Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Two-Hour Intro Keeps Players From Actually Playing — When Will We Get a Skip Button?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues the series’ long opening tutorial tradition, according to a recent hands-on report. The writer spent more than two hours inside the game’s early sequence but says the essential controls and mechanics were explained within the first 30 minutes. As a result, the early sections feel restrictive to experienced players who would prefer a faster start.
Opening tutorial length
Historically, mainline Pokémon entries open with a guided introduction: choose a starter, learn to catch and battle, receive a Pokédex, then begin exploring. In this case, the author reports that Legends: Z-A follows that pattern and extends it. Specifically, their hands-on time put them more than two hours into the game while still encountering guided sequences and mission prompts.
Moreover, the writer notes that most basic systems — catching, battling, type logic — were taught early on. Therefore, they argue that an option to skip or at least fast-forward tutorial segments would benefit veteran players.
New mechanics
The game introduces some mechanics not found in earlier Pokémon titles. For example, opposing Pokémon can directly target the player in battle, rather than only targeting the player’s Pokémon. This difference affects combat flow and positioning.
It has also been roughly three years since Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released, so some players may need a refresher on the altered combat and open-area systems.
World and exploration
The opening places you in Lumiose City and pairs you with an NPC named Urbain who guides the early progress. According to the report, Urbain frequently directs the player and issues prompts when the player tries to leave the intended route. Consequently, freedom of movement is limited in the first hours.
Additionally, the world map shows a set of Wild Zones; the map indicates six at first, though the author expects more may unlock later. Early access to side streets and optional exploration is currently constrained by story-driven guidance.
Visuals and performance
On Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, the hands-on run showed no stuttering so far. The writer describes the presentation as slightly improved compared to Legends: Arceus on the original Switch, but still notes visible pop-in for characters and some Pokémon.
Visually, building facades often use flat textures despite architectural details such as balconies. Apartment blocks are described as repetitive in design, while Pokémon models receive praise for fluid animation and life-like movement.
Technical notes
To summarize the technical observations:
- Performance: No stuttering reported on Switch 2 in the preview session.
- Pop-in: Characters and Pokémon exhibit pop-in at times.
- Environment: Some textures and repeated assets reduce visual variety.
Outlook
The hands-on piece ends on a cautiously positive note: the writer finds the new gameplay loop interesting and wants to reach the point where they can freely explore Lumiose City. They also call Legends: Arceus a high point for the subseries, and say Z-A shows promise—provided later sections loosen the early railroading and offer more open exploration.
