Summary
Pokemon Legends Arceuswas groundbreaking for thePokemoncommunity as it offered a lot of changes to the mainline formula. With gameplay changes, how Pokemon were caught, and the overall feel, it offered a different experience.
Fans have been crying out for a sequel and wishes were answered with the announcement of the next game,Pokemon Legends Z-A. This will follow on fromLegends Arceus, in being an RPG-style game where players take to the past of a Pokemon region, in this case, the Kalos region.A fan-favorite mechanic, Mega Evolution, is making its long-awaited return, but that begs the question as to what other mechanics from the game’s predecessor should also return.
1Crafting
A Highly Useful Mechanic That Shouldn’t Be Discarded
In most regularPokemongames,Pokeballs can only be purchased or found, butLegends Arceusallowed them to be crafted using items found in the game. Not only is this an easy way to obtain a vital item for the game, but it also gives another thing for players to do, ensuring the longevity of the title.
But Pokeballs aren’t the only things that can be crafted. Potions, throwable objects, and stat-boosting items are also available to be made. Crafting should return forPokemon Legends Z-Awith new recipes added, new types of Pokemon, and even Mega Stones, which would be handy to Mega Evolve the Pokemon without needing to find each one.
2Regional Variants & New Evolutions
A Great Way To Highlight Underused Pokemon
First appearing inPokemon Sun & Moon, regional variants are different types of previously discovered Pokemon that have a different look and for the most part, different typings too. This trend continued through the games, includingLegends Arceus. In the Hisui region, there are not only new variants but different evolutions - for example, Kleavor and Sneasler.
This needs to return forPokemon Legends Z-A. Kalos-inspired versions of some past Pokemon could be an instant hit, and it will be a chance to show some extra love to some underused Pokemon who need a new evolution to make them stronger. Fans know that Mega Evolutions are returning, so hopefully that doesn’t mean these Regional Evolutions will be forgotten.
3Noble Pokemon
A Great Way To Challenge Players
There were no gyms inPokemon Legends Arceus, replaced by Noble Pokemon, who are giant monsters that the player must defeat to progress in the game. As these games are set in the past, the in-universe explanation is that gyms have not been invented yet, so this should continue with the 2025 release.
The Noble Pokemon were all regional variants (or a new evolution) so this trend should be kept up with the new Kalos ‘mons that are due to be announced.Perhaps these boss battles will be exchanged for Megasto offer an even harder challenge for players using the battle style of dodging attacks and throwing balms.
4The Linking Cord
Makes Evolving Certain Pokemon Easier
A very useful item inLegends Arceuswas the Linking Cord. This allowed Pokemon that needed to be traded to evolve, cutting the need to have another console or a friend to trade with.
There are two Pokemon from the Kalos region, Pumpkaboo and Phantump, that require a trade to be evolved, so this item needs to make a return if they are to be included inLegends Z-A. Trading can sometimes be annoying so cutting that need out in Pokemon is a welcome feature. As such, this mechanic needs to be included.
5Missions & Requests
Would Increase The Longevity Of The Game
What was amazing aboutPokemon Legends Arceuswas its quests, which came in the form of missions and requests. Missions were the main objectives that the player needed to do to complete the game. Requests were side missions, usually shorter and unimportant to the main storyline.
AsPokemonis a franchise that gives players a lot of freedom, theLegendsseries is much more linear with a clearer focus. It was refreshing for the franchise to head in this direction. Requests need to return inLegends Z-Aasthey madeArceusmore replayable, giving players a lot more to do throughout the world. They also rewarded players for exploring every nook and cranny of the map.
6Pokemon Capturing
Allow Players To Have Multiple Options
Fitting for the RPG and open world, gamers did not need to battle every single wild Pokemon inLegends; they simply had to throw a Pokeball using an aim-and-lock system. This was handy for catching Pokemon, which was required to complete quests and progress through the story.
It made the game different from the other entries of thePokemonfranchise and it should be kept the same forLegends Z-A. After a certain point in the story, gamers can upgrade to Jet Balls, which are useful for Pokemon high in the sky as they fly much further through the air when thrown.Legends Z-Ashould build on this with new features for throwing Pokeballs. An improvement on the Dive Ball, which works better underwater, is an example of how they could go.
7Collectibles
Encourages Exploration & An Opportunity For Rewards
Pokemonis a game that is all about collecting, whether that be badges, Pokemon, or other items. InLegends Arceus, there were two main forms of collectibles that took a lot of exploring for players to acquire everyone. Unowns were scattered throughout Hisui, and also Spiritomb wisps, which players needed to find to be able to catch said Pokemon and complete the Pokedex.
Having an extra task like this is fantastic as it makes players explore the map more and rewards them for completing a hard task. There is an obvious idea for a collectible forLegends Z-A: Zygarde Cells, which can make a return fromPokemon Sun & Moonas a way to find the apparent star of the game, Zygarde.
