Summary
Although it was somewhat unexpected, the reveal ofPokemon Legends: Z-Ahas revitalized interest in the Kalos Region and sparked new discussion surrounding what elements ofPokemon X and Ymight return in this new title. The trailer forPokemon Legends: Z-Adoesn’t give much away regarding the game’s plot or gameplay, but it’s likely to follow similar beats and feature mechanics like those included inPokemon Legends: Arceus. However, what remains to be seen is the role the series' Legendaries and Mythicals will play, given their importance to the overarching lore of the franchise.
WhilePokemon Legends: Z-A’s title doesn’t make specific reference to a Legendary or Mythical likePokemon Legends: Arceusdoes, many fans have been speculating on what creature will be the focal point of the game’s plot. Zygarde seems like the most obvious choice to fill this role, sincePokemon Legends: Z-Aseems to be acting like thePokemon Zversion that Gen 6 never received. However, there are otherLegendaries and Mythicalsthat could play surprising parts in the game, potentially even gaining new forms for themselves.
Zygarde Seems Likely to Be the Main Focus of Pokemon Legends: Z-A
It’s clear from the design ofPokemon Legends: Z-A’s logo that Zygarde is going to be a crucial part of the game’s story since the “Z” in its title is stylized to include Zygarde’s color palette and scaly texture. The real question surrounding Zygarde is how it will be portrayed and what role it will play in the plot ofPokemon Legends: Z-A. Since Zygarde’s gimmick involves changing forms as it gains more cells, this concept could tie in nicely to the theme of buildingPokemon Legends: Z-Aseems to have based on its mention of theurban redevelopment of Lumiose City.
If the plot ofPokemon Legends: Z-Ainvolves building Lumiose City into the metropolis seen inPokemon X and Y, perhaps a part of this story could include thediscovery of Zygarde Cellsas players develop different sections of the city. As more of these cells are discovered, Zygarde could begin to assemble into its different forms, potentially even including new forms beyond the 10% and 50% Formes that already exist. Since Zygarde Complete Forme is said to exist to neutralize threats to ecosystems, the game’s climax could pit players against this monstrosity who perceives the industrialization of Lumiose City as a threat to the region’s ecosystem.
How Other Legendaries and Mythicals Could Be Featured in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Other Legendaries and Mythicals from Gen 6 beyond Zygarde will likely make an appearance inPokemon Legends: Z-Aas well, though what role they will play is still unclear. AMythical like Hoopaseems like an obvious candidate for the game since its power allows it to open portals that can warp people and things from alternate timelines. Volcanion also seems like a possible contender to make an appearance if the game is set during the industrial era of Kalos' history since Volcanion is the Steam Pokemon and the steam engine played a key role in the real-world Industrial Revolution.
Much like Dialga and Palkia inPokemon Legends: Arceus, it’s likely that Xerneas and Yveltal will be important to the story ofPokemon Legends: Z-A, potentially even receiving new Mega Evolutions. Another factor to consider is that Gen 6 includesPokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, which feature mons like Primal Groudon and Kyogre, as well as Mega Rayquaza. The return ofMega Evolution inPokemon Legends: Z-Acould potentially mean that these Legendaries might also be included in the game, though they will probably be relegated to a post-game quest if they are.
