Pokémon Shuffle Personal Feature Wishlist

By now, with there being no major updates (as "extra data" or otherwise), Pokémon Shuffle on the 3DS is likely about to meet its demise along with the online services of the 3DS itself. Shuffle is still a great game regardless of what may be about to happen. Even so, it could still be an even greater game if a few of its features were to be revamped. Based on my most recent plays, I've identified a few of those features as well as what could be (or have been) done to improve them.

The "area browser" and the next/previous area buttons are good for basic navigation purposes, but they can stand to be more integrated. Specifically, the next/previous buttons could have options to navigate to stages instead, with the most viable options being to stages that have not been cleared, had its Pokémon captured, or received an S rank. The latter two is notably included for reference in the "area browser", so they constitute logical upgrades for the buttons. Better yet, they could be somehow be integrated to provide all of these conveniently, even with an "advanced navigation" feature. All of these could be improvements regardless.

Every stage demands the selection of Pokémon, and the Pokémon selector allows to do just that, especially with the help of the search filter options. However, with the advent of the Raise Max Level and Mega Speedup enhancements, it would be conceivably beneficial to filter Pokémon according to the condition of these two enhancements. For example, it could be helpful to search for Pokémon that have not been fully enhanced in order to enhance them, or the ones that are fully enhanced to be selected for battle. The addition of these filters would help to find those specific Pokémon instead of having to check each of them one by one, as I've sometimes had to do.

While some people love the Mega Evolution music, it seems rather frenzied for others, as I've noted once; I've known a few people who think it's grating in the latter case - even I've mostly played with music off recently. Therefore, a potential future request is a way to disable the Mega Evolution music in favor of a different auditory indicator for Mega Evolution, for example a constant buzzing over the normal stage music, which would indicate that Mega Evolution is active without being over-the-top in doing so, possibly leading to annoyance or frustration in doing so. Of course, for those who enjoy the music without any ill effects of any kind, they can still do so; the option would be simply and wholly optional for certain people.

It's been a great ride for Pokémon Shuffle since its launch, and it may be disconcerting that it along with 3DS online services are likely about to end soon, based on the current state of things. Before that happens, it may be wise to try to implement, as above, just a few additional improvements to its features somehow in order to improve the quality of the game even as its lifetime nears its end. In that way, people like me may just be able to enjoy the game for quite a bit more before it "shuffles" to a demise.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 6

Two years ago: Standing Pikachu Keychain

Three years ago: The Merits of Sleep

Four years ago: Elite Four: "Courses" vs. "Selections"

The State of Nominations, Part 12

There are things that I'm fond of and not so fond of when I'm nominating places to become PokéStops in Pokémon Go. I'll get to them shortly, but for now, as it has been two months since my last update on the matter, it is certainly time to bring it up again and see how I've progressed on it over that time. The things that I've mentioned above certainly apply in that progression, but so is the actual progression and how things have turned out since the last time.

That progression would be indicated by the hard numbers. Notably, across the board, the numbers of results have increased on all fronts. The total of approved nominations has increased to 64 from 61, which is wonderful. The total of superseded nominations has increased to 13 from 11, which is slightly regrettable but still works out somehow. The total of rejected nominations has increased to 29 from 27, which is very much regrettable. Currently, I have 9 nominations in progress, including 1 renomination, and they should have some potential to contribute, which will be seen next time.

One of the things that I'm fond of is when a nomination gets approved quickly, which happened with a recent nomination. The review process only took six days to approval, in comparison to other, more recent approvals, which took two or more months. Another thing is being able to go into an area with relatively sparse PokéStops and being able to spot places that definitely need to be nominated in order to not only add to the overworld map but also point out its existence. This last bit is not only important but also fun.

On the other hand, one thing I'm not fond of continues to be "wild" rejections, something that has persisted even from last year. This is when a nomination is rejected but the reason itself doesn't appear to be valid, and even now it still occurs, from clear pictures thought to be blurry and pictures that are deemed irrelevant when they are not. The solution seems to remain the same as before: to be persistent in nominating, at least when it is appropriate to do so in order to avoid a "wild" rejection.

In the times ahead, I may focus my nomination efforts to renominate places that deserve it, including considering ones that have been rejected twice; new places may also be need to be found to supplant rejected nominations. And of course, as above, I'm interested to go into places I've never been to and to spot places to nominate, which may then be nominated then and there or whenever I find it appropriate.,

It seems that whatever happens with nominations, including things that I'm fond of and not so fond of, one thing is clear: I'm fond of nominating new PokéStops and reporting or detailing on my progress for that. It partially reflects my progression in Pokémon Go and my sense of adventure to seek new places and make them known in the best way I can, just like this Trainer strives for the best with Pokémon.

One year ago: The Leek and Pokémon

Two years ago: Cosplay: Isekai

Three years ago: A Merchandise Dream

Four years ago: Unified Centers and Marts

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/28/2021

This month and the next two months have been established as being part of the Pokémon Go season that is called the Season of Mischief, and Trainers ought to know by now who's responsible for all that - Hoopa. It would be expected that the events would have some correlation to the Mischief Pokémon, and they do - some albeit more distantly than others, but many of them do. Thus, the rollup this month is intended to explain that and a whole lot more related to that.

Being a Mythical Pokémon (though a minor one), Hoopa is expected to be begotten through a Special Research, and it is. Unlike other Special Research sets for other Mythical Pokémon, this one is being revealed gradually using the "episodic" framework that I described as an "evolution" of Special Research. Specifically, the Special Research set is being revealed by the events in this month and throughout the Season of Mischief, which is why it is being mentioned here. Hoopa itself in its Confined form can already be encountered on the second full page, but that is of course not the whole story; that will come later on as more of the set is gradually revealed.

After the initial reveal at the start of the season, the reveal continued with a dedicated one-day event on September 5 to mark the coming of the Mythical Pokémon, which is titled Hoopa's Arrival. Though dedicated, the event actually uses the Incense Day framework with alternating type hours (Psychic and Ghost/Dark) corresponding to the types of Hoopa. The event was made more enticing with a Collection Challenge, double transfer Candy, and helpful Field Research tasks with lots of Poké Balls as rewards. It was in many ways a fitting welcome for the Mischief Pokémon, as well as its species of kin that may have their own brand of mischief... which is then spectacularly followed.

True to one of its types, the reveal continued with the return of the Psychic Spectacular from September 8 to 13, with two of Hoopa's kins taking the stage: Inkay and Malamar, the Psychic-type Pokémon with affinities for turning over, literally. They are joined by other Pokémon of the Psychic type and appear in the wild, in raids, and as rewards for Field Research tasks; Inkay also appeared in photobombs once a day and new stickers were available. The event celebrated Pokémon of the type along with an "overturning" of its own with certain Pokémon, certainly with Hoopa itself included.

As an aside from the Hoopa-related events, Go Battle Night returned on September 18, only it wasn't for a night, but for an entire day; the event has become Go Battle Day as a result, with other particulars remaining the same. This change ought to have freed the constraints (that may lead to a "burnout" as I have experienced) of the event and made it more accessible to more Trainers, though they'll have to wait until November until they can get in on the event again, twice at that point.

Hoopa has a certain "style" to it, and style is definitely part of fashion; with that, Fashion Week returned from September 21 up to today, also revealing the next part of the Hoopa story. This edition also had a story all its own, with Furfrou debuting and taking the stage with its various trims, some available globally and others in certain locales with a new mechanism called Change Form. Certain Pokémon with fashionable outfits, including some from last time and with Shiny possibilities, also appeared in various means. Other lively parts of the event were a Special Research set for Meloetta for everyone, the return of NPC Trainers - in the same fashion as Pokémon Go Tour - this time known as "Fashion Challengers", a Timed Research set with stylish challenges, and stylish possibilities in the shop, all for a celebration of style with some mischief included.

