The State of Nominations, Part 7

After two months, my situation with PokéStop nominations for Pokémon Go is pretty much the same as last time. I haven't been out for sufficient lengths of time in order to make as many nominations as needed, but I always find the opportunity. As a result, I did attempt to nominate when that opportunity comes about, and I'd have to say that it paid off since the last time I reported on my nominations. Yet, there are other stories to tell, and that's part of the reason to make the post on it.

As always, there are the numbers to be discussed. The number of distinct nominations I've made has increased only by 5 to a total of 86. Yet, I've also gained 8 more approvals for a total of 45, some coming from successful renominations. One nomination was mysteriously superseded, perhaps by another approved nomination that didn't become a PokéStop, and that raised its total to 10. Thanks to successful renominations, though, the rejected list went down to 24, yet this could have been more if other new nominations weren't also rejected. 

That last bit about rejections makes for one of the stories. Now I have five distinct nominations that have been doubly rejected, and the worst part is that some of them can make for good nominations if they weren't rejected for reasons that didn't even apply. Recently, I also was about to attempt to nominate a place that fits well with the criteria, though in doing so I ran into a problem with a person involved with the place; it is yet another sad issue. Whether these can be resolved remains to be seen.

Many possible places to be nominated remain on my list of nominations, and those will have to be nominated in due time. What also takes time (and due effort) is the planning of nominations based on map locations, particularly those of other PokéStops, and this also explains why most of the time I don't nominate places as soon as I find them. It's also partially intended to avoid the scenario that led to the superseded situation as above, but it obviously didn't work then. It's still a useful thing to do.

Seeing as how this is November, in two months' time it will be January, and therefore it will be the new year, making this the last time I'll be able to report on my PokéStop nominations this year. But if this report is of any indication, then I may be in the right direction. This year has turned out to not be the best year for most anything, including Pokémon Go affairs like this, but some have managed to continue in some capacity. And so the progress of nominations continue, to put as many PokéStops as possible in my neighborhood and beyond.

One year ago: Cosplay: UC Bunkasai

Two years ago: Local EX Raid (and Rain, Again), 11/30/2018

Three years ago: Feature Film 20 - "Pokémon The Movie - I Choose You!"

The Catch Cup of GBL

Over the course of this month, the Go Battle League (GBL) of Pokémon Go has been trying a few novel things, some of which attempt to experiment and prove that it can deal with specific ways of battling. After last season ended, the season began on a "miniature" note for a week, followed by a "retro" atmosphere. To close up the season, yet another completely different challenge is implemented up until tomorrow as the last day of the season. As suggested in the title, that would be called the "Catch Cup".

The starting point for this is a Great League basis, allowing Pokémon up to CP 1500. The primary restriction is... only Pokémon that have been caught from the day this season started (November 10) up to the current day may be used in battle. Except for a banning restriction added just before this began on the 24th a few days ago, which disallows Melmetal and Genesect for obvious and crafty reasons, there are no other restrictions besides the primary one. And that makes for certain neat consequences that are realized in battle.

As a result of that primary restriction, Trainers effectively had to "start from scratch", using up what they can muster over approximately the past three weeks. Many of the key Pokémon from events and/or Research during that time are therefore fair game, including from the two editions of Community Day this month, as well as Uxie as one of the Lake Trio. In fact, for that reason, Electabuzz, Electivire, Magmar, Magmortar, and Uxie are often seen, with the rest being made up of odds and ends from much of the events of the month.

After having battled within the above restrictions, there are a few things that I can say. My experience has been hit-or-miss in that, even with a makeshift team, sometimes I can win a few in a row but then fail to win the next few ones. Interestingly, some of these battles were closely decided, being that either the opponent or I was able to win with just a little bit of HP left. With such an impromptu method of team construction, precise stats may not matter as much and whatever works may just work, though not all the time.

With the Catch Cup, Trainers are forced to use what they can obtain prior to or during the competition. It's a way of leveling the playing field that demands new, dynamic, and currently accessible strategies, even if some of those may be easily predictable. It becomes the third and final "experiment" of this season in GBL before moving on to a new season. Though there may or may not be room for this or other similar "experiments", it is still neat to know that Trainers can still come through regardless of (odd) restrictions that may be in place.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/29/2019

Two years ago: Multiple Pathways to Evolution?

Three years ago: The Words of a Pikachu

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2020

This month, the events in Pokémon Go can be said to "go places" because of the locations that the events involve, or more appropriately "suggest". They could be all over the world (yes, this one and that one), or they could be somewhere comfortably close. They all could be considered a "prelude" to next month's events, which should be considered huge... but that's for next month. Right now there are (or were) this month's events, and they all serve their respective locations quite well.

After the remnants of last month's Halloween event, with special extras for certain parts of the world, there was an event called "Animation Week". As can be surmised, this event celebrated the Pokémon anime, specifically the newest iteration of the "World saga" or what is known in English as Pokémon Journeys. Accordingly, the featured Pokémon in the wild, 7 km Eggs, raids, and Research were those that are featured in the anime at this point, including the venerable Lugia in raids, now with its signature move of Aeroblast. A key feature of this event was the appearance of Goh, Ash's partner in these new adventures; during this event, Goh appeared in photobombs, and everyone earned the chance to have a piece of him... that is, his attire. This event was a real treat for fans of the anime no matter where they are.

Then, a few days after the end of the event, things moved a little closer to home - Pokémon Home, that is, as this was the "fanfare" event for the recently established link between the game and the service. Accordingly, Shiny Meltan became a feature of the event after its long absence, as well as a variety of Pokémon in all the usual channels - wild, (5 km) Eggs, raids, and Research. The "Three Musketeers" from the Unova region (Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion) complemented the event in raids, as did Shiny Slowpoke as an alternative Shiny Pokémon. Supplements to the event were attires featuring Meltan and Grand Oak as the "grand host" for Pokémon Home. Of course, it would be expected that many would be focused on obtaining Shiny Meltan as the central focus of the event.

Next, the locations became watery as they became lakes. And wherever there are lakes, there are also the Lake Legends - Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf - available once again in raids and once again as regionals all over the world, though this time with Remote Raids, they can all be raided through some fortunate connections. In addition to the trio, other Pokémon that are related to lakes as well as the three qualities the Legendary trio represent are also present in the wild, raids, and Research, and through the use of an Incense. A special feature of this event is Goldeen, which gains the possibility of becoming Shiny, if one is fortunate to encounter it as such. This event is currently ongoing until the end of this month, and the hope is that Trainers will be fortunate with it.

This month also has some lesser events that are still significant because of them being pretty much everywhere in nature. The 12 Days of Friendship event takes place up to the end of the month and provides friend-related perks for everyone to take advantage of and enjoy. It especially provides the opportunity to get a leg up on friend interactions, which are doubled for the event. Then, today, there was a Nidoran Limited Research featuring both genders of Nidoran and their Shiny forms spread out over 16 pages of a Timed Research. With increased Shiny chances like Community Day, most Trainers may be fortunate in obtaining them; this too is an opportunity. Everyone gets to revel in both of these, especially if efforts are or were made.

Pokémon Go is always about going places, and that's understandable by the nature of the game. It's supposed to make even great places accessible through the spirits of the featured Pokémon. The events this month can be said to have accomplished such for the world of the anime, Home and its comforts, and great lakes and great values, as well as special treats no matter where one may be. That should be good news for just about all Trainers, wherever they may be and however they do things for the events.

One year ago: Keeping Gratitude in Mind

Two years ago: Sinnoh Stone: Agglomerating Evolution

Three years ago: Journeys and Adventures

Go Onwards to Home

Something that fans of Pokémon who play Pokémon Go have waited a long time for is to be able to transfer some of their Pokémon to Pokémon Home, which had been promised when the latter was first released. A couple of weeks ago, this was realized with sufficient fanfare, and the link was established. The "sufficient fanfare" will be discussed at a later time, certainly; right now, the essentials of the matter are to be explained - as noted earlier - as well as my own experience with the feature to keep things in perspective and provide insights.

