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

This morning, we were treated to our first in-depth look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's innovative new Pokémon game set in the futuristic version of Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features such as rooftop running, updated battle mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions remain, particularly about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and which beloved characters might reappear in Lumiose City.

This is where the Pokémon community shines.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game involved time travel and featured familiar settings from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set centuries in the past. It also introduced characters who were ancestors of those in other Pokémon games, and even included a character from Pokémon Black and White transported to the past by the Pokémon deity. With this in mind, fans are eager to understand the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, any potential time travel elements, and the possibility of seeing familiar faces in Lumiose City.

In the hours following the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for links to other Pokémon games, uncovering numerous intriguing connections. The most evident tie is the presence of AZ, directly mentioned in the trailer. AZ, granted immortality 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y, is seen running a hotel in Lumiose City and appears much happier, having been reunited with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe from pokemon

But the connections go deeper. One of the most exciting discoveries is the potential reappearance of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a beloved detective character first introduced in Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in various games. Fans have noticed an office in the trailer that closely resembles the Looker Bureau from past games, hinting at the possible presence of Looker or his protégé Emma in Z-A's Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? from pokemon

Another fascinating theory revolves around the game's protagonists, who bear a striking resemblance to Ethan and Lyra, the player characters from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra are transported from their Johto region to the futuristic Lumiose City.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra from pokemon

Alternatively, some fans suggest that the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. This theory, though a bit more speculative, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, especially given the series' history with ancestry themes.

ZA protagonist relatives from pokemon

What's fascinating is that these theories could coexist. The timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains a mystery, with the Pokémon series featuring a loosely sequential timeline that sometimes includes alternate realities and time travel. Given AZ's immortality, the game could be set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y, as evidenced by the futuristic Lumiose City. This would mean the protagonists and the Looker Bureau's occupants could be descendants of the characters they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!? from pokemon

Another character capturing fans' attention is a mysterious woman from the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type has been spotted in the new footage, but this particular Hex Maniac is of special interest due to the ongoing mystery of the "Ghost Girl" from Pokémon X and Y. In that game, a Hex Maniac appears in a building in Lumiose City, delivering a cryptic message before vanishing. With no explanation provided, fans are hopeful that Legends: Z-A might finally unravel this enigma, especially if the Hex Maniac is a ghost haunting the city for centuries.

New hex? from pokemon

In the coming days, more discoveries, easter eggs, and connections are sure to emerge from the footage, art, and news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the game slated for release in "late 2025," fans have plenty of time to delve into the new information. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including Legends Z-A news, mobile gaming updates, and more, right here.