Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/30/2020

Well, this is the last day of the month, and I haven't written up the event rollup for Pokémon Go for this month. Therefore, I have to write it up today in any case. And I want to and continue to do so, in fact, so that becomes the deal for this post. As well, Pokémon Go has made it easier to recap events thanks to the Today View, so that becomes another reason to make this rollup. For this month, there were a few events that really took the spotlight.

Early this month, there was an event called "Tricky Pokémon". It lasted for a week from April 1, and because of that, this is the April Fool's event; it's a legitimate event instead of pulling a "prank" as with two years ago. In this event, Pokémon known to have deceptive or pranking behavior took the spotlight, being present in the wild, in Eggs, and through Research. Some of the more notable Pokémon from this event are Aipom and Croagunk, both of them appearing in photobombs and the latter with a Shiny form; there was also Ditto with expanded appearances, as well as the debut of Stunfisk in various ways. Still, with this event, everyone can be said to have been "pranked out".

After a day's rest, it was time to get back into the "spring" of things, and that was allowed by an event called "Spring into Spring". Much of this event is related to eggs, which explains the presence of Exeggcute, Chansey, and Torchic in the wild, as well as a few other spring-related Pokémon. Some other Pokémon also sported flower crowns, notably newcomers Buneary and Togepi. Though technically a separate event, Marill also appeared in GO Battle Day on April 12 as a capture reward, alongside this spring event. Eggs from Gifts also had a slew of baby Pokémon, some possibly Shiny and all taking not long to hatch, as the Eggs are all 2 km ones. Some Field Research tasks were also Egg-based, while hatched Pokémon came with more Candy and Lucky Eggs lasted for an hour. Everything had a nice "spring" to them.

On April 19, a few days after the previous event concluded, there was the debut of a one-day event similar to Community Day, with it being called "Incense Day". For six hours, the Pokémon attracted by Incense, having already been extended as a special countermeasure, cycled each hour among different types, with the six types for this event being Water, Fire, Grass, Psychic, Bug, and Ground, in order of their appearance across the six hours. Each hour also had an uncommon "guest" Pokémon join in along with a selection of three that more often appeared. Sentret also appeared often throughout the entire event, possibly being Shiny. An extra Shop bundle of 3 Incense was also available for those who needed them. This was a neat new paradigm that could stand to be repeated with different types next time.

Within the final days of the month, there was another week-long event, this time called "Buddy Up". The highlight of this event was the appearance of Volbeat and Illumise everywhere, temporarily beyond their regional boundaries, in the wild and in Field Research tasks. Woobat was also a star, appearing in the same ways; all three were complemented with a selection of whimsy Pokémon that could conceivably be Buddy Pokémon. Meanwhile, for all Buddy Pokémon, they can bring more gift items and Souvenirs, travel less to get more Candy and Hearts, get easily excited, and be present longer. It was a total festival for all kinds of Buddy Pokémon, one that could be leveraged for nifty advantages.

Beyond that, the spotlight of the Pokémon Go events for this month were turned up, notwithstanding the way that Today View really helped in doing so. Lots of Pokémon were involved, and they all brought their own flavor to the events for which they become a part of. Word has it that Today View will be even more instrumental in the events to come next month, but that is for later. This month, all the events were all highlights in all the best ways.

One year ago: A New(?) Pikachu Doll
Two years ago: A Sun & Moon Doujin Manga
Three years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 2

The State of Cosplay

With the onset of the current global condition in my area, that has brought many activities to a screeching halt. That includes cosplay events and conventions, for which Ash helped to break the news about one month ago. As a result, I haven't had the incentive to discuss anything related to my Pokémon cosplay. However, after seeing how all the posts from previous years today (see below) dealt with cosplay, whether event updates/reviews or discussions, I felt that it seems worth it to discuss the prospects for this area I enjoy, particularly with Pokémon.

Now, speaking of enjoyment, for some cosplayers in my area, cosplay may be an up-and-down thing, possibly waxing and waning like the moon. In the worst of cases, the interest may fully wane, which means they are no longer interested. Unfortunately, that has become applicable to a majority of members in the spectacular Pokémon-themed project we realized last year (being in the same event one day and one year ago). The female members either have had problems or other issues to deal with, and the result is that they had to restrain from cosplay; this includes the Psyduck debacle from last year. Meanwhile, the other male members are not likely to assist without a good reason. With that, the project has effectively "crashed", and it would take a miracle to start it up again, if at all possible, when events or conventions resume.

That last matter is also worth discussing. With the way things go, those events or conventions are not likely to resume until the situation is under control. Moreover, this time of year is already the "big rest" part of the year, so not much can happen here even with normal conditions. Even so, some have suggested that they may be able to resume as early as four months from now - rather optimistic, I might say - or even nearer to the end of the year, which may be more likely but still somewhat optimistic. Either way, these are only provisional, and things may still change within that time. Any resumption of things will have to have definite plans along with the definite confirmation that things can proceed like they used to. I may even have my own definite plans alongside those definite plans should they be able to proceed again.

That becomes the segue to my own plans. Fortunately, I have no further costume plans - at least ones that I've set in motion - so I'm absolved from efforts to complete things I've started. With these times anyhow, it becomes prohibitively difficult to obtain materials and make progress, particularly if I've started something. The last set I've completed is the 21st feature film version of Ash, which I've only worn on a couple of occasions and had planned for some events or conventions in the pipeline before, well, the pipeline "burst", so to speak. Any future plans will have to depend on the situation. As for other related plans, there are a few songs I still want to sing while in cosplay, perhaps with a band backing things up, so I'd like to make that happen upon the return of events or conventions. I have faith that it will happen when things happen.

At the moment, there really isn't much in the way of prospects in the area of Pokémon cosplay, which I've always been glad to participate in. But at the least I can bring up a few things at the moment after not having discussed cosplay for a good bit of time. Again, it all depends on when the situation improves enough to allow events and conventions to happen once more. At that point, everything that I enjoy about Pokémon cosplay can proceed once again for me personally and all those who enjoy my presence. Things have to take a stop right now, but I'm sure they may go again later on.

One year ago: Cosplay Team Projects, Revisited
Two years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 13
Three years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 1

The Allure and Wonder of "Shundo"

As is true to my linguistic background, I am fascinated with phenomena that involve languages, especially if they can and do re-involve Pokémon as what I really like. There is one such phenomenon that has persisted for some time that I haven't covered on this blog, and there's no time like the present to cover it. The phenomenon ties into the strange word I mentioned in the title of this post - "Shundo". I'll admit it was strange the first time I heard it, but it is a very neat one, more so to discuss in and out.

The word and term is a blend of the words "Shiny" and "hundred", the latter as rendered in Japanese (hundoreddo). Therefore, "Shundo" refers to a Shiny Pokémon with 100% stats, something that occasionally happens in Pokémon Go. Shiny Pokémon occur quite often in Pokémon Go, at least more often than in the main series games. Pokémon with 100% stats also occur from time to time, though not very often. Combine them together, and one gets a phenomenon that is rare but spectacular, and it has its own allure and wonder.

Either kind of Pokémon are neat on their own, especially if they are begotten outside of a relevant event. But both together, that is something to behold. It wouldn't be surprising that a few Trainers would desire to have one, including me. I have quite a few 100% Pokémon, but none are Shiny; conversely, I don't have very many Shiny Pokémon with stats that even approach 100%. It would be an interesting turn of events if I somehow manage to get a "Shundo", which would be the grandest Shiny yet that I would have.

Meanwhile, a few of my Pokémon Go fellows have their "Shundo", and they are flaunted from time to time. During the Treecko Community Day about a year ago, a few of them got theirs from the shuffle when one with 100% stats was found, and that becomes theirs. Other often flaunted "Shundo" are in fact very rare, as they are of Articuno and Mewtwo, which are indeed Legendary Pokémon. "Shundo" of common Pokémon is already a wonder, but that of Legendary Pokémon is a wonder of wonders. They all are as such regardless.

Such is true of the word and term itself as well, which sounds strange at first but makes for something neat once understood. So neat, in fact, that it becomes captivating enough for many and quite wondersome as well. Those same qualities seem to apply to the word and term, at least for me with my linguistic background. Add back Pokémon, and it becomes a phenomenon for me (and us) to take in, as something that some of my fellows have already had a chance to obtain and at some point others like me can obtain as well.

