Z-Moves: An Assessment

The big thing for this generation is Z-Moves.  In continuity, these are explained as moves that come from the Island culture.  These are, at least superficially, derived from the Haka--traditional war dances of the native New Zealand peoples.  I may be drawing inappropriate comparisons since my knowledge of the culture of these admittedly separate cultures (Hawaii and New Zealand) is lacking (to say the least), but there is some precedent there.

In the game, it is explained that a trainer's challenge, when coupled with the power-boosting attributes of different Z-Crystals, unlocks a pokemon's inner strength and unleashes this ultra-powerful Z-move.  One Z-move allowed per match.

Mechanically, this means that a pokemon needs to be holding the Z-Crystal as an item (removing its ability to hold other items).  Furthermore, there is a different Z-crystal for each type and that the pokemon needs to know a corresponding move of that same type.  For example, a pokemon needs to know Quick Attack, Tackle, or Hyper Fang (etc) to use the normal-type Z-move "Breakneck Blitz".

Mega Evolutions are conspicuously absent in this game.  Since Mega Evolutions are a Kalos-specific phenomenon that draw their power from the crystal at Anistar City sundial, it makes sense that there would be little emphasis on Mega Evolution in this game.  I like that the games are at least consistent with the differing internal mechanics and I'm curious about both how the Z-moves will be used in upcoming trials in this game as well as how they will be used in the competitive scene.