Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been able to alienate some players due to its graphics. However, there is something else that hinders the fun in the game even more – something that MeinMMO editor Caro must also agree with.
What annoys players even more than the graphics? Players have noted after the release of the game that even those who can look past the graphics of the game are confronted with a new annoying boss – and that right from the start.
The player Alone_Ad_1062 posted on Reddit his opinion on the first 2 hours in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and receives plenty of support when he says: “The way you are handheld in [Z-A] is a real fun killer.”
He adds that he feels like he is trapped in conversations 80% of the time, without really being allowed to play properly. The accompanying character in the game actually only walks about 20 meters further, just to catch up with the player again and redirect him. Those who want to explore on their own are stopped by the Rotom phone and are told to immediately follow the “prescribed” path.
Here you can see the trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A:
Caught in overprotective care
What do other players criticize? Players desire more freedom in dialogue options and in their exploration. The Reddit thread makes it clear that players do not want to be so hand-held by the game – and this has become increasingly evident in the latest games.
“Every game does this more than the previous one,” writes AestheticNoAzteca on Reddit and AsexualPlantBoi also finds that this was already similar in the last Legends game from Pokémon: “Legends Arceus is one of my favorite games, but that three-hour tutorial is really annoying” (on Reddit).
Players therefore wish for an option that makes this kind of unavoidable tutorial a voluntary gameplay mechanic that players can choose or refuse. Because not everyone needs a lengthy tutorial after over 20 years of Pokémon games (aside from the new mechanics of the Legends games).
“Pokémon games need an ‘I have already played Pokémon’ option when starting a new game,” writes thingpaint on Reddit.
However, the player is not alone in this feeling. Many other Pokémon fans share the same opinion and MeinMMO editor Caro, who really wants to give the game a chance, also finds herself particularly restricted at the beginning due to her nonexistent decision-making freedom – while she just wants to accomplish one important thing:
I do not describe myself as someone who finds conversations with companions and NPCs or cutscenes annoying, quite the opposite. To me, such elements are an important part of a Pokémon game and often contribute to immersion in my gameplay experiences.
MeinMMO Editor Caro
I actually usually enjoy seeing my character in animations, being truly engaged in the story, and being regarded as part of the world.
However, I see it similarly to the player who wrote the Reddit post. Only after hours am I now (as far as I know, I have not been stopped yet) allowed to move freely, having been held hostage by my overzealous companion like on a tourist coffee ride.
The scenes can be fun, especially when you see yourself in action, but that is also precisely the problem.
Before I get bound to any story missions, I would much rather explore the city a bit, check out stores, and most importantly… finally be able to adjust my style! But the good companion does not allow that, no. Here, unfortunately, you have no say. Illumina can only be explored in his way, before you are allowed to express any objections.
(At least you are allowed to secretly take off the hat you receive at the beginning.)
Another scripted moment of the tutorial, which one cannot escape – but also should not – is the choice of your own starter Pokémon, through which you go from an Illumina tourist to a real Pokémon trainer. If you are still unsure which partner you want to choose at the beginning or want a Pokémon by your side that particularly matches your personality, you can find out here on MeinMMO in our quiz: Which starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A should you choose? Find out with our personality quiz
