I Just Started Playing Pokemon Legends: Z-A and I’m Already Disappointed

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The new Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, is now available on both the original Switch and the newer Switch 2. While fans were eager for a follow-up to the innovative Pokémon Legends: Arceus, many are finding this latest installment somewhat disappointing. Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues the fresh approach of Arceus, introducing a new location, an updated battle system, and brings back the popular Mega Evolutions.

Ever since it was announced, excitement for *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* has been growing, especially because the game is bringing back Mega Evolutions – and introducing brand new ones! However, some fans are a bit worried about the game, considering the problems players had with *Scarlet and Violet*.

I’ve only spent a few hours with *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* so far, and honestly, I’m a little disappointed. It’s definitely a smoother experience than *Scarlet and Violet* was at release, but some parts feel underwhelming. It also seems to share some of the same gameplay and pacing issues as other recent *Pokemon* games. I need to play much more before I can give a full review, but my initial impression isn’t great.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Presentation is a Mixed Bag on the Switch 2

Pokemon Legends: Z-A was originally designed for the standard Switch, not the newer, more powerful Switch 2. Because of this, I didn’t anticipate a huge leap in graphics compared to other Pokemon games on the Switch. However, I was still disappointed to find noticeable problems, especially considering the newer console. Almost immediately after starting the game, I noticed characters flickering in and out of view. As I approached them, they would disappear, then reappear as I got closer. This is particularly distracting in the large city area, but it happens even in smaller spaces as well.

While the colors are vibrant and the game runs smoothly, *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*’s graphics aren’t quite impressive. The audio is also a letdown. The game reuses sounds and music from older *Pokemon* titles, which is okay in small doses, but it happens too often here. What really hurts the experience is the complete absence of voice acting, even during important story scenes. This makes those moments feel lifeless and less impactful. Voice acting isn’t needed for every line, but major cutscenes would greatly benefit from it. The lack of it makes the game feel outdated and a bit cheap. It’s time for the *Pokemon* series to update its visuals and sound to meet today’s expectations.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is Way Too Hand-Holdy in the Early Hours

Look, I’ve been playing *Pokemon* for a long time, and honestly, one thing that’s been bugging me lately is how much the games hold your hand. *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* seems to be doing it too, and it’s a bit frustrating. For the first few missions, the game keeps taking control for tutorials and endless dialogue. I really miss how the older *Pokemon* games just *let you go* and figure things out on your own. These newer games could learn a lot from that!

I’m not completely convinced by the new Lumiose City setting either. I really enjoyed exploring the open wilderness in *Pokemon Legends: Arceus*, and the Wild Zones in *Z-A* haven’t given me that same feeling of discovery yet. I’ve only been playing for a few hours, though, so things could still improve. I’m hoping to be impressed with the Wild Zones, but it remains to be seen.

I’m still finding some things to enjoy in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*. The new real-time battles are a nice change, and catching Pokemon is always fun. However, I’m a little disappointed that this sequel to the innovative *Arceus* doesn’t feel like a huge leap forward. I’m hoping my opinion will change as I play more. Even with its issues, I plan to keep playing *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* for a while, as many recent *Pokemon* games tend to improve over time.

The Future of Pokemon is Bright

Even if I don’t love *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, there’s still a lot to be excited about for the future of *Pokemon* games. Recent online leaks suggest that the Generation 10 games will be exclusive to the Switch 2, a new *Legends* game is planned for the Galar region, and they might even be working on a remake that includes multiple regions. I’m hoping I enjoy *Z-A*, but even if I don’t, it should hold me over until we learn more about what’s coming next for the series.

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2025-10-16 21:04