In the latest issue of Nintendo Direct, new gameplay footage of Pokémon Legends: Z-A was showcased. For the first time, scenes are shown at night, where the city transforms into a lawless place.
What happens at night? As previously reported, there were rumors that a league takes place at night in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Thanks to the Direct, we know that the leaks are true. In the Switch title, there is a tournament called Z-A Royale that takes place at night.
- In the battle sectors, other trainers appear at night who challenge you to a fight upon eye contact. The dynamic battle system is used here.
- Finally, we also know why the game is named this way: You fight your way up from rank Z to A.
- According to Centro Leaks on X, there is a structured process: During the day, trainers prepare, buy items, and catch Pokémon. At night, they participate in battles, receive prize money, and can buy items again the next day.
However, the video shows a special detail that can give you an advantage in battles. This turns you into a sneaky thug who ambushes other trainers.
You can watch the new gameplay here:
At night, Pokémon Legends becomes a Fight Club
What feature is it about? You can sneak up on trainers and their Pokémon and ambush them. Your Pokémon attacks with a preferred move; in the video, for example, it’s Lucario’s “Light Cannon”.
This gives you a surprise attack advantage and strikes before the battle has begun. This gives you the advantage that the opposing Pokémon starts with less HP.
In the main series games, this was never possible. Battles could only be initiated by starting a conversation or making eye contact. The manner in which these battles are triggered has caused amusement among many fans.
How do fans react? In the comments under the video on Reddit, the surprise attack is a hotly debated topic. Many find it amusing that you can sneak up on other trainers and attack them so easily. One user even compares it to Team Rocket, which in the anime has a different method each time to ambush Ash and his friends.
Many fans are therefore amused and write:
- zappy487 thinks there’s more to it: “The twist for Z-A: There’s no tournament at all; you’re schizophrenic and randomly attack people at night.”
- Thechristo96 finally gets his revenge: “After 30 years of being challenged to battle just by staring at people, it’s finally time for sweet revenge.”
- Lukthar123 compares it to other big cities: “Canonically officially Paris.”
There are also numerous memes on X, in which large gangs are fighting in the streets. Some even compare it to the movie series “The Purge,” where for one night a year, no rules apply, and people are allowed to commit crimes.
Thus, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces another innovation compared to its predecessor Pokémon Legends: Arceus. However, a feature that appeared in the first part of the series will not appear in Z-A: Pokémon Legends: Z-A – New leak reveals that a popular aspect from the predecessor will not be present
