After Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Two Other Avenues Should Be Explored

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After Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Two Other Avenues Should Be Explored

Key Takeaways

  • Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set for a 2025 release, with longtime fans of X and Y excited to see some version of Pokemon Z realized.
  • The title hints at a Zygarde focus, fulfilling fans’ expectations of a ‘Pokemon Z’ game, and other third game concepts could be revived through the Legends brand.
  • Specifically, Legends versions of Pokemon Diamond Emerald and Pokemon Stars could be released if Game Freak ever wants to explore those concepts again.

As a dedicated Pokemon fan with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the announcement of Pokemon Legends: Z-A has me positively buzzing! After the rollercoaster ride that was Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, it’s heartening to see Game Freak taking a more measured approach with this 2025 release.

The unveiling of “Pokemon Legends: Z-A” came as quite a shock to fans, especially after the success of “Pokemon Legends: Arceus.” However, the release of “Pokemon Scarlet” and “Pokemon Violet” faced some performance issues at launch, causing worry that “Pokemon Legends: Z-A” might be hastily produced due to Game Freak’s challenges with a tight production schedule. Fortunately, the game is set for 2025, with whispers indicating a potential release as late as Q3 of that year. This timeline has fans hopeful that the problems with “Scarlet” and “Violet” might lead to a more polished and enjoyable experience in “Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Apart from being intriguing in its own right, Pokemon Legends: Z-A has sparked excitement among longtime fans due to hints that it might delve into Zygarde’s storyline in a way that was anticipated for a Pokemon Z game back in 2013. Since Generation 5 marked the first time the series deviated from its tradition of having three core games per generation, fans were disappointed when Pokemon Z did not materialize. As such, this upcoming game holds a unique allure for those who have been following the franchise closely. Additionally, if Game Freak decides to develop more games in the Legends series, there are possibilities for two similar titles down the line.

Two Rumored and Unreleased ‘Third Version’ Pokemon Games Could Make Great Pokemon Legends Titles

Pokemon Delta Emerald and Pokemon Stars Are in the Same Boat as Pokemon Z

It’s not surprising that enthusiasts were eagerly awaiting a hypothetical “Pokemon Z,” given that while Generation 5 introduced Black 2 and White 2 as the sequels to the original games, the prospect of a third version hadn’t been definitively ruled out yet. The anticipation for Pokemon Z was high because having a ‘Z’ after Pokemon X and Y seemed fitting, and Zygarde didn’t receive much focus in the initial games of Generation 6. This made a potential third game seem even more likely. Although it seemed almost certain to many fans, no Pokemon Z was ever released, and there was no clear statement or announcement that third versions were being discontinued, so expectations lingered for quite some time.

Although Pokemon remakes haven’t typically followed the pattern of third versions, Nintendo registered ‘Delta Emerald’ as a potential title, sparking hopes for an Emerald Version remake. However, the Delta Episode in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire was the closest fans got to this. Subsequently, there were whispers about a Pokemon Stars Version being the third version for Sun and Moon, initially launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. As per Eurogamer, Pokemon Stars was reportedly abandoned because Mario and Zelda handled the launch on their own, and Nintendo wanted to extend the 3DS’s lifespan slightly longer. Neither of these games garnered as much anticipation as Pokemon Z, but they may continue in some form within the Legends series.

How Pokemon Legends: Z-A Seems to Break Expectations

Given the title “Pokemon Legends“, one might expect that all its games would delve into the past, as demonstrated by Arceus. However, Pokemon Legends: Z-A could potentially alter this notion, since all we know is that it revolves around an urban redevelopment plan for Lumiose City. Some speculate that this might mean the game explores different time periods in Lumiose city’s history or even a focus on the future after Pokemon X and Y. Regardless, the trailer for Legends: Z-A hints that stories may not always be set in the past as other titles suggest. This opens up possibilities for Legends games like Pokemon Stars and Pokemon Delta Emerald to showcase their creativity without being bound by the constraints of the main series. If Game Freak chooses to take advantage of this opportunity offered by the Pokemon Legends series, fans might someday witness what Stars and Delta Emerald could become.

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2024-09-24 21:33