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I don't recall exactly how the custom began, however I always name all my Pokemon characters Malfunction.

Be it a main series game or a spinoff like Pokkén Tournament DX along with Pokémon Go — the moniker always stays the same. Glitch switches between male and female characters, with black and purple hair. Occasionally their style is impeccable, as seen in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest installment in this enduring franchise (and one of the most fashion-focused releases). Other times they're confined to the assorted school uniform styles of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. But they're always Glitch.

The Constantly Changing Realm of Pokemon Games

Much like my characters, the Pokémon games have transformed between releases, some superficial, others significant. But at their heart, they remain the same; they're always Pokemon through and through. The developers discovered an almost flawless gameplay formula approximately 30 years ago, and has only seriously tried to evolve on it with entries such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus (different timeline, your avatar is now in danger). Throughout every iteration, the fundamental mechanics cycle of catching and fighting with charming creatures has remained steady for nearly as long as I've been alive.

Shaking Conventions with Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Like Arceus before it, featuring lack of arenas and focus on compiling a creature catalog, Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces multiple deviations into that formula. It's set entirely in a single location, the French capital-inspired Lumiose City from Pokémon X and Y, abandoning the region-spanning journeys of previous titles. Pokemon are meant to coexist with humans, trainers and non-trainers alike, in ways we have merely seen glimpses of before.

Even more radical is Z-A's real-time combat mechanics. This is where the series' near-perfect core cycle undergoes its most significant transformation to date, swapping methodical sequential bouts with more frenetic action. And it is immensely fun, even as I find myself ready for another turn-based release. Though these changes to the classic Pokémon formula seem like they create a completely new adventure, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is as familiar as every other Pokemon game.

The Core of the Adventure: The Z-A Championship

Upon initially reaching at Lumiose Metropolis, any intentions your created character planned as a visitor are discarded; you're immediately enlisted by the female guide (for male avatars; the male guide for female characters) to join her team of battlers. You receive a creature from them as your first partner and are sent to participate in the Z-A Championship.

The Royale is the epicenter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's comparable to the traditional "gym badges to Elite Four" advancement of past games. However here, you fight several trainers to earn the opportunity to compete in an advancement bout. Succeed and you'll be elevated to the next rank, with the final objective of reaching rank A.

Live-Action Battles: An Innovative Approach

Trainer battles occur at night, while sneaking around the assigned battle zones is very enjoyable. I'm always attempting to surprise a rival and launch an unopposed move, since all actions occur in real time. Moves operate on recharge periods, meaning both combatants may occasionally attack each other concurrently (and knock each other out simultaneously). It's a lot to adjust to initially. Despite playing for nearly 30 hours, I still feel that there is plenty to learn in terms of using my Pokémon's moves in methods that complement each other. Positioning also factors as a significant part during combat as your Pokémon will trail behind you or go to designated spots to perform attacks (certain ones are distant, while others need to be in close proximity).

The real-time action causes fights go so fast that I find myself repeating sequences of attacks in the same order, even when this results in a less effective approach. There's no time to pause during Z-A, and numerous chances to become swamped. Pokémon battles depend on response after using an attack, and that information is still present on screen in Z-A, but whips by quickly. Occasionally, you cannot process it because diverting attention from your opponent will spell certain doom.

Navigating Lumiose Metropolis

Outside of battle, you'll explore Lumiose Metropolis. It's relatively small, though densely packed. Far into the adventure, I continue to find new shops and rooftops to explore. It is also full of charm, and fully realizes the vision of creatures and humans living together. Pidgey inhabit its pathways, flying away as you approach similar to actual pigeons getting in my way while strolling through NYC. The Pan Trio monkeys gleefully hang on streetlights, and insect creatures like Kakuna cling on branches.

A focus on city living represents a fresh approach for the franchise, and a welcome one. Nonetheless, navigating the city grows repetitive over time. You may stumble upon a passage you haven't been to, but you wouldn't know it. The architecture is devoid of personality, and most rooftops and underground routes provide minimal diversity. Although I never visited Paris, the model behind Lumiose, I've lived in NYC for almost ten years. It's a metropolis where no two blocks are the same, and all are vibrant with differences that provide character. Lumiose City lacks that quality. It has tan buildings topped with colored roofs and simply designed terraces.

The Areas Where Lumiose City Really Excels

Where Lumiose City truly stands out, surprisingly, is indoors. I loved the way creature fights in Sword & Shield take place in arena-like venues, giving them genuine significance and meaning. Conversely, battles in Scarlet & Violet happen on a court with few spectators observing. It's a total letdown. Z-A strikes a middle ground between the two. You'll battle in eateries with diners observing while they eat. An elite combat club will invite you to a competition, and you will combat on its penthouse court under a lighting fixture (not Chandelure) hanging above. The most memorable spot is the beautifully designed base of a certain faction with its moody lighting and magenta walls. Several distinct combat settings overflow with personality that's absent from the overall metropolis as a whole.

The Comfort of Routine

During the Royale, along with quelling rogue powered-up creatures and completing the Pokédex, there is an unavoidable sense that, {"I