The Pokémon world, with its promise of universal, free healthcare for all Pokémon at its ubiquitous Centers, often feels like a utopian dream. Yet, for decades, one aspect remained strangely uniform: the staff. Since the very first games, and famously in the anime, every single Pokémon Center was run by a seemingly endless array of identical women, all known as Nurse Joy – right down to their skin, hair, eyes, and even expressions!
However, get ready for a significant, and much-welcomed, shift! In the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players will discover that the familiar Nurse Joys are no longer carbon copies. For the very first time, the dedicated caretakers at Pokémon Centers will exhibit wonderful individuality.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A ushers in an era of unique Nurse Joys, with each one displaying distinct features. While the first Joy you meet might still evoke a sense of the classic design, subsequent encounters reveal women with varied skin tones, eye shapes, mouths, and eyebrows. They maintain their iconic uniforms and signature red pigtails, but their individual appearances break free from the uncanny uniformity of past generations.
This refreshing change extends beyond Nurse Joys, aligning with a broader commitment to character diversity throughout Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Historically, Pokémon towns could feel quite repetitive, with NPCs of the same trainer class often being exact duplicates. While recent titles have made strides, Scarlet and Violet somewhat reverted, cloaking many characters in identical uniforms and perpetuating that sense of sameness.
In Z-A, the commitment to variety shines through. Not only do non-player characters boast distinct facial features, but their outfits also show thoughtful variations. While you might occasionally spot similar characters, the game enriches the world by presenting athletes in various colored workout gear and artists donning different aprons. These subtle yet impactful details make Lumiose City feel genuinely alive, brimming with individual personalities rather than a collection of duplicates.
This welcome evolution means that the role of Nurse Joy is now open to a broader range of appearances, a stark contrast to the singular look of the original Pokémon Red and Blue era. While this is a significant step forward, male characters are still notably absent from the healing profession. Here’s hoping the next installment brings even more inclusivity to the Pokémon Centers!
For more insights, Rebekah Valentine’s ongoing review of Pokémon Legends: Z-A offers first impressions after 24 hours, with a complete review to follow soon. If you’re ready to dive into the game, be sure to plan your strategy by considering your Starter Pokémon, consulting a detailed walkthrough for main missions, and exploring the comprehensive side missions list. Don’t forget to browse the full Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokédex and, crucially, check out the guide to all available clothing stores and apparel to ensure your trainer is always battling in peak style!
This article was penned by Rebekah Valentine, a senior reporter for IGN. She can be found on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social for updates and insights. For any story tips, you can reach her directly at rvalentine@ign.com.