Pokemon Legends: Z-A offers an interesting new take on the Pokemon franchise, but its cross-gen release holds it back quite a bit.
Legends: Arceus is regarded as many as the greatest Pokemon game in recent history. Its follow-up isn’t likely to contend with it for that title, but players that suffer through an exceptionally hand-holdy opening will enjoy a generally strong installment in the series with a unique battle system.
The Good:
- Fun new take on Pokemon battling
- Loads of callbacks to the oft-forgotten Pokemon X and Y
- Lots of territory to explore and Pokemon to catch
- Smooth performance on Switch 2
The Bad:
- Frustrating early-game experience
- Underwhelming story
- Graphically bland and no voice acting
Review Details:
- What Platform Did the Reviewer Play On?: Nintendo Switch 2
- Platforms Available: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Official Release Date: October 16, 2025
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is strong in its own right, but lags behind RPG competitors
The discourse surrounding the Pokemon franchise ignores many of the actual strides the franchise has taken in recent years. Foremost among them has been Game Freak’s ability to deliver different gameplay experiences across each of the different mainline Pokemon installments released in the last few years.
Legends: Arceus, Scarlet and Violet, and Legends: Z-A all deliver a different gameplay experience that remains decisively “Pokemon.” For Legends: Z-A in particular, the game uses a real-time combat system more akin to Xenoblade Chronicles. The return of Mega Evolution is also welcome, serving as a temporary power-up that shifts the tide of battle. The game also runs mercifully smooth, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2.
While the core gameplay of the title is very solid, the trouble is what surrounds it.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A continues the franchise’s unfortunate tradition of being graphically underwhelming. While the gen-eight and gen-nine titles were fine relative to other Nintendo Switch games, despite influencers saying otherwise, fans are already seeing that the Switch 2 is capable of more than what is delivered here. Couple that with samey-looking buildings and players are in for an aesthetically bland experience from start to finish.
And once again, the lack of voice acting is sorely missed. The story is generally underwhelming, but it’s made decent with a strong cast of characters trading punchy dialogue. That could’ve been brought to another level if the game featured a solid lineup of voice actors.
Ultimately, Pokemon fans are going to be used to those particular shortcomings. Those looking for an RPG experience on Switch consoles with a proper AAA feel should instead check out Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles or wait for games like Metaphor: ReFantazio to make the jump to the Switch 2.
The Bottom Line: Pokemon fans will find a lot to love about Pokemon Legends: Z-A, but the dated aesthetics of the franchise hold this game back.
Score: 8.0/10
