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I don't recall precisely when the tradition started, but I always name all my Pokémon trainers Glitch.

Whether it's a core franchise game or a side project such as Pokkén Tournament DX along with Pokémon Go — the moniker never changes. Malfunction switches between male and female characters, with dark and violet locks. Sometimes their fashion is impeccable, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this long-running series (and among the most fashion-focused entries). At other moments they're limited to the various school uniform styles of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Yet they remain Malfunction.

The Ever-Evolving Realm of Pokémon Games

Similar to my characters, the Pokemon titles have transformed between installments, some superficial, some substantial. However at their core, they remain the same; they're always Pokemon to the core. Game Freak uncovered an almost flawless gameplay formula approximately 30 years ago, and has only truly attempted to evolve upon it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your character is now in danger). Across every iteration, the core gameplay loop of capturing and battling alongside adorable monsters has remained consistent for almost as long as I've been alive.

Shaking the Mold in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus previously, featuring absence of gyms and focus on compiling a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces multiple changes into that framework. It takes place entirely in a single location, the Paris-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the region-spanning adventures of earlier games. Pokémon are meant to live together with people, battlers and civilians, in manners we have merely glimpsed before.

Even more drastic than that Z-A's live-action battle system. It's here the franchise's near-perfect core cycle undergoes its most significant evolution to date, replacing methodical turn-based fights with something more chaotic. And it is thoroughly enjoyable, despite I find myself eager for a new traditional entry. Though these alterations to the traditional Pokemon recipe sound like they form an entirely fresh experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as any other Pokemon game.

The Heart of the Journey: The Z-A Championship

When first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your created character had as a tourist are discarded; you're promptly enlisted by Taunie (if playing as a male character; Urbain for female characters) to join her team of trainers. You're gifted a creature from them as your first partner and you're dispatched to participate in the Z-A Championship.

The Championship serves as the centerpiece of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the traditional "arena symbols to final challenge" progression of past games. But here, you battle a handful of opponents to earn the chance to compete in a promotion match. Succeed and you'll be promoted to the next rank, with the ultimate goal of achieving rank A.

Real-Time Combat: An Innovative Approach

Trainer battles occur during nighttime, while navigating stealthily the assigned combat areas is very entertaining. I'm always trying to surprise an opponent and launch an unopposed move, because everything happens in real time. Moves operate on recharge periods, meaning both combatants can sometimes attack each other concurrently (and knock each other out at once). It's much to adjust to at first. Even after gaming for almost thirty hours, I continue to feel that there is plenty to learn in terms of using my Pokémon's moves in ways that work together synergistically. Placement also factors as a major role in battles as your Pokémon will trail behind you or go to specific locations to execute moves (certain ones are distant, while others must be in close proximity).

The live combat causes fights go so fast that I find myself sometimes cycling through moves in the same order, even when this results in a less effective approach. There isn't moment to pause in Z-A, and numerous chances to become swamped. Pokémon battles rely on response post-move execution, and that data remains visible on screen in Z-A, but whips by rapidly. Occasionally, you can't even read it because taking your eyes off your opponent will spell certain doom.

Navigating Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you'll explore Lumiose Metropolis. It's fairly compact, though densely packed. Deep into the game, I'm still discovering new shops and rooftops to explore. It's also rich with character, and fully realizes the vision of creatures and humans coexisting. Pidgey populate its sidewalks, taking flight when you get near like the real-life city birds obstructing my path while strolling through NYC. The Pan Trio monkeys gleefully hang on streetlights, and bug-Pokémon such as Kakuna attach themselves on branches.

An emphasis on city living represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a welcome one. Nonetheless, exploring Lumiose becomes rote eventually. You might discover an alley you never visited, but you wouldn't know it. The building design is devoid of personality, and most rooftops and underground routes offer little variety. Although I haven't been to Paris, the model behind Lumiose, I reside in New York for nearly a decade. It's a city where no two blocks differs, and they're all alive with uniqueness that give them soul. Lumiose Metropolis doesn't have that. It has tan buildings topped with colored roofs and flatly rendered balconies.

Where The Metropolis Really Excels

Where Lumiose City really shines, surprisingly, is inside buildings. I loved the way creature fights in Sword & Shield occur in football-like stadiums, giving them genuine significance and meaning. Conversely, battles in Scarlet & Violet take place in a field with few spectators observing. It's a total letdown. Z-A strikes a middle ground between both extremes. You'll battle in eateries with patrons watching as they dine. A fancy battle society will invite you to a competition, and you'll battle in its rooftop arena with a chandelier (not Chandelure) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the beautifully designed base of the Rust Syndicate with atmospheric illumination and magenta walls. Various individual battle locales brim with character missing in the overall metropolis as a whole.

The Familiarity of Routine

During the Championship, as well as quelling rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon and filling the creature index, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I