We recently got a glimpse of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next installment in Game Freak's Legends series, set in the vibrant Lumiose City from X and Y. The game's received an E10+ rating from the ESRB, sparking both genuine curiosity and a flurry of playful 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, citing "Fantasy Violence." This is unusual for the Pokémon franchise, whose mainline games have consistently held an "E for Everyone" rating.
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This rating has ignited a wave of speculation, ranging from serious theories to humorous conjectures. The possibilities are endless—from dialogue depicting Pokémon causing harm to the introduction of unexpected gameplay mechanics. Reddit users have jokingly suggested scenarios like a gang of Scrafty ambushing players in Lumiose City's alleys.
"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 revolve around AZ, a character with a significant history in Pokémon X and Y, known for his involvement in the darker aspects of Kalos's lore and set to appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
More plausible theories include an increase in the game's "darker" elements, perhaps featuring more intense battles or a greater focus on Lumiose City's shadowy side. The inclusion of a Game Center-style minigame has also been suggested.
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My personal belief is that the "Fantasy Violence" descriptor is the key. While unusual for a typical Pokémon game, it 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 higher rating, due to the more direct physical contact between Pokémon during battles.
Currently, there's no entry for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the ESRB website, limiting further information. However, the mystery surrounding the E10+ rating adds to the excitement, fueling speculation until more details are revealed.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled for release in late 2025 on Nintendo Switch.
