Thursday, July 24, 2025

The Past, Present, and Future of Pokémon Animation

Since another edition of Pokémon Presents has appeared, I thought I'd go for writing up a few discussions related to matters that are raised in the presentation. One of them is the state of Pokémon animation, which includes but is not limited to the anime proper; this matter is certainly taken from the feature of the two stop-motion series in the presentation, one coming (again) soon and the other in development. For that, I thought about discussing how that has been in the past, is manifested in the present, and might be manifested in the future.

Being Japanese in origin, the one certain form that Pokémon animation can take is the anime, and in the (distant) past - aside from certain cutscenes in certain games - that may be considered all that there is and was for Pokémon animation for pure enjoyment purposes. Back then, of course, Pokémon was still "sectoral", a Japanese thing but with good numbers of fans in other parts of the world. As such, it would be understandable that besides the above, there wouldn't be much in the way of animation to go around, let alone outside of Japan.

Meanwhile, in the more recent past and going into the present, Pokémon is loved more globally and by more groups of people, which allows for the entry of their own ways and styles of appreciation. That then translates into more and different kinds of animation, which has in fact happened. There was the PokéToon project from a while back, and then the puppet play for the monpoké line (if the latter can be considered "animation" in a broad sense). Obviously now there is Concierge and how that may have "opened the door" for Aardman.

For the future, then, the reasoning may be that Pokémon would be willing to open up its doors to accept even more works from all kinds of animators from around the world, bringing their styles and putting them into official projects. That has already happened on social media with non-animated fan art, featuring them officially; in fact, I became a witness to this happening with one of the Pokémon artists whom I follow. How more broadly this can be applied is anyone's guess, but it's still likely to happen today.

Looking at the past and considering the present, Pokémon animation has come quite a way. The anime is still the primary vehicle for animating Pokémon, and that in itself has had its improvements. Becoming open to other styles besides the traditional anime as well as to other creators from around the world who share the same appreciation for Pokémon as those where it came from is a big thing for all parties concerned. In the end, the future of Pokémon animation seems to be, well... "animated", as in "lively" with those who will keep it going.

Six years ago: Making Things Simple
Seven years ago: The Greatest, Everyday
Eight years ago: Pokémon School
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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Making a Difference: Pokémon Presents, 7/22/2025

Well, that (bi)annual happening I referenced in this year's Pokémon Unite anniversary post is none other than an edition of Pokémon Presents. Sometimes there's just one of it in one year, but other times there are two of them in one year; evidently it's the latter for this year because there had already been one earlier. And if there's a second one, then that means some of the information is important and can't wait for the usual anniversary edition. It may be construed as a way of "making a difference"... which becomes highly evident.

First up, dedicated fans and viewers who tuned in early could catch a one-hour long DJ Pikachu performance featuring tunes from the first generation games from the early game to the endgame, all remixed in typical DJ fashion but still with different styles. This is certainly different from earlier iterations that don't have actual "pre-show" entertainment, and though it's not really part of the presentation proper, it's still pretty much adjacent and rather complementary to it, something to be considered for future iterations of the presentation.

The actual presentation, meanwhile, is approximately half an hour long and contains all the expected info and more. One of those is for the upcoming World Championships in Anaheim, CA in the U.S., with a preview of the festivities. This was followed by info for existing games: Scarlet and Violet (main series) with a new battle event, the physical TCG with card content for the new Mega Evolution expansion, Pokémon Go with a really big wrap-up, Unite with its anniversary festivities, Café Remix with a seafaring event, Sleep with a beastly trio event and a new area, and Masters EX with a new Sync Pair and bonuses - all of them a handful and varied.

Entertainment is also hot on the list. Pokémon Concierge, the stop-motion series on Netflix, now has a preview of its upcoming episodes slated to premiere in September. Speaking of stop-motion, the "kings" of it - Aardman Animation - also want in on Pokémon, and they've come up with a different animation featuring Sirfetch'd and Pichu, also teased here and slated for release in two years. For more realistic entertainment, there is also PokéPark Kanto - not a game this time, but a whole amusement park in the flesh (at least, a subset of one); it's due to open early next year. All the entertainment will come in due time.