One year ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 4 - Hibana no Utopia
Two years ago: Other Pokémon Competitions
Three years ago: Pokémon Floor Mat

Resolving Differences

There are a few things I learn from Pokémon, of which some I detailed in a post that I wrote up about a year ago. For this post, I'd like to detail one more of those things. That thing concerns how I and others as Pokémon fans would go about to resolve differences between us. It's an important thing in a way, as Pokémon fans like I myself and others hail from different backgrounds, which means that the potential for disconnection by them is significant. If it happens, it has to be resolved in some manner.

That manner would be through actual Pokémon battles on the battlefield. By undertaking those battles, one may have the chance to assert things about ideals, backgrounds, and so on. Wins in those battles would lend support and losses would decrease that. Still, it may not be all black-or-white, as wins may not fully prove things and yet losses may not fully disprove them either, and then there is the matter of possible draws to consider. It's kind of like academic studies that show different results with different circumstances despite similar methodologies. At least, some things may be mediated through them just as Pokémon battles can also mediate differences.

I've actually discussed this to some extent in another post I wrote a little over three years ago about "dialectics", which I've stated that to some extent Pokémon battles are. Even so, this post could be considered to be an expansion to that and as a kind of "assertion". The focus of this post is on differences and how Pokémon battles can settle them. As above, the differences among people may not necessarily be all black or all white, and the results of battles might make things less or more either way. However much, it might still be regarded as a "settlement".

The way that things went in yesterday's tournament might be considered an indication. The few wins that I had meant that I could only assert some things about myself that are the same, but not much. The rest meant that many differences were still abound, and I'd need to do more to resolve them. The bye win could be taken as a "relief" that the current situation did not lend much for my differences, which is the only settlement I received this time. Therefore, much remains to be settled on the battlefield next time, whenever that may be.

Granted, yesterday's situation in my case wasn't all that great - it made the differences more striking. But in the general case, there seems to be more to be said about the power that Pokémon battles have in being able to resolve differences. The simplest is that it is certain that Pokémon fans come with different "packages" and "possessions", and that on the battlefield, there may be opportunities for them to be "appreciated" or "downplayed", and thus the differences are resolved accordingly. It's a great thing that can and should happen.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/27/2019
Two years ago: Groups and Sub-Groups
Three years ago: Out of This World: Episode 690 - "A UFO for Elgyem!"

Tournament: Raid Group Voyager Cup

The voyage of the Voyager theme for SLA Pokémon Go tournaments also has to pass through my raid group, and so my group held its tournament (cup) on this very day. Due to current circumstances and the impacts thereof, it is likewise a remote tournament as with my raid group's Toxic Cup last month. Admittedly, the way things are executed remotely has its ups and downs - some things to like and not to like - and those things are apparent for this tournament and the general course of things as they were for the previous one.

The composition of participants for this tournament was not much different from the previous one; there were those from my raid group, those that still maintain ties whether near or far, and and those that are just loosely linked, including one of the top national Trainers, who has Elite status. What was quite different is that this tournament only had 27 participants (26 by the end), which is low by most remote tournaments. What might be a contributing factor is that the current time of year might be regarded as one of "detachment" with other affairs, and therefore not as many wanted to take part (or could - 16 were actually interested but didn't follow up, and 4 failed to check in).

Another contributing factor may be that the participants have conflicting affairs - as in, other tournaments taking place at or nearly the same time. Because of the remote format, it becomes possible to have very many tournaments in which a Trainer can participate, and sometimes some of those tournaments may overlap. In the case of this one, another tournament partially overlapped the first few rounds of this tournament, and that one was quite problematic. My raid fellows who organized the tournament then quickly laid down a few ground rules in order to keep the tournament fair and going. Aside from that, it was a matter of battling.

There were only five rounds in this tournament, but I didn't fare too well in any of them. In the first, third, and fourth rounds, I lost twice and won once, while I blew out in the fifth. The only consolation for me was a bye win in the second round, aside from the three minor battle wins. In all, I finished fourth from the bottom, one of my worst showings yet. I also met no one whom I had already befriended, requiring me to add and remove Trainers in between rounds; it is probably the most arduous part of these remote tournaments aside from the battles themselves, which may be no-brainers given the right teams.

I enjoy the ability to spar with many others beyond my raid group, even though it may be considered cumbersome to some extent, especially if I'm not already friends with them before. Sometimes, this may also make things protracted; it occurred to me in this tournament for the last round, and my match became the very last one to be completed after waiting for around an hour. Even with the relaxed stipulation of a lax-timed last round, it may put things on edge as well. And as with the previous tournament, delays and dropouts did occur.

It should still be appreciated that everyone can compete, even in these difficult and strange times, with the same format but a few changes, most particularly from different places. That is something to like even with the changes that are necessary for this to occur, which may lead to some things that are less liked. And with that, the voyage of my raid group's tournaments continues, likely expecting the next theme. There ought to be some things - hopefully a lot of things - to be liked at that point as well.

One year ago: Raising the Pokémon Go Level Cap
Two years ago: Working with Shuffle's Item Limits
Three years ago: In Pursuit of Collections

Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/25/2020

Last month, Community Day for Pokémon Go was postponed, owing to an unfortunate circumstance in today's world that has still unfortunately persisted until who knows when. This month, the event has returned, picking up where it left off. And that is very much true: the featured Pokémon for this month is Abra, in order to do what couldn't be done last month. Now, current circumstances are very much limiting and are not likely to leave much room for going places to do things, let alone to go through Community Day in the same manner as it has always been done. But even with those limits, this Community Day managed to be quite eventful, being able to make do within them.

As with past Community Days, this one has its usual "bones". Abra is abound everywhere, including with its Shiny form. The exclusive move for evolving Abra all the way to Alakazam is Counter, which is a Fast Move that may have its uses. The bonus for this edition is triple Stardust for every caught Pokémon, which is surely helpful for the Abra family and beyond, a change from the initial conception. Unlike past editions, however, Lure Modules are not extended; instead, Incense is, to the usual length of three hours. That's because this Community Day is officially dubbed as the "Play at Home Edition", and the changes were made to encourage and support that.

As a matter of fact, there were also plenty of things that were changed around for this one. The event itself is extended to double its usual length for a total of six hours. Those with Buddy Pokémon of Great Buddy level or higher can expect surprises in the form of gifts from the Buddy containing a smattering of Poké Balls, which may become very helpful. The Community Day Box in the in-game Shop, which has proven its helpfulness at times, now contains an Elite Charged TM, but is also more expensive and can only be purchased once as a result. During the event, Abra also appears in taken photos of Pokémon. All of these changes are as wild as they are surely helpful.

As reported in my event rollup last month, the Community Day is to be accompanied with an additional paid Special Research called "Investigating Illusions", and that has not changed. For a small price, a Trainer may opt to purchase a four-page Special Research of 12 tasks (actually 9, since three are already completed at the end) with bonuses similar to those for a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. Purchasing it is entirely optional, but those who are looking for something a little extra (to do this Community Day) or able to spend a few pennies can and should spend for it, since the benefits may be valuable beyond its price tag, in the same way the big-time paid Special Research provide theirs.

As for myself, I caught hundreds of Abra comfortably at home after activating 2 Incense one after another to last the entire length of the event. I also caught 18 Shiny Abra, the most so far out of any Community Day Shiny Pokémon, and evolved an assortment of them for different purposes. While I would usually venture for Field Research tasks among PokéStops for Community Day, I couldn't and didn't want to, though I received indication that they're much the same; it is at least a relief. What immensely helped were all the Poké Balls that my Buddy furnished for me as well as from Gifts and the Shop. I also paid for the Special Research and found that the most valuable gains from them were extra Incense to replace the ones I used, as well as an extra member of each species in the evolution family plus quite a bit of Abra Candy to add to the Candy stock. For its price, it was well worth the purchase.

Despite the limitations of the current global situation, this Community Day was anything but limited. It can be said to have "expanded" within the bounds of that situation. The usual features were there, but there were also a boatload of new features; though arguably some of the features are to alleviate what makes the current situation limiting, others like the paid Special Research and photobombing Pokémon potentially have great staying power. For now, the power lies in Trainers being able to stay at home but still being able to do what they need to do for Community Day, yet in an expanded manner. The hope is that once the current global limitations have been lifted, things will stay true to that expansion and everyone will have an even greater time with Community Day.

