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I don't recall exactly how the tradition began, but I consistently call every one of my Pokemon characters Glitch.

Be it a core franchise game or a spinoff like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name always stays the same. Malfunction alternates from male to female characters, with black and purple hair. Occasionally their style is impeccable, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in the enduring franchise (and among the most style-conscious entries). Other times they're limited to the assorted school uniform designs of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they remain Malfunction.

The Constantly Changing World of Pokémon Titles

Much like my trainers, the Pokemon titles have transformed between releases, with certain cosmetic, others significant. However at their core, they remain the same; they're always Pokémon through and through. The developers uncovered an almost flawless mechanics system approximately three decades back, and just recently truly attempted to evolve upon it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (new era, your character faces peril). Throughout all version, the core gameplay loop of catching and fighting alongside adorable monsters has remained consistent for almost as long as my lifetime.

Shaking Conventions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus before it, with its lack of arenas and emphasis on creating a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces multiple deviations to that formula. It's set completely in a single location, the French capital-inspired Lumiose City of Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the expansive journeys of previous games. Pokemon are meant to coexist alongside humans, trainers and non-trainers alike, in ways we have merely glimpsed previously.

Far more radical is Z-A's real-time battle system. It's here the franchise's near-perfect gameplay loop undergoes its biggest evolution to date, swapping methodical sequential fights with something more chaotic. And it's immensely fun, despite I feel ready for a new traditional entry. Though these alterations to the traditional Pokémon formula sound like they create a completely new experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is as familiar as every other Pokémon title.

The Core of the Journey: The Z-A Royale

When initially reaching at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your created character planned as a visitor are discarded; you're promptly enlisted by Taunie (if playing as a male character; the male guide for female characters) to become part of her team of trainers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your starter and you're dispatched to participate in the Z-A Championship.

The Championship is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's comparable to the traditional "arena symbols to final challenge" progression from earlier titles. But here, you battle a handful of trainers to earn the chance to compete in an advancement bout. Win and you will be elevated to the next rank, with the ultimate goal of achieving rank A.

Real-Time Combat: A New Approach

Character fights take place at night, while sneaking around the designated combat areas is quite enjoyable. I'm always attempting to surprise a rival and unleash a free attack, since all actions occur instantaneously. Attacks function with recharge periods, indicating you and your opponent can sometimes strike simultaneously at the same time (and knock each other out at once). It's much to get used to initially. Even after playing for nearly thirty hours, I continue to feel that there is much to master in terms of using my Pokémon's moves in ways that complement each other. Placement also plays a significant part in battles as your Pokémon will follow you around or move to specific locations to perform attacks (certain ones are distant, while others need to be in close proximity).

The live combat makes battles progress so quickly that I find myself repeating sequences of attacks in the same order, even when this amounts to a suboptimal strategy. There isn't moment to breathe in Z-A, and numerous chances to get overwhelmed. Pokémon battles rely on response post-move execution, and that data remains visible on screen in Z-A, but flashes past quickly. Occasionally, you cannot process it since taking your eyes off your opponent will spell immediate defeat.

Navigating Lumiose City

Away from combat, you'll explore Lumiose City. It's relatively small, although densely packed. Far into the adventure, I continue to find new shops and elevated areas to explore. It is also rich with character, and perfectly captures the concept of Pokémon and people coexisting. Common bird Pokemon inhabit its pathways, taking flight when you get near like the real-life pigeons obstructing my path while strolling in New York City. The monkey trio gleefully hang on streetlights, and insect creatures like Kakuna attach themselves to trees.

An emphasis on urban life represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a welcome one. Even so, exploring Lumiose grows repetitive over time. You may stumble upon an alley you haven't been to, but it feels identical. The building design is devoid of personality, and most rooftops and underground routes provide minimal diversity. Although I never visited the French capital, the model behind the city, I reside in New York for almost ten years. It's a metropolis where no two blocks differs, and they're all vibrant with differences that provide character. Lumiose City lacks that quality. It features tan buildings with blue or red roofs and simply designed balconies.

Where Lumiose City Truly Shines

Where Lumiose City truly stands out, surprisingly, is indoors. I adored the way creature fights in Sword and Shield occur in arena-like venues, providing them genuine significance and meaning. On the flipside, battles in Scarlet & Violet take place on a court with few spectators watching. It's very disappointing. Z-A strikes a middle ground between the two. You will fight in restaurants with diners observing as they dine. A fancy battle society will invite you to a tournament, and you will combat in its rooftop arena under a lighting fixture (not the Pokemon) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the elegantly decorated headquarters of the Rust Syndicate with atmospheric illumination and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings overflow with personality missing in the overall metropolis in general.

The Familiarity of Repetition

Throughout the Royale, as well as subduing wild Mega Evolved Pokémon and completing the Pokédex, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I