Pokemon Legends: Z-A Reviews
I’m sure of it: beyond its imperfections and the unfinished business Game Freak has yet to resolve, Pokémon Legends: Z-A marks the first step in a smart direction—one that aligns with what many fans have been asking for over the years and shows particular respect for the legacy it inherits from the most successful franchise in history. I’m convinced we’re looking at one of those special games, one of those one-in-a-million experiments that end up working out. This time, Game Freak, you have my full attention.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Unlike the most recent Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a game that really holds your attention. The spiritual successor to Legends Arceus, it's learned from the mistakes of the distant past and beautifully shows what city life is like in the Pokémon universe. I can see myself playing this for another hundred hours as I finish my Pokédex, shiny hunt and generally have a great time. This is easily the best Pokémon game on the market.
The new battle system feels like a watershed moment for the franchise, and I hope we see it again soon. As a fan who always lamented the fact that we never got a “Pokemon Z” after X and Y, this return to Lumiose City is what I’ve been waiting over a decade for.
Pokémon Legends Z-A is a grand adventure that once again proves that the Legends series is home to the most interesting ideas Game Freak has.
How much someone loves Pokémon Legends: Z-A will really come down to how much they love Pokémon battles, versus getting to explore and catch new Pokémon. It's not that one gameplay element is better than the other — both have always existed within Pokémon — but it does make Legends: Z-A feel pretty refreshing now that catching Pokémon feels more ancillary, rather than being the game's primary objective. It's a fun, fresh take on the series' formula that really helps Pokémon Legends: Z-A set itself apart as one of the best entries yet.
It’s also worth noting that players can enjoy online link play over the internet as well as with nearby local consoles. Private matches can be created with friends. With all the gameplay changes it does feel like a substantially new Pokémon experience, but one that is being held back by a repetitive story with too little open world exploration.
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 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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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Review in Spanish | Read full review
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
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