The Season of Mischief will continue with certain events, as will the Special Research with Hoopa, which will also have its further parts revealed by then. Until that point, it is safe to sufficiently say that there has been a lot of mischief in this month, from both the Pokémon of concern and many other things as well. It's a lot for Trainers to deal with, but that much is to be expected when mischief is in play.

One year ago: The Future of LINE Pokémon Stickers

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/28/2019

Three years ago: A New Age of EX Raids

Four years ago: To Teach and To Delight

Road of 25th Anniversary: Two for the Show

In May, I noted how the big Pokémon anniversary of this year, its 25th, is like a "show" of sorts. This month seems to reaffirm that quite well with the happenings on the official anniversary web site. In particular, the happenings are linked to a factor of "two", and that leads to the descriptor above, in the title of this post. That's fascinating, and so are those specific happenings.

One of the elements with a factor of "two" is the featured region of the month, and thus it's not hard to guess that the featured region is Johto, the main region of the second-generation main series games. As the first expansion to the world of Pokémon, it represents a unique novelty, with new species, new types, and new mechanisms, many of which are now well-known and considered standard. I've shared my "dual" memories of this region, and it truly was like that in a sense. It could be construed that Trainers like me had a "second life" with this region, and that says something about its "two" factor.

Last month, the P25 Music program brought about the existence of two complementary EP editions, and that has remained. What's new this time is the selection of two and two (that is, four) more artists for the program, who are Louane, Lil Yachty, Tierra Whack, and Jax Jones. They join the previously revealed lineup of artists for the compilation that will be due out soon. With the range of artists that have been revealed, there seems to be a good selection of big names and not-so-big names, but obviously they remain important for the entire program, and there's no two ways about that, except maybe with the two EPs.

A snack that many will recognize as having two sides is the Oreo sandwich cookie, and after having collaborated to decorate the packaging for their mini versions, now Pokémon appear on the cookies themselves. 16 species appear embossed on the chocolate wafer of the sandwich cookies for a limited time instead of the traditional cookie markings. This is very unique indeed, and fans may be torn in two whether to collect the cookie markings or to eat the cookies when presented with them - particularly after the specific method of twisting them in two to do so. It's double the fun and double the enigma.

Presently, there is also another online anime miniseries called Pokémon: Evolutions, and now it is up to its second episode. The miniseries is more than just that, however, as its core premise is to show facets of the story of the regions and how the particular characters of those regions measure up - in a way, "evolve" - to meet the challenge. Naturally, I won't go about it here and will do so in another (that is, "secondary") post just like I did with Twilight Wings. It's made to be a great miniseries, and it needs that "secondary" post to quantify that greatness, and by that time, there will be more than just two episodes.

Twin happenings are rather abound at this point for the big 25th anniversary of Pokémon. Yet, the factor of "two" has always been fundamentally important to Pokémon, so even with the twosome quantity, there is always a certain quality to expect. And in the midst of two anniversaries - this year's big one and the next year's - the "show" that Pokémon is putting on is still incredible even now.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/27/2020

Two years ago: 1000 Posts!!!

Three years ago: Meet Meltan

Four years ago: Pokémon Stuff at a Neighborhood Store

The Challenge of Uniting Myself

Four days ago, Pokémon Unite was released on mobile platforms, having already been released for the Switch a couple of months beforehand. It's a very new Pokémon game that is unlike other Pokémon games but very much like popular mobile games of the present. A new player will likely face some challenges in starting to play this rather new game, and that would include me, if I were to play... and the matter of fact is that is what happened (or is happening presently) as I've started playing.

Being that I don't have a Switch, I've started playing with the recently released mobile version. I've had to clear out a bit of space to do so, and it seems fine for now. The plan is that once I get a Switch, I will transition my play over to the console, but keep the mobile version in case friends wish to get together and play and all I have is my phone. If the circumstances work out somehow, I may be able to keep Unite on both my phone and a Switch, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The important thing now is to play.

After going through the tutorials, I hopped in for a number of games with others. Sometimes things worked out and victory was attained, while other times they didn't and a loss resulted. This game and kind of games are heavily action-oriented, and if one doesn't act, one stands to lose; therein lies the challenge of "uniting myself". It's very different from Pokémon Go and the main series games, and it presents a challenge similar to the time I first started to play the latter. Unite is billed as "simple to learn, difficult to master", and that is true to some extent; what seems to be also true for me personally is a slight difficulty in maneuvering and attacking. In my case, I found myself sometimes not going where I'd like to go or not attacking when I meant to. At present, I chalk this up to the difficulty of using my phone for this purpose, and the situation may be helped once I'm on the Switch. Regardless, on my phone, I still have to deal with this directly as well as current others for the game; a review of the tutorials may be in order before I proceed anyhow.

I'm rather certain that Pokémon Unite is an exciting game, on par with other games of its kind but with something very recognizable. I'm also rather certain that the challenge above may not be unique to me, but it is regardless the challenge that I face - that of "uniting myself". The battles still rage on in the arenas of the game, and there are still lots of challenges to face in them. Yet the challenge of "uniting myself" in familiarity and progression remains the foremost challenge in diving into the workings of the Pokémon Unite action.

One year ago: More and Yet More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Two years ago: The Name of the Game

Three years ago: The First English Anime Opening Theme

Four years ago: Strong Opinions

The "Evolution" of Pokémon Go Special Research

Ever since it was introduced, Special Research in Pokémon Go has become the venue for obtaining certain Pokémon like Mythical Pokémon - which are themselves special indeed - as well as to provide nifty add-ons for special events like Community Day and Pokémon Go Fest with continued additions of different sets. What seems even more remarkable than what it has rewarded is the ways that it has "evolved" in its development to furnish those rewards. For that, it becomes apt to discuss the various ways so far that it has done so.

Though it appears to be different from Special Research, Timed Research is still a form of Special Research, as I've noted in my introduction of them and by the fact that they are marked as such when completed. The only difference is that they are clearly marked for their availability time in Today View, urging for their completion as soon as possible. Collection Challenges are then further offshoots of this kind of Special Research, specifically demanding the capture of specific Pokémon in specific ways if necessary. In either case, the time factor becomes the greatest determinant of progress, but once progress is made, the rewards can be very rewarding indeed.

A couple of months ago, the Special Research for Pokémon Go Fest (and a prior "test" event) implemented "branching" that demanded Trainers to pick from options at certain points, much like the options one has to pick in the main series games. Given that this year is a major anniversary of those main series games, this development would be indeed a throwback or recall to this selection method. It obviously has the same perks and detriments as those that occur in the main series games, but then they are also to be resolved in much the same ways (for Pokémon particularly, by trading for them). This development primarily carries senses of novelty and nostalgia.

More recently this month, Special Research has implemented an "episodic" manner of progression. The progression is like a normal Special Research, but some pages contain a single task that only becomes completed when a certain point in time passes, preventing all of the Special Research to be accessed right away. The result is that everyone gets the same experience when the time presents itself, including the story presented by the Special Research. The circumstances surrounding the current implementation are to be explained soon, but what is clear is that the aim of this development is to get everyone to follow along and enjoy the ride.

By now, Special Research is quite established, but it is clear that it can and does benefit from additions that change up its urgency, particularity, and pace, as with the above developments. It seems very much fair to say that they constitute "evolutions" in some way, and just like when Pokémon evolve and gain aspects, the forms of Special Research gained aspects and "evolved" to become something a bit greater. That would be expected with greater number of Special Research sets and the greater Pokémon rewards to be gained from them.

