Summary
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais changing some details for its character models, distinguishing this project more clearly fromScarletandViolet. Although some gamers were surprised to see thatPokemon Legends: Z-Ais visually more similar toScarlet and Violetthan it is toLegends: Arceus, people are still interested in seeing a new take on the world.
The changing visuals inPokemongames lead to plenty of discussion, with some players forming a preference for certain aesthetics. Much like thevisual changes in other Nintendo games, thePokemonfranchise appears to be dialing back some of its realism while retaining high-quality modeling. This could allow the franchise to use more of the strengths of its traditionally cartoonish look.
Pokemon Legends: Z-Aappears to be putting a twist on theart direction fromScarlet and Violet, ditching the last mainline game’s realistic textures and leaning toward a more stylized look. Many fans have expressed varied reactions to the change, but some fans are just interested in seeing the art style of thePokemongames continue to evolve.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Gets a Visual Tune-Up
Screenshots have been posted comparing the way character models and background textures look betweenLegends: Z-Aand thevisuals ofScarlet and Violet. So far, one of the most notable differences is the way models are lit, emphasizing color saturation. In the new trailer forLegends: Z-A, light seems to reflect off of character models, outlining them in a more pronounced manner compared to the last entry. In the world ofPokemonScarlet and Violet, Pokemon would blend into the scenery more effortlessly. However, that didn’t always contribute to them looking great.
The change in appearance isn’t restricted to the Pokemon, though. Throughout the newLegends:Z-Avideo, buildings and characters are all shown as maintaining some similarities toScarlet and Violetwhile looking bolder and more outlined. The clothing of characters like Vinnie and Jett shows off this new style, where the collar of Jett’s dress carries a beam of light that makes the gradients of her outfit pop, and the creases and buttons on Vinnie’s suit stand out with more texture. It seems like a lot of this styling is more consistent during cutscenes, looking somewhat toned down duringLegends: Z-Abattle gameplay, possibly for stability, but flashier attacks bring out the strengths of the style update just as well. As more ofLegends: Z-Ais shown to gamers, it will become easier to unpack the nuances of the visual shift.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an ambitious new entry to the Pokémon video game series, releasing simultaneously worldwide in 2025. A new adventure awaits within Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
