urban design of Lumiose City will be quite a switch from the wide-open spaces of nature in Pokémon Legends Arceus. Most of the lateral exploration looks like it will focus on rooftops and city streets. I liked exploring wild landscapes more, but I am still curious to see how a dense city setting changes the experience.
Final Thoughts on Pokémon Legends Z-A
In short, Pokémon Legends Z-A is a bold and exciting step for the series. Real-time battles, Mega Evolution energy mechanics, and a ZA Royale ranking make for the most fluid gameplay experience to date.
The settings might not look as stunning as others from the series, but the fast-paced, skill-based combat all but makes up for it.
As one who has grown up through Pokémon, changes such as these feel like just what the series needed. It still feels like Pokémon, but differently, and I honestly cannot wait to see just how far Game Freak takes this new approach. You may also be interested in: Superhero Games Takeover at Gamescom 2025
