So in conclusion, Legends ZA Mega Evolutions don't feel like Mega Evolutions.

Oh what the fuck man?

So my biggest problem with it is how it tries so hard to be like Pikachu. Mega Raichu X has Pikachu colouring and Mega Raichu Y is straight up Pikachu. They weren't even trying, it's literally Pikachu.

Wait Raichu got both an X AND Y Mega Evolution!? Let's see it!

Well there is one exception ig, but you get my point.

However with Mega Evolutions, you're implying that this is a more powerful version of the Pokémon. It's supposed to be taken seriously like how you would with a regular evolution.

Is it really lazy? Absolutely. Is it good as a shitpost? Yes. Should this even count as a Mega Evolution? FUCK NO!

You can get away with something like this in Gigantamaxing because they aren't serious designs. Gigantamax Meowth is an elongated cat, this shit is not serious.

I know you're waiting for me to say it, so I'll just get it over with:
"Mega Starmie bad"

You can clap now.

"How do you suggest we fix the design?" MAKE HIM MORE BULKY!
Feraligatr is a towering monster. I think it would've been easy to make its design look more alligator-like or more animal looking. Take this fan design as an example (by: @tyrannoraptor.bsky.social)

Even Mega Blastoise, my least favourite Kanto Starter Mega design, has more detail than Mega Feraligatr.

"But it has that Totodile skull for a reason!"

I can see that. It's the fact that they gave us shitty proportions that makes this design even worse.

Now what's the problem with ZA Megas? Well, they are doing the bare minimum. Meganium still feels wrong, Emboar STILL sucks, and Feraligatr barely changes.

While I don't think these should be the blueprints for Mega designs, I think they should give you a good idea as to how Megas work. Certain details are either added or the Pokémon gets a new look. People love these designs to death because they improved on the Starters.

Even the more "Lazy ones" actually do SOMETHING with the Pokémon. Yes Mega Ampharos just gets hair but certain there are more details added to the character (Ears have a unique look, it's toe nail turns black, and it's stomach gets a new shape). Plus this design just looks majestic.

The best way to do a Mega Evolution is to emphasize certain details of a Pokémon. Think of how Mega Beedrill gets more stingers. However, the reason why people like its design is because it actually does something unique with the thing.

Okay so, Mega Evolutions are supposed to be new and improved versions of the Pokémon. Whether it's to give them a better design or to buff the Pokémon, they are supposed to be more unique looking versions of Pokémon.