The recent Pokemon Day livestream showcased the future of the franchise, with updates for current Pokemon games and the announcement of a mobile Pokemon TCG adaptation called Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, set for release in 2024. However, the highlight of the event was the unveiling of Pokemon Legends Z-A through a captivating CG trailer. While speculations suggested the next Pokemon game could be a remake or a sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the reveal of Pokemon Legends Z-A caught many off guard.
Pokemon Legends Z-A is anticipated to follow the action-RPG style of the original Pokemon Legends: Arceus. This installment will be centered in Lumiose City from Pokemon X and Y, a significant deviation from the expected exploration of past regions. Despite the switch between time periods and regions, Pokemon Legends Z-A asserts its position as a distinct mainline Pokemon game.
Uniting the Pokemon Universe Through Pokemon Legends
The Pokemon Legends series, including Pokemon Legends: Arceus, contributes to the overarching Pokemon universe by connecting to mainline titles such as Gold and Silver or Sun and Moon. While mapping out a comprehensive Pokemon timeline remains a challenge due to various releases and remakes, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in Sinnoh's Hisui region during the ancient past of Generation 4. It showcases early Poke Ball technology, widespread Pokemon domestication, and features ancestors of key Pokemon characters, demonstrating that the Legends series is more than just a side story.
Exploring Kalos in Pokemon Legends Z-A
Pokemon Legends Z-A is expected to delve into unexplored aspects of the Kalos region that were not covered in Pokemon X and Y, reviving long-standing rumors about a potential mainline title. The absence of a Pokemon Z focusing on Zygarde, a legendary Pokemon, was conspicuous. Elements of Zygarde's quest were included in Pokemon Sun and Moon, leaving Pokemon X and Y without an enhanced re-release. Despite carrying the Legends branding, Pokemon Legends Z-A's logo prominently features 'Pokemon Z,' hinting at a deeper connection.
Pokemon Legends Z-A: A Multi-faceted Addition to the Franchise
Besides narrative and thematic ties, Pokemon Legends Z-A aligns with core Pokemon series in release patterns. The gap between Pokemon Legends releases mirrors the spacing of other Game Freak-developed Pokemon titles. While Pokemon Legends: Arceus launched in 2022 alongside Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, they were separated by almost a year and spanned different fiscal periods. In contrast, the outsourced Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl released shortly before Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The upcoming launch of Pokemon Legends Z-A in 2025 is speculated to coincide with the anticipated debut of the next Nintendo console, positioning it as a pivotal Pokemon release.
Pokemon Legends: Game Freak's Integral Pokemon Offering
In contrast to most Pokemon spin-offs, both Pokemon Legends titles are crafted by Game Freak's core Pokemon team, ensuring compatibility with Pokemon HOME. This compatibility would enable future games to incorporate new Pokemon and potential Mega Evolutions from Pokemon Legends Z-A. Building on the multiplayer features of Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Legends Z-A may introduce online multiplayer to the Legends series through seamless co-op mechanics. The Pokemon Legends releases carry the same significance as mainline Pokemon titles, with Pokemon Legends Z-A poised to reinforce this status upon its launch.