One year ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: Expectations

Two years ago: A Raid Split?

Three years ago: The First Japanese Anime Opening Theme

Four years ago: Enhancements in Shuffle

Tournament: Raid Group Sparring Halloween Cup

It's been a very long time since my raid group held a Pokémon Go tournament of any kind. Recently, some of the other members agreed on the same matter, and a "sparring tournament" was quickly conceived with the help of the Silph Arena. I took part in that tournament, and with it having concluded, I can now discuss it in some detail as well as its prospects for the battles that will come in a variety of guises.

This is a "sparring" and thus a "practice" tournament, but it still has some competitive value regardless, though not for the Silph Arena itself as right now it is in between seasons - more on this later. The selected theme is the Halloween Cup from the GBL, but the tournament format follows Silph Arena standards. Therefore, for those looking forward to the next Silph Arena season or GBL formats, the "practice" is for that, though execution will be different depending on the themes.

Scheduling for this tournament is also quite different: instead of it being held in a single day, the tournament was held over multiple days. This is something that the remote format of the Silph Arena allows since it was implemented when the global situation changed, but I've never participated in one with such a scheduling until now. For this one, each round is conducted within 1 day or 24 hours, and with four rounds by 12 participants, it took 4 days, and this one started on Monday evening. I completed the fourth round and all my battles last night, which means I can write about it today, moreover with the tournament having formally concluded at 8 PM.

Personally, my results weren't half bad but weren't too good either. I won half of my rounds and in fact won half of my battles as well, 6 wins and 6 losses. I ended up third among the four Trainers also with two wins and seventh place overall. There were also some very close battle results that could have gone for the better with a slight tweak or worse had I not taken certain actions, and who knows what would have happened if so. The entire tournament also had a progression that completely formed patterns, which is rare among tournaments like these and allowed the winner to be determined in a single final match; it was likely helped by the even number of participants.

As noted, this is the first tournament in such a long time by my raid group. With the incoming Silph Arena season and other themed cup varieties that the GBL will introduce, it may be possible to initiate other tournaments, "sparring" or otherwise, for anyone of the raid group to join in. Other possibilities may be dependent on how the tournament managers feel about opening up, but I'd say that if they're open, they will definitely be open, especially if specific formats are to be regarded.

This tournament was quite refreshing in many ways. The raid group finally hosting another, with unique scheduling, is a change from the current efforts focused on non-battle activities, and it brings much-needed interactions to try to get going for the battle activities that may lie ahead. That ought to be the real refresher for me and the other participants. And once real battles get going in upcoming venues, we may have this tournament to thank to prepare for them.

One year ago: The HIStory of the Future (and Now, with Pokémon)

Two years ago: Performance Critique: GACOS LEVELUP J-Song

Three years ago: New Pokémon, New World?

Four years ago: Pikachu with Regional Caps

Unite Uptake

I wouldn't usually do an "uptake report" for a Pokémon game outside of the main series - and this would really be the first one - but I feel that the circumstances are rather special that they demand one. So, Pokémon Unite was released for the Switch back in July and on mobile yesterday. Between those two points, there has to have been many players that have gotten into the game, and there are. That in itself presents an exciting story for its uptake.

The July release on the Switch was obviously to cater for the foremost of Pokémon fans that play on the console, and it allowed just that. I've seen those who have the Switch immediately download the game regardless of whether they do or do not play other Pokémon games, even extensively. From the monitoring of the channels closest to me, the response was quite minimal, which is probably because the Switch is not something that everyone has, even for me personally. It is certain that those who have it played it, though reactions were subdued.

Meanwhile, yesterday's release on mobile platforms led to quite a buzz among my groups. My raid groups were eager to try it, and some have even made links with others to play. My main series groups wanted to be in on the fun as well and have thrown out the possibility of linking up with others if needed. The buzz is certainly larger than it was when it was just on the Switch, certainly given now that many more people can play, not necessarily on a device that some may or may not have.

And that's also a good point of contention. The big things that affect uptake in this case is the cross-play capability, which allows Switch and mobile players to play together, as well as cross saves that are made possible by linking a Pokémon Trainer's Club account, which allows play data to be accessed wherever one plays. Some in my groups have noted that many likely have taken advantage of either or both features in order to make the best of their plays, resulting in some noticeable play outcomes. The current popularity of this kind of game also helps.

Given the above, the uptake of this game seems to be rather prospective. Combine legions of Pokémon fans around the world, a very popular game format, and facilities of linking play data, and it is possible to have a very popular turnout and a high uptake all around. That seems very unique and special for a Pokémon game, which begs to be highlighted, perhaps to inspire others (like me) to do just the same.

One year ago: Making Time, Taking Time

Two years ago: Doubleheaders and Such

Three years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 2nd

Four years ago: Pikachu and Poké Ball New 2DS XL

Mallow and Ina, Chef and Contessa

I've detailed some (of my) impressions about Mallow from the Alola saga of the Pokémon anime, around one and a half years ago. She's a real personality where she is involved as the character of a chef. But then, so are some chef personalities of the real world, particularly from the Food Network, something I've also stated that I have an interest in. In light of Mallow, I am reminded of another chef personality of the Food Network that I also really like: Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa.

There are actually some minor similarities between the two, apart from the fact that they are both female. Ina is tied to an eatery and shop called the "Barefoot Contessa" (yes, also the origin of her "title"), which she purchased on a whim and turned into a highly successful business, and this parallels that of Mallow's café. Besides cooking for an eatery, though, both can cook down-home food that anyone can like, Ina being evidenced through her show with her attributed title and Mallow through what she presents in the anime.

Mallow lives in the island paradise of the Alola region, while Ina and her husband Jeffrey live on Long Island in a region known as a paradise for the wealthy (East Hampton). Despite Ina being in a place for the rich, her food attempts to display sensibility rather than to flaunt wealth, at least in most cases, being perfectly replicable by the best yet most accessible ingredients. Meanwhile, Mallow cooks good food that others can and do pay for, but that great food can easily be elevated to extremely awesome food with the best ingredients, even hard-to-find ones. Some of these are stark differences between the two chefs, but they can also be considered to be partial parallels as well.

Incidentally, while viewing my YouTube feed, I've noticed that they have at times appeared next to each other. There would be the "Mallow, the Masterful Chef" video from the official Pokémon YouTube channel, and then there would be one of Ina's clips from her show from Food Network. It might be simple to attribute this to coincidence, but given my experiences, I prefer not to do so; instead, I consider it meant to be and as something that I can be happy for - and of course, enjoy.

I suppose I find it pleasing to be in the accompaniment of two chefs, Mallow and Ina. One delivers good food in paradise with a Pokémon twist, and the other delivers great food from paradise with an everyday twist. They're both something that the respective people would be pleased to consume. Thus, it is fitting to call them chefs by what they do, and it seems just fitting to call them with the title of "contessa" as well - one the Contessa of Alola and not necessarily barefoot, and the other the one and only Barefoot Contessa.

One year ago: The Place of Pokémon Go in the Pokémon Ecosystem

Two years ago: Cosplay: GACOS LEVELUP

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/22/2018

Four years ago: Riot of Pokémon Color

Pikachu Fidget Spinner

A few years ago, the fidget spinner became popular due to its recreational and reputed therapeutic properties. It was briefly a fad at that time, almost on par with Pokémon Go, though now the latter can hardly be called one. The toy can and does come in a variety of appearances, and if the piece of merchandise I've come to possess is of any indication, it is that it can have a Pokémon appearance as well. It was recently given to me by a friend who specializes in dealing with the market of toys, and in fact also helped out with the Pokémon SM fast food toys from a while back.

