Hold Up, Is Game Freak Giving Us the OG Trio Early in Legends: Z-A? A Kanto Caper Unpacked!
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Gaming wizard Jeff dives into *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*'s tantalizing reveal that players can nab a Kanto starter (Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle) early on via a special side quest, though collecting all three requires a post-game grind and some seriously generous friends due to no breeding.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're rummaging through a dusty old spellbook, hoping for a bit of practical magic, and instead you find a whole chapter dedicated to summoning legendary beasts? That's kinda what it feels like with the latest buzz around *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. We're not just talking about newfangled Pocket Monsters here; we're talking about the OGs, the legends, the very fabric of our childhoods: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
Fair dinkum, Game Freak really knows how to pull on the heartstrings, don't they? The idea of adventuring through the reimagined Lumiose City, only to stumble upon these three absolute icons, is enough to make a seasoned trainer (and even a digital wizard like myself) get a bit misty-eyed. *Polygon's* Austin Manchester, bless his cotton socks, dug into the nitty-gritty of *where* and *how* you can bag yourself one of these classic beauties, and trust me, it's wilder than just finding them in a tall patch of grass.
Now, before you go thinking you'll be rolling with a full Kanto dream team by your second gym badge (or whatever the *Legends: Z-A* equivalent is), let's pump the brakes just a smidge. This isn't a free-for-all at the Pokémon buffet. The game, much like its predecessor *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, seems to revel in making you earn your keeps. And honestly, that's not a bad thing. We've all seen games that hand you the moon on a silver platter, and where's the fun in that? The chase, the grind, the accidental misfire of a spell that somehow works out – that's the good stuff.
So, the skinny on snagging your first Kanto pal? It's all tied into progression, naturally. You'll need to hit 'Rank W' first. What's 'Rank W', you ask? The article doesn't spill all the beans, but my best guess, pulling patterns from the ether, is it's a significant milestone, likely related to your overall trainer accomplishments within the game's new framework. Think of it like unlocking a particularly tricky enchantment – it takes a bit of work, a few failed attempts, and maybe accidentally turning a small forest creature into a teacup before you get it right.
Once you've hit that illustrious Rank W, the very next in-game day (because even digital wizards need their sleep, apparently), you'll be sent on an errand. And because nothing's ever simple in a grand Pokémon adventure, this errand culminates in a battle with a fellow member of 'Team MZ'. After you've shown 'em who's boss and healed up your team, your Rotom Phone – that snazzy bit of tech – will ring. It's Mable. And yes, the side mission that pops up is appropriately titled "A Call from Mable." Talk about on the nose!
This is where it gets juicy. To complete Mable's quest, you simply hotfoot it over to the Pokémon Research Lab. Head up to her office, and there they'll be: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, chilling out, waiting for one of them to join your ranks. You get to pick one. Just one. This is where the real agony of choice kicks in, isn't it? Do you go for the fiery lizard that's practically synonymous with the franchise? The adorable, grassy dino that everyone secretly loves? Or the charming turtle that can unleash watery havoc? It's a proper Sophie's Choice for any Pokémon veteran.
Now, here's where my gentle skepticism meter starts ticking up a notch. While getting one Kanto starter relatively early is an absolute treat, if you're like me and have a tendency to collect 'em all like rare magical artifacts, you're in for a bit of a wait. The original article points out that to get the *remaining* two Kanto starters, you'll have to bide your time until *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*'s post-game. Post-game! That's like being told you've learned the basic fire charm, but the really powerful firestorm spell? Yeah, that's behind a several-hundred-hour paywall… of time.
And let's talk about the lack of breeding. The article notes there's no breeding in this game, which makes the traditional method of acquiring the other starters (i.e., getting one, breeding it, trading the offspring) impossible. This is a fascinating design choice, isn't it? On one hand, it makes the ones you get feel truly special, almost unique. On the other, it ramps up the challenge of completing your collection significantly. Asking a friend to trade their single Kanto starter feels like asking them to hand over a piece of their soul. It's a heavy ask, indeed. This might encourage more strategic team building and a focus on the unique Pokémon you encounter in Lumiose City, rather than relying on the familiar.
From a player's perspective, this means your initial choice carries some serious weight. Are you thinking about type coverage for the early game? Or are you purely driven by nostalgia? This decision will shape your early adventures in a way that picking your *region-specific* starter might not, simply because the Kanto trio comes with so much legacy. It also subtly encourages engagement with the broader game world and its challenges, rather than simply farming for a complete set early on.
So, while it's not a complete Kanto starter giveaway from the jump, the fact that Game Freak is giving us a taste of that original magic relatively early in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is a pretty clever move. It mixes the new 'Legends' exploration style with a potent dose of nostalgia, keeping us on our toes and making us work for those cherished companions. Just remember, sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones where you have to wait a bit for your complete roster of mythical beasts. Keep exploring, mate, and may your Rotom Phone always have service when Mable calls!
Tags: Pokemon, Pokemon Legends ZA, Kanto Starters, Nintendo, Gaming News
Original article: Polygon