The Reality of Pokémon Battles

For the average observer, Pokémon battles as the extension of the Pokémon world are purely imaginative. Fervent fans may beg to differ and consider them almost realistic. Regarding that matter, though, Pokémon battles have been depicted in various ways in the games and media. As a result, it may be hard to determine what is real about them, including how they would actually work. This post involves taking considerations from these various depictions and conjecturing an accommodative perspective for the realism of Pokémon battles.

The classic depiction of Pokémon battles, as in the main series games, is a turn-based affair where two Trainers decide on Pokémon moves and everything is processed based on the logic and interactions of the moves. The turn-based approach works, especially given that the main storyline is based on battles with the AI, but realistically, it has some flaws. It is hard to expect two people to give move commands at the same time vocally yet in secret, given the expected layout of Pokémon battles; a person can always react once information by another is given. It is more sensical to think of the turn-based approach as a "shim" to advance the main storyline at one's own pace, or as a strategic mode of virtual play, but not as a real-world framework, at least without special technology.

Active depictions like in Pokémon Go or Pokkén Tournament could be considered to be more realistic, and the latter itself could be considered as a special case where the Pokémon are active for themselves with little human input. For Pokémon Go, there is still quite a bit of human input in deciding whether or not to attack with the Fast move, which Charged move to use, and when to switch. And so for the former, the problem of competitive secrecy arises again, one that could be resolved with certain technology that links Pokémon and their Trainers and sequesters participants, but is otherwise unrealistic for a common Pokémon battlefield setting, even exactly as depicted in Pokémon Go.

The depiction of battles in the anime seem to be quite realistic and even "hyperreal" in some cases, the latter concern of which has led to flak from actual competitive game players and maybe even the viewers themselves. Yet, it does satisfy the constraint of Pokémon battles being out in the open with little secrecy as is commonly depicted. Without the bits that some consider "hyperreal" - perhaps as a form of "artistic license" - the realism is quite possible, even down to the Pokémon themselves having their own intents that hopefully do not conflict with those of the Trainers. This would be alongside the realism offered by battles in the style of Pokkén Tournament.

While people, fans or observers included, may never know how Pokémon battles actually work out in its reality, at least a few things could be gleaned from all their various depictions to conceive a viewpoint that accommodates a realistic (or if it could actually be realistic) point of view. Regardless, Pokémon and its battles remain as something that in the fabric of the real world is something stitched out of a vision of dreams. But for those involved with them day in and day out, even with footnotes, they may just be as real as can be.

One year ago: Aliens Among People and Creatures

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Rainbow Cup

Three years ago: Gifts That Keep on Giving

Four years ago: After Six Months: Poké-Paradise in a Blog

Blogging on Blogs: Jurnal Otaku Indonesia

Earlier, I had mentioned that a local online news portal for all things of Japanese and specifically otaku culture is about to shut its doors as this month turns over. Since Pokémon is in many ways related to that, the news portal naturally contains news about Pokémon things as well. With that in mind, I thought I'd highlight the news portal before it shutters starting next month and how it covers Pokémon in a "Blogging on Blogs" manner. Now, the news portal isn't exactly a blog, but many of its contributors have a blog-style approach to writing their articles, so it may be indirectly considered a blog and can be discussed in the same way as one, moreover for obvious reasons to be detailed.

The news portal is called Jurnal Otaku Indonesia. Because of its name, it becomes clear that the site is in Indonesian and serves the needs of otaku in Indonesia, though it may not be hard for those well-versed in the culture but don't know the language to follow along. It also has "Jurnal" (journal) in its title, in some ways evoking a blog aura. And as mentioned, the news portal has existed for a number of years, and it has become extensive over those years. So too is the coverage of Pokémon things, which has its own categorical section like other very popular things that hail from the Land of the Rising Sun. For this post, the emphasis is obviously on the Pokémon section and the content contained therein.

The content in that section is as one would expect, with details on niceties such as the remake of the first Mystery Dungeon games and the "GOTCHA!" music video from the past year. However, the news portal is also not afraid to report on what I would call "the darker side of things", such as a Pokémon Go foray that got too violent and a ranking of Pokémon that possess many adult (18+) fanart on one such site. The site is a news portal after all, so it has to serve up at least some balanced content, though of course readers are free to read articles that delight them and avoid the ones that don't.

News portals and their offline cousins of newspapers and magazines also (may) feature regular rubrics of some kind. The news portal discussed here recently implemented one such rubric for the localized edition of the TCG, called "Pokémon Card of the Day". By its title, it was intended to be a daily thing (as mentioned in one edition), much like how posts on this blog are a daily thing, but only seven editions - each somewhat distanced for more than a day - ended up being created due to the writer's other businesses. One can now only wonder how it would look like had it been successful as a daily thing.

And with the impending shuttering of the news portal, one can only wonder how things would be if the local news portal wasn't forced to shut down. Yet, otaku culture and Pokémon as a part of it will always have their fans, and they'll carry on with or without the news portal. Regardless, the closure of the news portal is likely to leave a hole for local fans of either or both. One may hope that the hole can be filled at a later time by someone who is willing enough to satisfy the needs of those fans as the two areas continue to develop.

Goodbye, Jurnal Otaku Indonesia, and best wishes to wherever its people may go.

One year ago: Tournament: Raid Group Sorcerous Cup

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/29/2019

Three years ago: Monotype (of) Sorts

Four years ago: 3DS Circle Pad and Pokémon Games... Plus My Experience

Road of 25th Anniversary: Going to the Far Side

With each passing month, the major 25th anniversary of Pokémon is gradually fading away, unlike a certain thing that has cast a gray cloud over it and pretty much everything else in life. Regardless, life goes on, and the anniversary goes on as well, in line with what I've suggested last month. Now, the anniversary is approaching "the far side", as the "half-anniversary" for the next one. Though it will still be a couple of months before that, a few things may still be considered to the progression towards that - especially next month, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Accordingly, there are the happenings of this month.

Since I've started to cover it last month, I ought to do the same now. This month, by the official anniversary web site, the featured region is Unova, and the exhibit for that region is open. Unova is in a way a special region in terms of the main series games, being the first one based on some place other than Japan, in this case the vicinity of New York City. I have my moments with this region, but that will have to be detailed later and separately, as this post is not really for that. Those who really do want to celebrate can really seek things related to this region for their celebration focus.

Last month, the P25 Music program finally showed off the collaboration with Katy Perry that resulted in an exceptional song with a zappy flavor. Now, the song has also gained a lyric video as well as a peek behind the scenes. Lyric videos to some may be second-rate compared to actual music videos, but the lyric video for this song is quite well done, as it includes silhouettes of various kinds of Electric-type Pokémon. This led to the video being dubbed as an "embedded" or "renewed" form of "Who's That Pokémon", which is a fancy yet tongue-in-cheek way of saying such. As for that peek behind the scenes, it's somewhat insightful and deserves, well, a peek, for those who enjoy all things about it.

At this point, it's also important to consider where the anniversary has gone and where it is going. The anniversary has been quite comprehensive across all kinds of Pokémon things (like the TCG and merchandise), even some where perhaps few thought it could go (like the music project that is P25 Music). For a major anniversary, that is only appropriate and fulfilling to be able to celebrate in as many ways as possible and for as much time as possible - evidently, more regions are still to be exhibited as above, for example.

And much of that is about to transcend into "the far side" in about two months. While the transition is about to occur, many things can still be enjoyed now, even with a looming gray cloud over all things and not just Pokémon. Yet even with clouds overhead, rays of sunshine may still break through, and Pokémon with this year's major anniversary may just represent those rays of sunshine. Hopefully when the clouds dissipate, it will really be the time to bask in the sunshine and celebration that accompanies it.

One year ago: A Virtual Figure Gathering

Two years ago: The Path of (the) Silph

Three years ago: Go Gets Social

Four years ago: LINE Pokémon Themes

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2021

As noted earlier, the Season of Discovery in Pokémon Go had begun at the start of the month. The word "discovery" can be taken to imply some things, including finding out about certain things or being able to encounter certain things directly. The events this month seem to be quite reflective of that fact and may be taken to comprise an initial "wave" of those discoveries, which also ought to occur all season long.

