Summary
As the next known game of the franchise,Pokemon Legends: Z-Arepresents the crossroads of several beloved aspects that could come together to form an experience beyond whatPokemonhas ever previously offered. While seemingly based around theLegends: Arceusstyle of action-inspired gameplay, it’s set within Kalos and has been hinted to focus on that region’s signature mechanic of Mega Evolution. Considering that it’s been the better part of a decade since Mega Evolutions have been available in a new release, however, it will take an especially impressive line-up of options inPokemon Legends: Z-Ato do this feature’s return justice.
After debuting inPokemon X and Y, Megas found themselves both loved and disliked among players due to the manner by which they limited competitively viable options. Teams became almost guaranteed to carry one of thePokemon capable of Mega Evolution, but the fact that there are less than 50 of these heavily impacted diversity. Now thatLegends: Z-Ais apparently set to mark this feature’s comeback with potential new inclusions, it’s difficult to ignore that this issue has only been compounded by the overall Pokedex growing by three entire generations since.
Mega Evolutions Have Fallen by the Wayside Since Sun and Moon
Megas Replaced by Newer Gimmicks
The limited number of Megas remained the system’s biggest problem as the series moved past its sixth generation, as Z-Moves replaced them to become the primary focus of the Alola games. Mega Evolution was still available in these titles despite receiving no new options, but it was more of a holdover on the 3DS than a thoughtful inclusion. There was some competitive balance found between these two systems, but they were both scrapped in favor ofSword and Shield’s Dynamax mechanic. While unique Gigantamax forms would fill a similar niche as temporary transformations, these haven’t had the same impact on many fans as the more practical Megas.
Scarlet and Violet’s Terastalization systemhas now replaced past gimmicks to become the most competitively balanced of the series yet. Paradox Pokemon also made their debut in the same generation, with several of these alternate past and future-based variations on existing species directly referencing the designs of their Megas. While some speculate that the continued presence of these features and regional variants could persist alongside the return of Mega Evolutions, this doesn’t change how few of them currently exist.
Every Generation Should Be Represented in Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Roster of Mega Evolutions
Kalos Needs Mega Evolutions
Even though the mechanic was introduced during the region’s debut, there’s only one Kalos Pokemon, Diancie, who received a Mega Evolution.RemakesOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphireleaned heavily towards Hoenn representatives that make up the majority of Megas afterX and Yfocused on doing the same for Kanto picks, while the second and fourth generations received less than half of those options each. An obvious priority ofLegends: Z-Ashould be fleshing out Kalos with more Megas for its native species, as it doesn’t really make sense that there are basically none within the feature’s place of origin.
Honoring Alola, Galar, and Paldea
The elephant in the room thatZ-Ashouldn’t ignore is that over 300 Pokemon have been introduced since Mega Evolution was last a main draw. On top of what Unova and the other underrepresented regions deserve, these three more recent generations would also need Megas to ensure a diverse and balanced roster which doesn’t alienate some fans. It might seem demanding to hope that a larger batch ofMega Evolutions inPokemon Legends: Z-Aon top of existing ones could serve to finally diversify this controversial mechanic, but that’s the only way it could properly address just how long has passed sinceX and Y.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
