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