Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Kanto Starter Side Mission: A Disrespectful Oversight of Nearly Three Decades of Pokémon Legacy
The recent launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A has ignited a fervor among fans, myself included, with many dedicating countless hours to its immersive world. Since its release on October 16th for the Nintendo Switch and the highly anticipated Switch 2, the game has offered a consistently engaging experience. However, amidst the exploration and battles, a particular side mission has surfaced, one that we believe profoundly misunderstands and disrespects the iconic Kanto starter Pokémon and the nearly three decades of history they represent within the franchise. This isn’t merely a minor oversight; it’s a missed opportunity to honor a cornerstone of Pokémon lore, leaving a lingering sense of disappointment for those who have grown up with these beloved creatures.
Our journey through Pokémon Legends: Z-A, typically spanning five to seven hours before reaching a significant milestone, involves a rather protracted and, frankly, uneventful series of tutorial missions. Upon successfully defeating a designated trainer and attaining Rank W in the game’s titular tournament, players receive a call on their Rotom Phone from Mable, the resident Pokémon professor of Lumiose City. This call introduces a side mission titled “A Call from Mable.” It’s worth a brief aside here to reflect on the evolution of Rotom. Once considered a rare, almost mythical or legendary Pokémon, Rotom has transitioned into a commonplace piece of technology, a ubiquitous presence carried by virtually every trainer, highlighting how even the status of Pokémon within the game world has shifted dramatically over the years.
While the game offers the flexibility to address “A Call from Mable” at a later point, the inherent simplicity of side missions within Pokémon Legends: Z-A, especially at this stage of exploration in Lumiose, often compels players to tackle them promptly. The objective leads us to the Pokémon Research Lab, where an elevator ascends to Mable’s private office. It is within this ostensibly important space that the player is presented with a sight that should have been treated with the utmost reverence: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
An Anticlimactic Introduction to Pokémon Royalty
The presentation of these foundational Pokémon, arguably the most recognizable and beloved starter trio in the entire Pokémon series, is astonishingly devoid of fanfare. There is no grand build-up, no dramatic reveal, no sense of occasion. Players simply walk into a room and there they are, waiting. Following a brief exchange of dialogue, Mable presents the player with a choice: select one of these legendary Kanto starters to accompany them on their adventure.
At the time of encountering this mission, our playthrough involved a late-night exploration of Lumiose City’s offerings. The team composition was still very much in flux, with no definitive strategy yet established. Having chosen Totodile as our initial starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and having already secured a Gastly that fit perfectly into our evolving party, the remaining four slots were open to interpretation. Imagine our considerable surprise, then, when we were presented with the opportunity to select a Kanto starter. This surprise was amplified significantly when, upon attempting to leave Mable’s office without making a selection, we were informed that departure was contingent upon choosing one of the three: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.
Forced Decisions and Disrespected Legacies
The immediate impulse was a desperate urge to exit the office, to escape the pressure of making such a significant decision unprepared. The lack of foresight regarding team synergy left us unsure which of the Kanto starters, if any, would truly complement our existing party. We particularly hesitated on choosing Squirtle, our personal favorite, as Totodile already fulfilled the Water-type role on our team. The expectation was that we could defer this choice, returning later in our journey when a clearer understanding of team needs would emerge. Instead, we were abruptly and regrettably forced into an immediate decision.
This moment felt not only disrespectful to us as players invested in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but more importantly, it felt like a profound disrespect to the legacy of these specific Pokémon. For an entire generation, and indeed for many who have joined the Pokémon fandom since, the Kanto starters are the starters. They are the initial companions, the Pokémon that often forge an unbreakable bond with trainers, a bond that endures through countless years and numerous subsequent adventures. We had hoped that Pokémon Legends: Z-A would rise to the occasion of gifting us one of these monumental creatures. However, this underwhelming introduction sadly echoes similar instances in past Pokémon titles where the Kanto starters have been distributed with a noticeable lack of gravitas.
While it’s true that this sequence might be intended as a callback to Pokémon X and Y, which also presented players with a Kanto starter early in the game without extensive preamble, the question remains: is Game Freak truly aware of the historical weight these three Pokémon carry? This isn’t a matter of selecting any random Pokémon; it’s an invitation to reach back into our personal histories, to select a piece of our childhood to carry forward into the future of our Pokémon Legends: Z-A journey. Such a monumental offering deserves to be treated with the gravity it warrants. The ambivalence we felt in Pokémon X and Y is unfortunately mirrored here in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, regardless of whether it’s a deliberate callback.
The Undeniable Gravitas of Iconic Pokémon
While we may not be game designers ourselves and cannot claim to understand the optimal methods for distributing such significant Pokémon, our extensive experience playing the series has provided us with a clear understanding of how Game Freak has, at times, masterfully handled the gravitas of specific Pokémon. Consider the monumental effort involved in ascending Rayquaza’s Sky Pillar, the intricate sealed chamber puzzles required to obtain the Regi trio (Regirock, Registeel, Regice), or the thrilling chase of the roaming legendary beasts of the Johto region. These are all exemplary instances of Game Freak successfully imbuing certain Pokémon with the weight and significance they deserve. We are not suggesting that the Kanto starters should be treated with the same rarity as Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, but they certainly deserve more than a fleeting, 30-second side mission.
