Halloween 2021: Spooky Branding

It's been one year since the Halloween where everyone faced the "spooks" (see below), and... well, the "spooks" are still there, so it's still being faced. In the meantime, I'd like to discuss another spooky matter, and this time it concerns branding, the way that something would be regarded by others, particularly in presentation. This matter regards myself and obviously Pokémon as the core topic of this blog. It has become relevant in the past few days and has become relevant for the both of us.

For me, I wouldn't brand myself as "spooky", in general concerning all the things I do and speak of publicly, including of languages and Pokémon. Therefore, I don't have the obligation to appear spooky, and it is preferable that I don't anyhow; happenings like the other day are thus the exception and not the norm. Private matters are another thing, but those are way beyond the scope of this blog and certainly not for the consumption of everyone. "Spooky" is therefore a non-option or potentially the very last alternative.

Then, for Pokémon, it is also in general not spooky, but it does provide the aspects that can make it spooky. Those aspects would be yet again the Ghost, Dark, and Poison types primarily as well as the Psychic type in some cases. Taken together, or even strongly individually in some cases, they may very well be quite spooky. In this way, it can present itself as especially "spooky" when circumstances demand it, such as during this bewitching time of Halloween. The brand itself is still not spooky, but it can fit into spooky situations.

As for this spooky day, it would be wise to turn to a generally non-spooky character I identify with.

Ash: No, I'm not spooky. But I've had Haunter and Gengar along the way, and they are spooky.

Me: I'm sure of that. Today, I wanted to send you out with your Sinnoh costume for a few things, but it looks like the weather wasn't supportive.

Ash: Yeah! It rained later in the morning and afternoon. It's fine that I didn't go out, at least very far.

Me: But you could still take care of a few Pokémon things for me, right?

Ash: I did! I captured a few Pokémon just outside, then I took care of your Luxio buddy. After that, I sent a few of your Pokémon into battles with others on Aeos Island - but we didn't do well in most of them.

Me: That's OK. Without a friend, it tends to be like that often. To make up a little bit for the rain and not being able to go out, I got you an online story event. How was that?

Ash: It didn't work out. The storyteller had problems and couldn't perform.

Me: Of all the days. I guess I'll take care of that some other time.

Ash: You know, I would have loved to go to the place that you went with all black clothing.

Me: That wouldn't suit you, though. You'd look like a thug instead of a Trainer, and that can't happen. I do have an idea with Gengar, though.

Ash: That's interesting! Can you tell me more?

Me: When it's the right time. Halloween is already it for this year.

Ash: That's fine. Let me know if you can make it work.

Me: For sure.

Halloween will always present itself as spooky in many ways, and it's hard to change that. What seems to be easier to change is how one presents oneself as the branding; I could totally do so if desired, though it is not a personal one, and Pokémon has the means for spookiness, if such a thing is very much desired as with Halloween. It may be well to do, especially with today, to find just the right and best ways to present a spooky branding.

On that note, Happy Halloween 🎃 - however spooky it might be. 👻

One year ago: Halloween 2020: Facing the "Spooks"

Two years ago: Halloween 2019: Taking My Chances

Three years ago: Halloween 2018: The Tricks to Treats

Four years ago: Happy Halloween!

In the Blackest Dens

Black is a color that most people don't automatically think of when they think of Pokémon. Yet, it is in fact highly related, as it is the color that is representative of Pokémon species of the Dark type (and to a lesser extent the Ghost and Poison types, as they mostly identify with purple). Pokémon of these species, wherever they may be found and in particular in what may be called "dens", then ought to be the first things that come to mind when it comes to the greater world of Pokémon.

Of course, black is also the color of the Team Rocket uniform, so that may or may not be more readily identified. A number of people might just do so, if they know this villainous team and have some sympathies for them. Most other people likely don't and will continue to oppose them in most if not all opportunities. It may also be for this reason that the thought of Pokémon often escapes the thought of the color black.

Meanwhile, today I clad myself in black (or at least as close to black as possible) and attended a gathering with some of my friends - a gathering that I would otherwise describe as an "event" had the stars aligned personally, especially with Pokémon. It was also pretty much the dress code of the gathering, which by the proximity of current happenings should be obvious. A friend gave a few suggestions on possible ways to make the alignment above happen next time, and they're under my consideration.

Regardless, it's hard to deny that Pokémon has a relation to the color black, even if I wasn't able to take advantage of it to a full extent like today, and the relation may or may not be immediately apparent even to its biggest fans. Once apparent, though, it ought to be possible for fans to pursue the relationship to all kinds of levels, whether out in the open or even in the deepest and blackest "dens" where Pokémon are present.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2020

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2019

Three years ago: Community Day Workflow

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Halloween 2017 Event

Holowear Wonderings

In Pokémon Unite, some Pokémon may be able to wear outfits that are called Holowear. Some can be obtained as prizes or through certain commemorative events, but most of these are obtained through the Zirco Trading section of the game's shop for a number of gems, which have to be paid for - more on this later. These outfits are akin to "skins" in games of a similar genre as this game. They also constitute a unique visual quality that is worthy of some discussion and wonder.

They are called Holowear because they are outfits that are holographic in nature. In other words, they are "virtual" outfits that the Pokémon can wear. The Pokémon wear the outfits, but they don't feel like they are wearing them; they can comfortably do things and perform attacks as if they weren't wearing them. Moreover, because they are virtual, they suffer practically no damage and can be easily changed. Overall, it's a win-win for the Pokémon: they can look good and feel good in the battles of Unite matches.

What seems to be the most attractive about Holowear is how attractive and appropriate they look for certain Pokémon. The Firefighter Style suits Blastoise very well, as one of its imagined roles outside of Pokémon battles. The Berry Style is comical and hilarious for Snorlax, as now it becomes the very thing that it consumes for sustenance. The Poncho Style for Sylveon is gentle and supple, and is a nice complement. Any of these and more might make the wishlist for any player looking to make their Pokémon stand out.

A good amount of praise is deserved for the Holowear system, even though some of the items really do necessitate money for them to be obtained. They look good - at least, most of the time - and they make the player look good. That alone may be the prompt for players to spend money on the game, if not for anything else other than more Unite Licenses and/or other helpful facets. It would be no wonder that some players wonder over the outfits and hopefully instill wonder others when they obtain them.

One year ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: Getting Warmer

Two years ago: Psyduck Is Missing

Three years ago: Expression of Care

Four years ago: Three-Line Episode Summaries

Pokémon Unite Halloween Event

Like many games around this time of year, Pokémon Unite has its own Halloween event, and it's currently ongoing. It also has to be spooky yet lively with what Pokémon can offer, and it is, to a certain extent. That involves some ghostly and slightly dark things, as well as some things that are relevant to the season, that become present all around some parts of the game and make the festivity apparent.

The major thing for this event is the Pumpkin, which has manifested itself as a consumable and exchangeable item. It is earned from the missions in the Events section for accomplishing one or more conditions (such as logging in to the game), and certain amounts can be exchanged for collectibles and other niceties, including Pumpkin Boxes that may have the chance to furnish even more Pumpkins, although the chance of this is low. The prime directive is to log in and play as often as possible or as necessary to obtain the necessary Pumpkins.

Pumpkins, in a slightly different form, are also featured in a special arena in Quick matches, as the "Halloween in Mer Stadium" arena. It is the same as the regular Mer Stadium arena, but it is decorated for the season, and battle items are disabled and replaced with a "Pumpkin Toss" move that damages wild Pokémon or entraps opponents temporarily in a large pumpkin, though the opponent can still counter with a "Pumpkin Tackle" or "Pumpkin Push" in this state. Zapdos also only appears during the Final Stretch, much like in Remoat Stadium. The differences make this arena slightly trickier but very festive.

Along with the festivities, a new playable Pokémon entered the fray: Greedent, the "chonky squirrel" that is popular in some circles of Pokémon fans. The Unite License for the Pokémon can be purchased in the shop, or for those who are willing to make the effort separately for it, 70 Pumpkins may be obtained and exchanged for the Unite License. It is an Expert-level Melee and Defender that is oriented to Attack, so it will likely take some familiarization before putting it into battle, especially due to its ability of dropping Berries that may then be consumed by itself or other Pokémon. Many have already used Greedent in different ways, which attests its uniqueness and capabilities.

