No more static confrontations where everyone plays one after the other: for the first time since the launch of the Pokémon franchise in 1996, apprentice trainers will have to demonstrate dexterity to trigger attacks or avoid enemy blows during monster duels in “Pokémon Legends: ZA”, on sale from Thursday, October 16. A welcome novelty, as the series has been regularly criticized in recent years for its lack of innovation.
In a huge city inspired by Paris
Developed by the Japanese studio Game Freak, creator of the saga, and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, this opus is part of a derivative series called “Legends” beginning in 2022 with the episode “Arceus”. Available on Switch 1 and 2, “Pokémon Legends: ZA” takes place entirely within a large metropolis with a false air of Paris, some buildings of which are reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or the Montparnasse Tower. As usual, players will have to fight one after another to climb the ranks of a competition that takes place throughout the city.
For nearly 30 years, Pokémon games, available on numerous consoles and mobile phones, have enjoyed worldwide success and have sold nearly 490 million copies, according to figures from The Pokémon Company.
Inspired by the Japanese summer tradition of insect hunting, these games involve capturing and training big-eyed “pocket monsters,” inspired by both mice and dragons, to fight.
Also famous for its films, animated series and numerous derivative products, the Pokémon brand generated $12 billion in licensing revenue in 2024, according to the firm License Global, more than the games giant Mattel.