The first kind of discovery occurred really slowly in the first full week of the month, and it was aptly titled "A Very Slow Discovery". As can be expected, the event primarily involved the family of Pokémon that bears the quality: Slowpoke. More specifically, it was the debut of Galarian Slowpoke as well as Mega Slowbro, both certainly available in raids. The former also involved the debut of Galarian Slowbro, but not Galarian Slowking as of yet. Many other slow Pokémon, including some Poison types that can be caught to aid Slowpoke to evolve, complemented the event in the wild and raids. Other niceties involved some slow Field Research tasks, a Collection Challenge, new clothing and stickers, and an assistive item package. The event was billed as a way to take it slow, even if some Trainers still went at it rather quickly, especially with a complementary Special Raid Weekend sub-event that involved double Candy for all captures, increased Candy XL chance, and increased raids. Fast or slow may just be in the eyes of the beholder.

After the slow discovery, there was a more timely one. The changing of seasons in Pokémon Go also marks the change of seasons in real life, and thus there was the Solstice Event, for Summer in the northern hemisphere and Winter in the southern hemisphere, along the weekend of the second full week. A few Pokémon became globally available, including the return of Regigigas with its Shiny form in raids until the end of the month. Others became available in either of the two hemispheres in the wild, Field Research, and raids. To make the event quite enjoyable, the event was complemented with photobomb surprises by Lunatone and Solrock (temporarily appearing globally), and Buddy Pokémon got in on the fun by offering more Buddy gifts that may contain Poké Balls and not demanding as much walking distance for a heart. The timely occurrence thus also became a time of discovery.

Meanwhile, in the days from last Friday up to now and leading into the end of the month, there is yet another odd discovery. In a "Bidoof Breakout", the Pokémon have made their way with increased presence in the wild, raids, and Field Research, and even from Team Go Rocket in a Shadow state. What is more interesting is that Bidoof on specific days will know a unique Charged Move over periods of two days (first Shadow Ball, then Thunderbolt, and Ice Beam) when caught or taught by a Charged TM, and its evolution Bibarel will know Hyper Beam; further, in each period, a different catch XP multiplier is in place (first double, then triple, and quadruple), marking yet another opportunity to gain XP really quickly. The "Bidoof phenomenon" in effect was continued or perpetuated with this event.

The Season of Discovery has just begun, and there are already a few engaging (or enigmatic, or both) discoveries. Either way, they're still validly as such with opportunities to find out things, like with the solstice, or simply to encounter them, like with Slowpoke and Bidoof. Any Trainer, especially fervent ones, would be wise enough to keep these perspectives in mind in this season and even way beyond it.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2020

Two years ago: Club 40 ID Tournament Memorabilia

Three years ago: Leaders

Four years ago: A Little Dream

On Becoming an Early Adopter

The term "early adopter" is a unique one. It describes people who accept and make use of new things as they are developed and available. The term is often thrown around in technology, where it is most applicable, but can be applied to other things outside the field. In the context of this blog, it is certain that the discussion involves Pokémon, and for that, there is some relevance for the term, including for my personal experiences as well as those of others that show how the term plays out.

For example, I'm actually an "early adopter" of the area where I currently live, in that I am, or was, one of the first people to take up residence (even, reserve a space) in the area. It is nice and feels special to be able to do so, but it's not without its downsides. I've had to make sure that the place I live in fulfills my needs and is free of problems, which became evident even almost immediately after I took up residence. Even now, there are still a few remnant issues, some of which are due to my special status as an "early adopter", that ought to be resolved to improve my living conditions and especially my Pokémon life.

Moving into Pokémon as the focus of this blog, relative to when Pokémon first came out - both in English and the original Japanese - I'm not really an "early adopter", as I followed after a number of gamers had already done so. However, relative to the history of Pokémon up to today, I may be considered an "early adopter" since I did start by playing the first-generation games before they were much added on and improved in later generations. As a result, I'm  likewise exposed to the limitations (including the species count) of Pokémon before they were fixed, increased, or removed in future games.

Becoming an "early adopter" is also relevant to the current console of choice for Pokémon gamers, being the Nintendo Switch. Some gamers, including those of Pokémon, also became those of the Switch, predicting that it would potentially move onto the console, which was eventually proven true. The "early adopters" are likely blessed by this fact, but at the same time they may also be cursed by the limitations of early models of the Switch, and it has since then been improved. In that sense, I would be blessed to be able to obtain a more improved version instead of being stuck with a (limited) old version.

All three situations above illustrate, in some way, a frequently cited tenet for "early adopters": don't become one. The reasoning behind this tenet is that doing so exposes one to quirks, downsides, limitations, and so on that puts one at a disadvantage or inconvenience. That is quite true given the experiences above, though there are also blessings to becoming an "early adopter", also partly as above. My experience in being attracted early on has manifested in the attraction that I still have for it, which is certainly proven by this blog and all the things I do for and with Pokémon. That much is a concession.

There's nothing wrong with creating new technologies and things, and making use of them from the get-go, becoming an "early adopter" in the process. Even so, one may have to consider carefully the implications and repercussions of becoming one, some of which may be unsavory. Still, there may be good takeaways, such as becoming a Pokémon gamer for me and others being able to play more Pokémon games. The price to pay of becoming an "early adopter" may just manifest itself in different ways.

One year ago: Gift Stickers in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Pokémon and the Visually Impaired

Three years ago: Retro Music and Modern Music

Four years ago: More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Who Floats - Pokémon Floats

It is no surprise that Pokémon and water go together. Its world is like the real world, and its water is as such as well. There is also a whole type of Pokémon related to it. Something that's also related to water is being able to float upon it, whether in a pool or on a river. For this matter, Pokémon has things covered with a few floating things featuring Pokémon, of which I'm informed thanks to the Pokémon Center e-mail newsletter.

A few of those things are actually floats - as in pool floats, things that one inflate and then place on a pool for one to hang onto while one swims or to lie on while in the pool. Two exciting ones that any fan ought to love are for two yellow Pokémon: Psyduck and Pikachu. For those who are fond of bigger species to lie on, there are also pool floats for Snorlax, Lapras, and Wailord; the Lapras float is actually in its second year of availability after having been available last year along with a few other niceties that float, which would be in the form of Poké Ball beach balls. Spending time in the pool with these Pokémon floats ought to be fun for any fan.

I could see myself possessing the Pikachu pool float as something neat to have while I'm at a pool. I have to say that I don't prefer to spend much time in water when I'm at a pool, so a pool float is perfect for people such as myself. Admittedly, pool floats that represent larger (and more water-oriented) species are more appropriate and sensible for the pool context, but the ones for the smaller species are still unique and worthwhile, including the Pikachu one for me and many other fans out there. One is welcome to get ones that suit their needs and interests.

For those who are really not too interested in taking a dip in the pool and floating along with a float (especially during these times and even more so currently), they might be interested in another kind of float: figures of Pokémon floating on the river. The series of figures is called "Relaxing River", and the figures do carry the floating theme really well. Pikachu is riding on a Snorlax float, Bulbasaur is riding on a Psyduck float, Charmander is riding on an Ultra Ball float, and Squirtle is... well, floating by itself. The figures presumably don't float, like most figures, but they at least float in spirit.

The attention to detail for these figures is really neat. All the figures look like they're really floating on a river, with features of the river as well as of the riverside. Even the Charmander figure has a Razz Berry floating alongside the Ultra Ball float, which is a nice touch. Out of all these figures, I'd be happy to own the Pikachu figure - owing to personal interests, certainly - but I'm sure that I and my figure fellows would agree that all of these are prime targets for any figure fan to collect.

To float on water is a wonderful thing indeed; the feeling of being free to move about carried by water is a unique one. Pokémon obviously has realized this and has conceived ways to feel that physically with pool floats and spiritually with river figures, all of which are appropriate and well done. It may just be something that I and other Pokémon fans need to feel now, even if we may not need it at the pertinent moment.