Meanwhile, the main screen is also decked out with pumpkins and appearances of some Ghost-type Pokémon, while the menu music has been replaced with a creepy but bopping tune so appropriate for this season as everything above.

Halloween is drawing near, and it is quite fitting that Pokémon Unite in line with other (Pokémon) games gets into the spirit as well with its own Halloween event. There is a bit of spookiness and yet a lot of festivity, but as far as things are concerned, that isn't a problem. The real celebration and creepiness will still occur in the arenas in the best way possible.

One year ago: Being a Scanner or Diver with Pokémon

Two years ago: On Tap for Go

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Repeat, 10/28/2018

Four years ago: At the Movies: Episode 698 - "Movie Time! Zorua in 'The Legend of the Pokémon Knight!'"

Road of 25th Anniversary: The Penultimate Resolution

It's been pretty much nine months since the commemoration of the exact date that Pokémon celebrates its major 25th anniversary - a big one indeed. That means there's only about three months before the momentum is handed over to the 26th anniversary and the previous one becomes set in history. But before that can happen, there are a few more happenings that can serve to aid things to proceed to those closing moments, and this month's happenings comprise the first concluding part, thus being a "penultimate resolution".

One of those "resolutions" concern the P25 Music program. All the artists are set in stone and so are their songs, including Yaffle with a collaboration number ("Reconnect"), J Balvin handing out some Latino appreciation ("Ten Cuidado"), and ZHU as the key remixer. The CD version contains 10 tracks while the digital album version contains 14 tracks, three of which are the ZHU remixes from The Blue EP. Altogether, the artist selection has a certain representative variety, even if some are not as well-known as the others, and the songs cover a good swath of topics inspired by Pokémon. It's worthy enough for this major anniversary.

Another resolution is the featured region of the month, which would be the Kanto region, which needs no introduction to the biggest and oldest fans of Pokémon as the region where everything started: the franchise, the species, the characters, the fascinations - everything. With all eight major generational regions of Pokémon now featured, the exhibits and features on the official anniversary site and beyond are now complete, and they certainly make the anniversary that much more complete at this point.

Yet these are only "penultimate", as what is "ultimate" may be the ones that come soon enough with the release of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as Legends: Arceus a little afterwards. Even so, that still makes up the three months ahead along with other possibilities, and there's a lot of room for "ultimate" resolutions to be achieved as the major anniversary year wraps up and makes way for next year's anniversary.

With the major anniversary winding down, resolution is definitely at hand for matters of the major anniversary. The P25 Music program and the featured regions are a given for this, with both of them now having complete pictures. That just leaves the big Pokémon games to follow with their "ultimate" nature. At least, for now, the "penultimate" matters have the chance to shine and contribute to making this major anniversary what it is.

One year ago: Pokémon Go as a Gacha Game?

Two years ago: Explaining the Supernatural

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/27/2018

Four years ago: Expecting Something Special

Pokémon Music on Vinyl?

The mention of the vinyl soundtrack for a different game as a "creepy flashback" for a Pokémon game happening has gotten me thinking about the possibility of having the same for Pokémon. That is, the idea is to have a Pokémon soundtrack - not just limited to a game, but possibly the anime or some other music - be released on vinyl records that can be played on old style record players. It's a fascinatingly enigmatic idea if it were at all to be realized, although there are a number of considerations that must be taken into account, which deserve to be discussed.

First up is "why", as the reasons for creating this. A main reason is that "retro is in" in some ways, and at least some people of newer generations are interested in vintage objects like records and record players. They are then interested in putting them together with newer objects. This was essentially the case for that game soundtrack on vinyl records: the game was made past the age of record players, yet the vinyl records for the soundtrack was still conceived way past both of them. It seems anachronistic in many ways to make this happen, yet it seems to also work quite well, given the realization by the other game.

If realized, then there is the "what", as in the music that should go on the vinyl record. Since the form is intended as a "nostalgic throwback", the music should incite the greatest amount of nostalgia, and the best choices then would be music from the original first-generation games or even the BGM from the Kanto saga of the anime, the latter of which has been released as its own soundtrack a long time ago. Newer music would probably lack the nostalgic quality as older music and therefore is less fitting, but with a good concept, things might work just as well in the same spirit as Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Realizing the vinyl records then would prompt the "how", as the manner by way the records are to be created. Since the records themselves would constitute a unique form of merchandise, Pokémon Center ought to coordinate its creation along with the record label as the rights holder for the music that would be present on the vinyl records. As well, since the prospect of vinyl records is limited, the production ought to be limited as well, making them truly items that only the most dedicated and resourceful Pokémon merchandise collectors would obtain, moreover with the relative rarity of actual records and record players these days.

Pokémon music is always a great thing to have for many of its fans, and it may be that for a section of them, having them on vinyl records would be something unique. To make this happen, however, it seems that certain strings would have to be tugged. Yet, the end result could be something that the franchise and its fans could take pride in; it would be extremely nostalgic in form - however anachronistic it might be - and especially with the right choice of the music to be featured. Hopefully, there won't be a "creepy flashback" with them, but just loads of nostalgia in form and melody.

One year ago: Usage Experience of Go Plus Peripherals

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Sinister Cup

Three years ago: Two-Sided Stories

Four years ago: Pronouncing Pokémon

The New Tournament Pantheon

A few weeks ago, the Pokémon Championship Series for 2022 had been announced. This is, of course, the competitive series that seeks to find the best of the best players or Trainers (in in-game parlance) for the Pokémon games, and certainly leads up to the World Championships, which have been absent in live form for a couple of years now since the world was plunged into current conditions. With the announcement, though, things seem to be set to return to what it was before. However, there will be one important difference in the lineup of games that are featured for the competitions, which I term as its "pantheon".

VGC and TCG as its traditional bases will continue to be a part of the championship pantheon, as well as Pokkén even with its niche popularity in a way. What's different this time is that for the first time ever, Pokémon Go is now part of the pantheon after it was featured as an invitational in 2019. Participants will need to have a Play! Pokémon ID as with other parts of the competitive pantheon and link their Trainer accounts to a Pokémon Trainer Club account, and then achieve Legend rank in the current GBL season for an early bird registration to a live competition event, after which registration is open to all. There is more to this, but this is essentially the basic information.

The addition of Pokémon Go to the competitive pantheon is a major one, as it means that Pokémon Go has received recognition as a way by which competitive Pokémon play can take place. This has obviously happened before for the eventual inclusion of Pokkén, and now has happened for the most popular mobile installment of Pokémon games. Certainly, now there is Pokémon Unite, which is starting to surge in popularity and competitiveness, so the same process can be expected to occur with Pokémon Unite a couple of years down the line, perhaps also with an exhibition tournament to precede its entry similar to the process for the inclusion of Pokémon Go.

It should be noted that even though the intent is for the resumption of live events that allow all of these games to be exhibited for tournaments of competitive play, it may be that the path of returning to them might not be so clear-cut at the moment due to certain places that are worsening in condition, including one specific one that is actually important for the Championship Series above and should have been important two years ago when that year's Championship Series terminated abruptly due to worsening conditions in general in the world. For now, at least there's a specific plan for competitions and the protocols to go with them to be able to be held within current conditions. 

With Pokémon Go now included, the competitive pantheon that is represented in the Pokémon Championship Series for next year has essentially been renewed and is ready for action... hopefully as things can settle down, if they can. After current conditions have ravaged the world, things have never been the same for competitive Pokémon players. The new Championship series for next year ought to be a revitalized start with a new competitive game entering the fray and all the Trainers that participate in it, marking a novelty of challenges that are designed to test the very best.

One year ago: Type Logic: Of Light and Darkness

Two years ago: One-Upping Ash

Three years ago: Dilemma of Colors

Four years ago: Pokémon XY Pikachu Freezer Bottle

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/24/2021

It's been the case that October is likely to be a sparse month for events in Pokémon Go, as I've noted in a past year. That is also pretty much the case for this year's October in Pokémon Go, though the other goings-on still need to be covered. I'm also intentionally not covering the rollup on the same day as the previous post and one from another busier year since I may or may not be on a "Pokémon assignment" that day. Regardless, I can do so now since the events are already known and can and should be covered as soon as possible.

