Pokemon Legends: Z-A

“The core of Pokémon and the highs of Pokémon Legends: Z-A just about manage to shine through in the Mega Dimension DLC, but the repetitive Hyperspace dimensions, bland level design, and dull donut making stop this from being a true Mega Evolution for the game.If you've grown up with this series, you'll find it hard to resist the lure of the expanded Pokédex and seeing your favourites almost looking their best is a joy. Repetition is not freeing, though, and as with the base game, I'm missing the freedom of the core series again.”

“The audacity of this exploitative cash-in is honestly quite disgusting. At least Ekans is in it.”

“Pokémon Legends: Z-A is fun, but it's clearly light-years behind industry standards and what one would expect from the most profitable franchise in video game history. The good ideas are completely drowned out by shoddy graphics and dialogue that still believes children need to be banal and simple, ruining a plot that works at its best and finally gives dignity to the characters and the plot holes that Game Freak missed in the sixth generation.”

“Pokemon Legends: Z-A isn't without flaws, but its drawbacks are vastly outweighed by its fun factor.”

“Does Pokémon Legends: Z-A successfully shake up the Pokémon formula and deliver another exciting adventure or is this another doomed trip to Kalos?”

“Pokémon Legends: Z-A is not the next-generation evolution of the franchise that you've been waiting for. And while that is disappointing, these spin-off titles have done a pretty good job of creating fun little diversions that will tide you over until the next mainline game. If you're expecting voice acting and a compelling story, you'll be disappointed, but the appeal of catching and battling with Pokémon is still a decent adventure worth undertaking.”

“Pokemon Legends: Z-A finally feels like Game Freak hitting its stride in Pokemon’s 3D era, with a fun setting to explore, a well-written story, and a total battle system overhaul that works surprisingly well.”

“Pokemon Legends: Z-A successfully translates its iconic battle system to real-time, but its visuals and presentation leave a lot to be desired.”

“That dream sold to us by the Pokemon anime? It's right here, clearer than it ever has been.”

“Pokémon Legends: ZA is the next step in the series' mega-evolution, a title with fresh ideas, a spirit of renewal, and a desire to do things right. While there's still work to be done, this is the path future Pokémon games should follow.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Lumiose City could do with work, but Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a much more tightly focused - and delightfully goofy - return to better form. At least by modern Pokémon's standards.”

“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.”