Pokemon Legends: Arceus revolutionized the Pokemon series upon its 2022 release, setting high expectations for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Departing from traditional Gym challenges, Pokemon Legends: Arceus skillfully merged action RPG elements with classic turn-based battles. Positioned to further diversify the series, Pokemon Legends: Z-A's setting in Lumiose City hints at a blend of genres.

Concerns about Pokemon Legends: Z-A being confined to Lumiose City's limits are met with creative possibilities. While capturing wild mons within the city presents design challenges, the game might intertwine city-building and life-sim mechanics into its gameplay.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Envisions City-Building Adventures

The reveal trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A introduced the Lumiose Urban Redevelopment Plan, suggesting player involvement in city development. While gameplay details are sparse, the plan hints at potential city-building and settlement management mechanics.

Although Pokemon Legends: Z-A may not offer extensive city-building like Cities: Skylines, integrating light elements from the genre could enhance the gameplay. The game might require players to fortify the city against wild mon attacks or disasters, expanding on the established human-Pokemon dynamic.

Embracing Animal Crossing-Like Features

Pokemon Legends: Z-A could introduce life-sim mechanics akin to Animal Crossing, fulfilling fan desires for a crossover. The Urban Redevelopment Plan's aim to harmonize people and Pokemon in Lumiose City could involve mechanics resembling Animal Crossing: New Horizons' island ratings.

The game might draw inspiration from Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer or Animal Crossing: New Horizons' DLC, requiring players to cater to specific Pokemon types to enhance the city's appeal. By fostering a city for both humans and Pokemon, the game ventures into uncharted genre territories within the main series.