Thoughts on Pokémon Masters EX

As I had mentioned, Pokémon Masters EX is one of the games that is evidently region-locking itself out of playability. One of these happens to be... my region, so I wanted to get in some playtime before the inevitable happens - and has happened as of about a week ago. I thought that after that I would then be able to write up a few things about the game, possibly in several posts, but it turns out I don't have enough for consideration of doing that. Instead, I'd like to just put down a few of my experiences and the associated thoughts with them.

I had actually tried to start playing the game even earlier, over a year before. Back then, I did get through the preliminaries with the bare minimum of downloaded game data, but because the rest of the game required a great deal of space beyond what I had (I was on a different device back then), I couldn't make further progress. Luckily, I also managed to bind the game data to my Nintendo Account so that I could jump back in whenever. This approach of "trial versioning" the game to prospective players is unique and laudable, and the binding of game data right away is a vital step that makes things easy - unless one didn't do it or forgot.

The bulk of the game, of course and as detailed early on, involves scouting for Sync Pairs - and "scout" means gacha, and a lot of that. "Freeloading" in this case may not necessarily be a good thing, and with all the paid options in the game, that seems overwhelming even if said Sync Pairs can still be gotten for free (at least just a number of them). As for those Sync Pairs, they're certainly some of the Trainers that fans know and love - even characters that some fans may not have thought of as Trainers. So, they're certainly appealing to Pokémon fans of all kinds and walks of life, even yours truly who doesn't care too much about the gacha part.

For the engagement, at least some of the story is captivating, with the Trainers being gathered on Pasio Island for what seems to be a time of R&R for them, but it turns out to become a struggle against others and the machinations of what brought them to the island in the first place. The storylines go deep and branch out, which is what I like, and I'm sure what others attracted to this game are looking for. It would take a lot of time to explore all the paths of those stories and get what (or who) is required for that purpose, but alas, time dictates (or dictated) how much I could explore in the game before time ran out for me to do so.

Overall, it seems likely that I'd dive into this game from time to time instead of incorporating it into my daily rotation of Pokémon games, and especially if it had been possible for me to delve into the game further with and during the time it was available to me. There may or may not be any indication that I'll ever be able to play the game again beyond the region-locking circumstances, but if that's even possible, then a few more posts about it might be expected on this blog. At least, the true masters that are the characters in this game may just agree.

One year ago: The Legendary Flight, Dynamax Style

Two years ago: Challenges of Relating to People with Pokémon

Three years ago: TCG Live on the Horizon

Four years ago: Standing Guard for Arena PvP

Five years ago: Labyrinthine Expectations

Six years ago: Editing PokéStops

Seven years ago: Under a Truck

Eight years ago: Formality of Ownership

Nine years ago: The Sweetest Days - Ash and Pikachu

Region-Locked Pokémon Games

In these days, Pokémon is practically everywhere, but gaming sometimes isn't. Some games in the bigger world of gaming are only available for purchase and/or play in specific regions of the world, making them "region-locked". Pokémon has largely escaped this problem with many of its games being available in many places, yet it's the part that "didn't escape" that's still a problem. For that, the topic seems to be appropriate and worth it to be discussed, being that it has already become quite applicable.

By now, an apparent one of these should be obvious: the TCGL game is in fact region-locked. The installer (on PCs) and app (for mobile) can only be downloaded from the regions where the game is available for play. Even if the game is somehow installed, the game will check for the location of the player, and if the location isn't in the play region, the game won't allow itself to be played. It's a frustrating one for players who need the virtual TCG implementation through this game and/or already active with it.

Less apparent is one of the currently active mobile games, as Pokémon Masters EX. The game has "shuttered" its service in many locations, and it is in fact the game I mentioned would be making a "precious departure". In doing so, the game is essentially locking itself out of certain regions, even though the game continues to be developed and to be playable in other places. There may be certain reasons for doing so, given the mechanisms of the game, but that may not matter to those who become unable to play again.

Meanwhile, although Pokémon Unite itself is not region-locked, some parts of the game are, can, and have been. Being Chinese-developed, it has a player base there, and it is apparent that the players there have their own server and they may or may not interact with those outside of that server. Then, a certain World Championship event in the past has had parts of it restricted only to certain players in the world, with others being able to play through the full event. The aspect is still evident, if only elementally.

As great as it is having Pokémon in all kinds of ways to play and enjoy it, the fact remains that it's still quite possible for certain Pokémon games to be restricted to certain players in certain places. That has evidently applied to the above games to certain extents, limiting those who can play the games (in whole or in part) by location. Even aspects that apply distinctly to other games can apply to Pokémon games as well, and in this particular case, it plays into and affects the quality of Pokémon being everywhere.

