Having completed Pokémon Legends Z-A, including all post-game content and side missions, I’m excited to share my honest thoughts on this latest entry in the Pokémon franchise. As a dedicated fan, I've thoroughly explored the game on the Switch 2, and here’s a breakdown of the experience, including what I loved, what was okay, and where it could improve.

The Pros: What Made Z-A Stand Out

Performance and Technical Stability

One of the first things that impressed me was the game's smooth performance. Running at a steady 60 fps, Pokémon Legends Z-A handled beautifully on the Switch 2. This was a huge upgrade compared to previous titles like Scarlet and Violet, which suffered from noticeable frame drops. If you're looking for a seamless gaming experience, Z-A nails it.

Character Development and Storytelling

The character designs and development in Z-A are some of the best I’ve seen in a Pokémon game. From the moment I met a new character, I was hooked. Each one was well-written, with plenty of backstory, which made me genuinely care about them. They weren't just quest-givers—they felt like real parts of the world. I especially enjoyed how characters showed up in side quests, giving them depth and allowing them to evolve throughout the game.

Side Quests: A Breath of Fresh Air

Another strong point was the inclusion of 119 side quests, a feature that greatly expanded the world. Unlike Scarlet and Violet, where side content felt sparse, Z-A was jam-packed with engaging missions. Some were humorous, like getting an Avalog for a quirky photo op, while others added unexpected stories, like the bizarre Pokémon movie plotline. This variety kept the gameplay fresh and kept me coming back for more. I hope future games in the series maintain this level of side content.

New Mega Evolutions

Z-A also brought some exciting new Mega Evolutions, with standout designs like Mega Chandelure and Mega Dramper. I was particularly pleased with Chandelure’s design, as I’d long wished for a larger, chandelier-like form for this Pokémon. The Megas felt like a rewarding feature for hardcore fans and provided a fun way to enhance strategies in battles.

Customization and Music

Customization in Z-A is a huge improvement over the lackluster options in Scarlet and Violet. From the default jacket to custom outfits, the game allows for a level of personalization that made my character feel unique. This is a feature I hope they continue to improve in future titles.

As for the music, as expected from the Pokémon franchise, the soundtrack is fantastic. Whether it's the intense battle themes or the melancholic piano tunes during emotional scenes, the music enhances the overall experience. I’ve found myself revisiting the soundtrack even after completing the game.

Lore and World-Building

The game also drops intriguing lore, with unexpected revelations that kept me theorizing about future Pokémon titles. For instance, the backstory of Landre and subtle references to past games, like Leon’s penchant for getting lost, made me eager for what’s to come in the series. These little touches are a treat for long-time fans.

The Neutral: What Could Be Better

The Story

While the story had its high points, it didn’t fully captivate me. The central plot of saving Lumios and becoming the strongest Mega Evolution user felt a bit predictable. I found myself more engaged in side character stories and personal quests than the main narrative. That said, the climax did offer some satisfying moments, and I appreciated the narrative’s occasional twists. It just left me wanting more in terms of plot depth.

PvP and Battle System

The PvP mode, while functional, felt a bit tacked on. I played it mainly to unlock Mega Greninja, and while I had some fun, I didn’t find myself returning to it. The battles are fine, but they don’t offer the long-term engagement I had hoped for.

Similarly, the battle system, while enjoyable, felt a bit derivative. It’s similar to Yo-kai Watch 4, but not as refined. I didn’t mind the system, but I do think it could benefit from further improvements. The idea of controlling Pokémon directly could be a fun addition, although it might undermine the traditional trainer role.

The Cons: Areas That Need Improvement

Transportation and Exploration

One of my biggest disappointments was the lack of roller skates or a bike, both of which were present in previous games. While the world of Lumios is large and expansive, the travel options felt limited. Fast travel points are available, but I missed the dynamic mobility options that made earlier titles feel more exciting.

Mega Evolution Balance

While I loved many of the new Mega Evolutions, some felt underwhelming. Not every Mega Evolution added in Z-A had the same impact or excitement as previous entries. I felt that some of the designs, like Mega For Alligator and Mega Starmie, didn’t live up to their potential.

In conclusion, Pokémon Legends Z-A is a game that delivers on several fronts, from polished performance to strong character development and engaging side content. It’s a solid entry in the Pokémon series, but there are a few areas where it could improve. Whether you’re looking to buy shiny Pokémon or exploring ways to buy Pokémon from ZA, there’s something for everyone in this world, with the added bonus of U4GM providing an easy way to expand your collection.

It’s clear that Pokémon Legends Z-A has laid the groundwork for future entries in the franchise, and I’m excited to see where Game Freak takes us next.