The upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A has generated excitement with its return to the Kalos region and the bustling Lumiose City.  A recent Pokemon Presents showcased new features, including updated battle mechanics, returning Mega Evolutions, and the introduction of rivals Urbain and Taunie.  However, the assigned rival system, based on the player character's gender, has sparked a debate among fans.

Currently, players will face off against the opposite-gender rival, a design choice that has left some fans feeling limited in their playthrough.  A portion of the community has voiced their desire for the option to choose between Urbain and Taunie, regardless of their chosen player character.

One Reddit user, DIY_Shelving_Kit, has even considered initiating a petition to address this issue, garnering support from other players who share the sentiment. This desire for greater player agency in rival selection has ignited a broader discussion surrounding character design and customization within the game.

Some speculate that the lack of choice stems from the visual similarities between the player characters and their assigned rivals.  Urbain and Taunie share hairstyles, eye shapes, and expressions with their respective player character counterparts.  This has led to theories that the fixed rival system is implemented to avoid potential visual clashes between similar character designs.

Others argue that the limited choice restricts player expression and prefer the freedom to choose their rival based on personality or storyline preference rather than being constrained by gender.

While some fans are optimistic about the potential impact of a petition, others remain skeptical about whether it will lead to any changes in the final game.  Regardless of the outcome, the discussion highlights the importance of character customization and player agency in modern gaming experiences.

The updated, more stylized character designs in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, compared to those in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, have generally been well-received by the community.  Many players have expressed their appreciation for the designs of Urbain and Taunie, despite the ongoing debate surrounding rival selection.