One year ago: Cosplay: Ruang Cosplay First Gathering

Two years ago: In a Trainer's Bag

Three years ago: Being Surrounded by Promotional Cards

Four years ago: NADWPKMN - The Video Series: Episode #1 - An Introduction

Five years ago: Pass Challenges with Pokémon

Six years ago: Total Experience

Seven years ago: Legends Among People

Eight years ago: Pictures Worth Thousands of Words

Nine years ago: Pokkén Sentiments

Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/1/2026

And, well, there is Community Day on the first of the month, the first regular edition with such a manner of featuring the event. Not exactly the first time would be the manner of the featured Pokémon species, but it's still a workable manner nonetheless. For those in the know, the species evokes "a song of ice and fire", but it has nothing to do with a battle for the seat of a kingdom; rather, it has a closer tie to a kind of "vixen" mythology, something that could become innate within someone's body.

With that, the featured species is Vulpix, both the Kanto and Alolan forms - thus, the "double-double" format. Either one certainly evolves to Ninetales of the respective (regional) form, and in the case of this edition, the Kanto form gets the Charged move of Energy Ball and the Alolan form gets the Charged move of Chilling Water. They're not same-type moves for their types, so they're more for coverage in the realm of PvP; in fact, the latter move has profound effects in PvP as demonstrated by its inclusion for Florges some time ago. The main bonus is triple XP, directed for those still on their leveling journey.

The remaining event bonuses are of the by-now standard variety: double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules with appearance bonuses, trade discounts and more Special Trades, photo bombs, and special backgrounds galore for both Vulpix forms. On the Research side, Field tasks are of the usual variety, though the catching task applied for both forms instead of either one; Timed tasks are gotten if one checked in (of course), and the paid Special Research set is titled "Icy and Spicy" for the qualifiers of both forms - not quite a song, but still entertaining.

Just as entertaining was my decision to do the same thing I had done in January for this edition of Community Day, to spend it with a few faraway Trainers, whom I am now finding to be a real pleasant bunch. I didn't catch as many Shiny forms today as I did last month, but the ones I got were a real treat, as was evolving them and others that I needed into Ninetales for certain purposes. Aside from this process, there was always the process of building up resources for possible future uses. This method and the faraway gathering can stand to be repeated whenever it's possible (and convenient) for me to do so.

On the matter of that "song of ice and fire", this species family with its regional forms - one set being the classically recognized one - is or has become innate with all Pokémon fans from the past to the present. They may have their own "songs" when put into battle, and the two new moves for them that are gotten from this edition of Community Day can just put a brand-new spin on their melodies. In the struggle of Pokémon battles, that may just be the song to listen to and counter as needed.

One year ago: Cosplay: Petstival Cosplay

Two years ago: Overlapping Events in Café Remix

Three years ago: Pokémon Is... A Lifesaver?

Four years ago: NADWPKMN YouTube Channel Open!!!

Five years ago: In Search of Friends or Accounts

Six years ago: Let's Go Fight to the Top

Seven years ago: Wrap the Light Fantastic

Eight years ago: The Workings of Raids

Nine years ago: Poké Ball Food

The State of Nominations, Part 38

It's January, so this month also begins the year's run-up of updates to the progress on my PokéStop nominations. It's a progress that is always inherently bittersweet due to its varied possibilities, both acceptance and rejection alike. Yet after a particularly bittersweet December (even more so, the couple months since the last update), it seems that this nomination update has (to) become bittersweet as well for its progress. Regardless, I have to make the update and see what I can glean from it for current and future progress in this area.

One bittersweet aspect is that my Accepted nominations have become stagnant at 191 from the last update. Then, my Not Accepted ones have increased by 2 to 71, which is arguably more "bitter" than sweet. Further, the most recent nominations to be rejected in this way became as such by what is apparently the automated process new to the system, even before others could vote on them. Of course, I could always put them up for renomination or appeal the rejection, but either way, they would involve serious considerations (more so the latter).

This situation also raises "red flags" for my nomination process, in that it might be risky for me to make nominations of "dicey" places, and the next ones that I make should be of "safe" places (and truly "safe" ones) like houses or places of worship, parks with evident signs, and absolutely unique and absolutely permanent places. It is quite possible that making "dicey" nominations could in fact affect my actual Pokémon Go progress, so now the "safe" nominations are preferred, as is just purely focusing on regular Pokémon Go workings.

Meanwhile, one sweet element is that I've been able to be informed about how my approved nominations have affected players of Pokémon Go and other games. Since October, a "monthly impact" newsletter has been e-mailed to me; the latest one for this month shows that there were 26948 visits by 1252 players in December to the waypoints from those nominations. From the first one, the numbers never went below 10000 and 1000 respectively, so this is rather impressive. This may be an inspiration to try to keep nominating when possible.

