Five Years - Extended Healing

It may be considered somewhat unbelievable. This post marks a full five years that I've written on this blog, and that means each day I've presented something about Pokémon and perhaps about my daily life along with that. It also means that I've made over 1800 posts over that time period - something that is definitely not a small number. And it's been done for a variety of topics under a variety of conditions, showing how Pokémon has been a major involvement, influence, and experience. I would say that is very significant.

As is the norm for the end of the year, I'd like to draw comparisons to Pokémon concepts to illustrate how this year had progressed. Last year (see below), the comparison was to the concepts of damage and healing, since it was the start of the global downturn to current conditions. And, well... it's still going on, with things being not much better, though it couldn't be said to be much worse either (yet - heaven forbid). Therefore, the concept I've taken is "extended healing", the kind that occurs when one is, for example, far removed from Pokémon Centers but is facilitated by either supplies or conditions, or even both.

The things that would make up those supplies would be the general assortment of Potions and Revives that one has (or ideally should have) in possession. Some Pokémon happenings of this year may be construed to be representative of consuming those items. The little bits of the big 25th Pokémon anniversary are like Potions and Super Potions that restore excitement in Pokémon gradually, while events like Pokémon Go Tour and Pokémon Go Fest are like Hyper Potions and Max Potions that really bring excitement, no matter how they are subdued currently. Then, new games like Pokémon Unite and the Sinnoh remakes would be the Revives, for just when it seems that one can't seem to battle further. Even so, perhaps the Max Revive is still to come, whenever and whatever that will be.

When it comes to "extended healing", it is known that in the Pokémon world, this can be done naturally. This would occur, certainly, through Berries, of which the Oran Berry and Sitrus Berry are two of them. As it stands, the few chances that I've been able to "send Ash" again, the few tournaments that I could join, and the few items of merchandise I've been able to obtain this year pretty much represent this. Between the Potions and Revives, at least they are sufficiently satisfying to help myself heal, though the Potions and Revives are eventually still necessary for more thorough healing.

Still, what may be best for healing is a good (long) rest, as has been depicted in the main series games, accomplishing much of the same purposes. The absence of the many previous ways to enjoy Pokémon due to the current conditions may be considered that long rest, and the expectation may be that after the rest, the previous vivacity of Pokémon activities will return, and will perhaps be even better than before.

The world - including the Pokémon part of it - may seem like it's far away from being fully healed and restored to good health, as is commonly noted in Pokémon parlance. At least, the healing progression continues, and my blog and I are part of that. For how much longer this will be, no one may know for sure, but I'm certain things will become evident, especially here.

Cheers for continuing to make strides and continuing to heal. 💪

One year ago: Four Years, Taking Damage and Healing

Two years ago: Three Years: Making My Moves

Three years ago: Two Years of Evolution

Four years ago:  One Year Full of Pokémon

...Is There Still Time?

How much more time is really there?

How much more time do we still have?

All the people shake their heads

All the people fall silent

All the people only say that they don't know

What is best for us right now

Is to kneel down to the ground

While we all know that for us, there is still time...

-- "Masih Ada Waktu (There's Still Time)", Ebiet G. Ade (semi-lyrical translation)

Toward the end the year, as usual, I have one song that - by my consideration - captures all the feelings of my and others' Pokémon (and blogging) journey over the course of this year. It's a bit of a somber and spiritually-evoking local song by a local artist, but the feelings may be regarded as universal no matter who one might be. With all that's happened in the world, for Pokémon or otherwise, one may wonder, is there really still time to take in everything of this world, including Pokémon, before moving to the next one? To that question, which is distilled as the title of this post, I thought of this song, which may provide the answer.

The overall message of this song is about being grateful for being alive when one doesn't know - or for that matter, no one knows - how long life lasts. This is true, especially in consideration of certain "tragedies" and being able to see the sun in the sky for another day, as mentioned in other parts of the song. There is then the opportunity to take in what can be gained from life before life itself is gone or at least transfers to what comes after. Perhaps, only "the ones in charge" or "the powers that be" really know where life is headed, and only they possess the records for life and all that exists.

