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I don't recall precisely when the tradition started, however I always name all my Pokémon trainers Malfunction.

Be it a core franchise game or a spinoff like Pokkén Tournament DX along with Pokémon Go — the moniker never changes. Malfunction alternates from male to female avatars, with black and purple locks. Occasionally their fashion is flawless, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this long-running franchise (and among the most style-conscious releases). At other moments they're confined to the assorted school uniform designs from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. But they're always Glitch.

The Ever-Evolving World of Pokemon Games

Similar to my trainers, the Pokémon games have transformed between releases, with certain cosmetic, some substantial. But at their heart, they stay the same; they're always Pokemon through and through. The developers uncovered an almost flawless mechanics system some 30 years ago, and just recently truly attempted to evolve upon it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (new era, your character is now in danger). Throughout all iteration, the core gameplay loop of capturing and battling with charming creatures has remained steady for nearly as long as I've been alive.

Breaking Conventions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus before it, featuring lack of arenas and emphasis on creating a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces multiple deviations into that framework. It's set completely in one place, the French capital-inspired Lumiose City of Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the expansive adventures of earlier titles. Pokemon are meant to coexist alongside humans, trainers and non-trainers alike, in manners we've only seen glimpses of before.

Even more drastic than that Z-A's real-time combat mechanics. This is where the series' near-perfect core cycle undergoes its most significant transformation yet, replacing deliberate sequential fights with something more chaotic. And it is thoroughly enjoyable, even as I feel eager for a new turn-based entry. Though these alterations to the classic Pokémon formula seem like they create an entirely fresh experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as every other Pokemon game.

The Heart of the Adventure: The Z-A Royale

When first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your created character planned as a visitor are discarded; you're immediately recruited by Taunie (if playing as a male character; the male guide for female characters) to become part of their squad of trainers. You're gifted one of her Pokémon as your first partner and you're dispatched into the Z-A Championship.

The Royale serves as the centerpiece of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the traditional "gym badges to Elite Four" progression from earlier titles. However here, you battle a handful of trainers to earn the chance to compete in a promotion match. Succeed and you'll be promoted to the next rank, with the ultimate goal of achieving rank A.

Live-Action Combat: An Innovative Frontier

Trainer battles take place at night, while sneaking around the assigned battle zones is very enjoyable. I'm constantly 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 strike simultaneously at the same time (and defeat each other at once). It's much to adjust to initially. Despite gaming for almost 30 hours, I still feel that there is plenty to learn regarding employing my creatures' attacks in methods that work together synergistically. Placement also factors as a significant part during combat as your Pokémon will follow you around or move to specific locations to execute moves (some are long-range, while others must be up close and personal).

The live combat causes fights progress so quickly that I find myself sometimes cycling through moves in identical patterns, even when this results in a suboptimal strategy. There's no time to breathe in Z-A, and plenty of chances to become swamped. Pokémon battles rely on feedback post-move execution, and that data remains visible on screen in Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you cannot process it because taking your eyes off your adversary will spell immediate defeat.

Navigating Lumiose Metropolis

Away from combat, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's relatively small, although densely packed. Deep into the game, I continue to find new shops and elevated areas to visit. It is also rich with character, and fully realizes the concept of Pokémon and people coexisting. Common bird Pokemon 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 bug-Pokémon such as Kakuna cling on branches.

An emphasis on urban life is a new direction for the franchise, and a positive change. Nonetheless, exploring Lumiose becomes rote eventually. You might discover an alley you haven't been to, but you wouldn't know it. The architecture lacks character, and most rooftops and underground routes provide minimal diversity. 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 differs, and all are vibrant with differences that give them soul. Lumiose Metropolis doesn't have that. It has tan buildings with blue or red roofs and simply designed balconies.

The Areas Where The Metropolis Truly Shines

Where Lumiose City truly stands out, surprisingly, is indoors. I loved how Pokémon battles within Sword & Shield occur in arena-like venues, providing them genuine significance and importance. On the flipside, battles in Scarlet & Violet take place on a court with two random people watching. It's very disappointing. Z-A strikes a middle ground between both extremes. You will fight in eateries with patrons watching while they eat. An elite combat club will invite you to a tournament, and you'll battle on its penthouse court under a lighting fixture (not Chandelure) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the beautifully designed headquarters of a certain faction with its moody lighting and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings overflow with personality missing in the overall metropolis in general.

The Familiarity of Repetition

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