Firstly, one needs to have Pokémon Home installed on an Android device (of course) and a Nintendo Account. This last bit is crucial, because it is how Pokémon Home and Pokémon Go will link. Pokémon Home needs to be set up with the Nintendo Account, and then Pokémon Go needs to connect to that Nintendo Account (by way of the Settings menu and the Pokémon Home selection). Once set up, then one (or in some cases a few) Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon Home by way of the "Send Pokémon" process. After initiating the transfer on Pokémon Go, the Pokémon need to be received in Pokémon Home to complete the transfer and allow more Pokémon to be sent later on. As a friendly reminder, the transfer is one-way, so one needs to be absolutely sure for the transfer process.

Secondly, the transfer consumes certain amounts of energy, called Go Transporter Energy. The system depends on the CP of the Pokémon as well as whether it's Shiny as well as Legendary or Mythical. Abstractly, most regular non-Shiny Pokémon with various CP should only deplete the energy by only small amounts, allowing a good number to be transferred at once. But for Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, only a few of them can be transferred at once. And if they're Shiny, effectively only a few Shiny regular Pokémon can be transferred, while only one Shiny Legendary or Mythical Pokémon can be transferred, instantly depleting all energy in this latter case. Some energy is recovered by the hour (which in the worst case might take a full week for full recovery), but coins can also be paid for instant recovery.

By executing the transfer, one certainly earns the Mystery Box (or allows it to be opened once more, if applicable) in Pokémon Go, and this can be used to obtain more of the Mythical Pokémon of Meltan and its Candy, just like a transfer to the LGPE games. If one doesn't have the games, then this works effectively. But if one has them, then it's worthwhile to transfer Generation 1 Pokémon to those games to avoid energy costs and/or save the energy for the purpose of transferring other Pokémon. Either way, they both have their uses.

Based on my own experience, the setup can be the most daunting part, especially if one doesn't have a Nintendo Account for any reason whatsoever (including that of not having a Switch), as I did when I set mine up. It became an opportunity to unify some of the services I have going that are related to Nintendo and/or Pokémon for this purpose and possible others, such as owning a Switch later on down the line. After that, the transfer should be rather straightforward and convenient as much as it allows. 

Now that Pokémon Go and Pokémon Home has had their link established, it becomes an inlet for wondrous Pokémon from the former into the latter. It takes a little bit of a setup, and there are a few small caveats, but on the whole, the link allows the process for bringing the greater bulk of Pokémon available through Pokémon Go for use in the greater Pokémon ecosystem. That's obviously something important for just about any fan whose desire is to see all the creatures unite at "Home" and wherever they venture away from that.

One year ago: Herding the Last: Wooloo Sticker

Two years ago: Poké-Pareidolia

Three years ago: The Pacing of Types

Simply, Thanks

The other day, I noted that I wanted to hold off discussing the "other" anniversary, specifically the most important part of that, which is its tagline, something that is indeed customary for the occasion. The reason is that its tagline this year contains an element of thankfulness, and today happens to be Thanksgiving in the U.S.; therefore, it's only proper to discuss it today, especially as it ties into my life with Pokémon.

In fact, the tagline can be boiled down to simply as "thank you, _____" where the blank represents whatever it is that one wishes to be thankful to or for. It could be the country, as the TV channel is broadcasted nationally. Or it could be a certain region, for which the TV channel has established a local branch with local content. Or... well, if it's on this blog and about and for me, then it's obvious that Pokémon fits the bill and tagline.

In this year when nothing seems to go right, it is still right and proper to say thanks for good things. That seems to be what the TV channel realized for its anniversary this year, and they went ahead and expressed it as the tagline for this year's anniversary. And the form of expression is as simple as can be, with no frills or fancifulness - just "thank you" along with the recipient for whom the message is directed.

And then, of course, there is the Pokémon factor for me. I've expressed my thanks to Pokémon in different ways with my Thanksgiving posts over the years, and all of the things I've said then continue to apply even today. It is simple to just say "thank you" for everything, but perhaps to refine it further yet still simply, the expression also goes for the experience of it all. That is perhaps as simple as possible but no simpler.

The channel's anniversary hardly needs Thanksgiving for the occasion to say "thank you" - as if the channel recognizes it in the local context - and technically neither do I. Yet things just seem to line up this year, even if other things don't, and now the occasion to say "thank you" is more appropriate than ever, in my case for Pokémon. There is also the proof that it takes no more than a simple "thank you" to be able to do so.

And to close this post, here's a translation of a part of their anniversary jingle this year that seems to encapsulate my feelings about Pokémon as well:

Thank you for your time

Bringing closer all the world

Each and every one of us

With solutions that guide in life

Through a vast and endless sea of inspiration

And with all my pride

I thank you very much

(slightly edited)

Happy Thanksgiving (for those celebrating). Simple as that.

One year ago: Going Deeper into Team GO Rocket

Two years ago: Individual Appearance Variations Among Pokémon Species

Three years ago: Popularity

Road to 25th Anniversary: 25, Anniversaries, and More

Last year, I discussed about the anniversary of a local TV channel and its tagline for that occasion (see below). Evidently, today is that day again, and I'm tempted to discuss it again because of further relevance. Instead, I don't want to touch on it too much right now - there's another special way it might be relevant - and I want to discuss the upcoming anniversary for Pokémon, which would be its 25th, and today happens to be the 25th of the month, so things fit in. I figure that there isn't a better occasion than right now to discuss what could possibly lead up to that upcoming anniversary.

The anniversary of the TV channel actually coincides with a commemoration for certain people who bring knowledge to other people, otherwise known as teachers, in a formal sense. I'm not really cut out to be one of these, but as I've explained in a different post, I can do something similar with Pokémon and still have fun with it, as two sides of the same coin. I'd like to think that I'm still doing this even now with all the topics that I discuss, things that I cover, and facets that I expose. This also applies for my 25th anniversary coverage, even though information may be scanty or speculative.

And that brings me to the information about that. Currently, information is not absolute but still somewhat hearsay, but reports have shown that there may be sufficient indication that much of the hopes and dreams of Pokémon fans all over may be about to be fulfilled, with new games and new elements for existing games like the TCG, which already has some certainty. The form may or may not be as it's purported to be, but if it's even remotely similar, then it's fulfilled regardless. As with previous occasions, announcements will tell the tale, especially on that very day or even just before and after.

A few recent developments have indicated that the anniversary may very well be shaping up. The link between Pokémon Go and Pokémon Home has been established, allowing transfer from the former to the latter, and I will detail this later. Pokémon Go itself is due for some big steps ahead with significant additions, and this will also be detailed soon enough. The TCG continues to develop, as in the case of the local TCG, which has entered the Sword and Shield era even with nary a physical competition in sight. These are, of course, only the tip of the iceberg, especially for the anniversary.

On this day of a particular anniversary, which appropriately falls on the 25th of the month, it seems fitting to discuss about another and a more relevant anniversary for me and its fans, that of Pokémon and its upcoming big 25th anniversary. The two anniversaries might not have anything much in common except this time for the concurrent number above, but there's at least a certain momentum that the former lends to me discussing the latter. As more and more things become evident, it will then really be the time for that celebration, hopefully with some of the same spirit as the current one.

One year ago: Spreading Inspiration

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/25/2018

Three years ago: Late Launch Party... Minus the Party

Contemplating Abilities (or Their Absence)

This discussion probably might be something that should have been discussed early on in this blog, but now seems to be a good time as any. Since the third generation, the main series of Pokémon games has included the feature of Abilities for every Pokémon. It is certainly a neat feature, one that has helped to shape Pokémon since that point. And yet, it's not a universal feature even today, as it's limited to the main series games and a handful of others. For that reason, I've decided to make a discussion out of it, specifically regarding its (non-)existence.

In fact, this discussion was partially inspired by a question someone posed: "What if Pokémon didn't have Abilities?" To answer the question (in one way), it would be that Pokémon species like Shedinja would never have been conceived, as it can be reasoned that its Ability of Wonder Guard is the crux of its existence; it is hard to justify its existence otherwise, at least in the main series games. Yet the fact of the matter is that it does exist just fine elsewhere, with or without a semblance of the Ability that allows its existence. 

