ZA is setting a bar for Gen 10 that is practically impossible

Pokemon Legends: ZA it's been out for a while now, and fans are talking about their favorite elements of the game. While some praised Lumiose City's bustling environment, unique real-time combat elements, and the many new Mega Evolutions introduced in the game, many focused their praise on the title's characters. Pokemon Legends: ZAThe cast of characters is unique and multi-layered, with different motivations and opinions that elevate them above the former Gym Leaders and Elite Four who often rob them. Pokemon'with the tenth generation has a high bar to clear if they hope to match it Legends: ZA'with well rounded figures.

Many Legends: ZA characters quickly became fan favorites

Jacinthe, everything wrong with Lumiose City created a character

Like Legends: Arceus before that Legends: ZA dispenses with the “earn gym badges” plot in favor of an overarching story full of stunning Pokemon reveals, about the investigation of mysterious phenomena affecting Lumiose City. As players progress through the game, they encounter a wide variety of characters who have become fan favorites for various reasons. These include:

Urban/Taunie, who is popular for his cheerful attitude, close relationship with the player and really challenging battles.
Jacinthe, who is popular for her cute looks, quirky personality, surprising love of battle, and role in hidden post-game content.
Mable, who is popular for her role as the game's professor and her unique status as a reformed former member of Team Flare.
Corbeau, who fans are drawn to for his quirky demeanor, memorable looks, and interesting story.

Mable in the Pokemon Research Lab - Pokemon Legends ZA

These are just some of them Legends of ZA characters that fans have expressed their fondness for since the game's release. Clothing designer Naveen is back Pokemon X and Y character AZ, streamer and spinoff mascot Colorful Screw Canary, enthusiastic Fist of Justice member Ivor and others have built devoted fan bases among Pokemon players.

Love the character va Pokemon the game is nothing new — Scarlet and Violet's the permanently depleted platoon Larry has become one of the franchise's most beloved characters, and many of the previous Gym Leaders, members of the Elite Four, villains, and more have earned fan love. But Legends of ZA the characters feel developed in a way that actors do in few other games. Players will learn their motivations, their history, and their interactions with each other. They are more than just a trainer of the Pokemon they face in battle (albeit Legends of ZA has those in the form of some early ZA Royale opponents).

Generation 10 may struggle to replicate that, but they should try

It's going to be tough for the main line Pokemon replicate the game Legends of ZA'with success with its cast of characters. With a more contained story and unique setting, the characters can feel cohesive in a way Pokemon the cast rarely can: they all live in Lumiose City, most of them know each other, and many share the same goal. They have rivalries, friendships and opinions about each other, from Corbeau's distant Jacinthe to Canari and Gwynn's developing bond. They interact with the player beyond a single battle, and through a combination of main story, side quests, cutscenes, and post-game content, the player really gets to know each of them.

It's hard to develop Gym Leaders or Elite Four members in the same way. They are usually spread over large geographical areas, do not have much connection to each other beyond their shared profession, and interact with the player briefly, only occasionally reappearing. Many gymnastic leaders of earlier generations got most of their character development from Pokemon anime, especially those who traveled with the main character Ash Ketchum, such as Brock, Misty, and Iris.

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It would be worth it for generation 10 though Pokemon games with richer character development and cast interactions much like Legends of ZA. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet took steps in that direction with its Team Star story and the main characters' journey to Area Zero. Generation 10 could learn Legends of ZA and feature even more mature and compelling characters for players to get to know.