Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC brings new content to an already excellent RPG. It continues the story after the true ending. The narrative focuses on the discovery of new legendary Pokémon, with the player tasked with finding them, but instead ending up in an alternate version of Lumiose City. This version appears to feature powerful Pokémon that are not normally seen in the main game.
For most of the DLC, the player is required to enter hyperspace for short, time-gated expeditions. The main loop involves using special Donuts to gain temporary powers, which are then used to gather intel by repeating missions. There are plenty of strong callbacks to earlier Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and Diamond and Pearl, among others. The new Mega transformations included in this DLC are unique and impressive. While it is a bit unfortunate that they are locked behind paid content, they still add to the overall quality of the package.
The problem with this gameplay loop is that it can become frustrating, especially for players who want to experience most of the powerful Pokémon and capture them. Technically, while Hyperspace feels like a new location, it reuses assets. The environments and art style of this version of Lumiose also feel drab and lifeless. There are not many map variations, so after a while, everything starts to feel repetitive. The developers have also added some roguelite elements by introducing areas that change with each visit.
So, who is this DLC appealing to? The answer is existing fans of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, especially those who enjoyed the base game and finished its true ending. These players will get the most out of the DLC. It adds new Pokémon to capture, and some of them are quite powerful. There are also new Mega evolutions to discover, with a few fan favorites making a return. The time-limited nature of the Hyperspace expeditions is an unfortunate drawback.
The mission design also feels fairly dull, with little variety. Most missions involve breaking boulders, fighting trainers, or catching Pokémon. These activities are usually fine as side content, but here they make up a large part of the DLC. That said, the replay value is honestly solid if you have enjoyed Pokémon Legends: Z-A so far, especially with the option to revisit boss fights. The time-limited mission structure also affects combat, pushing players to reach objectives as quickly as possible. This often means choosing faster-charging moves over more powerful ones.
In terms of pure content, the DLC adds a sizable amount. Even though it reuses many assets, it still offers good value, with completion time sitting around 10 to 15 hours. The option to revisit Rogue Mega evolution boss fights is a welcome addition, and the DLC feels like an extension of the endgame, focused on hunting more Legendary Pokémon. When viewed as proper post-ending content for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it is fairly substantial. However, locking all of this behind paid DLC will likely not sit well with some fans.
If you liked the grinding in the base game, you will enjoy it here in the DLC as well. The repetitive mission structure requires a lot of grinding to progress, but I personally enjoyed the combat system and did not mind doing battles again. I also really liked the new Mega evolutions included in this DLC, such as Mega Raichu X. There are plenty of fan-favorite Pokémon returning, with more than 100 added in total.
In the end, this DLC is best suited for players who already enjoyed the combat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The story may not be very appealing if you struggle with or dislike the combat, and the repetitive mission structure can lose its appeal over time. However, if you truly enjoyed the battle system, there is a lot to dig into here. Pokémon can now be leveled beyond 100, increasing the level cap, and there are many more Pokémon to capture, including new Mega evolutions.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC Game Information
- Price: $29.99
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Developer: Game Freak
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