There is one current major Pokémon game in which Abilities do not exist, even at present, and that would be Pokémon Go. In effect, the game becomes a big answer (and another one) to the question above for as long as Abilities are still absent in the game. Even so, the game seems to do well without it, apart from interactions that would be impossible in the main series games due to the Abilities that some Pokémon may possess, and perhaps some main series Trainers would frown on in knowing that they are absent.

It may be admitted that Abilities do make (or have made) the gameplay of the main series Pokémon games more lively and strategic, while at the same time being complex and bothersome - to put it lightly. An Ability like Levitate can become a major hassle for an opponent that does not expect it, or at the least a minor conundrum for those that do expect it. And then, over time, there are Hidden Abilities that require methodical ways to obtain and preserve. The strategic complexity is apparent. 

By now, Abilities are central to the gameplay of the main series Pokémon games as a whole, and it's hard to imagine how Trainers would get by without (knowing) them. At the same time, Abilities seem only essential to the main series, and some other Pokémon games can get by without them (like Pokémon Go, at least the way it has been). There will always be the two sides of the strategic complexity of Abilities, and it may very much depend on how the games and Trainers for those games can work and play well with them.

One year ago: Cosplay: CHoCoDays 2019

Two years ago: Cosplay: Art and Culture Exhibition 2018

Three years ago: Catching Them All

The Kanto Cup of GBL

The "almost infinite adaptability" of the Go Battle League or GBL continues to be proven this month with another theme. This one would be rather satisfying for a group of people who started out very, very early with Pokémon (like me) and/or maybe just nostalgic fans in general, as it involves Pokémon of Generation 1 from 1 to 151. They are otherwise the Pokémon that had been first recognized as being from the Kanto region. Therefore, aptly enough, this theme is called the Kanto Cup, featuring the dynamics of the group of Pokémon species as mentioned.

Using the base format of the Great League with its CP restriction of 1500 or less, any of the 151 Generation 1 Pokémon species from the Kanto region can be put into battle. There is one concession, though, in fact, in that for the same list of species, any of them that possess a regional form other than for Kanto (Persian, for the example of its Alolan Form) is also allowed to be used in battle. Otherwise, the same 151 species and their respective regional forms are allowed to be put into battle for the purpose of this theme. With that, it's not purely a "Kanto" theme from a form standpoint, but it is from a species standpoint.

As always, a few species outperforms others in the big picture of the Pokémon involved and become the meta. The best overall contender is A-Marowak, followed by Dewgong, Lapras, Machamp, and Hypno as a selection of lower-end top contenders. Along with Snorlax and Wigglytuff as support, nifty teams can be made that can stand up to most other teams by other Trainers. It may still be possible for others to top these at times by fortune or cunning, but overall, it's hard to beat many of these picks, and fact of proof is that these picks appear time and again, though not always in the set teams.

Like the Little Cup from last week, this theme is in place for a week... and today is the last day for it, which means that as of the time this post is published, there are only a few hours left to experience battles with this theme before moving on to another theme. But the above observation remains true, and even I use some of the species picks as above. My progression has not been too great, though, as I lose battles almost as often as I win them. Since the move from the Little Cup, battles have taken longer to complete, leaving me not as much time to deal with them with all my other goings-on, though it has been pleasant otherwise.

This Kanto Cup provides a good opportunity to put into battle a few species that many Trainers recognize, especially those who are long in the tooth with Pokémon. The results can be described in a few words: nostalgic, enthralling, and wondrous. Given that Pokémon started out with many of the exact species that are featured in this theme, it's a fitting honor for any and all of them, whether one chooses to go with top contenders or complements them with lesser choices. It would be a process of adaptation, as much as this season in GBL has been an adaptation and is apt to continue as such.

One year ago: Make a Wish for the Little One

Two years ago: The Amazing Pokémon Race

Three years ago: Thankfulness

Sword and Shield: After One Year

Around one year ago, give or take some days, there was a momentous occasion for Pokémon games. It was then that the newest members of the main series games, Sword and Shield, were released for the Switch. It was a big release in many ways, in part due to being the first on a very innovative console. And now that it's one year after the fact, it seems that it's worth it to discuss how the games have fared since then, as well as what it means for the games and possible related games that may come about in the future.

As is known very well, the games had a tumultuous beginning (even before their actual "beginning") by a controversy regarding the included content in the games. Today, that controversy has practically (been) settled, and the games are working out just like the main series games of the past, with connectivity, competitions, and collective efforts... at least if it weren't for the confounding conundrum that the world is in today. Regardless, the games can be said to be "business as usual", as usual as they can be like preceding games.

That "business as usual" is also helped by the Expansion Pass, which brought about new and old content alike. After two parts to it and the great deal of content in each one, Trainers have become appeased and/or pleased with them. The concept of the Expansion Pass is unprecedented considering the main series of Pokémon games, and it might be viewed as a less-than-ideal solution for the games of the present era, but it remains something of interest in any case, and similar implementations might be pursued in future games.

Based on what has transpired with the games, the most important matter seems to be "content, content, content". Content was the big thing behind the controversy, content continues to be big for the game itself, and content was a driving force for the method of expanding the game. To appease as many people as possible, the trick becomes the addition of as much content as possible while not sacrificing value of the games, though added value as with the Expansion Pass may be viable. This remains to be seen.

The act of the Pokémon main series games expanding to a console that is innovative is by itself an innovation, and it's almost hard to believe that one year has passed since that very moment. It's also been a year and more full of challenges that have crept in prior to and after the onset of the games that affects their enjoyment by loyal followers. Beyond those challenges, enjoyment is a certainty, especially for loyal Pokémon fans whose aim is only that, in a region and world so new in different ways.

One year ago: Everyone's Contributions

Two years ago: So Little and So Much

Three years ago: A Pokémon Menu

Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/21/2020

During the Pokémon Go Community Day on Sunday, which was greatly assisted by Ash, I noted that things "were not quite done". The reason is because of today: there is a second Community Day for this month with a second featured Pokémon, unprecedented for this event with the exception of certain repeats due to technical issues. The reason there are two of them is because it is to celebrate certain feelings of thankfulness, which I have to say is quite fine (and should be discussed later). Thankfully, the structure of the two Community Days are also quite similar, which also makes for something good to discuss.

In many ways, this second edition within the month is an analogue of the first edition. The featured Pokémon is Magmar, which can be said to be the Fire counterpart to the Electric-type Electabuzz. During the event, when it is made to evolve into Magmortar with a Sinnoh Stone, it gains the Charged Move of Thunderbolt. Like the first edition, the bonus is reduced Egg distance, to allow its baby form Magby to be hatched more often from 2 km Eggs, similar to Elekid for Electabuzz. Already, the analogue is evident: the evolved forms gain each other's type moves and the evolution structure for both is pretty much the same.

As with the editions over the course of much of this year, the event lasts for six hours with three-hour long Incense, there are bonuses that make it viable, and there is an additional paid Special Research, this time entitled "No Match for Magmar". Like the previous edition on Sunday and two months before with Porygon, there is also an additional Timed Research to provide Sinnoh Stones to evolve Magmar into Magmortar, with one slight difference: it also provides a whopping 60 Great Balls in addition to the 30 free Ultra Balls from the Shop and whatever may be gotten from other sources. I suppose lessons were learned from Electabuzz, which tends to be difficult to catch, a fact that became evident last Sunday.

Unlike Sunday, I didn't have a theme event to deal with, so I was free to do whatever it took to make things work. I walked and captured as many Magmar as possible in the region around my neighborhood while going through as many Field Research tasks as possible. In the midst of things, I met a fellow Pokémon Go Trainer who hadn't been active for a good long while, and it was a bittersweet reunion knowing that it might take another long while before the Trainer returns. After using one Incense, I decided to take it easy on the progression of the rest of the event and the day. In the end, I obtained 5 Magmortar - one for Great League PvP, for Ultra League PvP, with the best stats that I possess, Shiny, and whatever came out of the paid Special Research - plus enough Candy stock for different purposes.

This year has been more bitter than it has been sweet, but things like Community Day in Pokémon Go have managed to continue to proceed. This month, it even came in two editions - today and last Sunday - that have similar Pokémon and similar parallels. To have even just one each month is still very nice, but to have two and within a short time one after another is indeed even nicer. For that, it is worth it to be thankful, especially in regard of this month when it becomes pertinent for a great number of people, and in having a moment (or two) of Pokémon solace in the chaos that is this year.

