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I don't recall precisely when the tradition started, however I always name all my Pokemon characters Glitch.

Whether it's a core franchise game or a spinoff like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name always stays the same. Malfunction switches between male and female avatars, featuring dark and violet locks. Sometimes their fashion is impeccable, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest addition in this enduring series (and among the most fashion-focused releases). Other times they're confined to the assorted school uniform designs from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they're always Glitch.

The Constantly Changing World of Pokémon Games

Much like my characters, the Pokémon games have evolved between releases, with certain cosmetic, some significant. However at their heart, they remain identical; they're consistently Pokémon through and through. Game Freak discovered a nearly perfect gameplay formula approximately three decades back, and has only truly attempted to evolve upon it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your character is now in danger). Across all iteration, the fundamental gameplay loop of capturing and battling alongside adorable monsters has stayed steady for nearly as long as my lifetime.

Shaking the Mold in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus previously, with its absence of gyms and focus on compiling a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings multiple changes into that framework. It's set entirely in a single location, the French capital-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X & Y, abandoning the expansive journeys of earlier titles. Pokémon are intended to live together with humans, trainers and non-trainers alike, in manners we have merely seen glimpses of previously.

Even more drastic than that Z-A's real-time combat mechanics. It's here the franchise's near-perfect core cycle experiences its most significant evolution yet, replacing methodical sequential bouts for more frenetic action. And it's thoroughly enjoyable, even as I feel ready for a new traditional entry. Although these alterations to the classic Pokémon formula seem like they create an entirely fresh adventure, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as any other Pokemon game.

The Core of the Journey: The Z-A Royale

Upon initially reaching in Lumiose City, whatever plans your created character planned as a visitor get abandoned; you're promptly recruited by Taunie (for male avatars; the male guide if female) to become part of their squad of trainers. You're gifted one of her Pokémon as your starter and are sent to participate in the Z-A Royale.

The Championship is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's comparable to the classic "arena symbols to final challenge" progression from earlier titles. However here, you fight a handful of opponents to gain the chance to participate in an advancement bout. Succeed and you will be promoted to a higher tier, with the ultimate goal of achieving rank A.

Live-Action Combat: A New Frontier

Trainer battles occur during nighttime, and navigating stealthily the designated battle zones is very enjoyable. I'm constantly trying to surprise an opponent and launch a free attack, because everything happens in real time. Moves operate on recharge periods, meaning you and your opponent can sometimes attack each other at the same time (and knock each other out at once). It's much to adjust to initially. Despite playing for nearly thirty hours, I still feel that there is much to master in terms of using my Pokémon's moves in methods that work together synergistically. Positioning also plays a significant part during combat since your creatures will follow you around or go to specific locations to execute moves (some are long-range, while others need to be in close proximity).

The live combat makes battles progress so quickly that I often repeating sequences of attacks in identical patterns, even when this amounts to a less effective approach. There isn't moment to breathe during Z-A, and plenty of opportunities to become swamped. Creature fights depend on response post-move execution, and that data remains visible on screen in Z-A, but flashes past quickly. Occasionally, you can't even read it since taking your eyes off your adversary will spell certain doom.

Exploring Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, although tightly filled. Deep into the game, I'm still discovering new shops and elevated areas to explore. It is also rich with character, and perfectly captures the vision of Pokémon and people coexisting. Pidgey populate its sidewalks, flying away when you get near like the real-life pigeons getting in my way when walking in New York City. The monkey trio gleefully hang from lampposts, and insect creatures like Kakuna cling to trees.

A focus on city living represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a welcome one. Nonetheless, exploring Lumiose grows repetitive eventually. You may stumble upon an alley you never visited, but it feels identical. The building design lacks character, and many elevated areas and sewer paths offer little variety. Although I never visited the French capital, the model behind Lumiose, I reside in New York for almost ten years. It's a metropolis where every district are the same, and all are alive with uniqueness that provide character. Lumiose Metropolis doesn't have that. It has tan buildings topped with colored roofs and simply designed balconies.

Where Lumiose City Really Excels

In which the city truly stands out, oddly enough, is indoors. I loved the way creature fights in Sword and Shield occur in arena-like venues, providing them genuine significance and importance. On the flipside, fights within Scarlet & Violet take place on a court with few spectators observing. It's very disappointing. Z-A strikes a middle ground between both extremes. You will fight in restaurants with patrons watching while they eat. An elite combat club will invite you to a competition, and you'll battle on its penthouse court with a chandelier (not Chandelure) suspended overhead. My favorite location is the elegantly decorated base of the Rust Syndicate with atmospheric illumination and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings brim with character that's absent from the overall metropolis in general.

The Familiarity of Repetition

During the Championship, as well as subduing wild powered-up creatures and completing the creature index, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I