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I'm not sure precisely when the custom began, however I always name all my Pokémon trainers Malfunction.

Whether it's a core franchise game or a spinoff such as Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the name always stays the same. Glitch alternates from male to female characters, featuring dark and violet locks. Occasionally their style is flawless, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest installment in the enduring series (and one of the more style-conscious releases). Other times they're confined to the various academic attire designs of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. But they remain Glitch.

The Ever-Evolving World of Pokemon Games

Similar to my characters, the Pokemon titles have transformed between installments, some superficial, others substantial. But at their core, they stay the same; they're always Pokémon to the core. Game Freak discovered a nearly perfect mechanics system some three decades back, and has only truly attempted to innovate upon it with games such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your character is now in danger). Across every version, the fundamental mechanics cycle of capturing and battling alongside charming creatures has stayed consistent for almost as long as I've been alive.

Shaking Conventions with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Similar to Arceus previously, featuring lack of arenas and focus on compiling a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces several changes into that formula. It's set entirely in a single location, the French capital-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the expansive adventures of previous games. Pokemon are meant to coexist with humans, trainers and civilians, in ways we have merely seen glimpses of before.

Far more radical is Z-A's live-action battle system. This is where the series' near-perfect core cycle experiences its biggest transformation to date, swapping methodical turn-based fights for something more chaotic. And it's thoroughly enjoyable, even as I find myself ready for a new traditional entry. Though these alterations to the traditional Pokemon recipe sound like they create an entirely fresh experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as any other Pokémon title.

The Heart of the Adventure: The Z-A Royale

When first arriving in Lumiose City, whatever plans your custom avatar planned as a visitor are discarded; you're immediately recruited by the female guide (if playing as a male character; the male guide for female characters) to become part of their squad of battlers. You receive one of her Pokémon as your first partner and you're dispatched into the Z-A Championship.

The Championship is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's comparable to the traditional "arena symbols to final challenge" advancement from earlier titles. However here, you battle several opponents to gain the chance to compete in a promotion match. Win and you'll be promoted to a higher tier, with the ultimate goal of achieving rank A.

Real-Time Battles: A New Frontier

Trainer battles occur during nighttime, while navigating stealthily the assigned combat areas is very enjoyable. I'm constantly attempting to get a jump on an opponent and unleash an unopposed move, since everything happens in real time. Attacks operate on recharge periods, indicating both combatants can sometimes attack each other concurrently (and defeat each other simultaneously). It's a lot to adjust to initially. Despite playing for nearly 30 hours, I still feel like there's plenty to learn regarding employing my creatures' attacks in methods that complement each other. Placement also plays a significant part during combat since your creatures will follow you around or move to designated spots to perform attacks (certain ones are distant, while others need to be up close and personal).

The live combat causes fights progress so quickly that I often sometimes cycling of attacks in the same order, even when this results in a less effective approach. There isn't moment to pause during Z-A, and numerous opportunities to become swamped. Pokémon battles depend on response after using an attack, and that data remains visible on screen in Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you can't even read it since taking your eyes off your opponent will spell immediate defeat.

Navigating Lumiose City

Away from combat, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, although densely packed. Deep into the game, I continue to find unseen stores and rooftops to visit. It's also full of charm, and perfectly captures the vision of creatures and humans coexisting. Common bird Pokemon inhabit its pathways, flying away when you get near similar to actual city birds getting in my way while strolling in New York City. The Pan Trio monkeys gleefully hang on streetlights, and insect creatures like Kakuna attach themselves on branches.

An emphasis on city living is a new direction for Pokémon, and a positive change. Nonetheless, exploring Lumiose becomes rote over time. You may stumble upon a passage you never visited, but you wouldn't know it. The building design lacks character, and many elevated areas and underground routes provide minimal diversity. Although I never visited Paris, the model behind the city, I've lived in NYC for nearly a decade. It's a city where every district are the same, and they're all alive with uniqueness that give them soul. Lumiose Metropolis doesn't have that. It features tan buildings with blue or red roofs and simply designed balconies.

The Areas Where Lumiose City Truly Shines

Where the city truly stands out, oddly enough, is inside buildings. I loved how Pokémon battles within Sword and Shield occur in arena-like venues, providing them real weight and meaning. Conversely, fights within Scarlet & Violet happen in a field with few spectators watching. It's very disappointing. Z-A finds a balance between the two. You'll battle in restaurants with patrons watching while they eat. A fancy battle society will extend an invitation to a tournament, and you'll battle in its rooftop arena under a lighting fixture (not Chandelure) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the elegantly decorated base of the Rust Syndicate with atmospheric illumination and purple partitions. Several distinct combat settings overflow with personality missing in the larger city in general.

The Familiarity of Routine

Throughout the Royale, along with quelling rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon and completing the creature index, there's an inescapable sense that, {"I