One year ago: The Hype Cycle and Pokémon

Two years ago: Traveling All the World

Three years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Uptake

BEMANI-Pokémon Connections

Music games and I, specifically my Pokémon interests, go very well; there are quite a few posts on this blog on this topic. One of the biggest names in music games, at least in Asia, is Konami with their line of music games called BEMANI. DanceDanceRevolution, a game that I've mentioned in the past with a Pokémon connection, is one game within this line of games. There are, actually, a few more connections between Pokémon and a few other things related to this line of games. Many are indirect or in jest, but they're connections nonetheless.

A couple of those "in-jest" connections involve a couple of songs that are featured in some or many games in the line. The two songs are "smooooch・∀・" and "Fushigina kusuri (ふしぎなくすり)". The zeal and jest of fans of these songs have produced animations based on the lyrical content for the latter and visuals for the former, some of which are parodies involving Pokémon. There are too many of these for them all to be highlighted, but I can at least highlight a few of them: two examples for the former are ones involving various Pokémon from the first few generations and various characters in the anime, and two for the latter are ones involving Pikachu and Lucario. All of these look interesting and well-done, but most importantly, they are sure to be pleasing for Pokémon fans.

Recently, another game in this line has forged another connection to Pokémon: GITADORA, the unified name for the guitar (GuitarFreaks) and drum (DrumMania) simulation games in this line, has included another song from the Pokémon anime, which would be "1-2-3", the first Japanese opening for the "World saga", else called Pokémon Journeys in English. Meanwhile, an insightful fact has emerged about one particular piece of music from the past. "DROP OUT", one of the music pieces featured in DanceDanceRevolution, contains samples from a sample pack that also ultimately became developed into the cry sounds for a few Pokémon of the fourth-generation games. Sound-wise, these are neat relationships, and I look forward to playing the songs that are involved in the relationships.

The BEMANI line is well-known for its line of in-house musicians, but it's also supported by a host of commissioned ones, especially today - though this last bit isn't too pertinent for this blog. What is pertinent, however, is one such musician from earlier times. Arata Iiyoshi in the past often contributed to different games in this line, and though he hasn't been seen recently in any game in this line, his contributions have remained significant. He's also significant for a particular Pokémon connection: he developed much of the music for the Mystery Dungeon series of Pokémon games, particularly the Rescue Team and Explorers sub-series. His music has been described as a fusion of human emotion and nature, and that seems to be quite true for both Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and BEMANI overall.

I enjoy some music games, including some from the BEMANI line, besides enjoying Pokémon as my primary interest. Even then, it becomes evident that some things from BEMANI do have relationships to Pokémon, which pleases me to no end as a fan of the latter. Whether the connections are humorous as with the video parodies or substantial as with the music and artist connections, I feel at least compelled to enjoy the music games as an aside from Pokémon before jumping right back in to the latter.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 2

Two years ago: A Raid Group Gathering

Three years ago: On Cosplay Props and Prop Makers

Till Death Do Us Part

Years ago, I wrote a post on some of the "fallen comrades" related to some personal ones and Pokémon ones. The "fallen" part, of course, refers to their death, which is often a difficult subject to discuss. As a matter of fact, earlier this year, there was yet another one, predictably due to current conditions. Now I'm prompted to discuss the matter again, this time by a post on another blog that suggests that it is a good idea to do so. The focus this time is on my personal links to and possessions of Pokémon, and how they should be dealt with in the event that I'm called. It can be considered loosely to be a will should the unforeseeable happen.

Since Pokémon is about the games, it is conceivable that I also collect all the equipment to play the games, some that by now are decades old. I'm involved with a group of retro gamers, and though the connection is only a loose one, I'm sure that some of them would like to get ahold of my older equipment and hopefully to manage them as well as I have, perhaps even better. For the newer equipment, it may be desirable for friends in my current communities to decide if they wish to obtain any of the ones I possess before they are distributed elsewhere. The same goes for the games and all the progress I've made with them; they ought to be examined by the groups or communities in question in order that at least some of the progress can be preserved. They will certainly express the greatest interest in doing so.

Besides the games and the equipment for them, I also collect many kinds of merchandise and memorabilia. Objects like these are certainly things that my figure groups deal with, and beyond figures, they've proven their chops with all kinds of Pokémon merchandise, and that is beyond amazing. If I were to somehow be called, there would have to be people who can take care of my things, including things that only I collect. With the figures and merchandise they take care of, there has to be a few of them who might be interested to take care of my stuff. They would be the best hands possible for doing so.

Perhaps the most lucrative and valuable Pokémon object I possess is a whole host of them I use and wear in and out, which are my cosplay costumes. While most of them are uniquely designed for me to wear, it may be that some other people could also wear them, and if they're interested, they may become their right. Alternatively, if no one wishes to wear them, they could be collectively put on as an exhibit by someone. This would be a project that requires dedication and commitment to whoever wishes to take it on, but it would also be the greatest appreciation for them when I'm no longer present.

As before, I'm not saying that this post is another prophetic one for something that will befall myself. Yet, it's also not a matter of "it can", but "it will", and that's a situation I want to have some say of regarding what should happen - and I should have some say of it, by way of that other blog post. I want all my Pokémon things, advancements, collectibles, whatever they may be, to be in the best hands possible when I'm no longer present; that much I can say, along with the above specifics at this moment. In the absence of a true will, much of the above should suffice in the case that my death takes me apart from Pokémon, that which I so greatly enjoy.

One year ago: A Theme Event Dream

Two years ago: Fans of Fans

Three years ago: Cosplay: MINORI 5

Pokémon "Genealogy"

I have some interest in genealogy; I actually have a pretty varied family, and despite the fact that this sometimes works against me, it's still pretty to neat to find out where they have been and how that is reflected in me. Genealogy, of course, is the study of family history, most likely of one's own, but it could also be of others. And when considering "others" in my case, Pokémon would certainly be in the mix. It becomes something of interest as well in this case.

A particular interest in Pokémon "genealogy" is that of the major creatures, as the Legendary Pokémon connected to all things ethereal in the world. At the top of this heap is of course Arceus as the progenitor of all known Pokémon. Coming down from that, there are then various branches, starting with time, space, and dimensions as the big main ones, and then it gets pretty complex from there, too much to explain at this point and in this post. What's amazing is that as complex as things get, it still makes sense with some of the latest Pokémon developments, and that will likely be the case going forward. The challenge is certainly fitting new developments into this existing framework.

Given that many Pokémon now have certain regional forms, a secondary interest in "genealogy" would be to examine interrelationships among these forms. Granted, this process is starting to intrude into "biological" territory, but some relationships may still be able to be illustrated in a familial manner. This may be especially so given that even some species that are not of concern with regional forms may be related to the ones that do. As above, further developments are likely to complicate this, if things aren't already so with the way the key species and secondary species have links in this framework.

"Genealogy" of Pokémon is surely interesting and important, but the genealogy of people in the world of Pokémon could also be just as interesting as for the Pokémon above. Admittedly, information on this is kind of scanty, even for a well-known familial group such as the Oaks. But even then there are the Officer Jennys and Nurse Joys, who have been documented to have certain links with their respective multitude of members. Some information will always be missing about them, but a good genealogy effort should still be able to reveal quite a bit.

This topic, like a few certain others, might seem out of place and/or out of context for Pokémon. But even with those qualities, there seems to still be certain places or contexts that it can fit in, and the information that it sheds light on is somewhat valuable. That said, considering the real stuff, I ought to find valuable things even about my family history. I suppose that even familial things about Pokémon are valuable as well.

One year ago: Drafts Piling Up

Two years ago: Trough of Disillusionment

Three years ago: A Little Teaser... and Guessing Game

Matters of Cosplay and Current Conditions

After a long time, I was able once again to take part in a real cosplay event, as I've covered two days ago. And of course, I brought my Pokémon twist to it. Yet the bigger twist is that it was held while the current conditions are still somewhat uncertain. As such, I feel that I have to say a few more words about it before moving on to other Pokémon affairs. It is important because cosplay is as much a part of what I deal with Pokémon as anything else that concerns Pokémon.

