Latest news with #PokémonLegends:Z-A
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
OPINION: The Best Games for Pokémon Fans
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The next Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, is still a few months from releasing on the Switch and Switch 2, and as the biggest media franchise in the world, fans are very excited for its release. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to bring big changes for the series, including real-time battles for the first time, a greatly expanded version of Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, and the return of Mega Evolution, a fan favorite mechanic that's been absent for almost a decade. But Pokémon isn't the only creature-collection series in town, and decades of game development has seen quite a few worthy competitors. A combat scene in World of Final Fantasy featuring a host of familiar Final Fantasy characters and monsters. A combat scene in World of Final Fantasy featuring a host of familiar Final Fantasy characters and monsters. Square Enix While you wait for the release date of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, we put together a list of the best games for Pokémon fans. All of these games involve catching, taming, and raising creatures of some kind, although the gameplay itself is a lot more varied than you might think. World of Final Fantasy Of course Final Fantasy has a creature catcher spinoff game. The series is packed with a wide range of strange and wonderful creatures, so it was really only a matter of time before something like this popped up. World of Final Fantasy is a bit of a strange game, where captured monsters come in three different sizes, with smaller sizes being able to be stacked atop larger ones. There's a surprisingly deep layer of strategy to your stacks, and almost 250 creatures to tame and battle alongside. Throw in a cute story and some familiar characters, and you've got a pretty great game overall. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Digimon has always been positioned as somewhat of a Pokémon competitor, but the two series are actually pretty different. The Digimon video game series is split up into multiple subseries, and one of those is the Digimon Story series, which as the name suggests, is much more focused on storytelling. It's much easier to wrap your head around than the World series, and Cyber Sleuth (plus its sequel Hacker's Memory) is the best of the bunch. There are some noticeable localization issues, but it's an absolute blast with heaps of monsters to collect and an absolutely wild story. Monster Hunter Stories 2 Monster Hunter is filled with big, ferocious beasties, so a game turning those into adorable little monsters sounds quite odd on the surface. But somehow, against all odds, Capcom and Marvelous pulled it off, not just once but twice. Monster Hunter Stories 2 is definitely one of the more traditional games on the list, but it's a very polished experience that's appropriate for all ages. Give it a chance, you're in for a treat. Cassette Beasts One of the more recent games on this list, Cassette Beasts is an indie game that takes everything you know and love about Pokémon and dials it all up to 11. It's got some gorgeous pixel art, retro aesthetics that are to die for, and some of the most bonkers move interactions you've ever seen in any game of this type. If you're looking for a creature catcher game that won't break the bank, Cassette Beasts is absolutely one to check out. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Gosh I love Dragon Quest, and the Monsters subseries has consistently been some of the best creature catcher games on the market. The Dark Prince is the most recent game in the series, and the most recent game on this list, and has you collecting and fusing monsters together to create amazing creations. Want a slime made out of an onion? You can do that, and it's amazing. The Dark Prince is also a companion game to Dragon Quest 4, and has connections to Dragon Quest 6, two of the best games in the series. It's a must-play for any Dragon Quest fan. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a game that was developed by legendary developer Level-5 with art and character design from the most prolific anime studio on earth, Studio Ghibli. Ultimately, the game is mostly about a young boy who isekais into a fantasy land and starts collecting silly little guys to battle with and alongside. The monsters in this game are honestly kind of ridiculous, but they have that Dragon Quest vibe that makes them adorable and ever so collectible. Plus, with art and character designs that look as good as this, you're in for a good time. Monster Sanctuary Up until this point, all of the games in this list have been fairly straightforward turn-based RPGs. Monster Sanctuary takes a wild divergence from this trend, offering not only turn-based RPG combat, but a full 2D metroidvania game on top of it. Imagine Super Metroid but instead of firing laser beams and ice missiles, when you run into an enemy, you start a three-on-three monster battle. It's a delightful idea and one that's executed tremendously well. It also does interesting things with evolutions, with monsters changing their fortes in battle rather than getting outright stronger like in most games. Buy it, play it, thank us later. Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance Okay, look, hear me out. Yes, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, like most games in the series, is an action RPG, but it is, in the very strictest definition of the term, a creature catcher game. You collect creature parts by defeating them in combat, then use those parts to create monsters of your own, which then act as additional party members. Raising these monsters gives you access to new abilities, and makes them stronger allies too, so it's a net benefit for everyone. Dream Drop Distance – which is included int he Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue package – is also the best Kingdom Hearts game, but it might not be the best game to start with. You'd better play the whole series, just to be safe.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pokémon Legends Z-A complete pre-order guide
Image via: The Pokemon Company With Pokémon Legends: Z-A touted to be the next big release in the franchise, fans have every reason to lock in their pre-orders early. Scheduled for release on October 16, 2025, the game takes the players into the sci-fi dimension of the once familiar Kalos Lumiose City completely at odds with the ancient Hisui in Legends: Arceus. Here is everything you need to know about pre-orders, game versions, bonuses, and perhaps the biggest Pokémon release of these years. Dual-Platform Release: Switch and Switch 2 First, any mainline Pokémon title will be released on both the Nintendo Switch and its next-generation cousin, Switch 2. This will guarantee access for 150+ million users on Switch while also exposing the new-ish-gen Nintendo console to glory. Switch version price: $59.99 Switch 2 version price: $69.99 Upgrade option: Players starting from Switch can opt to upgrade to the Switch 2 version after launch. It provides this flexibility for the end-user, noting that this new release works in a way similar to other cross-gen launches. Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Available for Pre-order Pre-order Bonus: Sitting Cuties Plush If you want another reason besides sheer excitement to pre-order, don't forget that The Pokémon Center is offering a Sitting Cuties Plush for free. These hand-sized plushies are absolutely adorable collectibles that retail for approximately $17 and display one of the game's three Pokemon starters: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Note: Players will not be able to choose which one they get. Meet Your New Starters in Lumiose City The other thing about this team is that the choice begins with: Chikorita (Grass-type—Gen II) Tepig (Fire-type—Gen V) Totodile (Water-type—Gen II) This unusual regional mix hints at some sort of crossover themes or extended Pokédex entries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch at Godrej Sector 12 | Luxurious 3 & 4 BHK Homes @₹2.91 Cr* Godrej Majesty Book Now Undo It also gives a slight nod to the older generations in what will be a futuristic Kalos setting, hinting at the merging of both past and future Pokémon lore. Mega Evolution Returns, Along with Z-A Royale Another mechanic that returns is the much-loved Mega Evolution from X and Y. Alongside new plushes and teasers for artworks, the Mega Evolutions are primed to become the focus of intense combat and story development. Adding to the fun enjoyment is the "Z-A Royale", a city-wide tournament where players rank up in competitive battles. This is a great new mechanic to keep folks playing and challenged, well outside of the main story. Pokemon Legends: Z-A - Official Pre-Order Trailer Where to Pre-Order Pre-orders can be placed via primary retailers: Nintendo eShop Pokémon Center (with plush bonus) Best Buy GameStop Walmart Target You want to make sure to check for platform versions (Switch vs. Switch 2) and bonus eligibility while placing your a new setting, strange starters, cross-generation availability, and actual worthy pre-order rewards, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be the single most ambitious leap the franchise has taken since Legends.
Engadget
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
You can now pre-order Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the Switch and Switch 2
Pokémon Legends: Z-A , the much-awaited follow-up to 2022's P okémon Legends: Arceus, is now available for pre-order. You can get the digital version for the old Switch for $60 or for the new Switch 2 for $70 from Nintendo's website. In case you have no plans to get the Switch 2 anytime soon and you do get the game for the first Switch console, you can purchase an upgrade pack for $10 to get access to better graphics and higher frame rate for Nintendo's new system later on. Pre-ordering lets you pre-load the game so you can play it as soon as it becomes available on October 16. The action role-playing game is not just a follow-up to Arceus , but also a sequel to Pokémon X and Y . It's set in Lumiose City, introduced in X and Y over a decade ago, and features three available starters: Chikorita and Totodile from Gold and Silver , as well as Tepig from Black and White . Its gameplay is a mix of the real-time capture mechanics on Arceus and the old-school turn-based gameplay of traditional Pokémon titles. The game is also bringing back X and Y's Mega Evolution mechanic, which can temporarily transform a Pokémon into a much stronger monster, boosting its power and sometimes even changing its type. The physical version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now also available for pre-order from retailers like Walmart (Switch, Switch 2) and Best Buy (Switch, Switch 2.). It's not clear if pre-ordering the game will get you any bonuses, but the Walmart listing URLs hint at an "exclusive gift with purchase." To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