One year ago: Uniting the Heart

Two years ago: Evoked Emotions

Three years ago: Promoting Local Establishments with Go

Four years ago: Four Notions

Until Perfect, Until Appreciated

Yesterday, I finally discussed about a certain effort of me and Ash that in a certain way ended up not as good as it could be. It also comes on the two-year anniversary (see below) of something else that also ended up not as good as it can be, even in the worst way possible. The overall effort wasn't as good as it was expected, but I feel that this is especially true for one particular part of the effort, for which it had to have been the best possible and has, in fact, been as such in another time, yet it wasn't during the effort.

That would be the singing competition, part of the things that I had Ash do, and it involved one of the songs that means as much to Pokémon and Ash as much as it is to any Pokémon fan including me. It's a good song, but the execution wasn't as good, even perfect, as it could be. Aside from the performance having a certain quality as noted by one of the judges, which is as valid as it is unwarranted (at least in my view), there was one part that got messed up, even though recovery was fairly quick. It was likely this that costed any chance of winning a prize, and in short, the performance was neither perfect nor appreciated.

And yet, the performance has been perfect and appreciated in a different context, though not a prize-winning one, unless one counts the performance itself as the prize, given that it was an achieved ultimate goal of mine. For that, it actually does seem quite shameful that what happened the other day was less than perfect. On the other hand, the arrangement is quite different from the previous one for pure performance, and in the past, it was once performed, but it wasn't perfect either. Therefore, I'm still pursuing the perfection and appreciation aspect for this arrangement, particularly the latter of which is in the form of a prize.

Future efforts will thus be in part directed to attaining perfection and appreciation for things that haven't earned either or both, in addition to trying new things. That is also the reason that explains the title of this post. But of course, with new things, chances are they won't earn perfection and appreciation right away, so this becomes a kind of "continuous quest" with no firm end in sight. With the situation as above, the new arrangement is certain to be performed again, though the original arrangement may be viable too for a real prize. Regardless, even without a prize, perfection and appreciation may manifest themselves in different ways.

Much of the efforts are also still contingent on the current conditions resolving themselves so that things would open up to pursue perfection and appreciation just like as they were before (and not as things unfolded at that recent time). I would suppose that perfection and appreciation is inherent for any Pokémon fan, especially those wishing to accomplish success in the games, but in my case, it seems just as well for the case of Pokémon songs and in part singing competitions as well as the whole musical world beyond them.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Grievances

Two years ago: The Show Must Go On

Three years ago: Jumping the 'Karp

Four years ago: Married... to Pikachu?

Cosplay: YASUMI 2 - Sunday Holiday

Me: OK, so this is kind of an odd thing to discuss in the middle of the week, but it cannot be delayed for much longer. Plus, it's also appropriate in a way, because two years ago (see below), something similar also did not go right, in a way.

Ash: It had to be done. I guess it has to be done.

Me: I know. It's hard for you and me, but let's get on with it. So, remember a theme event that took place years ago?

Ash: Oh, you sent me to that one, but we didn't talk together. I just reported.

Me: Well, this is the sequel to that one, and I sent you there, one and a half weeks ago.

Ash: This one was really out of town, but you were still sure about it.

Pikachu: Pi, ka. ["Yes, that's true."]

Me: In order to try to not get you mixed up with too many people before the event, a few of my friends and character friends decided to pool for transportation to and from there. That was the best alternative instead of sending you by public transport, which could be more dicey.

Ash: OK, I trust you.

Me: And as always, we had to go all out. So I sent you for the character parade and singing competition.

Ash: I thought that we should keep things simple with my Kanto outfit and "Mezase Pokémon Master".

Me: Those were perfect choices. It couldn't have been more simple than that.

Pikachu: Pi, pika! ["Simple!"]

Me: So, I trust you arrived safely. How were things?

Ash: I did arrive safely - and without incident as with some trips with friends in the past - but it was like things weren't unsafe as today.

Me: You mean, there was a big crowd?

Ash: Like you won't believe. Even with a clear announcement to separate, no one could or did. Everyone was also asked to not go on social media until after the event, but that seemed too little, too late.

Me: Makes sense. I mean, what had everyone been doing the past few days prior to the event? So, how did you deal with the crowd?

Ash: Everyone went into the place of the event, but I didn't go in unless I was needed. And I was, for the singing competition, but I went backstage along with the other people in the competition.

Me: It should have been better back there.

Ash: It was. That was a relief.

Pikachu: Pi, pi. ["Very much."]

Ash: But then something happened after the competition started. Everyone before me went and sang, but just when I was about to go up, the organizers stopped the event and asked everyone to move upstairs because they could face people who look a little like Officer Jenny and could act for the event like them if they didn't, and it was like being chased.

Me: Ouch! That had to be stressful.

Ash: It was. And then the others who still need to sing - like me - were bounced up and down until finally we could sing downstairs. I was the first one to go up, but the sound equipment was quite different, so I couldn't hear some parts, and even with a pep talk before I went, I still messed up a part since I was still stressed.

Me: So you "had the rug pulled out from under you".

Ash: You could say that. After that, I went back upstairs and didn't think about it anymore. I probably didn't even win.

Pikachu: Pi. ["Probably."]

Me: No. I suppose after what happened, that's not much to go on.

Ash: So after that, the event continued, but in the two places. Upstairs was for gathering and entertainment, and downstairs was for stands and goodies.

Me: Maybe that's how it should have been in the first place.

Ash: Maybe so. It was more roomy there, so everyone could be farther apart. The character parade was also there, so I had to go upstairs anyway for that.

Me: So it was. How was the parade?

Ash: There were only three winners out of 42, so chances were slim to win, and I didn't. The winners also weren't all clothing or all armor, and some who I thought could win actually didn't.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["So it was."]

Me: I suppose that's how the chips fall. Not much can be done after that, just like the singing competition.

Ash: After some light entertainment, the event was basically done, and I and my friends got on our way back, including me to you.

Me: OK, that's that. So what did you think overall?

Ash: You know, the idea for it was good, in a way, and it felt like old times, but how it was done was messy. I also don't think everyone is ready for it at this time.

Me: I hear you. This is exactly why a local organizer doesn't want to hold one, especially now that things are worsening again instead of getting better.

Ash: So we might not be seeing one of these again, or even you sending me.

Me: Probably not, but that's for the better for now. Also, it was everything that happened here that led us to agree to not discuss it and discuss something else on that day.

Ash: It was, and thinking about two years ago, that was even worse. This one wasn't as bad, but it could go there.

Me: Hopefully once things really get better, we can have something going - better than this one, better than two years ago, absolutely better in every way.

Ash: I absolutely agree!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Absolutely!"]

Me: For now, let's pick up the pieces and move on.

One year ago: Lifestyle Gaming

Two years ago: Cosplay: ENNICHISAI 2019 + CLAS:H/ICGP Nationals

Three years ago: Gym Rework, One Year Later

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Gym Rework

All for a "Pokémon (Pikachu) Meal"

Around a couple of weeks ago, a certain frenzy had ensued. The frenzy was due to local fans clamoring for a certain special edition of a fast food meal (not related to Pokémon), which also led to delivery people clamoring for the chance to bring to devoted fans that very meal, the meal they desire. The latter is regrettable due to current conditions, especially since the frenzy was actual and live. However, the former is understandable from the perspective of a fan, despite being wholly unrelated. It gets me into thinking about what would happen with a similar situation involving Pokémon.

I would actually be one of the devoted fans who would clamor for a Pokémon edition of the fast food meal, perhaps even with some of the zeal that these fans have. Still, I would be more reasonable about it, in comparison to some of these fans. For example, I'm aware that the fans of the meal have gone to great lengths to "preserve" the meal, and I would be inclined to do so as well, yet I'd only "preserve" what I can without going overboard, and I also wouldn't try to gain something off of it - it's not like I can anyway in a sensible manner. I'd still make some kind of effort with and for this meal.

It has to be admitted that Pokémon has its own kind of popularity in comparison to what makes that special edition of a fast food meal popular, so it does seem hard to compare their fast food meals and the reactions that fans would have toward them. Regardless, both do have their devotees who would be fond of things featuring the object of their fandoms, which would include the meal. The main differentiator would be how much frenzy the fans would stir up for the respective meal and how much of that frenzy would be accepted among others of the same fandom, plus how others would see that.

