Reviews for Pokémon Legends: Z-A are here, and critics seem to agree that this might be the most refreshing Pokémon game in years!
Across more than 40 reviews, the game currently sits at a Metacritic average of 81, placing it above Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (71) and close to Pokémon Legends: Arceus (83). It is roughly in the same range as Sword and Shield (80), but most critics say Z-A feels like a much bigger leap for the series.
Real-Time Battles and Urban Setting
For the first time in the series’ history, Pokémon Legends: Z-A ditches the traditional turn-based battles in favor of real-time combat.
You can dodge, time attacks, and move freely during fights, and that adds a skill-based element to the usual Pokémon game. Most critics really liked the change, saying it finally mixes things up after years of the same old battle system.
The Paris-inspired Lumiose City setting also received plenty of love. Outlets described it as “a living, breathing Pokémon world” with beautiful landmarks, and a city and world that feels huge and alive, even if exploration starts a bit slow.
What the Reviews Are Saying
“The best Pokémon game on the market.” – VGC (10/10)
“A successful experiment that redefines the series’ combat.” – TheSixthAxis (10/10)
“Gamefreak knew how to build key new mechanics with enough focus on the little details.” – Siliconera (9/10)
“Lumiose City could do with work, but Legends: Z-A is a delightfully goofy return to form.” – Eurogamer (6/10)
Most reviewers point out that Z-A mixes new ideas with classic Pokémon vibes, so it feels new but still familiar.
A Few Concerns
The current reviews seem to only be for the Switch 2 version of the game. There is still uncertainty about performance on the original Switch. Some players worry the hardware might struggle with the city’s scale and real-time battles, a concern not fully addressed in early reviews.
Nobody is really saying much about how the game runs on the original Switch. Most reviews just throw in a vague “it runs” comment. That leaves players wondering if it is worth grabbing on Switch 1, and could end up pushing a lot of people toward the Switch 2 instead.
Then there is the question every Pokémon fan asks: could not this have been even better? Recent entries have lagged behind other big games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, that look absolutely stunning. Some of the last Pokémon titles did not run great either, and even on Switch 2, people can not help noticing that Donkey Kong seems to both look and run better.
Players know Gamefreak can do amazing stuff, so it sometimes feels like they do not put as much effort into Pokémon. But with Z-A clearly moving the series in the right direction, there is hope this is just a test run for the next big mainline game.
The Refresh Pokémon Needed
Minor questions aside, critics do agree that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a confident leap forward for the franchise. It is experimental, takes risks, still looks a bit cool, and surprisingly grounded. It is a game that finally proves Pokémon can evolve.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A releases October 16 on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, so get ready to catch them all!
Keep an eye on our latest news, as we will play the game on the original Switch, letting you know soon enough if it does run or not!
