More Changes to Slow Cooking in Café Remix

Around half a year ago, I detailed about some changes to the Slow Cooking format in Café Remix, varying up and improving some aspects of the format from its initial incarnation. Yet, a few nagging aspects may still have been left hanging... and it seems for that, the game went for another round of changes to improve the format further, and that is with a Cooking Festival event that is currently taking place. It seems these are worth to be detailed as well like the earlier time, and I've designated this post for that purpose.

This first change actually also applies to its "speedy sibling", One-Minute Cooking, but it really comes into its own here. Now, recommended Pokémon for a stage can be chosen directly from the list (if said Pokémon has joined the staff) instead of having to go into the Pokémon selection screen to do so, thereby saving one step. As usual, though, one Pokémon applies as the leader for one dish being cooked, so it's still necessary to have some different Pokémon, but at the least if the need to change arises, then the process is simpler.

Fever time, which was implemented in the last batch of changes, also received improvements. Now, when Fever time is achieved, an extra move is added, guaranteeing that it can be used to clear icons and gimmicks to advance and/or earn points - or just the latter if achieved at the last moment of the final stage. Regardless, the extra move is awarded as soon as the gauge is filled, for which if it happens along with clearing a stage, Fever time carries over to the next stage - as long as it's not the end of the final stage.

Speaking of stage transitions, when a stage is complete (or when all moves have been used), all remaining skills and megaphones on the stage are activated to clear icons and/or possibly remnant gimmicks, just like as they do at the end of One-Minute Cooking, giving out minor additional points. They may also clear out Café Likes - as in the current implementation - but they won't clear out +1 Moves, not even in the middle of a run, and they won't contribute to the Fever gauge either. This change seems to be just to maintain commonality as above.

In a way, these current changes are not many, but they are very much meaningful, making things a little easier and bearable for the players. Regardless, these are also the second set of changes to the Slow Cooking format, which may be considered to continue to highlight its certain deficiencies - although mostly no more, now that the changes have been made. The next step may just be ensuring that players can take advantage of everything to keep on getting high scores and serving the café customers with great service as usual.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/5/2023

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 11/5/2022

Three years ago: The Structure of Factions

Four years ago: Spending Afternoons with Eevee(lutions)

Five years ago: Where My Voice Gets Heard

Six years ago: Dexterity, Pokémon Games, and Me

Seven years ago: Team Harmony

Quickies: Metal Sounds in My (Pokémon) Life

Early in the morning in my local area, I'm often awakened by a certain somewhat loud metal sound. Yet I'm comforted by the fact that the metal sound serves more as a good signal rather than the result of anything nefarious - unless there's an evident commotion, which has never been the case. As wired to Pokémon as I am, I have the tendency of thinking that they could be generated by or with the aid of Pokémon, and that becomes something to really think about.

The most likely Pokémon aids for the sound that I mentioned would be from the Bronzor family, which makes distinct sounds of their own, if their species cries are of any indication. The sounds that they make are distinctly metallic and seem to be able to substitute nicely for that sound, if they weren't already prompted to generate themselves. As mentioned, as long as a commotion doesn't come, they can serve the sound role very well.

Of course, other Pokémon of the Steel type might make other sounds of their own, particularly if they have the Metal Sound move. Even so, this is a move with jarring effects, and its sound is expected to be jarring as well. That would in theory make it useful to be used to break up a commotion, perhaps something that would be reported by different metal sounds with even more different Pokémon than the above.

Sounds will always be heard in my (Pokémon) life, and some of them, like the ones in my local area, can be expected to be metallic in nature. The hope is that they will remain mostly as good signals rather than indications of anything bad. That still would bode well for my early mornings when I expect the good signals to come as I continue to rest... or become active for the day, when there could be even more metal (Pokémon) sounds waiting to be heard.

One year ago: Cosplay: ChibiCon x Ghosty's Comic

Two years ago: The Halloween Cup of GBL... Ultra League Edition

Three years ago: A Glimpse into Faction Battlefields

Four years ago: Hype and Habit and Pokémon

Five years ago: Cosplay: Erafun Cosplay Contest

Six years ago: Cosplay: Art and Cosplay Stage "PANSOS"

Seven years ago: How Many Is Too Many?

Cosplay: Aratana Matsuri - ITTAF Exhibition

Me: Well, I did say "busy weekend", didn't I?

Goh: You said it.

Me: Although, after I received the report from Ash, I was hesitant in telling it like it is... but then, I decided that it should be done.

Ash: Yeah, um...