This fidget spinner is decorated with the image of Pikachu running over grass, and is supposed to emulate that perception. Unlike most spinners, this one has six arms and is translucent in some parts. The axle pad is still opaque and yellow, but that is perfectly fine. To help maintain the operational status of the toy, a case is provided to prevent it from becoming damaged by other objects and to make it easier to carry it around and take it anywhere. The one who conceived this version of the spinner seems to have thought of its full potential and designed it as such with the Pokémon twist.

I've had the chance to play with this spinner a few times, and it spins quite well. One downside is that it is not possible to see Pikachu run when the spinner spins very quickly, making the intent of the graphics unfulfilled in this case, but it is still visible at slower speeds. The axle and pad also do a pretty good job of keeping the momentum as the toy spins and is moved around, which is enough for my needs. Overall, I'm rather pleased with the quality of this variant and edition of the spinner, and while I'm not likely to use it often, breaking it out occasionally to make it spin is still sufficiently pleasant for me.

Fads come and go, and the fidget spinner represents one such fad. The one thing that I extremely enjoy and becomes a part of my life, which is Pokémon, fortunately isn't one of them. Yet it is apparent that the two can intersect, and they do in this piece of merchandise. What may be the biggest surprise is how well the merchandise is designed to fulfill the standard of the item itself as well as the franchise being represented. The time for fidget spinners may have long passed, but this Pokémon fan can still foresee passing time in one way through the usage of this item.

One year ago: Item Runs in Pokémon Shuffle

Two years ago: Remember, Remember

Three years ago: Community Raid Days?

Four years ago: Pokémon and Party Games

To Be a Snorlax

I have to say that I've been up and down lately, particularly since the past couple of days regarding my condition, which almost necessitates that I fill myself and sleep a little more than normal. That would, in effect, be almost amounting to being or becoming a Snorlax, the Pokémon that is known for its gluttony before drowsiness. In some ways, I'm tempted to consider imagining how it would be if I were really a Snorlax with all its behaviors and attributes.

Being a big eater, Snorlax is known for stuffing its face and stomach full of Berries. Snorlax might not be preferential in its choice of Berries to eat, but I would certainly be. I would opt for mostly Oran and Pecha Berries, with Sitrus or Pinap Berries if available. Also depending on availability and/or mood would be Nanab and Cheri Berries. The only ones I would really avoid are Tamato and Bluk Berries, known for their spicy and staining natures. Regardless, I would be eating lots of any of these, like any good Snorlax would.

Then comes the sleeping part. The concern here is not how long I would sleep; all Snorlax sleep for a pretty long time. What would be the concern for me primarily is where I would sleep. Instead of blocking paths as some Snorlax would do, I would go to a cave or some secluded part of the environment and then sleep there. Sleeping on a hilltop under a tree would be one such option, as a particular Snorlax of repute would certainly do. These options would fit myself well as it would fit others.

While Snorlax is known for its disruptive tendencies, I might be a little more helpful in this regard. I would see myself being helpful, when goaded by other Pokémon or people, to see myself out of my sleep and do what is considered necessary to help before resuming my sleep once again, with or without taking my fill of Berries if necessary. This would likely take some major efforts depending on the situation of my sleep, but as long as it becomes necessary, then I might just do it for my sake and that of others.

After what I've gone through in the past couple of days, seeing myself as a Snorlax might not be so hard after all. It enjoys life through eating and sleeping, with the occasional instance of helping others. It would still be a lot to go through, considering the bulk of Snorlax and all, but it might be somewhat conceivable. All it might take is putting my mind mostly to eating and sleeping, as I've done for myself recently.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/20/2020

Two years ago: The Friendly Manual

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/20/2018

Four years ago: Meeting, Parting with, and Missing Friends

Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/19/2021

Today is a watery Community Day for Pokémon Go in some ways. It might describe the featured Pokémon and all its related aspects, or it might describe my efforts in progressing through it. Considering that, it may be important to describe things as succinctly as possible without losing focus on the important things by them being "watered down".

That said, the featured Pokémon this month is Oshawott, the water-type starter Pokémon of Unova. Naturally, it means that the exclusive move is the powerful Hydro Cannon for its final evolution of Samurott. The customary bonus is tripled XP, a boon for those seeking it to level up. As usual, the event takes place within 11 AM to 5 PM locally with the choice to use extended Lure Modules (particularly, the new Rainy Lure Modules, also provided in the Community Day Box and allow Oshawott to appear) or Incense depending on convenience. Finally, the paid Special Research is titled "From Scalchops to Seamitars", reflecting the weapons of choice for all its evolutionary stages, rewarding them and, as always, a whole lot more.

One of my groups wanted to have an in-person meeting, and so we agreed to meet close to a local park. There, we set up Lure Modules (and Incense as it becomes appropriate) and hunkered down, also occasionally taking breaks with other things. I have to say that for me this time, going through Community Day felt like I was being "submerged in water", but thanks to the presence of friends, it felt a little less like that. The result was that I managed to capture many Oshawott, which with the help of Mega Slowbro resulted in a massive Candy stock along with a mass of Candy XL. I also caught 17 Shiny Oshawott, which is more than sufficient.

Of course, it was the selection of the featured Pokémon and local circumstances that led to things feeling like they were "watered down". While that may still be true regarding what the featured Pokémon can do, at least with the right effort, one can go through the event without feeling as such - which seems fortunate for me today. With that, at least the "watered down" description is not fully true and I and others can take advantage of the watery situation to raise our spirits.

One year ago: On the Transcription of Pokémon Things

Two years ago: Taking Sides on Shiny Pokémon

Three years ago: Raid Time Length Change

Four years ago: Competitive Stages in Shuffle

To Care and To Protect

There's a certain initiative out there that has good intentions and, despite the background workings being somewhat problematic due to certain issues, will more or less necessarily involve the local populace. That initiative has the intent to make sure that the local people are attended to and safe from harm. As such, it involves the two key words in the title of this post: "care" and "protect". As is the norm for this blog, I'd like to discuss the initiative and its separate elements in Pokémon terms in order to gain at least a specific understanding of them.

The first one, "care", can have many implications, especially in regard to Pokémon. But for the most part, when caring for Pokémon is of concern, it really is about attending to the creatures - making sure their innate desires are fulfilled if possible and keeping them in line. With the way that Trainers are, this is likely to involve striking the delicate balance between going all out in battle and having to attend to them afterwards (as shown by Pokémon Refresh). That may be a bit of a tall order, but a skilled Trainer should know when and how to care for their Pokémon in the best way possible.

Moving on to the second, "protect" also has a bevy of meanings, but it is likewise possible to pin down a common understanding for Trainers and their Pokémon. For them, the protection that is afforded concerns how their ways of living are maintained and how to direct change toward the better. These become rather evident when fending off certain teams with malicious intent. Those things may in fact be pretty big things to protect, but Trainers and Pokémon who understand ought to be able to think up of ways to do exactly that.

Much of the implications and meanings above seem to be present in the initiative. It is meant to be a way to care for the concerns of all people who are part of it and to protect the interests of the same people. The only thing left is the issues that make the initiative slightly somewhat problematic. Certain events and issues have raised these issues, which have become their concern and likewise mine.

Me: What do you think?

Ash: You know, I, Pikachu, and others with me have to face these things all the time. I know you're worried, but you ought to have faith that someone will come along and fix things up.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yes!"]

Ash: If it matters that much to many people, if they don't get fixed, then someone has to fix it, otherwise it would be a total embarrassment just like what happened to you.

Me: Well, I see what you're saying.

Ash: Don't worry - if the thing is to care and to protect, then it has to be protected and cared for too. We'll support you if you need.

Pikachu: Pi, pika pika. ["Yes, surely."]

Me: That's a good reassurance.