Some controversy has bubbled up over this event per the above situation. I did have some second thoughts about this, but I decided to go anyway. Part of the reason is that achievements don't make themselves, though I ended up not making one anyway for my Pokémon cosplay this time. Another is that it coincided with the Community Day for Pokémon Go this month, which would prompt me to go out and get active anyhow, and this would allow my day to be partially filled. Regardless, I could have chosen not to go, but convenience worked in my favor anyway.

In deciding to do this, I consider the health protocols to be important (in any case), and this is reflected in the "discussion" from two days ago. The face mask is important, and realizing this, some time ago I obtained one that would look good with the characters I cosplay, and I feel that I've affirmed myself in doing so. I also attempted to keep myself clean before the time when cosplay mattered, and whenever possible, I tried not to be too close to other people. Personally, I feel that I've followed the protocols (mine) as best as I can, and I feel that others should have also tried to do so.

Still, during these times, I concede that some Pokémon cosplay can work better (and perhaps safer) than others. A more covered up character like Steven Stone would be better than a less covered up one like Hau, and a character that uses up "suits" of some kind like Alakazam or Lucario would be even better protected. I of course have none of these and can only go with Ash, but if I had some of these options, I would have considered them. I'm certainly tempted to have them, but that's another story. The story of current conditions is much more pertinent.

And even in those current conditions, some have figured out ways to get things going for cosplay while I figured out how it can personally work for me with Pokémon. The hardest part would be figuring out how to stay safe while still having some fun. The current conditions are not expected to be able to clear up at the utmost soonest time, but if cosplay can work with it and personally Pokémon can work with it all, those are plus points for me to achieve all that I can achieve.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/16/2019

Two years ago: PikaPool

Three years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Unleashed

Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/15/2020

Me: OK, so along with yesterday's tryout for something a little fun, there was something else that I haven't asked you to do in some time, and that would be to catch a lot of Pokémon.

Ash: Well, I'm just glad to be able to help out. It's the least I can do for you.

Me: This time, I asked you to catch a lot of Electabuzz. As you know, it's an Electric-type Pokémon from Kanto, just like Pikachu.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["That's quite right!"]

Ash: It's a neat Pokémon, but not many Trainers use it. But it's a strong one, especially when it becomes an Electivire.

Me: About that, for this one, when it does evolve to that, it gets the Fire-type move of Flamethrower. Think it's kind of odd?

Ash: It does seem odd, but you could totally surprise other Trainers and their Pokémon with that. So it might just work.

Me: Yes, I think so too. Now, you might have paid attention to some of the recent times I caught a lot of Pokémon, and you'll know things have changed. Now you use an Incense to get them to come out and catch them, and if you wanted to, you could go for a full six hours doing so.

Ash: But I don't have six hours!

Me: No, neither do I, and sometimes I - and you - need to do other things anyway even during the time the Pokémon appear. But luckily, an Incense lasts only for three hours, so you can decide when it's best to put one on.

Ash: I put one on at around 11:30 in the morning so I could spend the time before the event walking to catch Electabuzz, then while waiting for the character parade, I put on a Lure Module at a nearby PokéStop. That worked out fine.

Me: Yes, that's a fine idea if you don't want to spend a second Incense but still need more Pokémon to appear for a short time, then a Lure Module can be helpful instead.

Ash: The Electabuzz were hard to catch sometimes. I spent almost all my Ultra Balls that you left me with or I can just get for free. But the good thing is that I also got a few Elekid - baby Electabuzz - from 2 km Eggs.

Me: Now, isn't that helpful? Those 2 km Eggs should have really helped, and you could evolve one in a pinch to get an Electabuzz with good stats. They should have hatched really quickly too - the distance was reduced during that time.

Ash: I noticed that. It really helped with the way Electabuzz are. Oh yeah, you got me set up with Professor Willow for a few tasks called as "Electric for Electabuzz" - it was fun working with him to get lots of stuff that can help you too.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["He's so nice."]

Me: Yes, that's also a neat thing of recent times. He offers lots for a little payment, which is why I always get in touch with him. By the way, you did have enough Sinnoh Stones in this case to evolve a few Electabuzz to Electivire, right?

Ash: You had plenty. Even if you didn't, you could work on a few time-limited tasks for a few more.

Me: Neat. So how were the results in the end?

Ash: I got lots of Electabuzz, and I evolved a good one to Electivire with really good stats. You might need to battle with one, so I evolved one for that. And I evolved a Shiny one too. I got only five Shiny Electabuzz, but that seems OK.

Me: That's pretty good, and that's just enough. And I should have gotten a good stock of Candy, right?

Ash: You bet! It's a lot, but you have lots of freedom to do whatever you need with them.

Me: Great! Now, I have to tell you that we're not quite done with this for this month.

Ash: Wait, we're not done?

Pikachu: Pika? ["How so?"]

Me: Well, I'll spare the details for later. What's important is that you don't have to be involved - I'll take care of the rest myself.

Ash: That's a relief. I guess this can be so many things for us both, with or without other things we have going on.

Me: But if the results are good, then we should be thankful for them.

Ash: I would say that I agree.

Me: That's good, because that's important for this time and beyond.

One year ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Cup 2019

Two years ago: The Detective Goes Live!!

Three years ago: Go My Dear One, and Pursue Your Dreams

Cosplay: The Bros Contest

Me: Um, so, I can explain. Someone who knows me and a few of my friends wanted to "test the waters", so to speak, for a slightly larger physical event with an audience being involved. And so we have this that I'm sending you to.

Ash: Well, it had to come sooner or later. I'm a little nervous about it, but I'll take it up.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["OK!"]

Me: So it has been a long time since a real physical event with characters and other people took place, and this "test" is to see if other events like this can take place, how it can work with current conditions, things like that.

Ash: OK, so if it works out, we might be seeing many things like this.

Me: It would likely lead up to that, yes. But much also depends on how well we can do things while still keeping things safe. For that, I have a few ground rules for you. One of them is about the use of a face mask.

Ash: I know that's a thing, so I guess you want me to wear one.

Me: Yes, at all times, whenever possible. You don't know who you'll meet and whether they're safe or not.

Ash: Can I at least take it off when I and Pikachu perform?

Me: That's the only exception I'll give out. Once you're done, it goes back on.

Ash: And I guess I should keep my distance and wash my hands when I can.

Me: Absolutely! It's now the standard. So I'm sure you and Pikachu are ready.

Ash: I'm ready.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Ready!"]

Me: OK, so, what can you tell me?

Ash: Well, the event, which has a character parade, was in the afternoon, but you told me to come early so I can work on something else with Pokémon.

Me: Yes, we'll discuss it tomorrow. 

Ash: The character parade was supposed to be a couple of hours after it started, but someone showed up quite late, so we waited for the person. But it was fun when it started.

Me: How fun?

Ash: There were about 25 or so characters. The limit is 30, but some didn't show up at the last minute. The people who just wanted to be there were limited too, no more than 40.

Me: That's a given. Some people may bow out because of sudden things. And these kinds of limits are a given nowadays.

Ash: That's what a character friend said! He also helped start the whole thing so it can happen.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["It's so true!"]

Me: Isn't it? All right, so who won stuff?

Ash: Not me, but a few good friends did. There were only 10 prizes, and they had to be for the best of the best.

Me: That's neat. After that, the event ended?

Ash: That's it. Everyone went off after that.

Me: OK, good to know. So, would you say that events like these can work again?

Ash: At this scale, I think it can. If it's bigger than this, it might not work for now. And I don't think I want to go very far either.

Me: I agree. A really big one will really cause big problems - ones we should not be involved in. And let the faraway people take care of their faraway things for now. Once things settle down, we can deal with them again. 

Ash: Now we just have to wait for the next one.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Surely."]

Me: Of course. Let's see what happens.

One year ago: Sword and Shield Unleashed

Two years ago: Seeing Red: Cosplay Teaser for 12/2/2018

Three years ago: Ma? Ma? Ma? Marshadow...!

Graduation of Regionals?

