Summary
The next mainline Pokemon game,Pokemon Legends Z-A, takes players on a return trip to the Kalos region, home to the sixth generation of Pokemon. As is the case with each new generation and region, some of these Pokemon are classed as “legendary” and “mythical.”
What little is known thus far aboutPokemon Legends Z-Asuggests that the legendary Pokemon of Kalos, Zygarde especially, will be key to the game’s story. But this new title also has the unique opportunity to place a much-needed spotlight on the legendary Pokemon native to the Kalos region.
The Mythical Pokemon of Kalos
Pokemon Legends Z-Awill be the second in the new series of “Legends” titles. The first game in this series,Pokemon Legends Arceus, time-traveled back to an ancient version of the Sinnoh region, which was called Hisui at the time. The Hisui region was very much influenced bythe Almighty Sinnoh, a deity that turned out to be either Arceus, Palkia, or Dialga, depending on the respective clan (Diamond or Pearl) interpretations. Because of the focus on the legendary Pokemon, the mythical Pokemon of the region, like Manaphy and Darkrai, were relegated to rather small side quests. This does not have to be the case withPokemon Legends Z-A.
Thedifference between legendary and mythical Pokemonis subtle. Legendary Pokemon will always be encountered in-game because of their importance to the plot. They are on the box art, after all. Mythical Pokemon, in contrast, do not have an impact on the story and thus are typically encountered in the post-game or through outside means like limited-time download events. There are three mythical Pokemon native to the Kalos region: Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion.Pokemon Legends Z-Ahas the opportunity to break tradition and make these Pokemon part of the plot, rather than bonus content.
Diancie the Jewel Pokemon
Diancie is a Rock/Fairy type Pokemonthat can Mega Evolve. This is significant considering that generation 6 introduced the mechanic of Mega Evolution, a fan favorite that will return with the new game. Diancie is typically found in an underground diamond mine, but there are many ways that this shining Pokemon could be introduced into Lumiose City, the setting ofPokemon Legends Z-A. Zygarde, the legendary Pokemon that the game appears to be named after, is the guardian of Kalos' environment. If mythical Pokemon like Diancie or Volcanion’s natural environments are disturbed, then Zygarde might appear to set things right.
Hoopa the Djinn Pokemon
Like Diancie and Zygarde, Hoopa is a Pokemon that also has an alternative form. Hoopa is usually a small, mischievous Pokemon called Hoopa Confined.Hoopa Unbound, in its true form, is a formidable six-armed monster with the power to bend dimensions through its golden rings. It has been known to summon legendary Pokemon through its rings. According to Kalos legends, Hoopa teleported a whole castle 3,000 years ago in order to steal the treasure inside. This presents another opportunity to utilize this trickster Pokemon in the plot ofPokemon Legends Z-A: Hoopa could be a means of fast traveling around Lumiose City or as an enemy causing chaos and mischief.
Volcanion the Steam Pokemon
Volcanion is the only Fire/Water type Pokemon, a powerful combination that gives it the power of steam. Kalos legends say that long ago, it blasted away an entire mountain with its powers. Because of its solitary nature, it is hard to imagine Volcanion in the bustling city of Lumiose. If Volcanion was captured to take advantage of its steam powers, its rescue and recovery could be a key part of the game. The fact thatPokemon Legends Z-Atakes place within the confines of Lumiose City has been a point of controversy with fans, but it also presents an opportunity to bring mythical Pokemon like Volcanion down from the remote mountains and into the spotlight.
Pokemon Legends Z-Acan bring mythical Pokemon to the forefront. In past games, these Pokemon were barely included, with the legendary Pokemon getting all the attention. Since theLegendsgames don’t necessarily adhere to thetypical formula of mainline Pokemongames, this new title has the opportunity to break tradition and place importance on interesting but overlooked mythical Pokemon like Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