Goh: This doesn't look different from any other festival, though (it has the "Matsuri" thing).

Me: What I can say is that the festival is also a part of an exhibition for small businesses.

Goh: I see - so it's a festival to get people going there.

Ash: I saw many of them! They had all kinds of things for sale.

Goh: Oh, like artsy things?

Ash: Yeah, mostly. Some had food too.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika. ["Very nice stuff."]

Me: And as usual, the festival had the entertainment we could count on, right?

Ash: Sure. There were two dance groups, a band, and a community with mini games.

Goh: If I didn't know any better, I think that community is familiar to us.

Ash: It is - it was Bocchi Noizu!

Goh: I called it. The entertainment was like the ones at their events, right?

Ash: Yup, pretty much.

Goh: OK, then why was our friend a bit touchy on this one?

Me: It was about the character parade, one big reason I always send Ash to things like this.

Goh: Well, of course. So, what's the story?

Ash: I got there and signed up for it, like the hosts told me to.

Goh: But then...

Ash: The organizers canceled it.

Goh: Canceled?!

Ash: Yeah. They said it was because not many were interested. 

Pikachu: Pika chuu... ["What a shame..."]

Ash: They said that to me and someone else we know who signed up, right in front of our faces, just after we signed up.

Goh: Ouch. So our friend ended up sending you here for nothing, pretty much. Unless talking with friends and seeing the entertainment counts.

Ash: Which we did.

Goh: Maybe our friend could explain why this happened?

Me: Well, actually, there was another festival with similar content scheduled on this day - including a character parade.

Goh: That must be it. That festival stole away the visitors to this one - and all the characters too.

Ash: Just like that one time.

Me: Maybe we made some wrong choices. But I thought I had it fully considered, especially the price.

Goh: But how were you supposed to know?

Me: There's that. And it seems kind of "unfair" to just cancel the parade on the day of, without advance information. Who knows - there might have been a "spillover" from the other festival.

Ash: Like us!

Pikachu: Pi! ["Exactly!"]

Me: And if I knew way ahead, I could have sent Ash to the other one instead.

Goh: I'm sure you would.

Me: So for those who think that this report is outlandish, I want to put up the disclaimer that everything was exactly as Ash [OOC: I as Ash] said. Like I said, I tell it like it is.

Ash: The festival and exhibition was still OK. I got some food for you.

Me: That, it was great. Thanks.

Goh: Hopefully you and Ash can get something from somewhere else.

Me: There's always that hope. So, life goes on, and business goes on, just like for those who exhibited here.

One year ago: From Apricorn to Balls

Two years ago: Cheer Moments for Pokémon Games

Three years ago: Going for an Arena Brawl

Four years ago: Singing My Hearts Out: After One Year

Five years ago: Cosplay: Project "Untitled"

Six years ago: The Joys and Sorrows of Raid Marathons

Seven years ago: Late-Night Lure Party

Cosplay: Card Game Shop Halloween Party

Me: I had suspected that it could be a busy weekend, but...

Goh: This wasn't what you expected?

Me: You could say that.

Ash: But it's the same card game shop like before, right?

Me: It is. They said there would be a workshop today... but I wasn't expecting characters to be part of the deal as well.

Goh: And you found that out...

Me: The morning of today.

Goh: Oh! That is very sudden.

Ash: But if our friend wants it, we can make that happen.

Pikachu: Chu, pika pika... ["Well, sure enough..."]

Me: I almost couldn't send you there. It seemed like it was about to rain hard a couple of hours before it.

Ash: We got through it! But it did sprinkle a little.

Goh: So, same shop, same people, same stuff.

Ash: Yeah! They made it just a little spooky to get with the theme.

Me: There's still some Halloween vibes, after all.

Goh: My guess is that the whole thing was only a few hours, tops.

Me: In fact, here's the schedule.

Goh: Um... OK, that's even more slim than I thought it would be. There's just registration for the parade, then the workshop, character parade, a Gym, auctions, and awarding.

Me: How'd they all go?

Ash: The workshop was for a different card game!

Me: OK, so we didn't have to mind about that. 

Ash: I spent that time with your friends - and bought a Pokémon drink for you. 

Goh: That's nice. Will you talk about it?

Me: Of course! But not now. Parade time. 

Ash: A lot of characters were in it. And I had fun too. I tried to extend my time a bit just like you told me to.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["I liked it too."]

Me: That is sometimes a criticism, so I'm glad it can be done.

Goh: What about that Gym?

Me: Did you see people playing the cards? 

Ash: I didn't - they went straight to the auction.