As for what this has to do with the Pokémon journey of everyone as well as my blogging journey, it's obvious that life has presently taken its toll on the people and in particular fans of Pokémon. But at least the sun still shines for another day for those who continue to make strides in life, even in matters of Pokémon. For that much, one would still have to be grateful; all that is left to do would be to collect all the good takeaways from Pokémon and life in the hope that they may serve for the goodness of current life and beyond.

Admittedly, this song is probably better reserved for an occasion of thanks that had passed by just a month ago. Even so, the message of this song goes even deeper than just the mere expression of thanks; it involves and regards misfortunes that befall on life and the fortune of still having life, which for Pokémon fans would mean more chances to experience it and take away good things from it as life continues to progress. Given the misfortunes of the past two years, things may not be so far-fetched (Farfetch'd); therefore, the song really applies now.

So, the answer to the question posed in the post title above is "yes"; there is still time to take in everything in this world - including Pokémon - amidst all the current misfortunes of the world. The important thing is not to forget to be grateful for life itself and all that is present in it, as well as the time given to experience everything. With a little praise and appreciation, particularly for the latter, everything may just be sufficiently worthwhile.

One year ago: Return to Believe

Two years ago: (Extra-)Ordinary Days

Three years ago: One Day, in Life

Four years ago: When I See You Again

Plus One, and...

Since it's almost the end of the year, I thought I'd take the time to reflect on my blogging and Pokémon journey over this past year in a partially objective and partially subjective manner. That could (and would) be accomplished to some degree through the "yearly themes" that I establish according to certain considerations, for which I had established this year's within a week after the start of the new year. The theme this year suggested that some things might get added on or continued - not the least of which is current conditions that have persisted since the previous year - and some of those things did include Pokémon things. 

Of things that could certainly be added on, one of them would be age, as in years, and this year the "plus one" clicked to make Pokémon reach the age of 25. That has been veritable regardless of the state that the world is in, as it has transpired as if current conditions didn't exist. Looking at the road to and of the anniversary, it may be considered a string of "plus ones" for all aspects of Pokémon, not just that of age. That seems to be a good counterpoint to last year, when there was a spate of "plus zeroes" instead. Though it may be that more "plus ones" could occur without the current conditions, they also wouldn't be discussed as such.

Perhaps a big "plus one" this year is the appearance of Pokémon Unite, the MOBA game with a Pokémon flavor. This too has led to a number of "plus ones" among fans, especially because of its crossplay capability. It also certainly fits current competitive gaming trends and can serve to become a "plus one" for those venues, including the one that belongs to Pokémon... and so it seems that way. It has been reported recently that the "pantheon" just expanded to include Unite directly for a 16-team tournament with prior qualification. This is indeed a big "plus one" with benefits all around, which very much includes to Pokémon itself.

As for myself, there have been a few "plus ones" that I've been considering in order to get across what I would like to say to others. This includes a few additions and improvements to this blog to make that process better, some of which I've already revealed but still need to execute, and still others that I haven't yet revealed and are waiting for the right time - likely when the year turns over and the circumstances present themselves appropriately. It should be admitted that this is a usual process, but the "plus ones" are distinct this time around in light of the "yearly theme".

In the "yearly theme" post, I noted that the theme was based on an element of continuation in a different kind of game. If this year has proven anything, the continuation has been evident for Pokémon or otherwise, and furthermore for and by this blog. In that sense, the "yearly theme" has been fulfilled, further if it hadn't been already. What will or will not continue in the following year remains to be seen and can only be seen as the transition occurs toward that. In any case, this year still has a couple of days left in it, and I can stand to make a few more "plus ones" with the remaining time of the year, no less with Pokémon.

One year ago: A(n Un)Clear Vision?

Two years ago: Cosplay: MC & "Reflections of Love" End of Year Events

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (Above and Beyond), 12/29/2018

Four years ago: In Lieu of a Book

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/28/2021

This month, as has been discussed earlier, kicks off the Season of Heritage. The start of the season is usually a neat time, given that of previous seasons (including last year - yes, that means yesterday's and today's post are in exchanged order compared to last year also as seen below). The start of this season was (and is) particularly neat as it includes the year-end holiday season as with last year, but the same can also be said for the events that helped the season to start. All of them are to be discussed in the event rollup for this month. 

