Pokemon Legends: Z-A Reviews
Pokémon Legends: Z-A tweaks the standard formula to deliver more active monster catching and battling, but it takes place in a disappointingly boring city with little else to do.
Despite its flaws, it brings a breath of fresh air and stands as an interesting evolution of Arceus. After years of stagnation, despite some timid steps forward on the gameplay front, we can say that Pokémon Legends confirms its position as the series' most interesting approach, at least in the Switch era.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Pokémon Legends Z-A gives us an amazing, fresh take on Pokémon battles, but that’s about all it does. Difficult fights are a highlight, but they can feel few and far between in a game that really overstays its welcome. When it works, it’s an absolute blast, but since there’s nothing else to do it’s a very one note game.
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.
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.
With its grand return to Kalos, Gamefreak has delivered a Pokemon game like no other.
The game looks better than previous Pokémon titles, but continued half-hearted attempts to give itself a high-definition look seem to come at the expense of deeper, more complex content. It’s easy to ignore these cracks, complete the satisfying gameplay loop and vibe through Z-A’s Pokémon adventure, but I know Pokémon is capable of more than this.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is here, bringing with it the second exciting entry into the Legends spinoff series of games
I have no doubt that the systems introduced in Pokemon Legends: Z-A could shine brightly in the future of the series - but for now, they're just not quite there yet.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
A more focused, streamlined Pokémon experience that trades rolling hills for boulevard cafes and a greater focus on characters and story.
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
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.
Pok'mon Legends: Z-A is an interesting spin-off fulfilling dream of some players ' what would happen if combat system turned real-time? It is more dynamic approach filled with a lot of options, vast Pok'dex, but partially limited to one location only. Lumiose City is interesting half-way through but is missing some richness of different regions. But somehow, Z-A could be attractive for new players thanks to different pace and some fresh ideas.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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.
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.