Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s battle system is a significant departure from traditional turn-based battles, requiring players to think quickly and strategically in real-time. Even with years of experience playing mainline Pokémon games, I found myself adjusting to the new style of battling, where moves are on cooldown timers, status moves become crucial, and physical dodging adds an extra layer of complexity.
The game’s focus on real-time battles may initially feel overwhelming, but it quickly becomes an exciting challenge as players learn to adapt. Status moves like Growl, which lowers the opposing Pokémon’s attack stat, proved essential in managing cooldowns. The addition of items like Potions also adds a new level of strategy, requiring players to balance their attacks with cooldown management.
The game’s Rogue Mega Absol battle was particularly engaging, requiring players to dodge and move around the arena while selecting moves and juggling cooldowns. While I initially made a rookie error with my Weedle against Pidgeotto, I quickly regained confidence as I developed strategies for managing cooldowns and status moves.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s real-time battles offer a fresh take on the series, requiring players to think actively about Pokémon in ways that feel new and exciting. With its release scheduled for October 16th, fans can look forward to experiencing this unique battle style, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of Pokémon knowledge and strategic thinking.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/759788/pokemon-legends-z-a-battle-real-time-preview