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I'm not sure precisely when the custom began, but I always name all my Pokémon trainers Glitch.

Whether it's a main series game or a side project like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the moniker always stays the same. Malfunction switches from male to female characters, with black and purple hair. Occasionally their style is flawless, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest installment in the enduring franchise (and one of the most style-conscious releases). At other moments they're confined to the various school uniform designs from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. But they're always Glitch.

The Ever-Evolving Realm of Pokemon Titles

Much like my characters, the Pokemon titles have evolved between releases, some superficial, some substantial. But at their core, they stay the same; they're always Pokémon through and through. Game Freak uncovered a nearly perfect mechanics system some three decades back, and has only truly attempted to evolve on it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your avatar faces peril). Throughout every version, the fundamental mechanics cycle of capturing and battling with adorable monsters has remained consistent for almost the same duration as my lifetime.

Breaking Conventions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus before it, with its lack of arenas and focus on creating a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces multiple deviations to that formula. It takes place entirely in one place, the Paris-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X & Y, ditching the region-spanning adventures of earlier titles. Pokémon are intended to coexist alongside people, trainers and non-trainers alike, in manners we've only glimpsed previously.

Far more radical than that Z-A's live-action battle system. It's here the franchise's almost ideal gameplay loop undergoes its most significant evolution yet, swapping deliberate turn-based fights for more frenetic action. And it's thoroughly enjoyable, despite I find myself eager for another turn-based release. Though these changes to the classic Pokemon recipe seem like they create a completely new experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as any other Pokémon title.

The Core of the Adventure: The Z-A Royale

When first arriving in Lumiose City, whatever plans your created character planned as a visitor get abandoned; you're immediately enlisted by the female guide (for male avatars; Urbain if female) to become part of their squad of trainers. You're gifted one of her Pokémon as your starter and are sent into the Z-A Royale.

The Championship is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's comparable to the traditional "gym badges to Elite Four" progression from earlier titles. But here, you fight several trainers to gain the chance to compete in a promotion match. Win and you will be elevated to a higher tier, with the final objective of achieving rank A.

Real-Time Battles: A New Approach

Character fights occur at night, and navigating stealthily the assigned combat areas is very enjoyable. I'm constantly attempting to surprise a rival and unleash an unopposed move, because all actions occur instantaneously. Moves operate on cooldown timers, meaning both combatants may occasionally strike simultaneously concurrently (and defeat each other at once). It's much to adjust 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 ways that work together synergistically. Placement also plays a major role in battles as your Pokémon will trail behind you or go to specific locations to perform attacks (certain ones are distant, whereas others must be in close proximity).

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 isn't moment to breathe in Z-A, and numerous chances to become swamped. Creature fights depend on feedback after using an attack, and that information remains visible on the display within Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you can't even read it because taking your eyes off your opponent will spell certain doom.

Navigating Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, though densely packed. Deep into the game, I'm still discovering new shops and elevated areas to visit. It's also full of charm, and perfectly captures the concept of Pokémon and people living together. Common bird Pokemon populate its sidewalks, flying away as you approach similar to actual pigeons getting in my way when walking through NYC. The monkey trio joyfully cling from lampposts, and bug-Pokémon like Kakuna attach themselves to trees.

A focus on city living represents a fresh approach for Pokémon, and a welcome one. Even so, exploring Lumiose becomes rote over time. You might discover an alley you never visited, but it feels identical. The building design lacks character, and many elevated areas and sewer paths offer little variety. Although I haven't been to Paris, the inspiration for Lumiose, I've lived in NYC for almost ten years. It's a city where every district are the same, and they're all vibrant with differences that provide character. Lumiose City doesn't have that. It has tan buildings with blue or red roofs and simply designed terraces.

Where Lumiose City Truly Shines

Where the city really shines, surprisingly, is inside buildings. I loved the way creature fights in Sword & Shield occur in arena-like venues, giving them real weight and importance. On the flipside, fights within Scarlet and Violet happen in a field with few spectators watching. It's a total letdown. Z-A finds a balance between the two. You will fight in eateries with patrons watching as they dine. An elite combat club will extend an invitation to a competition, and you'll battle on its penthouse court with a chandelier (not Chandelure) hanging above. My favorite location is the elegantly decorated headquarters of a certain faction with its moody lighting and purple partitions. Various individual combat settings brim with character missing in the overall metropolis as a whole.

The Familiarity of Repetition

Throughout the Championship, along with quelling rogue powered-up creatures and completing the creature index, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I