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I don't recall exactly how the custom began, however I consistently call all my Pokémon trainers Malfunction.

Be it a main series game or a side project like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name never changes. Malfunction switches between male and female avatars, with black and purple locks. Occasionally their fashion is flawless, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest installment in this long-running series (and among the more style-conscious entries). At other moments they're confined to the assorted academic attire designs from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Yet they're always Malfunction.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokemon Games

Similar to my characters, the Pokemon titles have transformed across installments, with certain superficial, others substantial. But at their heart, they stay identical; they're always Pokémon through and through. Game Freak uncovered a nearly perfect gameplay formula approximately three decades back, and has only truly attempted to innovate upon it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your avatar is now in danger). Throughout all iteration, the core mechanics cycle of capturing and battling with charming creatures has stayed consistent for almost as long as my lifetime.

Shaking Conventions with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus before it, featuring absence of gyms and emphasis on creating a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces several deviations into that framework. It takes place completely in one place, the French capital-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X & Y, ditching the region-spanning adventures of previous titles. Pokémon are intended to live together alongside people, trainers and civilians, in manners we've only glimpsed before.

Even more drastic than that Z-A's real-time battle system. This is where the series' near-perfect gameplay loop experiences its most significant evolution yet, swapping methodical turn-based bouts with something more chaotic. And it's thoroughly enjoyable, despite I find myself ready for a new traditional release. Though these changes to the traditional Pokémon formula sound like they form a completely new experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is as familiar as every other Pokémon title.

The Core of the Adventure: The Z-A Royale

When first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, any intentions your created character had as a tourist are discarded; you're immediately recruited by Taunie (for male avatars; Urbain if female) to become part of her team of trainers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your starter and are sent into the Z-A Championship.

The Championship serves as the centerpiece in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the classic "arena symbols to final challenge" progression from earlier titles. However here, you fight several trainers to earn the chance to compete in an advancement bout. Win and you will be elevated to the next rank, with the final objective of reaching rank A.

Live-Action Battles: A New Frontier

Character fights occur at night, and sneaking around the designated battle zones is very enjoyable. I'm constantly trying to get a jump on a rival and launch an unopposed move, because all actions occur instantaneously. Attacks operate on cooldown timers, indicating you and your opponent may occasionally attack each other concurrently (and defeat each other simultaneously). It's a lot to adjust to at first. Despite gaming for almost thirty hours, I still feel like there's plenty to learn regarding using my Pokémon's moves in ways that work together synergistically. Positioning also factors as a major role during combat as your Pokémon will trail behind you or move to specific locations to execute moves (certain ones are distant, whereas others must be in close proximity).

The live combat makes battles go so fast that I often sometimes cycling of attacks in identical patterns, despite this results in a suboptimal strategy. There isn't moment to pause during Z-A, and plenty of opportunities to become swamped. Pokémon battles rely on feedback post-move execution, and that information remains visible on screen in Z-A, but whips by rapidly. Sometimes, you can't even read it because taking your eyes off your opponent will spell certain doom.

Navigating Lumiose Metropolis

Away from combat, you'll explore Lumiose Metropolis. It's fairly compact, though tightly filled. Deep into the game, I'm still discovering new shops and rooftops to explore. It is also full of charm, and fully realizes the vision of creatures and humans coexisting. Common bird Pokemon populate its sidewalks, flying away as you approach similar to actual pigeons obstructing my path while strolling in New York City. The monkey trio joyfully cling from lampposts, and bug-Pokémon like Kakuna attach themselves to trees.

A focus on city living represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a welcome one. Nonetheless, navigating the city becomes rote over time. You might discover an alley you never visited, but it feels identical. The building design is devoid of personality, and most rooftops and underground routes offer little variety. While I haven't been to the French capital, the inspiration for Lumiose, 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 City lacks that quality. It has beige structures with blue or red roofs and flatly rendered balconies.

Where The Metropolis Really Excels

Where Lumiose City truly stands out, surprisingly, is inside buildings. I loved how Pokémon battles in Sword & Shield take place in arena-like venues, providing them genuine significance and importance. On the flipside, battles in Scarlet and Violet take place on a court with few spectators watching. It's a total letdown. Z-A finds a balance between both extremes. You will fight in restaurants with patrons watching while they eat. A fancy battle society will extend an invitation to a competition, and you'll battle in its rooftop arena under a lighting fixture (not Chandelure) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the elegantly decorated headquarters of the Rust Syndicate with its moody lighting and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings brim with character that's absent from the larger city as a whole.

The Familiarity of Routine

During the Championship, as well as subduing wild Mega Evolved Pokémon and filling the Pokédex, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I