In a way, though, the answer may have already been begotten. The same fast food chain that offered the special edition meal for the other fandom has a special edition for Pokémon meal in the form of a "Pikachu Meal". Alas, unlike the other special edition meal, which resulted in a local frenzy, the meal is only obtainable in - where else - its homeland of Japan. Therefore, it wouldn't be practical for me to obtain the meal, and I can only settle for "enjoying" the meal through pictures. The food items of the meal may be gotten more easily, though the meal itself would be the unique experience.

After the frenzy for the meal had ensued that time, there are some takeaways (some pun intended) to be had. One is that different fandoms will have different devoted fans with differing amounts of zeal. Another is that those devoted fans might stir up differing amounts of frenzy in pursuing things of their fandom. The special fast food meal editions become the prime example of all that fans will do for what they like. If somehow the "Pokémon (Pikachu) Meal" becomes more available (particularly for me), the previous meal frenzy might serve as a reminder of what fans of fandoms can do as I make the effort to get the meal.

One year ago: Dub Absence, Again

Two years ago: Tournament+Cosplay: Club 40 Indonesia Tournament

Three years ago: Food Chain Axioms

Four years ago: Technology, Good and Evil

Community Day Patterns

Sources have said that details on next month's edition of Community Day for Pokémon Go are due to be announced very soon. That would certainly demand speculation on the featured Pokémon, among other things. Whilst that takes place, it may be useful to note that most of the featured Pokémon have fallen into one of several patterns regarding their stages of evolution, and these patterns may become reference for the speculation. This post is to detail (at least some) of those possible patterns.

The most dominant pattern is for a Pokémon with three stages of evolution for its species family. As every starter Pokémon invariably falls into this pattern, they are to be expected as Community Day fodder. But realistically, any Pokémon with three evolutionary stages in the species family are likely fodders for Community Day, from the common (Weedle), uncommon (Swinub), and extremely rare (Beldum and other pseudo-Legendaries). Repeats of some of these species families are also possible, thanks to Charmander paving the way. On the whole, this may be considered the "basic" pattern with few deviations from it.

A specific but slight deviation of this pattern is for species families that have three stages, with the first stage being a baby form of the second stage. The featured Pokémon would be of the second stage, which is often or likely the most well-known member of the species family. The first Community Day of Pikachu would definitely fall into this pattern, as does Electabuzz and Magmar (two separate but equal editions) and Roselia. With these being exemplary, a few of the other remaining species families that fit this pattern may just get a shot at being featured in Community Day.

A couple of editions within the past year or so (Magikarp, Swablu), had seemingly defied the main pattern with only two stages of evolution. However, when examined, these two species families have something in common in that the second stage can then lead to a Mega Evolution, and this may be a pattern that future editions may take. It may be further noted that the former did not have its Mega Evolution debut on the same day, while the latter did, yet that may be only because the former had its Community Day just prior to the debut of Mega Evolution in general. It is very much likely that a future edition will feature a species family with two stages plus a Mega Evolution and have that debut on the same day. 

There's also one more pattern, but this one has only been proposed. The proposal would have the "original" forms of a species family as the primary feature (in the wild) and their regional forms as a secondary feature (in Research tasks, Eggs, Raids, and/or others). This was the exact way that Vulpix was proposed around a year ago for Community Day voting, though it did not make it against the others, not even as a possible runner-up, for which that's how Machop came to be long after the winner, Rhyhorn, was featured. Nevertheless, the proposed pattern may still remain on the table and could potentially be taken for a future edition.

After over three years of the event regularly taking place, regular patterns of the key featured Pokémon have become evident as well. While no pattern is explicitly set in stone, the way that the patterns have been established make them likely choices for editions as they come and go. That also becomes part of the (necessary) speculation that occurs as each new edition draws near. It seems very much true for the current case as well, which will make its true face be known soon to expectant Trainers and yet again affirm a pattern.

One year ago: Another Anime Dream

Two years ago: Cosplay Card, Fourth Version

Three years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Complications), 6/21/2018

Four years ago: Resets and Redos

Trainer Rank in Pokémon Shuffle

Over three years ago, I noted that Pokémon Shuffle had added a new feature called Trainer Rank. I had explained the feature then, but only briefly. After thinking about it again recently and dealing with it, I feel that it is somewhat important to consider the feature and explore it as well as its implications for those who play.

Though it's been quite some time since then, the feature hasn't really changed. The Trainer Rank is a measure of how many Pokémon species have been caught in Pokémon Shuffle. The species part is important, as a different form of the same species (for example, Deerling Winter and Deerling Summer) doesn't count after one form has been caught. Each rank depends on catching a set number of species - increasing with each rank - at which point the rank increases and a bonus is earned. The highest rank is Rank 30, which entails catching every single species (again, not form) that is present.

The bonuses are certainly the most important part. While most of the bonuses are very useful items (such as 2000 Coins for achieving Rank 3, or a Jewel each for achieving Rank 29 and Rank 30), a number of the bonuses are Mega Stones that enable a Mega Evolved form to be used. While I've noted earlier that they replace the respective Competition Stages, some of these actually reappeared even after the introduction of Trainer Rank, likely to allow some later players to bypass the effort to attain a specific Trainer Rank. Regardless, one will get a Level Up in lieu of a Mega Stone if it has already been earned, the same as with Competition Stages, and all the items - including certain helpful Enhancements at certain ranks - have their purposes and ought to be earned.

It is certainly desirable to spend some effort to obtain the bonuses when they are pertinent. When one has a few Hearts and some Coins to spare, it may be worth it to capture a Pokémon that hasn't been captured to help boost the Trainer Rank such that at a later time the bonus can be quickly earned for usage. The bonuses of Mega Stones are indeed a priority due to their very helpful nature and should be obtained whenever possible in order to make use of the respective Mega Evolution or just to take the Level Up if it has been earned. All this will surely depend on other current tasks and objectives.

Even years after its introduction, the feature of Trainer Rank still has some pertinence, including in its finer details. It is hopefully something that those who play Pokémon Shuffle has fully taken advantage of since then. And if not, now is still a good time to reap its rewards for whatever potential Pokémon Shuffle adventures may come.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/20/2020

Two years ago: Thematic Battles

Three years ago: Losing Touch and Keeping in Touch

Four years ago: Pokémon Exclusivity

Earthing with Pokémon

Some weeks ago, I discovered "earthing", which may be considered a healing method of sorts. For those who know me very well or happen to be a frequent reader of this blog, though, they might be able to tell that I prefer a different sort of healing. Personally, I prefer to consider Pokémon as my healing method. But it may still be possible to consider both of them in tandem - both in a real sense and imaginative sense - and that becomes the purpose of this post, to explore the healing method of earthing along with Pokémon.

The healing method is as simple as can be. One spends time walking (in fact, not even having to walk - simply standing or sitting is good enough) with one's feet bare and exposed, and in contact with the ground or soil, and thus the earth; this also explains its alternative name of "grounding". The theory is that the electrons conducted by and trapped in one's body that cannot be conducted to any other surface otherwise can then be conducted to the ground. For those who deal with electronics day in and day out, the situation might be completely possible and earthing becomes a solution to that situation. As expected, gamers and especially Pokémon gamers, who are likely to deal with electronic devices, might find appeal with this healing method.

The integration of Pokémon with this healing method, though, may not be so simple. While one may not exactly want to play a console or mobile Pokémon game while executing this method of healing, which would defeat its purpose, one perhaps could stand to play a physical TCG match while doing so, and that would still work in a way. Other non-electronic Pokémon games could also stand to be played while executing the method. Else, if one really wanted to have something Pokémon while doing this method, it would have to be with a non-electronic Pokémon activity (such as reading the manga) or object (like a plush - Swampert would suit the theme) for the best experience possible.

As for actually imagining this occurring with Pokémon and in that world, it is certain that those of the Ground types naturally complement the method. They may not necessarily substitute for actual ground or soil for the method, but they could enhance the experience. Some of them can actually be ridden on (Rhyhorn in Kalos and Mudsdale in Alola come to mind), making them related even further to the execution of the method. It is also certain that anyone can partake in the method and not just those who are masters of said type, though surely they would be the ones that really master the method.