Also hot are new games on tap. The first is a wholly new game called Pokémon Friends, which combine brainteaser puzzles and plush collections, available now on the Switch and mobile platforms. Meanwhile, Pokémon Champions has revealed more of its mechanisms (a "Recruit" feature and stat adjustments), which may just affirm its "battle client" spirit, as well as a planned release next year. As for the eagerly awaited Legends: Z-A game, it'll be due in three months and its most tantalizing additions are revealed here as well, including a new Mega Evolution of a very familiar dragon. Worlds of differences seem to await players and fans alike.

If certain worldly and life principles are of any indication, being different is not necessarily bad, and this edition of Pokémon Presents had that quality in spades. This edition had that for its introduction, the new content to existing games, the forthcoming entertainment forms, and certainly all the new games that fans can't wait to get their hands on and play. They're all important and beyond the usual norms, and that may be useful for Pokémon in general, as the maintenance of norms while occasionally breaking them for variety.

Two years ago: Cosplay: Shokumatsu
Three years ago: Respect for Zeno Robinson
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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Pokémon Unite 4th Anniversary

Since the past four years, July has become a happening month for anniversaries of Pokémon game, one of them being earlier in the month and another one being around this day. The latter is of course for Pokémon Unite, as the implementation of MOBA with elements of the franchise. In those four years, a lot has happened, shaping the game from a rudimentary implementation to something for working and playing well with others. That said, it would be helpful to recap some of the most recent changes that have been made to see them in the perspective of these past four years.

Perhaps one of the most significant things in the past year, besides the addition of new Pokémon through Unite Licenses - which I'll deal with shortly - is the addition of new, other means of providing bonuses like discount coupons and event mechanisms. Still, the players might need to provide something of their own (paid, that is) in order to take advantage of these bonuses, although a lot of the perks can be obtained freely. Wallets may or may not be a determinant of the festive quality.

For the Pokémon, it might be said that some of the more esoteric choices are being pulled out even now and will continue to be pulled out along with the remaining sensible ones. One of the former in this regard, added just a while ago, is a particular yellow duck whose powers are best manifested with a headache (yet it won't evolve into its more sensible next stage), while the latter comprises two "siblings" whose ventures are well-known to fans and their addition is right here and now, at least in stages, through its usually instituted anniversary event.

This year's anniversary for the game, it has to be said (at least for the writeup part of it), is also closely coincidental with an annual or even biannual Pokémon happening, which involves not only this game but also the broader world of Pokémon and all things related to its games and entertainment. This is surely to be discussed in another post, but it has to be noted that Unite is definitely part of that package.

It might appear that this year's anniversary for Pokémon Unite might be a bit on the blander side, but it's an anniversary nonetheless and should be celebrated for what it is, especially for what it brings. That means appreciating what has been developed since its rudimentary beginnings and continuing to deal with all the complexities that have been and will be presented for dedicated players.

All things considered, it seems not that bad at all. Happy fourth anniversary to Pokémon Unite.

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Monday, July 21, 2025

Cosplay: Seishun! Japan Fest 2025 "Vol. 2"

Me: So, here's that "something" from yesterday.

Goh: Oh! It's the return of this festival.

Me: Indeed it is. Same festival, same organizer... but at least a few things can and have to be different.

Goh: Like, maybe... the location?

Ash: Yeah! It was at a school this time.

Goh: Wow. That's different.

Me: It's not as different as you think. There have been school festivals before, but the last one was... wow, ahem, over six years ago.

Ash: It's the first time in a real long time!

Pikachu: Pika pika pika! ["A very long time!"]

Goh: Looking at things, I think the stuff from just a few years back might have made things not go over well at schools.

Me: You have a point, one way or another.

Goh: Well, how was the festival anyway? 

Ash: The school was a little far, but I got there and got in. It was all on the sports field with the stage on one end. And it was big!

Goh: So it was roomy.

Ash: But there weren't many stands for communities, goodies, and all. Everything was really spread out.

Me: I would think they'd at least fill it with a few more.

