Pokémon Legends Z-A (Switch) First Impressions.

Hey everyone- now that I am about five hours into the main quest (currently at rank X in the Z-A Royale, training for the next rank and the Greninja mega stone); here are my first impressions on Pokémon Legends Z-A. I will do my best to not give away too much about the story, that can wait for a full review after I beat it (so, definitely not before 2026). So, let’s open it up and get started.

First, I will state I don't have a problem with the tech or visuals at all. Even as someone who doesn’t have a Switch 2 yet (plan to upgrade ahead of Generation X next year); it does make a good game to send off the main series on the base Switch. While I don’t put as much stock in graphics as others, I can definitely say the extra year worth of development made all the difference. I don’t really focus on one window pane or building; I focus on the entire city. Given how the whole game takes place in the Lumiose City hub world, its sheer scale builds tremendously on when we first saw it in Pokémon X and Y. The frame rate and color palette look great in both home and portable mode; and if we got along nearly three full decades without voice acting in-game; I have no need for it now. I will say the arrangements of the music are as great as ever, especially with the expanded shop themes. I especially like the variety of cosmetics you can acquire.

Next, let’s talk about the biggest shakeup- the real-time capture and battle gameplay. Though I am still acclimating to the new control scheme, I actually rather like the approach they took. I have long believed real-time combat is not your enemy, and it does a great job of building on what Legends Arceus did as well as its contemporaries in role-playing games.

Though I am not currently at liberty to confirm or deny all of the details that have come to light in the most recent data dump from last year’s “Tera Leak,” I will say that the reveals intrigue me and I am willing to do so at a later date. As for the anime impacting the planned redesign for Pikachu come the next generation- I’d just as soon say that it’s more to do with the shift in hardware (I did figure the next titles would be Switch 2 exclusives). It does make sense for the design to be bookended that way, starting and ending use with games set in Kalos.

Overall, my first impressions on Pokémon Legends Z-A are not only positive; it’s on my shortlist for game of the year (no small feat given this has been a surprisingly good year for games). I will continue to enjoy this game well into next year and a prospective hardware upgrade (to say nothing of the upcoming Mega Dimensions expansion). Before I go, don't forget what happened to the man who got everything he ever wanted: He lived happily ever after. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.