Being that I am quite attracted to Pokémon, I have to deal with its electronic aspect often. The healing method of earthing might serve well for this situation to offset its negative aspect. Considering how Pokémon is, it too might just have a place in its world to heal its people, but likely with a twist. With both the real and Pokémon worlds being "zappy" in some cases, earthing might just be quite appropriate no matter where one is.

One year ago: Taking Pictures of Pokémon

Two years ago: LINE Pokémon Emoji

Three years ago: The Super Incubator

Four years ago: The Badge Arcade Hit Its Limits

Pokémon Words from the Coach

Even with current conditions the way they are - and in fact, worsening in some cases - the hottest thing in soccer right now is the European Championships, called Euro for short, which is currently happening after being postponed for a year (though it's still labeled as that of last year). England is still competing, and they're making their headway with their coach, Gareth Southgate. As it is known that Pokémon and the FA of England are partners in a campaign with some relations to soccer, the two can also afford to link up on other matters related to soccer, like getting a few words with and from the coach himself.

One way this was accomplished was through a one-on-one interview with the coach by young interviewer Braydon Bent. The questions all highlight moments and insights that the coach possesses regarding soccer, having been a player for some years before his current tenure as coach for the team. The Pokémon aspect of the interview is handled by linking up appropriate Pokémon moments and insights (such as its first release) as the questions are asked. It might seem that the Pokémon aspect is kind of forced in - as some video commenters have noted - but the interview is of interest regardless, particularly for soccer reference.

The same style of questioning and answering was then repeated in a special press conference that involved more than one kid, being students from a local elementary school in England. The results are mostly the same in a shorter amount of presentation, though it may be considered a little bit more amusing if one can ignore the monotonous question delivery and take in the insights presented by the coach himself. Not surprisingly, some video commenters also had their own takes on the question format; while these may not be able to obtain official responses, it may still be fun to imagine how they could be responded.

With the way that the questions and answers are presented, they admittedly seem gimmicky for trying to get a few words from the coach about visions of soccer while incorporating Pokémon at the same time. Beyond that, it's still a nice outlook into what goes on in the mind of a soccer coach for consideration of teams, plays, and successes, even with a little Pokémon twist. Speaking of which, the coach isn't quite done with the Euro at this moment - there's still some ways to go before success can be conclusively determined. And that's for the coach to make things happen, perhaps with a little Pokémon spirit in the back.

One year ago: Pokémon (PKMN) Presents, 6/17/2020

Two years ago: On Copyrights

Three years ago: Boxes of Go-Goodies

Four years ago: There Is Only One Ball

The Mystique of the Slowpoke Well

Some of my recent Pokémon affairs have involved a certain very slow Pokémon, and that would evidently be Slowpoke. This Pokémon is also associated with a certain place in the world of Pokémon, and that would be the Slowpoke Well just outside of Azalea Town in Johto. It's one of a few places in the world that is (almost) solely related to a single Pokémon, and it's got a certain mystical quality about it, at least in my view.

The well is a source of local pride: the townsfolk are tied to the Slowpoke, and the Slowpoke are tied to the well, so the townsfolk are tied to the well. Even with Slowpoke being what they are, the townsfolk don't seem to mind, and they have good regard for the well and its denizens. Yet, the slow nature of Slowpoke makes this relationship seem quite mystical, as others may not necessarily wish to associate with such a Pokémon.

With the slow characteristic of the associated Pokémon, there is also something mystical about the well being perceived to harbor more secrets, which led to Team Rocket "invading" the well in order to uncover them. The thought of slow Pokémon possibly keeping secrets that are important for the world and nonetheless for Team Rocket is ethereal if not amusing, adding to the perceptions that already exist for others as above.

Slowpoke being slow may or may not be very mystical, but their relationship to a well - a unique part of the Pokémon world - and the overall relationship of that to others could very well have at least a little bit of that mystique. My recent affairs may or may not have had that same mystique, but the plausibility that at least a little bit of mystique exists cannot be counted out given what exists in the world of Pokémon, and I'm up for that.

One year ago: Good Storage Limit Counts

Two years ago: I'm a "General"!

Three years ago: Viewpoints and Preferences

Four years ago: Hounds and Hyenas, Canines of the Dark

Personal Social Media Experiments with Pokémon

On the official side of things, Pokémon has a pretty good and established social media presence. Rarely do things have to be experimented with that, and fans will happily snap up whatever is posted. For the rest of the people who deal with Pokémon affairs on social media, they might have to make a few experiments in order to find what works for them with what they can do. That includes me, and I may be considered to have conducted a few social media experiments involving Pokémon.

The biggest one is of course this blog. It was born around four and a half years ago in an experimental state... and now it seems a lot less experimental, though I'm never certain of the results. In a way, it's now my "living experiment" as a purposed social media for Pokémon things, and the results are always evolving (ahem) just as the experiment is always evolving based on whatever I put in it. The structure, appearance, and elements change according to what I've posted, and that has been proven true - examples being the category tags on the right and list of past-year posts below. I'm due to change more things, but that'll have to wait as things unfold in Pokémon or otherwise.

In second place would have to be the podcast efforts that I've dealt with or even made. The Pokémon Go podcast that I and a friend made is for certain, though with it being cut off shortly after it began, the "experiment" may be said to have failed. This is especially so if a chance will never come to start it up again. As for conceiving one of these myself, I'm certain that the opportunity exists, but the time allocation does not, to put it lightly and as I've explained before. But to be myself and bring Pokémon into the podcast of others, that I can do and can always make the time, and the time may be at hand once again, even if it's an experiment for what a friend may bring to the table.

An experiment that I really can't stand to execute at the moment is to produce something for video-based social media like YouTube for longer videos and others for shorter, popular clips - the latter of which I'm not too interested in participating anyway, at least by my own effort. Yet someone could always shoot a video of me and then proceed to modify it (particularly to embellish the Pokémon aspect) and make it pretty for uploading to the latter, and I wouldn't mind. That would be an experiment - theirs and mine - in many ways for the potential challenges that it might present, and whether or not it would work could depend on the persistence, patience, and power to get through all the details.

It seems that I may be considered to have my share of social media experiments. They range from this blog, podcasts, and even videos - all the standard social media venues, in which many people post and even Pokémon itself posts. While the latter does its thing to inform and delight people, the former can do the same and even try their hands at new things, some of which may or may not work well. Regardless of the state of the experiment, at least the purpose of (Pokémon) communication can be achieved as intended.

One year ago: Go with the Flow

Two years ago: The State of Officialness

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/16/2018

Four years ago: Limited Editions

Subspace Emissary Buddies Poster

Pokémon has few crossovers, but when they happen, they're a blast. Many of those crossovers involve (more precisely, come about by) the Super Smash Bros. series of games, which itself involves many major Nintendo franchises and even some outside of Nintendo. But by and large, those of Nintendo are the ones mostly involved, naturally involving Pokémon. Recently, I obtained a piece of merchandise that exemplifies one of these crossovers in the form of a poster containing artwork.

Before presenting the artwork, it helps to explain the background behind it. In a prior installment, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, there is a play mode called "Subspace Emissary" that can be loosely described as an adventure platformer with the core game mechanics. One of the parts of that mode features Nintendo's Metroid franchise along with its main protagonist Samus (in Zero Suit form) eventually going up against the boss, Ridley. Along the way, Samus receives help from a character that is as zippy as herself, and that would be the de facto mascot of Pokémon, none other than Pikachu. Those who play the games consider the two as "buddies" by this fact, and the poster that I obtained is emblematic of this relationship.

The poster shows Samus holding her red helmet while Pikachu (with special guest Pichu) rests in the helmet. The art style seemingly makes them appear from a manga or anime, but that doesn't make the art out of place; instead, it becomes a unique factor. While they are only at ease as depicted in the poster artwork, it may not be doubted they might just be waiting for the right moment to spring back into action, just like they did in Subspace Emissary.