San Francisco Chronicle
05-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Nintendo's Switch 2 release draws eager buyers to S.F.'s Union Square store
Nintendo celebrated the launch of its Switch 2 video game console with a celebration at its new San Francisco store. Nearly 50 people were in line Wednesday afternoon to enter the Union Square shop and get a preview of 'Mario Kart World,' the flagship launch game for the new console. 'I'm seeing people of all races and religions come together over video games and they're playing together, and Nintendo is such an awesome IP because there's so many different worlds to explore, so many different characters. … The line's down the block and around the corner,' said Nintendo fan Darren Stallcup, a San Francisco resident. 'I'm really excited for the future of San Francisco.' The Japanese video game giant's hotly anticipated Switch 2 was set for release at 9 p.m. local time, when shoppers with reservations could buy it for two hours while supplies lasted. Nintendo will have a 'stream of supply coming between launch date and the end of the year. Our goal is to obviously meet demand,' Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, previously told the Chronicle. Online preorders sold out quickly last month, with reports of some being canceled. Following 'Mario Kart World,' Nintendo is releasing 'Donkey Kong Bananza' in July, the first major game starring the gorilla character since 2014. 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' is also coming in late 2025 to both the original Switch and Switch 2. Aside from games, the Nintendo store sells clothing, accessories, home goods and collectibles like LEGO sets and jewelry. The new store is one of a number of new openings in Union Square, including Shoe Palace, luxury watch stores from Breitling and a Rolex showroom operated by Kerns, and a new Zara flagship next year. Retail brokers have previously said the area is seeing more tenant interest after dozens of business closures since the pandemic. Chronicle photographer Lea Suzuki contributed to this report.
SoraNews24
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Pokémon Cafe's new Mega Charizard curry plate is a work of art in more ways than one
Pokémon Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka welcome Mega Evolutions back as main dishes, desserts, and drinks in the buildup to Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The next major Pokémon video game release on the horizon, Pokémon Legends: Z-A , is bringing back the Mega Evolution gameplay mechanic, which was first seen in Z-A's predecessor, Pokémon X and Y . But while Z-A isn't coming out until October, Mega Evolution Pokémon will be showing up in just a few weeks' time at Japan's Pokémon Cafe. The themed restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka will be adding a Mega Evolution Charizard Flamethrower Curry Plate to the menu, which is both a fiery meal and, in multiple ways, a work of art. The first artistic medium is the food itself, with Charizard sculpted out of seasoned rice and breathing a blast of curry, bringing to mind the Pokémon's Flamethrower attack. Each plate also comes with either a Charizardite X or Charizardite Y Mega Stone, which can be seen at the top right corner of the dish in these preview shots. You will, of course, want to whip out your phone and take some photos of your food before you start eating, and while you've got it out, you'll also want to scan the code on the back of the Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y card your server will bring you. Once you've done that, swing your camera's lens back towards your plate of Charizard curry, and some cool AR effects will fire up, the cafe mysteriously promises. For those looking for a more serene way to include Mega Evolution elements in their meal, the Pokémon Cafe chefs will also be whipping up a Mega Ampharos Sparkling Caramel Cream Cake. The dessert is sort of like a Japanese purin/custard pudding in cake form, with layers of custard cream, sponge cake, caramel sauce, and whipped cream, plus a sparkly motif befitting the Light Pokémon. Eight Mega Evolutions are also being added to the Pokémon Cafe's latte art roster, with both Mega Charizards and the Mega Ampharos joined by Mega versions of Kangaskhan, Ampharos, Gardevoir, Altaria, Lucario, and Absol. All of these are available to grace caffe lattes, caffe mochas, and hot caramel drinks. What's especially cool is that while latte art is random at most themed cafes in Japan, the Pokémon Cafe lets you pick which Mega Evolution you want. ▼ The Mega Evolutions also appear on coasters (one given at random for each drink order) and dual-layer stickers (one at random for every set of entree and dessert). The lattes are priced at 935 yen (US$6.45), the Mega Ampharos cake at 2,640 yen, and the Charizard curry at 3,640 yen. They'll all be available starting June 14 at both the Tokyo and Osaka Pokémon Cafes, reservations for which can be made here. Source, images: Pokémon Cafe ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
