Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be up for sale in a week, and probably the hype is on the top level. Despite that, the talk in social media has changed from excitement to a feeling of frustration meanwhile, quite a number of users of social media are sharing their displeasure. The official tweet from Nintendo confirmed the date of release as October 16 for both the Nintendo Switch and the new Switch, but, at the same time, gamers are identifying one issue that is the most displeasing.
The main question is about Mega Evolutions, to be exact, the procedure to get them. These powerful changes have been repeatedly mentioned in the trailers and other marketing materials but what is thus coming about is that more and more people in the community are very much upset; the upset situation is well represented by the comments that say Mega Stones are being locked up behind the online ranked battle season rewards. It is now impossible to encounter the Mega Stones just by exploring the game world in Lumiose City. If you want to own all Megas, you have to compete online.
The response from the fans has not really been great. One user in particular, CynfulEntity, simply put it in a very concise way: “Have a look at these mega evolutions, but I am confined to online gameplay only and normal play is when I can get the rewards that are locked!” It is a complain that one can hear all over from the comments under the posts. Another user, Evergreen, commented directly, “This is the first Pokémon game not to buy because I do not like it when they lock features behind an online service.
In fact, this shows a very old complaint among Pokémon players. Throughout the years, gamers have made it a point to voice their objection against Game Freak and Nintendo for making some Pokémon, items, and now game-changing battle techniques available only during limited-time events, store distributions, and, this time, a paid online service. The outcome is that the completion of your Pokédex or all the abilities of the game are not only confined to the skill and effort you put in but also having a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and the time to grind in a competitive atmosphere.
The debate is still going on in the replies, with some justifying the policy. A user, Eóleo del Viento, proclaimed that what mattered was enjoying the game and he went on to write, “Because it’s fun. You know that [Having Fun] is the only important thing when thinking about buying a videogame, right?? 😂😂😂?” However, this was quickly countered by TheDiablix who remarked, “If you still find it fun, good for you. Some of us are worn out by Pokémon’s stubbornness and refusal to even try to improve or keep up with their competition in any way.”
Ouch! That one really hurts! It shows a general weariness that some of the long-time players are experiencing. The consensus is that the Pokémon formula has become stagnant and the decision to limit the core content to being online has come at the cost of progress rather than being a step forward. The cost of the online service is one thing, even though it is a reason, as users are still having the debate about the $20 annual fee being justified—it’s the principle of it. Shouldn’t a huge highly marketed feature like Mega Evolution live up to that?
The negative remarks do not stop there either, since gamers are also revisiting previous problems, like the online code-only distribution of Shiny Pokémon in stores such as GameStop. One user, ‘whereweatthen’ was asking, “I should have your shiny Pokémon in the proper way, what do you get from limiting a code to freaking GameStop?” It’s a part of the same trend, and for most folks, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is just the most recent iteration of it.
Doubt about the game’s main plot has also arisen. One player, Alias, was not content by the total concept of a city-only Pokémon game and simply asked “Is there anyone out there who really wants to play a city-only Pokémon game? What were you guys thinking?” True, Lumiose City is huge but having only a single huge city as the game’s whole location is a significant change from the usual region-hopping trip. It’s a risky move but not all are convinced.
So what’s that mean for us with only one week till the launch? There is no denying the anticipation for a new Pokémon Legends game. The first one, Arceus, was a wonderful surprise that totally changed the catching system. But again, linking Mega Evolution to the online ranked play has cast a big shadow. It is causing the players who are ready to join the competitive gaming group and those who just want a complete, self-contained solo experience to split.
It’s a strange feeling. The countdown has begun, the pre-orders are in place, yet this one, controversial decision is dominating the talks. Could this have a negative impact on the sales? It is surely not going to be a very considerable impact; after all, Pokémon is Pokémon. However, it is still an influence on the mood. Gamers are moving toward this release with a skeptical attitude that was not the case with Arceus. They are not very positive that the “Z-A Royale” will be the royal pain to enjoy fully without going through online hoops. Only time will tell whether staying in Lumiose City will be so exciting that the players will ignore the fact that the Mega Stones have been locked away. Or if this decision will be the one that everybody associates with the game most.
