Critics have praised Pokémon Legends: Z–A as probably the greatest trendy video games within the long-running franchise.
Pokémon Legends: Z–A takes place within the Paris-inspired metropolis of Lumiose, which was first launched in 2013’s X & Y. The sport can even see the return of the mega-evolutions mechanic for the primary time since 2014’s Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and is the non secular successor to 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Pokémon Legends: Z–A is out tomorrow (October 16) however numerous critiques have already been printed.
Based mostly on 42 critiques, Legends: Z–A at present has a “usually beneficial” rating of 81 out of 100 on mixture website Metacritic, making it one of many best-reviewed Pokémon video games in additional than a decade. The newest mainline entry within the collection, Scarlet and Violet, solely have a Metacritic rating of 71 whereas the remastered Good Diamond and Shining Pearl earned a mean overview rating of 73 out of 100.
2019’s Pokémon Sword & Defend have a Metacritic rating of 80 whereas 2016’s 3DS titles Solar & Moon have a mean overview rating of 87.
“Pokémon Legends Z-A is a grand journey that after once more proves that the Legends collection is house to probably the most attention-grabbing concepts Sport Freak has. It’s a recreation that understands its viewers, and appears like a love letter to each gamers who grew up with X & Y, and those that’ve been right here the entire time,” wrote VGC of their good 5 star overview of the sport.
I’ve simply completed Pokémon Legends Z-A.
I simply must say—it’s a masterpiece. It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt this a lot from a Pokémon recreation.
Now I’m going to start out engaged on guides that will help you all out. pic.twitter.com/G6ZIrSbwLA
— Mild (@Light_88_) October 14, 2025
“It’s a enjoyable, recent tackle the collection’ system that actually helps Pokémon Legends: Z-A set itself aside as probably the greatest entries but,” mentioned Display Rant.
“Pokémon Legends: Z-A might not be the right open world journey, however its slice of life vibes and sensible battle system modifications are an actual delight, and I hope this isn’t the final we see of its improvements. In some ways, it appears like what Pokémon ought to have been all alongside,” wrote GamesRadar+.
Different critiques have praised Legends: Z–A’s reworked battle system and compelling plot, whereas others have criticised the restricted quantity of exploring gamers can do past Lumiose metropolis.
It appears to be an excellent time to be a Pokémon fan. The collection is ready to have fun its thirtieth anniversary in 2026 and a London pop-up retailer, a Lego collaboration and new video games have all been introduced.
In a latest interview, boss Tsunekazu Ishihara revealed that he believes the franchise can stay well-liked for one more 70 years so long as creators maintain innovating. “If we turn into complacent and waft, that’s when it is going to go downhill,” he defined.
In different information, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch has launched on Netflix and players are loving the animated adaptation.
