Critics have mostly received Pokémon Legends: Z-A favorably, commending the return of Mega Evolution and its engaging gameplay loop. At the same time, many point to lackluster graphics and inconsistent pacing.
The game’s Metacritic score currently stands at 79 from 57 reviews — higher than Scarlet and Violet, yet slightly below Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Player reception has been harsher. The new Pokémon title has faced large-scale review-bombing — users are intentionally lowering its score in protest. The average rating is 4.3 out of 10. Comments include accusations of The Pokémon Company’s “greed,” complaints about the developers’ “laziness,” and even references to legal disputes surrounding Palworld. Most of these user reviews are 0/10 or 1/10.
Other factors have amplified the criticism. Discussions online suggest the game’s budget was modest — former Nintendo employees say the project needed to sell roughly 200,000 copies to break even. Fans also cite the absence of voice acting and repetitive textures that feel out of step with the franchise’s stature. Recent rumors about plans for Generation X and a major remake have reinforced the perception that Z-A is a secondary effort. Now it remains to be seen whether community sentiment will shift, or if the game will remain one of the most controversial entries in Pokémon history.
Source: iXBT.games