i have test played the new z-a title a few times now, it is not my first work with nintendo but it is my first work with pokemon. one of my pokemon nerd friends told me to post this on here instead of the pokemon forum. my knowledge on the series is a bit spotty, forgive me for any lore errors.
>i've been testing battles, singleplayer offline battles are the big major focus of the game
>the new pokemon added are called "z pokemon", and are a supreme selective breed local to the game's cyberpunk paris looking locale
>the beginning partner pokemon in the game is a z species of the originals: a grass/electric venusaur, a water/ghost blastoise, and a fire/psychic charizard
>pokemon no longer hold signature abilities, with the combat revolving around the z boosts you project from your tablet
>powered by various single use crystals and gemstones, the z boosts can change stats, evade attacks, or set traps
>there are also reusable stones for special once per battle attacks with cinematic called z moves, and once per battle transformations called mega evolutions, like less extreme evolutions that end after the battle
>all of the z species have "z mega evolutions", and these forms have their own traits comparable to abilities, while regular mega evolutions do not
>i've been told the early half of the game focuses on exploring and collecting these gems, while the second half is more geared towards this battling
>the player is stationary in battle, but there is a wide range of camera control options to dynamically view the fight; some of my favorites are a filter that emulates an old tv screen, a camera angle from your trainer or your pokemon's pov, and a filter that turns the battle wireframe
it's pretty fun. i can't speak to the story or the rest of the gameplay as i haven't experienced them, but i've found myself enjoying the combat quite a bit. the depth and variety in z boosts is a bit intimidating at first, but i imagine the full game will ease the player into it more.