Goh: I would think so too. Well, what about competitions - you know, what our friend usually looks for you?

Ash: They had games, like an eating contest, but...

Me: I didn't think too much about putting you in them. The eating contest, for example, was probably for spicy stuff anyway.

Ash: It was!

Pikachu: Pika pika... ["Too spicy..."]

Me: Mm-hmm.

Goh: I guess the usual ones would be for characters. Did it have one? 

Ash: It looks like they had one for every character who came, just by having a picture taken. But they had only three prizes.

Goh: And... they weren't for you. 

Ash: Yeah.

Me: Hey, at least something was there. So today was really just for hanging out.

Ash: I met a lot of your friends - some we haven't met for a long time.

Goh: That's pretty nice. Our friend must appreciate that. 

Me: Of course. They make all the difference.

Goh: And there had to be entertainment as well.

Ash: Bands and dance groups. And a DJ at the end.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu. ["The usual."]

Goh: OK, standard. But I think you missed a couple when you went off for Community Day.

Ash: Yeah. I don't think I missed much. Next time.

Me: So I think we got everything. Thoughts?

Ash: It all worked out this time, not like last year when two festivals were on the same day.

Goh: Oh, right! That happened. So they had good scheduling this time.

Me: Well said. 

Ash: And we got to go back to a school for a festival. You know, that was the theme too for this one.

Goh: I think it'd be great if my school allowed something like this. 

Me: You know, it's been a long time coming for something at a school, so this is pretty good to start off.

Goh: And maybe we'll have more.

Ash: I can't wait for that!

Pikachu: Pi! ["Sure!"]

Goh: It might take a while.

Ash: Definitely.

Me: The good old days - school or otherwise - might never return, but at least this festival is a great glimpse into that.

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Sunday, July 20, 2025

Pokémon Go Community Day, 7/20/2025

OK, so today is the regular Community Day edition of the month since there was a Classic one early on in the month (and a major one, at that). What is also major, though, is the fact that Community Day for this month and the next month has already had its featured Pokémon decided at around that time. Next month will be dealt accordingly - and that's where and when the story will be told - but this month is to be dealt with today. For that, the story is watery and somewhat showy, which might be a good thing depending on the situation. 

This month's featured Pokémon is the unique Quaxly, the Water-type starter (or first partner) Pokémon from Paldea and the ninth generation. It completes the circle of the starters that are (were) featured this year. Given that fact, its fully evolved form (Quaquaval, from Quaxwell) has to get the Hydro Cannon move, which it does - and the Charged move Aqua Step is made available as well. The main bonus for this edition is triple catch Stardust, once again something useful for those out there who are always hungry for this resource.

As for the remaining bonuses, they're the standard cavalcade from past and present editions. Those would be double Candy and Candy XL chance, extended Lure Modules and Incense, discounted trades and an extra Special Trade, event item bundles, and photo bombs, as well as common and rare Field Research, paid Special Research, and background Timed Research. Not much more needs to be said about them with them being the usual ones for a Community Day of usual proportions as well.

With that, I have to say this edition of Community Day for me personally also involved another set of hands for its execution...

Me: ...so we go into "talk mode" for that.

Goh: Hmm, Quaxly, huh? Water starter from Paldea, you say.

Me: Sure. I hear it works out for a particular Trainer.

Ash: I might just meet that Trainer! 

Me: You might, but that could depend on a lot of things.

Goh: So, where did Ash go for this one? 

Ash: I stopped by the new usual place, but just for a bit. 

Goh: It must be a side agenda from something our friend also asked you to do.

Me: Um... yeah. We'll deal with that very soon. Anyhow...

Ash: You didn't have many Quaxly, so I caught a lot more for you - with two perfect ones! 

Me: Awesome! That helps immensely. I'll deal with the rest over this week.

Ash: And I traded two Inteleon with that could go G-Max with a friend of yours.

Goh: That sounds neat! Did that work out?

Ash: Only one had really good stats, so I guess it did. 

Me: Very nice! 

Ash: After that, I went back to that "something".

Goh: OK, this one has to be neat too.

