Pokemon Legends: Z-A Reviews

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Oct 31, 2025

If you prioritize up-to-the-minute aesthetics, Pokémon Legends: Z-A - and arguably any title in the series - isn't for you. Still, I can't deny how much fun I've had playing this game. Its addictiveness triumphs over any minor issues. Real-time battles and entertaining side quests shine in Lumiose City. Launching at $70 with $30 of DLC might give some pause. But if you have a spouse or kids who will play this one too, the value is there, with dozens of hours of thoroughly satisfying adventuring. Don't miss this release.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Oct 22, 2025

Pokémon Legends ZA is an incredible new entry set in a world that's as alive as the characters that inhabit it. The new battle system adds a unique level of chaos to keep battles constantly fresh, and exploring the world for new Pokémon never gets old.

Read full review

RPG Site
Top Critic
9 / 10
Oct 14, 2025

With its grand return to Kalos, Gamefreak has delivered a Pokemon game like no other.

Read full review

RPG Fan
Top Critic
81 / 100
Nov 12, 2025

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is at its best when it breaks out of the series’s comfort zones, but finds itself falling too far back into them to make the most of its potential.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Oct 28, 2025

Despite the flaws (game’s not pretty and kind of boring in the beginning) I would lie if I told you I did not have fun playing Legends Z-A. The story is quite cool and the new, real-time combat system made me want to play for hours at a time. It is a breath of fresh air for the series.

Review in Polish | Read full review

Oct 28, 2025

Pokémon Legends Z-A dares to be different in various ways, and it comes together beautifully. Sure, not everything works, but it's a marked improvement over the many issues that Scarlet/Violet had, and improves upon the "graphical issues" that many felt Arceus had.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Oct 15, 2025

Like so many other modern Pokémon games, Pokémon Legends: Z-A paints a promising picture of what the future of Pokémon could look like. It's an enjoyable return an underappreciated region in Pokémon that fans are sure to appreciate.

Read full review

GamingBolt
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Oct 20, 2025

Pokémon Legends: Z-A may not surpass Arceus in innovation, but it delivers an exciting adventure with plenty of nostalgic charm that make it a worthy follow-up in the series.

Read full review

CGMagazine
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2025

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is here, bringing with it the second exciting entry into the Legends spinoff series of games

Read full review

4 / 5.0
Oct 25, 2025

A more focused, streamlined Pokémon experience that trades rolling hills for boulevard cafes and a greater focus on characters and story.

Read full review

Spaziogames
Top Critic
8.8 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2025

A refines the series' formula with a leaner, more focused, and genuinely fun experience. Despite its dated visuals, Game Freak delivers one of the most enjoyable entries in years a "sequel to a spin-off" that carries the kind of soul we hope to see return in the mainline games.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Nov 8, 2025

I really wanted to like Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and at PAX, I thought it had a lot of promise, but after playing it, all I’ve felt is disappointed and wish that I had my time back, maybe to replay Arceus or an older game in the franchise.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Nov 10, 2025

This second generation of Pokemon games on the Switch - Scarlet, Violet, and Legends: Z-A - has repeatedly gone back and forth between "we are so cooked" and "we are so back". Pokemon Legends: Z-A has basically distilled that down to one game, because it feels like everything that annoyed me about the game was countered almost immediately by the game doing something I enjoyed or impressed me. Of the two Legends, I still prefer Arceus though, and I do hope a third Legends game is more focused on catching than combat.

Read full review

Oct 22, 2025

An invigoratingly original combat system, an almost surprisingly good narrative that covers real and important themes, and the same charming monster designs and aesthetics that continue to define Pokémon as one of the biggest media properties in history. Excellent work, Game Freak.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Oct 19, 2025

Yes, in terms of graphics it still didn’t quite deliver what people were hoping for, but Pokémon Legends: Z-A fulfills many of the dreams that anyone who watched or played Pokémon as a kid once had. And for the things it doesn’t yet achieve, it plants the seeds. While it offers a different experience for those who prefer the classic turn-based Pokémon games, at its core, it’s undoubtedly a delightful experience for anyone who loves Pokémon.

Review in Turkish | Read full review

Cubed3
Top Critic
7 / 10
Oct 18, 2025

Game Freak once again attempts to do something different with a series that's fast approaching its 30th anniversary. Pokémon Legends: Z-A puts a refreshed battle system front and centre, offering faster, real-time combat at its core. The change may not be for everyone; especially long-time fans who remain loyal to the classic turn-based formula. It’s a shame that some aspects, like NPC interactions, haven’t evolved to the same degree and there can be some repetition in traversing the Z-A world. Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a well-earned holiday for the series, where there's opportunity to try something new and explore. The adorable critters truly do thrive in Lumiose City and that's ultimately the heart of what drives a Pokémon adventure.

Read full review

LevelUp
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2025

Quote not yet available.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2025

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is exactly what this series needed – a fresh idea, technical refinement, and new energy. The developers finally dared to combine experimentation with classic elements, creating an adventure that is engaging, looks great, and proves that the world of Pokémon can evolve without losing its identity. It's not perfect – the pace is uneven and the difficulty level is too conservative – but it's still one of the most satisfying installments in the series in years.

Review in Polish | Read full review

IGN Italy
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2025

Pokémon Legends: ZA is fun and exciting with its Mega Evolutions and new battle system, but its shortcomings keep it from truly excelling.

Review in Italian | Read full review

IGN Spain
Mario Sánchez
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2025

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a release heavily focused on battles. While its story and graphics don't particularly stand out, the addictive gameplay, dynamic combat, and fun online mode make it a must-play title for both veteran fans and newcomers.

Review in Spanish | Read full review