Since its release, “Pokemon LEGENDS Z-A” has received mixed reviews from both critics and users. Although the critic score is relatively high, theuser score is low and negative opinions tend to be noticeable.
In this article,
we will structurally explain the reasons why ZA is said to be boring, based on user feedback rather than subjective evaluations.
Actual evaluation trends
First, let’s organize the evaluations on Metacritic etc.
- ZA’s critic score is relatively high, around 80 points.
However, The user score is very low (approximately 4.1/10) and there are many negative users.
This “difference between critic evaluations and user evaluations” is the reason why it is said to be boring.
Main reasons why ZA is said to be boring
1. Smallness of the world/boredom of exploration
Many criticisms are poor exploration scope and environment.
While previous Pokémon works were characterized by the experience of traveling through a variety of regions, ZA has a strong impression that it basically revolves around one city, Lumios City, and some say it doesn’t feel like an “open world that’s fun to explore.” Some users have pointed out that “If you just go around the city, you don’t feel like the world is big.”
2. Graphics and expressions are unsatisfactory
From users
- Planar texture
- The NPCs don’t move and it looks like a “dead town”
- Not up to the standard of appearance as a blockbuster game in 2025
We have received several opinions. Also, some people have pointed out that “there is a lack of visual change, and people get bored walking around town.”
3. Low sense of immersion due to lack of voice production
One point that criticism and review sites point out is that ZA does not have full voice.
There is a common opinion that there are no voices in conversations with NPCs and story scenes, making it difficult to empathize with them.
This is something that many people feel is lacking in these days when players have high expectations for AAA titles.
4. Combat/game system dissatisfaction
ZA uses real-time battles, which is a departure from traditional turn-based Pokémon battles.
Although this has been well received by critics, dissatisfaction is noticeable in user evaluations.
- Techniques that were originally powerful in battle don’t work
- Motion feels slow
- Pokémon’s behavior looks awkward
have been reported.
The reason behind this is that “ZA’s uniquely revamped system was different from expectations.”
5. Low value for money
ZA is full price, and DLC is also added for a fee.
From some users,
- “The price is too high for the content”
- “Play time and volume are not worth the price”
There are strong complaints about the price.
Evaluation of price versus value is a factor that amplifies dissatisfaction beyond being boring.
6. The story/progression feels monotonous
Some users feel that the storyline is bland and doesn’t leave an impression, and that it lacks excitement.
There are several opinions that ZA has a slow pace and the story doesn’t have any major ups and downs.
This is a point where opinions vary depending on taste, but users who were “expecting something flashy like Pokemon” complained about it.
“High expectations” behind the criticism
I would like to note that many of the negative evaluations of ZA are
dissatisfaction compared to expectations for the super popular series called Pokemon.
For example,
- Not the vast open world I expected
- Combat has not evolved in any meaningful way
- It pales in comparison to past works and rival titles
There are many opinions.
Although the level of perfection as an actual game has been maintained at a certain level,
There are also aspects of the game that tend to be perceived as “boring” because fans’ expectations were too high.
On the other hand, there are also positive voices
Not all reviews are negative.
- Real-time combat and mega evolution are fun
- Pokémon models and movements are good
- Online and interactive elements will be evaluated
. There is also the view thatusers who are having fun tend to be less vocal about their criticism online.
“Boring” is subjective, but many of the reasons are common
Negative evaluation of ZA,
- Disappointing with graphics and production
- Dissatisfaction with content amount and value
- The new system doesn’t suit my tastes
- Comparison with previous games before getting used to the series
Contains many objectively pointed points, such as
.
The reason why user ratings are especially low is that
The gap between expected value and price is greater than the “fun of the game itself.”
Summary: Why ZA is called “boring”
The main points that make ZA rated as “boring” are as follows.
- Exploration/World Narrowness
- Unsatisfactory graphics/expression
- Lack of voice production
- Pros and cons of combat/system
- Unsatisfactory for the price
- Monotony of story/progression
However,
There are pockets of Pokemon fans and users who actually play the game who find it fun.
If you’re interested, it’s best to try it out and not make decisions based on negative opinions online.
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