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I don't recall precisely when the custom started, however I always name every one of my Pokemon characters Malfunction.

Whether it's a main series game or a side project like Pokkén Tournament DX along with Pokémon Go — the name never changes. Glitch switches between male and female characters, with black and purple locks. Occasionally their style is flawless, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in the long-running series (and among the most fashion-focused releases). Other times they're confined to the assorted academic attire styles from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they remain Glitch.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokemon Games

Much like my trainers, the Pokémon games have transformed across releases, with certain cosmetic, some substantial. However at their core, they stay the same; they're consistently Pokémon through and through. The developers uncovered a nearly perfect mechanics system some three decades back, and has only truly attempted to evolve upon it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (new era, your avatar is now in danger). Throughout every iteration, the core mechanics cycle of capturing and fighting alongside adorable monsters has stayed consistent for nearly as long as I've been alive.

Shaking Conventions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus previously, featuring lack of arenas and emphasis on compiling a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings multiple deviations into that formula. It takes place entirely in one place, the French capital-inspired Lumiose Metropolis of Pokémon X & Y, ditching the expansive adventures of earlier titles. Pokemon are meant to coexist alongside humans, trainers and non-trainers alike, in manners we have merely seen glimpses of previously.

Even more radical is Z-A's live-action combat mechanics. This is where the franchise's near-perfect gameplay loop undergoes its most significant transformation yet, swapping methodical sequential bouts for something more chaotic. And it's thoroughly enjoyable, despite I find myself ready for another traditional release. Though these alterations to the traditional 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

When first arriving in Lumiose City, whatever plans your custom avatar planned as a visitor are discarded; you're immediately recruited by Taunie (if playing as a male character; the male guide for female characters) to become part of their squad of trainers. You receive a creature from them as your starter and are sent to participate in the Z-A Royale.

The Championship serves as the centerpiece of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the traditional "arena symbols to final challenge" progression of past games. However here, you battle several opponents to earn the opportunity to participate in a promotion match. Succeed and you will be promoted to the next rank, with the final objective of reaching the top rank.

Live-Action Combat: An Innovative Frontier

Character fights occur at night, and sneaking around the assigned combat areas is very enjoyable. I'm always trying to get a jump on a rival and launch a free attack, since everything happens in real time. Moves operate on recharge periods, indicating both combatants can sometimes attack each other concurrently (and defeat each other simultaneously). It's a lot to get used to initially. Even after playing for nearly 30 hours, I still feel like there's much to master in terms of using my Pokémon's moves in methods 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 perform attacks (certain ones are distant, whereas others must be up close and personal).

The live combat causes fights progress so quickly that I often sometimes cycling through moves in identical patterns, even when this results in a suboptimal strategy. There isn't moment to pause during Z-A, and plenty of chances to become swamped. Creature fights rely on feedback post-move execution, and that data is still present on the display in Z-A, but whips by rapidly. Occasionally, you cannot process it because diverting attention from your opponent will spell immediate defeat.

Exploring Lumiose City

Outside of battle, you will traverse Lumiose Metropolis. It's relatively small, though tightly filled. Deep into the game, I continue to find new shops and elevated areas to visit. It is also full of charm, and perfectly captures the concept of creatures and humans living together. Pidgey inhabit its pathways, taking flight as you approach like the real-life pigeons getting in my way while strolling through NYC. The Pan Trio monkeys joyfully cling on streetlights, and bug-Pokémon like Kakuna attach themselves to trees.

An emphasis on urban life represents a fresh approach for Pokémon, and a positive change. Nonetheless, navigating the city grows repetitive eventually. You might discover a passage you haven't been to, but it feels identical. The building design lacks character, and most rooftops and underground routes offer little variety. While I haven't been to the French capital, the model behind the city, I reside in New York for almost ten years. It's a metropolis where every district differs, and all are vibrant with differences that give them soul. Lumiose City doesn't have that. It has tan buildings with blue or red roofs and flatly rendered terraces.

Where Lumiose City Really Excels

In which the city really shines, surprisingly, is indoors. I adored the way creature fights in Sword and Shield occur in arena-like venues, giving them real weight and importance. Conversely, fights within Scarlet and Violet take place in a field with two random people observing. It's a total letdown. Z-A strikes a middle ground between both extremes. You'll battle in restaurants with diners observing as they dine. A fancy battle society will invite you to a tournament, and you will combat in its rooftop arena with a chandelier (not the Pokemon) hanging above. My favorite location is the beautifully designed base of the Rust Syndicate with its moody lighting and purple partitions. Various individual battle locales overflow with personality missing in 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