Critics have praised Pokémon Legends: Z–A as one of the best modern games in the long-running franchise.
Pokémon Legends: Z–A takes place in the Paris-inspired city of Lumiose, which was first introduced in 2013’s X & Y. The game will also see the return of the mega-evolutions mechanic for the first time since 2014’s Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and is the spiritual successor to 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Pokémon Legends: Z–A is out tomorrow (October 16) but a number of reviews have already been published.
Based on 42 reviews, Legends: Z–A currently has a “generally favourable” score of 81 out of 100 on aggregate site Metacritic, making it one of the best-reviewed Pokémon games in more than a decade. The most recent mainline entry in the series, Scarlet and Violet, only have a Metacritic score of 71 while the remastered Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl earned an average review score of 73 out of 100.
2019’s Pokémon Sword & Shield have a Metacritic score of 80 while 2016’s 3DS titles Sun & Moon have an average review score of 87.
“Pokémon Legends Z-A is a grand adventure that once again proves that the Legends series is home to the most interesting ideas Game Freak has. It’s a game that understands its audience, and feels like a love letter to both players who grew up with X & Y, and those who’ve been here the whole time,” wrote VGC in their perfect five star review of the game.
I’ve just finished Pokémon Legends Z-A.
I just have to say—it’s a masterpiece. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this much from a Pokémon game.
Now I’m going to start working on guides to help you all out. pic.twitter.com/G6ZIrSbwLA
— Light (@Light_88_) October 14, 2025
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“It’s a fun, fresh take on the series’ formula that really helps Pokémon Legends: Z-A set itself apart as one of the best entries yet,” said Screen Rant.
“Pokémon Legends: Z-A may not be the perfect open world adventure, but its slice of life vibes and brilliant battle system changes are a real delight, and I hope this isn’t the last we see of its innovations. In many ways, it feels like what Pokémon should have been all along,” wrote GamesRadar+.
Other reviews have praised Legends: Z–A’s reworked battle system and compelling plot, while others have criticised the limited amount of exploring players can do beyond Lumiose city.
It seems to be a good time to be a Pokémon fan. The series is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026 and a London pop-up store, a Lego collaboration and new games have all been announced.
In a recent interview, boss Tsunekazu Ishihara revealed that he believes the franchise can remain popular for another 70 years as long as creators keep innovating. “If we become complacent and go with the flow, that’s when it will go downhill,” he explained.
In other news, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch has launched on Netflix and gamers are loving the animated adaptation.
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