Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Fans Decipher Connections to Other Games

This morning, we were treated to an extensive preview of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's latest venture into the futuristic world of Pokémon, set in the well-known Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting new features such as rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, fans are still left pondering the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and which beloved characters might make a comeback in this reimagined Lumiose City.

The Pokémon community is buzzing with speculation and eager to uncover more details.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone experiences, the original Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and featured locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past. It also included ancestors of characters from other Pokémon games, and even a character from Pokémon Black and White, seemingly placed in the past by divine intervention. Given this precedent, fans are keen to understand the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, potential time travel elements, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of information. The most notable connection is the character AZ, directly referenced in the trailer. Known for his immortality granted 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y, AZ appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City in Z-A, looking contentedly reunited with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam90 inpokemon

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Yet, there are subtler ties being unearthed. A fan-favorite is the potential reappearance of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, the beloved detective who debuted in Pokémon Black and White and has since featured in multiple games, may be present in Lumiose City. Some sharp-eyed fans have noted an office in the trailer that closely resembles the Looker Bureau from previous games, suggesting the presence of either Looker or his protégé Emma.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
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Another intriguing theory revolves around the game's protagonists, who resemble Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time-travel scenario where these characters are transported from Johto to the futuristic Lumiose City.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
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Alternatively, some fans suggest the protagonists might be related to Kalos characters, Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches a bit further, it's compelling given the series' history of exploring ancestry.

ZA protagonist relatives
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Interestingly, these theories could coexist if Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in a future far beyond Pokémon X and Y. AZ's immortality supports this timeline, as does the futuristic look of Lumiose City, suggesting centuries of development. If true, the protagonists and other characters like those from the Looker Bureau might be descendants of their lookalikes from earlier games.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?
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One more character catching fans' attention is a mysterious woman in the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type's inclusion is significant due to the unresolved mystery of the "Ghost Girl" from Pokémon X and Y, who appears briefly in a haunting scene in Lumiose City. The reappearance of a Hex Maniac in Legends: Z-A has fans hopeful for a resolution to this long-standing enigma.

New hex?
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In the coming days, more discoveries and connections are likely to surface as fans continue to delve into the footage and art from today's Pokémon Presents. While we await the game's release in "late 2025," there's plenty of new information to keep the community engaged. You can catch up on all the announcements, including Legends: Z-A news, mobile gaming updates, and more, right here.