Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/28/2019

As I noted in last month's event rollup, the Special Research for Jirachi being unleashed for all marked the ending of the Pokémon Go Summer Tour, which was bigger and better than before. However, it also marked a beginning, which would be for what are called Ultra Bonuses as the reward for a highly successful Summer Tour. Thus, this month's event rollup could in a way be called the "Ultra Bonus" edition. Among all of those Ultra Bonuses, there were many special things.

The Ultra Bonuses were divided into weekly reward periods. The first week of them was dubbed as a "Johto Journey", with a spotlight on second-generation Pokémon, including reappearances of the three Legendary Beasts in level 5 raids, providing a last-chance affair, including the Raid Hour with them. Another point of importance was the appearance of Unown (only the letters U-L-T-R-A, an obvious nod) in 10 km Eggs, which is significant for those who have never been to a Safari Zone or Go Fest. It's similar to the "Kanto Festival" from last year, only without the regional Pokémon. It was a minor celebration nonetheless, but a necessary one in the same vein as last year.

The second week was dubbed as the "Global Challenge" because it featured regional Pokémon, the same as with last year's Kanto Festival, with the additional bonus of their Shiny forms. The only downsides are that the Pokémon were only available for two weeks, and Heracross of the second generation wasn't included, even though this was hoped by many, including me. The repeat is still welcomed for those who didn't get their chance. During this week, in a similar move to Mewtwo last year, Deoxys also appeared in regular level 5 raids, with all forms available; Raid Hour accordingly featured an assortment of Deoxys forms. Even with that, Deoxys in its Speed Form will continue to be the EX Raid boss up until early October.

The third week was dubbed as the "Unova Unveiling" because, yes, it means the first wave of fifth-generation Pokémon from said region became available, including the starters and a small selection of Pokémon with uniquely shaped bodies. Some are even available in Eggs and raids, as well as with their Shiny forms from the get-go. The only odd thing is that the level 5 raid boss was Mewtwo with a new Charged Move, and this week, the Raid Hour failed, as I've hinted that very Wednesday of the week. This was the only source of disappointment for the week, as the Ultra Bonus was very significant indeed regardless with the fifth-generation Pokémon entering the fray. As for Mewtwo, its Raid Hour has been rescheduled for next month, and it will also return for a month as an EX Raid boss, after which something interesting may be in the works.

While there is no Ultra Bonus in the fourth week (right now) and therefore no official title, I would call it "Remnants", since it constitutes the remains of the previous week, with a couple of important differences. The level 5 raid boss is Giratina in its Altered Forme until mid-October. There is also a small event to celebrate World Tourism Day, and it's in effect a minor regional Pokémon event to allow respective regions to hatch Eggs containing respective regionals (including Mime Jr. for Europe) and allow access to Shiny Zangoose and Seviper no matter where one plays, along with other minor bonuses for trading and PokéStops. This is still neat in any case and could be considered a "bonus Ultra Bonus".

The Summer Tour this year was extraordinary, so its Ultra Bonuses had to be so as well. As the series of bonuses became the events over the past month, they have proven this quality, at least for the most part. Whatever qualms Trainers have experienced can surely be resolved after the next Summer Tour. Until that point, they're free to reap the rewards of an excellently accomplished summer of Pokémon Go and accomplish more in the time in between.

One year ago: A New Age of EX Raids
Two years ago: To Teach and To Delight