The new season started off similarly to last season with an Incense Day event on December 5, though this time it was properly called that instead of by a special name. For this Incense Day, the main featured Pokémon was Swinub. As it has the Ice and Ground types, these two types determined the type hours and the other accompanying types that appeared, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Swinub is a featured Pokémon for a previous edition of Community Day, so this Incense Day brought back the exclusive move for its final evolution of Mamoswine from that time to be available during the event. Apart from Field Research tasks like those of Hoopa's Arrival event and extra Incense for those who may need them, there were no other bonuses. The event served not only as an opening for the new season but also practically as a Community Day supplement.

After the heritage "opening", it was time for a real "heritage" from the fifth-generation games. Dragonspiral Descent was the next event from December 7 to 12, which is based on the Dragonspiral Tower in the Unova region. This event also marked the debut of Druddigon, the characteristic cave dragon of the location, which could be found in raids and Field Research tasks, as well as being possibly Shiny from the get-go. Many Pokémon of the location also appeared in the wild and raids - including Reshiram and Zekrom themselves - and a number was included in a Collection Challenge that also rewarded a Druddigon. Since the event was potentially raid-heavy, a discounted bundle of Remote Raid Passes became available. This is indeed a real piece of heritage, one that some Trainers have waited for expectantly.

As a "break" from heritage - or it might be considered one of a different kind - there is the Holiday Event, which for this year is divided into two parts. The event started with Part 1 from December 16 to December 23, kicking off the event with the entry of the Postcard Book feature, Holiday Cup in GBL, and specific Pokémon wearing holiday costumes, some new and others from past years. More Gifts can be opened and stored, Mega Abomasnow gets a CP boost, and Team Go Rocket has more Water- and Ice-type Pokémon; there are also new clothing items and item bundles in the shop. Specific to this part are appearances of Alolan Sandshrew as well as Cloyster, Kyurem, and Mega Steelix (continued from earlier in the month) in raids.

Part 2, which also began on December 23, continued most of Part 1 with some changes and other novelties. Here, Alolan Vulpix, Lapras, and Mega Abomasnow take over from the previous part, and Shiny Galarian Darumaka enters the fray. Meanwhile, this part also involves the debut of the Bergmite family in the wild, a single-use Egg Incubator from first PokéStop spins, and two Timed Research sets that involve capturing and Friendship that eventually lead to a Galarian Mr. Mime encounter, making them more widely available. A Winter Wonderland event that involved increased trading distance during Christmas weekend and a Collection Challenge (that is completable up to the end of the month) featuring traded Pokémon and another Galarian Mr. Mime encounter also became a part, along with appearances of featured Pokémon in 7 km Eggs. This takes everyone to the end of the year.

Per the above, it may be considered that "heritage" may have a few interpretations, which might include primordial/ancient elements (Swinub or Druddigon) or tried-and-true traditions (the Holiday Event). Both have the rationale to be preserved and presented in some manner, and the above events in Pokémon Go more or less are able to do just that. Meanwhile, the Season of Heritage has just begun and more "heritage" awaits for both preservation and presentation in Pokémon Go and likely beyond its confines.

One year ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: Life Goes On

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/28/2019

Three years ago: Soul-Searching and Pokémon

Four years ago: From Journal to Blog

Road of 25th Anniversary: The Road in Kaleidoscope

It's really getting down to the wire for the major 25th anniversary of Pokémon, with it about to end in two months or so. As well, almost everything related to that anniversary that makes it what it is has been divulged. I thought that before the close of that anniversary, I'd collapse what has been divulged of the anniversary into a "kaleidoscope", similar to what some people might do for other events of the year, also right around this time of year.