It cannot be doubted that Super Smash Bros. is ambitious in terms of its crossover potential even from the beginning. Likewise, some of those crossovers may become quite memorable in terms of appeal and power, and that would apply to Samus and Pikachu as depicted in the poster above. Through the ordeal of Subspace Emissary, they became united in an adventurous mission, and those who experience the mission as it occurs may just be prompted to commemorate the unity, especially through art.

One year ago: Names, Markets, and Issues

Two years ago: Code Affairs

Three years ago: Number One for...

Four years ago: 15th Feature Film Mini-Figures

Remembering Missing PokéStops and Gyms

Through recent travails past certain areas and information by certain members of my raid group, I've noticed that some areas are not what they used to be. Sure, there are many new PokéStops and Gyms in those areas, but a number has been found to be missing as well for one reason or another, which is quite unfortunate. Because of the situation, I want to take a post for the remembrance of these missing PokéStops and Gyms in their locations.

In my area, there have been two Gyms that have, unfortunately, been removed. One was removed as a result of a shift that led to unfortunate consequences, and another was removed with no warning - in fact, the latter one was the "library" Gym I mentioned in a post a long time ago, perhaps by someone knowing that the library no longer existed and using this information to report the Gym. While few PokéStops appear to have been removed, there are several PokéStops that have the potential to be removed, especially if they are marked for AR Mapping and/or contain questionable content. It may be well to hope that the phenomenon can be prevented or at the least minimized.

In a faraway area that I haven't been to in a long time, a couple of Gyms that I've encountered for a fact have disappeared, and even this has occurred prior to the present. A few PokéStops also appear to have been shuffled around to make room for new ones, with or without any of them having disappeared; obviously it's tough for me to be really observant about this with limited time in the places of concern, but the process surely has occurred. And they likewise suffer from the same effects of AR Mapping and questionable content as with local PokéStops and Gyms, or for that matter any area. But it is obvious that these two are of current and particular concern.

I and other Trainers are certainly disappointed that some PokéStops and Gyms have disappeared from the overworld map, whether in our local area or a faraway area. New PokéStops and Gyms may have replaced them in filling the void of their locations, but they will never replace them in spirit. For that reason, it is well worth it to remember their service, with the hope that whatever fills the void may live up to their expectations of service.

One year ago: Pokémon Conventions?

Two years ago: Integration Prospects

Three years ago: More Pokémon Paper Things

Four years ago: Poké-Crafts Made out of Paper

Let's Talk About Pursuing Our True Selves

Me: Well, I had an idea for a "Let's Talk" that wasn't a regular "Let's Talk", but to "protect the innocent", so to speak, I've decided to shelve it and have a regular one instead.

Ash: I understand. Something happened that really affected you and me both today, so it may be good not to talk about it for now.

Pikachu: Pi, pika pika. ["Guess I'd agree."]

Me: Instead, we'll try to approach it indirectly. I thought of a phrase I encountered once, which would be "pursuing my true self". Apply it to us, and it becomes "pursuing our true selves".

Ash: That's a neat phrase. You know, I think it really does describe us very much.

Me: OK, so I'll start with myself. Now, you don't need me to tell you that I love Pokémon. You can see it right now here.

Ash: That's very true. Your taking the time to talk with me-

Pikachu: Pika! ["And me!"]

Ash: -and Pikachu makes it clear.

Me: I find that my true self lies with Pokémon. I identify with so many things about it that I do want to express as many things as possible with it - and possibly be rewarded as a result. That's in part why I sent you to places and do certain things, to pursue just that. As far as I'm concerned, Pokémon is noble, and I'd like to follow suit.

Ash: I know, and I feel the same in a way. I can't get to where I am today if it weren't for Pokémon. All my partners, from those still with me to those in different places, have helped in all my journeys, even if sometimes I wasn't very successful. I've found, even pursued, my true self with Pokémon, and part of my true self also lies with them.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika? ["What about me?"]

Ash: Of course, Pikachu is my most trusted partner, so you can say that's where much of my true self mostly lies.

Me: I wouldn't disagree, which leads us to today. I intended to pursue my true Pokémon self - by you even - and things got a little bit out of hand, as I heard.

Ash: It did. On one hand, it may have not have been the best intent to send me. But on the other hand, I think you said once that achievements don't come by themselves, so I understand. It was part of the process.

Me: As you can tell. Did you feel threatened?

Ash: I felt like I was about to get caught by your world's version of Officer Jenny.

Me: It was that serious. I suppose it was in part bad timing, unluckiness, and just poor foresight on everyone's part, including ours. So we have to apologize in some capacity.

Ash: Apologies.

Pikachu: Pi... ka. ["Apologies."]

Ash: While I did what I did, though, I met one of your friends. I heard from you that he was having problems earlier, and those seem to be related to what we're talking about.

Me: Oh, that. Let me explain. He's well-known and respected, including by us - he once assisted for an old version of your outfit - but his problem was that a lot of people look up to him like an "idol" and he seemingly doesn't deserve such an honor and all the things that go with it, like printing photo books of his character friends and then sharing that with his grateful fans.

Ash: It's funny how your friend is considered like that but he denies it, while we're also well-known and respected, but nobody considers us like one. What if you printed a photo book of you sending me?

Me: That is an excellent idea that I've wanted to execute with your help for a long time, but it just hasn't happened yet. I may have to tug on the heartstrings of some people in order to make things happen with you and certainly Pikachu.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Sure!"]

Ash: The problem was his "pursuing his true self", wasn't it?

Me: You could call it that, sure. So maybe sometimes there are problems with the process. But I and we should be able to solve them all.

Ash: It's like we're all within a maze of links.

Me: But within that, we continue living regardless of who we meet.

Ash: And we try to get to know the "sea" of their minds, the unconscious.

Me: And more importantly, we search for hearts and pursue our true selves.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu, pika chu! ["That sounds familiar!"]

Me: I think we might break into a song any time now.

One year ago: There's a Time and Place

Two years ago: Chaos and Darkness

Three years ago: Singular vs. Multiple Focus Legendaries

Four years ago: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

The Floating City Awaits

As I've discussed in a post a couple of days ago, the new Silph Arena competition venue of Factions has something good going for it. In addition to themed battles - which it still has in terms of "Battlefields" - it is also an entry point for the open three major leagues, or at least the other two that aren't as common on the Arena. Yet, the Battlefields remain important, as they are the norm for 4 out of 7 members of the team. The first of these Battlefields, called Floating City, has been introduced for the initial qualifiers, and even with my non-participation, I thought I'd at least try to cover it and see what I can make out of it.

This Battlefield is based on the Great League, which means Pokémon up to 1500 CP are allowed. Also allowed are Pokémon of at least one of four specific types: Ground, Flying, Steel, and Normal. It would also be expected that one doesn't bring Mega Evolutions or more than one Pokémon of a species, as is expected for the Arena in general. Altogether, the types represent the foundation (Ground), structure (Steel), means of floating (Flying), and its denizens (Normal), which totally make sense as a theme.

There is also a boatload of other restrictions as well. Mythical Pokémon are not permitted, and so are Shadow Pokémon and Regional Pokémon, those that appear only in certain parts of the world. The last restriction effectively prevents Tropius, a popular PvP contender. Five species are also banned, being Galarian Stunfisk, Altaria, Bastiodon, Chansey, and Registeel. Aside from the Chansey ban, which is similar to the Venture Cup ban, the other four Pokémon are popular and pesky contenders in open Great League - as I can attest - that might dominate the Battlefield if they are left unchecked.

Of the four types, the ones with a distinct strong-weak relationship are Ground and Steel, while Flying provides a minimal "buffer" against Ground types, and Normal types can go any which way except toward Steel. This practically demands the other types that certain Pokémon might have to dictate their utility against any and all of the four primary types of the Battlefield. With popular contenders also banned as above, this also demands Trainers to look for more uncommon and potentially surprising contenders.

Already for the first Battlefield, things are looking quite enigmatic. It is deceptively simple with only four types and yet creatively challenging with all its restrictions. But that seems the way that a Battlefield should be: a smaller but still substantial challenge for the Specialists that don't deal with open leagues, at least when they don't need to. In the framework of the Silph Arena, specific themes still carry a significance, and the Floating City that awaits some contenders of the new Factions system serves as a warm welcome for them.

