"Cannot afford graphics above the N64 standards": Fans roast as 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' is set for a late 2025 release

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is on the horizon, and Game Freak considered creating a whole game based in the largest, most bewildering city in the world of Pokémon. And then proceeded to do it.

Pack your bags because we're heading to Lumiose City, the Parisian-inspired city of Pokémon X and Y, and this time, you won't simply be running to the nearest café to heal your team after getting thrashed by some random trainer.

Pokémon fans were very mad, and they didn’t hold back. The graphics, the same old IP, and the lack of anything truly fresh had disappointed them. Naturally, they took their frustrations straight to roasting Game Freak and Nintendo.

An X user roasted:

"Highest-grossing media franchise ever who cannot afford graphics above the N64 standards."

Pokémon is proving that money can’t buy effort.

A user said:

"Another game with no art direction. Arceus had its issues, but at least there was a vision behind the visuals. ZA looks as bland as it can get."

As per this user, the only thing legendary about this game is its lack of style.

A user commented:

"So y'all delayed this game for a year then sued Pal-World because yall scared of other companies improving your formula and this what you present the world with?"

Delayed for this? Pokémon, please explain.

One user asked:

"Why is Nintendo still ok with one of their biggest IPs being handled like this."

This user just asked the real question: Do they even care?

A comment read:

"Another year and the Pokemon company missed the mark. No classics on switch, guess I’m staying on 3DS still ✅"

Nintendo is acting like the classics never existed.

A user quipped:

"Looks like every other game."

Pokémon is probably copy-pasting its way through another generation.

---

Setting and storyline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Lumiose City is tasked with major urban redevelopment, turning Pokémon and humans into besties. With new Wild Zones throughout the city, Pokémon are actually able to live their best lives while trainers explore streets, rooftops, and whatever other secret areas are about to be uncovered.

Also, say goodbye to standing in place and politely waiting for your turn to get smacked.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaking up battles by allowing you to dodge, reposition, and feel like an actual trainer who knows what they're doing.

Also, Mega Evolutions return—because Game Freak realizes that we were all having withdrawal symptoms from not being able to see our Pokémon unleash their full beast mode.

No new Mega forms have appeared (yet), but the classics are coming back. Fingers crossed for some surprises in the future.

---

The most random starter trio ever

Normally, you'd get a region-locked trio that works out perfectly. Not this time.

Instead, we're being given Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile. A Grass-type from Johto, a Fire-type from Unova, and a Water-type from Johto again. Daring move.

---

Development and release

Announced in February 2024, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is being crafted by Game Freak, published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, and slotted for a late 2025 release.

That’s a long wait, but Pokémon fans are used to playing the long game. By the time this drops, every fan will be ready to explore Lumiose City’s Wild Zones.

The city is waiting, the wars are changing, and if you don't choose Totodile, well… that's between you and your choices in life.