Pokémon Legends Z-A (Switch) First Impressions- Like a Dragon-Type: Pocket Monster Saga

Hey everyone- now that I am about five hours into the main quest (currently at rank X in the Z-A Royale, training for the next rank and the Greninja mega stone); here are my first impressions on Pokémon Legends Z-A. I will do my best to not give away too much about the story, that can wait for a full review after I beat it (so, definitely not before 2026). So, let’s open it up and get started.

First, I will state I don't have a problem with the tech or visuals at all. Even as someone who doesn’t have a Switch 2 yet (plan to upgrade ahead of Generation X next year); it does make a good game to send off the main series on the base Switch. While I don’t put as much stock in graphics as others, I can definitely say the extra year worth of development made all the difference. I don’t really focus on one window pane or building; I focus on the entire city. Given how the whole game takes place in the Lumiose City hub world, its sheer scale builds tremendously on when we first saw it in Pokémon X and Y. The frame rate and color palette look great in both home and portable mode; and if we got along nearly three full decades without voice acting in-game; I have no need for it now. I will say the arrangements of the music are as great as ever, especially with the expanded shop themes. I especially like the variety of cosmetics you can acquire. They've even taken a page from Animal Crossing and Splatoon in making gear that can be worn by any player avatar. Honestly the best approach to the issue- choosing not to make it one.

Next, let’s talk about the biggest shakeup- the real-time capture and battle gameplay. Though I am still acclimating to the new control scheme, I actually rather like the approach they took. I have long believed real-time combat is not your enemy, and it does a great job of building on what Legends Arceus did as well as its contemporaries in role-playing games. Not into Xenoblade, so I can't verify that comparison. I can verify as someone who's into Persona/SMT and the Ryu Ga Gotoku canon that it reminds me of their approach to real-time combat encounters; especially the latter. I've always preferred rotating attacks to just spamming a single move over and over, and even the dodge rolls have a Souls-like element for traversal and collision detection.

Though I am not currently at liberty to confirm or deny all of the details that have come to light in the most recent data dump from last year’s “Tera Leak,” I will say that the reveals intrigue me and I am willing to do so at a later date. As for the anime impacting the planned redesign for Pikachu come the next generation- I’d just as soon say that it’s more to do with the shift in hardware (I did figure the next titles would be Switch 2 exclusives). It does make sense for the design to be bookended that way, starting and ending use with games set in Kalos.

Overall, my first impressions on Pokémon Legends Z-A are not only positive; it’s on my shortlist for game of the year (no small feat given this has been a surprisingly good year for games). I will continue to enjoy this game well into next year and a prospective hardware upgrade (to say nothing of the upcoming Mega Dimensions expansion). Before I go, don't forget what happened to the man who got everything he ever wanted: He lived happily ever after. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Final Trailer Thoughts+ My Funny Gamestop Story.

Hello everyone- with 10 days left to the release of Pokémon Legends Z-A, I thought I would give my thoughts on the final trailer to the game. Let's get to it.

I will mainly focus on what stands out at me. No matter which version I look at, I think the presentation looks solid. Graphics don't bother me at all on the base Switch or Switch 2 as someone who plays a lot of retro and retro-reimagined games (likely upgrade before the release of Generation X next year). I will also reiterate I do not need or want voice acting in the game simply for the sake of having it; I will accept it if it's good quality, it suits the story and actually adds to the experience.

The Lumiose City map looks way larger than it does in X and Y; and there are benefits to having the setting take place in one map. Hub world looks great, I don't think it looks empty at all.

I cannot verify the Xenoblade comparisons to the game (I have not played Xenoblade and do not plan to), but I can say the combat system reminds me of ones from SMT/Persona and the Ryu Ga Gotoku catalog. That is a very good thing as a big fan of those.

As for Mega Dimensions, I am personally waiting for a proper release date before I opt in; and that will likely be after beating the main quest. I am intrigued by the idea as Kalos never got a third main game before now, with its ideas being used in OR/AS and Alola instead. 

Leaks aside (don't send me any), I have finally decided on starting with Totodile; and I will be competing online for the Kalos starter mega stones. I do like the day one perk of a Ralts with Gardevoirite. I still consider it my most anticipated game of the year; which is saying something given how this has been another surprisingly great year for video games.

Finally, I would like to you a funny story about when I went to get my shiny Koraidon and Miraidon. I did manage to get one of the codes I was after at Gamestop late last month, but apart from the obvious furor of being the same day as the new TCG set (attempts to joke about both on X/Twitter got them community noted multiple times); two people tried to accuse me of line-jumping, I pointed out the lack of staff to handle two dozen customers and the line turned into mush. A third accused me of livestreaming him when I was actually texting about a grocery pickup; even had to show him the text to show I wasn't lying. I was lucky enough to get a code, but the whole state from my closest location in Linn County to Portland, OR ran out in 3 hours. ... Needless to say, the second go-round went much smoother. That is all for now, take care.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Continues its Hinokami Hot Streak!

As they say, records are made to be broken. Hey everyone- even as competition is starting to heat up, Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle is continuing to break box office records around the world. It's safe to say that the age of the Mayberry RFD is over, and the age of the Demon Slayer Corps is here.

Though the movie has ceded to a $3.5 million amount in its fourth weekend, the overall domestic box office is now standing at well over $124 million domestically. If any movie had to break the records long-held by 1999's Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, I'm glad it was this one. One spoke to the boy I once was, the other speaks to the man I am now.

Not only did the film indeed cross $600 million worldwide, I am seeing figures that are crossing well over $757 million worldwide. Given the current state of the theatrical animation landscape, it's good to take your wins where you can. 

As someone who saw and enjoyed the movie, this is very good news to hear for the next two chapters of the trilogy; currently in production. I will see you all again soon, take care.

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle (2025) Thoughts

All right- as I acclimate to a number of factors (chief among them recovering from my recent oral surgery), I thought I would give my thoughts on an anime film that I am pleased to have finally seen as it continues to smash records (some reports I have post the worldwide take at over $600 million worldwide, trade shenanigans be danged). So, here are my thoughts on Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle.

Poster for the EN dub release.

The movie is the first in a planned trilogy, adapting the manga storyline of the same name. With director Sotozaki Haruo at the helm, the film sees the cast from the TV anime reprise their roles; and the EN dub even includes notable names Channing Tatum and Rebecca Wang in small but significant supporting roles.

The story begins right where the Hashira Training arc ends, with the Demon Slayer Corps taking the battle to the titular Infinity Castle for one final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. As the castle contains his upper ranked demon followers and can fold space in on itself with changes of size and shape; the challenge is at its highest.

Much of what I said about previous outings also applies here- the pacing did not bother me at all; as it does a great job of adhering to the structure of the manga. Ufotable has crafted a masterwork of traditional animation; and seeing the story on the page come to life on screen is spectacular. Once again, it definitely helps if you're caught up with the anime and manga (just finished binging the Hashira Training arc's TV anime right before I saw this); and you will definitely be rewarded as a fan. 

Though I see the "factory movie" and "just add demons and you're good" lines of thinking as oversimplifications for my taste, I can say that there are layers of enjoyment for all manner of viewers: martial arts action, offbeat humor, and in my case; Taisho-era Japanese period drama. Horror fans are a demographic I can especially credit with helping the movie take in $122 million to date in the US alone. 

Needless to say, I am very excited to see the other two chapters of the story; which are currently in production. I recommend seeing the movie, just so long as you have a good understanding of the story and characters. That is all for now, and I will see you again soon. Take care.