It has been about nine years since Pokemon X and Y came out for the Nintendo 3DS. The game was a big deal, introducing 3D graphics to the main series, diagonal movement, horde encounters, mega evolution, and Fairy-type Pokemon for the first time. For many gamers, it was more remembered for the new elements, rather than the story and characters. Part of the reason for this is that the most interesting character in the game got very little attention.
AZ is the most fascinating character X and Y introduced to the Pokemon universe, a three-thousand-year-old and nine-foot tall man. While he appears to be disheveled and homeless, he was actually the former king of the entire region. He created an ultimate weapon that gave him immortality, and destroyed the lives of many people and Pokemon. Despite this epic backstory with a ton of implications, players only meet AZ four times in the game, and he never appears in other titles (though he is mentioned in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire).
Why AZ Deserved More Screen Time
AZ is a tragic figure that was glossed over in the game, which disappointed many fans because what little there was of him was well done. Someone once being a king, and now wandering the Kalos region as a nobody, is a story anyone can find interesting. It is a fall from grace that has lasted thousands of years, making his personality and view of people and Pokemon unique.
The most touching scene to come from X and Y is when AZ reunites with Floette. However, this reunion was not as powerful as it could have been if fans got to spend more time with AZ, and knew more of his struggles and wishes. It would have also added more impact to the reunion if players learned more from AZ as to why Floette matters to him so much.
Unfortunately, AZ's dialogue is almost all exposition. He only explains the past, and never the present. It would have been interesting to hear more of his thoughts on the present-day world and its people. Outside of exposition, it would also be fascinating to know what he has been doing for 3,000 years. He comes across as a very lonely person, and would have added some emotional motivation to the player to hear of AZ's lonely journey. He could try to maintain distance from all people due to his immortality, but the player can teach him that making connections can still be worthwhile.
AZ In Future Games
While Pokemon X and Y failed in exploring AZ's character, future Pokemon games could give him an opportunity. Pokemon games do not necessarily have a linear timeline structure, so it is possible for future games to dive more into AZ's past. A future Pokmeon Legends game could really give him the attention his backstory deserved. It would also give gamers that more mature look into Pokemon that they always wanted since AZ's time was during an actual war.
AZ's story could also continue from where it was left off in X and Y. Now that he has reunited with Floette, what will he do next? Not only is AZ immortal, but so is Floette. It's possible they could seek a way to undo their immortality. They could also just go into hiding to live in peace. Either way, they could be met by players in future games. There is also the topic of Floette, and what it was doing for thousands of years away from AZ. Exploring what Floette did while away for so long would also be interesting.
Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are available now for the Nintendo 3DS.