Pokemon Legends: Z-A Should Take a Break from Regional Variants

Summary

It’s no secret that thePokemonfranchise is one of the most successful in the gaming industry, and much of that success is due to its laundry list of unique traditions. From the quest to catch ‘em all, to the choice betweenFire, Water, and Grass type startersat the beginning of each adventure,Pokemonhas thrived on its underlying sense of stability. Over the years,Pokemonhas also introduced a list of new features that have become traditions in their own right. With the announcement ofPokemon Legends Z-A, fans may once again look forward to a new tradition that bringsPokemona newLegendsgame every few years.

After the success ofPokemon Legends Arceus, it’s no surprise that The Pokemon Company decided to pursue a second entry. It’s proven to be quite a surprise, however, thatPokemon Legends Z-Ais taking players to a Lumiose City presumably set beforePokemon XandY, and that Mega Evolutions are making a comeback. With how ambitiousLegends Arceuswas, hopes are high thatLegends Z-Awill meet or even exceed that standard. In order to do so, it may be time to temporarily forego one longtimePokemontradition to make room for innovations that will allowLegends Z-Ato feel distinct.

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Pokemon Legends Z-A Doesn’t Need Regional Variants

Ever sincePokemon SunandMoon, mainlinePokemonentries have introduced dozens of regional variants that alter a pocket monster’s design and typing. Whether it’s Alolan Raichu getting the Psychic typing in addition to Electric, orGalarian Meowth growing a beard, these unique takes on pre-existing Pokemon have added a degree of variety to the Pokedex. Although not all of them are instant classics, they often do a serviceable job of adding depth and character to a new region without relying purely on geographical and architectural differences.

In the case ofPokemon Legends Z-A, however, it may be time to take a break from regional variants in order to let other features shine. While it is true thatLegends Arceushad regional Hisuian variants, those made sense because the game took place generations before the modernPokemonera.Legends Z-A’s Lumiose Citydoesn’t appear to be that far removed fromXandY’s, which didn’t feature regional variants as they hadn’t been introduced yet.Legends Z-Acan maintain a sense of consistency by disregarding regional variants, and instead bolstering the number of Pokemon with Mega Evolutions.

Mega Evolutions Could Serve as Replacements for Regional Variants in Legends Z-A

While this may be a discouraging move for fans who enjoy regional variants,new Mega Evolutionscould effectively eliminate the need for them. Mega Evolutions greatly alter how battles work, just as regional typings do, and each Mega Evolution comes with a unique design, with Pokemon like Charizard receiving multiple. From a game development perspective, it would also make more sense to prioritize Mega Evolutions over regional variants, so their reintroduction doesn’t feel half-baked. For every regional variant added toLegends Z-A, there could be a new Mega Evolution instead.

Very little is known aboutPokemon Legends Z-A, but afterthe widespread success ofLegends Arceus, it has quickly become a highly-anticipated title. If Game Freak is going to blow players away once again, it will need to innovate at a similar level, and one of the best ways to do that would be going all-in on Mega Evolutions. Even if it means regional variants get the short end of the stick,Legends Z-Awill have a greater opportunity to feel like a distinct new entry rather than retreading old ground.Pokemonhas shown that familiarity sells, but in this case, it would be best to leave just one tradition on the shelf.