Summary
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais the next big upcomingPokemonrelease, but there’s been no word on it since its reveal. After being unveiled in an early 2024 trailer, it’s been a mystery as to what specific direction the game will even take. Considering the relatively short gaps between releases in the years leading up to this title,Pokemon Legends: Z-Ahas had an unconventionally long development time for a project under the IP.
It’s not yet known if this nextLegendsgame will followArceusas a prequel toX and Yor take place in another time period, but its trailer at least hints at thereturn of Mega Evolution inPokemon Legends: Z-Aalongside a focus on Lumiose City. Recent generations have faced criticism for what some players have seen as rushed development cycles, with issues like a more limited Pokedex and technical shortcomings rising to prominence. The unusually long production ofZ-Acould be an indication that its developers are aware of these sorts of concerns and intend on a higher quality product, and this kind of patience would be in the best interest of the franchise’s reputation.
Some Criticisms of Pokemon’s More Recent Generations Are Rooted in Games That Feel Rushed
The Scale of a Pokemon Experience is a Challenging Project to Accomplish in Two Years
With just three years separating theeighth and ninth generations ofPokemon, creating a full-scale region filled with content has become an increasingly challenging feat. WhileSword and ShieldandScarlet and Violethave their fair share of impressive visual moments and designs, they have also been more divisive than past releases. It initially seemed as though Nintendo and Game Freak had little interest in slowing down the continued output ofPokemonprojects, but the silence about any console games possibly shows a renewed interest in the depth and polish fans have become more vocally concerned about.
Standing in contrast with the mainline titles,Pokemon Legends: Arceusachieved recognitionfor the experimental mechanics it brought to the table. Even being the subject of rumors regarding a potential reallocation of resources away from what would becomeBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, this spin-off has inspired hope among many fans regarding a direction for the series outside the trappings of its decades-old formula.
A Truly Next-Gen Take on Pokemon Would Justify Legends: Z-A’s Longer Development
Pokemon Should Focus on Strong Releases Over Expanding Its Breadth of Titles
In recent years, thePokemonIP has seen significant expansion with the introduction of numerous mobile games and spin-offsfollowing the initial success ofPokemon GO. This has undeniably broadened the franchise’s reach, but it has also possibly come at the cost of reliable quality and focus being afforded to mainline titles. WithLegends: Z-Aalready having gone nearly six months without any news since being revealed, it’s only natural to speculate that it may be a more ambitious endeavor than initially anticipated. Now that it seems essential for this game to ultimately meet the hype, opting for a slower production might have been the wisest decision.
Legends: Arceusis still a solid experience over two years after its early 2022 release, as its novel semi-open-world style and real-time gameplay remain fresh takes on the series. However,Legends: Z-Aalso has room to improve on it with more polish in an effort that has the potential to overtake the reception of other mainline games. For this upcoming title to shine, it needs time to build on the strengths of its innovative predecessor. If the highfan expectations ofPokemon Legends: Z-A’s improvements hope to be met, it could still be on the distant horizon for months to come.
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.