After many editions of keeping track of my nominations for PokéStops, one conclusion that I can draw is that the process is not always sweet, and there may be some bitter times alongside the sweet ones, like what is happening now. It's just something to be taken in stride in the bitterness of the moment, while knowing that existing contributions are already sweet and will still remain that way. The progress is ongoing and may need some careful considerations for the future, and bitter and sweet are always part of the equation.

One year ago: The "Stuck" Prize Cards

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/31/2024

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 20

Four years ago: Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: (Final?) Selections

Five years ago: Zorua in Mareep Clothing

Six years ago: Reading About Pokémon Lore

Seven years ago: The Magic of 25

Eight years ago: Et Tu, Shuffle? (Thy Hath Bugs)

Nine years ago: It's Been a Month...

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2026

This month, Pokémon Go continues to pave the paths that are part of the season aptly called "Precious Paths" as such. After the paths of the end of the year in the previous month, it seems the events this month wants to take Trainers on paths that go over, under, and all around as they begin the year. As usual, that's evident in the events themselves and their content, and with the end of the month nearly at hand, it's definitely time to get the rollup for that rolling.

Kicking off the new year was the usual New Year's event, which actually began on December 31 as the new year is heralded, then ending on January 4. Along with a selection of hatted Pokémon from past years in the wild and raids, this time Blacephalon also took the stage in five-star raids, including for a New Year's Eve Raid Hour; it too gets a special move called Mind Blown, while Trainers can get an avatar item based on the species. Field Research from PokéStops had Stardust, while daily ones had an Incense or Lucky Egg. The event itself had bonuses of double XP and Stardust from raids plus increased chance of Shiny Pikachu with a hat, overworld fireworks, increased legacy Lucky Trades, and extra items and encounters by the paid Timed Research. For many, it may have been an "explosive" rolling start for the new year.

After rolling, Trainers had to get pinching in the Pinch Perfect event from January 6 to 11. The event served as the debut of Klawf as well as Shiny Delmise, two Pokémon that can get a grip on things. They're joined by other clawed and able Pokémon in the wild, raids, and Research; Corphish, Dwebble, and Clauncher were also of focus with increased Shiny chances for them as well as free Timed Research sets featuring each one every two days; the paid ones had more items and more encounters. Topping it all off were a double XP catch bonus and a Raid Day featuring Kyurem in its Fusion forms plus Reshiram and Zekrom on January 10 with all the usual features. The sharp features of the event may not have left Trainers "in a pinch".

But then, it may drive them to new heights, as through the High Zaptitude event from January 13 to 18. The Wattrel family became a debutant, while Shiny Tadbulb became a special feature, the latter in the wild, 2 km Eggs, and Field Research along with other Electric-type Pokémon while the former through Global Challenges that unlocked special bonuses alongside the debut appearances in the wild and Field Research. The paid Timed Research by the event's paid ticket brought about even more Egg-related bonuses as Trainers discovered what they need in order to soar high and zap powerfully like the debuting species family here.

Pets are precious in the real and Pokémon worlds, so there was the Precious Pals event from January 20 to 25 to honor them. Specifically, there was Shiny Fidough debuting, accompanied by other pet-like Pokémon species in the wild, 2 km Eggs, and Field Research - some of them also factoring into two Collection Challenges. Boosts were also in place for Shiny Goldeen and Fidough, as well as massive ones for Buddy Pokémon and several species that need to become one to evolve, particularly their requirements. Friendly bonuses were also in the paid Timed Research set. However, less friendly are Team Go Rocket, who made a takeover on January 23 onwards to the event's end, bringing with them Shadow Thundurus (Incarnate), some more Shadow species with a Collection Challenge for them, and the usual features, as well as a Shadow Raikou Raid Day on January 24. This event was therefore a real pet-filled whirlwind.

If two weeks prior Trainers went over, they then went under - Into the Depths - from January 27 until February 1. The Glimmet species family debuts in this event as it appears on Routes and Research (Field and Timed), while the wild, 7 km Eggs, and other Research aspects have Pokémon that are characteristic of caves. The exploration aspect is bolstered by a triple XP bonus, paid Timed Research Egg bonuses, and a big glimmer in the sky with a Battle Weekend for Dynamax Ho-Oh on January 31 and February 1. It's a deep and broad scope for them.

Even as Trainers go over, under, and all around through the various paths of the events in the second month of this season, they might just be able to grasp certain senses of "precious" that apply to those events. That might very well be the most important thing for them, aside from participating in the events as much as possible and capturing the Pokémon that they offer.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 32

Two years ago: The (In)Visibility of Pokémon (and Myself)

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2023

Four years ago: More Pokémon Brand Parodies

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2021

Six years ago: Bringing It Home

Seven years ago: Three TCG Booster Packs

Eight years ago: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Series 2 Figures

Nine years ago: Always 21 - Memories of 21

Pokémon in 60 Seconds?

