After completing Pokémon Legends ZA — including the post-game and nearly every side quest — it’s clear this title stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise’s modern era. Whether you’re deciding to buy Shiny Pokémon ZA for your collection or considering diving into Pokémon Legends ZA for the first time, this review takes a deep look into the game’s strengths, shortcomings, and what it means for the future of the series.
Performance and Visual Stability
Let’s start with something many players feared before launch: performance. Unlike Scarlet and Violet, Legends ZA runs impressively well, maintaining a consistent 60 FPS on the Switch 2 with virtually no bugs or glitches. The smooth performance makes a huge difference, especially for an open-world Pokémon title. However, while the game’s performance is technically flawless, its visual style doesn’t always meet expectations. Lumiose City — the game’s central hub — often feels dull and gray, lacking the colorful vibrancy that made Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee stand out visually. Pokémon and character models look great, but many urban areas could use more aesthetic polish.
Characters and Storytelling
One of Legends ZA’s biggest triumphs lies in its character writing. Every major figure feels purposeful and well-developed — from allies to rivals to random NPCs in side quests. Each character contributes meaningfully to the world, and their individual arcs help bring Lumiose City to life. The interconnected stories and returning appearances during quests give the game a strong narrative cohesion that many past Pokémon titles lacked.
That said, the main story itself falls a bit short. While the ending is dramatic and full of hype, much of the middle portion feels underdeveloped. The overarching plot about saving Lumiose isn’t as compelling as the personal stories involving the game’s side characters. It’s not bad — just inconsistent in pacing and emotional payoff.
Side Quests: A Surprising Highlight
If you’re the kind of player who loves exploring every corner of a Pokémon world, Legends ZA will absolutely satisfy you. With over 100 side quests, the game is packed with fun and often charmingly odd missions. From helping an NPC photograph her Bergmite family on top of an Avalugg to filming a Pokémon movie that hilariously doesn’t go as planned, these side stories inject humor and humanity into the world.
This kind of attention to small details gives older or less popular Pokémon — like Trevenant or Carvanha — moments to shine. It’s a formula that Game Freak should absolutely carry forward. Side content like this makes the game feel alive, and for completionists, it’s a major reason to buy Shiny Pokémon Legends ZA and explore every possible storyline.
Mega Evolutions and Customization
Mega Evolution makes a glorious return in Legends ZA, and this time, the designs are some of the most creative we’ve seen yet. Mega Chandelure, for instance, feels like a dream come true for longtime fans, while Mega Drampa and Mega Falinks add refreshing diversity to the lineup. Not all designs are perfect — a few like Mega Starmie or Mega Excadrill fall flat — but overall, the new Megas strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation.
Character customization is also back in full force, marking a huge improvement over Scarlet and Violet’s limited options. Players can finally express themselves through stylish outfits, hairstyles, and accessories, creating avatars that feel unique rather than generic. It’s a return to form that fans have long requested.
Battle System and PvP
The hybrid battle system borrows elements from Pokémon Legends: Arceus and even Yo-kai Watch 4. It blends action-based movement and positioning with real-time strategy, allowing for more dynamic encounters. However, while engaging at first, the system feels slightly underdeveloped compared to its inspirations. There’s room for deeper mechanics — such as trainer-Pokémon synergy or additional environmental effects — that could elevate the experience.
PvP, meanwhile, feels more like an afterthought. It exists mainly as a means to unlock Mega Stones for specific Pokémon like Greninja, but it lacks long-term appeal. Competitive players will likely move on quickly, though casual fans may enjoy the novelty for a while.
Lore and World-Building
Lore enthusiasts will find plenty to dig into. The game is full of small but fascinating details that expand the Pokémon universe. Mentions of characters like AZ and Leon, along with mysterious worldbuilding hints about Zygarde and future timelines, make this one of the richest narrative Pokémon experiences to date. Even minor NPC dialogue can spark new fan theories about the future of Mega Evolution and the broader Pokémon mythos.
Missed Opportunities
Despite its many strengths, Legends ZA has a few frustrating omissions. The absence of roller skates — a beloved feature from X and Y — feels like a missed opportunity, especially in a city as vast as Lumiose. Exploration is often slowed by the lack of alternative transportation, and while fast travel points exist, they remove some of the magic of wandering through the city. Additionally, the map design feels restrictive; many buildings can’t be entered, and the urban sprawl, while massive, lacks interactive depth.
Pokémon Legends ZA is an evolution of the franchise in all the right ways — polished performance, excellent character writing, meaningful side quests, and the triumphant return of Mega Evolution. Yet it also reminds us how far the series still has to go in terms of storytelling ambition and environmental design. If you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking to experience a more immersive Pokémon adventure, this title is well worth your time. And for collectors or shiny hunters, it’s a great moment to buy Shiny Pokémon ZA or buy Shiny Pokémon Legends ZA and experience these creatures in their best light.
