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I don't recall precisely when the custom began, but I always name all my Pokemon characters Malfunction.

Whether it's a core franchise game or a side project like Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Go — the moniker always stays the same. Malfunction switches between male and female avatars, with black and purple hair. Occasionally their fashion is flawless, like in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest addition in this long-running franchise (and one of the more fashion-focused releases). Other times they're confined to the various academic attire designs from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Yet they're always Malfunction.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokémon Titles

Similar to my characters, the Pokémon games have transformed between installments, some superficial, others significant. However at their core, they remain identical; they're always Pokemon 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 such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your character is now in danger). Across every version, the core gameplay loop of catching and battling with charming creatures has stayed consistent for almost as long as I've been alive.

Shaking the Mold with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus previously, featuring lack of arenas and focus on compiling a Pokédex, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces several changes to that framework. It takes place entirely in one place, the French capital-inspired Lumiose Metropolis of Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the region-spanning journeys of earlier games. Pokémon are intended to coexist with people, trainers and non-trainers alike, in ways we have merely seen glimpses of before.

Even more radical is Z-A's live-action battle system. It's here the franchise's almost ideal gameplay loop undergoes its most significant transformation yet, swapping methodical turn-based fights for something more chaotic. And it is thoroughly enjoyable, despite I find myself eager for a new traditional release. Though these alterations to the traditional Pokemon recipe sound like they create a completely new experience, Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels as recognizable as every other Pokemon game.

The Core of the Journey: The Z-A Championship

When first arriving at Lumiose Metropolis, any intentions your created character had as a tourist are discarded; you're immediately enlisted by Taunie (for male avatars; Urbain for female characters) to join her team of trainers. You receive a creature from them as your starter and you're dispatched to participate in the Z-A Championship.

The Royale is the epicenter of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's similar to the classic "arena symbols to final challenge" progression of past games. However here, you fight several trainers to gain the opportunity to participate in an advancement bout. Win and you'll be elevated to the next rank, with the ultimate goal of reaching the top rank.

Real-Time Combat: A New Frontier

Character fights take place during nighttime, and sneaking around the designated combat areas is quite enjoyable. I'm constantly trying to surprise a rival and unleash a free attack, because everything happens in real time. Moves operate on recharge periods, indicating both combatants may occasionally strike simultaneously at the same time (and knock each other out simultaneously). It's a lot to get used to initially. Even after gaming for almost 30 hours, I still feel that there is much to master regarding using my Pokémon's moves in methods that complement each other. Positioning also factors as a significant part during combat since your creatures will trail behind you or go to designated spots to perform attacks (certain ones are distant, 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, even when this amounts to a less effective approach. There isn't moment to breathe in Z-A, and plenty of chances to become swamped. Creature fights depend on feedback post-move execution, and that data remains visible on the display in Z-A, but whips by rapidly. Sometimes, you can't even read it since taking your eyes off your opponent will spell certain doom.

Exploring Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you will traverse Lumiose City. It's fairly compact, although densely packed. Deep into the game, I'm still discovering new shops and elevated areas to visit. It is also full of charm, and perfectly captures the vision of Pokémon and people living together. Pidgey inhabit its pathways, taking flight when you get near like the real-life pigeons getting in my way when walking through NYC. The monkey trio joyfully cling on streetlights, and bug-Pokémon like Kakuna attach themselves on branches.

A focus on urban life is a new direction for Pokémon, and a positive change. Nonetheless, exploring Lumiose grows repetitive eventually. You might discover a passage you haven't been to, but you wouldn't know it. The building design is devoid of personality, and most rooftops and sewer paths offer little variety. Although I haven't been to Paris, the inspiration for the city, I've lived in NYC for nearly a decade. It's a metropolis where every district are the same, and all are vibrant with differences that give them soul. Lumiose Metropolis lacks that quality. It features tan buildings with blue or red roofs and simply designed terraces.

Where Lumiose City Really Excels

Where the city really shines, oddly enough, is indoors. I loved how Pokémon battles within Sword and Shield take place in arena-like venues, giving them real weight and importance. On the flipside, battles in Scarlet and Violet take place in a field with few spectators observing. It's very disappointing. Z-A strikes a middle ground between the two. You will fight in eateries with patrons watching while they eat. An elite combat club will invite you to a competition, and you'll battle in its rooftop arena with a chandelier (not Chandelure) hanging above. My favorite location is the elegantly decorated base of the Rust Syndicate with its moody lighting and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings brim with character that's absent from the larger city in general.

The Familiarity of Repetition

During the Championship, as well as quelling rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon and filling the Pokédex, there is an unavoidable feeling of, {"I