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Pokemon Trainers will face fresh challenges in their virtual Pokémon battles as the franchise’s latest installment reaches Nintendo consoles this Thursday, October 16. The new game, titled “Pokemon Legends: Z-A,” introduces real-time combat—a departure from the turn-based battles used in previous titles dating back to 1996.
Set in an expansive city inspired by Paris, players will spot landmarks reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. In this vibrant environment, trainers will need to strategically time their attacks and dodge enemy blows while managing their team of imaginative creatures vying for dominance in the arena.
Fans and critics alike are expected to welcome this change, especially considering recent years’ releases were often criticized for lacking innovation. Developed by the renowned Japanese studio Game Freak—the original creators of Pokémon—the game is published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company as part of the “Legends” spin-off series that started with “Arceus” in 2022.
Players will be able to enjoy “Legends: Z-A” on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2. Gameplay revolves around progressing through a bustling cityscape in a competitive format, with trainers striving to elevate their Pokémon training skills.
With nearly 490 million units sold across console and mobile platforms over nearly thirty years, Pokémon remains one of the most successful gaming franchises. Originally inspired by Japan’s summer tradition of insect collecting, the series focuses on capturing and training creatures called “pocket monsters,” which run the gamut from mice to dragons. Despite their adorable looks, these creatures possess formidable powers that can be unleashed against opponents during battles.
The Pokémon franchise has expanded far beyond games, spawning movies, animated series, and a vast array of merchandise. In 2024 alone, the franchise generated over $12 billion in licensing revenue—surpassing that of toy giant Mattel.
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