Jumping into Pokémon Legends: Z-A after my last Pokémon experience with Pokémon FireRed Version felt like stepping into a completely different series. So much has changed since the days of simple routes, gym badges, and random battles in tall grass. The game is available on both the original Switch and Switch 2, though I only had the original Switch when I got my copy.
One of the biggest changes is the setting. Rather than exploring multiple towns and routes, the entire game takes place inside Lumiose City. At first, this felt limiting. I missed the feeling of setting out on a long journey across different areas. However, as I spent more time exploring, the city started to feel alive. Pokémon wander the streets, rooftops, and parks, which makes encounters feel more natural than the random battles I remember from older games.
The battle system is another major shift, but thankfully not an overwhelming one, at least after a little bit. I have to admit I was very nervous for this style of battle in a game, I am not great with having to move all around while trying to keep up with battle mechanics, it’s what stopped me from playing many games over the years. Thankfully the game still includes familiar elements like move selection and type advantages, but battles feel faster and more dynamic than in older Pokémon titles. Mega Evolution also plays a bigger role here, which felt like a natural upgrade from what I remembered seeing when the kids played Pokémon X and Y.
That said, returning after years away wasn’t completely smooth. Some mechanics took time to understand, and there were moments when I felt severely behind compared to players who have kept up with newer Pokémon releases. The game does a decent job explaining things, but there’s definitely a learning curve for returning players, more so ones who like me haven’t had a lot of time to game.
One downside is the repetition that comes from staying in a single city. Even though Lumiose City is large, it doesn’t quite replace the sense of adventure that came from traveling across a full region in older games. I also missed the classic gym system, which was such a big part of the FireRed experience. Honestly, there were points where it felt like the tutorial phase of the game was never ending.
Even with those drawbacks, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a solid reintroduction to the series for players who stepped away years ago, or someone like me who has only actually beaten the original Pokemon Snap and merely dabbled in the first few games on the Game Boy, with Yellow being the one I played the most. Though as mentioned I’ve been playing some FireRed as of late and it’s enjoyable to play the games in color! It modernizes many systems without completely abandoning what made Pokémon fun in the first place.
Final Verdict:
For someone whose last Pokémon adventure was Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a massive leap forward. It may take time to adjust, but it’s an exciting reminder of how much the series has grown. Plus, I have to admit, the Pokemon look amazing and I was very fangirl level excited when I got to catch my first few Pikachu!
Do you have a favorite Pokemon game? Have you played Legends: Z-A? Let me know what you think of it in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
