A direct extension of the base game
Accessible after the end of the main story, Mega-Dimension is fully in line with the continuity of Pokémon Legends: ZA. The DLC Mega-Dimension introduces a new story arc centered on the appearance of space-time distortions at the heart of Illumis and its adjacent sectors. These anomalies, linked to an instability of the energy of Mega-Evolution, threaten the sustainability of the city and its inhabitants.
The title introduces us to the major character of this adventure, she is a little girl named Anya. She is accompanied by her Pokémon Hoopa and decides to settle in the Team MZ hotel to prepare donuts for her Pokémon. These pastries are intended to increase Hoopa’s powers and open dimensional rifts.
Together, they seek to understand the origin of these faults leading to Mega-Dimensionan unstable area where Pokémon seem to react differently to the environment and to battles. The girl’s goal is to find the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza for her mother (a character you know if you have done Pokémon X & Y).
The scenario also relies on the return of well-known figures from Kalos such as Cornélia. Without disrupting the lore of the license, this story effectively fulfills its role as a common thread. As with the base game, it’s the characters that really make the difference in the narrative. We enjoy meeting the members of Team MZ, learning more about them, as well as other iconic characters like Corvault.
Mega-repetitive?
In terms of pure content, the extension is rather generous. There are new additional activities, challenges present in the faults, new Pokémon (more than a hundred), new Mega-evolutions and above all a more extensive endgame, intended for trainers who have already optimized their teams.
The overall structure, however, remains very close to that of the base game. Exploration, combat, captures and resource management still form the heart of the experience, which will delight fans of the formula, but can also reinforce the feeling of repetition. The map is thus filled with capture loopholes and fights which transport you to an alternative version of the districts of Illumis.
Where the DLC could have made up for the lack of space in the base game, which is confined to the capital, it only highlights the lack of originality. Despite its name and its promise, the famous “Mega-Dimension” often gives the impression of being a variation of already known zones rather than a truly new playground.
Rifts provide access to a bunch of new Pokémon, including legendaries, but the feeling of repetition sets in quickly. To access these faults, you must prepare energy donuts from harvested berries, which serve to extend your dive in these unstable zones depending on the calories provided, while offering random bonuses depending on the flavors (sweet, spicy, fresh, etc.). This energy management mechanic, while surprising for a Pokémon game, requires the player to plan excursions and manage their resources more strategically than before.
Thirty euros worth a good return?
One of the points that will undoubtedly make everyone agree is the increase in difficulty. Mega-Dimension offers more demanding confrontations, with better prepared opponents and very high level Pokémon. Whether for trainers or groups of wild Pokémon, the DLC further encourages team optimization, the strategic use of Mega Evolutions and a better understanding of combat mechanics.
However, we may regret a lack of EXP gain, here replaced by the massive obtaining of EXP candies. If the novelty lies in the possibility of exceeding level 100, this mainly results in an artificial increase in levels, directly linked to the power of the Donuts consumed to access a given dimension.
Another debatable point, the DLC mainly corrects certain shortcomings of the base game. Obtaining the Chroma Charm, previously conditional on 500 mandatory battles, is now more accessible. Likewise, the hunt for Shiny Pokémon becomes much more attractive thanks to the portals and bonuses offered by Donuts, which can even guarantee the appearance of chromatic Pokémon.
Priced at €30, the content therefore appears a little limited. The license once again seems to be capitalizing on its aura and the loyalty of its fans, who will not hesitate to checkout – at least those already convinced by the base game. A price that we nevertheless consider too high in relation to what is actually offered. If we enjoyed Pokémon Legends ZA for his return to the spirit of Pokémon Legends: Arceuswe maintain that this expansion, like the main game, does not live up to the means of the franchise and suffers from an overall lack of ambition.
Pokémon Legends ZA Mega-Dimension stands out as a coherent but imperfect extension of Pokémon Legends: ZA. By focusing on Mega Evolutions, an endearing cast and a higher difficulty, the DLC manages to enrich the experience for trainers already invested, with a denser and more demanding endgame. However, its lack of audacity in the level design, the strong feeling of repetition and a Mega-Dimension that is ultimately not very exotic prevent the expansion from really reaching a milestone. At €30, the content struggles to fully justify its price, especially since it sometimes gives the impression of correcting the shortcomings of the base game rather than offering a new and ambitious vision. Mega-Dimension will undoubtedly delight the most dedicated fans of capturing and hunting Shiny Pokémon, but it still leaves a taste of unfinished business.