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Mega Evolution or Z-Moves in the anime?

Srebak

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Plain and simple; which was the better concept?

Mega Evolution

or

Z-Moves


Both require a strong bond between Pokemon and Trainer, both are considered pretty much commonplace in their respective regions and both allow the pokemon to do things that they otherwise probably couldn't.
 
Z-moves are SO Pokemon whereas mega evo was like the anti-Pokemon concept! So for me it's obviously z-moves.
 
Z-Moves because Mega's can only be used by certain Pokemon while every Pokemon can at least use one Z-move, also I like how different moves does different things with the same Z-Crystal like how Normalium-Z works differently with Tackle than it does with Splash. I also disliked how some Pokemon that didn't need Mega's got them while others that did didn't get, also why does Mewtwo and Charizard have 2 Mega's, I mean I know its because they are know as popular Pokemon but while they have 2 Mega's, when I don't think Mewtwo even needed one, Pokemon like Butterfree and other Pokemon didn't, also don't get me started on Mega Rayquaza Smogon had to create a whole different tier for it because it was so overpowered.
 
Either way, it messes things by making Pokemon OP as the story requires.

Though the Show has handle Z-Moves SOOOOOO much better than it often MEs (at least so far), so I'll give it a slight edge.
 
So far, I think that Mega Evolutions have been handled slightly better than Z-Moves.

Mega forms have been treated as some kind of force to be reckoned, as was shown with Alain using his own Mega Pokémon to fight other Mega Trainers, and Korrina's Mega Lucario being a huge challenge for Ash. Maybe that may appear glorified, but to me is a showcase of the prowess of Mega Evolution.

Z-Moves are more accessible, that's for sure, but so far we didn't get to see much of them, despite being the "gimmick" of this generation. Also, I simply despise that they use the same stock animation every time they use a certain Z-Move. I would wish to see maybe three reusable animations with three different perspectives, if we really need recycled animations, or to bring back the dynamic backgrounds from XY. That would help the various circumstances stand out a bit more.

Sure, we still have many episodes that will surely show the remaining Z-Moves, but so far I haven't been very impressed by how they have been shown. But as I have said, there are still many episodes ahead, so I want to see how they will be handled in the future before saying what concept has been handled better.
 
I prefer Megas used properly. They give a sense of adventure and a new direction to battles.
Z-Moves are almost like OHKO moves. They don't add much to the battle, except ending it early in some cases. So far there has been no strategic use of Z Moves. I thought up a few strategies of using Z Moves in the anime, but of course, they had to be simple firing pseudo-OHKO Moves. Atleast Megas don't end the battle there and then, specially since the other side could mega evolve (or use Ash-Greninja) in most cases.
 
Z-Moves for sure. Overall, I think they work better with the Pokémon and I especially like that they have a tie in with the mythos of the region. But as far as the anime is concerned, I also think Z-Moves have just been utilized better. They're seen as something powerful and unique, but still accessible if one so desires. Also, I like that any Pokémon can use one so long as the trainer has the correlating type Z-Crystal.

I never liked Mega Evolution and if anything, the anime made me hate it completely. It just came across as a really useless addition to the franchise. Only certain Pokémon have them (and what do you know, all the "popular" Pokémon get multiple forms!) and I didn't even think most of them looked good. Plus, they completely side stepped Ash having a mega and gave him his own thing instead, which still makes no sense to me.
 
This is quite trivial, and not really a good reason for me to favour one over the other - but I'm going to go with Mega Evolutions, only due to the fact of how the writers used different means in which the users kept their stones - Sawyer in his pocketbook, Astrid's earring - obviously, this was a cue taken from the games having specialised accessories key stones, but I still like how it just added the characterisation of the person, what they'd use as an accessory. Whereas, due to the fact that the games do it as well, the Z-Ring is shown in the anime as the standard bracelet; less personal.

Conceptually, I would prefer z-moves in the anime since the writers don't have to invent a whole new pseudo-form in order to showcase the feature on a Pokemon they want to heavily promote lol Greninja, I am looking at you
 
Conceptually, I would prefer z-moves in the anime since the writers don't have to invent a whole new pseudo-form in order to showcase the feature on a Pokemon they want to heavily promote lol Greninja, I am looking at you
What's wrong with creating pseudo-forms?
 
Nothing in principle, I reckon but the concept and development of Mega-Greninja as an execution felt very contrived to me. I would had rather Greninja demonstrating a Z-Move (if it had been available at the time) as opposed to getting the glorification that a pseudo-mega evolution brought, I suppose. Note, maybe others could have worked better but I just did not feel the anime writers did a good job on that pseudo-form so I'd rather not see their attempts at any others when it comes to mega evolutions.
 
I find Megas very cool in the anime and merchandise.
The reason why I hate Megas was due to game mechanics and imbalance of games.
 
How are Z-moves tied to the mythos of the region? I don't remember there being any.

Perhaps "mythos" wasn't quite the term I was looking for. Mainly that they're a big part of Alolan tradition. The Z-Crystals are awarded for defeating trials, which are exclusive to Alola and set the region apart. It also ties into the whole "importance of the relationship between Pokémon, people, and nature" that is stressed in SM. I just really like those connections. To me, that's part of what makes the Z-Moves more interesting.
 
I guess you mean culture then? I do like aspect of Z-moves but it kind of frustrates me how they never explained how Z-moves and Z-crystals came about. I do like both Megas and Z-moves though.
 
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