Trainers in Pokémon Go will no doubt recognize the concept of regional Pokémon. They're Pokémon that are to appear only in a specific part of the world. Because of their nature, one can only get them if one goes to the specific region of a certain Pokémon, or to trade with a friend who has done exactly that. With that issue in mind, a possible way to obviate this for certain Pokémon is to have them "graduate", or be available to everyone, or at least more Trainers than they were previously. It's a proposition that could reliably deal with their issues.

The reason for proposing this is that more and more Pokémon have been gradually added, and this includes regional Pokémon. In this latter case, it expands travel needs in order to get a chance to capture them, including for many of the ones before. With current conditions going around, travel isn't necessary the best idea or is practically even out of the question. Even if current conditions can somehow dissipate quickly, travel for Pokémon or otherwise would still not be a good idea. Therefore, to have some regional Pokémon "graduate" would be a better idea to allow them to be caught by more Trainers.

More to the point, this has happened once. Plusle and Minun were once regional, based on the east and west hemispheres, and they were supposed to switch at one point. That never happened, and they ended up becoming generally available (in effect, "graduating"). Meanwhile, other cases of regional Pokémon availability beyond their regions have been temporary through certain means (7 km Eggs, for example), or in the case of some regional switching, with a "grace period" of general availability before the switch fully occurs. The point is that it may be a good idea for this to occur again with no strings attached.

That does lead to the question of just which regional Pokémon should "graduate" and be available for more Trainers. Pachirisu seems to be a good candidate, as it is the signature Electric type of the fourth generation, and yet it's only available only near the Arctic. Heracross is another good one, as it has a Mega Evolution that should ideally be available for everyone. Tropius, due to its continued appearance with many Trainers at different times, is yet another one that may be fitting. This is only a short list for the purpose of this post, of course, and there are likely to be more with fitting reasons for them.

There is nothing really wrong with the concept of regional Pokémon, certainly. It's a great way of drawing people who like Pokémon and therefore their Trainers to come and visit the specific regions in question for the purpose of that and more. But in light of current conditions and demand for greater availability, it may be wise to allow some Pokémon to forego their regional status and be more widespread in availability. Upon such a "graduation", it may allow for more and better things that involve them and future Pokémon that may possess the role.

One year ago: The Music of Shuffle

Two years ago: GTS and Wonder Trade in Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: 1000 Episodes!!!

The Spirit of Brothers

I've just finished watching a movie that I've referenced in at least one other post on this blog - I'll leave it up to readers to find which one(s). In addition to what references were made then, the movie also contains references to brothers, specifically two of them. Again, I have a Pokémon frame of mind as I am a fan, and that leads me to think of brothers (or at least a semblance of them) in the world of Pokémon. This post accordingly deals with this theme.

When it comes to brothers in Pokémon, perhaps one of the most recognizable are the Pichu Brothers, who were present in some anime shorts many years ago. They're a comic and dynamic duo, considering the shenanigans that they got into. They're also quite representative of the soul of the respective Pokémon, being a younger version of Pikachu that can't exactly control everything in the world, even themselves. The two are quite entertaining to watch.

Then there are some who aren't really brothers but display brother-like relations. Samson Oak in Alola as the cousin of Samuel Oak in Kanto are two that are representative of this. They look somewhat alike aside from their skin color and hair, and they are quite knowledgeable about some Pokémon things, particularly of their respective regions. Though separated, they relate well, perhaps just as well as any two brothers can hope for, and that's significant.

To provide another nod to that movie, there is the feature of a certain squad, and when I think of "squad" and Pokémon, I think of the Squirtle Squad from the anime and the group from which Ash's Squirtle in Kanto takes from. During their unruly time, they were solid, and during their reformed time, they were just as solid, especially when Ash's Squirtle returned. Though their genders aren't known for sure, the important thing is their evidently brotherhood quality.

Brotherhood can be a neat thing for those who do or are lucky to possess such a relationship with others. And as above, the relationship could be evident even if those in the relationship aren't even actual brothers to start with (in the last case, actual people nonetheless). More importantly, they're evident for Pokémon as above, within the movie I have just watched, and obviously even in real life. It's something to be appreciated whatever the case may be.

One year ago: Shuffle Special Stage Play Limits

Two years ago: Marshadow and Mimikyu Keychains

Three years ago: Cosplay Assistants

The Little Cup of GBL

With the onset of things like the Premier Cup, Halloween (Cup), and Flying Cup, the Go Battle League is starting to prove itself to be almost infinitely adaptable. For this month, which is also the start of a new season, it seems to be the proving ground for just that. The season begins with something that I posited to be able to happen exactly eight months ago, which is the "Basic League". Only this time it's not called as such, but instead called the "Little Cup", and it's actually a little more complicated than what I've described previously.

As expected by the above, this cup involves Pokémon with CP of 500 or less. But there is another restriction, and an important one. Only Pokémon that can evolve into other Pokémon and are themselves not a possible evolution from another Pokémon are allowed in this cup. This restriction eliminates practically all Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (except for Meltan, which meets the previous restriction); it also eliminates "stubs" like Tauros or Shuckle. As long as it is the very first (and not the only) Pokémon in its evolutionary line, it is allowed, which explains why some costume Pokémon that technically can't evolve can still be used in this cup. Shadow Pokémon are also still fair game.

A "meta" is a given for anything like this, and two big contenders in that meta for this cup are Bronzor and Deino. The former has good resistance as a pure Steel type, and even with a good counter it may take some effort to take it down. The latter is also quite good as being both a Dragon and Dark type. These two, though, may not be readily available for some Trainers, and even if they are, they may exceed the CP restriction, making them unusable. For those who have them, things may work out very well. Of course, one still needs a "generalist" to handle other possible surprises, and two Pokémon do not make a full team.

This theme became available at the start of this season two days ago, and it will continue to be available up until next Monday. I've had a lot of chances to battle in this cup, and I've even battled as many times as is allowed in a day each day. Part of the reason for that is that the battles go by very quickly, unlike most other battles, which is a good thing when one starts to have less time for many things. I've met the two given meta as above, but I've also encountered a greater variety of Pokémon in addition. This may indicate that some may not have the meta at the ready like me, though they may have others that can stand in. I'm likely to battle many more times with this cup.

With this cup, the "Basic League" has happened, though in a different way than what was previously expected. The resulting "Little Cup" is not too shabby in terms of its challenge, even if it's not the same as what was surmised earlier. It may indicate steps for realizing the former, with or without restrictions. Until then, there is this new challenge for a new season of the GBL, for which many Trainers are likely to continue to take part in. It can be considered to be a partial testament to its recently realized and near-infinite adaptability.

One year ago: Performance Critique: Mezase Pokémon Master feat. Maestoso

Two years ago: Rediscover Cosplay

Three years ago: Cosplay: Japan Pop Culture 2017

PokéJournalists

Where I am, there is a news channel that I and many others enjoy at times. The news channel can be said to be a pioneer of its kind. To run its day-to-day activities, it certainly requires capable hands in the form of journalists. Being that I'm a Pokémon fan, I take things and consider them in a Pokémon frame of mind. For that, in this post, I want to consider how the journalist profession can exist in the world of Pokémon, specifically through three different roles that they may take up.

Photographers, while not being necessarily linked to journalism and/or themselves journalists, can and do support their activities. They're also a role often depicted for Pokémon. Those who watch the anime will recognize Todd or Snap from a few episodes, and he faces his own ordeals much like the real journalists. And then there's the player oneself as the main actors in the Pokémon Snap games, one of which is due out sometime. They're important in any case, and it's a good thing that they are represented.

The real TV channel is supported by many people who often take up the role of reporters on the field. Gabe and Ty are actual depictions of this role (the former being the reporter and the latter is a videographer), and Trainers will likely have encountered them in battle during the third-generation games. The TV enterprise is regardless a major thing in some regions, and they would need the services of reporters to keep things going; Gabe would only be a small set of that, yet an important one to be represented.

Besides being capable of taking pictures or documenting what's happening, some journalists would have to be able to string words together in order to show the particular context of things comprehensively, like I do for the posts on this blog. Some have posited that text media could actually be quite common in the Pokémon world, and they would report battle results, strange happenings, and so on and so forth. Text journalists would serve the position for supporting these efforts very well and are expected to be present.

