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I don't recall exactly how the custom started, however I always name all my Pokemon characters Glitch.

Be it a core franchise game or a side project like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name never changes. Glitch alternates from male to female characters, with black and purple locks. Occasionally their fashion is impeccable, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this enduring series (and one of the most style-conscious releases). Other times they're limited to the assorted academic attire styles of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they're always Glitch.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokémon Titles

Much like my trainers, the Pokemon titles have transformed between releases, with certain superficial, others substantial. But at their heart, they stay identical; they're consistently Pokemon through and through. Game Freak uncovered an almost flawless mechanics system some three decades back, and has only seriously tried to innovate upon it with entries like Pokémon Legends: Arceus (new era, your character is now in danger). Throughout all version, the fundamental mechanics cycle of catching and battling with charming creatures has remained steady for nearly the same duration as I've been alive.

Breaking the Mold with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus previously, with its lack of arenas and emphasis on compiling a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces several changes to that framework. It takes place entirely in a single location, the Paris-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X & Y, abandoning the region-spanning adventures of previous titles. Pokemon are meant to coexist alongside people, trainers and non-trainers alike, in ways we've only seen glimpses of previously.

Even more radical than that Z-A's live-action battle system. This is where the series' almost ideal gameplay loop undergoes its most significant evolution to date, replacing methodical turn-based fights with more frenetic action. And it is immensely fun, despite I find myself ready for another traditional entry. Although these changes to the traditional Pokemon recipe sound like they create a completely new adventure, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as any other Pokemon game.

The Core of the Journey: The Z-A Championship

Upon first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your created character planned as a visitor get abandoned; you're promptly enlisted by the female guide (for male avatars; the male guide if female) to join their squad of battlers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your starter and are sent to participate in the Z-A Championship.

The Royale serves as the centerpiece in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's comparable to the traditional "gym badges to Elite Four" advancement from earlier titles. However here, you battle several opponents to earn the chance to compete in a promotion match. Win and you will be elevated to a higher tier, with the final objective of reaching rank A.

Live-Action Combat: A New Approach

Character fights take place during nighttime, and navigating stealthily the designated battle zones is very enjoyable. I'm constantly attempting to surprise a rival and unleash an unopposed move, since all actions occur instantaneously. Attacks function with cooldown timers, indicating you and your opponent can sometimes strike simultaneously concurrently (and knock each other out simultaneously). It's a lot to get used to at first. Even after gaming for almost thirty hours, I still feel that there is much to master regarding using my Pokémon's moves in methods that work together synergistically. Positioning also factors as a significant part during combat as your Pokémon will trail behind you or move to designated spots to execute moves (certain ones are distant, whereas others must be in close proximity).

The real-time action causes fights progress so quickly that I find myself repeating sequences of attacks in identical patterns, even when this results in a suboptimal strategy. There isn't moment to pause during Z-A, and numerous opportunities to get overwhelmed. Pokémon battles depend on response post-move execution, and that data is still present on the display in Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you can't even read it since taking your eyes off your opponent will spell certain doom.

Exploring Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, though tightly filled. Deep into the game, I'm still discovering unseen stores and elevated areas to explore. It is also full of charm, and fully realizes the vision of Pokémon and people coexisting. Common bird Pokemon populate its sidewalks, flying away when you get near like the real-life city birds obstructing my path when walking through NYC. The monkey trio gleefully hang on streetlights, and bug-Pokémon like Kakuna attach themselves on branches.

An emphasis on urban life is a new direction for Pokémon, and a welcome one. Nonetheless, navigating the city becomes rote over time. You might discover a passage you haven't been to, but you wouldn't know it. The architecture lacks character, and many elevated areas and sewer paths offer little variety. Although I haven't been to Paris, the model behind the city, I've lived in NYC for nearly a decade. It's a metropolis where every district differs, and all are alive with uniqueness that provide character. Lumiose Metropolis doesn't have that. It has beige structures topped with colored roofs and simply designed balconies.

The Areas Where Lumiose City Truly Shines

In which Lumiose City really shines, surprisingly, is indoors. I loved how Pokémon battles within Sword & Shield occur in football-like stadiums, giving them genuine significance and importance. Conversely, battles in Scarlet & Violet take place on a court with few spectators watching. It's very disappointing. Z-A finds a balance between both extremes. You'll battle in restaurants with diners observing while they eat. A fancy battle society will invite you to a competition, and you will combat on its penthouse court under a lighting fixture (not Chandelure) hanging above. My favorite location is the elegantly decorated base of a certain faction with atmospheric illumination and purple partitions. Various individual combat settings overflow with personality missing in the overall metropolis as a whole.

The Comfort of Routine

Throughout the Royale, as well as quelling rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon and completing the Pokédex, there's an inescapable feeling of, {"I