One year ago: The World Is All Here
Two years ago: I'll Be... The One
Three years ago: Shuffling in Alola

The Signature Electric Type Species

In discussing a set of neat rules and their application to Pokémon, I've discussed the first and second in some way, so now it's time for the third. When it comes to "turning on the power", there is nothing quite like Electric-type Pokémon. And when a Pokémon fan thinks about Electric types, one may think about the "signature" Electric types that represent each generation. It might be considered "unspoken" relative to the requisite starter Pokémon as well as the Legendary Pokémon that "bring up the rear", and yet they are a part just like anything else.

The one representing the first generation is undoubtedly Pikachu as the de facto mascot. For the second generation, there is its baby kin Pichu. The third generation has the "twins" of Plusle and Minun. The ones for the subsequent fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh generations are Pachirisu, Emolga, Dedenne, and Togedemaru respectively. The latest one to join the party is Morpeko from the eighth generation. They all appear to firmly establish the trend, and one may be expected for the next generation to come, as well as possibly further ones when things get there.

For the above mentioned Pokémon, they have unique and considerably diverse backgrounds. Pikachu and Pichu belong to the same evolutionary family, the latter possibly evolving into the former. Emolga and Dedenne are dual types, having Flying and Fairy as their other types respectively. Plusle and Minun are two separate representatives but from the same generation, while Morpeko has two distinct forms, one of which can be said to embody the rule I initially referenced. They all make things neat in their own ways for this group of Pokémon.

As for their usage, they may not seem to get much use in the games, specifically for competitive play, but when they do get used, they may become "heroes" in a sense. Pikachu and Pachirisu have been recognized as small VGC stars due to dramatic usage in one circumstance. Of the nine, only the first five thus far have appeared in Pokémon Go (Emolga perhaps sometime soon), and Plusle and Minun show a particular tendency for Great League PvP, while Pikachu and Pichu are underpowered unless they ultimately are made to evolve to Raichu. It might be possible to see them in different circumstances occasionally.

That third rule of adventure states that if one has doubt, one can "turn on the power" to make things go. For that purpose, Electric-type Pokémon seems to fit the bill based on the way they appear and act. It seems to be even more so if they are the signature species of the generation, which may indeed have their use and in particular to invoke the above rule in competitive play. With Pikachu as its de facto "leader of the pack", they are a veritable group of Pokémon with power that just might be able to do their thing when they need to, especially in light of that rule.

One year ago: Partners in Crime, Partners in Time
Two years ago: Pokémon Craft Figures - Mewtwo
Three years ago: Crossovers!

Touching and Caring for Pokémon

While I've discussed something pertaining to one of a few certain rules of adventure, I might as well go the whole hog and discuss things that pertain to the other two rules. The one I would like to discuss now pertains to the second rule of "touch everything", although it could be considered to be on a slight tangent. Some Pokémon games in this current age allow the player Trainer to interact with Pokémon by touch, at least in a virtual manner. For those curious about how the Pokémon might react, they might be tempted to go through this with as many Pokémon as possible, in this way fulfilling the rule.

In going through this, many Pokémon will react differently. Most of them will likely react positively by way of rubbing or petting on a certain part of their body. Their reactions are neat as well; some of them will show distinctly positive reactions, obliging the action made by the Trainer, while others may just show a minor reaction, but still one that is considered positive by way of expressions. If the Pokémon can advance in their bonds with their Trainers, then they'll likely show a really major positive reaction, which may be worth it to see. Those positive reactions may just become the driving force for Trainers to increase books with them, if at all possible.

Even with the positive reactions, negative ones may also still occur. A few of them will feign an expression when a certain part of their body is rubbed, and if a Trainer keeps rubbing that part, the Pokémon will really react in disapproval. Some Pokémon will also have body parts that are clearly not to be messed with in any way, and the reaction for touching those parts will be immediate and evident... for the Trainer in question. Other than rubbing, Pokémon may also be tapped to get their attention, and they'll react, though in some sense it's neither positive or negative. Tapping them multiple times, though, would result in what might be a decidedly negative reaction. Pokémon are still sentient after all, so this is expected.

Beyond generally touching them to do something, one can also care for them by the same manner. The Pokémon may be given things to feed them, and this may take a certain finesse to perform so that they are in fact fed and satiated rather than otherwise. Besides feeding, one may also aid them when they are frazzled after battle, so long as they have some energy left in them. Little "boo-boos" may be rubbed away, messed-up fur may be tidied up, and even wet parts may be dried. Obviously, these actions are most likely to be performed when one wishes to bond closer to particular Pokémon, but the point is that touching have to still be performed in some manner.

While "touch" may not be too pertinent for the adventure portion of some Pokémon games, at least the action portion may demand it, including the action portion that involves the Pokémon themselves. One may touch Pokémon in different ways to see how they like it or not, and one may get surprised about the reactions. But most of all, one may touch them to get closer to them, and that is perhaps the most important result derived from touching them specifically and interacting with them generally. Perhaps that too is quite an affirmation for that adventure rule, even if it is a little detached.

One year ago: Pokémon for a Puzzle Professor
Two years ago: (A Late) Local Ex-Raid, 4/23/2018
Three years ago: Luffy and Infernape

Reading the Signs

Around a week and a half ago, I wrote a post on the application of some rules from a group of different games into Pokémon games. For this post, I want to discuss a specific application of those rules. The first rule from that post is "read everything", and this rule can be specifically applied to reading the signs in the main series games, one way that information in those games is presented. It's a totally relevant specific application.

One kind of key piece of information that those signs may hold are helpful hints on the workings of Pokémon in and out of battles, which most likely have the heading of "Trainer Tips". Those tips may not be as detailed as the explanations given in actual game guides, but even with not very many details, they may be helpful nonetheless. The testament to this is that "Trainer Tips" has also become the name of a YouTube channel that provides just that... although they're for Pokémon Go rather than the main series games. Yet, it is clear that whatever happens, this kind of information remains key in some way, which becomes the prompt for reading signs that contain them.

Another kind of key information is the whereabouts and details of certain places, including that of the current one. This may seem redundant considering that when moving past the boundaries of one location to another, the location names are displayed, but for the terribly forgetful lot, which can be considered to include me in some ways, reading the signs may still be helpfully necessary. The signs themselves may also contain additional remarks, which contribute to the lore of the places they indicate and thus may be entertaining to fans of Pokémon lore like me. If anything, the information is expected to be present on real-life signs, which only illustrate their helpfulness no matter what.

Aside from being informative, the signs themselves may be entertaining with the information contained on them. In the early games, the signs (plaques) on Gym statues would contain the names of Trainers who excelled at the Gym, which most likely would be the rival Trainer followed by the player Trainer if the latter has won the battle with the Gym Leader. Other than that, there may be signs with cheeky remarks that are perhaps not part of the sign themselves... just like one particular sign in the anime, though this is a bit digressing. At the least the content may incite a neat reaction.

All this discussion about signs in the main series of Pokémon games leads to the consideration that the information contained on them can be both insightful and fun. In a way, one becomes enlightened by reading them, especially considering the complexity of the games. I feel reminded about and inclined to a particular song:

I saw the sign
And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign
And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign
No one's gonna drag you up
To get into the light where you belong
But where do you belong?
-- "The Sign", Ace of Base

Well, I'm sure that in any case, one still may have to read the signs to get the full benefits, and with the consideration of what's on those signs, the adventure rule related to them from before applies full well and is quite so affirmed.

One year ago: PokéMania and WhatMania
Two years ago: Tournament: PTC18 Online Tournament 7
Three years ago: Costume Issues

All Rumbled Out

As noted in my previous post about some happenings on the mobile front, the edition of Pokémon Rumble for the platform is about to end its service in two months. Meanwhile, I myself have not been feeling the desire to get back into this sub-series of Pokémon games; it's almost like I'm "all rumbled out" with not much left to go on. At this point, it may be helpful to review where I and the series have been in order to find out where I (and possibly others) really stand.

The Pokémon Rumble series started out life as a WiiWare game of the same title. It also expanded to the Wii U with a follow-up, naturally subtitled Rumble U. Since I don't own either of these consoles, I don't have much to say about these iterations, except that since these are full-fledged consoles and that their tendency for multiplayer is strong, it is natural for them to accommodate it as such. It would be an impressive thing for not just a single Pokémon fan, but a group of them, provided the necessary means to play.

