The story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon. After arriving in Lumiose, players will befriend a Pokémon that will become their first partner Pokémon—Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile—thus beginning their journey as a Pokémon Trainer.
A Pokémon Series First
In previous Pokémon video game series titles, Pokémon’s actions were turn-based. But in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Trainers and their Pokémon will move around in real time during battles, and Pokémon will unleash their moves when their Trainers command them to. In addition to type matchups, new gameplay mechanics to consider will include the precise timing for swapping out Pokémon or using moves, as well as moves having different reaches, areas of effect, and times needed to take effect.
The People and Pokémon of Lumiose City
While visiting Lumiose City, players will stay at an old hotel named Hotel Z. This hotel will serve as their base of operations as they tackle all sorts of incidents in the city alongside new and exciting characters. Throughout these adventures, players will make a friend—either Urbain or Taunie—who lives and works at Hotel Z. The appearance players choose for themselves at the beginning of the game will determine which of the two they’ll meet.
There’s also AZ, the owner of Hotel Z, who stands at three metres tall and claims to be three thousand years old. AZ is always accompanied by his partner Pokémon, Eternal Flower Floette. This unusual Floette looks different from other members of her species, and she holds a black flower. And be on the lookout for Zygarde, a Legendary Pokémon that’s made up of a multitude of cell-like components and that changes form depending on how many components have gathered together.
Mega Evolution
In Lumiose City, Trainers will sometimes be able to see Pokémon undergo Mega Evolution—a kind of Evolution that transcends all others. Effectively using Mega Evolution will likely be key to victory in Pokémon battles.
Wild Zones: Habitats for Wild Pokémon
As part of Lumiose’s urban redevelopment plan, driven by a large corporation called Quasartico Inc., the city has been outfitted with “wild zones” in an effort to help humans and Pokémon share the city. These areas are constructed using cutting-edge technology to give Pokémon places to live. Within wild zones, players can battle Pokémon and catch them by throwing Poké Balls.
Make Pokémon Your Allies
Players can catch wild Pokémon living in wild zones or out and about in Lumiose City by aiming a Poké Ball at them and letting it fly. Some Pokémon will flee immediately if they spot the player, meaning players should hide out of sight or approach from behind to make themselves harder to notice. Players can also battle Pokémon to lower their HP, making them easier to catch.
For more information, please visit the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A website.
