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I don't recall precisely when the tradition started, however I always name every one of my Pokémon trainers Glitch.

Be it a core franchise title or a side project such as Pokkén Tournament DX along with Pokémon Go — the moniker never changes. Malfunction alternates between male and female characters, with black and purple locks. Sometimes their style is impeccable, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this long-running franchise (and among the most style-conscious entries). Other times they're confined to the assorted academic attire designs from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they're always Glitch.

The Constantly Changing World of Pokémon Games

Much like my characters, the Pokemon titles have transformed between releases, with certain cosmetic, some substantial. However at their core, they stay identical; they're consistently Pokémon through and through. Game Freak uncovered a nearly perfect mechanics system approximately three decades back, and has only seriously tried to evolve on it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your character faces peril). Across all iteration, the fundamental gameplay loop of catching and battling with adorable monsters has remained steady for nearly as long as I've been alive.

Shaking the Mold with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus previously, featuring absence of gyms and emphasis on compiling a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces several changes into that framework. It's set entirely in one place, the Paris-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the expansive adventures of earlier titles. Pokemon are intended to coexist alongside people, trainers and non-trainers alike, in ways we have merely seen glimpses of previously.

Even more drastic is Z-A's live-action battle system. This is where the series' almost ideal core cycle experiences its biggest transformation yet, swapping methodical sequential fights with more frenetic action. And it is thoroughly enjoyable, even as I feel eager for a new turn-based entry. Although these alterations to the traditional Pokemon recipe seem like they form an entirely fresh experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is as familiar as any other Pokémon title.

The Core of the Adventure: The Z-A Royale

Upon initially reaching at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your created character planned as a visitor are discarded; you're promptly recruited by Taunie (if playing as a male character; Urbain for female characters) to join her team of trainers. You receive a creature from them as your first partner and are sent into the Z-A Championship.

The Championship is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the traditional "arena symbols to final challenge" advancement of past games. However here, you fight a handful of opponents to gain the chance to compete in a promotion match. Succeed and you'll be elevated to a higher tier, with the final objective of achieving the top rank.

Real-Time Combat: A New Approach

Character fights occur during nighttime, while sneaking around the designated combat areas is very entertaining. I'm always trying to get a jump on an opponent and launch an unopposed move, since everything happens instantaneously. Moves operate on recharge periods, indicating both combatants can sometimes attack each other concurrently (and defeat each other simultaneously). It's a lot to adjust to at first. Even after playing for nearly 30 hours, I continue to feel like there's much to master in terms of employing my creatures' attacks in methods that complement each other. Placement also factors as a significant part during combat since your creatures will trail behind you or go to designated spots to execute moves (certain ones are distant, while others need to be in close proximity).

The live combat makes battles go so fast that I often repeating sequences of attacks in identical patterns, despite this results in a less effective approach. There's no time to breathe in Z-A, and plenty of opportunities to get overwhelmed. Creature fights rely on feedback after using an attack, and that data remains visible on the display within Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you can't even read it since diverting attention from your opponent will spell certain doom.

Exploring Lumiose City

Away from combat, you will traverse Lumiose Metropolis. It's fairly compact, although tightly filled. Deep into the game, I continue to find new shops and elevated areas to visit. It is also full of charm, and fully realizes the vision of creatures and humans living together. Common bird Pokemon populate its sidewalks, taking flight when you get near like the real-life city birds getting in my way when walking through NYC. The monkey trio gleefully hang on streetlights, and insect creatures such as Kakuna cling on branches.

A focus on city living represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a welcome one. Nonetheless, navigating the city becomes rote eventually. You may stumble upon an alley you haven't been to, but you wouldn't know it. The building design is devoid of personality, and many elevated areas and underground routes provide minimal diversity. Although I haven't been to the French capital, the inspiration for the city, I reside in New York for nearly a decade. It's a city where every district are the same, and all are vibrant with differences that give them soul. Lumiose City lacks that quality. It has tan buildings topped with colored roofs and simply designed balconies.

Where The Metropolis Really Excels

In which the city truly stands out, surprisingly, is indoors. I loved the way creature fights within Sword and Shield take place in arena-like venues, giving them real weight and importance. Conversely, fights within Scarlet and Violet happen on a court with few spectators observing. It's very disappointing. Z-A finds a balance 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 will combat on its penthouse court under a lighting fixture (not the Pokemon) hanging above. My favorite location is the beautifully designed headquarters of a certain faction with its moody lighting and magenta walls. Various individual combat settings overflow with personality missing in the overall metropolis as a whole.

The Familiarity of Repetition

During the Royale, as well as quelling rogue powered-up creatures and filling the Pokédex, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I