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I don't recall precisely when the custom began, but I always name all my Pokémon trainers Glitch.

Be it a main series title or a spinoff like Pokkén Tournament DX along with Pokémon Go — the name never changes. Malfunction alternates between male and female avatars, with dark and violet hair. Sometimes their style is flawless, as seen in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest addition in this enduring franchise (and one of the most style-conscious releases). At other moments they're confined to the assorted school uniform designs from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Yet they remain Malfunction.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokémon Titles

Similar to my trainers, the Pokémon games have transformed between releases, some cosmetic, others substantial. But at their core, they stay the same; they're consistently Pokemon to the core. The developers uncovered an almost flawless gameplay formula approximately three decades back, and has only seriously tried to evolve upon it with entries like Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your avatar faces peril). Throughout all iteration, the fundamental gameplay loop of catching and fighting with charming creatures has stayed consistent for nearly as long as I've been alive.

Breaking the Mold in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus previously, featuring absence of gyms and emphasis on compiling a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings several changes into that formula. It's set completely in one place, the French capital-inspired Lumiose Metropolis from Pokémon X and Y, ditching the expansive adventures of earlier games. Pokémon are meant to live together with humans, battlers and non-trainers alike, in ways we have merely glimpsed before.

Far more drastic than that Z-A's live-action battle system. This is where the series' almost ideal gameplay loop experiences its biggest transformation yet, swapping deliberate turn-based bouts with more frenetic action. And it's immensely fun, even as I find myself eager for another turn-based entry. Though these alterations to the traditional Pokémon formula seem 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 Championship

Upon first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your custom avatar planned as a visitor get abandoned; you're promptly enlisted by Taunie (for male avatars; the male guide if female) to join their squad of battlers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your starter and are sent into the Z-A Championship.

The Royale serves as the centerpiece in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the traditional "gym badges to Elite Four" progression of past games. But here, you battle several opponents to earn the opportunity to compete in an advancement bout. Succeed and you'll be promoted to the next rank, with the final objective of reaching rank A.

Real-Time Battles: A New Frontier

Character fights take place at night, while sneaking around the assigned battle zones is very enjoyable. I'm always attempting to get a jump on a rival and unleash an unopposed move, because everything happens in real time. Moves operate on cooldown timers, meaning you and your opponent can sometimes attack each other concurrently (and knock each other out simultaneously). It's a lot to get used to initially. Even after playing for nearly thirty hours, I still feel that there is plenty to learn regarding using my Pokémon's moves in methods that work together synergistically. Placement also factors as a major role during combat as your Pokémon will trail behind you or go to specific locations to execute moves (some are long-range, while others need to be in close proximity).

The live combat makes battles progress so quickly that I often repeating sequences of attacks in the same order, despite this results in a less effective approach. There isn't moment to pause during Z-A, and numerous opportunities to get overwhelmed. Creature fights rely on feedback post-move execution, and that information is still present on the display in Z-A, but whips by rapidly. Occasionally, you cannot process it since diverting attention from your opponent will spell immediate defeat.

Navigating Lumiose Metropolis

Away from combat, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's relatively small, although tightly filled. Far into the adventure, I continue to find unseen stores and rooftops to explore. It's also rich with character, and fully realizes the vision of Pokémon and people living together. Pidgey inhabit its pathways, taking flight when you get near like the real-life pigeons obstructing my path when walking through NYC. The Pan Trio monkeys joyfully cling on streetlights, and insect creatures like Kakuna cling to trees.

An emphasis on urban life represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a positive change. Nonetheless, exploring Lumiose grows repetitive over time. You might discover an alley you haven't been to, but it feels identical. The building design is devoid of personality, and most rooftops and underground routes offer little variety. Although I never visited Paris, the model behind Lumiose, I've lived in NYC for nearly a decade. It's a city where no two blocks are the same, and they're all vibrant with differences that provide character. Lumiose City lacks that quality. It features beige structures with blue or red roofs and flatly rendered balconies.

Where The Metropolis Really Excels

Where the city really shines, surprisingly, is inside buildings. I adored how Pokémon battles within Sword and Shield occur in arena-like venues, providing them genuine significance and meaning. Conversely, battles in Scarlet & Violet take place on a court with few spectators watching. It's very disappointing. Z-A strikes a middle ground between the two. You'll battle in eateries with diners observing while they eat. An elite combat club will extend an invitation to a tournament, and you'll battle in its rooftop arena under a lighting fixture (not Chandelure) hanging above. My favorite location is the elegantly decorated base of the Rust Syndicate with atmospheric illumination and purple partitions. Various individual combat settings overflow with personality that's absent from the larger city in general.

The Familiarity of Routine

Throughout the Royale, along with quelling rogue powered-up creatures and completing the Pokédex, there's an inescapable feeling of, {"I