One year ago: As In As All...

Two years ago: Nationally Challenged

Three years ago: Before Gold and Silver

Four years ago: Red on a Bike

Justification for Writing My Blog

It has come to my attention, as well as that of those who are closely associated with it, that a local, online news portal for fans of Japanese culture, particularly that of the otaku subculture (including, of course, some things related to Pokémon), is due to close at the end of this month, or to be more proper, at the start of the next month. I'm not affected too deeply by this closure, but those who are fervent readers of news from the portal, which includes a number of my friends, are likely somewhat affected. Even so, I've recognized the news portal from my early years of Pokémon cosplay, so I identify to a minor extent. Further, the imminent closure of the news portal has made me consider the justification of my Pokémon blog, which resembles a news portal in part, due to some of the content.

The news portal has been around for 8 years, which means that it started life 1 year after I started cosplaying and 4 years before I started this blog. Over that time, the news portal has really grown into what it is today, a full-fledged news portal complete with social media outlets, as explained in the article announcing its closure. Meanwhile, after close to 4.5 years, my blog still only a shadow of what the news portal is, and without extensive social media outlets. Despite this difference, it still seems to be right, as my blog is solely devoted to topics on or around Pokémon, and it has a more personal nature, even creative, rather than being fully objective just like a news portal. In that sense, it's like comparing apples to oranges; as to which one is which, that may be for others to decide.

Regarding that justification, even with nary a confirmation that I'm doing things right, I still perceive that this blog is the right thing. For one thing, it actually supports me in my actual line of paid work, as it maintains my language skills for the purpose of getting meanings into and out of it, particularly to another or even others. For another, it helps to maintain the interest that I have in Pokémon for many, many years, well past that of the news portal or even my cosplay efforts. Both of these are right, as is my dedication - and in fact, one reader has noted this in a comment in a recent post to the point that it might beget something good for this blog. Much will still have to be discovered, but at the least I've come upon that which seems to be the right path for everything, including Pokémon.

With that, the justification is still there, and I'd like to make this blog persist for as long as I possibly can, in order to achieve as many things as I possibly can as well. It may not be comparable to what has been achieved by an 8-year old specialized news portal that deals with not only Pokémon but the bigger and broader world of otaku (sub)culture, but the basis of the achievements may just be the same, as this blog and that news portal deal with the written word to inform about phenomena occurring in parts of the (sub)culture. When it closes, the news portal will surely be missed by many of my Japanophile friends, and a little bit by me, but it may very well pave the way for things that are similar in spirit, even smaller and more personal things as I have established for this Pokémon blog.

One year ago: Low-Bit Fantasies with Pokémon

Two years ago: Field Research Task Reporting

Three years ago: The Myth of Shiny Pokémon

Four years ago: On Skateboards and Pokémon

Arena Factions, Assemble

By now, the Silph Arena is quite well-known for its individual Trainer competition, which draws in practically most Trainers on the competitive scene. It is quite appropriate and welcoming for that, but after being on the scene since pretty much the introduction of PvP battling in Pokémon Go, the individualism and format may start to become a little dull. It is likely for those reasons that the Silph Arena now has an expanded team competition format called Factions, starting last month.

The core part of this competition is the teams, so that needs to be discussed first. A team is composed of seven members (plus one), which is quite significant as far as teams go. Three of those members deal with one each - as a "Specialist" - of the three Leagues of standard PvP battling (Great, Ultra, and Master), making these an entry point for anything other than the Great League in the Silph Arena; for this purpose, Ultra League also carries an additional stipulation of at most one Legendary or Mythical Pokémon and at most one starter in a team, and Master League has a limit of at most one Legendary or Mythical Pokémon in a team. The entry of these Leagues should benefit those who have experienced them in Go Battle League.

The other four members are also Specialists, but for rotating themes called "Battlefields", not unlike the themed cups of the regular Arena. Currently, there is only one Battlefield, called Floating City, for the initial qualifiers, but later on it may be possible to have others, which means deciding which Specialists are to deal with what. As for that "plus one" part, that one is an alternate (a substitute or "pinch hitter") for any one of the other Specialists above, including for those that deal with the open Leagues. The effort to build a team is therefore quite involved, but has a high potential for camaraderie.

Teams are divided by regions (presently, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific) and compete in "cycles", which are the equivalent of iterations of individual tournaments. In a "cycle", teams are paired with another for "bouts", which is the equivalent of "rounds" within an individual tournament. Within a "bout", each Specialist of a team is matched with the corresponding Specialist of the other team and battles three times, like in an individual tournament; each win is counted as one point and the winning team is the one with more points. The number of bouts for a cycle will accordingly differ based on the number of teams for each region. The matching and battling process takes place within a week, with Monday to determine who battles, Tuesday and Wednesday to set and reset teams if necessary, and Thursday onwards to battle. It's rather complicated, but it does work out like an individual tournament with group participants.

Obviously, for those who have been observant of my Arena activities since several months ago, I'm not involved in the competition. Apart from being constrained in participation, for things like these, I always find it difficult to group with others. My personal activity aside, I do recognize two people from my raid group who are playing for two different national Factions, one of them being a Master League Specialist and the other being an Ultra League Specialist - which I do have to say is very lofty indeed. If I could join a Faction myself, I'd deal with a Battlefield rather than any of the Leagues, which I'm ill-suited for. Whether I can steal a point or two from the other side is a big question, but it just might be possible, in doing so helping my Faction. That would be something to discover.

The entry of Factions into Silph Arena means many things. For those who can exercise their prowess with higher PvP Leagues, it's an opportunity. For those who want to obtain shared pride, now they have a way. And for those still entrenched with the Arena, it's a handy change-up from the common and universal individual format. There is PvP glory to be found here as well, and all it takes is for the right group of people to assemble and show what they can do.

One year ago: The Persistence of Pokémon Spotlight Hours

Two years ago: To Hold or Not to Hold?

Three years ago: Variegated Pokédexes

Four years ago: Pokémon and Sports

Birdkeepers, the Real and the Imagined

Some of my relatives used to keep birds, whether for fun or for some other purpose. I wasn't involved in what they did, but I can tell that they enjoyed what they did in their regard. Reminiscing about this memory makes me recall another batch of people who keep birds, possibly for a living, and that would be the Birdkeeper group of Trainers in the main series of Pokémon games. They too appear to enjoy what they do in different regards, particularly Pokémon battles.

True to their name, Birdkeepers possess bird Pokémon and by extension many Flying-type Pokémon. This makes them easy to be battled down, provided one knows what one needs to do and as is true of Trainers who possess primarily monotype teams. Their antics may be kind of odd as well, as with one of these Trainers who thought that one needed a flock of birds in order to fly off to someplace when all the Trainer needed is one Pokémon with the Fly move, at least at the very least.

Meanwhile, real birdkeepers, especially in my local area and somewhat beyond, have their own contests, being bird call contests. The birds are evaluated for their performance in making bird calls, including sound quality and even physique. It may be hard to imagine Birdkeepers in Pokémon to participate in the same contests, but given that certain birds (Chatot and Fletchling, for two) make pretty noises, so it might not be out of the question for these contests to occur with Pokémon.

Today, the birds that my relatives once kept have essentially "flown away", whether to another owner or out into the wild. But the memories of them keeping the birds have remained and will remain with me. The same is true for my recall of the Birdkeepers in Pokémon, whose objectives are in line with or exceed that of what my relatives did when they kept birds. They may not have been to take off to the skies in a literal sense, but at least the spiritual fantasy is there in both Pokémon and real form.

One year ago: Pokémon Hanafuda

Two years ago: Limited Research Methodology

Three years ago: The Spirit of Giving

Four years ago: A Faraway Tournament and a Charitable Spirit

Battle Box for Pokémon Go?

When it comes to competitive Pokémon play, the main series games are no doubt pioneers in this regard with VGC. This also includes innovations that not only make competitive play easier but also keep it fair. One such innovation is the Battle Box that is designed to hold a team of Pokémon for competitions. With the PvP competitions of Pokémon Go gaining ground, it may serve well to try to determine if any of the innovations from the main series are worthy of being included in Pokémon Go as well, like the Battle Box above.