Rumble then branched out to the 3DS, which is where I got hooked on it by a friend, as detailed in my initial post about the game. Rumble Blast as the first adaptation was rather faithful and comprehensive, expanding the initial Wii game with the fifth generation (the original only went to the fourth) and then getting "backported" to the Wii U as Rumble U above. I found it fun, especially with the help of that friend, although by then I started to notice that it was an intense game. Rumble World expanded to where it needed to go, the sixth generation, but multiplayer became a thing of the past and the game began to be oriented to "rake in cash". The intensity remained, which was a good thing for the game, but maybe not so much for the Circle Pad. After having problems advancing and console problems in general, I practically ceased most activities with the game.

And then of course there is the mobile incarnation of Rumble Rush. The seed of "raking in cash" from Rumble World is also nurtured here, and the game remained single-player. While the soul is retained to some extent, it also remained arduous and intense, especially on the "raking in cash" standpoint, which is indicated particularly by the reviews. I myself couldn't play because of phone storage issues, and even if I could, other things related to Pokémon and beyond required my attention, thereby not affording much of an edge.

Pokémon Rumble is a great series of games, but the common denominator is that all the games are rather intense. Since it moved away from multiplayer territory and became cash-oriented, that intensity hadn't let up and things remained tough, particularly with the latter. It makes sense why I and likely many others have become "rumbled out", possibly due to simply being unable to keep up with all the action, despite the interesting ways of the games in all editions.

In effect, this has become in some ways a negative "turnaround" that started from a feeling of being "totally rumbled" to play leading to just a feeling of being "rumbled out". At some point in time, I may "rumble" myself back to play, but that may require some considerations. The series itself may require some considerations for continuance, perhaps to make sure that no one gets "rumbled out" as I have become and everyone can continue to feel "rumbled" as they play, even with what the game series demands.

One year ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 14
Two years ago: Crazy Decisions
Three years ago: Tropius Fruit and Other Pokémon Edibles

Rumble Tumble, and...

There's a bit of a sour news for those who are active playing Pokémon games on mobile phones. Pokémon Rumble Rush, the installment of Pokémon Rumble for mobile phones, is due to end its service on June 20. Prior to this, another mobile Pokémon game, Pokémon Duel, had ended its service a year ago. With the way things are going, it seems apt to review how some things are going on the Pokémon mobile game front aside from Pokémon Go, which has its own dealings.

The story of Pokémon Rumble Rush fizzling out might be similar to that of Pokémon Duel fizzling out: the support model might no longer be conducive to gameplay. The gameplay itself may not be problematic, if past iterations of Rumble are anything to go by, but if the support model is as demanding as that of Rumble World on the 3DS - which I've practically abandoned and will need to discuss separately - then it might become exorbitant, especially with fewer players. For now, the game survives with the scheduled events, before it takes the final "tumble".

Meanwhile, not far removed from Pokémon Rumble is Pokémon Shuffle, something that I play on the 3DS rather than on mobile, though the two appear to be in sync despite platform separation. This was my observation with a friend's progress. Even with that progress, however, I've noticed that on the 3DS at the least, there haven't been any significant updates for some time (with a lack of so-called "extra data") aside from regularly rotating Special Stages, including Competitive Stages. This is a strong indication that the game may have its support cut off soon, even with a viable support model and remaining dedicated players like me. Yet it's still quite playable.

On a more distant tangent, not much seems to have changed with Pokémon Magikarp Jump. The game remains playable, something I can attest by reopening the game today after a long time of not having played. Apart from an update to the ToS, the game itself has not been updated since a year ago. While this indicates stagnation and may lead to ceased support eventually, the game seems stable and entertaining enough to keep going for now. As noted by a friend, it is truly a single-player game and low-maintenance in some ways. I wouldn't be surprised if it can still carry through for a long time.

With Rumble Rush winding down to an eventual end in two months, the mobile playing field for Pokémon is about to be narrowing down once again. But even with that and the other games becoming stagnant (again, aside from Pokémon Go), at least there may still be room for playability. That seems to be just as important right now as keeping things going until things have to go out, though hopefully this might be longer for the other games, still allowing joy to be gained from them.

One year ago: Legends for Lunch and Dinner
Two years ago: Curveball Wisdom
Three years ago: The Music of the Poké Flute

Everyday Discoveries

Some time ago, there was a certain product with a certain slogan, the latter of which is present in the title of this post. I re-thought of this slogan today; initially I thought it wouldn't mean much, but then I thought about it some more, and it seems to fit into the framework of Pokémon in general and for me personally. I therefore decided to make it the topic of today's post.

In general, in many cases things that involve Pokémon can be considered an adventure where not everything is or was already known. Therefore, each day with that adventure may involve the discovery of something that wasn't known or dealt with before. These would then be the "everyday discoveries" that occur within those adventures, which would serve to make the adventure meaningful.

In my personal case, while I do know many things about Pokémon, I don't completely know everything. Therefore, each day becomes a day to discover something that I don't know and integrate it to what I already know. What I discover on those days are my "everyday discoveries", and taken together constitute my body of knowledge about Pokémon, which is ready to expand with further discoveries.

In any of these cases of "everyday discoveries", they may come by different ways. I could come upon the discoveries myself, and then I could merge them with what others know to come upon more discoveries for all of us. It might also be the reverse, with someone coming upon the discovery, which becomes both our discoveries. When these happen on a daily basis, that can mean a lot.

By the use of this slogan, that certain product invites its users to come upon meaningful things that expands worlds. By the same token, Pokémon itself can be regarded as inviting for coming upon things that expand one's breadth in relation to it. They make for amazing ways to make those "everyday discoveries" per the slogan. So too seems to be the case of how I "re-discovered" this slogan today and linked it with Pokémon.

One year ago: Local EX Raid (and a Whirlwind), 4/19/2019
Two years ago: Cracking the Case
Three years ago: Oddest Things with Pikachu

Love and All

Love will keep me believing
Through the dark, can you hear me calling?
Holding on when I'm dreaming
Love is all, love is all...
-- "Love Is All", Yanni

The musician involved with the above song, whom I've mentioned in quite a few posts on this blog, is mostly known for his instrumental songs, but every so often he composes a piece (song) to have a vocal accompaniment, such as this one. Earlier this week, I started things off with a discussion of a song about love and how it fits in with me and Pokémon, and to close off this week, it seems appropriate for me to discuss another one.

By its lyrics, this song may be regarded to have a particular message, that love is an uplifting thing from rough situations, of which the latter are described in the verses. The "pre-chorus" becomes the buildup to the resolution, which contains the sub-message of becoming steadfast and hopeful, and the chorus - which I've quoted above - is the resolution, containing the message of being carried through by love. The suggestion is that love is not only "all", but also "all that is needed".

Given the messages and with Pokémon in tow, I'm inclined to think of this in different ways. It brings to mind the journey of Greninja from the beginning as a Froakie to its ultimate achievements. It may be considered to apply to Charizard as well in a way, despite the unpleasant middle part of the journey. But most of all, I'm inclined to think about Pikachu as well, as the loyal partner of Ash through all of his journeys. All three display steadfastness and a sense of being uplifted to certain extents, exemplifying the lyrics.

With all three mentioned as above, I'm inclined to create an AMV, though this wouldn't be on my immediate agenda. What is on my immediate agenda, however, is getting rid of a personal image that is unrelated but linked to this song since I first heard it, in consideration of the messages above and how I feel it can be tied to Pokémon. The image has never seemed to apply, and I feel it shouldn't any longer, for I can consider the song with Pokémon and not otherwise.

Most of the works by Yanni have and need no words, but when they do, they can invoke vivid perceptions as above. For others, those may not necessarily be tied to Pokémon, but for myself at the least, Pokémon can and should be involved. I would say that I agree with the sentiments of the song in that love can carry through many things, and if Pokémon can be included, it would seem to be all the more true for love and all.

One year ago: Performance Critique: INOCHI 2019 Sing Cover
Two years ago: Getting Social with Cosplay
Three years ago: Console Renewal?

Impressions of Chef Mallow

Anyone who has watched the Sun and Moon series (the Alola saga) of the Pokémon anime will surely recognize Mallow, as one of the key supporting characters of the primary group. She is one of the classmates of Ash in the Pokémon School, which is an expansion of her role in the games. When she's not at the school, she is at the family cafe to help out and sometimes cook. This last bit becomes what could be said to be the most interesting part of her personality, one that leads to some impressions of her.

One impression is that she is a very fine cook tending to a chef. It has been demonstrated that she can cook something good (to a certain extent) even without the best ingredients, while given the best ingredients, she can make something stellar. Her eye for ingredients seems to be keen as well, with the know-how to get them aside from the know-how to turn them into something stellar. Altogether, these constitute the makings of a great chef, if they don't already make her out to be such, which is great as well.