Nowadays, Pokémon has a lot going for its numerous aspects, if many of the posts on this blog are of any indication. It can be pretty hard to condense anything that pertains to them into a very short amount of time (like 60 seconds or 1 minute) for certain purposes (like to show off the franchise to the uninitiated). Yet if that were to happen, the results could be rather varied in form but remain attractive for all those who are concerned. With that, I thought I'd make a discussion out of it to see how things might just work out for the effort.

Part of the inspiration for this is that a real long time ago, certain campaigns got creative by including the concept for "60-second movies". They claimed that the people receiving them would get the gist of a movie (or even a show) with relevant dialogue within that stretch of time. This might be something that one could try to apply for the episodes and movies of the Pokémon anime, and the results could be interesting, at least for those who only need the gist - while the rest of the people and fans would probably prefer to watch them in full instead.

Meanwhile, closer to the present, challenges were given to two people to see who could point out specific things appropriately and answer certain questions correctly. The same challenges could be adapted for Pokémon with its multitude of aspects, and the result has to be as entertaining as the challenges in their original form. It might also resemble a certain newly established Pokémon game show and could be made an offshoot of that game show... although it may be more appropriate to let the challenges stand on their own for their sake.

In the simplest of ways to encapsulate Pokémon within 60 seconds, descriptions could be made for certain aspects about them. For example, a question like "what is Pokémon really all about" could demand that an answer be given within that time, and a viable part of that answer - at least based on my views - could involve the "four pillars" that I described such a long time ago, while also including the relevant points about the eponymous species and any other features that can stand to be included within that short (or not) amount of time.

A certain famous figure once said that of timespans that are seemingly very short, they can still be longer than one thinks they are. This certainly might apply well to a span of 60 seconds, which might conceivably fit a lot of things from actions to explanations. With all the things that it has going on, Pokémon could be construed to have a lot of them, and several different kinds of them could be made to fit within 60 seconds, if any of the above points may be considered. For the short and long of it, 60 seconds for Pokémon may just be enough for its multitude.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2025

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 26

Three years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 7.5

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2022

Five years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: One More Month

Six years ago: Expecting the Contrary

Seven years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon

Eight years ago: More Pokémon Hanging Things

Nine years ago: Fire Power!

Analyzing the Traffic for My Blog

Dedicated readers will know that I sometimes discuss "meta" content related to this Pokémon blog itself in addition to actual Pokémon content, and this time I thought I'd post another one relating to the former. It concerns the traffic that comes to (and views) this blog, which is undoubtedly important for any site, even this one on my corner of the Internet. Using the information that I obtain from the Stats section of the site management for this blog, I'd like to discuss some particular points of interest about the traffic to this blog.

It should be noted that I can analyze traffic from the periods from a certain time in the past up to the now, although I can't analyze periods that don't involve the now. For this discussion specifically, though, I'd also like to place focus on the overall all-time traffic from the start when this blog was created to the now - although I can also point out specific trends within some specific times in that entire period, which should be just as fascinating as the overall traffic itself. Of course, all this can be tied back into Pokémon somehow.

Now for the pertinent stuff. For views, this blog was relatively "sleepy" from its start in 2017 up until mid-2024 when the views suddenly surged to many thousands, the highest around the end of last year entering this year. Even so, most of that view traffic has been indicated to come from an unknown source (or sources), so I can't exactly point out what they were for. A lot of the view traffic, however, is indicated to come from search engines and social media, which means that at least some people are actively seeking Pokémon content, finding my blog in the process, and then referring back to the content in it in some way.

As well, I can point out the origins of those views. To this point, one-third of the views were identified as coming from Singapore, which is notably the home of Brandon Tan as the prime Pokémon Go player... but the views may have more obscure origins and not be necessarily related to either Brandon Tan or Pokémon Go, the latter still a frequent topic of discussion here. The rest of the views are from my resident country (of course), the U.S., other identified countries, and other unidentified ones, each of them roughly in one-sixth amounts. That may or may not mean something for Pokémon fans in all of those regions.

Meanwhile, the topic of what are those views were viewing - as in, the posts on this blog - is also a pertinent one for this discussion... but I feel like this could be siphoned into its own post because of its rather broad scope and great relevance for many more Pokémon things, particularly the ones associated with those posts. So, I expect the discussion for this one to be made whenever, especially at the point "whenever" becomes relevant.

Even now, traffic is vital to any web site, including this little one - well, maybe not so little now - about all kinds of Pokémon things and how I deal with all of them in some way before writing and showing them off here. With the way that the blog is going, at least some traffic may be expected to come to it for all the posts that I've made and continue to make, and that could become the impetus for including a lot more Pokémon things.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2025

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 26

Three years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 7.5

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2022

Five years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: One More Month

Six years ago: Expecting the Contrary

Seven years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon

Eight years ago: More Pokémon Hanging Things

Nine years ago: Fire Power!