Pokémon Legends: Z-A May Reintroduce Ride Pokémon from Legends: Arceus
Rumors are swirling around the anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, suggesting it might revive a beloved feature from Legends: Arceus. Official patent filings by Nintendo have fueled speculation, hinting at the return of Ride Pokémon or mounts. As the only formally announced game in the franchise’s lineup, Legends: Z-A is poised to be the next major release, with fans eagerly awaiting further announcements about Generation 10. Although details remain limited, this new title is expected to build upon the groundwork laid by Legends: Arceus, possibly integrating gameplay elements from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Ride Pokémon: A Traditional Mechanic Reimagined
A recently filed patent by Nintendo, as reported by ComicBook, alludes to the potential comeback of Ride Pokémon in Legends: Z-A. The patent’s technical language leaves room for interpretation, and it doesn’t specifically confirm which title it pertains to. However, it strongly suggests that players might once again have the ability to switch between various “boarding target objects,” likely the Ride Pokémon featured in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Open-World Exploration: A Possibility for the Next Pokémon Game
The patent outlines a system where players can transition between different mount-like objects, allowing access to diverse terrains—ground, water, and air. This mechanic is reminiscent of Legends: Arceus, where players used Ride Pokémon to navigate land, sea, and sky. For instance, mounts like Sneasler enabled players to scale mountainous regions. Such a patent could simply be a strategic move to safeguard these gameplay mechanics for the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Enhanced Ride Pokémon Mechanics
As with any sequel, there’s potential for expanding upon the original concept. The new game may offer a greater variety of Ride Pokémon, with enhanced performance capabilities. In Legends: Arceus, flying was somewhat constrained, with players finding it easier to descend than ascend. This limitation was partially addressed in Generation 9’s Scarlet and Violet, where mascot Legendaries Koraidon and Miraidon could fully take flight in the Indigo Disk DLC.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Can Finally Fix Legends: Arceus' Biggest Mistake
Smoother Transitions Between Ride Pokémon
Nintendo appears to be focusing on improving the fluidity of transitions between Ride Pokémon, facilitating seamless shifts from air to water navigation, for example. If the patent indeed pertains to the upcoming Pokémon title, players could witness the return of Ride Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, possibly in a more refined and advanced form.
Source: Justia Patents, ComicBook
