With games defined by their ability to generate X-topping hate-fueled hashtags, games so technologically unpredictable that developers had to implement anti-crash back-up data as feature, and games with textures so unpleasant that they’ve received comparisons to titles from 1998, it’s fair to say that Pokémon’s Nintendo Switch era has been rocky — even if the franchise’s sheer popularity is enough for quality concerns to never reflect in the sales charts.

However, while other Switch titles were mixed in their reception due to their lack of polish, substance or innovation, one game stood apart from the crowd — 2022’s “Pokémon Legends: Arceus.” It took immersion to the next-level — no longer were battles relegated to a secondary screen; the world’s most dangerous monsters now posed actual environmental threats, with potential to harm not only the player’s Pokémon but the players themselves.

When “Pokémon Legends: Z-A,” a game set in Pokémon X and Y’s Kalos region, was announced for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in February 2024, excitement was high. For 12 years, fans have longed for an opportunity to revisit the fan-favorite “Mega Evolution” gimmick, originally from “Pokémon X and Y,” and deepen the infamously underexplored lore of the Kalos region as a whole; this game is the culmination of years of pent-up excitement.

So, did “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” end up living up to the hype? Ultimately, yes, even if it deviated slightly from the foundations of its predecessor.

While a previous series installment, “Pokémon Legends: Arceus,” is a title defined by its scale and exploration, setting players thousands of years in the past where they must traverse biomes to discover the mysteries of the prehistoric Hisui region, “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” flips that concept on its head. The latest entry takes place entirely in Lumiose City, five years after the events in the Kalos region in Pokémon X and Y.

The story sees the player join a group called “Team MZ” — a group of young trainers who seek to assist in the re-development of Lumiose City following Team Flare’s attack at the end of “Pokémon: X and Y.” To do this, the protagonist must rise in the ranks of the Z-A Battle Royale, a nightly competition circuit, to prove that he possesses what it takes to harness the power of Floette’s Mega Evolution and save the city.

The active battle and capture systems return from “Pokémon Legends: Arceus,” although they’re done differently this time around. Old Mega Evolutions are also back, and a number of brand new forms have been added. Battles are now completely real-time, and instead of having five large, themed biomes to catch Pokémon in, the iconic pocket monsters are strewn out in “Wild Zones” throughout Lumiose.

Through its atmosphere, the structure of its progression and sprinkle of slice-of-life elements, “Pokémon: Legends Z-A” establishes itself as one of the more personal games in the series. The game operates on a 24-minute day cycle. Players use the daytime sequences to complete side quests and main missions, while they grind their way through the aforementioned battle royale in the night.

The cast of characters is also a highlight, as players become deeply familiar with the many officials, vigilante groups and government organizations that contribute to the politics of the story.

While “Pokémon Legends: Arceus” emulated the feel of a feature film that felt grand in its presentation, “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” feels more like a weekly TV series, with less of a central overarching premise and more character interaction with gradual tension built throughout.

In terms of combat, the game offers far more opportunities for battle. Through features like the battle royale, dozens of quests around the city that prompt trainer battles and an increase of mandatory battles in the game, “Legends Z-A” makes active strides to fix this issue. Players will have ample opportunity to level up their teams and experiment with new catches.

Even though “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” made many improvements over its predecessor, the sense of emptiness in this generation’s postgame content was notably disappointing. In “Pokémon Legends: Arceus,” the postgame content is arguably the highlight of the game.

In terms of end-game content, unfortunately, most of the postgame of “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” feels lackluster, and it’s by far the game’s most underwhelming trait. Many new objectives feel repetitive and the story peaks fail to match the high standards set by previous entries.

Still, what “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” lacks in terms of sheer content volume, it more than makes up for in its vibrant atmosphere, immersive gameplay and compelling story.

The whimsical and engaging presentation of the game gives a level of charm unmatched by any recent entry in the series. For dedicated fans, it taps into the childlike sense of wonder and curiosity that has drawn millions to the franchise. By the end of the run, fans of the franchise won’t be ready for the ride to be over.