Leading off the events this October was another "Secrets of the Jungle" event from October 1 to 10 to commemorate its release on streaming, which is similar to but not a repeat of December last year's event. Instead of Shiny Celebi, Trainers got a Special Research set with Zarude at the end, the Mythical Pokémon that is a major part of this movie. All other perks were more or less similar, with featured Pokémon (including Explorer Pikachu) in the wild, raids, and Field Research tasks, as well as Jessie and James in their Meowth balloon and new style items. This iteration didn't carry as much weight as the previous one - except for the fact of introducing a Mythical Pokémon from Galar - but it is as equally important nonetheless.

October is also the inception month for Niantic, so it held its anniversary ("Birthday") event this month, this time on October 6. Unlike last year, this year just had an Event Box with a load of items that can be freely obtained from 11 AM to 5 PM on that day. In that way, it can hardly be called an event; yet, it is still listed on the official Pokémon Go blog as being an event for the month, and therefore I've opted to include it here just like last year's inclusion, though it's more than just a tiny blurb this time.

Then, there is the mainstay and highlight of Pokémon Go at this time of year, the Halloween event. This one lasts for two weeks but is actually and more aptly divided into two parts. The first part began on October 15 and ended last Friday; it is subtitled "Creepy Companions" featuring the debut of Galarian Slowking and Shiny Spinarak, which are accompanied by a smattering of Pokémon of the Ghost, Dark, Psychic, and Poison types on different fronts, the last two of which are needed for evolving Galarian Slowpoke into either of its branches. Pikachu, Piplup, and Drifblim are also available with Halloween Mischief costumes, which continue to be available for the rest of the event.

After the first part ended, the event continued with the second part and will last until Halloween (October 31) at the end of this month. This part is subtitled "Ghoulish Pals", and it marks the debut of the Phantump and Pumpkaboo species families, the latter in four forms characteristic of their sizes - also highlighted in a Collection Challenge - and both requiring trades or a hefty Candy cost for evolution. Mega Absol also debuts in Mega Raids at this time, accompanied by mostly Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon. Both parts are accompanied by Special Research (including that for Hoopa), Timed Research, Halloween Cup, Candy bonuses, and new style items, Shop boxes, and stickers.

What is still obvious is that Halloween is and will always be a highlight and mainstay of Pokémon Go - and really, Pokémon in general in a sense - at this time of year. It would be understandable if it gets the bulk of the emphasis during the month, or even at the least a good amount of time. That said, happenings are always open at any time during the month, which can and should be accommodated for, as with the above. Sparse or not, there are always the means for a spooky good time in October in Pokémon Go.

One year ago: Type Logic: Of Dragons, Fairies, and Steel

Two years ago: Pokémon Annual 2019

Three years ago: Items with a Purpose

Four years ago: Beyond the Boundary... of Languages

Creepy Pokémon Flashbacks

Pokémon is a wonderful thing for many people, including me as one of its biggest fans. However, sometimes there are less wonderful things, mostly related to the goings-on about the franchise. They can be moderately unpleasant, or even - perhaps in the same spirit of this month - downright creepy. With recent happenings, Pokémon or otherwise, I'm reminded of a few "creepy flashbacks" involving Pokémon and beyond.

Some days ago, I saw reports on television about freak accidents, one in particular involving a container truck that went out of control, sending its container slamming into a car and killing its driver... who just happens to be one of the leaders of the same convenience stores that locally sell Pokémon cards and donuts (formerly in the latter case). This becomes a sobering reminder of the accident that claimed Eric Medalle, the designer of the international Pokémon logo; the accident was equally freaky yet different, as it involved a falling tree instead. It highlights the importance of staying safe, even if these accidents are hard to avoid.

Meanwhile, Pokémon had its own "creepy moment" a few days ago with a unique reveal about a feature of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The reveal started as a heavily noised video that brings to mind certain spooky movies before it was cleared up. This is comparable to and reminiscent of an "Easter egg" for another game series I like, involving a vinyl version of its soundtrack and some creepy visuals of its bonus track when shown through a spectroscope, which was demonstrated a few months ago. The two contexts are different - one pre-game and and one post-game - but the methods are remarkably similar that one could recall the other plainly.

The next one is a bit more general but still applicable. Every so often, the security guards of my neighborhoods go through the entire neighborhood and shine flashlights on dark places to check for things, which often goes through things like the front windows of my home and makes for a creepy sight. This brings to mind the flashes of light from black screens that are sometimes present in the early Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games and have an epileptic nature similar to but less than that of the Pokémon anime "incident". The same goes for the flashes of light from the flashlight, but they could still be conceivably epileptic.

Regardless of what happens, Pokémon still has many wonderful things to enjoy. Yet, it is still necessary to remember that less wonderful things can and do still occur from time to time, and they are a part of the franchise as anything else. They can also remind of or become reminders from other things, which shows how fascinating these relationships are for the biggest fans who know about the littlest things like me.

One year ago: Minimum Play with Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Performance Critique: Akatsuki no Matsuri 2 J-Song

Three years ago: A Storybook and a Reference

Four years ago: A Successor Has Been Named

Just Waiting on an Absol

In the recent few days, I've experienced a few happenings that could be construed as "heading towards disaster", because if the happenings were to be furthered, then they would lead to a disaster. Something that Pokémon fans know about disasters is that they are sometimes linked to (the presence of) a particular Pokémon known as Absol. There's a certain misunderstanding that people of both the real and Pokémon worlds have about this, but that's for later on in the post, as I wish to discuss the happenings first.

Midway through the week, my neighborhood experienced power outages. One occurred near the middle of the night and lasted over an hour, and another happened two days later in the afternoon. In the former case, I was finishing up some relevant affairs, while in the latter I was preparing for other affairs. Fortunately, the affairs could be resolved without the outages affecting them deeply. If Absol had arrived, then I could have tried to stave off some of the effects of the outages, reducing their impacts.

One of my friends then was terribly affected by malicious circumstances (thus, a disaster) and nearly affected others who are close to my friend, including of course myself, with the same circumstances. I've held off communicating with my friend until things can be fully sorted out and we are able to communicate safely. The moment the disaster to my friend happened, it seemed that an Absol was present to remind me that things appear to be terribly wrong, and I rightfully heeded the reminder, preventing further disaster.

Now, the misunderstanding that many people have about Absol is that the Pokémon is considered the cause of disasters, whether appearing before or after them. Yet this is a "post hoc ergo propter hoc" situation, as the proper understanding is that Absol is the warner of disasters rather than their progenitor. Still, because many people identify the Pokémon as being closely associated with disasters, it gets its reputation and species moniker out of the misunderstanding, mistaken belief, and logical fallacy above. 

These past few days, some things have not been kind in some ways, whether to me or others related to me; they are effectively disasters, whether minor or major. I don't need an Absol to tell me that, but in some circumstances, I'd like to tell conclusively or at the least get a hint that disaster is imminent by way of an Absol, or even a semblance of the Pokémon. And thus my life progresses, hopefully better without disasters... and if one is about to come, maybe an Absol could tell me as I wait for its appearance in uncertain times.

One year ago: On the Variety of Go Plus Peripherals

Two years ago: A (Not So) Little Anniversary

Three years ago: Resilience

Four years ago: Cosplay: Arigatoo...!!!

All for Pokémon Communication

Pokémon and communication are two topics that come up from time to time on this blog, given that the former is what I really like and the latter is important for conveying about what I appreciate about the former. With this blog having been going on for almost five years, it might seem that I've, in a way, devoted myself to communicating about Pokémon in addition to experiencing and playing with it. That devotion could also be a prompt to seek new avenues for that communication and see how far I can go in doing that.

This blog in its entirety may or may not qualify as an actual form of digital promotional communication, moreover a professional form of it. However, at least some parts of it may be considered to approximate that communication, and that may be a good thing. They would show that I've got the chops to communicate (specifically in English as the language of this blog) and the possession of a good knowledge of Pokémon. Whether that's sufficiently professional for very specific purposes that are sought might be another thing altogether.

As for other forms of Pokémon communication, specifically a verbal and visual one, that would be something completely different. It would demand means of expression that are more complex, not to mention more time and resources to prepare (for) them. That said, lately I've been teasing and entertaining myself with the idea that I may now be prepared to commit to the new form, even though this blog would still be the primary means if that happened due to a blog's convenience and simplicity, particularly for post frequency.