There is a sense that this may be and has been attested by representation or attribution. One such representation or attribution is on a menu for a certain Pokémon party, which I had happened to cover on this blog. The featured dish was a curry and chutney, which is rather fitting to what she had made on that one occasion. Given the specialties of her family cafe, it may be possible to make other representation or attributions that would only serve to highlight her capabilities.

Mallow can then be regarded to have a "symbolic persistence" as a chef. It becomes natural to talk about food and Pokémon and then to involve her somehow. While the anime has moved past the Alola saga, this certainly becomes one of the memorable facets of this saga that is also quite representative as well. I wouldn't mind still being able to represent or attribute her by way of food and specifically different dishes, and I surmise I may not be the only one.

As a final thought, "Mallow" as her name represents a group of plants that are in fact edible, in that their leaves can be eaten, sometimes without cooking, as a vegetable. It's definitely a tie-in to her personality and gives weight to her impressions in general. Those impressions can then be said to be "lasting" with all that goes for her within the anime and beyond. Perhaps to call her "Chef Mallow" would not be an understatement and would be in line with those impressions.

One year ago: Choosing Pathways
Two years ago: And Again, I Dream
Three years ago: We're All Tied to Pokémon

Fanboys and Fangirls

Across different fandoms, there are surely some terms that are common. A couple of those terms are as mentioned in the title of this post, "fanboy" and "fangirl". They're both really terms with intense meanings, and to some extent they are applicable to Pokémon, which is why I've decided to take this post to explain about them. It's something I haven't done in any post since I've started this blog, so this is all the more reason to do so.

Regarding their general meanings, from what can be gathered, fanboys and fangirls are people who have a certain strong attachment, admiration, or devotion to a certain something that they like, more so than if they were just plain "fans". It would lead to those people doing crazy things and sometimes even being impervious to reason, which could explain why the terms may be considered provocative to some extent. It's no wonder why the two terms have intense meanings.

As for the applicability of these two terms, I'm sometimes in contact with other people who like Pokémon, and they can be considered fanboys or fangirls in a way. They, like me, have a strong liking of it to the point that they sometimes do odd things to show their liking. This is likely how they are perceived by others, which would classify them as such. I personally would be rather "on the fence" in classifying them as such, considering the nature of the terms themselves. It may be up to them to decide.

Perhaps I could consider myself to be a "fanboy" in that I have the strong liking as above and sometimes do crazy things - this blog possibly being considered one of them - but on the whole I also attempt to stay as rational as possible, keeping me from being fully on the "fanboy" side of things. It may not be a black-or-white matter for me personally, in the same way that it may not be black-or-white for the other people I contact with as above. The consideration may be up to certain particulars.

The terms of "fanboy" and "fangirl" are by no means limited to the Pokémon fandom; any fandom may potentially have either or both. Yet, they're also terms with intense connotations, so some prudence may be necessary in considering how they might apply. It's still worth to understand about them somehow in order to consider them in the light of all the people in a fandom, including for the ones to which the terms really apply.

One year ago: The First Unova Saga Japanese Opening Theme
Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/15/2018
Three years ago: Dialectics

On Pokémon and Computing

Something that one may have noticed with Pokémon in its many guises is the presence of PCs, computers, and the like in many places. It's not surprising, really, since a world that resembles the real world would have technological computing devices to assist and improve daily lives. The world also appears to have a lore or two that is related to computing in general and devices in particular. It therefore seems apt to discuss these topics to some extent as they pertain to Pokémon.

For those who play the main series games, it is obvious that PCs are used to access and manage Pokémon storage, and in the past, items as well. For those who watch the anime, the labs of the professors are often fitted with computers of some sort, which certainly are used in their line of work as well as to communicate with others, especially to others via videophones, which may have related "embedded systems". Many people would probably have their own computers for similar purposes, if one early scene from the 20th movie is an indication. The point is that the devices exist for their intended purposes.

Even if the devices look like their real-life counterparts, there is a sense that the nature of these devices are more advanced due to the things that they have to do, such as in assisting the management of Pokémon in their ways. These are things that existing real devices can only dream about doing, though the development in this direction might not be too outlandish in the future. It was that which essentially happened with videophones, as I've detailed in a different post on this blog. Time can only tell what will happen in the future as technology in this world develops.

Meanwhile, in relation to computing, there is a related ethereal Pokémon lore. According to the lore, Metagross has multiple brains that altogether can outpace a supercomputer, let alone regular ones. This implies that these Pokémon have computing potential far beyond any real or imagined devices. While there is no further lore on someone tapping into this potential or even its possibility, it becomes the natural step to take. There may or may not exist "Metagross farms" for computing purposes, and their willingness to participate in such may be questionable, but it's still a fanciful thought.

The topics of computing and devices in relation to Pokémon seems like minor ones to discuss, but there are some major ideals that are involved. For one thing, they do exist, which means that it's possible to being them up; the associated lore only leads to further relations. The reality is that is that people with Pokémon are assisted by computing and devices just as much as people without. It is at least a further improved and advanced reality than one truly without such advancements.

One year ago: The Fullness of the Cup
Two years ago: Cosplay: GAME - Games Animation Marketplace and Exhibition
Three years ago: True Colors (...of a Logo)

Levels and Half-Levels in Pokémon Go

Every so often, I browse through my old posts to look for possible post ideas. The post from close to a year ago on raising the level cap in Pokémon Go was one I looked through, and it hinted a post idea that I haven't realized: that on "half-levels" and levels in general in the game, for which the former specifically pertains to the Pokémon rather than the Trainer. It's a little thing that means quite a few things.

For those who still haven't gotten the implication, Pokémon in Pokémon Go have levels, just like how Trainers have levels. But for Pokémon, levels are a "hidden stat" and have always been so, unlike CP (which has always been visible) and the HP, Attack, and Defense stats (which have only been made numerically and quantitatively visible for about a year). "Half-levels" therefore allow Pokémon to have a finer grain of possible CP.

It is easy to discover how half-levels exist. For those who haven't reached level 38, a Pokémon can be powered up to the maximum possible, and upon the Trainer gaining a level, the Pokémon can be powered up twice more. The first power-up constitutes going up by half a level. As for why the above number is 38 and not 40, that's because Trainers can power up Pokémon up to 2 levels greater than their current Trainer level, which means four possible half-levels.

Even with their existence, "half-levels" only really exist by way of powering up Pokémon. Pokémon caught in the wild (for that matter, by any means) are always at a whole level number. Trading Pokémon also knocks down Pokémon at a half-level to the lower whole level number, something that one of my raid fellows discovered inadvertently while trading Pokémon. It is only certain that a Pokémon powered up once after being received will be at a half-level.

"Half-levels" in Pokémon Go are hardly noticeable things, just as Pokémon levels in general are not noticed as a "hidden stat". Yet they are still part of the system, and they are worth knowing about in the case that they may prove useful. It may be like the story of how I rediscovered the idea for this post by rediscovering the previous post: one doesn't realize it's there until one does realize it's there, with what it entails.

One year ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2019 - Sengoku Jidai
Two years ago: Shiny Here, Shiny There
Three years ago: Friendly Plays

Pokémon Helmet Covers?

As I've indicated in a few posts on this blog, I have an appreciation for itasha and would be interested in making one of my own, especially with Pokémon included. I also have partiality to motorcycles, due to some circumstances that direct me to itasha. When it comes to motorcycles, one can't escape the fact that to ride, one needs certain accessories for both comfort and safety, one of which is the all-important helmet. And in relation to (or rather, in complementing) itasha, there is one way in particular that helmets may be involved.

By the title of this post, that would be their use with helmet covers. For those who like certain creature (or furry) characters, certain helmet covers can be made that make the helmet look like those characters. In the case of Pokémon, that would be helmet covers that make a helmet look like a Pokémon, such as Pikachu for a popular example or Lucario for a particularly furry example, including their characteristic features and appendages. For those who really like their Pokémon characters, this would be the ultimate step to take, to be able to ride around looking like them, at least the head part anyway.

A few friends of my friends who are associated with itasha have these helmet covers for their helmets, albeit not related to Pokémon. One of them says that it is possible to craft one, by that person no less, and this could be a potential possibility should one takes this path. Another possibility is to purchase one; a quick research shows that at least Pikachu is available through certain outlets, though this may have to be double-checked to make sure the right one is to be purchased. Either way, one has to be absolutely certain for this desire, and they may or may not come cheaply, as with itasha itself.