In any case, the initiative is here to stay for what might seem the longest time and it will be quite hard to opt out of it. I ought to delve into the initiative and finally jump in when it becomes appropriate, as appropriate as caring and protecting should be.

One year ago: GOtcha Podcast Episode 1: Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Raid Failures

Three years ago: A Restarted Fever?

Four years ago: What I (Really) Like About You - Pokémon

(Un)finished Business, Again

They say history repeats itself, and I find that to be true for some of my Pokémon experiences and happenings. Late in the first year that I started this blog, I detailed - embarrassingly - that I hadn't finished my copy of Pokémon Sun in the one year and more that I have it. Fast forward close to four years later, and regrettably, the same thing happened with my copy of Ultra Moon in the four years I have it, which in my view is even more embarrassing.

This time, this screen was delayed for nearly four years.

Evidently, my participation in the two VGC tournaments in the following year took a similarly hastily cobbled approach, which I already know is not a good approach, but I took it up anyway in the hope that there was a chance of making things work out. That didn't happen and I ended up struggling anyhow. It's a pitiful experience that I wouldn't wish to happen for any fan no matter what circumstances they're in.

Actually, this also becomes one of the reasons that I have deferred plans to obtain a Nintendo Switch, since I wanted to finish what I'd started on the 3DS before moving on. This is in addition to other reasons and constraints such as the lack of resources, pressure from other things, and of course the global situation that has persisted. With the completion of the main storyline, that should be one less reason to defer now.

Still, the deference of obtaining the Switch may be construed as buying time with actual preparation for the purchase and the readiness for that, and the completion of Ultra Moon that took four years indicates that I'm not fully ready for what awaits me there. I've in effect realized a friend's unpreparedness in dealing with a new console and a game that is present on it as my own unpreparedness on an older console.

In the same way as with four years ago, I've been thrust into the postgame, yet now it may be that I can afford to take a greater snoop into the postgame than I did with Sun, though that will have to be planned somehow. A Switch will eventually be in my future, though I cannot ascertain how and when that would be; the only thing I can ascertain is the essential nature of this to my further progressions in Pokémon.

While history does repeat itself for Pokémon or otherwise, and with or without me, there's a certain sense that embarrassment is to be avoided if and when that happens. Unfortunately, that couldn't be the case here, and this time it seems to be worse. In hindsight, with a new console at some point ahead, the situation can be mapped out to avoid embarrassment and hopefully make unfinished business finished once and for all.

One year ago: Progressing Through the Go Battle League

Two years ago: At a Starry Night Time

Three years ago: Approaching Field Research Tasks

Four years ago: Restarting Go Fever Among Players

Let's Talk About Good Drinks and Good Friends

Me: This "Let's Talk" will be somewhat similar yet a bit different from one that occurred in the past.

Ash: How would that be?

Pikachu: Pika? ["Hmm?"]

Me: I'll get to that later on. Today's topic, though, should be a refreshing one. It's about stuff we drink and people with whom we share.

Ash: Oh, that's a great one. You know, we all cannot live without drinking something.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu! ["Neither can I!"]

Ash: Especially you, Pikachu. When I train my Pokémon, I can't get by without drinking something. Most of the time, that would be water - it can't be any fresher than that.

Me: I have to agree. Water is the source of life after all. Whatever else we drink, we have to come back to water at some point. So obviously there are other drinks, but it's just that water is the main thing.

Ash: There's another drink that I like, and that's tea. I've had it in Unova thanks to Cilan, and in Galar with Goh.

Me: That's a neat one. Depending on the plant that it's made from, it can be pleasant or really funky.

Ash: I've never had the funky ones. Have you?

Me: No, neither have I. And I'm not sure I'd like to. But maybe Pikachu would like them.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Hey!"]

Me: Well, I guess it depends on what Pikachu likes. You know what can be even funkier than tea? Coffee. I like coffee because I need a jolt every so often.

Ash: So it's like getting a shock from Pikachu, only it peps you up.

Me: Yeah. You know what it feels like, so coffee isn't for you, and let's just leave it at that. I guess what works out for you the best is fruit juice - or in your case, Berry juice.

Ash: The one from Shuckle?

Me: Not necessarily, but I guess that might be neat to drink sometimes. I'm thinking just crushed up Berries might just work.

Ash: I like some Berries, so I get what you're saying.

Me: And of course, any or all these can be shared with whoever you're with, like Cilan and Goh.

Ash: Goh might really like some of them other than the tea. 

Me: See, that's what I'm talking about. Also, this discussion is for a specific reason: I'm sending you to a little celebration for a collaboration that a certain café is initiating. You'll recognize the café from two previous events you've been to.

Ash: I almost forgot! It's today, isn't it? Well, I just made it, and it's nice. They sold different drinks while I and some of your other character friends made things lively. But then after that things kind of went down after a movie about pirates and a karaoke session.

Pikachu: Pika, pi pika chu. ["It went up, then down."]

Me: I knew this would happen. That's why I thought we'd take a stab at it indirectly. In that sense, it's kind of like the time we talked about gadgets and things.

Ash: At least we helped things out, and since they went out of their way to get things going, we know we need to have good drinks and good friends.

Me: We sure do.

Ash: By the way, you didn't drink at all earlier today.

Me: Oh, that. It's a little thing that I've been doing for a long time now, and it's been said to have some health benefits. Aside from that, I agree that good drinks and good friends are important.

Ash: We'll drink to that!

Pikachu: Pi-ka! ["Cheers!"]

One year ago: The Firefighters of Pokémon

Two years ago: Pokémon Cable Bite Accessory - Pikachu

Three years ago: An End to Jumps

Four years ago: Pokémon Suits in Cosplay?

Reminiscing Stadium and Colosseum

The main series of Pokémon games, in their early days, were low-definition, 2D, and reduced-color affairs. Trainers who sought a more improved battling experience had to find other means, and those means were realized in the form of the Stadium and (later on) Colosseum games. These featured the same battle systems of the main series games related to them - though with different objectives - in greater color and definition as well as 3D. For Pokémon at that time, this was obviously significant.

These games allowed the usage of rental Pokémon that can be gotten within the games, or they can link up with certain main series versions to import Pokémon from them, essentially enabling their use within the games. Some games in particular also allowed the linked games to be played directly due to the import mechanism, and in an enhanced manner as well. They essentially fulfilled the purposes above when the main series games ran on modest means, though for practical purposes they are still "adjuncts".

I've had very little experience with these games apart from reading a good amount of information about them (which is how I know the above), so I've essentially missed out on these games, even more so with the experience. What little I did play with one or two of them does affirm the advanced quality of these games for their time, and I would likely have been able to enjoy them as much as the main series games; they could also have fine-tuned my main series battling skills to a certain extent as well.

It's been quite some time after these games have appeared, and the main series games have caught up to these games in terms of graphics quality and expanded way beyond than anyone could imagine. Yet it's still fascinating how these games existed with a battling experience that is similar to the main series games but quite enhanced. The main series does not really need another one of these games now that they run on an advanced console, but it's still neat to reminisce these relics that improve the experience.

One year ago: On Public Communication with Pokémon

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/15/2019

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Trading Stickers

Four years ago: Am I Writing-Challenged?

Dancing with Pokémon

If there's one thing that my interests in music (and by extension music games) indicate, it is that I enjoy dances and dancing of various kinds. They are ways of physical expression that are often tied to music. One of my side games even commemorates dancing by a special day, affirming its expressive quality. Of physical expression, I'd like to think that I can accomplish the same with Pokémon, for which one form is this very blog. Yet dancing would seemingly work just as well, and I'd like to take this post to consider how the two could be interrelated.

