Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Side Quests Should Aim High

Pokémon Legends: Arceus marked a groundbreaking shift for the Pokémon franchise by introducing open-world elements, moving away from the more structured gameplay of previous titles. As players explored the expansive Hisui region, they encountered a blend of main story missions and supplementary requests. With the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A potentially set in the vibrant urban landscape of Lumiose City, there’s a significant opportunity to refine and enhance the side quest experience, addressing some of the limitations observed in Pokémon Arceus.

Analyzing Pokémon Legends: Arceus Side Quests

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, side quests, known as Requests, often fell short of expectations. Many of these quests were basic fetch tasks or simple Pokémon deliveries, which, while occasionally refreshing, tended to lack depth and variety. Although exploring different parts of Hisui provided some temporary enjoyment, the repetitive nature of these Requests often made them blend together, diminishing their overall impact.

Highlights of Creative Requests in Pokémon Arceus

Despite their general simplicity, some Requests in Pokémon Legends: Arceus demonstrated the format’s potential. For instance, "Strange Happenings at Midnight," which involved investigating eerie noises to uncover a hidden Pichu, and "Back-Alley Mr. Mime," requiring players to navigate invisible barriers created by a mischievous Mr. Mime, offered more imaginative and engaging content. These quests utilized the unique elements of the game’s world, contributing to a richer and more immersive experience.

What Pokémon Legends: Z-A Can Achieve

Set against the bustling backdrop of Lumiose City, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has the opportunity to revolutionize side quests with a more sophisticated approach. With its diverse districts and rich cultural history, the city presents a fertile ground for creating side content that delves deeply into local lore and the lives of its inhabitants.

In this urban setting, new Requests could offer intricate mysteries and personalized puzzles that go beyond generic objectives, enhancing player immersion. As the series continues to evolve from its traditional gym-based progression, a more open-ended and narrative-driven approach to side quests would further enrich the game’s dynamic world.

Instead of serving merely as distractions from the main storyline, the side quests in Pokémon Legends: Z-A could be designed to bolster worldbuilding and narrative depth. Starting with seemingly minor setups, these quests could develop into complex and meaningful scenarios, providing players with a deeper sense of involvement in the game’s world.

By crafting more thoughtfully designed Requests, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has the potential to make Lumiose City feel like a living, breathing environment, encouraging players to explore and engage with its vibrant community.