Pokémon Players Defend Controversial Graphics Of Latest Release

The latest in the long-running Pokémon series has arrived this week on Nintendo Switch, but not everyone is happy with how the new game looks.

As much as we love the Pokémon series, ever since it graced us with its presence on the Nintendo Game Boy in the mid-90s, it’s fair to say in its various iterations, gameplay and graphics never evolved all that much during each respective console generation.

Which is ironic, considering that the game is about training and evolving creatures. Sure, the difference between the first Pokémon game and the latest release, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, is massive, for obvious reasons. But I think you get my point (hopefully).

However, with the release of the aforementioned Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, the combat mechanics have been somewhat revamped, but perhaps not so much its visuals.

“When all is said and done, I think Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a fantastic Pokémon game. The new battle mechanics are a stellar addition to the formula, and it was great to see Mega Evolutions return in such bombastic fashion,” said GAMINGbible’s Sam, in his review.

“It feels like the continuation Pokémon X & Y needed but never got, as it’s always felt like those games never truly got the love, respect and time they deserved. Unfortunately, the Pokémon series continues to be held back by the same old problems, and while graphics aren’t the be-all and end-all, I do think it’s about time we got a fully-voiced Pokémon game. We’ve waited long enough.”

In terms of the graphics of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it’s received somewhat of a mixed reaction from fans.

“I'm going to say it... I like the graphics in Legends Z-A,” said Redditor Hsiang7. “I honestly think it's the best-looking and best-performing game since the switch to 3D.”

“The graphics are quite charming, and I like the style they went with for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's bright and it looks good, at least on the Switch 2.”

Fellow members of the thread responded in kind.

“The interiors look good, but the buildings…,” replied DreiwegFlasche, suggesting that the inside of buildings does not look so good.

“The city looks like ****,” exclaimed AShinyRay. “You can still like the game while admitting it's visually underwhelming.”

“It looks exactly how you expect a minimum viable product to look,” said Worldly_Swimming_921.

Hopefully, when the time comes for the series to ditch the last-gen console, hopefully, Pokémon will evolve to the extent that fans hope. Fingers crossed.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is out now.