Pokémon Legends: Z-A Review

Matthew Rondina
7 days ago
5 min read

Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch 2 checks the boxes from A-Z making it the boldest, most exciting Pokémon game yet, my full review.

Pokemon battle scene in a city at night. Characters and Pokemon in action, with neon lights and a starry sky. Text: Dapper Tux x Pokemon Legends.

I’ve been catching Pokémon for as long as I can remember, from that very first wild Pidgey rustling through the tall grass of Pallet Town to the many adventures that carried me far beyond Kanto’s borders. Yet every so often, a new title rekindles that same sense of fun I felt when I was younger, staring at my Game Boy screen, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A did exactly that.

Set in the heart of Lumiose City, this latest chapter from Game Freak doesn’t just revisit familiar ground; it rebuilds it. What was once a sprawling backdrop in Pokémon X & Y has been reborn into a living, breathing metropolis full of wild surprises, ambitious systems, and plenty of modern polish on the Nintendo Switch 2. From the first moment I took control, this was a more kinetic, accessible version of Pokémon that made it hard to put down.

Animated character in a hat channels glowing beams with a focused expression, surrounded by colorful particles; dark, starry background.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Details

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Game Freak

Publisher: Nintendo / The Pokémon Company

Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Available game modes: Single-player, local & online multiplayer

ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Storyline

Pokémon Legends: Z-A returns to Lumiose City, but it’s not the same as you might remember it. The city is undergoing redevelopment, along with an underlying tension between the human and Pokémon worlds. You play as a trainer navigating this evolving landscape, helping restore balance as powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon start appearing in unexpected places.

Instead of journeying across vast landscapes to collect gym badges, you’re immersed in one dense, vertical city. The game’s plot centres around the conflict that arises from the tension generated between progress and preservation. I found myself caring about the citizens, their Pokémon partners, and the fate of this futuristic capital of Kalos. It’s not the most unpredictable narrative, but it’s one of the more grounded stories the series has told.

A trainer watches as Chikorita uses Razor Leaf on Binacle in a park. Level up and battle text are visible, with lush greenery surrounding them.

A Gameplay Evolution

It only takes a few battles to realize just how far Pokémon Legends: Z-A pushes the series forward. Simply put, this is the best gameplay a Pokémon game has ever had. The reimagined real-time battle system feels bold and kinetic. For the first time, I wasn’t confined to static turns. Instead, I could dash around the arena, dodge attacks in real time, and reposition before ordering my Pokémon to strike.

On top of all of this, the integration of Mega Evolutions adds yet another layer of depth, forcing me to think strategically about timing and energy management in the heat of every battle.

Character jumps on a rooftop garden with flowerbeds, overlooking a cityscape. Nearby, a person sits at an outdoor table. Calm, sunny day.

Combat and Exploration Connect Seamlessly

What I loved most is how exploration and combat now flow seamlessly together. One minute I’m running across Lumiose rooftops, spotting wild Pokémon perched on neon signs; the next, I’m diving into a spontaneous battle that feels like a cinematic event. The “Z-A Royale” ranking mode adds even more intensity, with rival trainers appearing dynamically throughout the city, ready to challenge you.

It’s not all perfect; the side missions can get repetitive, and after several hours, the city’s districts start to blend together visually. But even when I hit a few dull moments, I kept playing because the core loop was so strong. It’s clear Game Freak took lessons from Legends: Arceus and elevated everything, smoother controls, faster battles, more intelligent AI, and a genuine sense of motion and urgency. For me, this is the Pokémon formula finally shaking off its rust and embracing evolution in every sense of the word.

Fantasy creature with white flowing form emits colorful sparkles in a city street. Glowing jewel above, vibrant lights and energy surround.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Graphics and Performance

Playing on the Nintendo Switch 2, I was genuinely impressed by how crisp and stable Pokémon Legends: Z-A looks. The clean anime art style actually reminded me of an episode of Pokémon. The performance is smooth, the draw distance is vastly improved, and the game’s lighting system brings Lumiose City to life like never before. Daytime exploration glows with warmth and bustle, while nighttime transforms the skyline into a neon wonderland. Many of the technical hiccups that the series became synonymous with on the aging Switch hardware are now all but gone.

There are still some minor texture pop-ins and repetitive architecture here and there, but it’s hard to nitpick when the overall presentation feels this cohesive. Compared to the sometimes-rough Scarlet & Violet, Z-A feels like a confident step forward. It’s not just prettier, it’s a completely polished experience.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Audio and Sound Design

The sound design in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is another bright spot for the experience. The city feels alive, with distant Pokémon sounds, the hum of street life, all building a rich, believable atmosphere. The soundtrack blends nostalgia and modern flair, combining familiar Kalos melodies with pulsing electronic beats.

If there is one area for improvement, it is the absence of voice acting. The text-only dialogue can undercut emotional moments in key battles and story scenes. Adding voices would elevate the already stellar music and effects, making this world feel even more alive.

A large yellow creature with wings hovers joyfully in a city park with trees, buildings, and a tower in the background under a clear blue sky.

Final Thoughts on Pokémon Legends: Z-A

After dozens of hours exploring, battling, and climbing through the Z-A ranks, I can confidently say Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a triumph. It’s the shake-up the series needed, focused, fast and refreshingly modern. I loved the momentum battles, the grit of its world, and the genuine emotion threaded through its story. If you’ve ever drifted away from the series, this is the one to bring you back. It’s Game Freak at its most confident, proving that Pokémon can still surprise us, move us, and make us grin like a kid again.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A PROS

+Real-time battle system is excellent

+Mega Evolutions offer an added layer to gameplay and story

+Strong performance and visuals on Nintendo Switch 2

+Greater level of character customization

Pokémon Legends: Z-A CONS

-The city environment can feel repetitive

-Lack of voice acting lessens some story moments

-Side quests could use more variety and depth

Overall Assessment of Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Gameplay: 9/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 9/10

Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 8/10

Overall Rating of Pokémon Legends: Z-A: 36/40 (90%)

Nintendo provided a copy of the game for the purpose of this review.

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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