I find I still have to tune in to that news channel every so often to stay in touch with what's happening in the world. Likewise, it can be surmised that people in the Pokémon world would do the same by seeking out news of what's going on. For that purpose, journalists are expected to fill in the role to furnish news and updates, and they would do so through and using a variety of media. Those journalists would occupy a rather neat position in and for that world: to put their journalistic skills to present the world and its creatures.

One year ago: A Story of Bands

Two years ago: Cosplay: Manga no Kiseki & Japan Pop Culture 2018

Three years ago: Heroes, Veterans, and Special Ones

Life with a Go Plus Peripheral

Those who know me very well, whether through this blog or otherwise, will know that I'm in cahoots with many other people who play Pokémon Go. And with luck, some of them will have a Go Plus peripheral of some sort, most commonly a Pokémon Go Plus. If I'm lucky, I can observe them in action using the peripheral in question, or sometimes deal with some of the workings of the peripherals upon their request. Still, sometimes I do wonder how things would be if I had a peripheral of my own... and at this point, I have to say, "wonder no more." Meet my Go Plus peripheral, which I got just a few days ago:

My peripheral of choice, as can be seen in the photo, is the Poké Ball Plus. I settled on the PBP because it does everything that the Pokémon Go Plus can and much more. Its battery is internal, but that is offset by the ability to charge the peripheral in many places where I can plug in a USB cable. Plus, it looks like an actual Poké Ball, which I'm very fond of, and... well, I've desired it ever since its release along with the Let's Go games, so that fulfills that desire. It would also serve me well once I'm able to obtain a Switch, but this may need to be explored at some other point in time. Right now, the peripheral is what matters.

After having possessed it for a few days and taken it for a test drive - especially today, as it is Tuesday and Spotlight Hour and all that - I can say that there are some advantages. A big one is that I can multitask: while I'm viewing my Friend list, for example, the peripheral can (try to) catch Pokémon or spin PokéStops, and all it takes is the push of a button for the former and with no effort for the latter. This also applies when I have my screen inactive, which means as I'm doing other things as well. In that way, the peripheral functions as a helpful assistant for playing the game in some cases.

And yet, there are also disadvantages. Having devised various considerations for catching Pokémon over the years I've played, many of them go out the window with the use of the peripheral. While it's true that I can let the peripheral manage Pokémon and some items, it also means that I've lost control of the management to some extent. As well, ideally I should have ample storage and bag space to let the peripheral work its magic, but that's a luxury I don't always have. And then there's the "try to" part above; the catch rate can be quite hit or miss. In a place with far too many Pokémon for me to deal with traditionally, it may be fine, but not so much in a place where there are few Pokémon and/or a time when every Pokémon matters such as Community Day. That does seem like a lot.

The peripheral I have is an official PBP, in contrast to many of my fellows who have a modified Pokémon Go Plus that can catch Pokémon automatically. But that's a good thing because when I can see what it's targeting, I can opt not to catch the Pokémon if need be. Of course, an official PGP is also manual, and at least one of my fellows has this, and from my experiences with the person, the person doesn't mind. In that case, things seem to work out well. Even so, I may have to consider best usage scenarios for my PBP - in other words, when to use it and when not to use it.

After years of going without a Go Plus peripheral and simply observing or sometimes dealing with those of others, I've gone ahead and gotten one of my own. It's a decidedly different experience, one that seemingly demands me to have or make other considerations. Going by my experiences, it should be a good thing when I can decide to use the peripheral and have it work out well. Now I'm no longer an outside party to the peripherals and no longer have to wonder about their usage. Yet, wonders may just still exist when I'm using the peripheral, and those wonders are something that I'm due to discover as I make use of my peripheral.

One year ago: In the November Sky

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/10/2018

Three years ago: Mission Cards in Shuffle

Stepping into the Marsh

I've covered a couple of Go Battle League initiatives that somewhat resemble those of the Silph Arena, and now it seems like the perfect time to dip back into the latter. The month has turned over after all, so it would indeed be time to discuss a new challenge by way of the cup or theme that the Arena has for the current month. And this time, the Arena has Trainers stepping into some murky territory with certain creepy things that may just spook out Trainers if they're not careful. That territory would be the marsh, and Marsh becomes the cup or theme for the month.

As is always the case, there are a few restrictions that are in play. They begin with the allowed types, which for this cup or theme are Bug, Ghost, Grass, Poison, and Water. Pokémon with dual types that have any of these types are still fair game, and no other types are excluded. However, there are two Pokémon that are on the ban list, which are Tropius and Abomasnow; both have been known to be meta fillers and dominators in the past, even with the status of the former as a regional Pokémon. Mega Evolution is also still disallowed to keep things evenly fair.

Now, for those who have just freshly "come off the boat" of the Halloween theme for GBL, it would be wise to prepare to "board it again" (though obviously under a different name and situation), for many of the big-name Pokémon that became meta then are still meta now, including Galvantula, which is even more of a key point. While a few Pokémon are excluded due to type restrictions, a few (such as the "mud boys" of Water and Ground types) become included due to them. In a pinch, some of the same teams of three Pokémon for Halloween with some modifications may just work, as in fact three of the included types are shared.

For a party of six that the Arena demands, things get a little more complicated. As above, Galvantula becomes practically the heart of the team, and is likely to be included if possible. The task becomes to include a defense and a counter for it, which includes the "mud boys" and a few others. That still isn't enough, as the defenders and counters also need to be defended and countered, and that becomes the task for the rest of the big-name Pokémon. Proper selections of defenders and counters should create a team that can resist other teams and/or quickly take them down.

The marsh may be considered a potentially spooky place with all the surprises that it holds. For this cup or theme, though, some of those "surprises" may be considered all too familiar from a recently-concluded spooky outing all its own. With that in mind, as Trainers step into the Marsh of the Silph Arena, they'll have to watch out for the "surprises" they know from before and others that are new grounds for the cup or theme in order to succeed. In doing so, they can then navigate through the murky territory, becoming prepared for whatever is inside or outside it.

One year ago: Tournament: Raid Group Ferocious Cup

Two years ago: 3D Printing and Pokémon

Three years ago: (Mid-)Generational Updates

The Beautiful Game(s)?

There are many ways that a game or games in this world can be described. One of those descriptions is "beautiful", as for a game whose players play it with a certain elegance. Now, I don't really need to say (in other words, it goes by itself) that in popular parlance, this term really only refers to one game: soccer, or in other parts of the world called (association) football. Yet in my mind that is wholly influenced by Pokémon, I'd like to think that the term could also apply to Pokémon. It also seems relevant to explore other relations between the two subjects.

It could be said that the reference of the term to soccer became popular with a particular athlete of the game for the experiences with and life in relation to the game, though the term was made to refer as such by an observer in relation to another athlete of the game. Nevertheless, the former remains the most illustrious example of the usage of the term, and it befits the athlete's brilliant career in the game. For many, the game itself is also brilliant for the way it's played, what it entails, and how it affects people's lives, which may be very well ingrained in them.

For those reasons, I'm of the opinion that Pokémon deserves its share of association with the term, as a personal preference in part as well. I have nothing against soccer - though today I mostly deal with it as a tinkerer - but I do consider that Pokémon is also brilliant enough to warrant reference in relation to the term. Good Pokémon battles demand quite a bit of the ability of Trainers, for which if they can deal with the situations that involve them rightfully will result in a spectacle. In that way, Pokémon (more specifically the battles involving them) can be referred with the term.

And then there are other relations between the two realms. Pikachu and other Pokémon have partially supported the Japanese national soccer team on one occasion. The newest region of Galar, being based on the same region soccer hails from (England), also contains a load of connections. In the region, the Gym battles are held in Gyms that much resemble soccer stadiums and for all intents and purposes can be considered to work in the same way. One should also not forget that the Scorbunny species family practically embodies the development of a soccer player from novice to amateur (Raboot) and pro (Cinderace). Those relations are quite significant.

Soccer is a subject that is not too relevant for me personally, at least beyond a cursory involvement. Meanwhile, Pokémon is a subject that is very much relevant for myself and a good deal of its fans in different places around the world. The former is sometimes referred to as "the beautiful game" for the ways that it presents itself in and within life. The ways of the latter may be considered similar in some cases and has even had its connections, and it's rather conceivable that the same term can apply. It seems apt in this case to consider that there may not be just one "beautiful game", but two "beautiful games" in their own right.