In seeking new avenues of Pokémon communication, the two key factors I appear to have stumbled upon are professionalism and novelty - whether I can polish things up or break into new forms. My attraction (and thus devotion) to Pokémon is already conditioned, but my devotion to communicating about it may only be partially established at this point, even with a blog running for a few years. Given that Pokémon and communication are always relevant issues for me, the way to go has to be a full establishment through the newest and best ways possible.

One year ago: "To the Sea" with Pokémon

Two years ago: Some Pokémon Commercials

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/21/2018

Four years ago: Pokémon Brand Parodies

Battling Against Pokémon... and Algorithms

Many Pokémon games are undeniably about battling, whether one to one or few to few. However, behind all those battles, there may be another "force" that is in play to set up certain circumstances. That "force" would be algorithms that determine specific opponents or situations, which can change the course of progressions. They seem to be the determinants for some notable situations, and it seems necessary to flesh out how they might be so.

Some Trainers in Pokémon Go have noticed in the Go Battle League that after a successful run in a set with one team, the next set with the same team becomes less successful. Changing to another team then may allow for greater success. This implies that there is a certain algorithm that determines matchups, likely based on the compositions of teams of Trainers, and they advocate setting up several teams (3 or more) and rotate each one into different sets. Their advice seems to be proven to work even if the algorithm isn't proven, but the case that it is as such is highly likely.

In similar vein, there is a belief that those who had used Raid Passes that they had actually purchased (Remote or Premium) and not gotten as freebies through Research and the like will get Pokémon that are Shiny, of good stats, or both. The belief supports the conjecture that an algorithm is also in place to make sure that they will get their desired Pokémon, or at least eventually as some luck still plays a part regardless in determining the stats and Shiny aspect of Pokémon obtained from raids. Likewise, the algorithm is not proven, but some testimonies indicate the apparent case.

Meanwhile, Pokémon Unite has its own apparent algorithm for Ranked matches, in which the Trainer with the lowest rank becomes the determinant for the opponents that are faced. One time, when I and two friends wanted to go into a Ranked match, they suggested that I create the lobby so that the opponents are more of my rank (I'm at Great rank and they're at Expert rank), and the advice was fruitful in some ways. The advice is something I'll consider when initiating other Ranked matches with other friends who play, and this definitely supports the existence of the algorithm.

There will always be battles at hand in many Pokémon games, and the outcomes of much of those will always be decided by skills of Trainers. Yet it seems before skills decide things, it may be that some algorithms to set up adversaries and even outcomes decide things beforehand. Though inconclusive in some respects, they may be considered a significant "force" that directs Trainers for the usage of their "forces" to succeed in battle.

One year ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - Comic Dub Special

Two years ago: Cosplay: Akatsuki no Matsuri 2

Three years ago: Santorini and Sootopolis City

Four years ago: To Genwunners: Get with the Program!

Breakthroughs Involving Pokémon

When Pokémon was released for the first time in 1996, it was considered a breakthrough RPG game of sorts, especially for the people that came to play it, including me a few years later. Over the course of its presence of 25+ years, it has expanded and made other breakthroughs, not just in games but also popular culture as well. Some of those breakthroughs are fascinating to know about and particularly to discuss and highlight, and that becomes the purpose of this post.

Those who watch the Pokémon anime on US television might notice that there is an "FV" tag under the displayed program rating (which for most Pokémon episodes is TV-Y7, meaning for audiences of 7 years of age or older). That "FV" tag means "Fantasy Violence", and it refers to content involving portrayed acts of aggression that are imagined rather than realistic. The Pokémon anime does indeed have that in spades, from plant vines that beat things (Vine Whip) to light beams that cause great damage (Hyper Beam). Because of its popularity along with similar animated series, it was one of the things that contributed to the creation of this rating tag to indicate the presence of the content; the tag itself can thus be described as a "breakthrough" that involves Pokémon.

Years ago, for an April Fools campaign, Google Maps put up a way to "hunt" for Pokémon across its maps. It was popular as it reflected a way of hunting for Pokémon in real life, although it was rather indirect. If this sounds like it parallels the existence of Pokémon Go, there's a certain truth to that, as Google led to the existence of Niantic and Niantic obviously led to the existence of Pokémon Go. The game itself can be billed as a realization of the hunting experience, and it more or less lines up with the core mission of Pokémon in general. As such, the breakthrough link is rather evident.

Another "breakthrough" is both comical and critical. The meme of "putting on clown makeup" illustrates the progression of an argument that falls apart but in a humorous manner, with a comparison to a clown as a "fool". Although the first instance of the meme wasn't too popular and somewhat isolated, it took another instance of the meme for it to gain traction (that is, become "viral"), and that instance involved Pokémon. Specifically, the viral instance involved a criticism of including Pokémon in the Sword and Shield games as the "National Dex fiasco" and the factors that are believed to be involved. Despite the circumstances, this is more or less a "breakthrough" as well for how the meme started.

In the course of over 25 years, Pokémon has truly started something. The games started a phenomenon, and the phenomenon started a lifestyle, plus everything major and minor that is related to any of these areas. If any of the above breakthroughs are indicative of anything, it is that the spirit for those breakthroughs seems to be omnipresent in whatever and however Pokémon becomes involved. That may just be a precursor for starting even more things.

One year ago: The Challenges of the Juvenile

Two years ago: Pokémon Movements in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Being Young and Proud

Four years ago: PokéNumbers

Keeping Pokémon Cities Weird

Those who have a lot of knowledge about cities in the US will know that some cities have a "keep (city) weird" campaign that is intended to raise awareness of local businesses and thereby support those cities. The campaigns are quite popular, so much so that some cities around the world have adopted their own versions of the campaign with more or less the same intent. Being a Pokémon fan, I can't help but think that the same campaigns could be applied to cities in the Pokémon world. The campaigns can have the same spirits even if they may be different in their relationships to the cities of concern.

Cities with large marketplaces or malls can be the ones to retain the original spirit of the campaigns the closest. Of these, the standouts would be Celadon City and Goldenrod City with their large malls, being characteristic of those cities. These are places where people, both locals and visitors, go to purchase the things they need for their Pokémon and more. Doing so allows them to support the establishment, which then supports the city in some manner. These are the premises of the real-world campaigns, even if they are delivered in a tongue-in-cheek manner. In this way, the campaigns can still have the same spirit.

And then there are those cities and even towns for which the "weird" spirit applies differently. Lavender Town would be par for the course with its Lavender Tower, and similarly for Ecruteak City, though the latter might be considered "heritage" in part, as is Sootopolis City. Fortree City has a unique way of getting around that might fit the "weird" descriptor in some respects. Then there are the "sister cities" of Mauville City and Luminose City, which by today are known for their esoteric structures yet wonderful local people and places. Despite these "weird" qualities, the campaigns might still be applied to them in addition to its true spirit.

It is apparent that although the real-world city campaigns themselves possess the "weird" qualifier, their ultimate objectives are anything but, and can be considered noble instead. That would explain their lasting and even widespread popularity. The cities (and towns) of the Pokémon world only have a popularity under the umbrella of the widespread popularity of the entire franchise, but that popularity might suit their environments for the campaigns to take hold. At that point, the weirdness may just be only in the eyes of the beholder and the people and Pokémon stand to benefit from them.

One year ago: Starting with the End in Mind

Two years ago: October (on the) Road

Three years ago: The Moves Pokémon Know and Use

Four years ago: Second Remakes?

My Qualms in Taking On Ranked Matches

Ranked matches in Pokémon Unite are certainly fun and competitive in order to prove that one has the chops for this unique MOBA. However, this mode of play may prove to be daunting for some, due to challenges in and out of gameplay. Particularly, one may have "qualms" about participating or taking on the matches in this play mode, in line with those challenges. I happen to have a few of my own, and they're something I ought to discuss while also seeking possible solutions for them.