These helmet covers look funky and exciting, but they do have some concerns as well. One is that they could change the helmet in not just appearance but also function, potentially for the worse; for example, an exterior part may need to be changed, or using the cover may make wearing the helmet uncomfortable. For that reason, some authorities may also frown on their usage, at least in general. This can potentially limit their usage, for example not being for general road usage. But then their usage is already pretty limited anyhow due to how silly they may look in some respects. These become further considerations in desiring one.

Those who are attracted to itasha and in particular motorcycle itasha as well as Pokémon may consider the use of these helmet covers. Behind their funky appearance, they are rather emblematic of one's interests in both automotive and pop culture. Yet, they do present other considerations besides appearance and pleasantries. There is still something to like about these helmet covers, especially for me as a Pokémon fan and someone who appreciates (motorcycle) itasha. These would totally be my next considerations in the event that I'm able to bring all these together.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/13/2019
Two years ago: Go at Home
Three years ago: Paint It, Picross

I Believe, in Love

Without love I wouldn't believe
I couldn't believe in you
And I wouldn't believe in me
Without love
I believe... in love
-- "Believe", Elton John

The time for love might have passed by a couple of months ago, and the current times might not leave much going for it. However, in spite of that, some of the feeling may still linger, which then reminds me of this song. It has always been one of my favorite songs since I've heard it, and of course for me and considering this blog, it brings to mind Pokémon in certain ways.

Like many of the songs by the same artist, this one is about love, as if the part I quoted above doesn't already make things obvious. It does, in fact, appear in an anthology of similarly themed songs by the same artist, and additionally, its album of origin also contains two songs I've also discussed on this blog in the past. The general point of this song is that love is an important feeling; it's the only valid emotion to feel in becoming one with another. It is also something which allows and upholds conviction and faith, that which the title of the song refers to.

While the first and second verse are rather abstractly derived from real happenings (save for the first two lines each, which tie into the above and here), the third verse becomes the way that the song brings Pokémon to mind. Specifically, what comes to mind is the relation between people and Pokémon, whether the people are Trainers, owners, friends, or whatever to the Pokémon concerned. What seems to seal the deal is the second half of the verse and the following chorus, which are the parts I've quoted above. One has to have trust and attachment for their Pokémon as much as the necessary nurture; it's something that I continually (re)discover with all things Pokémon.

Affection and faith remain important in many ways, if much of this song is any indication. That seems to be the case for Pokémon as well, which means that it is good to be wise about them. With continued prudence, they may just even continue to linger even in these current times, when it seems almost all of them have been drained away. What's left is all that there is, becoming something to hold on to.

One year ago: (Wet and Wild) Local EX Raid, 4/12/2019
Two years ago: Wallpaper: Pokémon 20th Anniversary
Three years ago: Pokémon Couriers?

Three Simple Rules for a Great Adventure

I like games, and I like adventures. I also like Pokémon very much, which to some extent can also be considered to have its share of adventures, while not being fully adventure games themselves. However, I gain lessons from other kinds of games, including some adventure games. For a group of them, a few simple rules of thumb have been devised, and I'd like to think that they are applicable somehow to Pokémon games where adventure is a part of them, and that seems to be the case.

These are the three rules:

1. Read everything. - Reading is evidently important to Pokémon games, if a particular message for its main series games doesn't already suggest that it is so. Not everything to be read in Pokémon games is presented in books that are typically expected to be read (and do play a major part in those other games), but many are in fact presented as written messages, which do have to be read in any case. There are also descriptions, remarks, statements, and other kinds of written expressions, even when interacting with other characters, and they all have to be read. Undeniably, reading remains a key part of the games, and the rule holds.

2. Touch everything. - Those other games from which these rules are defined are physical games; one often needs to discover how things function and work out with the sense of touch. However, in a general sense, this rule really means "interact with everything", and in those games, there is no shortage of things to interact with. As for Pokémon, sometimes during an adventure one will really have to physically interact with objects, and that may work in much the same way as those other games. But more than that, one will have to interact with many characters, sometimes to discover useful things. Considered in a general sense, this rule is applicable as well.

3. When in doubt, turn on the power. - This is perhaps the most abstract of the rules to consider. In those other games, many things require some sort of power to work, and it's up to one to find it and make it work. In Pokémon games, everything is already powered on, or up - most everything anyway - but one can still find other ways of "making things work" such as with the legacy use of Flash, certain stat-changing moves, or even the Z-Moves of the previous generation. One can of course try to make do without them, but one may have them prepared at the ready regardless, so when in doubt, one may use them to gain an advantage. This rule remains abstract yet seemingly workable.

When it comes to adventures, the other games I refer to have no shortage of them. So much so, in fact, that these three rules of thumb were conceived in order to assist anyone who becomes immersed in them. Somehow, those three rules can seemingly adapt or become adapted to the situation in Pokémon games, which may provide adventures of their own. It seems that some adventures know no bounds, whether in those games or Pokémon games; it may be good to know that some of their elements can work in much the same ways.

One year ago: The Songs of the Detective Pikachu Trailers
Two years ago: O Charizard
Three years ago: Romanticism of Tall Grasses

Let's Get Going Today

Every once in a while, Pokémon Go updates a small part of its interface with a new feature, but the update can be a very good one. Such is the case for one of the more recent updates, which added something called the Today View. This little feature is accessed by tapping the binoculars icon - the same one to access Research - and it will be the first thing that appears after restarting the game and going there, as an additional tab to the Field and Special Research tabs. As stated, it's a little update, but it's a good one because of what it contains.

First and foremost, the Today View contains a summary of the event(s) that are occurring at the moment in the game, along with their officially designated titles and the perks that occur with them. When the Today View first became live, this sub-feature wasn't live, but with a recent event (more on this later on), the sub-feature became live. The great thing about this is that it allows one to quickly and succinctly refer to events as they occur, especially if one hasn't read the related news bulletin and/or blog post, though the event cards still refer to both (the former containing the latter) when tapped. This obviously also helps me write my event rollups, so it is a good thing all around.

Below the event boxes, the Today View contains an overview of all Pokémon that are currently present in Gyms, along with their motivation state and the length of time they have been there. This information is not new and can be accessed by going to the profile and to the "More Gyms" section, but it is not succinct and has to be browsed through Gym by Gym. With this overview, one is able to see everything at once and even go directly to the Gym where each resides to feed them remotely if a raid is not occurring. Like the event cards above, it is a neat aggregate of information that already exists for what may be an instance of informed decision-making.

After the overview of Pokémon in Gyms, there is the overview of the Daily Streaks, for both capturing Pokémon and spinning PokéStops. By my experience, this is a quickly-forgotten piece of information since it is shown only once during the respective circumstances in one day and is not immediately evident until those circumstances. By having them included here, they are immediately evident at any time and can be acted upon if needed, which is almost certainly the point of their inclusion. With this information on hand, there is certainly the possibility that fewer streaks will be broken and more streaks will be achievable to the ultimate peak of seven days.

The blog post for this feature also bills the inclusion of an "Upcoming" section, but it is currently not visible; it will likely be visible later on once an event is definitely in the pipeline. Additionally, the blog post bills that there will be more things added to Today View, and that is intriguing. The card-based design of this feature is likely fully intended to accommodate such a possibility, and that is totally welcome. Given the tendency of the cards to aggregate information such as the above, newly added cards in the future will be likely to do the same, presenting information that were once invisible or isolated in a form that can be quickly processed.

This little update for Pokémon Go truly delivers, especially regarding its benefits. Today View attempts to provide good information that may be easily missed or hard to find to make sure that they aren't as such, and from the looks of the current state of the feature, that seems to be achieved. What will be certain is the improvement of the feature at later times in order to present more and better information. It would be enough to get anyone in Pokémon Go going, even on a day like today.

One year ago: Expecting the Detective
Two years ago: Bandai Pokémon Sun & Moon Pokémon Lover Mascot 6 - Wobbuffet
Three years ago: Evolution Revolutions?

Pokémon Upbringings

I'm a bit of a fan of history; I like to find out how things were once upon a time in the hope that something may be gained from them. Many kinds of history are important, including personal history - that of the upbringings of someone, how someone was raised. As with anything on this blog, I have to be able to relate it to Pokémon somehow. That's why for this post, I'd like to discuss Pokémon upbringings, as in the personal history of a person in relation to Pokémon.