First, it is necessary to explain what the Battle Box is and how it works. In the main series games, the Battle Box holds only six Pokémon instead of the standard 30. Its function is to hold a team party (different from the active party of the Trainer) that can then be used in various tournaments or competitions. In the case of official ones, the Pokémon in the Battle Box can then be locked to prevent changes to them as well as be read by organizers to be checked against a "team sheet" that Trainers submit to make sure that the Pokémon is as they claim they possess. It is thus a vital part of these competitions, especially in the fairness department.

PvP battling in Pokémon Go is decidedly very different from main series battling. However, apart from the system (which is real-time in Pokémon Go instead of turn-based in the main series), the battles can be distilled into a version of a limited 3-on-3 Single battle, which in the main series games is taken from a team of 6 Pokémon. If this sounds familiar to any competitive Trainer in Pokémon Go, it is because some community organizers - notably Silph Arena - use (or technically adapt) the system for their tournaments. Therefore, the system of the Battle Box would serve these organizers and their Trainers well, and its inclusion would bring Pokémon Go to a further parity with the main series games.

The concession is that Pokémon Go already has its own party system. However, the system is also divided in scope: only Gym battles and raids use a party of 6, while PvP battles use a party of 3. The latter (which is relevant for the topic of this post) also demands selection from all eligible Pokémon, whether in the setup prior to entering battle selections or during battle party selection just before the battle. An adaptation of the Battle Box would demand an initial setup for a party of 6 for a PvP battle, then during battle party selection, the 3 Pokémon necessary for that battle would be selected. This would be an absolute game changer for the Silph Arena and other organizers whose battle systems shadow that of the main series.

Should the competitive infrastructure of Pokémon Go expand into official competitions that resemble VGC, and in particular something that would be an expansion of the Pokémon Go invitational from the 2019 World Championships, a Battle Box system would perhaps be even more pertinent, particularly for the purpose of checking over, securing, and qualifying teams, which is only rudimentary at present in Pokémon Go and in some cases would need a pair (or several) of observant eyes to make sure that no funny business (read: unfairness) is going on with the competitive teams that Trainers bring to competitions and tournaments, and therefore they would be more credible.

Evidently, Pokémon and its games have been pioneering from the very start, especially for official competitions and features that support it, like the Battle Box in the main series games. Pokémon Go is also rather pioneering despite only having existed for a fraction of the time of the main series games, and it too is gravitating toward competitions that can surely become official. At that point, something like the Battle Box will have to be implemented, if not sooner, and especially to equalize fairness and ease of competition.

One year ago: Game Freak with Mario on the Side

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/8/2019

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/8/2018

Four years ago: Poor Zygarde

Mastering Balls of Hands and Feet

In the world of Pokémon, Trainers are people who master the eponymous creatures, which often reside in Poké Balls that they throw out with their hands. In the real world, some athletes master a different kind of ball, the soccer ball, which they kick up with their feet. Combine the two, and interesting results might just occur. And that is exactly what is happening in jolly old England with a program and campaign for youths to be able to buff up their sport skills in a really fun way.

Pokémon, together with the FA of England (their soccer association), have partnered to create the FA Pokémon Youth Futsal Program with a campaign called "Master the Ball" accessible through a site of the same title (www.mastertheball.com). The program and campaign is part of a youth futsal competition to draw in athletic youths to develop their skills while they compete in a fairly fun manner. It should be noted that futsal is only a downscaled and indoor form of soccer, but its play is much the same and can develop each other, so it still makes sense. The competitive season is due to start in September along with that for soccer, and team registration has yet to open, but with Pokémon in the mix, it should be fun when things happen later this year.

To make things even more fun, certain teams will receive a "Pokémon bundle" full of goodies for the teams. Most of the goodies, including a duffel bag and a Pokémon Futsal handbook, are notably to help teams take their practice to the next level, so to speak, and that includes a ball that is colored like - what else - a Poké Ball. So iconic is this ball that it figures prominently in promotional materials for all things related to the program and campaign. The bundle even includes an exclusive TCG card of "Pikachu on the Ball" featuring Pikachu and the iconic ball. If anything, this would be the primary incentive for signing up a team into the program and competition, aside from the noble goals as above.

A program and campaign like this is surely fun and lively. But it would be even more fun and lively with a few other promotions - more specifically, some promotional videos on YouTube. These promotional videos contain a few of England's current stars in soccer, certainly with a few Pokémon twists. The "core promotional video" even contains animated Pokémon in action along with those same stars, but what's even more fun is when some of those stars duke it out on the futsal court with a few Pokémon twists, which are in other promotional videos... but I'd like to separate their discussion into another post, as this post is already detailed enough for their key link.

Futsal (and soccer, by extension) is a real-world sport. Pokémon battling would be the sport of the Pokémon world, as I've postulated once. In the minds of fans and athletes alike, there shouldn't be any real reason for them not to mingle, and it seems the FA of England and Pokémon can't disagree with this new program and campaign. They're looking for people who can truly master the skills of the ball game with feet, and after that, hopefully the game of monsters appearing from balls thrown with hands.

One year ago: It's a-Mario Time

Two years ago: Going Big in Galar

Three years ago: Pokémon Archetypes

Four years ago: New Paradigms

Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/6/2021

Some Community Days of Pokémon Go have been "long in the tooth" in that they've been postulated, expected, and demanded by Trainers. This month's Community Day represents one of these, in particular because of the featured Pokémon. It has long been considered a possible Community Day fodder, but its Shiny form had been released early on (which is or was thought to decrease its feature appearance potential) and it has never been featured... until today, when it was finally featured and its potential was realized.

The featured Pokémon for this month is the venerable Gible, which along with the other members of its species family (Gabite, Garchomp) is of the Dragon and Ground types. The last of these, when caught or evolved, gains the move of Earth Power during the exclusive move window. The bonus is triple XP, which should satisfy the hunger of pre-Level 50 XP-seeking Trainers. The paid Special Research has the title of "Just a Nibble" in reference to the fierce appearance and behavior of this "land shark" species family.

While the specific particulars of Community Day in current times haven't changed (extended Incense primarily, and so on), there is one particular addition: Lure Modules are now extended as well, in line with Friendship Day from April and the old ways of Community Day. The world may not be heading to a "normal" state any time soon, but Community Day may be able to adapt to the "new normal" state while the world continues to develop and hopefully recover, which should be the same for Community Day as well.

Taking advantage of the Lure Module bonus, I went to the place where I used to have regular "old normal" Community Day festivities, the last of which occurred in December 2019. And it really did feel like that time, with I and a few others setting up Lure Modules, though many of us ended up becoming segregated afterwards. Nevertheless, we did make full use of both Lure Modules and Incense as well as a Mega-Evolved Pokémon of choice to up the obtained Candy amount. I also ended up having 6 Garchomp with Earth Power: one with the best stats, the best Lucky one, the best Shiny one, one each for Great and Ultra Leagues, and the one from the Special Research, with sufficient Candy stock when it becomes necessary for usage.

Faithful fans will note that Garchomp possesses a Mega Evolution as Mega Garchomp, but this Community Day didn't become the venue for its debut, unlike Altaria last month and partially due to the stipulation that only one Mega Raid is active each month during the Season of Discovery. A surprise debut is also impractical as the surprise can easily be discerned prior, in certain ways. Therefore, the debut of Mega Garchomp will have to wait for the right time and the best time, which is more than I can say. Trainers will just have to stay tuned.

This Community Day is thus very much a representation of realized potentials: those of a deserving Pokémon, those of old ways and new ways, and those of a future Mega Evolution. The first can already be seen now, the second can be seen towards the closer future, and the third will hopefully be seen in a not-too-distant future. For a family of "land sharks", that ought to mean many opportunities to take "nibbles" out of the competition in whatever happens in Pokémon Go at the moment, thanks to what can and has been gained from this edition of Community Day.

One year ago: Repetition for Reputation

Two years ago: Be with You, Always with You

Three years ago: (The Least) Local Ex-Raid, 6/6/2018

Four years ago: Pokémon Direct, 6/6/2017