The story of PokΓ©mon 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 PokΓ©mon. After arriving in Lumiose, players will befriend a PokΓ©mon that will become their first partner PokΓ©monβChikorita, Tepig, or Totodileβthus beginning their journey as a PokΓ©mon Trainer.
A PokΓ©mon Series First – In previous PokΓ©mon video game series titles, PokΓ©mon’s actions were turn-based. But in PokΓ©mon Legends: Z-A, Trainers and their PokΓ©mon will move around in real time during battles, and PokΓ©mon 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 PokΓ©mon or using moves, as well as moves having different reaches, areas of effect, and times needed to take effect.
The People and PokΓ©mon 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 friendβeither Urbain or Taunieβwho 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.
Mega Evolution – In Lumiose City, Trainers will sometimes be able to see PokΓ©mon undergo Mega Evolutionβa kind of Evolution that transcends standard Evolution. Effectively using Mega Evolution will likely be key to victory in PokΓ©mon battles.
Rogue Mega Evolution – In Lumiose City, a strange phenomenon dubbed Rogue Mega Evolutionβin which wild PokΓ©mon Mega Evolve on their ownβhas begun to appear. Ordinarily, a Trainer would have a PokΓ©mon that can Mega Evolve hold a Mega Stone, and then the PokΓ©mon would be able to Mega Evolve if it has a strong bond with its Trainer. However, some PokΓ©mon in Lumiose City have been undergoing Rogue Mega Evolution and going on rampagesβseemingly in pain.
Wild Zones: Habitats for Wild PokΓ©mon – As part of Lumiose’s urban redevelopment plan, driven by a large corporation called Quasartico Inc., the city has been outfitted with βwild zonesβ in an effort to help humans and PokΓ©mon share the city. These areas are constructed using cutting-edge technology to give PokΓ©mon places to live. Within wild zones, players can battle PokΓ©mon and catch them by throwing PokΓ© Balls.
Make PokΓ©mon Your Allies – Players can catch wild PokΓ©mon living in wild zones or out and about in Lumiose City by aiming a PokΓ© Ball at them and letting it fly. Some PokΓ©mon 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 PokΓ©mon to lower their HP, making them easier to catch.
Compete in the Z-A Battle Club – Compete against up to three other players in the Z-A Battle Club’s Link Battles. During these matches, use all the moves and Mega Evolutions at your disposal to defeat as many PokΓ©mon as you can within a three-minute time limit. Defeating an opponent’s PokΓ©mon earns you a point, and these points determine your ultimate ranking.
Adventure in Your Own Style – Lumiose City is known as a hub for the latest fashions, dating back to the events of PokΓ©mon X and PokΓ©mon Y, where you may fondly remember customizing your character with glee. This trend continues in PokΓ©mon Legends: Z-A. You can make changes to your character’s lip color, eyelashes, and more to look the way you want to look. You can also change your hairstyle, hair color, eyebrows, and more at salons. In addition to solid colors, you can customize your hair color with color blocking and balayage.