In gameplay, there is the concern that any of my teammates and even myself suddenly drop, even before the match starts for some reason, which in this area of gaming is often called "being AFK" and has happened at least once even with a friend in physical communicating distance. When this happens, there's not much that can be done by me or others except for them or me to reconnect and get back into the game immediately, and to ensure optimal conditions before starting to play. Another concern is not having prepared a Pokémon well enough, especially in regard to items, which is likely to be in some disregard for beginning players like me. The resolution of this concern may be a combination of experimentation and researching possible options, as with certain other (Pokémon) games in general.

Out of gameplay, the biggest concern is one that I have already mentioned in discussing about Quick matches: not having friends to hit up and communicate with to be able to strategize together. The difficult solution would be to play only when this can conveniently occur, and the difficulty lies in the fact that the circumstance doesn't always happen due to my or my friends' unavailability due to certain affairs outside of Pokémon Unite; meanwhile, Ranked matches are often in demand because of Event or Battle Pass missions requesting as such. The easy solution would be to play as demanded, but that leaves me open to the above qualm despite still being able to resolve matters quickly by just playing. It is clear that the situation demands that a balance be struck.

The "qualms" that I have represent valid concerns for not engaging in Ranked matches due to the problems they present. At the same time, the solution for many of those problems seems to just be to play, and to let the "qualms" resolve themselves. Certainly, Ranked matches are highly competitive due to the way they play out, but it is also true that they still remain very fun, especially if one can get over the problems. That may be the most important factor for a dauntless approach to playing Ranked matches.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/17/2020

Two years ago: Wallpaper: Pokésoft Mix

Three years ago: The First Sinnoh Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Four years ago: Pokémon and Trains

Quickies: Real Interest in Pokémon Sweet Treats

Within the past few days, I've made or received my share of a lot of sweet treats, and they are as sweet as they are plenty. To be sure, I'm enjoying them even while pacing myself, which is as it should be for treats like these. And with me being a Pokémon fan, I can't help but be reminded that Pokémon has its share of sweet treats that remarkably look like some real-world counterparts. With those sweet treats of my world in consideration, I'm also interested in some of those Pokémon sweet treats as well.

The three I remember most fondly and/or currently associate with are Lava Cookies, Poffins, and Malasadas. These treats are of the Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Alola regions respectively. The Lava Cookie is certainly a cookie, even if it's somewhat abnormal, while the Poffin by its Pokémon Go appearance can be compared to a bun and the malasada is obviously a beignet or doughnut. The last on these needs no history, as I've dealt with it for a real rendition of a Pokémon menu in addition to currently being presented with realistic renditions, while lately I've been eyeing buns or received variations on the bun theme that very much tie in to the Poffin bun as depicted. Meanwhile, recently I've received a kind of pastry that are by no means cookies, but by appearance it could seem like the Lava Cookie. Further, the texture of the pastry is a little chalky, which might suggest that the Lava Cookie could taste exactly like that, seemingly providing me with an actual Lava Cookie.

Sweet treats are some of my favorite things to enjoy despite knowing that I have to try to cut back on them for one reason or another. But even if I can't or don't want to enjoy these sweet treats, I know that I have Pokémon to fall back on as something that I can enjoy with less worry for the reasons that I should cut back on enjoying actual sweet treats. It has its own share of sweet treats, including the specific ones above, that touch on those of the real world. For what they're worth, I'm sure that makes for a sweeter deal.

One year ago: Hunting for Rewards from the Go Battle League

Two years ago: Where I Want to Go

Three years ago: (Improving the) Local EX Raid, 10/16/2018

Four years ago: Trainer Fashion

Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: Expanding the Collection

I had intended to write this post in order to show that I had gained a few more of the Pokémon coins that I had also showed and discussed last month and the month before. However, a fortunate turn of events allowed me to gain more of the coins - not just a few more, but a lot more. Therefore, I couldn't call it "even more selections" as the intended subtitle for this post, and it is instead more fittingly called an expansion of my collection, leading to the subtitle above.

As can be seen above, if last month and the month before I had only collected four each time, this time I collected four times that for a total of 16 new ones. The middle two of Cosmoem and Slowking I had obtained myself, while Altaria and Magearna I had obtained by trading two duplicates with a friend two weeks ago (yes, the same friend referred here), and the rest including Lucario and Volcanion were obtained by a friend of my friend giving away duplicates, which led to all of us filling and expanding our respective collections.

It becomes obvious that both of my friends have been more dedicated in obtaining the snack packages that contain these coins, even being able to be said to have subsisted on them. If not, they wouldn't have obtained what they had obtained and then some, as their collections and duplicates, for which the latter becomes distributed across our individual collections, becoming parts of them.

I should note that the Altaria I received has a defect in the form of scratches on the upper edge close to the center. While ordinarily I would rather settle for more perfect specimens, my friend of my friend suggests that there might be a reason to keep some with defects: the ones with defects may become more valuable later on. It makes sense, as these are mass-produced and are expected to be mostly perfect, but once in a while an error leads to a defect, and that becomes a rarity and therefore valuable. Though it may still have to be proven with these coins, the theory appears legit.

After having obtained 24 of these coins in total, now I have a sizable collection of them thanks to myself and my friends. My original intent was never to collect them, and that is still the case, though with nearly a quarter of the available coins in my possession, it may be that I've gained traction for the act of actually collecting them. Yet it might depend on my whim in purchasing more snack packages and subsisting on them like my friends did as well as theirs in redistributing their duplicates. That may at least be the better mark for expansion.

One year ago: Strange Eggs, and Getting Estranged with Eggs

Two years ago: Rekindling Old Games

Three years ago: Ultra Ball Hanging Ornament

Four years ago: Cosplay: MAXcited

A Pokémon Best Friend Dream

It's rare that I have Pokémon dreams when the circumstances of the dream present themselves, but that happened with a dream I just had. The circumstance is that a friend came for an overnight stay yesterday - and yes, it's the same friend that prompted one of my posts from around a couple of weeks ago. Of course, my friend is also a good Pokémon fan, so now the circumstance is evident: my friend was in my dream. And that makes for a good story to tell, at least while some of it remains vivid in my mind.

Like the real circumstance, my friend was staying over at my house; however, it seems that it was a different house than the ones I've stayed in and could call "mine". In the progression of the dream, we talked and affirmed how great our friendship is because we like Pokémon, even if that may be manifested differently. That was then followed up by a few matches of Pokémon Unite, some mutual tasks in Pokémon Go, and a few discussions on merchandise... at which point I woke up. I informed my friend about the dream, though my friend was neutral about it.

What seems to be a coincidence is that we did exactly all of those things the evening before. Yet, I'm still not one to believe in coincidences, so I'm sure all of that plays a role in the dream. If I were to make an interpretation about it, it is that there is a certain importance that Pokémon has for the both of us. There are the exchanges that occur in the games and merchandise, and that was what happened. Through them, we have grown as friends - perhaps in unexpected ways - to accumulate our interests in it. These all fit within the framework of the "four pillars", and our links have pretty much proven the verity of the concept.

My friend has decided to take another overnight stay at my place due to unforeseen circumstances, but I have no problem with that. It only means that our link as friends has grown beyond Pokémon and we have completely forged trust in each other. Whether that might mean more appearances in either my or my friend's dreams is unknown, but if that happens and Pokémon is involved, then it might just be welcome to be noted.

One year ago: Workouts, Exercise, and Fitness with Pokémon

Two years ago: Community vs. Central Management

Three years ago: Cosplay: Akatsuki no Matsuri

Four years ago: Never Stop Exploring

Tournament: Raid Group "Relaxed" Lunar Cup

So, the reason why explaining the Lunar Cup quickly becomes relevant is because of yet another tournament by my raid group, this time as part of the current running Silph Arena season with this first themed cup. Since it's my raid group and I have a stake in PvP, it becomes pertinent for me to participate and see how my skills fare against those of others.

Participation was quite diminished this time around, with only eight of my raid group members, including me. Others may have wanted to participate but couldn't get a team in by the starting deadline, which was 8 PM on Friday. Regardless, eight participants is the absolute minimum for getting things going, so it's still fortunate that happened.

The reason why this particular tournament has a "relaxed" tag is that the scheduling is even more flexible, in that now a round can be given 2 days to complete. With eight participants, this resulted in three rounds, and all of the rounds were completed at 8 PM a few hours ago, allowing me to make my write-up of how I did.