Me: OK, so there might have been a change in plans. I hear there's also a big tournament tomorrow, so that might have been another thing.

Goh: The auction must have been exciting. 

Ash: Yeah! Maybe even more than the parade. I got caught up in all the people bidding on Pokémon stuff. 

Goh: But you didn't bid.

Me: If I had funds to spare, I'd have you take part to get something. But not this time.

Goh: Anything you fancy? 

Ash: There was a Pikachu doll with the special shirt and a card game box set with a Charizard figure in it. 

Goh: Very nice! Those must have gone for a lot. 

Ash: They did.

Me: That's pretty much a given. Last up: awarding.

Ash: They had eight winners! ... But not me. 

Goh: Sorry about that.

Me: I think all the characters were attracted to this one, so it figures. 

Goh: But you know, I think this means the card game shop is going to be around for some time. 

Ash: They'll have something else for this month and the next one too!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Looks nice!"]

Me: Well, we'll deal with them. And the cards, of course. 

Goh: By the way, don't you think this local shop could be a way for you to send Ash more often and get rewarded for it?

Ash: That would be awesome!

Me: If only that can happen. But yes, if it's "in the cards", then it would indeed be awesome. For now, we've got this and more.

One year ago: Slow Cooking in Café Remix

Two years ago: Pikachu and Togekiss Mini Figures on the Cheap

Three years ago: The Currencies of Unite

Four years ago: The Pokémon Evolution (and More) Music

Five years ago: Pokémon Go: A Colossal Discovery

Six years ago: Balance of Topics

Seven years ago: Kids (...or Trainers, Fans) These Days

Gigantamax in Pokémon Go: Harrowing Magnitudes

Well, for those who had read my event rollup for last month, the inevitable has come to fruition: Gigantamax Pokémon are now also in Pokémon Go, starting last week with the evolved Kanto starters and continuing this week with Gengar. Therefore, as with Dynamax earlier, I have the need to make a writeup on it, being that I possess the associated Pokémon and have observed the process that one goes through to get them. And as indicated by the title of this post, that has a "harrowing" (that is, distressing) quality about it.

As with Dynamax-capable Pokémon, Gigantamax-capable Pokémon are marked with the "X arch" logo, which is solid for Gigantamax compared to hollow for Dynamax. They have the same three extra moves of Max Attack (different for each Pokémon - perhaps something to explore), Max Guard, and Max Spirit that likewise need to be unlocked and/or powered up. Conceivably, with Dynamax already being "given" to start out with, these Pokémon are to be obtained after the completion of a Max Battle and likely nowhere else. The question for older Pokémon, also as with Dynamax, is open... or perhaps barely as such. Additionally, they are locked to this form (meaning that Gigantamax Pokémon aren't also Dynamax-capable) and cannot be sent to Pokémon Home, perhaps more a blessing than a curse.

The Max Battles are the same as for the Dynamax-capable Pokémon, but with major differences: they are six stars in level, indicating their exceptional difficulty, but in dealing with this, they can be battled by up to 40 Trainers in parties of 4 each, with all parties contributing damage. The difficulty seems to lie in the strategic use of Max Moves and the importance of parties... which was not quite apparent for Dynamax Pokémon of one and three stars. Regardless, given the "giga" aspect and how long Dynamax has been around, one should also come with their best Pokémon, powered up as high as necessary - for if all the Pokémon faint, one can only Cheer (there is an actual function for this), meaning that one can't rejoin as with raids. Both Dynamax and (previously caught) Gigantamax Pokémon are fair game for these Max Battles, the latter being especially helpful.

So, what makes them "harrowing" is the initial experience of the Max Battles. There had been reports of losing battles even with 40 people, but it turned out that many of them didn't have suitable Pokémon (of a high enough level, no less). Even with suitable Pokémon, some battles were still lost... until some people finally figured out the "trick" (strategy) for using the defensive Max Moves and could turn things around even with just around 20 people. Still, for some, losing a battle with this many people - something that hasn't happened in a long time - is pretty harrowing, and in my case, it has deepened a current "rift" with some people I've gotten along better in the past - which is harrowing enough.

In any case, Niantic has recognized that the Max Battles with these Pokémon may in fact be a bit too hard, and has knocked down ("nerfed") some battle parameters and increased rewards for participating in them. These changes, however, could be seen to come as "too little, too late", especially for those who have advocated non-participation in the battles (at least until many have a fair shot, including being able to make them work with fewer people). It's just another one in a long run of "harrowing" experiences, and it may take more time to alleviate all the issues and complaints.

