Integration Prospects

I can't discuss about gloom-and-doom things like chaos and darkness forever, so now it would be better to discuss more enlivening things. One of those is the prospect of "integrations" for a couple of Pokémon-related things. They're "integrations" because they have the same spirit as such, even with various differentiating aspects. To me, they still present some intrigue to me as a Pokémon fan.

One of those "integrations" concerns the Pokémon logo. The international version of the logo with the blue-and-yellow color scheme is nothing new; it's been around since it was introduced to a welcoming and grateful world. What seems to be new, however, is that even the East is adopting facets of this logo. The logos for the upcoming Sword and Shield games in Japanese have the "Pokémon" ("Pocket Monsters") portion in the same style as the international logo, only of course in Japanese script. In fact, the game logos are essentially the same all around, save for the script. As well, the recently announced Pokémon Quest for China has a logo that partially uses the blue and yellow. Admittedly, though, there are also precedents, like the Korean version of the second series of the Mystery Dungeon games using the blue and yellow, as well as Pokémon Asia using the international logo with the "Asia" tag, rather than the recolored logo. All these could be considered "integrations" in some sense and to a certain extent.

Another "integration" concerns the recently announced Pokémon Home service. At present, it risks recalling some of the unsavory things that have transpired, but this has to be discussed anyway for its more uplifting aspects. When this is realized, it will link up five Pokémon games and one previous service. So many Pokémon games are linked up by this one service, which is astounding. Though it wouldn't be possible to retract Pokémon back to where they came from (except for one link), the intermingling is admittedly neat. Details are of course still scant as to its actual realization, but the promise of a holding place for many Pokémon is intriguing. It surely can be expanded later on, especially if it becomes well-maintained, and that means greater integration.

I would say that these integrations are making things better for Pokémon. The international logo being (re-)integrated shows how powerful of an indicator it has become. The Pokémon Home service offers a neat holding place at the least and definitive integrated links at best. With all the gloom-and-doom that has unfolded these past couple of days, I'm happier still even with little things like these integrations, and would be even happier if they lead into something much more.

One year ago: More Pokémon Paper Things
Two years ago: Poké-Crafts Made out of Paper