It would perhaps help to start with that of my own. Now, I can't really be said to have a Pokémon upbringing, at least for most of my personal history where upbringing is a concern. I was late by around a decade before Pokémon presented itself. But in the few years of time that I would be considered to have had a "Pokémon upbringing", it really was an upbringing in some ways. I grasped a few things that served well for the rest of my upbringing years, and then to take note of even today. It wasn't much, but it was still sufficient, considering how Pokémon has persisted with me to today.

As for others, I'm sure that if they are or were able to recognize Pokémon within the years of upbringing, they certainly will have a Pokémon upbringing. This would be especially so if Pokémon pervades or continues to pervade the lives of the people in question. They would have the opportunity that I didn't have, which is to be familiarized with much of the workings of Pokémon for an extended time period, effectively being "raised" or "brought up" with it. It seems to be the neat fantasy of every Pokémon fan, being able to spend time with it like never before.

That fantasy seems to be at least a reality for the characters in the world of Pokémon themselves. They would get to know Pokémon in ways that real people could only dream of, perhaps even in ways that elude conceptions, realistic or otherwise. Sure, the common ways might still be dominant to some extent, but the uncommon ways might also make themselves evident in different ways or at the very least be hinted upon. And certainly, in this world, Pokémon would continue to be pervasive even if undesired, something that is true in the real world for other things.

Pokémon can conceivably fit into the personal histories of specific people. It can fit into mine, despite not being for very long, and it can fit into others, which can be for much longer. No matter how, it also fits into the people of the Pokémon world themselves. But however way it fits, it may prove to be something that can be looked back on, just like any significant piece of history, and prove to be useful for something to be gained later on. That should be appreciated for a history fan like me.

One year ago: Benefits
Two years ago: Ex-Raids and Cancellations
Three years ago: The (Current) Fate of the Megas

Voyager of Glory

The world is currently in a tumult for obvious reasons. However, some things have to go on, and that includes the Silph League Arena for Pokémon Go, which as I've mentioned around two weeks ago, will still have a characteristic theme for this month, including the scheduled regional championships. That theme is called "Voyager", and as it suggests, there's a sense of "travel" about it, especially "world travel". Because of the regional championships, there is a sense that the "voyage" is one for "glory", which is why I've indicated the title as such. Yet it may be apparent in other ways.

The restrictions for this month's theme is quite unique in that it is totally formulaic and rather broad. A Trainer is asked to pick four Pokémon from each of the first four generations and regions (Kanto, first; Johto, second; Hoenn, third; and Sinnoh, fourth), then a Pokémon from Unova (fifth generation) or an Alolan or Galarian form or Meltan or Melmetal, and then a "wild card". No other restrictions apply to the first five Pokémon, so long as they are all from the relevant regions or generations. As for that "wild card", it can be anything - perhaps an Alolan or Galarian form if one wasn't chosen for the fifth Pokémon - but it cannot be one of a restricted list of 28 species; any of the 28 may appear in the previous slots, but they cannot be the "wild card" itself. It is almost like the Timeless theme, but all-inclusive in scope; it's truly glorious.

That all-inclusivity does lead to a certain consideration. The Pokémon that could be selected for teams could be virtually any Pokémon for use in open Great League battles, which is exactly that is offered by the Go Battle League at certain points in time; in fact, it has been shown that what applies there applies here as well. Therefore, the experience gained from this style of open battling will be applicable for this month's competitions in the Silph League Arena as well as future open Great League battling opportunities. No doubt, because of the regional championships, there needs to be something that can test the mettle of Trainers in a general manner, and this theme becomes a proxy for that. It's a pathway for glory in many ways.

It should be noted that at present there are only five full generations of Pokémon available in Pokémon Go, and even then the most recent one is incomplete, only supplemented by later regional forms and treated as "equals" for the purpose of this theme. This does lead to the reasoning and postulate that this theme may be expanded later on if and when the Pokémon of Kalos appear, which is likely in considering that many signs are pointing in this direction. It may have to be named differently or slightly changed in format to account for other likely changes, but at least because of this theme, there is a precedent for a successor, and future possibilities for glory.

It does seem that holding this particular theme is incongruous at this moment due to the current situation, but it's a great way of testing Trainers with general things that they can muster, which may be extensible to other general efforts, and could be extensible itself at a later point in time. More than that, it also encapsulates how great the Pokémon world is, perhaps even to travel all around it. That may also be the current hope for the world, and perhaps when the tumult has subsided, it may be possible to go on more voyages of glory around the world, including for the Pokémon one.

One year ago: You Can, I Can
Two years ago: (Continuing the) Local Ex-Raid, 4/8/2018
Three years ago: On the Road Again

Leaping off Ledges

One of the iconic things from the main series of Pokémon games is the ability of the player Trainer to leap off of ledges that are present in some of the routes. Those who play the earliest games will no doubt recognize that some of these ledges are found in the very first route, and if one talks to one of the other characters, one is told exactly how to do this. It's a small thing, but it's one that continued to be present in many games after, and therefore it's iconic. It's also, in my view, representative of a few philosophical things based on what it entails.

By leaping off ledges, one is provided with a quick way back from where one was before. That quick way back allows one to avoid potential hindrances such as unwanted Pokémon encounters and then get going to other things quickly. Philosophically, it just means that sometimes one has to move on somehow to proceed with best time. One can of course go back to those Pokémon encounters, for example, and deal with them as needed, but just leaving them be for a certain amount of time before dealing with them may be the key to a good progression in good time. That may in fact happen in the games and could also very well happen in real life.

Of course, it may be that leaping off ledges may leave one unable to get back to certain places, at least not easily. Some routes in the later games are particularly evident of this reality. In that sense, it may be that one is just not meant to be in that certain place for much more than needed (if the decision has been made to leap) or that one has to consider carefully (before leaping). What seems to be just as important for anyone is to take care of things and to ensure that has happened before one makes the leap, or if one has leaped, to continue on the chosen path. It's a hard thing either way, but it's surely the thing to do in both the game and in real life.

No matter what happens, however, it seems to be appropriate for one to "enjoy the ride". This seems to be rather indicative in the Yellow Version, where Pikachu sometimes does a dance while still on the ledge after the player Trainer has leaped off a ledge. And in the other games regardless, things may continue to happen above and below a ledge after leaping off. Leaping off ledges, in this way, becomes something that just has to happen, and however things happen, one seems to be demanded to take things in stride. What goes on after making the leap is something for one to take in and deal with as best as one possibly can.

Leaping off ledges (literally) in the main series games has its purposes and happenings, especially when one has figured out how to do so with a little nudge. But leaping off ledges (figuratively) is also a thing in life, as something that happens when the circumstances demand it. There's a good deal of philosophical connection there, at least according to my view. For as long as the mentioned main series games get played and replayed, the player Trainer will likely have to leap off a few ledges to proceed... and such seems to also be the case in the life with and beyond Pokémon.

One year ago: Scat-Poké-Land
Two years ago: Let's Go Research
Three years ago: Caravansary

PvP Charged Attack Technique

Some time ago, there was a major change in how Charged Attacks in Pokémon Go are executed in PvP battles, after charging them in order to use them. Previously, Charged Attacks required tapping a single button to generate power; now, their power is generated by swiping icons that appear on the screen. It's a neat change with some profound implications, one of which is that executing them may be considered to necessitate some "technique".

The icons appear either from the edge or the middle of the screen. Sometimes they come in "streams", while other times they come as "lines" or as "clusters". What is clear, however, is that each type of Charged Attack always appears in the same way: for example, Water-type attacks have a stream of icons from the right side of the screen, while Poison-type attacks appear in small bunches on the lower end of the screen, and Steel-type attacks require swiping lines that overall look like slashing in the shape of the letter "X" in the middle of the screen. Whatever the case, the technique therefore involves how one swipes these icons. As well, this description is rather simple, but the technique may not be.

Compared to tapping a button, now the Charged Attacks appear more intuitive, and they can be "gauged" in a way, as the power of the attacks are rated with the Nice-Great-Excellent qualifiers, like throwing a Poké Ball. In fact, the technique that this necessitates seems to be almost on par with that; I seem to always have trouble with the stream of icons for Flying-type attacks and the lines of Rock-type attacks, while I can mostly handle the bunching of Fire-type attacks and the streams for attacks of the Grass and Bug types. Even after having gotten used to them with all the PvP battles I've fought in, it seems that I can stand to always improve my technique with them, which may require some effort. It seems that this takes some time for mastery.

