Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais set to continue the ambitious narrative style established by its predecessor through introducing players to a revamped version of Lumiose City. It’s still not known whether the diverse approach to starter Pokemon inLegends: Arceuswill return in its follow-up, but it would be an opportunity for several starters of past generations to be revisited once again. With Chikorita arguably having become the most overlooked of them all,Pokemon Legends: Z-Acould finally do justice to its entire evolutionary line.
Despite the undeniable initial charm of Chikorita, this species has often been considered one of the least favorable choices of starter Pokemon due to its limitations in gameplay when compared to others. With the possibility of new forms andMega Evolution inPokemon: Legends Z-Aon the horizon, however, there is now the potential for this underappreciated Grass-type to be brought up to a similar level of popularity as the likes of Bulbasaur after decades of increasing obscurity.
Pokemon Legends Can Give Less Popular Starter Pokemon a Second Chance
The Starters of Pokemon Legends: Arceus Were Already Fan-Favorites
TheLegendsseries seems poised to continue focusing on reimagining familiar Pokemon in new forms and settings following the precedent set byPokemon Legends: Arceus' Hisui region. The regional variants of well-known starter evolutions allowed players to experience beloved Pokemon in new ways, contributing to the game’s overall revitalization of the greater franchise in a way that isn’t likely to stop.
Hisuian Forms Still Breathed New Life into Older Generations
With Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott all being popular starters from different generations who received new regional forms, they were able to appeal to the tastes of players both old and new. The dual typings that accompany theseHisuian Pokemon formssee these familiar concepts embracing new identities in a way that can still appeal to long-time fans, and that formula should extend to the starter Pokemon that needs this treatment the most.
Chikorita and Its Evolutions Deserve More as One of the Most Underrated Starter Pokemon Lines
How Pokemon Legends: Z-A Could Redeem Meganium
The disappointment surrounding Meganium as a final evolution has always cast a shadow over Chikorita as a choice of starter, as it is largely outclassed by its peers in terms of type advantages while progressing throughGold and Silver. IfLegends: Z-Agives a new regional variant to Meganium, however, an additional typing, like Fairy, could elevate it to a more viable status when it comes to gameplay and general novelty. If the teased Mega Evolutions end up being a major focus as well, there’s even thepotential for a Mega Meganium inLegends: Z-Ato feature another new typing for the Chikorita line on top of that. It would be a first for the series to include a Mega regional form, but this evolutionary line could act as an ideal blank slate for that kind of experimentation.
Letting One of the Franchise’s Cutest Starters Thrive in a 3D Environment
With an adorable design beloved by many, Chikorita could showcase its interactions with the world and trainers in more realized ways if it acts asone ofPokemon Legends: Z-Astarters. In a more immersive environment enhanced by a 3D depiction of Lumiose City, this Pokemon line has the chance to shine regardless of what additions Meganium gets. The major roles that all members of the line have had in the anime already associate them with heartfelt scenarios, and having them fully realized throughout a journey in an urban setting could serve to complementLegends: Z-A’s possible focus on themes of adaptation and change.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an ambitious new entry to the Pokémon video game series, releasing simultaneously worldwide in 2025. A new adventure awaits within Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