One year ago: Fantastic Beasts (and How to Battle with Them)

Two years ago: A Raid Dream

Three years ago: Too Much Information, Too Much Excitement?

A New Series of Legendary Pokémon

Those who have played the Sword and Shield games with the Expansion Pass, up to the Crown Tundra where many old Legendary Pokémon join or rejoin the fray, will have noticed a few new Legendary Pokémon that may not be exactly new due to having relations to a few older Legendary Pokémon from other regions. More so to the point, the new Legendary Pokémon complement or supplement the old Legendary Pokémon they are connected with. Based on that fact, they could be construed as a "new Legendary Pokémon series".

The series of new Legendary Pokémon involves a series of three birds that are familiar to many Pokémon fans: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, but in their Galarian forms. Their types are also quite different: Articuno is Psychic and Flying instead of Ice and Flying, Zapdos is Fighting and Flying instead of Electric and Flying, and Moltres is Dark and Flying instead of Fire and Flying. Overall, the three birds also have a much "darker" appearance compared to their Kanto counterparts. It is a significantly wilder flavor of Legendary Pokémon than the original three birds - if their types don't already suggest as such - though there are still traces of their original characteristics.

Along with the new take on the three birds of Kanto, there is also a new take on the well-known "Titans" or "Regi" series; more specifically, it's an expansion of them with two new "members": Regieleki and Regidraco. As can be expected from their names, they are respectively of the Electric and Dragon types. Appearance-wise, the two seem to take after the spherical body of Registeel, only with appendages of electric arcs and dragon parts respectively. The expansion of the series makes them - the new ones from Galar as well as the previous ones from Hoenn and Sinnoh - more akin to a family such as that of Eevee and its evolutions, and as such they may be expected to develop further at some point in time.

Both of these had been known since the early days that the Expansion Pass had been known, but I chose to discuss them at this point in time after the second part, the Crown Tundra, became relevant. As above, thanks to the Crown Tundra, old Legendary Pokémon become available for play, and that's significant for the Sword and Shield games. Yet even with that, I suppose that they may not be so much "new" as much as they are a "renewal". The birds have been known for ages as part of the initial batch of Legendary Pokémon, and the titans have been known for their cryptic enormity, not to mention their type representation. The new forms lend something different but still lively to the body of Legendary Pokémon.

The Crown Tundra added something new-though-not-so-new in the form of the inclusion of old Legendary Pokémon, and that new-though-not-so-new thing also applies for the three Kanto birds in Galarian form and two new titans in its group. In that way, they're emblematic of the Expansion Pass (being that it itself is "expansive", after all) and particularly this part of that Expansion Pass as something both old and new. Plus, their designs are wilder than their previous associates which they relate to and/or follow up from. For a "new Legendary Pokémon series", their additive quality is dazzling.

One year ago: (Out of) the Mainstream

Two years ago: Local EX Raid (vs. Rain), 11/7/2018

Three years ago: Closer and Farther PokéStops

The Flying Cup of GBL

Since the development of the PvP feature in Pokémon Go, the community (through Silph Road and Silph Arena) has taken to develop it into something that would provide an outlet for structured competition. With the Go Battle League today, a similar thing can be said to be occurring internally within Pokémon Go. I've already detailed two of its developments, the Premier Cup and Halloween (Cup), and now I'd like to detail a third one. As the title of this post suggests, it's called the Flying Cup.

Like the other two above, it has its own restrictions, and they're dead simple. The primary restriction is that only Pokémon with the Flying type as one of their types are allowed. The secondary restriction is that the Great League limit of CP 1500 applies. Other than that, it's up to each individual Trainer to make what they will based on these two restrictions, in order to try to go against other Trainers who do exactly the same thing. But as with similar developments, there are more beneath the surface.

While there are lots of potential contenders, the meta boils down to certain combinations of the Flying type with other types: Rock (Aerodactyl), Steel (Skarmory), Water (Mantine), Electric (Zapdos, Emolga), Ice (Articuno), and Dragon (Altaria). Since the Flying type is centrally involved, the Rock, Electric, and Ice types play against each other, and the other types on the list act as support against the first three types. As with any meta, a Trainer may elect not to use these, but best practices will demand them.

The Flying Cup is available as part of Go Battle Night... which happened to occur yesterday after having been postponed two months ago. Because of its special nature, it became the preferred battle mode for many, including me. I'll spare the event details for later, but what's important is that I got to test out how things worked out with the Flying Cup. As expected, many Trainers like me used different selections from the "big six" above, including myself. The above interactions played out as expected, but what seemed to be more important was suppressing or activating these interactions as necessary, which I may or may not have done. The result was that I won and lost a fairly even number of battles. In the limited time I battled with the mode, I found it sometimes thrilling and other times disappointing. Should the Flying Cup return at some point, and I very much hope so, it may be time to try new things.

This cup is extraordinarily simple in restrictions, but as I've found out - and perhaps others too - it can become extraordinarily complex. However it's regarded in complexity, it should also be regarded as something that provides structure to GBL as well, something that the GBL is really moving into in light of how the community creates a structure for PvP competitions and battling in general. With the Flying Cup, it could be said that everyone's hopes took flight into the sky for GBL and beyond.

One year ago: Performance Critique: Project "Untitled" J-Karaoke

Two years ago: Let's Rule the World, Together

Three years ago: Triplets and Pairs

Spending Afternoons with Eevee(lutions)

Because I discussed the related "A Day with Pikachu" line last year, I figure I should discuss this line as well. Following the release of the previous line, Funko and Pokémon displayed a collaboration on another line, this time for another very well-known Pokémon, which can be said to be its "alternate". Coinciding with the previous line, this one is called "An Afternoon with Eevee & Friends". Unlike the previous line and as evidenced by the title, this one involves not just Eevee itself, but the species family of Eevee, which means that it along with the eight "Eeveelutions" are featured for this line.

Like the previous line, the figures in the line, one for each member of the family, were divulged one at a time each month. The line started off with Eevee (of course) in February, followed by Vaporeon in March, Sylveon in April, Glaceon in May, Flareon in June, Espeon in July, Jolteon in August, Leafeon in September, and finally Umbreon in October (last month). Each member of the figure goes - or went, according to Pokémon Center - for USD 14.99 (likewise for last year's Pikachu line), which in terms of figure pricing is reasonable, though one who pursues all the figures will in the end spend a good amount of money for them.

What's neat about these figures is that for someone who does decide to get them all, they can be arranged into a spectacular scene featuring all the members of the family, which can be seen in some Pokémon Center newsletter e-mails. From left to right, the figures in order are Espeon, Glaceon, Vaporeon, Leafeon, Eevee, Sylveon, Jolteon, Flareon, and Umbreon. Altogether, the scene shows all of them in the place or habitat that they like the most, such as Vaporeon next to a waterfall, Sylveon in a grassy patch, and Umbreon in the shade of a rock face. That fact alone might make it a real incentive to get them all.

Personally, I am taken to the "base" figure of the two Eevee - one male and one female, certainly - as in effect I'm getting two Pokémon for the price of one. Yet, I also like the Jolteon figure for its expressive quality, especially where the figure is supposed to be in the grand scheme of the figure line, as well as the Espeon figure that features it lying nicely next to the water. All the figures are awesome, of course, and the collector in me would desire any or all of them if at all possible, which for me at the current time and place isn't. And yet, a collector can still dream.

This line is nevertheless another awesome collaboration by both Pokémon and Funko, and it became a neat follow-up to the previous line, though in some sense it was also ill-timed because of what also followed it. But that doesn't decrease the awesomeness of the figures, particularly because of the "grand scheme" that they show. And that "grand scheme" is one of enjoyment for all the members of the species family of Eevee wherever they are and however they do it best. For an afternoon with them, as the figure series title indicates, it's a totally grand outing for any Pokémon fan and figure collector.

One year ago: Where My Voice Gets Heard

Two years ago: Dexterity, Pokémon Games, and Me

Three years ago: Team Harmony