Pokemon Legends: Z-A Might Be the Time to Take a Breather From One Recent Pokemon Tradition (2024)

It's no secret that the Pokemon franchise is one of the most successful in the gaming industry, and much of that success is due to its laundry list of unique traditions. From the quest to catch 'em all, to the choice between Fire, Water, and Grass type starters at the beginning of each adventure, Pokemon has thrived on its underlying sense of stability. Over the years, Pokemon has also introduced a list of new features that have become traditions in their own right. With the announcement of Pokemon Legends Z-A, fans may once again look forward to a new tradition that brings Pokemon a new Legends game every few years.

After the success of Pokemon Legends Arceus, it's no surprise that The Pokemon Company decided to pursue a second entry. It's proven to be quite a surprise, however, that Pokemon Legends Z-A is taking players to a Lumiose City presumably set before Pokemon X and Y, and that Mega Evolutions are making a comeback. With how ambitious Legends Arceus was, hopes are high that Legends Z-A will meet or even exceed that standard. In order to do so, it may be time to temporarily forego one longtime Pokemon tradition to make room for innovations that will allow Legends Z-A to feel distinct.

Pokemon Legends Z-A Doesn't Need Regional Variants

Ever since Pokemon Sun and Moon, mainline Pokemon entries have introduced dozens of regional variants that alter a pocket monster's design and typing. Whether it's Alolan Raichu getting the Psychic typing in addition to Electric, or Galarian Meowth growing a beard, these unique takes on pre-existing Pokemon have added a degree of variety to the Pokedex. Although not all of them are instant classics, they often do a serviceable job of adding depth and character to a new region without relying purely on geographical and architectural differences.

In the case of Pokemon Legends Z-A, however, it may be time to take a break from regional variants in order to let other features shine. While it is true that Legends Arceus had regional Hisuian variants, those made sense because the game took place generations before the modern Pokemon era. Legends Z-A's Lumiose City doesn't appear to be that far removed from X and Y's, which didn't feature regional variants as they hadn't been introduced yet. Legends Z-A can maintain a sense of consistency by disregarding regional variants, and instead bolstering the number of Pokemon with Mega Evolutions.

Mega Evolutions Could Serve as Replacements for Regional Variants in Legends Z-A

While this may be a discouraging move for fans who enjoy regional variants, new Mega Evolutions could effectively eliminate the need for them. Mega Evolutions greatly alter how battles work, just as regional typings do, and each Mega Evolution comes with a unique design, with Pokemon like Charizard receiving multiple. From a game development perspective, it would also make more sense to prioritize Mega Evolutions over regional variants, so their reintroduction doesn't feel half-baked. For every regional variant added to Legends Z-A, there could be a new Mega Evolution instead.

Very little is known about Pokemon Legends Z-A, but after the widespread success of Legends Arceus, it has quickly become a highly-anticipated title. If Game Freak is going to blow players away once again, it will need to innovate at a similar level, and one of the best ways to do that would be going all-in on Mega Evolutions. Even if it means regional variants get the short end of the stick, Legends Z-A will have a greater opportunity to feel like a distinct new entry rather than retreading old ground. Pokemon has shown that familiarity sells, but in this case, it would be best to leave just one tradition on the shelf.

Pokemon Legends Z-A

The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region's Lumiose City.

Franchise

Pokemon

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

2025-00-00

Developer(s)

Game Freak

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Genre(s)

RPG