Nintendo has released a new trailer for Pokémon Legends ZA, and along with it came Mega Dragonite. The accompanying article for the video quoted “The moment. The icon” and then showed a very attractive “animation”, which was in fact very smooth and at the same time technically new to the megas. Nevertheless, the players’ reactions are very distinct. While some are very excited about it, others have not yet warmed up to it that much. This is precisely the kind of drama that comes along with Pokémon games’ induction of madness.
What is going on with Mega Dragonite in Pokémon Legends ZA? The animation indeed gives this sphere a wonderful effect with energy flowing in and out around it, which means everything is just fantastic. A user like Chirag S Kotian is of the opinion that the flowing animation deserves a “chef’s kiss” and he labels Mega Dragonite as a “total beast” due to the stat boost while still being of Dragon/Flying type. This is a great provision for competitive players who want to rule with their dragon of choice. But there is also the design issue which is a hot potato. The same user also mentioned Dragonite’s new head wings are an overt homage to Dragonair and that this is not a very good idea. To some players, the new head wings were even branded as “disproportionate or out of place.” The logic is, why even have wings on its head when it has perfectly functional wings on its back?? It is a daring decision to say the least.
To add on, the opinions in reply are very mixed. Byron Culver is a fan of the game and he praises it saying, “This game is so so fun. I been enjoying it.” On the other hand, Alexander Smith who has confessed, “I was unsure about it originally, but now I absolutely love Mega Dragonite,” turned around from an original hesitant stance to being completely in love with Mega Dragonite. It looks like some players’ support is already 100% solid. But, Amy from Team LH, who has finished playing the game, grieves that it was a “huge disappointment.” She went on to calling it a “boring and underwhelming story mixed with atrocious graphics and awful new Mega designs.” Ouch! That is very tough. She even goes on to say that she hopes Gen 10 next year will be better. Wait what was I saying? Oh, yes, the division in opinions is very much alive.
Moreover, there is this whole side issue about someone called iluminate who apparently sent a message saying “Digimon Time Stranger > Legends ZA” with a laughing emoji which could be interpreted as a mockery. That is only going to ignite more disputes. Furthermore, the random “Xbox is better” guy turning up is always there as there is always one. But the real news is in the minutiae. Players are demanding voice acting with player Z simply saying “We need voice acting.” That is a whole different debate especially when it comes to Pokemon games. Moreover, someone asked why Nintendo is “tweeting like this now??” which is a very relevant question—Nintendo’s social media has been behaving differently lately.
In Pokémon Legends ZA the mechanic of Mega Evolution is very important and Mega Dragonite for sure is one of the centrepieces. However, not all are of the opinion that it should be up there in the limelight. Chirag S Kotian articulated that they would “rather see Mega Flygon or Lopunny get the iconic spotlight tbh—they need the power boost more!” Thus, there is an ongoing question which of the Pokémon should get Mega treatment. It is not merely a case of acknowledging that Mega Dragonite looks cool; it is a matter of whether or not it was the right choice to bet on Mega Dragonite at the very start.
And then in addition to that different experiences of gameplay are mentioned. Some players are enjoying it, whereas others feel too let down. The truthfulness of Amy’s statement in a reply to someone called Marden that she only purchased the game “so I can say I tried it out for myself ” and that it is “Not my favourite Pokemon game that’s for sure” was rather a good follow-up. That is the risk that comes with high-profile releases—expectations are unimaginably high and sometimes the reality just does not match them. Players have pointed out that one of the areas where they are having issues is graphics which is rather surprising since Pokémon among other factors has for a long time been associated with animation fatigue.
In the end, Pokémon Legends ZA is a kettle of fish and Mega Dragonite is right in the middle of it. It does not matter at all whether you embrace the new design or consider it a failure—people are still discussing it and that is the very thing that makes the Pokémon community so lively everyone has their opinion and they are not afraid to say it. The game is out now and players will be the ones to determine whether Mega Dragonite is indeed iconic or just… controversial. The opinion divide is real, and it might even be quite entertaining to see it unfold.
