Much like its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is more open than the likes of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Your creatures can roam freely beside you, you can run around the terrain during battles, and generally it takes a more "realistic" approach to the world. But where Legends: Arceus loosened the reins a little, Z-A cuts them completely.

During an exclusive 20-minute preview with Pokémon Legends: Z-A I played through two distinct scenarios - both of which seemed pretty early on in the game and showed off its revitalised combat mechanics.

First, I was tasked with battling trainers strewn around the mean streets of Lumiose City, creeping up behind opponents to score sneak attacks on their Pokémon and picking up items along the way.

During battles the player's Pokémon worked independently from them. Players can shout commands using the four face buttons (A, B, X, Y) which correspond to their known attacks.

By locking onto opponents with a trigger, players direct Pokémon, switch out for other fighters, or check out the stats of the opposing creatures.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this new cycle was that each attack had its own cooldown. After firing off a thunderbolt, the attack was blocked out for three-to-five seconds as it recharged, encouraging the trainer to use a different move in the meantime. There'll be no overusing one attack during battles anymore.

Furthermore, this new spin on battling put extra weight and emphasis on defensive moves, as well as buffs and debuffs - something we're all guilty of ignoring at the best of times.

Although this showed off the battle system well, it wasn't entirely enthralling. With that said, it seemed very early in the game, so much more depth is expected as the story progresses.

The second event was far deeper, and had me following Zygarde to a rooftop before being tasked with taking on a formidable Rogue Mega Pokémon - Absol. Here, I was brought into a one-on-one battle which resembled that of a traditional video game boss fight.

Here is where things got interesting. Not only did the powerful Mega Pokémon unleash jaw-dropping attacks on my Lucario, but it also took potshots at my player character as well. Before the fight, I was advised to dodge attacks so to avoid fainting. This added element resembled that of a bullet hell game; weaving in and out of projectiles, getting out of the way of area of effect (AOE) attacks, and indeed positioning oneself in the best possible way to strike with counterattacks.

This intense battle also introduced Mega Evolution energy orbs, which broke off from Absol after successful attacks, allowing me to collect and eventually build up enough meter to Mega Evolve my own Pokémon.

What's more, the final scene showed Absol's Mega Stone being gifted to the player - as well as Absol itself - in a Megaman-like sequence whereby beating the foe acquired their power in return.

The entire battle felt far more grand than any of the "boss" battles that have been featured in previous Pokémon games. And this was all thanks to the incredible new battle system.

By unlocking the player character as well as the Pokémon, there's a fluid nature to how things pan out. With this new system it feels as if players might win or lose depending on how well (or poorly) they play, regardless of Pokémon level.

After the brief session I had playing Pokémon Legends Z-A, I walked away ecstatic. Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a breath of fresh air in terms of the franchise's game design, mechanics, and overall style. And Legends Z-A builds on that exceptional foundation thoughtfully.

With so much more freedom within the battles and, indeed, how one can approach them, this game could be an all-timer for the Pokémon series. Let's hope Game Freak and Nintendo stick the landing.