Pokémon Legends ZA Preview: Impressions and Insights from PAX 2025

[ArcDemon98]

As fans eagerly anticipate the release of Pokémon Legends ZA, the game has been a significant point of discussion at PAX 2025 in Melbourne. This year, we got an exclusive look at the upcoming title, with hands-on demos that gave us a glimpse of what’s to come. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from our playthrough, and how Pokémon Legends ZA is shaping up to be a must-have title for Pokémon fans.

The Demo Experience: A Walkthrough

Our experience started with an exciting Pokémon Legends ZA demo session, where we were given the opportunity to explore two different gameplay segments. The first part involved participating in the ZA Royale, a fast-paced battle event set during the nighttime. Players were tasked with battling other trainers to gather points, with the added challenge of sneaking up on opponents for bonus points. As a seasoned Pokémon player, I breezed through the first segment, earning a special badge in the process – a fun nod to the gym leader role.

The second part of the demo had us take on a boss battle against a powerful Mega Absol. The battle was a real test of strategy, and I thoroughly enjoyed the new, more dynamic combat system. It combined real-time action with strategic planning, allowing for more freedom and excitement compared to the turn-based mechanics traditional to the series.

Visuals and Worldbuilding: A Step Forward, But Room for Improvement

One aspect that stood out during our hands-on session was the graphics. While it’s clear that Pokémon Legends ZA offers solid visuals, there’s still a bit of a gap compared to the next-generation expectations. The graphics are definitely an improvement over previous titles, but the overall city setting felt a bit sparse. It wasn’t as immersive as we hoped, with a somewhat empty cityscape and limited NPC interaction. However, this could be a result of the demo being tailored for a specific event.

That said, the environments and battles did look good, and the game’s overall feel was pleasant. It’s clear that Pokémon Legends ZA isn’t fully optimized for the current Switch hardware, which leaves us wondering how the game will evolve when the Switch 2 is released.

Combat Mechanics: Smooth Yet Challenging

The battle mechanics in Pokémon Legends ZA were intuitive and more accessible than expected. The new battle system, which blends real-time combat with traditional RPG elements, allows players to move freely during fights. The battle against Mega Absol, for instance, showcased how the game encourages players to move and dodge in real time, a feature that could feel like Dark Souls but in the world of Pokémon. The mechanics felt responsive, and I found myself quickly adapting to the new system, which is a promising sign for the game's overall combat experience.

Additionally, the ability to lock onto enemies added a tactical layer to the combat, providing an extra dimension to encounters. These small improvements, combined with the smooth visuals, make Pokémon Legends ZA a more engaging experience for both new and veteran players.

Concerns and Hopes for the Final Release

One concern that stood out was the city design. While the environments look good, the lack of depth in the city and surrounding areas left much to be desired. We were hoping for a more vibrant, open world filled with hidden secrets and interactive elements. At the moment, it feels more like a standard Pokémon game but with some hints of an open-world experience.

There’s hope, however, that these concerns will be addressed when the final game is released. We would love to see a more fleshed-out world with additional areas to explore, including underground sections or even more dynamic weather systems that influence gameplay. As fans, we know Pokémon Legends ZA has the potential to be a great addition to the series, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the developers refine these elements.

The Verdict: Worth the Hype?

After spending time with Pokémon Legends ZA at PAX 2025, I’m cautiously optimistic. While there are some rough edges, especially in terms of worldbuilding and city design, the core gameplay mechanics and combat system are solid. The real-time combat adds a refreshing change, and the visuals, while not groundbreaking, are a step forward for the series. If you’re a fan of the franchise, you’ll likely find a lot to enjoy here.

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Summary

In summary, Pokémon Legends ZA offers an exciting preview of what’s to come for the series. With its fresh combat system, solid visuals, and engaging battle mechanics, the game has the potential to be a standout title. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in terms of worldbuilding and environmental design. Regardless, the demo left me eager to see how the final version will evolve.