We recently got a sneak peek at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's Legends series. This exciting new entry is set in the vibrant Lumiose City, familiar to fans of Pokémon X and Y. Intriguingly, it's received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking a wave of both curious and humorous speculation among fans.
The Nintendo Switch store page reveals that Pokémon Legends: Z-A has earned an E10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), citing "Fantasy Violence." This is unusual for the Pokémon franchise, whose mainline games typically receive an "E for Everyone" rating. This unexpected rating has ignited considerable debate and playful conjecture within the fanbase.
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The rating has fueled a flurry of speculation, ranging from serious theories to lighthearted jokes. The possibilities are endless! Will we see dialogue depicting Pokémon harming humans? Could a surprising gunplay mechanic be introduced? Redditors have even jokingly suggested a return of the hordes, perhaps with a gang of Scrafty ambushing players in a Lumiose alleyway.
"Ohhhh boy, Game Freak is taking off the little kiddie gloves," commented Reddit user RynnHamHam. "This ain’t your kindergartener’s Pokémon game."
Many jokes also center around AZ, a character with a significant history in Pokémon X and Y, and a key figure in the darker aspects of the Kalos region's story. His appearance in Pokémon Legends: Z-A adds another layer to the mystery.
More plausible theories suggest an increase in the game's "grim" elements, or the inclusion of a Game Center-style minigame. The darker side of Lumiose City might also play a more prominent role.
My personal belief is that the E10+ rating likely stems from the "Fantasy Violence" highlighted by the ESRB. While unusual for a typical Pokémon game, this aligns with Pokkén Tournament DX, which also received an E10+ rating for "Fantasy Violence." The real-time combat showcased in Pokémon Legends: Z-A might have contributed to the slightly higher rating, as the Pokémon's physical contact is more pronounced.
Currently, there's no listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the ESRB website, limiting further information. However, the speculation is certainly entertaining, and we eagerly await more details about Z-A's story and the reasons behind its elevated rating.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in late 2025 on Nintendo Switch.
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