One big thing about that anniversary is "world travel". This has been evident with the "regional exhibits" on the anniversary web site, which has presented each of the known regions somewhat in a travel guide manner, enough to make one visit the regions as presented. And one might do just that, specifically through the anime, whether through reminiscing past episodes or (re-)watching the current ones as through (Master) Journeys, the "world saga". It is regardless an important theme for any Pokémon Trainer, and that has to be realized even without being able to leave the confines of one's own home - likely.

Whether for "world travel" or staying home, "good vibes" (through neat music) is always neat to have, and that would be pretty much the whole intent of the P25 Music program. That program has totally delivered by providing amazing music through the contributions of amazing artists; they all touch on themes related to Pokémon, even subtly. While the event that Pokémon Go had with a collaboration with Ed Sheeran is not part of this and can only be described loosely as an adjunct to this anniversary music program, it may be considered to reaffirm the philosophy to a certain extent if little else.

This anniversary is the 25th, which in some ways is rather extraordinary. "Extraordinary" would also explain much of the collaborative merchandise for this occasion. The expected ties with "silver" and jewelry - and even crystals - would be a given, thanks to the gravity of the anniversary. But then there are also unexpected forms like snack food collaborations and even books for the beginning Trainer, as in the ones that really begin to know about life (now further expanded with editions for colors and shapes). All the stops have to be pulled out for this anniversary, even unusual ones.

If Pokémon were to be considered a "kaleidoscope", it would be that it involves facets of life that are multicolored and dazzling, as one would get when one looks into such a device. For the 25th anniversary, such a sight would have to be involved in all its special features, and based on what has been divulged, it has. All that is remarkable (and brilliant) for everything that has been presented in the span of a quarter century.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/27/2020

Two years ago: Pokémon and the Furry Fandom

Three years ago: A Tripartite Conversation

Four years ago: I Can Hear Your Voice

Pokémon Unite Holiday Event

Of course, since it had a Halloween event earlier, Pokémon Unite has to have a Holiday event, again in similar vein to other games and especially mobile games. The event started on December 15 along with the entry of a well-known dragon (Dragonite) on December 20 as another possible combatant Pokémon. That, along with all the other additional features of the event, make it something to enjoy during the current festive season.

As part of the event, two new arenas have entered the fray. Remoat Stadium - Snow and Ice is a special winter-themed edition of the regular Remoat Stadium, available for Standard matches. This new arena replaces some of the wild Pokémon with those that fit a wintry theme, including Articuno in place of Zapdos, though Rotom and Drednaw remain the same. Meanwhile, for Quick matches, there is the Snowball Battle in Shivre City arena, which is a more chaos-driven version of the regular Shivre City, similar to Halloween in Mer Stadium. Here, regular held items are replaced by an assortment of items exclusive to this arena with crazy functions, and when a Pokémon faints, it turns into a snowman and remains in place as it is revived; the whole arena may be alternatively described as "playing dodgeball". Both arenas are available throughout the event, which lasts until January 16.

In addition to the above, there are also new challenges. The Illumination Challenge is a challenge that is primarily focused on the Snowball Battle arena as above, with the objective of collecting "Lights" by completing certain tasks in order to light up a tree and receive some neat rewards. The tasks are divided into daily and challenge tasks, which should all be completable with frequent play. Then, there is the Photo Challenge, which involves collecting "snowflakes" in order to reveal bits and pieces of a picture while also receiving nifty rewards. Only 100 "snowflakes" can be collected each day from various matches, so one will have to be diligent and patient to collect all the "snowflakes", reveal the entire picture, and obtain the rewards. The former is available throughout the event, while the latter is available only up to January 6.

Besides Dragonite as above, there are also gifts abound, as with the Special Gifts. Daily gifts that change from day to day are given out from December 24 to January 1, while three other gifts can be claimed during Christmas, at the end of the year, and at the start of the next year. Though not exactly a "gift", a number of Pokémon have received Holowear that is appropriate to the season, which are also to be obtained during the limited period of the event; they are not exactly a "gift" because they still have to be purchased with a number of Aeos Gems, which is likely to be significant for any player. Regardless, they are free to obtain them if they wish and to regard them as the gift they are or should be.