A classical form of dancing is ballroom dancing, which recognizes many standard dance styles, typically of couples. One of them is the waltz, which as I've noted for the first-generation surfing theme seems to fit in quite well; in fact, some of the later themes could be fit for a waltz as well. Meanwhile, it may be that certain battle themes may be fit for Latin styles of dancing, which are also recognized. Some of the pieces of music above and others that could be regarded to fit different styles may just work out for ballroom dancing, though they might need to be slightly or even somewhat adapted. The dances themselves are pretty much standard, but the music doesn't have to be, with Pokémon in tow.

Beyond classical dancing, there is the world of traditional dances, which may include tribal dances that are popular in certain ethnic regions of the world. These are more expressive than they are musical, and it is granted that it may be hard to fit Pokémon in them short of just including Pokémon representations in actual performance and/or having that performance be expressive of Pokémon elements like battles and moves. Both of these are real challenges indeed since these dances are even more set in their ways than the above, but those who are interested might just find a way of making them work.

Then there are modern dances, including ones that feature large groups of dancers and unique music such as hip-hop. Pokémon has sort of an established presence here with a Pikachu formation dance regularly being featured in different places, and groups of Team Skull Grunts taking direct inspiration from real hip-hop acts, both of which have even been in a single video on YouTube as a dance battle of sorts. It is obvious that modern dances very much work well with Pokémon as a result of this.

Generally as thus, dancing can also be regarded to work well with Pokémon regardless of form or musical ties. If the intent of dancing is physical expression, then it surely can evoke Pokémon as well with certain adaptations - and not necessarily needing a special day either. Most would still consider Pokémon as being physically expressed best in very different means. But considering the above, dancing seems to be just fine for its physical expression, something that I do have interest in with my appreciation of music.

One year ago: It's Time for GOtcha... Podcast

Two years ago: The Appeal of the TCG

Three years ago: A Pokémon Watch

Four years ago: Three's Demise

The Fate of My Local Pokémon Hangouts

In the first year of my blogging efforts, I discussed about a couple of local hangouts in my area that not only have a following in their own right but also support the way I am as a Pokémon fan. Four years have passed since then, and many things have happened, including a global situation that renders going out to these hangouts practically infeasible. With that, it seems that it would be pertinent for me to update on these local hangouts in relation to my and others' Pokémon happenings.

The most severely affected would have to be the second of the two hangouts. While I did eventually send Ash there - that is, I cosplayed there - in not one but two opportunities, they turned out to be the last time I could do so, for the café closed its doors in February of last year, incidentally before everyone was affected the following month by the global situation. The reason, though, was not because of that; it was that the lease for the shophouse that hosted it expired at the end of the month and could not be renewed any further. Therefore, the hangout could only stay open up to the middle of the month before the owners had to pack up and move out. In a way, they were spared from the effects of the global situation, but couldn't avoid a different, more pressing issue. They had planned to look for a new place, but then obviously things happened. The chance of them reopening the hangout today is slim to none due to the global situation, so at this point, it is only possible to reminisce the memories before its closure.

As for the other hangout, it has a permanent place, so it is in less danger of closure due to location issues. It even became the place for many local TCG players to practice for and shape up, including to make certain transactions, before the entire competition series for it was stopped due to the global situation. Board games and console games also became limited due to the situation as well as relevant restrictions. However, they can and still do serve food and drinks as a café should, and even deliver them by way of certain couriers. That may be all the owners can do at the moment, aside from branching out to the hospitality industry and catering to that, which they indeed did. For now, it may be wise to support by buying their food any way it can be bought.

The current global situation has managed to change everything, including how fans of Japanese things - including Pokémon - enjoy their assortment of things. This is very much true for the above local hangouts, for which one closed up with scant hope of returning and the other operates in a limited capacity. Both still deserve the appreciation for being (or having been) able to bring people and fans together, especially in my case as a Pokémon fan, with which there is (or was) a venue for self-expression. The current global situation is far from over, but if somehow that happens, there may be a place yet again for these local hangouts.

One year ago: Competitor Ranks of the Silph League Arena

Two years ago: Personal Branding

Three years ago: To Judge and Be Judged

Four years ago: Catering to Old and New Players

Hidden Tracked Statistics in Pokémon Go

In my post about hypothesizing greater friendship levels in Pokémon Go, I mentioned that there is the possibility that the number of times (the count) that two friends have become Lucky Friends with each other may be retained or tracked, which allows it to be used for the purpose of the proposed friendship levels, despite not being explicitly shown. This possibility is based on the fact that certain other statistics are tracked without being made evident until they actually were. I've chosen to discuss them as "statistics" instead of "data" because the latter is known to have its negative connotations that are relevant today.

A (previous) example of one of these statistics is the number of times that a Trainer has completed a raid in conjunction with one other Trainer, which becomes the basis for the Rising Star Duo medal. It becomes obvious that the statistic had been tracked from an early point even before the medal debuted, as when the medal finally made its debut, it had already come with a value for many Trainers. Awareness of the statistic by the medal then led to many Trainers to increase it to the highest level of platinum in order to complete certain tasks for leveling up. Now the statistic is not hidden - though it continues to be tracked - but it is or was a plain example of one.

Based on this, something as simple as the count of one Trainer becoming Lucky Friends with another is likely to be tracked as a statistic, even if it is hidden. It is trivial to be tracked and allows for the easy implementation of new features involving the statistic, such as greater friendship levels as previously explained. It may be expected that there are other truly hidden statistics, but true to their description, they may be unknown until certain circumstances, as with the above medal debut, makes them known.

Pokémon Go is known for its other hidden statistics, although they are less hidden, at least to a certain extent. The stats of Pokémon were once hidden, despite being vaguely described, until they became fully visible. Gym points, though numerically shown when earning them, require observation in order to evaluate their totals, and may be considered hidden again after a gold Gym Badge has been earned. The practice is common even if the methods aren't.

With their state of hiddenness, it may be considered that some vital things in Pokémon Go still need to be tracked to improve progress, even later on, but Trainers don't need to know about them necessarily. The moment they reveal themselves and become pertinent can then be a major revolution for Trainers within this realm of Pokémon. 

One year ago: Let's Talk About Household Creatures

Two years ago: And Intelligence

Three years ago: Proud to Be a Clean Cosplayer

Four years ago: Poké-Mobile Devices

Greater Friendship Levels in Pokémon Go?

Trainers who may be curious about their friendship levels with other Trainers may go into their friend list, sort the list by friendship levels, and notice that even Best Friends are being sorted in what appears to be roughly in order from the most interacted to the least, meaning that the interaction or engagement statistics are likely being kept even past the Best Friend level. This leads to the suggestion that greater friendship levels can or may be implemented if so desired. For that, I'd like to propose or hypothesize how these friendship levels could be implemented.

As with greater Trainer levels beyond 40, these hypothetical levels should be harder to achieve than the currently available and possibly considered "regular" levels. More interactions could be considered to be relevant, but this is both easier (for those who have been friends since the feature was introduced three years ago) and harder (for those who have recently returned) to achieve in the long run. Therefore, something else is needed to keep things hard but also level the playing field. One way to do this would be to make use of Lucky Friend counts, whether these statistics are retained or not, and perhaps also utilizing tasks as with Trainer levels.

Another matter of concern is the exact name of the higher friendship levels. The current names work as the buildup to a "pinnacle", but they don't suggest anything for beyond that "pinnacle" if higher levels were to be introduced. However, a qualifier like "ultimate" may be utilized to differentiate them from the regular levels as above, and the usage might be very well deserving. The system of higher levels ideally should work with the "four hearts" of the current levels, which are also used for Buddy Pokémon levels; given the penchant for new bugs to appear, this would be worthwhile rather than extending them or making a new representation.

