February 27th’sPokemonPresents gave fans a long-awaited look atPokemon Legends: Z-A, which came with a lot of information to unpack. Some of the new revelations aboutPokemon Legends: Z-Arevolve around returning moves and mega evolutions, but this combination might reignite a long-dormant debate.
After the reveal ofPokemon Legends: Z-Anearly a year ago, players have been longing for any news about the newPokemonspin-off game, and thePokemonDay celebratory presentation didn’t disappoint. The extended sneak peek at the upcoming game provided answers to some of the title’s biggest mysteries. Among the large reveals of the time period and starter trio, though, were a few hints that went unnoticed by many. When touching on the game’s new battle system, some fans noticed thata previously cut Pokemon move is returningforLegends: Z-A. Power-Up Punch, a fighting-type move that boosts the user’s physical attack, was at the heart of a controversial strategy used during theX and Yera, leading the move to be cut fromScarlet and Violet. But with its return, an overpowered strategy might be revived.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Will Be Game-Changing
Just likeLegends: Arceusbefore it,Pokemon Legends: Z-Awill treat fans to aPokemonexperience that strays from that of the mainline games. Among the manychanges inPokemon Legends: Z-A, such as new areas andPokemoncatching mechanics, is a change in the way battles will play out. Unlike the classic turn-based battles of the corePokemontitles,Legends: Z-Awill be introducing a real-time battle system to the series. Perhaps this change can explain the decision to incorporate attacks that were deemed too powerful in the past. With a new battle system comes a new meta, which could see Power-Up Punch become more balanced than in previous entries.
Power-Up Punch is a fighting-type move with 100% accuracy and 40 power. After the attack, the user’s physical attack stat is raised by one level.
Another major change that theLegendsgames bring is the removal of Pokemon abilities. Typically, each Pokemon has an ability that might help it during battle, such as eliminating or gaining stat boosts or immunity to special conditions. With the different mechanics explored inLegends: Arceus, abilities were removed in favor of new move types. Now, although unconfirmed, there are rumors that suggestabilities will be absent fromPokemon Legends: Z-Atoo. This also helps to rebalance Power-Up Punch, as the strategy that abused it relied on Mega Kangaskhan’s Parental Bond ability, which allowed it to attack twice in one turn, reaping double the stat boosts of the attack. Without that signature ability, Mega Kangaskhan would no longer be able to abuse Power-Up Punch in competitive battles.
How Mega Evolution Will Change
Kangaskhan was far from the only Pokemon to receive a powerful mega evolution in the Gen 6 era, with nearly 50 monsters gaining new moves, abilities, and types from the short-lived feature. While many trainers are excited about its return, the new real-time battle system means thatmega evolution needs to be changedin order to balance the gameplay. It seems that instead of remaining in their new form for the duration of the battle, Pokemon will now have a limited time to utilize their special form before reverting to normal. Coupled with the removal of abilities, this could lead to mega-evolved Pokemon being less overpowered than they were in the past, with the title hopefully dodging balancing concerns as a result.
It remains to be seen exactly how mega evolution will play into the battle system and story ofPokemon Legends: Z-A, but it is believed to play a major role in the new title. Fans remain eager to find outwhich mega evolutions will be returning, as well as which other Pokemon might receive new forms. With the success ofLegends: Arceusand the mystique surrounding the Kalos region,Pokemon Legends: Z-Aseems to have already captured fans’ attention. No release date has been announced, but the game is set to come out in late 2025.
