One Pokemon has played a very specific role in the franchise’s most recent games, acting as a stand-in for various pieces of technology, andPokemon Legends: Z-A’s official key artwork suggests that it is set to do so once again. Over the years,Pokemongames have introduced, improved, and reworked items and equipment, ranging from the classic Pokedex to the shiny hunters' must-have Poke Radar. However, ever since Rotom possessed a Pokedex in Gen 7, that Pokemon has been forced to fill in for phones, bikes, PCs, and more. This will happen again inPokemon Legends: Z-A.
While trailers have already confirmed that Rotom Phones will return with new features inLegends: Z-A, the game’s official key artwork could indicate that Rotom will be burdened with even more roles. ThoughLegends: Z-A’s artmainly focuses on Mega Evolutions and key characters, a satellite dish and screen in the background bears a striking resemblance to Rotom. Should Roton continue down this path afterLegends: Z-A, the Pokemon will have gone from acting as a special encounter inPokemon DiamondandPearland the only Electric/Ghost Pokemon to a stale stand-in for Game Freak’s technology needs.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A May Continue Rotom’s Overuse
The current Rotom Phone debuted inPokemon SwordandShield, and it has become something of a franchise staple ever since, appearing inPokemon ScarletandViolet, the anime, and nowLegends: Z-A. Even though otherPokemongames have explored smartphone-like alternatives likePokemon Legends: Arceus' Arc PhoneandPokemon Masters EX’s Poryphone, Game Freak continues to rely heavily on Rotom. As a result, Rotom risks being undermined by its overuse, something thatLegends: Z-A’s key art suggests may already be the case.
Among severalhidden details withinLegends: Z-A’s art, such as Mega Scizor’s ability to fly and the return of Furfrou’s trims, the Rotom-like satellite dish atop Lumiose City’s skyline could be a sign that the Pokemon will have even more roles to fill this time around. While it would make sense thatLegends: Z-A’s urban redevelopment creates a greater dependence on Rotom’s tech-savvy functionality, that idea would need to be strongly emphasized by the game’s story if Game Freak hopes to recapture the magic ofPokemon SunandMoon’s Rotom Dex. If it is not, Rotom will continue to feel like little more than a stand-in for technology, powering satellite broadcasts and televisions.
Rotom’s Decline in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Rotom was both distinctive and memorable when it debuted inDiamondandPearl, as it was the onlyElectric/Ghost-type Pokemonand it was found haunting a television.Platinumeven enhanced Rotom’s uniqueness by adding type-changing forms based on household appliances, additions that also improved the Pokemon’s viability in competitive battles. However, these forms may be what prompted Game Freak to start using Rotom as a replacement for technology rather than a rare or special encounter, and here are some of the forms it has taken in recent years:
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Art Could Be a Fakeout For Another Pokemon
Despite the likelihood that the satellite inLegends: Z-A’s key art is based on Rotom, it is possible that Game Freak has other plans moving forward into the tenth generation. For example, the developer could be giving Rotom’s recent role to other Pokemon, whether that’s all-new Pokemon, new forms, or new evolutions. The satellite in the key art could even be based on alternative Pokemon such as Claydol or Magnezone, andLegends: Z-Acould be taking a break fromRotom’s tech-possessing powers, exploring new options, and avoiding any further decline for the Electric/Ghost Pokemon.