Like the Halloween event, this event comes with special menu music and decorations on the main screen, including a tree and some seasonally appropriate Pokémon. The new arenas also have their own adapted musical suite that suits them and the event. All the details about the event are accessible directly from the tree and a present icon on the main menu.

The elements of this Holiday event are quite plentiful, but they all have the purpose of celebrating, just as people (and Pokémon) do in general at this time of year. As with the Halloween event, much of the determinants for that will take place in the battle arenas. Yet it may be that one can't help celebrating before and after the matches take place as the event progresses all the way into the new year, which is still a good thing.

One year ago: My Missing Pokémon Pieces in 2020

Two years ago: More on Sunner and Me

Three years ago: Wallpaper: 20th Movie - Remember and Continue

Four years ago: The First: Episode 001 - "Pokémon - I Choose You!"

Keeping the (Pokémon) Christmas Spirit

So, today is Christmas. It is a time of merriment in many cases, even with current conditions still prevailing for the second year in a row, which is a situation that may suggest its own difficulties. And... it seems I've been beset by my own difficulties, Pokémon or otherwise, over the previous evening into the moment of writing this post. Either of these may detract from the "Christmas spirit" - which may potentially involve Pokémon (especially thanks to its Christmas album) - and present a struggle to keep it as great as possible.

As I've discussed in my first Christmas post years ago (see below), I've had the fondest memories of Christmas where Pokémon was involved. Though Christmas was back then - and still is now - a fantasy that at least serves as a wrapper (also see below), past happenings have been able to let me perceive the Christmas spirit. I know for certain that the spirit has to involve good will in some form, and that's a major point to this day, let alone all other days when it isn't, which is a good thing no matter what.

To some extent and to be honest, I feel slightly frustrated and sad that my good will wasn't received in its intended fashion. Since today is Christmas, this hits a little harder. But then I'm reminded that today has to be more merry somehow, so I have to move on rather quickly. It reminds me of a song, by one of my favorite artists no less, that I've recently listened to again and now feel that it is significant for this time, though with a slight modification of lyrics considering the present time:

When tears are in your eyes

It's time to look inside

Your heart can find another way

Believe in what I say

Don't throw this time away

Tomorrow will be (Today is now) Christmas Day 

-- "The Spirit of Christmas Past", Enya (slightly modified)

Coincidentally, I'm currently engaged in a Pokémon happening where the above words to the song may fit in, with another replacement: "Tomorrow is another day", to make it suitable for general happenings like that one. And so it seems that I - and those in the related Pokémon happening - will have to keep our head held up and have faith that our good will can be channeled in another manner, not just on this day but also in the days to come. That, I sense, might be the way to maintain the spirit of the day when all else fails.

I suppose that in Pokémon and Christmas fantasy or reality, there is always the place for good will. The key would be finding that place and thus keeping the spirits.

Merry Christmas. May the spirits of the day remain with whatever is involved. 🎄

One year ago: Merry Christmas... in Fantasies

Two years ago: I Like Christmas, Merry Christmas

Three years ago: Christmas Bash: Concept Album?

Four years ago: Merry Christmas!

The Mistletoe Dangled Over...

Ash: There's a feeling I'm getting

I just can't explain

Makin' me glad tonight

Maybe it's Christmas

Maybe the snow

Maybe the mistletoe

Misty: There's a secret I'm keepin'

That no one can hear

A feeling deep in my heart

Maybe this Christmas

My true love will show

Under the mistletoe...

-- "Under the Mistletoe", from Pokémon Christmas Bash

Popularly, the mistletoe around this time of year (Christmas) is seen as a romantic symbol, thanks to the belief being perpetuated in tradition and song. Pokémon Christmas Bash seemingly wanted to get in on the action as well and pay homage to this state of affairs - certainly with a Pokémon twist - and that led to the song quoted above being included. The song also carries other implicative matters that some fans might recognize and identify with.

