While new Mega Evolutions inPokemon Legends: Z-Aarguably have the biggest draw, the game’s new take on Lumiose City is also a pleasant chance for Gen 6 fans.Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais bringing back a handful of faces thatX and Yplayers are already familiar with, but putting a new spin on their characters. AZ has become the proprietor of Hotel Z, and Emma has gained her own detective agency, but the biggest glow-up between generations comes from the new Pokemon Professor inLegends: Z-A.
The recent Pokemon Presents showed off several new story elements forPokemon Legends: Z-A, topping things off with thereveal of Mega Dragonite. While Mega Dragonite is certainly an exciting addition, the Pokemon isn’t even the biggest evolution shown in this new trailer. Seeing Mable return inLegends: Z-Ain the role of the professor is quite a shock forPokemon X and Yplayers who remember her role in that game, establishing thatLegends: Z-Ais already taking some big risks with its characters.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Mable Has Evolved in a Big Way
Mable Was a Team Flare Scientist in Pokemon X and Y
Compared to pastevil teams in thePokemonseries, Team Flare is a mile wide but an inch deep, with a large cast of characters that get very little screen time.Pokemon X and Yplayers would be forgiven if they don’t remember Mable, since her presence is fairly understated in the Gen 6 games as a result. Mable is one of Team Flare’s scientists, supporting Lysandre in his quest to activate the ultimate weapon. Alongside Mable, Team Flare’s other scientists include:
InPokemon X and Y, players only really encounter these foes a couple of times throughout the game. Aliana is battled at the Kalos Power Plant, Byrony and Celosia are battled at the Poke Ball Factory, and all are battled inLysandre Labs. However, Mable is unique in that players encounter and battle her in Frost Cavern, where she is attempting to force an Abomasnow to Mega Evolve. While the methods of her research are clearly harmful to the Pokemon, this encounter shows that Mable has an interest in Mega Evolution, which appears to inform her character growth inPokemon Legends: Z-A.
Mable’s team inPokemon X and Yfeatures two Dark types in Houndoom and Weavile, which could potentially return as partners for her inLegends: Z-A.
Mable Has Left Team Flare Behind and Become Legends: Z-A’s Professor
Mable made an unexpected appearance in the latestPokemon Legends: Z-Atrailer as the game’s new professor. WithSycamore seemingly missing fromLegends: Z-A, Mable appears to be taking over his role and guiding the players' capture and study of the game’s critters, particularly when it comes to Mega Evolution. Much like Laventon inPokemon Legends: Arceus, Mable will likely play a major role in the player’s journey as they aid Lumiose City’s Urban Redevelopment plan and tacklePokemon’s Z-A Royale storyline.
Acting in almost direct contrast to her previous appearance, Mable is set to be a great ally forLegends: Z-Aplayers now that she has shed her Team Flare past. However, her interest in Mega Evolution seems to have carried over from her days in Team Flare, as she is now researching the newRogue Mega Evolution phenomenonthat is causing certain wild mons to Mega Evolve without the aid of a trainer. Although not many fans would have predicted Mable would beLegends: Z-A’s replacement for Professor Sycamore, it’s exciting to see a character that was largely underrepresented inX and Yreturn with a new characterization and redemption arc.
