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I'm not sure precisely when the custom began, however I always name every one of my Pokémon trainers Malfunction.

Whether it's a core franchise game or a side project such as Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name never changes. Glitch alternates from male to female characters, with black and purple hair. Sometimes their fashion is flawless, as seen in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this long-running franchise (and one of the most fashion-focused entries). Other times they're confined to the various academic attire designs of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they remain Malfunction.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokémon Games

Similar to my trainers, the Pokemon titles have transformed between releases, some cosmetic, others significant. However at their core, they remain the same; they're always Pokémon to the core. Game Freak discovered a nearly perfect mechanics system some three decades back, and just recently seriously tried to innovate upon it with entries like Pokémon Legends: Arceus (new era, your character is now in danger). Throughout all version, the fundamental gameplay loop of capturing and battling with adorable monsters has stayed steady for almost the same duration as I've been alive.

Breaking the Mold with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus previously, with its absence of gyms and focus on creating a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings multiple changes to that formula. It takes place entirely in a single location, the French capital-inspired Lumiose Metropolis of Pokémon X and Y, ditching the region-spanning adventures of earlier games. Pokémon are intended to live together alongside humans, trainers and civilians, in manners we have merely glimpsed previously.

Far more drastic is Z-A's real-time combat mechanics. This is where the series' almost ideal core cycle undergoes its biggest evolution yet, replacing deliberate turn-based bouts for more frenetic action. And it's immensely fun, despite I feel ready for another turn-based release. Although these changes to the classic Pokémon formula sound like they create an entirely fresh adventure, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is as familiar as any other Pokemon game.

The Heart of the Journey: The Z-A Royale

When first arriving in Lumiose City, any intentions your custom avatar planned as a visitor are discarded; you're promptly recruited by the female guide (for male avatars; Urbain if female) to join their squad of battlers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your first partner and are sent to participate in the Z-A Royale.

The Championship serves as the centerpiece in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the classic "arena symbols to final challenge" progression from earlier titles. However here, you fight several opponents to gain the chance to participate in an advancement bout. Win and you will be promoted to a higher tier, with the ultimate goal of reaching the top rank.

Live-Action Combat: An Innovative Approach

Character fights take place at night, and sneaking around the designated battle zones is quite enjoyable. I'm always attempting to get a jump on an opponent and unleash a free attack, since all actions occur instantaneously. Attacks operate on cooldown timers, indicating both combatants may occasionally attack each other concurrently (and knock each other out simultaneously). It's much to adjust to at first. Even after gaming for almost thirty hours, I continue to feel like there's plenty to learn in terms of employing my creatures' attacks in methods that complement each other. Placement also factors as a major role during combat as your Pokémon will follow you around or move to designated spots to execute moves (some are long-range, whereas others must be up close and personal).

The real-time action makes battles go so fast that I find myself repeating sequences of attacks in identical patterns, even when this amounts to a less effective approach. There isn't moment to pause in Z-A, and numerous opportunities to get overwhelmed. Pokémon battles rely on feedback post-move execution, and that information remains visible on the display within Z-A, but whips by quickly. Sometimes, you cannot process it because diverting attention from your opponent will spell certain doom.

Exploring Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you'll explore Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, though densely packed. Deep into the game, I continue to find new shops and rooftops to visit. It's also full of charm, and fully realizes the concept of creatures and humans living together. Common bird Pokemon inhabit its pathways, taking flight when you get near like the real-life pigeons getting in my way when walking in New York City. The monkey trio gleefully hang from lampposts, and bug-Pokémon like Kakuna attach themselves to trees.

An emphasis on city living represents a fresh approach for Pokémon, and a positive change. Even so, navigating the city grows repetitive over time. You may stumble upon a passage you never visited, but it feels identical. The building design lacks character, and many elevated areas and sewer paths offer little variety. While I never visited Paris, the model behind Lumiose, I've lived in NYC for nearly a decade. It's a city where every district are the same, and all are alive with uniqueness that give them soul. Lumiose Metropolis doesn't have that. It has beige structures topped with colored roofs and simply designed balconies.

The Areas Where Lumiose City Really Excels

In which the city really shines, oddly enough, is indoors. I loved the way creature fights within Sword and Shield take place in arena-like venues, giving them real weight and meaning. Conversely, battles in Scarlet & Violet happen in a field with few spectators watching. It's very disappointing. Z-A strikes a middle ground between both extremes. You'll battle in eateries with diners observing while they eat. A fancy battle society will extend an invitation to a competition, and you'll battle on its penthouse court under a lighting fixture (not the Pokemon) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the elegantly decorated headquarters of a certain faction with atmospheric illumination and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings overflow with personality missing in the larger city as a whole.

The Comfort of Repetition

Throughout the Royale, along with subduing wild Mega Evolved Pokémon and filling the creature index, there's an inescapable feeling of, {"I