With the above considerations in mind, here are the details of my proposal:

• Ultimate Good Friend: 180 days of interaction (+90 days after Best Friend), Lucky Friend at least 1 time
• Ultimate Great Friend: 360 days of interaction (+180 days after the above), Lucky Friend at least 2 times
• Ultimate Ultra Friend: 540 days of interaction (+180 days after the above), Lucky Friend at least 3 times
• Ultimate Best Friend: 720 days of interaction (+180 days after the above), Lucky Friend at least 5 times

These proposed levels would retain the "four hearts" but use them slightly differently, require sufficient interaction as well as Lucky Friend counts, and make use of a different qualifier yet retain commonality. As for bonuses, which lower friendship levels have, more balls in raids and greater attack power boosts can work, as does greater chances of Lucky Pokémon and becoming Lucky Friends; XP bonuses are a given as well. The possibilities for this are just as broad, so the above are only suggestions.

After three years of the friends feature being introduced, friendship levels may or may not be due for an expansion. If it does, any or all of the above aspects may be considered in order to expand those levels in a way that is feasible for current elements and future repercussions that arise from the expansion. At least, the vital means to make this happen may just be already present and apparent when one looks at their friend list.

One year ago: Getting Feline with Pokémon

Two years ago: This Is It

Three years ago: Cosplay: Club Cosplay Party

Four years ago: Pokkén BanaPassports

Wallpaper: Journeys Gap Ad

The last desktop wallpaper that I made was three years ago, and that's a pretty long time. There was an intent to change it with a new creation, but between my businesses and the happenings of the world, the wallpaper worked out and applied to the sentiments of the times. As much as it was still appropriate, I wanted to go in a new direction, and thus a new wallpaper had to be made. Fortunately, I found the perfect concept that put together Pokémon with a certain "homage" that could also be in part considered a "parody".

This wallpaper is titled "Journeys Gap Ad". Evidently, it could be construed as a (promotional) advertisement for Pokémon Journeys, the series that is represented by the two protagonists of Ash and Goh, shown with their choice partner Pokémon here. Scorbunny is fiery, Pikachu is electric, and they're both together as their Trainers are together, and thus the tagline above ("What's best is fiery, electric, and together"). This is coupled with the tagline and title of the opening song of the series as placed below, along with the identifier for the characters and the appropriate disclaimers. The depiction takes a black-and-white retro approach, despite that Pokémon Journeys is not from an era where such advertisements are present, especially in certain magazines.

Actually, this was made to resemble a certain real advertisement, and this is the "homage" and "parody" part. The advertisement is for a certain clothing company, and the specific advertisement featured two well-known figures who are actually the creators behind another game series that I'm also fond of (see this Twitter tweet for the reference). Here, the advertisement is replicated with as much detail and precision as possible, taking a few liberties to include the Pokémon context. The original advertisement is from 1995, which is obviously retro by now and was far before Pokémon Journeys came into being, but the feel was also replicated faithfully. I consider the results to be quite fitting.

As shown in the image above, the wallpaper is made for PCs, but I've actually created a mobile version for smartphones as well, and in fact it was created before the PC version. The mobile phone version takes a few more liberties due to the reduced scale but is otherwise equivalent in spirit to the PC version. Speaking of scaling, both versions are intended to be ably scaled to different screen aspect ratios by adding or subtracting the beige part, with the initial wallpaper for the PC version being originally designed for a 16:10 ratio that does not take much to be adapted to 16:9.

With the previous wallpapers, it becomes obvious that I have a fondness for simple ideas (and additionally, imitative qualities). Yet it is also obvious that when they're done right, simple and imitative can actually be quite expressive, in this case of Pokémon. In this case, the result is a "promotion that transcends time" that honors an external journey of the past with one that is related to Pokémon and certainly way ahead of its time.

One year ago: Multilingual Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Gym Tours

Three years ago: (A Further) Local Ex-Raid, 9/10/2018

Four years ago: Cosplay: BJF - Shizen ni Modoru

Capturing Toward the (Pokémon) Future

The word "capture" means many things to different people. It may mean to possess, grab hold, or take control of things. In the context of Pokémon, the word is often tied to the creatures, which are caught by Trainers for different purposes, including but not limited to battling with them. It is no wonder, then, that the word may resonate with many Trainers, including me. That was what exactly happened with me when I saw the word used in a different context, yet in my mind still conjures up Pokémon visions.

About a month ago, I heard that a TV channel was being launched with an optimistic outlook toward the future, which is reflected in its slogan, reflecting the fact of being able to capture toward that very future. The channel is about as distantly related to Pokémon as one can get, so if anything Pokémon is even featured on the channel, it would be rather tangential. That's not to say that it is impossible, but it would be on the verge of not having anything to do with it. But from this, the "capture" part of the slogan speaks to me as a Pokémon fan.

In relating the slogan to the Pokémon affairs of my own and other people, the link becomes quite fascinating. Capturing is an action that is commonly performed for and within the realm of anything related to Pokémon, whether for the Pokémon themselves and thus it is fair and not hard to say that capturing is an essential action to move a person or a group of people toward desirable situations, including that of the future. In this regard, one really does perform the action literally in order to move toward the future.

Effectively, the optimistic outlook of that new TV channel is validated. Obviously, the TV channel through its programs possesses and executes a different approach to capturing in order to move to the future, which is not necessarily what Pokémon fans like me would think of, but it works and is meaningful for the channel. For Pokémon fans like me, though, capturing can hold many significant meanings, particularly for the creatures of concern. But if it's anything like the TV slogan, the same actions can and should result in a significant future.

One year ago: More Music from Pokémon Go

Two years ago: The Music of TCGO

Three years ago: Cosplay: Tachiagare

Four years ago: My Book of Days

Pokémon Go Multiple Pokédexes, Realized

Around a year ago, I posted an explanation and expansion of an idea someone had to expand the Pokédex in Pokémon Go and have it cover multiple aspects. I'm happy to say that the idea has been realized in more or less the same way that it was conceived. Two months ago, selected Trainers received the feature in an initial rollout and testing, and not long after, all Trainers received the feature as a full implementation. Since I took up an entire post to discuss the idea, I should take a full post as well to discuss the implementation.

Many of the posited concepts were realized as conceived, including the Shiny, Shadow, and Purified Pokédexes by the observer, and the Lucky Pokédex conception by me. The way that the Shiny and Lucky Pokédexes work is that Pokémon that have been seen and/or caught as Shiny and obtained as Lucky respectively, the latter with the customary shaded background plus yellow bubbles, are included with blank spaces for other species as with the normal Pokédex. In the Shadow and Purified Pokédexes, since only certain Pokémon have been available in Shadow and Purified form, all seen and caught species are lumped as one but still in the expected order, and the Pokémon appear with the purple fire and white glow respectively.

Meanwhile, the Costume Pokédex idea was realized, only it's not called that; it is called the Event Pokédex, and it contains all available "costumed" forms in order just like with the Shadow and Purified Pokédexes above. Two additional conceptions that weren't thought of were also realized, which are the 3 Stars and Shiny 3 Stars Pokédexes. These obviously include Pokémon that were obtained with their appraisal being as such, the latter also being Shiny. The latter two of these might be considered a little superfluous, but for Trainers who feel quite jaunty and flaunty, they might very well be considered necessary in addition to just keeping track of things in general.

As a whole, the realization of the idea couldn't be more perfect, as it is quite in line with what has been posited, with all conceived aspects realized, even including a couple that were neither expected nor ideated. The thought process behind the realization must have been in line with the way that the conceptions were created, which should be a very good thing indeed. This also alludes to the possibility of expanding the conceptions, for example as a Shiny Shadow Pokédex, as not all Shadow Pokémon can be Shiny. If realized, it may take some time, but that may be welcomed.

