Welcome to my full look at Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension! This expansion was certainly a unique challenge, which means addressing it will be as well. So, let’s open it up and get started.
Much of what I said about the gameplay and presentation in the base game also applies here. So, let’s go over what’s new. On top of the mechanics I discussed previously, the Rogue Mega Evolution concept is expanded in a way that ties into the story portion. Even with the competitive scene focusing on Pokémon Champions going forward, the utter chaos of online matches is delightful. Though I may not feel as strongly about the placement of NPCs as others, I do find lots of their dialogue amusing. We’ll touch on this again, but I love the way it’s equal parts unhinged and relatable.
While I’m on that subject, I honestly really enjoy Korrina’s new outfit. Some purists might disagree, but I just love that whole “90s’ extreme sports” color pattern and bandoliers of Mega Stones- like she rolled out of a Capri-Sun ad. Same with the cosmetics that came as a pre-order bonus- matching the shades of red and blue that the X and Y covers had, as if our trainer avatars were from the Grid.
Now, onto the story portion of the expansion. In order to even start the story, you will need to have cleared the main story of the base game. Thankfully, not only have I done that, I have logged 150 hours before I opted in. As before, I will do my best to put the events in a rough chronological order as I experienced them.
The story centers around an enigmatic young woman named Ansha and her Hoopa. It turns out that she’s the daughter of Kalos champion Diantha, which will be key to this story. The aforementioned Korrina joins us in wrangling a whole slew of Rogue Mega Evolutions. I will do my best to focus on ones I didn’t cover in the base game. In order to that, you must conduct research by entering the parallel universe known as “Hyperspace Lumiose.” This is where you face off against over 100 returning Pokémon, which can far exceed the power level and challenge of what’s featured in the overworld. Well, I thought it was a pretty good idea.
You do this by gathering resources after completing sub-missions in Hyperspace Lumiose. Think of them as like the bonus cards in the Z-A Royale; as my coverage of that game is helping a lot to finish this review. The key resources are data for our allies, and ingredients to make donuts for Hoopa. I’ve always liked it when the games have had some form of crafting, be it the recent smash hit Pokopia, all the way back to making Apricorn Poké Balls in Johto.
There are fourteen major Hyperspace Missions after all the research conditions are met, and I enjoy how it builds upon the idea of researching behaviors in Legends Arceus. I thought it would be best to go through them all in story order- apart from a major spike in difficulty; much of what I said about the mechanics in the base game also applies here.
First up is the Hyperspace Disaster Arena, where we face off against Mega Absol Z! I just gotta say, I love the design deliberately invoking One-Winged Angel in the clearest way. There is a tradeoff to the Z-Mega Evolutions- it burns through the energy faster than typical Mega Evolution. Once I have the stone, it must be used wisely.
Second in line is facing Mega Staraptor in the Hyperspace Hunting Grounds. Though not as elaborate as the staging ground for each boss in Legends Arceus; it does make sense as each arena is based on the memories of those fighting inside it. Bottom line- win the battle, and Mega Staraptor is ours.
The third opponent is Mega Tatsugiri, who is fittingly fought in the Hyperspace Sushi Paradise. I especially like the shift in size for the trainers and the idea of using the roe as projectiles. That said, this is the first of multiple spikes in difficulty as we work our way up the ladder of bosses. Needless to say, that makes the victory and catch that much more satisfying.
Fourth in line is Mega Meowstic, who is another Generation VI Pokémon I am glad to see get a Mega Evolution. The design reminds me of Lokai and Bele from Star Trek as a psychic feline.
Our fifth opponent is Mega Heatran in the Hyperspace Infernal Arena. As one of the multiple legendary Pokémon we face in this expansion, which we will come back to; it’s a fitting challenge to dodge all the explosions and magma. The final opponent in the main story is Mega Darkrai.
Now, let’s address the postgame of the base game and this DLC. Starting with the former, there’s a few aspects I’d like to address I didn’t get the chance to in the previous look at this game. In particular, I am pleased to see the return of Emma. Her new job is the lead of the Looker Bureau, and she’s matured a lot since X and Y; especially how the Expansion Suit impacts her… figure. Anyway, there’s a whole slew of missions where you help her solve mysteries around the city. I also enjoyed finding yet more secrets in the city- including the last Colorful Screw to get the giant Canari plush.
On top of a large amount of mysteries befalling the citizens of Lumiose, one recurring thread is the lineage of our partner Taunie (Urbain if you chose the female-coded avatar); searching for her grandmother. As it turns out, this turns out to be none other than Quasartico president Jett! Moved by this revelation, the reunited grandmother and grandchild embrace in each other’s arms.
The postgame of the expansion is centered around trying to help Ansha bond with Rayquaza, who is fittingly waiting at the top of the Hyperspace Sky Pillar!
In order to reach the Hyperspace Sky Pillar, we naturally must defeat and catch the other Hoenn box legendary Pokémon: Groudon in the Hyperspace Desolate Land; and Kyogre in the Hyperspace Primordial Sea. They’re as challenging a battle and catch as ever, and yes; they can still do Primal Reversion.
I especially enjoy how Mega Evolution was also granted for two of the best legendary Pokémon of the past games- Mega Darkrai ends the main story for this expansion; and Mega Zeraora is a tough challenge for a fun thunder cat. Honestly not joking when I say it took me almost an hour to win and catch Zeraora as I was finishing this review (logged well over 200 hours into the base game and the expansion as of this writing).
Fittingly, the postgame story concludes with the capture of Rayquaza and the fulfillment of Ansha’s dream. In both cases, the credits roll over a series of drawings she made of the adventures we’ve had. Honestly, it’s a cute way to help start wrapping things up.
As I previously stated in my review of the base game, the future of this franchise and of the gaming landscape can be intimidating; but it can also be exciting. While there are times it seems as though one might see it as dull repetition; I prefer to take a more idealistic perspective. Anyone can take advantage of another’s cynicism for short-term gain- it takes real authenticity to highlight what you honestly enjoy. I’ve seen my fair share of takes in this fanbase that aged poorly, along with works that initially had modest responses become some of the most beloved in the series. Honestly can see the same happening to this expansion as time goes on. I might not have been as enthralled as I was with the expansions for Galar and Paldea; but I still enjoyed it and have no regrets over opting in.
Though not on the same order of magnitude as previous expansions (which have served a similar purpose to third versions in years’ past); I personally found “Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension” to be stuffed with challenge and fun, much like the donuts we helped bake.
There will be one last post on this game in October on the one-year mark of its release. The elements that I have not addressed previously will be there, including the Switch 2 upgrade. That will be all for now. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.
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