Pokemon Legends: Z-A Has the Best Story of Any Pokemon Game in History (and I’ve Played Them All)

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Pokemon games haven’t always been known for strong stories. For a long time, the plots followed a similar pattern: you’d start a journey, challenge gym leaders, and stop a villainous team. While *Black and White* tried more complex narratives, not all the games since then have matched that quality. Some recent titles, like *Scarlet and Violet*, even felt unfinished. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect from *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, but I was happily surprised.

Pokemon games have had some good storylines over the years. For example, the character of N in *Black and White* was surprisingly complex and showed the series could tackle more serious topics. *Sun and Moon* also improved by creating more fully realized characters, which had been a weakness in older games. However, *Legends: Z-A* truly excels, combining a complicated plot with well-developed characters to deliver one of the best stories in any Pokemon game. Be warned: the following will contain some vague spoilers for the ending of *Legends: Z-A*.

Legends: Z-A Tangles with The Consequences of the Past & Redemption

Most Pokémon games don’t directly continue the stories of previous installments, but a few do. *Pokémon Black 2 and White 2* are prime examples, picking up where *Black and White* left off. *Legends: Arceus* returned to a familiar region, but as a prequel, it added to the lore rather than continuing the main story. Now, with *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* taking place after the events of *X and Y*, the developers have the chance to explore what happens next—and they’re fully embracing that opportunity.

Fans already knew AZ and his Floette would be back in *Legends: Z-A*. But another important character from Lumiose City’s past is also returning: L. Those who remember the villain from *Pokémon X and Y* likely guessed this – L is actually Lysandre, the former leader of Team Flare. However, the Lysandre we meet in *Legends: Z-A* is different; he’s trying to make up for the things he did in the past.

As a fan, I was really drawn into Lysandre’s story – he wanted to ‘fix’ the world, kind of like Thanos, believing he needed to eliminate humanity’s selfishness with a superweapon. The game reveals this weapon was actually made by an ancient king named AZ, but here’s the twist: AZ *regrets* making it! It’s awesome how both Lysandre and AZ are trying to deal with their past mistakes in *Legends: Z-A*. It creates a really compelling story because you, as the player, have to figure out if Lysandre is genuinely trying to change, and then help AZ finally get rid of the weapon he created. It’s a complicated but super satisfying arc!

I was really surprised by how much depth this game has beyond just the main characters! It turns out there’s a lot more going on with the fallout from past events. I discovered that some of the old Team Flare members are really struggling to rebuild their lives – the city just won’t let them move on, and they can’t seem to escape what they did. Then there’s this new group, Team Flare Nouveu, which really highlights the consequences when people aren’t given a second chance. Honestly, for a Pokémon game, dealing with themes like societal rejection and forgiveness is a pretty big deal, and the game handles it beautifully. It really made me think!

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Has a Perfectly Climactic Ending That Challenges Expectations

Okay, so the story in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* really blew me away, especially considering where Pokemon storytelling has been lately. After trying some really ambitious things, *Sword and Shield* felt a bit back to basics – you become champion, and that’s pretty much it. And while I enjoyed *Scarlet and Violet’s* story, it felt kind of messy, with a lot of loose ends even after finishing the DLCs – I still have so many questions about Area Zero and Terastallizing! But *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*? The ending felt super satisfying, but it also cleverly sets things up for whatever comes next in the Pokemon world. It’s a really great balance.

I’m easily moved by emotional scenes in movies, but I’ve never really felt that with Pokémon games—until the ending of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. Throughout the story, you meet and connect with your opponents from the Battle Royale matches, as well as the members of Team MZ. These characters are all well-developed and interesting, and the ending gives them a chance to be heroes in their own right, rather than just focusing on the player character.

It was incredible when all our old rivals showed up to help us fight off the Rogue Megas and finally reach Zygarde. It perfectly captures what Pokémon is all about – bringing people together. Unlike many other games where you’re the only hero, this one lets everyone contribute, including your rival, Team MZ, and the city’s best trainers. Seeing everyone work together at the end is really rewarding, and you still get a challenging final battle where you play an important part.

While *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*’s story isn’t flawless – the pacing stumbles occasionally, and some characters could have used more development – I was incredibly satisfied with how it concluded. The ending naturally sets the stage for future content by focusing on the city’s rebuilding process, meaning the game doesn’t need artificial hooks to keep players engaged.

What are your thoughts on the story of *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-19 17:12