Now that Gigantamax has made it into Pokémon Go, the "gargantuan phenomenon" of the Galar region has both parts represented in the game. However, it seems that for this part, with great power comes great responsibility grief in at least one way, according to some specific observations. Even so, past that grief, there is something to be had, and once that happens in the best way, there may just be less grief for more "big" things.

One year ago: Cosplay: District 18 Halloween & Cosplay Party

Two years ago: Shiny Pokémon in Café Remix

Three years ago: My Current Unite License Targets

Four years ago: The Halloween Cup of GBL

Five years ago: Later, Psyduck

Six years ago: Hardcore (Dis)United

Seven years ago: Duff Knows Pokémon

Halloween 2024: Chasing Illusions

Obviously, the big thing in October is a day for spooky stuff, otherworldly stuff, and all kinds of things related to them. And they're all under the banner that is called Halloween. In some of the past years (see below), I discussed about "spooks", particularly during a time when Pokémon and everything in the world were at odds. Something that may play into the "spooks" and the things that make them up in the world are the "illusions" that accompany them, and now it seems I have to discuss them with a Pokémon perspective along with the conceptual tie of "chasing" them.

For the "illusions" part, that's not fairly difficult to understand. Some Ghost Pokémon are capable of initiating the "poltergeist" phenomenon with their abilities, some Psychic Pokémon are capable of bending things like spoons, and others can manifest as other Pokémon; to (uninitiated) people, they do seem rather illusory - especially befitting of the occasion of this day. Then, there's the existence of a myriad of Shadow Pokémon - including but not necessarily of the above types - whose illusory qualities become evident in their darkness.

As for "chasing" them, that may be the necessary thing to exercise control over them, in particular if the origins of today are of concern. And some Pokémon Trainers may still do just that, in particular for matters of Shadow Pokémon that they need to adapt for their own needs, moreover any of the other illusory ones that were mentioned above. To chase after these illusions and more seem par for the course, even given Pokémon.

There is actually another inspiration for this post's theme, and it's musical. "Chasing Shadows" is a piece by Yanni that is admittedly more spirited and less spooky, but it seems supportive enough to become the background of a few pursuits of any of the illusions I've mentioned above. Still, it does seem to depend on the viewpoints of the listener.

Goh: I just listened to the piece, and it made me want to chase a few things on my own.

Ash: Haha, same here!

Me: Well, I hope you chased after a few things I needed for today first.

Ash: I sure did! I was able to fix up a few Pokémon things you had problems with the night before.

Goh: Maybe the "spooks" got there before today came?

Me: Maybe Goh has a point. Anyway, thanks also for the other things. It'll be good for a little night in and whatever tomorrow brings.

Goh: So, no plans like last year.

Me: Nope. If there were, I'd be all over it by now.

Ash: I guess that's fine too. I think it might even be great for Halloween!

Me: I'd agree. I still wish I could make an actual Halloween night happen with what I have today.

Goh: Who knows? I think it might just work.

Ash: I do too.

Me: Then, it won't be an illusion.

Illusions come in many guises, Pokémon or otherwise. Some of them could totally be chased and be taken advantage of, while others could be just left alone to their devices; either way, something will manifest, and that something may be illusory (or not as much) in quality.

Right now, though, Halloween is no illusion - it's still something conceived yet has become a cultural facet of life. So, Happy Halloween, and be mindful of (and chase) the illusions. 🎃

One year ago: Halloween 2023: Going (All) Out

Two years ago: Halloween 2022: Relative Spookiness

Three years ago: Halloween 2021: Spooky Branding

Four years ago: Halloween 2020: Facing the "Spooks"

Five years ago: Halloween 2019: Taking My Chances

Six years ago: Halloween 2018: The Tricks to Treats

Seven years ago: Happy Halloween!

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2024

Well, tomorrow is a rather obvious day, so the event rollup for Pokémon Go have to be gotten going today or else. As far as this month goes, it's a bit of a busy month with some little events and some big ones - perhaps, that may even be relative considering the content of the events that took place. In any case, it's time to see how things were manifested as well as how the events themselves manifested.

Up first, the month began by delivering the counterpart to October's ultimate event, as the Galarian Expedition event from October 4 to 11. That meant the reentry of Zamazenta (with Shiny possibility in raids) accompanied by a selection of complementary Pokémon in the wild. More importantly, the Galarian forms of the Kanto Legendary birds could now be Shiny, and some changes occurred to Pokémon appearances from the Daily Adventure Incense. Rounding out everything were a paid Special Research set for an extra Master Ball, Collection Challenges with capturing and evolving demands, Field Research, and showcases. All these seem rather straightforward, so it took something else to liven them up.