As for that, I thought I could do well, but I in fact didn't and ended up in sixth place. I won my first round with a sweep against one of the more masterful participants, but then ended up getting shut out in the next two rounds by two very masterful ones. Had I just gotten one more win, I might have been able to bump up my ranking slightly.

There were no "close calls" this time - and if there were, I averted them with a win - which is a good thing. The bad news is that pretty much all of the losses were by a sizable margin. This leads myself to question either my team-making abilities or my prediction abilities, or both, though considering prior tournaments, this isn't exactly a new problem.

Silph Arena's current season has just begun, and there will be more themed cups to come. Whether my raid group will deal with them, given a year's absence of sorts, is another matter, but if my group does, then I'll certainly deal with them also. There's time to consider how well I can make things work out as this season works out for me and the others.

One year ago: The Day-Night Cycle and Pokémon Games

Two years ago: Cosplay: KAI ESports Exhibition

Three years ago: Pokémon and Adventure Games

Four years ago: Respect for Ikue Ootani

Thrills and Spills in Quick Unite Battles

I have to say that I'm enjoying many things about Pokémon Unite despite still not being very proficient in it, which may or may not be the case as I proceed. As much as I enjoy it, presently I'm often tied up with other affairs that make playing a Standard or Ranked match infeasible (especially when no other friends are present to play with and communicate, which becomes something particularly vital for Ranked matches). Fortunately, the game provides a way out of this through the half-length Quick matches, which also happen to provide their share of what I call "thrills and spills".

Quick matches occur in one of three battle arenas that change out each day, and one of those arenas is called Mer Stadium. Functionally, it can be described as a simplified version of the standard Remoat Stadium, and much of the struggles in the latter do occur in the former, only with four Pokémon a side instead of five. There is the same "thrill" of being able to push back opponents by eliminating their goal zones and the same "spill" when they do likewise. The individual parts of the arena, including "key boss" Zapdos appearances as an example, also happen in quicker succession. It may or may not be able to serve as a "live practice" for the standard arena, but at least some of the processes are emulated.

Shivre City is another one of those arenas, and as can be discerned, it is set in city streets that somewhat resemble Ryme City of Detective Pikachu fame. Here, there are only two goal zones - one for each team - and predictably, much of the action takes place there as one team attempts to score and the other attempts to block. Defeating the "key boss" of Avalugg becomes make-or-break (and "thrill and spill") for matches in this arena, as the team that didn't will be blocked in essence. Also of unique concern are exploding Electrode when they are not quickly dealt with after being attacked; some points may be gained, but the cost of being affected by the explosion may be severe. It is thus a city of total mayhem.

The third arena is Auroma Park, based on the locale where Pokémon are commonly found. Unlike the other two above, a team consists of three Pokémon a side for this arena. The two goal zones here are special in that once any Pokémon scores, a double scoring bonus for other Pokémon is activated, making scoring imperative and necessitating an action plan. Here, there is also a dizzying array of conveyor belts that can quickly whisk Pokémon to different areas, whether intended or not; the "key boss" of Regigigas is enclosed within one circular loop. Other peculiarities include the high-scoring but teleporting Abra, and dynamic duos of Dewpider and Araquanid. Cooperation is in essence totally required for this arena.

With these "thrills and spills", there are certain dynamics that Quick matches bring to the table in order to be able to experience the former while avoiding the latter. I've gone through those dynamics and consequently have experienced those "thrills and spills", and others are likely to do so as well once they take up Quick matches in Pokémon Unite. They might not measure up to the conformity of Standard or Ranked matches, but I would consider them unique and noteworthy challenges to take up, as I have done, when there is only a bit of spare time and before returning to Standard or Ranked fare.

One year ago: The Deprecation of HMs

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/12/2019

Three years ago: Finding and Re-Finding Players

Four years ago: The (De Facto) Series Mascot

Lunar Mysteries of the New Season

Well, this is quickly becoming overdue and will be even more so soon, so I've got to get right on it and cover it, moreover with it being relevant soon enough. In the writeup for the tournament in which I participated with my raid group with a "spooky" format, I noted that the Silph Arena was in between seasons at that time; as of this month, the new season has started, and as usual, there are monthly themed cups with different meta restrictions, with the first one being this month.

The themed cup this month is called "Lunar", in contrast to last year's Sunrise opener and in keeping with the "spooky" aura of this month. For this, the allowed types are Grass, Electric, Bug, Ghost, and Dark, with dual-types of at least one of these types permitted as is the norm. As for the ban list, that contains Mega Evolution (as usual) and Shadow Pokémon (for a change) as well as the species of Alolan Marowak, Pachirisu, Scrafty, Stunfisk, and Vullaby. Altogether, there are 259 species forms - including Legendary and Mythical Pokémon - available for use in this themed cup.

Considering the main five types, it would be expected that teams and the meta would have to shift across the Grass-Bug and Ghost-Dark dualities, plus Electric types as a "transfer". That is pretty much what happens, with key species being Mandibuzz, Heracross, Galvantula, Alolan Graveler, and Froslass, among others. Notably, the ones mentioned above are dual-types that have potential to take care of practically each other and a few isolated threats. A good team of 6 Pokémon as is required by the Silph Arena ought to contain some of these and/or alternatives that can also power through.

In fact, as explained in the development notes for the themed cup, the selection of types is intended to break up and even out a few triangular relationships, particularly involving the Bug, Ghost, and Dark types, with Grass and Electric as neutrals. Each of the banned species also comes with a rationale, mostly to avoid them dominating as attackers and/or defenders. The ban on Shadow forms is also to provide a "warm welcome" to newcomers given the current circumstances, in addition to preventing dominances also caused by their naturally superior nature against normal forms.

After the break between seasons, the Silph Arena has started up again, and this time the themed cup is both welcoming to get Trainers to jump in and haunting to suit the current month's aura with its selection of restrictions. It almost has an aura of "mystery" in that manner - as well as for the progression of the current season of Silph Arena - but the "mystery" should be able to be solved with a good amount of prior planning, while the mysteries of this season solve themselves.

One year ago: Making (Personal) Breakthroughs in the Go Battle League

Two years ago: Shuffle Secrets

Three years ago: Pokémon Game Journals

Four years ago: All That He Wants... (Is Another Victory)

The Music of Unite

Pokémon Unite has become a hot Pokémon game recently as the foray of the franchise into the game genre of MOBA. Games of this genre tend to be fast-paced, intense, and heroic in some ways, and this applies equally to the music used in them. The same fortunately also goes for Unite, and it has its own musical suite for all situations in the game, indeed with all of the above qualities that make it just as impressive as the game itself.

Shota Kageyama is the composer of this entire suite, and that's just a small feat. Shota also worked on music for many of the main series games after the fourth generation and even Pokémon Masters, one of the "next-door" games to Unite. Such a track record is an excellent one as far as games in the Pokémon franchise are concerned, and that becomes evident in what Shota has composed for Unite.

All the battle arenas have their own dedicated music, including for when a match enters what is called the "Final Stretch". The regular music for the arenas is stimulating, but when the "Final Stretch" happens, the music becomes more intense and dramatic. In general, the music can be described as "symphonic rock", with some areas more of either the former (Remoat Stadium) or the latter (Mer Stadium).

The same is also true for the music for non-battle parts of the game. The main menu music is a symphonic wonder, while the Pokémon selection music is a valiant rock piece that neatly ties to the pre-battle loading screen, which is 16 seconds of intense rock looped over for listening pleasure. The post-battle music still has a rock feel but subdued, and the shop music has a  totally subdued lounge flavor.

My personal favorite is the main theme music, which plays after the game fully loads and before one taps "Start" to play, and also when one becomes acquainted with the game for the first time. Some have noted similarities of the music in the game to music in other games, not the least of which is the aforementioned main theme, which evokes a certain "windy park" on platforms, so to speak. 

I've stated it previously, but I cannot state it enough, especially for modern electronic games: music makes the game. In the case of games of the MOBA genre, the music has to be able to complement their intensely action-packed nature. The music for Pokémon Unite is very much able to do just that with its symphonies and rock melodies, befitting a heroic and fast-paced entry into a new game front for Pokémon. 

One year ago: How Simple Is Pokémon Really?

Two years ago: Illusions of Success?

Three years ago: People-Adventure or Pokémon-Adventure?

