Let’s Face It, Pokémon Needs This One Major Overhaul To Keep Making Fans Happy

The Pokémon series has enjoyed significant success over the years, yet it seems to be experiencing some setbacks recently. Following the widely debated flops of Scarlet and Violet, along with the somewhat underwhelming debut of Sword and Shield, there’s a sense that the franchise isn’t as dominant as it used to be in the gaming industry. However, this doesn’t imply that it isn’t still generating massive profits, as each new release continues to sell exceptionally well. Instead, fans are starting to tire of each game feeling quite similar, and change is needed to revitalize interest.

If the latest release, Pokémon Legends Z-A, fails to impress or perform well, the franchise may symbolically conclude – at least among dedicated fans who might grow weary and decrease their level of devotion. However, this doesn’t mean that the Pokémon Company will cease creating new games; instead, it suggests a potential shift in fan enthusiasm. But if Legends Z-A brings the long-awaited overhaul to the series, particularly in terms of its antiquated combat system, there’s a chance that fan interest could be rekindled and revitalize the franchise.

Pokémon Legends Z-A’s Combat Needs To Go The Extra Mile

It Can’t Be Just Real-Time Combat

The game “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” is revolutionizing its battle system significantly, which is both innovative and thrilling for both current and new fans alike. Shifting to real-time Pokémon battles seems as natural as it does fresh, even if it subtly emulates the combat style of “Xenoblade Chronicles“. This change has the potential to be exceptional, representing a dynamic evolution of the series’ turn-based combat that has, for an extended period, focused more on ease of play rather than engaging players strategically in every battle encounter.

Despite the excitement surrounding Pokémon Legends: Z-A‘s introduction of a novel combat system, there’s room for improvement beyond just extending each battle interaction. The ongoing limitation to four moves per Pokémon continues to be an issue, as it both fosters intriguing interactions and hinders the development of diverse strategies and custom builds. Real-time combat can grow monotonous, particularly if the strategic aspects of positioning aren’t more significantly incorporated into battles. It remains to be seen how these elements mesh within the combat system of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Although a more advanced positioning system and prompt offensive strategies may enhance combat experiences in Legends: Z-A, it seems that Pokémon has struggled to keep up with the competition, including indie developers, for quite some time. The shift towards real-time battles appears to be a step taken too late, and it may not be enough. However, there is a viable solution that could significantly modernize Pokémon’s combat system while ensuring it remains on par with what other games in the market are offering.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Should Feature Elemental Synergies

It Would Completely Revolutionize Pokémon’s Combat

One essential aspect Legends: Z-A is missing is elemental synergies, and incorporating real-time combat could facilitate this. Games such as the recent hit Eternal Strands have already implemented a similar system, where one elemental attack affects another, resulting in a unique interaction. For example, a water creature might first soak an opponent before the player switches to an electric type and launches an attack that, when used with water, inflicts additional fire damage.

In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a similar synergy can be found, which drew heavily from the combat style of Legends: Z-A introduced in 2017. This game enabled players to blend the skills of each active blade, resulting in even more potent attacks. Players could capitalize on the real-time nature of Z-A’s combat by swiftly switching between blades and generating devastating combinations that effectively exploited the series’ type system beyond just being effective or not.

This mechanism allows players who may not initially match their opponent’s type to gain an advantage. For instance, a water and electric Pokémon could join forces to inflict fire damage, making them effective against grass types, even if they wouldn’t be separately. This is a tactic other games have employed but could significantly enhance the combative aspect of Pokémon, setting it apart from its current version. This feature would likely be the highlight of Legends: Z-A, introducing strategic depth to every fight.

Elemental Synergies Could Help Make Pokémon’s Combat Feel New

It Would Be A Big Jump For The Franchise

Elemental alliances could also be employed among friendly Pokémon, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities. For instance, a fire-type Pokémon might thaw one affected by Freeze status, or a water-type could shield another from Fire Spin. This strategic interplay of elements brings an innovative twist to Pokémon combat, making it feel fresh and groundbreaking, as opposed to simply transitioning from turn-based gameplay to real-time. Unfortunately, Legends: Z-A seems to be merely adapting the restricted combat mechanics from the initial games and applying them in real-time.

I genuinely hope I’m mistaken and there’s more to Game Freak’s “Legends: Z-A” than what we see on the surface. This new installment promises to be a significant leap forward for the series, potentially leaving an indelible mark on future real-time action RPGs. Nintendo has consistently raised the bar with its first-party franchises, so it’s disappointing that the collective skill at Pokémon Company hasn’t been able to do the same for “Pokémon”.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the innovative features in the upcoming Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. These exciting updates will rekindle the excitement of longtime fans and even pique the interest of those who haven’t been drawn to the original games. It’s a win-win scenario that keeps disillusioned fans engaged, while breathing fresh life into the series with something entirely new. The series has been yearning for innovation, and while elemental synergies are present in other games, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has a unique chance to exploit them in ways no other title has managed before.

2025-07-04 22:10