The buzz in the Pokémon universe is reaching fever pitch as fans eagerly anticipate the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Announced over a year ago, enthusiasts have finally been treated to a sneak peek at some fresh gameplay. This latest installment is set to transport players back to the vibrant world of Kalos, a setting last explored in 2013 with Pokémon X and Y. Pokémon Legends: Z-A aspires to expand upon the innovative gameplay changes introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, promising another thrilling journey through the iconic Lumiose City.
Though the recent Pokémon Presents event offered a glimpse into this exciting new addition, The Pokémon Company has yet to divulge any details about the next generation of Pokémon games. With nearly three years having passed since the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and with the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, speculation is rife about the tenth-generation Pokémon game. Game Freak finds itself in a favorable position with the development of this upcoming title, as there’s little pressure to dramatically reinvent the franchise to ensure the next generation’s success.
The groundwork laid by Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has already made substantial shifts in the series. These games broke new ground as the first mainline titles to embrace an open-world concept, granting players unprecedented freedom. The trio of distinct storylines players could tackle in any sequence added further depth, each with its specific gameplay styles and objectives. This overhaul provided a fresh pace for the series, allowing players to carve their own journey through the game. With such a robust foundation already in place, the next generation of Pokémon can focus on refining these concepts rather than completely overhauling them, paving the way for a more seamless experience.
One area where the upcoming Gen 10 game could enhance the player experience is through implementing level scaling. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players technically had the freedom to follow the storylines in any order, but the fixed level design imposed some restrictions. By introducing level scaling in future games, Game Freak could eliminate these constraints, further enhancing player autonomy. Additionally, for those who prefer focusing on one storyline at a time, level scaling would allow them to do so without constantly shifting between stories based on their Pokémon team’s strength.
Another crucial aspect is ensuring that the next generation exhibits a higher degree of polish. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s launch was marred by technical setbacks that overshadowed their innovative gameplay features. To truly triumph with their next venture, Game Freak must prioritize delivering a polished product that meets both visual and performance standards.
With the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 drawing near, the next major Pokémon release may soon follow. Game Freak has laid a strong foundation with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, meaning there isn’t a need for drastic changes. However, tackling existing flaws and enhancing these aspects will be key to capitalizing on the promise these games have shown and delivering a landmark Pokémon title for the new console.