Four years ago: Kanto Starter Keychains

Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/9/2021

October is typically a spooky month for all things concerned, including in Pokémon Go, though there will be more on this later. Yet it also doesn't hurt to try to start early (and I mean really early - also more on this soon), which would be with today's edition of Community Day. By the cue word above - spooky - it becomes clear that the edition for this month has to feature a Ghost-type Pokémon, and it does, thereby making it very appropriate for this month.

So, the featured Pokémon of the month is Duskull, a Ghost-type Pokémon of the third generation that evolves twice, eventually to Dusknoir of the fourth generation. Duskull already has its Shiny form, but it has been quite rare, and this edition is thus also to make that less of a case. For Dusknoir in this edition, it gets the Charged Move of Shadow Ball, which some have noted to be a slightly poor choice with Shadow Claw preferred, but at least it still works somehow. The bonus for this month's edition is tripled Stardust from captures, which also works out for those who are always hungry for it and need as much as one can get.

As is the current norm, there is the option for using extended Lure Modules or Incense within the timeframe from 11 AM to 5 PM local time to increase appearances. There is also the additional paid Special Research, which this time is titled "Nothin' Dull About Duskull", covering its spooky oddities. Yet as it takes Sinnoh Stones to evolve Dusclops to Dusknoir, four of them are provided through an additional Timed Research if one lacked the items. The rest of this edition of Community Day is regardless standard according to the current situation.

Earlier today, I thought that it would be possible to have Community Day in the same manner as last time, but that was quickly proven otherwise when no one could confirm to do so and I met only one person on the way to check that it was the case. However, two friends of mine - one I'm frequently in contact with and another that I had never met in person before - decided to get together and invited me. It became a "mini" Community Day in some ways, which resulted in more than 15 Shiny Duskull for me and 5 evolved Dusknoir with various characteristics and different purposes. The camaraderie was a bonus in itself.

An additional side note about this Community Day is that it was divulged early on, nearly a week and a half before the previous Community Day event took place. It was surprising, considering that most times the reveal for the forthcoming edition takes place either just before or some time after; this is obviously the "really early" aspect that I had previously mentioned. As of now, there is no word on the edition for next month, so this may be construed to have been a one-off thing.

I've been spooked today with all the happenings for this Community Day, as well as with the early announcement along with others, so it may be said that the Community Day has fulfilled its purpose of early spookiness. This month has only partially passed by, and there's a certainty of more spookiness to come. Whatever that may be, at least this Community Day might have just shed the light... or unleashed the shadows.

One year ago: On the Buying and Selling of Gameplay Elements

Two years ago: Hunting for Physical References

Three years ago: What Pokémon Eat

Four years ago: Pokémon Jigsaw Puzzle

Record-Keeping in Pokémon Games

What is always useful is if a game were to provide one or more features to keep track of what has happened in the game. The feature is usually in the form of a list of those happenings and at what time and date they occurred, plus all other significant information related to those happenings if the need arises. This is what I call the "record-keeping" feature, and as it turns out, certain Pokémon games are no stranger to this feature; it becomes useful to discuss and detail about the forms and realizations of this feature.

I got the inspiration to write this post due to having used one of these features on a currently popular Pokémon game, and that would be Pokémon Unite. It has a "Battle Record" feature that is accessed (on mobile) by going into Trainer Info and tapping it; it then shows the list of battles that have taken place along with certain statistics, and tapping on a battle shows detailed information for that battle, the same as what is shown at the end. I had to use the feature to remind a friend about a battle we both took part in, and it was helpful for that purpose. Of course, it should also be very useful for those who are very analytic about this kind of game.

On another popular Pokémon game, Pokémon Go, record-keeping is established through the Journal, which is accessed through the Trainer profile and keeps track of adventure actions by the Trainer, and Notifications, which is accessed through the News feature and keeps track of external actions indicated by messages on the top of the screen. Both of these note the actions as well as their dates and times, and used to be together until separated. They're rudimentary, but then so are the actions and not much more detail is needed other than what is necessary.

Some of the older main series games also kept a "journal" of sorts of actions from the past few days since the games were played, which is then shown upon loading a save file. This is (or was) useful for those who do not play the games frequently or sometimes spend extended time away from them to do other things or play other games. It's a bit of a shame that this feature wasn't retained in newer games afterwards, but at least the feature worked well in the time that it lasted. 

No matter how complex the games are, a certain amount of record-keeping seems welcome and necessary in order to keep the action going, particularly in the Pokémon games that were mentioned above. The information that they keep track of has the potential to be useful not just for tracking things of past plays but also tracking the path of future plays, becoming more than merely records on lists for whichever game they may be.

One year ago: Countermeasures for Pokémon Go: Taking Stands, Taking Chances

Two years ago: Someone Else's Points

Three years ago: A Poké Ball Keychain

Four years ago: Cosplay: Kisetsu no Matsuri

Tournament: Raid Group Master League Classic

In the last raid group tournament that I participated in, or at least the write-up for it, I noted that my raid group might be open to initiate other tournaments with other formats, and the result is this tournament. It is very, very different from the usual tournaments, especially one that is assisted by the Silph Arena, which is also the case for this tournament. But since I've taken part in it, I need to detail how it went and how I did, especially now that it has concluded.

Evidently, this tournament utilizes the Master League Classic format, which disallows Pokémon greater than Level 40. The decision to utilize Master League Classic was made by voting, and many chose it due to its relatively greater accessibility over the Master League. Either way, the format is not too common for the Silph Arena, and it certainly can't count for its season as it demands Great League and other themed cups. However, the Arena itself provides the facility to battle with a unique method, so it can and does serve well for the format. For those wondering why Ultra League was skipped, that is because there wasn't much interest for the format, and so things went on to Master League, Classic in this case.

Like the previous tournament, this one has a one-round-one-day scheduling and therefore extended times for each round. Even so, one round, the third, was extended for another day due to one of the participants being entirely unavailable then; since it's just my raid group and we know each other sufficiently well, plus this tournament being more on the informal side, it is possible to do this, whereas in more formal and time-restricted tournaments this would automatically result in a loss for the unresponsive participant. The start of the tournament itself had already been delayed a day to allow more to join in; it started on last Friday evening and ended yesterday, at which point a winner emerged.

That winner, though, wasn't me. I ended up second from the bottom, next to the only participant that bombed all rounds, without being able to win any battles. Meanwhile, I was able to win just one round with a total shutout - incidentally against the one that lost everything - while I got shut out in the others, including against the one who would win the tournament; I came very close to winning one of the battles I lost, though I'm not sure it would have made any real difference. Regardless, it seems that I may not be too fit for (competitive) affairs of this League caliber, though I may still be able to try at times and eke out a few lucky wins.

It was actually because of this tournament that my focus on the Go Battle League shifted between the Little Jungle Cup and Master League Classic; going into the latter was in part directed as practice for this tournament. In the time I practiced, I did get the lucky wins that I expected would happen before promptly bombing a series of them, and that might have been a telltale sign that the Master League Classic tournament wasn't going to end up as well as I thought it could. But switching back to Little Jungle Cup didn't do much in the way of wonders, and I ended being humbled. At least there is still a shred of confidence in Master League Classic by having gone through this tournament.

With the way this tournament went, it may be an open question as to whether my raid group will open the floor to more tournaments (particularly, for the new Silph Arena season) and whether I will participate in them. Yet it is likely that if the former happens, the latter might just happen as well. The challenge will always be how I and the other participants can adapt to the format, scheduling, and progression, as with this one of unusually high caliber.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Phones and Gadgetry

Two years ago: Livestream and Let Livestream

Three years ago: Cosplay: SJF - Tomodachi 3

Four years ago: Iron Trainers?

One Girl Is Company, Two Girls Are...

Jenny, oh Jenny

Joy, oh Joy

A one-woman man's what I wanna be

But there's two perfect girls for me...

-- "Two Perfect Girls", Eric Stuart

I've brought up the likenesses of Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy along with some real connections in two different quick posts. They're strong characters to be sure, and they're particularly strong for another Pokémon character: Brock. They're frequent subjects of his adoration, if not for any female character in general, and that adoration is the subject of a song sung by Brock himself about the company that they may provide for him.