Before getting into that, it is important to note the particulars of the song. The song is sung as a duet by Ash and Misty (courtesy of their original English voice talents Veronica Taylor and Rachael Lillis), with Pikachu added in for good measure. Structurally, the song is composed of mostly verses - the initial two verses being quoted above and all of them having references to the theme - as well as a spoken bridge and an "outro", the latter being where the song "devolves" quite a bit. It's a riot; I recommend listening to it for the full experience.

Since Ash and Misty sing this song, there are allusions to the "shipping" of the two, particularly by fans who still feel that they have some interest in each other. If the lyrics of the song suggest anything in implication, though, it is that at least Misty shows love interest in someone (unspecified) while Ash denies of having any, also evidenced by Misty hoping to get close and under the mistletoe while Ash hopes to steer clear or at the very least feign it... until the two are ultimately caught under.

As noted in a previous post, I don't particularly subscribe to "shipping", with or without Ash being involved. Therefore, I tend to regard the above song as a mildly humorous take on the age-old Christmas tradition. In fact, that could be a hidden intent: to suggest that the "shipped" relationship above may not be the norm, even in this special case. Of course, for those who do subscribe to "shipping", the relationship could always be the norm regardless of everything else. The choice is for one to make.

Whatever happens, the mistletoe tradition is one that is timeless, and in going by the above song, it may be something that transcends worlds as well. The romantic implications that arise may just be a total fantasy or at the least a wonder of imagination. How that plays out with Ash and Misty may depend on one's views, but with the mistletoe dangling over their heads as suggested in the song, all bets might just be off.

One year ago: Christmas Song, Really

Two years ago: Let's Go Play with Buddies

Three years ago: Keeping Homes in Hearts

Four years ago: Cool Wintry Song

2021 Pokémon Center Merchandise Highlights

As with discussions (or, in a way, "highlights") of previous figure lines, I received word about the figure line from the Pokémon Center e-mail newsletter. It has always been a great way to get in the know about certain Pokémon merchandise, even ones that I may not have access to purchase. That includes a few scattered kinds of Pokémon merchandise that I have been informed of and consider interesting but cannot discuss at length in a single blog post for each kind. With this time nearing the end of the year, I thought I'd round up some of the ones I feel are attractive and highlight all of them in a single post.

For those who love plants and the process of growing them, they might like the Pokémon Gardening line. This line involves a few kinds of planters to facilitate growing the plants as well as statues to decorate the place wherever the plants might be, which would most likely be in a garden. Of these, I'm taken with the Squirtle Planter and the Male Pikachu Statue, the latter because I consider it a reflection of myself and the former because it could serve as a reminder that I need to water my plants. I'm actually not an avid gardener myself, but I can see these being great for any plants I grow.

Every house needs things that make it a home, and for Pokémon fans, Pokémon Home Accents might just be able to help in this department. Many of the items in this line involve objects of comfort (including pillows and throws) that feature a subtle Pikachu motif, as well as others with an Unown motif. For items that are more evidently Pokémon, there are wall light boxes and bean bag chairs, including ones for Snorlax (both) and Ditto (bean bag chair only). I love the throw pillows and mugs, as well as the Pikachu wall light box; I can already see places in my home where I'd like to put them.

Dipping back into the spooks of two months earlier, some merchandise items have featured black-and-white illustrations by Vic Lee that contain specific Pokémon in spooky settings. They have been featured as mini figures with their respective Pokémon, T-shirts, wall art pieces, and true to their form as posters. The ones with Drifloon and Banette are enticing to me, though the one with Mimikyu is also passable, given how I sometimes obtain merchandise featuring this imitative Pokémon. The settings look appropriate and detailed for the respective Pokémon and may just hint at their backstories, which I like.

One last line of merchandise items to be highlighted is actually quite important, as it relates to the big anniversary that in a month or two is about to pass by. That would be the Pokémon Celebration Parade figures, which is a special series of figures to commemorate this big anniversary. The figures depict starter Pokémon across eight generations based on themes rather than types or chronology, and they can all be arranged in a row to illustrate the grand parade. If I could have just one, I'd like the Grand Marshal Pikachu figure, but all the others are festive enough that I could see myself possessing them as well.

