Summary
Despite the many surprise twists that came withPokemon Legends: Z-A’s announcement, players shouldn’t overlook the potential precedent the game just set for the series' future, as it seems a long-lost and fan-favorite tradition has finally been revived. The reveal ofPokemon Legends: Z-Aand its futuristic Kalos setting has already subverted expectations, as players had speculated that an upcomingPokemongame would be set within Johto or Unova. ButLegends: Z-Ahas also broken the formula that seemed to have been established withPokemon Legends: Arceus, something which could hint at big things forPokemon Legends' future.
While there are two obvious changesPokemon Legends: Z-Ahas made compared to its predecessor, the omission of a Legendary or Mythical Pokemon in its title is arguably the most interesting difference. Though it has yet to be confirmed, it seems clear thatZygarde will take the spotlight inLegends: Z-Adue to its Gen 6 connections, especially when this unusual title evokesPokemon XandY’s third version that players never received, “Pokemon Z.“If this was intentional, then Game Freak could be revisiting and finally delivering on its lost tradition of third versionPokemongames through thePokemon Legendsseries.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A and The Lost Tradition of Third Version Games
Exploring the History of Third Version Games
BeforeGen 5’sPokemon BlackandWhite, it had been inevitable that Game Freak would release a third version alongside each generation’s two main games. Usually serving as an expanded version of both games, many of these third versions are highly regarded and remain popular among players, such as Gen 3’sPokemon Emeraldand Gen 4’sPokemon Platinum. However, following Game Freak’s decision to surprise players withPokemon Black 2andWhite 2as the series' first-ever direct sequels, the tradition of third-version games appeared to have been abandoned.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Might Revive “Pokemon Z” and Other Third Version games
Even after Gen 5, it was hoped that Game Freak would return to tradition by addingPokemon ZtoPokemon XandY. However, like Kyurem’s expanded role inBlack 2andWhite 2, any plans for Zygarde such as its new forms were added toPokemonSunandMoon. But the aptly namedLegends: Z-Aand its return to Kalos with Zygarde at its center seems to suggest that players might finally get to experiencePokemon Z. If true, this could mean thatPokemon Legendswill continue revisiting old or rumored third versionswith future games.
Pokemon Legends Could Revisit Lost Third Version Games
WithLegends: Z-Acreating a new standard for the series, it’s possible that future games could take a similar approach and return to third games that were either lost or canceled after Gen 5. This could include the previouslypredictedPokemon Legendsgame set in Unova, or it could go even further with more recent games from Gens 7, 8, and 9. While it could be argued thatPokemon’s introduction of DLC is comparable to its third version tradition, thePokemon Legends' time-travel element could still offer a new perspective on these games, such as the possible options listed below.
Pokemon Legends Could Revamp Older Third Version Games
If Game Freak remains ambitious withPokemon Legendsas the series revisits the third version tradition, then it could capitalize on past games that never received a remake. For instance, thoughPokemon Delta Emeraldhad been trademarkedand teased players with a remake of the fan-favoritePokemon EmeraldalongsidePokemon Omega RubyandAlpha Sapphire, the game didn’t become a reality. But if direct remakes aren’t possible, then future games may take afterLegends: Z-Aand revisit some ofPokemon’s oldest game versions with a few examples in the list below.
