Pokémon Legends: Gen 10 Design Concerns Spark Debate

Pokémon fans were beyond excited when Pokémon Legends: Z-A was revealed. One of the main reasons for this hype was the return of Mega Evolutions. As its October 16th release date approaches, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo have been slowly revealing new Mega Evolutions. Dragonite, Victrebell, Hawlucha, and Malamar have all been revealed to receive a Mega Evolution. However, despite the initial excitement for this feature, I’m starting to get concerned with each new reveal. The reason has to do with these Pokémon’s designs, which many fans agree are terrible.

Fan Criticisms

Goofy and awkward looks

Image via Pokémon Legends

Many players are saying that the new designs simply look strange. Mega Dragonite, which was previously adored in its normal state, is now receiving bitter criticism. The special charm that the original possessed is not perceived to be there anymore.

Risks that don’t pay well

Mega Evolutions are meant to attempt bold things, but in this case, quite a lot of them look more chaotic than innovative. Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar especially look like they attempted with powerful style but ended up in awkward shapes.

Safe but underwhelming

Mega Hawlucha, however less despised, but everyone says that it is too bland. The design doesn’t do much, and it appears not to have attempted much, more safe than thrilling.

Are These Issues Valid?

Image via Pokémon Legends

Pokémon designs have always been hit or miss. There have been some truly incredible designs, but The Pokémon Company has released ugly messes before. Mr. Mime, Purugly, Barbaracle, and Bruxish are just some of the ugliest Pokémon in the series. This doesn’t take into account Pokémon like Voltorb, Trubbish, or Vanillish that just have stupid designs. Sadly, it seems this is the trend Pokémon Legends: Z-A is setting with its Mega Evolutions. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are guilty of this as well.

What This Could Mean for Generation 10

Image via Pokémon Legends

Players don’t even have to use the new Mega Evolved Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Even if they do, they are temporary transformations before the Pokémon revert to their normal looks. Additionally, there are still plenty of Mega Evolutions that have yet to be revealed. Leaks have teased what these look like, but there is still a good chance that good Mega Evolutions will be seen.

Discussing and criticizing the designs is fine, but some players are perhaps taking this too far. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is just one game in a long-running series. Generation 10 could see a course correction and drop incredible designs. Despite my own hesitancy, we’ll just need to wait and see without letting expectations ruin an entire new Generation of Pokémon before reveal.