I'm always impressed whenever the Pokémon Center newsletter e-mail comes in and I get a chance to browse through Pokémon merchandise that I may or may not be able to obtain. The collection is always extensive, even in this year of the major anniversary along with other difficulties, so I'm not always able to get into each kind at length and note as many of their characteristics as possible. However, I can round them up for a highlight, just as with the above for some interesting lines and items from this year. Even with just bits and pieces, they can encapsulate the breadth that is Pokémon merchandise.

One year ago: Playing Pokémon on the Quick

Two years ago: December for Love

Three years ago: Quick Ball Tin and Pokémon Coin

Four years ago: Perspective

Getting in the Mood with Pikachu

Throughout this year, Pikachu has been getting into all sorts of moods, as well as circumstances that provoke those moods. All of these moods and circumstances have been encapsulated in a series of figures that is aptly titled "Pikachu Moods" that show off both of them in a highly expressive manner. This is likewise in the same vein as the previous figure lines of "A Day with Pikachu" and "An Afternoon with Eevee & Friends", so it would be neat to discuss this line as with the previous two figure lines.

Unlike the previous lines, this one has comparatively fewer individual figures in the set, with eight figures in all. What they lack in number, they make up in expression; each figure shows off Pikachu along with an accompanying situation that causes Pikachu to have a certain feeling (the mood), with special effects if necessary. A good example of the latter is the "confused" figure, where star effects are also shown above Pikachu's head in addition to the swirly-eyed facial expression that is characteristically expressive of this mood.

For this, the eight moods are "sleepy", "annoyed", "sad", "lovestruck", "confused", "hungry", "scared", and "guilty". All of these were divulged roughly once a month over the course of this year. As with the previous two lines, the figures went for USD 14.99 each - "went", of course, because these figures are limited in stock (even purchase is limited) and by now are out of stock and even unavailable in Pokémon Center. Moreover, some have stated that the figures are relatively poorer in quality, though I wouldn't vouch for this at face value.

Were I to have free choice in obtaining one or more of these figures, I would go for the more upbeat figures from this line, the "hungry" and "lovestruck" ones; both capture the essence of this figure line very well. As for the "best of the rest", I would go for the "sleepy" figure, which I consider expressive but just sufficiently so - it's also one of the figures that also feature another Pokémon, in this case Jigglypuff. The free choice remains a free choice, would that the figures be still available.

If anything, this figure line is a testament that Pikachu is quite an expressive Pokémon, particularly given the same circumstances that would provoke similar moods in people as in these line of figures. Other aspects notwithstanding, they may still be deserving of a spot in the collection of any Pokémon (figure) fan, even if it's because of the purely expressive factor. That may just be the core reason for collecting these figures, to exemplify the moods of this year and even past and future ones.

One year ago: Muscle Memory and Pokémon Games

Two years ago: Cosplay: Chibi Daisuki! Japan Fest 2019

Three years ago: A Pikachu Hand Puppet

Four years ago: I Claimed My Team

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Uptake

As with the case of previous iterations of the main series of Pokémon games, I'm obliged to report on their uptake by players (or Trainers in game speak). These two are especially important as they've been on the minds of fans and players for quite some time and have only been realized more or less now. It becomes fascinating to see how that uptake has been realized in different ways, and that has been somewhat evident.

Earlier, I noted that the content creator that goes by as the Legendary Pokémon species of Kyogre is also to deal with (one of) these new games, and that has proven to be fruitful. Through the way that Legendary Pokémon from other versions are facilitated for capture, as well as over 1000 soft resets, a Shiny Kyogre was obtained in the game of choice, Brilliant Diamond. From then on, the Shiny Kyogre has become a content staple - including in a Pokémon Contest - as is the game itself, with seemingly no possibility of returning to the eighth-generation games. The uptake is therefore warranted and works out well for the creator and the Legendary Pokémon.

In contrast to Sword and Shield, my main series game group has been relatively quiet about these games. Aside from the livestream by the dedicated players, it may be considered "business as usual" for everyone else. Of course, that doesn't mean the other members haven't gotten the games (as I haven't); they will likely have gotten either - or perhaps even both - of the games, but not divulged which one(s). The fact would become evident when they play and there are indicators that show which versions they obtained.

