Pokémon X and Yversions are some of the most beloved games to come out for the 3DS family of systems, and their reboot,Pokémon Legends: Z - A, is bringing back their unique battle mechanic, Mega Evolution. However, with the new changes coming to the battle system, Mega Evolution is looking more useful than ever forZ-A’s confirmed Mega-Evolutions. There are a lot of changes coming inLegends: Z-A, and they all look to be iterating on everything that was loved so much about the original games.
For those unaware, Mega Evolution is abattle gimmick similar to Terastallizationand Z-Moves, where a Pokémon can be powered up to use a stronger attack or a different type of move. Mega Evolution requires a Key Stone, a Mega Ring, and a Mega Stone that corresponds to whatever Pokémon species is being Mega Evolved. InX and Y,these evolutions caused simple changes to a Pokémon’s base stats and, in some cases, type and/or ability,butZ-A’s battle changes have the potential to make them so much more.
Pokémon Legends: Z - A’s Battle Changes Are Perfect For Mega Evolutions
Mega Evolutions Could Change The Landscape Of The Battlefield
For years, many of the Pokémon games' battle gimmicks were just that: gimmicks. They offered little strategy diversification outside of playing the numbers game, but with Pokémon games being turn-based, this was the only logical conclusion. However,it looks like at least some—or even all—of the battles inZ-Awill be cooldown-based, leaving more room for mechanical skill expression through attack and defense.
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This would have enormous repercussions for Mega Evolution if only the developers took the chance to try something new.Moves like Surf and Earthquakecould have lasting effects on the terrain that force enemy trainers to adapt on the fly, and attacks like Rock Tomb would be more important than ever to doge, lest you find your Pokémon a sitting duck. Limiting this all-field effect to Mega Evolutions allows developers room to breathe a bit; finding creative applications for the sheer number of existing moves would be daunting.
Mega Evolutions Can Be More Than Stat Boosts And Powerful Attacks
It’s Time To Step Into Everything Real-Time Battles Mean
While Mega Evolution is undoubtedly powerful and useful in battle, it will be interesting to see how far this type of evolution is incorporated into thenew real-time battle system ofZ-A.InX/Y,Mega Evolutions could help trainers counteract type matchups or unfavorable ability matchups,but its application in an overworld battle is limitless. Of course, the true limit as to what Mega Evolutions can do will be limited to the creativity of the developers, but it has potential.
Of course, most players probably play a bit smarter than I did when I was 13, but allowing Mega Evolution to become more complex would be the cherry on top of what seems like an intricate and thought-out battle system.
Imagine you’re being targeted by an enemy Pokémon, but you know you’re just too slow to dodge. Instead, your Mega Alakazam uses Reflect to actually reflect the attack back at your opponent. It’s unlikely that the system will be this involved, considering just how many moves there are in the Pokémon franchise,but it would be so rewarding to finally see Pokémon’s moves work how they do in the anime, breathing freshness into a long-standing battle system.
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The question of balance also arises when making changes to any battle system. Mega-Evolution felt like a band-aid solution for being under-leveled inX and Yif you’re not strong enough to take on the next gym. Of course, most players probably play a bit smarter than I did when I was 13, but allowing Mega Evolution to become more complex would be the cherry on top of what seems like an intricate and thought-out battle system.
After Years Away, Mega Evolutions Deserve To Evolve
12 Years Have Gone By; Let’s See Mega Evolutions Now
While not every chance that Pokémon has taken in the past 12 years has been one that fans enjoyed, no game can survive forever without growing with its audience. That’s not to say your kids won’t love the new games coming out, but for fans that playedX and Yon release as I did,seeing everything Lumiose City and its battles can become will be a nostalgia trip and a leap forward all at once.
With how little aboutZ-Awasrevealed in Pokémon Presents, there’s a lot of room to theorize about what’s to come for the game.
For a long time, Pokémon games have fallen short of the epic battle scenes seen in the anime and manga; it’s no surprise that turn-based combat doesn’t have the same effect as real-time, high-stakes battles. However, now that Pokémon games are leaning increasingly into the interactive battle styles ofLegends: Arceus,it’s time to see what Mega-Evolved Pokémon can do. Bringing Mega Evolution back inPokémon Legends: Z-Ais an excellent holdover from Kalos' past, but I’m truly looking forward to what the developers are bringing to Kalos' future.
