Pokemon Legends: ZA is set to continue the ambitious storytelling style established by its predecessor by introducing players to a revamped version of Lumiose City. It is still not known about the versatile way to start Pokemon in Legends: Arceus will return in its follow-up, but it would be an opportunity for several starters of previous generations to be revisited again. With Chikorita arguably being the most overlooked of them all, Pokemon Legends: ZA could finally do justice to its entire evolutionary line.
Despite Chikorita's undeniable initial charm, this species has often been considered one of the least favorable choices of starter Pokemon due to its in-game limitations compared to others. With the possibility of new forms and Mega Evolution i Pokemon: Legends ZA on the horizon, but there is now the potential for this underrated Grass-type to be brought up to a similar level of popularity as Bulbasaur after decades of increasing obscurity.
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Pokemon Legends: ZA Should Uphold One Protagonist Trend PL: Arceus followed
The protagonist of Pokemon Legends: Arceus stands out in a way from most in the series, and Legends: ZA would do well to take notes.
Pokemon Legends can give less popular starter Pokemon a second chance
The starters of Pokemon Legends: Arceus were already fan favorites
The Legends series seems poised to continue focusing on reimagining familiar Pokémon in new forms and settings following the precedent of Pokemon Legends: Arceus' Hisui Region. The regional variations of well-known starter evolutions allowed players to experience beloved Pokémon in new ways, contributing to the game's overall revitalization of the larger franchise in a way that is unlikely to stop.
Hisui forms still breathed new life into older generations
Since Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott were all popular starters from different generations that received new regional forms, they could appeal to the tastes of old and new players alike. The dual writing that accompanies these Hisuian Pokemon forms sees these familiar concepts embrace new identities in a way that can still appeal to longtime fans, and that formula should extend to the starter Pokemon that need this treatment the most.
Chikorita and its evolutions deserve more as one of the most underrated starter Pokemon lines
How Pokemon Legends: ZA Could Redeem Meganium
The disappointment surrounding Meganium as a final evolution has always cast a shadow over Chikorita as a starter choice, as it is largely outclassed by its peers in terms of type advantage while passing through Gold and Silver. If Legends: ZA gives a new regional variant to Meganium, but an additional typing, like Fairy, could elevate it to a more viable status in terms of gameplay and general novelty. If the teased Mega Evolutions come into focus as well, there's even potential for a Mega Meganium in Legends: ZA to introduce another new typing for the Chikorita line on top of that. It would be a first for the series to include a Mega regional form, but this evolutionary line could serve as an ideal blank slate for that kind of experimentation.
Let one of the franchise's cutest newcomers thrive in a 3D environment
With an adorable design loved by many, Chikorita can showcase its interaction with the world and trainers in more realized ways if it functions as one of Pokemon Legends: ZA starters. In a more immersive environment enhanced by a 3D depiction of Lumiose City, this Pokémon line has the chance to shine regardless of what additions Meganium receives. The major roles that all members of the line have had in anime already associate them with candid scenarios, and having them fully realized during a journey in an urban setting could complement Legends: ZAs possible focus on themes of adaptation and change.
Pokémon Legends: ZA is an ambitious new entry in the Pokémon video game series, releasing simultaneously worldwide in 2025. A new adventure awaits in Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both humans and Pokémon .
- Franchise
- Pokémon
- Released
- 2025
