Pokemon Legends: Z-A

The way Legends: Z-A pulls from the traditional mainline games and Legends: Arceus but ultimately doesn’t incorporate the best elements of either is similarly unsatisfying. Still, a vacation must be truly catastrophic to be considered “bad,” and Legends: Z-A is plenty fun with its real-time battles and Rogue Mega-Evolved raids. Yet the game’s itinerary feels like it isn’t making the most of what the Legends sub-series has to offer. Instead, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like yet another in a long line of Pokémon game with growing pains. With the commonplace around every corner, you may feel the experience is one big tourist trap, but it’s still a trip worth going on and making the most of while you’re there.

The franchise continues to grow and evolve in the right direction, even if it sometimes feels held back—whether by technical limitations or a reluctance to take risks. Despite these drawbacks and visuals that aren’t particularly impressive, the adventure remains genuinely fun, filled with activities and dynamic exploration. It preserves the signature mechanic of capturing creatures stealthily or engaging in large-scale battles, offering players multiple ways to approach encounters. The storyline stands out as one of the best in recent years, and by breaking free from the traditional turn-based combat system, the game opens the door to fresh and exciting gameplay experiences.