Specifically, that would be Team Go Rocket with another "Taken Over" edition from October 8 to 11, in the second half of the above event. The focus this time was on Shadow Heatran - continuing the seasonal Special Research - along with new Shadow Pokémon and other Shadow Raids. As usual, they also appeared more frequently and Frustration could be changed by TM into other moves. Field Research might have rewarded useful items (including TMs), showcases featured appropriate Pokémon, and there was an extra bundle in the in-game shop, overall making for a dark but lively twist.

A Raid Day was set for October 12, and the subject of that day's event was Mega Mawile, marking its debut. As with Raid Days in general and contemporary fashion, more free raid passes were given out and more remote raids could be performed, while there was a greater Shiny chance for the featured Pokémon. Then there was also the extra paid event ticket offering more raid passes, XP, and Stardust, as well as greater Rare Candy XL chance. It was a little big thing, this time for a somewhat big element.

From October 15 to 17, there was the Magnetic Study event. This short midweek event featured three Pokémon - Plusle, Magnemite, and Minun - on each of and for the three days of the event, with increased Shiny chance for each and more frequent encounters with all of them through a Magnetic Lure Module as well as Field Research tasks. Each day (and thus Pokémon) were also associated with a different bonus - double XP catch, increased raid XP, and double Stardust catch in order - and had a Timed Research set for that day to encounter the Pokémon and get other bonuses. By its name, it was indeed a "study" with loads on all three days.

On October 19, a Research Day was set, and it was for Yamask, both the Unova and Galar forms. As is the norm for this kind of event, Trainers were to encounter the Pokémon through completing Field Research tasks from 2 to 5 PM, and an extra paid ticket for more encounters could be opted to be purchased for this purpose. Adding to the mood were a few Pokémon in the wild that were either shady or earthy, befitting both forms, and mask fashion items becoming available in the in-game shop. The event became a minor "masquerade party" for an afternoon.

The highlight of the month finally came on October 22 with Part 1 of the traditional Halloween event, lasting until October 28. This part's primary aspect was the debut of Morpeko with its form-changing Aura Wheel attack, which could be gotten through Go Battle League or Field Research encounters. Gastly also became present in Max Battles for a chance to get one is Dynamax-capable. They are joined by a host of creepy and spooky Pokémon in the wild, raids, and Field Research encounters, with particular Shiny emphasis on Umbreon (raids) and Zorua (wild). A free Timed Research set furnishes Spiritomb as its ultimate reward, while two paid sets furnish mostly costumed Pokémon, all of these carrying over to Part 2. Along with bonuses of double catch Candy and increased Candy XL chance, new fashion items and stickers livened up the event, not to mention the usual niceties of the Halloween overworld appearance, Lavender Town music, and appropriate showcases, jump-starting the spooky celebrations to come.

Intervening the two parts of the Halloween event was the Go Bigger event on October 26 and 27. This marked the debut of the awaited Gigantamax forms, beginning with the evolved forms of the three Kanto starters in a Raid Day-like fashion, cycling hourly at select Power Spots for Trainers to battle. And battle they will, necessitating efforts that are just as gargantuan as the Pokémon forms... but I'll cover this separately. Regardless, it too may be considered an "intervention" of its own.

Part 2 of the Halloween event continues where Part 1 left off, from October 28 until November 3 (this coming Sunday). This time, the main focus is on the addition of two new costumed Pokémon: Froakie and Rowlet - along with their species families - and who were "previewed" in a paid Timed Research set from Part 1. There is also the debut of Gigantamax Gengar, though that is mostly reserved for the big spooky day tomorrow and carrying over to the weekend. Most of the Pokémon in the wild, raids, and Field Research encounters are now of the costumed sort, with some having a greater Shiny chance; there are now special 7 km Eggs containing some Pokémon with certain costumed forms. Besides Gigantamax Gengar as above, there are also specific Candy bonuses from costumed Pokémon on the big spooky day, which is certainly what the event is all about.  

Many things in fact had to manifest in the game events this month in Pokémon Go, not the least of which is what awaits at the end as the big and obvious thing, with a lot of little things before then. Most of the manifestations were no illusions... although some could be perceived as such, yet somehow still fitting in with the runup that is this spooky month. 

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2023

Two years ago: Cosplay: Halloweeaboo Cosplay Party

Three years ago: In the Blackest Dens

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2020

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2019

Six years ago: Community Day Workflow

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Halloween 2017 Event