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I don't recall precisely when the custom started, but I consistently call all my Pokémon trainers Glitch.

Be it a core franchise game or a side project like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name never changes. Glitch alternates between male and female avatars, with dark and violet hair. Occasionally their fashion is impeccable, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this enduring franchise (and one of the more style-conscious entries). Other times they're limited to the assorted academic attire styles of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Yet they're always Malfunction.

The Ever-Evolving Realm of Pokémon Titles

Much like my characters, the Pokémon games have evolved between installments, with certain superficial, others substantial. However at their core, they remain the same; they're always Pokémon through and through. The developers discovered an almost flawless mechanics system some three decades back, and has only seriously tried to innovate upon it with entries like Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your character faces peril). Throughout every version, the core gameplay loop of catching and fighting with charming creatures has remained steady for almost the same duration as I've been alive.

Breaking the Mold with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus previously, with its absence of gyms and emphasis on creating a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings multiple changes into that formula. It takes place entirely in a single location, the French capital-inspired Lumiose Metropolis of Pokémon X & Y, abandoning the region-spanning adventures of previous games. Pokemon are intended to coexist alongside humans, battlers and civilians, in ways we've only seen glimpses of previously.

Far more drastic is Z-A's real-time battle system. This is where the franchise's near-perfect core cycle undergoes its biggest transformation to date, swapping methodical sequential bouts with something more chaotic. And it is thoroughly enjoyable, even as I find myself eager for a new traditional release. Though these alterations to the traditional Pokemon recipe sound like they form a completely new adventure, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as any other Pokemon game.

The Heart of the Journey: The Z-A Royale

Upon first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, whatever plans your custom avatar had as a tourist are discarded; you're immediately recruited by Taunie (if playing as a male character; the male guide if female) to become part of her team of trainers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your first partner and you're dispatched to participate in the Z-A Royale.

The Royale is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the classic "arena symbols to final challenge" advancement from earlier titles. However here, you battle a handful of trainers to earn the chance to participate in a promotion match. Succeed and you'll be elevated to the next rank, with the final objective of reaching the top rank.

Real-Time Combat: A New Approach

Trainer battles occur at night, and sneaking around the assigned battle zones is very entertaining. I'm always attempting to surprise an opponent and launch an unopposed move, because all actions occur instantaneously. Moves operate on cooldown timers, indicating both combatants may occasionally attack each other concurrently (and defeat each other at once). It's a lot to adjust to at first. Despite gaming for almost thirty hours, I continue to feel like there's plenty to learn regarding using my Pokémon's moves in ways that complement each other. Placement also plays a significant part during combat as your Pokémon will trail behind you or go to designated spots to perform attacks (some are long-range, whereas others need to be in close proximity).

The real-time action causes fights progress so quickly that I find myself repeating sequences through moves in identical patterns, despite this results in a less effective approach. There isn't moment to pause during Z-A, and plenty of chances to become swamped. Creature fights rely on response post-move execution, and that information remains visible on the display within Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you can't even read it since diverting attention from your adversary will result in immediate defeat.

Exploring Lumiose City

Outside of battle, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, though densely packed. Far into the adventure, I'm still discovering new shops and rooftops to explore. It's also rich with character, and perfectly captures the concept of creatures and humans coexisting. Common bird Pokemon populate its sidewalks, taking flight as you approach like the real-life pigeons getting in my way when walking through NYC. The monkey trio joyfully cling from lampposts, and bug-Pokémon such as Kakuna attach themselves to trees.

A focus on urban life represents a fresh approach for Pokémon, and a welcome one. Even so, navigating the city becomes rote eventually. You might discover a passage you never visited, but you wouldn't know it. The architecture is devoid of personality, and many elevated areas and sewer paths offer little variety. Although I haven't been to the French capital, the inspiration for Lumiose, I reside in New York for almost ten years. It's a metropolis where every district differs, and all are alive with uniqueness that give them soul. Lumiose City lacks that quality. It features beige structures topped with colored roofs and simply designed balconies.

Where The Metropolis Really Excels

Where Lumiose City really shines, surprisingly, is indoors. I loved how Pokémon battles within Sword and Shield take place in arena-like venues, providing them genuine significance and importance. On the flipside, fights within Scarlet & Violet take place on a court with few spectators watching. It's a total letdown. Z-A finds a balance between both extremes. You'll battle in eateries with diners observing while they eat. A fancy battle society will invite you to a tournament, and you'll battle on its penthouse court with a chandelier (not Chandelure) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the beautifully designed base of the Rust Syndicate with atmospheric illumination and purple partitions. Several distinct combat settings brim with character missing in the larger city in general.

The Familiarity of Routine

During the Royale, as well as subduing wild powered-up creatures and filling the creature index, there is an unavoidable sense that, {"I