Meanwhile, the "technique" aspect seems to also be apparent in certain usage cases. In PvP with the Team GO Rocket leaders and boss, they will always deploy Protect Shields the first two times Charged Attacks are executed, so it becomes futile to follow through to generate power; this is something that one of my fellow Trainers demonstrated while fighting a team leader. Another one also posited that it may be possible to "read" or "detect" what type of Charged Attack an opponent may be performing in live battles and thus it may be important to try to do this in those circumstances as well as to make a "bluff" to prevent the opponent from being able to do the same. These are subtle aspects to the new Charged Attack technique, and it seems important to not count them out.

It's not hard to see that the new way of Charged Attack execution has become something quite technical. The process itself indicates that this is quite the case, as something that one needs to know how to do. The actual execution of the technique depends on that as well as the circumstances. As much as it is technical, it remains a neat change nevertheless due to the intuitive aspect of the method, and that same intuition seems to play back neatly into the technique.

One year ago: Friend Cascade
Two years ago: Icons, Images, and Such
Three years ago: These Foolish Things Remind Me of Pokémon

Writer Shortcuts

As a Pokémon blogger, I'm always looking for ways to be able to write my posts quicker. This is especially true when I already have my post ideas (which may already be in the form of drafts) but not a lot of time to write about them, particularly after I use that time to look for and into ideas for my posts in the first place. That's an important thing, and it can affect my writing time; when that happens, I need to get writing quickly, sometimes very quickly in some cases. Fortunately, there are some ways or "shortcuts" that I can take to write my posts more quickly.

One of those shortcuts involve using my phone to write my posts. For every piece of text I need to input on my phone, I use my phone's virtual keyboard, which is also equipped with the gesture typing feature. Since I discovered the feature ages ago, it has always been the primary way I input text. I tend to be a slow typer, whether it's on my phone or on a PC, so sometimes the speed afforded by the gesture typing feature can be helpful. I don't really like to type in an abbreviated manner anyway for most things, so it helps in that regard. Of course, when I'm out and about, such as at an event where Pokémon is involved, my phone becomes the only option, but it's a good option to have. It has many uses, for blogging and beyond.

Along with gesture typing, my phone's virtual keyboard has a "word book" feature that remembers my most-often inputted text, so sometimes I can input text simply using cues from the word book, perhaps quickly and saving a bit of time. The word book feature can also remember the most esoteric things I input, including names of certain Pokémon, specifically the most common ones I input such as Pikachu, as well as the word "Pokémon" itself. It is almost certain that I may have to type Pokémon names that I don't commonly use (one current example is Scorbunny), but after enough times I input them, the word book will eventually learn to keep it, particularly for use with gesture typing. That too helps to speed up writing my posts.

There are a couple of other shortcuts that I don't use but may be useful to be implemented and/or used. My phone's virtual keyboard also includes a voice typing feature, but I rarely use it since I often write my posts under "noisy" circumstances, and I consider that they may possibly interfere with the accuracy of the feature. Still, it's reasonably accurate, at least for non-Pokémon expressions, so I can use it every so often if at all possible. Another thing that I can use is the automatic text feature of my word processor on my PC, which could possibly be configured to hold many Pokémon names for easy access. As it stands, though, I rarely use the program for Pokémon writing, so there's not much point, but it could become an option once I have to deal with Pokémon writing frequently off of my blog, which I hope could be the case.

I always have some time for Pokémon things, including writing the posts on this blog, but that doesn't mean I always have lots of time. Therefore, I will often have to seek shortcuts to assist in writing the posts on this blog to make effective use of the (only) time I have, besides getting the ideas for them through the other things I do. All of the shortcuts above can and do help me accomplish the writing process when time is short. Even with the shortcuts and shortness of time, my fondness and appreciation for Pokémon are things that aren't short, and they're exactly what I try to express, even with the use of the shortcuts.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2017 T-Shirt Replica
Two years ago: 1000 Pokémon Species?
Three years ago: That Way You've Got

The Primary Warning of Pokémon Go

Quite a few Pokémon games have notices of some kind, including the main series games, for which I wrote about one nearly two years ago. Another one would be Pokémon Go, with another particularly well-known one. The only thing is that this notice is not so much a notice (at least, one that is purely informational), but a warning, something to be truly heeded. Anyone who plays the game will surely recognize this warning, and it goes like this, as the English version:

"Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings."

This warning notice is the piece of text that is seen when the game loads, after the splash logos and login if necessary. It is more or less the one thing that hasn't changed on the loading screen, aside from the image in the background. It appears just above the progress bar in the lower portion of the screen, often as two lines of text. Though the warning itself hasn't changed, the size of the text seems to have, from quite large to somewhat smaller. But the warning itself remains important.

For one thing, all the things that Pokémon Go says not to do while playing can be derived from this warning. The "no trespassing" rule can be regarded as more or less being based on the second clause, while "no play while driving" is based on the first, and "no entry into dangerous areas" is based on both. Recently, Pokémon Go also added the positive rule of "be courteous of local communities", which can be regarded as another inference of the second clause. Based on these alone, the warning remains important.

With the current situation of the world, this warning can be considered to be even more important. One has to remain alert and aware, especially with a global health crisis present. Even if there is no particular emphasis, it should be heeded regardless, even with play shifting to the home. Still, at least one post on the official Pokémon Go blog has cited the warning in brief, in part highlighting it as an emphasis. As with the positive rule above, this indicates the sense that the warning continues to be important.

Notices like the previous smaller one or this one as a more significant warning make up only a small part of the game. However, behind their small stature, they can and do have major implications; this warning in particular extends to specifics and appears rather pertinent to what is going on today. In this case, they become something more to note or keep in mind - they become something that compels players to take action, preferably to improve gameplay in a manner that is worthy of respecting them.

One year ago: Local EX Raid (and Nothing), 4/4/2019
Two years ago: Gambling Not Permitted
Three years ago: One Thing

Subcultures and Specialties

The quiz from Sunday that I covered in the post from the other day got me thinking about something else. Pokémon is a part of pop culture, but in some ways it can also be described as a "culture" of its own, what with people who do things in particular ways and beget, gain, or achieve certain things from it. It can be considered as a big thing of culture. As big as it is, it may leave room for some smaller things to exist, and it does. Those smaller things deserve discussion to a certain extent.

One of those things is subcultures. A subculture would be considered a smaller portion of a bigger culture. If Pokémon is considered a culture, then its subcultures would consist of fans who do specific things. For example, there would be the "competitive" subculture, which the association of main series players that I know and am a part of would fall into, and with the advent of PvP in Pokémon Go, certain regional groups for the game. Another subculture would be the "collection" subculture, which my figure group would be a part of. Yet another one would be the "casual" subculture, who may deal with any or all of these, but not to a great extent. There may be other subcultures with Pokémon, but these can be considered significant ones.

Another one of those smaller things is specialties. This may be considered as an adjunct to subcultures for people who have particular interests in specific Pokémon things. Some of my figure fellows could be said to have a particular specialty for that, aside from other Pokémon things that they may deal with. The person who partook in the quiz the other day and mostly dealt with the TCG can be considered to have that as the specialty, as would some of the TCG players in my area when they deal with Pokémon. Meanwhile, I have the tendency to think that many of those that deal with PvP in Pokémon Go, especially in my area and neighboring ones, specialize in this and perhaps few other aspects of Pokémon. The possibilities could be rather diverse.

As for myself, given my tendencies toward different Pokémon things and to not go too deeply into any one in particular, I would say that I fit into the "casual" subculture. Further evidence for this my lack of mastery in many competitions. In regard to specialties, I would say that the most profound ones would be blogging because of this blog (which has become an "enterprise" of sorts), as well as cosplay because of my foray into it (which is helped by my popularity with it). These are the little things I particularly identify with, and I'm sure for someone else this will be quite different.

It seems hard to think of Pokémon as a thing of culture, but in a way it does; it makes people do things in certain ways and achieve certain things, not to mention its overarching quality. That seems to lend itself well for specific subcultures by way of people doing things and specialties by their achievements. They become the small things that make up the big thing, and it is apparent that they make out the big thing as a "cultural" thing, which could be considered neat even for something pop-culture as Pokémon.

One year ago: Pokémon and eSports
Two years ago: Fondness for Latias and Latios
Three years ago: A Story of Love, A Story of Passion