Ash: Sure!

Me: Again, details very soon. 

Quaxly can be said to be a "dapper" Pokémon, and the title of the Special Research set today ("A Splash of Style") very much reflects that. Its fully evolved form is also a rather flaunty dancer of sorts. Perhaps most Trainers who partook in today's Community Day festivities will have no trouble flaunting off at least a few of what they could catch.

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Saturday, July 19, 2025

On the Live Service Aspect of Pokémon Games

In today's breadth of gaming, including in relation to Pokémon, games are offered for play through different mechanisms. One of those mechanisms is having the games as what is called a "live service" that players essentially "sign up" for - just like services of the non-game kind - and play it while it is active. The mechanism has a certain relevance for Pokémon games as well, and it is useful to draw insights from that through a discussion, as a post on this blog.

First, a little more about the mechanism is in order. In contrast to games that are offline, live service games are necessarily online and continuously updated as a result. Players would authenticate to play the games, and all their progress is stored online, making for easy retrieval but also making that fact even more of a necessity. Other aspects would also be able to keep the players engaged in the games... at least until some kind of an "end" presents itself.

Based on the description above, Pokémon Go fits the bill of a live service game in pretty much all respects for online authentication, record-keeping, and engagement. In fact, the fate of other similar games from (ex-)Niantic also pretty much affirms the case. The virtual TCG clients both past and present, as well as Pokémon Unite, are also essentially live service games that are heavily dependent on the online aspect to keep all of their things together to play them.

Similarly, Café Remix is also really a live service game as it is totally dependent on an online connection, in contrast to its predecessor Shuffle that can be played mostly offline and only has a few online perks (and is in fact otherwise still playable even now). The main series games have mostly kept up their offline nature, though some of their parts nowadays may necessitate them - and players - to interface online in different ways, mirroring some live service aspects.

The concern of the "end" as suggested above does raise questions for what would happen if it becomes necessary if the online part was cut. This has also resulted in some initiatives to address the issue, although there isn't yet a full resolution. Regardless, those who play the Pokémon games above that are essentially live service games may have their hands full wondering what should be done if (and when) the service becomes unavailable to them.

A live service game isn't all that bad, of course, and evidently it's already the case for some Pokémon games. Yet the characteristics that make such games what they are also present some caveats for those who engage in the games, keeping in mind that they're just like certain non-game services. No service is needed for fun, though, and knowing that, players are free to get their fun from any game they like with any mechanism - also applicable for Pokémon ones.

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Friday, July 18, 2025

Dreaming of "The Chase"

For readers who know what it is I'm referencing, no, there is no involvement of the pursuit between a knowledge master and a challenger in this post. However, Pokémon may be construed to have some elements evocative of pursuits. Besides adventuring and battling, some efforts of progression in the Pokémon world might involve pursuing several things in due time, much like a scavenger hunt complete with all the dynamics that it offers. Lately, I've had a dream that may reflect this happening in real life, but still with a focus on Pokémon things and how they play out.

The dream appeared to be set in a city that is far away yet I know so well for Pokémon affairs or otherwise. In it, I had been catching up to a friend - or that friend had been catching up to me - for a Pokémon activity (most likely involving Pokémon Go) and we were at a "checkpoint" before our next target. But just as the dream was to proceed to that next target... the dream ended and I woke up. What was clear is that there was a competitive Pokémon element to what was going on, making it one of my Pokémon dreams.

I must admit that many of the details of the dream remain sketchy - even as I was trying to remember them for the purpose of writing them up here - but the point above still stands. With consideration of what happens in Pokémon, at least a bit of chasing is involved, whether it's for the Pokémon species or the items that assist them. The suggestion of familiar places and exploring other wonderful ones is a part of that package.

Adventures and battles in the Pokémon world certainly require knowledge as the above background might suggest, but pursuits such as the one that occurred within the dream I just had are not completely out of the question either. The hunt then continues for the best things a Pokémon fan or Trainer can have.

Six years ago: The State of Nominations
Seven years ago: The Eevee Identity
Eight years ago: Only One Save File
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