Good day, Pokémon trainers. It feels as though it was not too long ago when we finally got our first glimpse into the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Yet we have not been kept waiting and hungry for more. As the recent Nintendo Direct has graced us with a new trailer featuring more information on the game. We even know why the game it’s called Z-A. So, let’s get right into it!
Day And Night
So, let’s get the first thing out of the way. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will largely have two main methods of gameplay. The day gameplay and the night gameplay. We’ve already seen most of the day gameplay in the first trailer, so let’s talk about that first.
During the day, trainers can explore the city of Lumiose and spend time with their Pokémon. They can also catch new Pokémon in the Wild Areas strewn about Lumiose City and on the rooftops. Trainers are advised to be wary of hostile Pokémon that may attack them on sight, much like on Legends: Arceus.
Call of The Night
Remember this little “Promotional Match Announcement” that was teased at the end of the trailer in February? Well, that and why the game is called Legends: Z-A is revealed in the night gameplay.
At night, the Z-A Royale takes place. Strong trainers roam the city and battle each other to increase their ranks. You yourself will start at Z rank and battle trainers to rank up to “Rank A”. The trainer who reaches rank A will have a wish granted!
Encounter!
The trailer also details how trainer encounters will take place, and it’s a bit funny. Remember how in Legends: Arceus, you had this apex Pokémon that would chase you around, and it was really intense? Well, that seems to be exactly how trainers will be chasing you around at night. And that’s not even the funniest part!
You can also pre-emptively strike other trainers’ partner Pokémon to initiate a battle with an advantage. Finally, after all these years of trainers stopping you in your tracks to start a random battle, we can now do the same!
More Details On Battle
We also got to see more battles. Including mega evolutions. But more importantly, the trainer re-emphasizes the importance of timing in this new real-time battle system. It seems it takes some time for your command to reach your Pokémon based on your distance from it. As can be seen here where a well-timed dig helps the player’s Diggersby dodge the opponent’s dig.
Conclusion
And there you have it. We got some nice new information but no official confirmation on new Mega Pokémon or a release date. It is going to be late 2025, so perhaps the Christmas season. Nevertheless, I am quite happy with this trailer as I think it presents the game really well. And I hope it has managed to increase some of your excitement as well.
Goodbye for now, Pokémon trainers. Priom-out!