Multiple Pokédexes in Pokémon Go had only remained an idea from last year, but with a good process of realization, the idea - now implemented as a feature - is quite tangible for Trainers to take advantage of, in ways that are both expected and unexpected. The only thing to expect now is Trainers making good use of these new Pokédexes to track and pursue Pokémon with various aspects to include them in their Pokédexes.

One year ago: Pokémon Documentaries?

Two years ago: The New Flavors of Pokémon

Three years ago: Other Uses of Pokémon Go

Four years ago: Incubators in Pokémon Go

Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: More Selections

Last month, I had the opportunity to collect a few pieces of Pokémon merchandise that have been (really) going around in distribution and popularity, which would be the coins found in certain packages of snack balls. I didn't - and still don't - have the intention to collect each and every single one of the 100 coins, but I did leave out the possibility that I could obtain more of the coins. And I did, in fact, buy a couple more of the snack packages to obtain a few more coins; that resulted in me obtaining the coins below.

I obtained four coins, which are Greninja, Yveltal, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Fini. Since there are three Legendary Pokémon here, I had to have obtained two in a single package, and I did - more on this shortly. Yet, it has come to my attention that some packages may contain an extra set of coins, which also naturally means that some other packages do not have coins in them ("duds"). The chances of this happening are rare, but some collectors have testified that it is possible; it is a possible detractor to the collection effort, but it may still for the most part be disregarded.

As for there being two Legendary Pokémon in one shot, that has to do with the two Island Guardians on the right. The real story is that I originally obtained Tapu Lele and Ho-Oh, which meant that I had obtained a duplicate - and soon enough, as this was in the third package that I obtained and opened up. But I also knew that a friend is collecting the very same coins, and I offered my Ho-Oh in case my friend obtained a duplicate; soon thereafter, my friend obtained a duplicate of Tapu Fini, and thus a deal was struck to trade the latter for the former. It's a fitting and equivalent exchange.

This is also a good time to discuss the effort that needs to be taken to collect them all. I'm informed that at least one collector out there has managed to do just that. It took the person approximately 11 times the theoretical minimum to do so due to duplicates and duds, and this was without trading or buying someone else's collection - just by purely opening packages. Although this is fine if one is all by oneself, and I appreciate the effort not to do the latter, not trading seems too extreme(ly selfish), particularly since I consider that trading is one of the "four pillars of Pokémon". I can only advocate to do what is the most proper.

Again, my intention is not to collect all of the 100 coins, but whatever I can get suffices for my personal connection. This includes what I can obtain in what I consider the most appropriate ways, which are to buy the snacks and to trade duplicates with others who possess them and are willing to do so. No matter how many coins can be gained by the appropriate methods above, it is certain that I can only be pleased to obtain them as a great Pokémon fan, and enjoy sharing my efforts as with my friend and on this blog.

One year ago: The Charisma of Pokémon Personalities

Two years ago: TCG, Order and Chaos

Three years ago: Artistic Routine

Four years ago: Pokémon Song, Indonesian Flavor

The Silph Arena Continentals Meta

The Silph Arena has one more "cup" or "theme" that I've yet to cover, and I ought to do so now. After the series of themed cups in each month ends, the season then ends with invitationals and the championships from the continental to the global stages. For this season, the Continental Championships have a format of its own, which it calls its meta, and it's a fascinating one due to its comprehensive quality.

This meta acting as a theme has two primary restrictions: Pokémon in teams of 6 cannot exceed a set number of points much like the Venture Cup or the related Cliffhanger format, and the teams of 6 must be "pan-generational" like the Voyager Cup or the preceding Timeless Cup - that is, to have one of each generation currently represented in Pokémon Go - with Kalos (sixth), Alola (seventh), and Galar (eighth) lumped as one. In fact, the meta format is billed as a combination of the former themed cups, though it is much more than that.

For each of these generations, certain Pokémon are valued at 10 points, 6 points, and 4 points, with all others at 1 point, likewise as with Venture Cup. The maximum a team can have for this format is 20 points, and the point restrictions that apply as with the Venture Cup likewise apply here as well, with all the consequences of the points structure. The pan-generational structure has another consequence: with all the team slots uniquely assigned a generation - three for the last slot - it is also not possible for more than one Pokémon of each generation to appear in a team, unlike previous formats.

Two Pokémon are also notably and outright banned. Pidgeot, which has had issues with PvP battles in various venues, is banned for that reason. Chansey is also banned to make sure that it cannot become dominant due to the way that it is present in Pokémon Go. Otherwise, there are no further specific restrictions, and Legendary or Mythical Pokémon may be utilized as they are assigned point values, though not all of them are fit for the Great League (at least immediately), which remains the standard league for general affairs of the Silph Arena and includes these championships.

The Pokémon assigned greater point values are certainly desirable and necessary to fill out the point limit, but a great number of Pokémon that are only assigned 1 point can make for good picks for inclusion in and completion of teams. Some of them are readily available (like Kanto Raichu) while others require the spending of resources and perfect timing (like Shadow Ho-Oh), not necessarily something achievable for this tournament. The selection remains plentiful as much as the teams.

It should be noted that by now, the Continental Championships have passed - having been conducted over a span of the past two months - and the championships are progressing to the final stages. Still, the meta or format remains something of interest, as it highlights how good one has to be if they made it to the championships... and how good they have to be in order to make it through, comprehensively of others.

One year ago: Multiple Pokédexes in Pokémon Go?

Two years ago: Local Tailors and My Cosplay Costumes

Three years ago: A New 3DS Story: A Second Monster Home

Four years ago: Personalities

Returns in Various Guises

Well, as posts of prior years indicate (see below), today marks the fourth year of my return to playing Pokémon Go. It was, back then, somewhat of an impromptu moment that was partially induced by demand for a new device. After four years of it having passed, there has been quite a bit of discussion on the topic, including with pleasant and somber overtones. There has been various tangents on it as well, including of mine and other players. That variety can also seemingly apply to the form or guise of their return, which is valid since Pokémon Go now has lots of things to do.

Since the advent of PvP battling, many have obviously been driven to return in order to take up this lucrative playing mode. Though my return was well before PvP was actually implemented, it may still be considered that my return was also in foreshadowing that it may eventually arise, and it did. While I cannot testify for myself how much my return at the time bought time to participate in PvP, some of the efforts then might just have been able to be realized thanks to later developments, which has to be a great thing.

As a more significant reason for returning, exploration is always beneficial. That's what I've eventually did with my nominating of various points of interest, many of which have now been accepted. This is an area I've been somewhat intrepid in, and many Trainers agree; even if PvP is not something of interest, the exploration portion always is. In this regard, I am extremely pleased as well. To keep finding Pokémon and to go to new areas further helps out myself, if nothing else.

Speaking of helping out, going into both allows me to help out in some capacity. Becoming trade partners, sparring partners, and exploration partners not only helps out myself but also whoever my partner could happen to be, as signified by my frequent (not so much right now) outings with a certain Trainer. Of course, every Trainer matters in this case, and I'm only happy to provide assistance in whatever form.

With every passing year - it must be admitted - the rationale for discussing this topic degrades in some quantity. But it's hard not to keep discussing about it, as Pokémon Go has become a substantial effort for me since. And in looking back on it this year, forms or guises matter, whether as a battler, explorer, or assistant. I'm sure many Trainers who returned like me have some faith that any or all of these forms are very much relevant to that.

One year ago: Returns Come and Go

Two years ago: Return, Return, Return, Return...

Three years ago: A Happy Return

Four years ago: Here I Go (Again)