Remarkably, the song is sung in English, which is neat for western fans. It is also in effect a "character song" as Brock himself divulges a particular characteristic of his own character - his interest for people of the opposite gender, but particularly for the two characters above. He does exactly that in two verses and a characteristic chorus that has been quoted above, plus a third variant that goes beyond those two characters.

The song is also characteristic as it highlights the singing capabilities of Eric Stuart, the old voice actor for Brock. It sounds remarkably passionate from the slow and mostly spoken intro to the upbeat rest of the song, complemented by the occasional background singers. Of course, it has to be: aside from dealing with Pokémon, Brock's passion is girls, girls, and girls, specifically the ones he has called out as "perfect".

Ostensibly, this song has a lot of character. It's about a character singing his hearts out for another two characters in the most characteristically way possible. It seems fair to say that the song is fully "perfect" for Brock as he sings about the perfection of two very specific girls (and even more) that he could only wish to have as company together yet could only have one. At least, that's a perfectly strong statement of character in some ways.

One year ago: Official Representative Pokémon for Regions

Two years ago: (Not) Sparkling Names

Three years ago: My Town, Pokémon Town

Four years ago: What's in a Name?

Quickies: Nurse Joy, the Maintainer of Health

Some of my recent affairs have dealt with real-world people that could be identified as the analogues of the Pokémon characters who deal with and preserve the health of Pokémon, which would be Nurse Joy. They're responsible for restoring the health of Pokémon when running low and if necessary to take advanced measures to make sure that happens. It's a necessity and someone has to do it, given what Pokémon are subject (or subjected) to day in and day out. The relation between the imagined characters and the real people is also deserving of a quick discussion.

One of those recent affairs involved a general but massively directed effort to maintain the health of as many people as possible. During that time, I met many people who are considered to be like "Nurse Joy", and they directed me just like any Nurse Joy would to restore Pokémon to good health in general circumstances. Meanwhile, earlier on, I had to have myself go through a health check that was assisted by a couple of people who are "Nurse Joy" in some sense, and they specifically dealt with me just like when a specific Pokémon needed their attention. In either case, their health maintenance tasks are rather evident.

When they have to deal with specific subjects, they really have to deal with them, as with a specific Charmander one time that would eventually become Ash's. Lives may be or are in fact very much at stake, and whether they are Pokémon or human, things have to be dealt with quickly. When only general subjects are involved, the procedure can be quicker due to having been standardized, but no quality is sacrificed, as in healing Pokémon after battling. They must be receptive to the state of the Pokémon and know what they need, and likewise their real-world analogues must be the same for humans.

It seems that no matter whether humans or Pokémon are involved, health is an imperative thing. Humans ought to take care of Pokémon, as Nurse Joy would specifically, and humans must take care of others, as the real-world analogues would. That can be a lot to deal with, but if my recent affairs are of any indication, there are indeed many that are willing to do so in the real world, just like there are many in the Pokémon world. I'm sure that there is always a Nurse Joy for every Pokémon health situation in that world, just like there should be of their analogues for the human situation.

One year ago: Circus You Create

Two years ago: Gym Progression in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Starters and "Pseudo-Starters"

Four years ago: The Old New Thing: Second-Generation Games

Possible Future Unite Licenses?

In Pokémon Unite, one needs a "Unite License" in order to fully have the "right" to use that Pokémon in certain battles. Right now, there is a good deal of representation for Pokémon with Unite Licenses for use by the player. Even so, there seems to be some gaping holes in that representation, ones that I consider to be deserving to get filled in. Based on this, I have a short list of several Pokémon that may become prospects for future Unite Licenses.

Currently, Fairy types have a good representation to some extent, particularly with Gardevoir and Wigglytuff. However, it may be that others could also join the representation, such as Granbull and Togekiss. The former could be a neat two-stage addition, while the latter could be a strong three-stage addition. The balance might shift with these new additions should they be included, but it might still be possible to counter them with the current representation.

Meanwhile, the current representation may be deemed lacking in the Fighting type department, and this may be helped with new additions. Gallade could be one, but its "duplicity" with Gardevoir may have to be resolved if it is somehow included. Conkeldurr might be a more viable and unique addition in similar vein to Machamp by its unique appearance and capabilities; either of these regardless have the potential to be seen.

Looking at the current representation, Dark types are rather minimal. In the future, it might be neat and impressive for them to have a greater presence in representation. Two of the Pokémon in this regard could be Honchkrow and Tyranitar. It may be admitted that either or both of these may appear in a different map as NPC species, but with reasoning of the Cramorant "odd bird" being represented, they may just work out.

The same minimalism could be described for Dragon types, which at present is only prominent by Garchomp. Dragonite and Salamence are obvious contenders for this, and should they become included, they could become impressive but possibly challenging representative options. Past the challenge, they could also stand to dominate, which becomes the sole point of consideration if they are decided to be included.

With the Pokémon that are currently represented in Pokémon Unite, there is a good selection of fighters with Unite Licenses that appeal to strong and fan favorite species. At the same time, the selection may also be considered to lack extensiveness in some ways. The solution to that is of course to add more Unite Licenses, with the result being a dazzling representative array that should also dazzle in combat in the arenas.

One year ago: The Sun Also Rises... on SLA

Two years ago: Dub Reunion, Dub History

Three years ago: A Strongly Brilliant Thing

Four years ago: Feelings for Female Trainers

The Little Jungle Cup of GBL

Since its inception, the Little Cup format of Go Battle League has proven itself to be adaptable, in the same way that it itself is an adaptation. With three basic types, it became the Element Cup. With only a certain "divine" species of Pokémon allowed, it became the Bidoof Cup. The latest adaptation, which is to be discussed in this post, takes it to the wild green yonder and is given the name of Little Jungle Cup.

As it is a "Little Cup", only Pokémon with a CP of 500 or less are allowed. The allowed types for this format, including others as secondary types, are Normal, Grass, Electric, Bug, Ground, Flying, Poison, and Dark. Unlike the original Little Cup, however, the "must be able to evolve firstly" restriction is absent, and most Pokémon of the above types are now fair game. The only ones that are outright not allowed are Shuckle and Smeargle for the purpose of this format, while Ditto and Shedinja are not allowed in PvP regardless.

The elimination of the evolution restriction allows some Pokémon in the second or third stages of their evolution or that don't evolve to be put in battle, including some truly viable ones. Unfortunately, it also allows Legendary and Mythical Pokémon should they be able to meet the CP restriction, and at least one case has indicated this, with a Lugia just below CP 500. The way to obtain this is resourceful and legit while also being questionable and challenging. Likewise, Pokémon in further stages of evolution present uncommon challenges for this format.

The leading contender for this format is the Grass- and Fairy-type Cottonee, for which its strength and versatility can be attested. Others on the top include Galarian Stunfisk, Altaria, Chansey, Skarmory, and Onix, in roughly descending order. Some of these might be somewhat difficult to obtain if they have been transferred, given that some species don't appear in certain ways, at least any longer. Those that have them may be considered to be blessed; others that don't have them will have to scour for alternatives whether from currently locally available species or other means such as trading and Research, not to mention to prepare them for battle in this format.

This format has only been active for about a week on the GBL, and it presents an engaging challenge, perhaps too engaging for the reasons above. It may or may not be friendly for PvP upstarts, but at the least it is also an alternative to the Master League and Master League Classic formats that accompany it. Personally, as much as I'm drawn to the new format, I'm also attracted to Master League Classic in one part for accessibility and convenience - odd as it may seem - and in another part for a certain reason that I will detail later on. Sometimes my win rate is not as supportive with this format, at which point I switch. Still, being that I possess good Pokémon for this format, it can and does work out well at times.

It has to be stated that this Little Cup variant is vastly different from other Little Cup variants due to the restrictions or even "un-restrictions" that are in place. Regardless, its stature especially in light of the other accompanying formats may just be more friendlier and accessible, even in a different manner. As Trainers adapt, it seems that the Little Cup has to adapt as well, this time putting them in a perplexing "jungle" of sorts.

One year ago: Gotcha Good, Like I Should

Two years ago: Preparing for Sword and Shield

Three years ago: The Items of Shuffle's Special Shop

Four years ago: When an Iris Blooms: Episode 669 - "The Bloom Is on Axew!"