A Decision of Personal Significance, Born from Frustration
Ultimately, the decision-making process was so laden with unexpected pressure that we had to pause our gameplay on the Switch 2 and discuss the options with a companion. The immediate, almost reflexive choice for many might be Charmander, driven by the enduring appeal of Charizard. However, after deliberation, we opted for Bulbasaur. The rationale, while personal, stemmed from a poignant observation. Upon making the selection, the chosen Pokémon emits a small cry accompanied by a brief animation. Bulbasaur’s animation and cry reminded my wife of our pet dog, Sparrow, solidifying the decision.
Consequently, our permanent party now features Croconaw, Ivysaur, and Gastly, with three slots still remaining open. Our hope is that the remainder of our adventure in Pokémon Legends: Z-A will not force us into further confrontational decisions that pit us against our past, our history with the series, and our deep affection for these pocket monsters as we strive to complete our team. The developers have a profound opportunity to weave these iconic Pokémon into the narrative fabric of Lumiose City and its surrounding regions in a way that truly honors their status.
The Missed Narrative Potential of Kanto Starters in Lumiose
The city of Lumiose itself, with its rich history and unique architectural style, presents a fertile ground for narrative integration. Imagine a side quest that delves into the origins of these Kanto starters within the Kalos region. Perhaps they were experimental Pokémon, brought over from Kanto by early researchers who were fascinated by their adaptability. The mission could involve piecing together fragmented research notes, deciphering ancient texts, or even interacting with elderly NPCs who recall the arrival of these creatures. This would lend a sense of purpose and discovery to the acquisition, making the player feel like they are unearthing a lost piece of Kalosian history, rather than simply accepting a freebie.
Furthermore, the very presence of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in Lumiose City begs for an explanation that goes beyond a simple “Mable has them.” Are they rare visitors? Are they part of a special research program within the Kalos region? Are they descendants of Pokémon brought over by trainers who settled in Kalos? The current presentation leaves these questions unanswered, contributing to the feeling of a missed narrative opportunity.
Elevating the “A Call from Mable” Mission
To truly do justice to the Kanto starters, the “A Call from Mable” mission could be significantly enhanced. Instead of a direct handover, it could involve a series of challenges that test the player’s understanding of Pokémon types and battle strategies. For instance, Mable could present the player with a series of opponents, each representing a different aspect of a Kanto starter’s strengths and weaknesses. Defeating a Grass-type opponent might be a prerequisite for receiving Bulbasaur, a Fire-type opponent for Charmander, and a Water-type opponent for Squirtle.
Alternatively, the mission could involve a “matching” component. Players might be tasked with finding specific items or Pokémon that are known to be compatible with or beneficial to a particular Kanto starter. This would not only add gameplay depth but also subtly educate players on the ecological niches and relationships of these Pokémon. The reward for successfully completing these more involved tasks would be the selection of a Kanto starter, a reward that feels earned and meaningful.
Beyond X and Y: A New Opportunity for Deeper Lore
While the developers might view this as a nod to Pokémon X and Y, it’s crucial to recognize that Pokémon Legends: Z-A has the opportunity to forge its own identity and delve deeper into the lore of the Pokémon universe. The “Legends” moniker itself implies a focus on the history and mythology of Pokémon. Therefore, the introduction of such historically significant Pokémon should align with this theme.
Instead of a simple, isolated side mission, the Kanto starters could be woven into the overarching narrative of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Perhaps they play a role in understanding the ancient history of Lumiose City, or their presence is intrinsically linked to the central conflict or mystery of the game. This would elevate them from mere rewards to integral components of the game’s world and story.
The Player’s Emotional Connection: Acknowledging the Past
For many players, these Kanto starters are more than just pixels on a screen; they are the embodiment of cherished childhood memories. They represent the thrill of the very first Pokémon battle, the joy of forming an unbreakable bond with a digital companion, and the shared experience of a global phenomenon. When a game fails to acknowledge this emotional connection, it risks alienating a significant portion of its audience.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A has the potential to be a groundbreaking entry in the series, and its success hinges not just on innovative gameplay but also on its ability to respect and engage with the franchise’s rich history. The Kanto starters are a prime example of an element that, with thoughtful implementation, could significantly enhance the player’s experience and deepen their appreciation for the world of Pokémon. We urge the developers to consider how these iconic creatures can be integrated into the game in a manner that truly honors their legacy, transforming a moment of anticlimactic delivery into an unforgettable narrative and gameplay experience. The potential for Pokémon Legends: Z-A to resonate deeply with fans is immense, and by treating its historical elements with the reverence they deserve, it can cement its place as a truly special installment in the beloved Pokémon saga.
For further insights into the critical reception of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, readers are encouraged to consult Game Informer’s comprehensive review. We are eager to hear your thoughts and decisions: which Kanto starter will you choose when you encounter this pivotal moment in Pokémon Legends: Z-A? Share your selections and the reasoning behind them in the comments below.