Though competition may not be about to become big on the games, some "makeshift" competitions may just be able to be held. One was, in fact, held by my main series group as a "Multiverse Champion" tournament in both Single and Double formats, utilizing the Pokémon that a tournament entrant used to get into the Hall of Fame (and therefore finish the game). It is a unique tournament even if I couldn't participate in it, even if I had the necessary means and given how long it took me to finish the last main series game that I played. Competition will seemingly arguably shape itself regardless.

Whether evident or not, the uptake for new iterations of the main series of Pokémon games should be and remains something to behold, as it can mean new content to show or new ways of doing things as above, in addition to whatever else might be established. That has to be at least somewhat satisfactory for those who have eagerly awaited the current installments.

One year ago: What If Pokémon Didn't Exist?

Two years ago: New Innovation, New Problems

Three years ago: Dreaming Big, Making an Impact

Four years ago: Friend Faves

Merchandise over Games?

Pokémon is a hugely popular and well-known franchise around the world. Its bread and butter are the games, which are the initial form of the franchise and have sold in large numbers... or is it? It has been stated that this may not actually be the case, and what carries the day is actually merchandise, which for Pokémon came about later on. This would have many implications on either side, and it would be good to make sense of this through a discussion.

I got the idea for this discussion just as I was writing up the post for the newly launched promotional campaign in my country of residence. At that point, I also considered an observation that someone had made regarding the sales of games vis-a-vis the sales of merchandise related to those games, though the observation wasn't made specifically toward Pokémon. As it came back to my memory, I had decided that it would be worthy of discussion, this time being related to Pokémon.

The observation, in paraphrased form, is that "games don't sell, merchandise does". It doesn't mean that games in comparison to related merchandise have a hard time selling; Pokémon already refutes that as above. It means, at least as a fundamental implication, that the games sell, but merchandise sells even more than the games. As a further implication, merchandise would be something that backs up or supports the selling of games, which would then result in further games and even more merchandise ad infinitum.

From the observation, it would also mean that the fans who purchase merchandise to collect them would similarly support the franchise as those who purchase the games to play through them. Therefore, it would be no problem for the latter in devoting themselves to obtain merchandise even if they do not invest in and play the games, as the support would be equal to or even exceed those who play.

Such fans do exist, and it doesn't take much to look for them. My (currently inactive) figure group has a few people that show no sign of actively playing the games in any form, but their devotion to (and in some cases, even knowledge of) Pokémon figures is as great as those who play the games, perhaps even more in some respects. They even won't shy away from purchasing figures whose values exceed the sale values of the games, and further with their consoles as a whole. 

Given the above, the observation seems to be evidently true even for Pokémon. With such a strong image, Pokémon merchandise becomes very appealing for gamers and non-gamers alike, for which the purchase of the former contributes to and affirms the lasting success of the franchise. That lasting success as well as ubiquitous popularity cannot be denied, whether one's interest is collectibles or things to play with.

One year ago: Pokémon Go: Tap... Tap... Tappity-Tap...

Two years ago: Sitting Pikachu Keychain

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/20/2018

Four years ago: Movie Manga!

Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/18/2021 and 12/19/2021

As this is the month of December, there is always the recap edition for Community Day in Pokémon Go. If last year marked the start of radical changes due to current conditions in the world, this year effectively marked progression from those radical changes, which has been evident all throughout the editions of the event this year. That also has been encapsulated in the recap edition, which began yesterday and for the most part ended today.

The main part of the event began yesterday at 11 AM local time, when the featured Pokémon from this year's editions started to appear in the wild, with those from January to June (Machop, Roselia, Fletchling, Snivy, Swablu, and Gible) being more predominant yesterday and transitioning to those from July to November (Tepig, Eevee, Oshawott, Duskull, and Shinx) being more predominant today until their appearances ended at 5 PM. As with last year, Pokémon of the previous year appeared in Level 1 raids as well as 2 km Eggs, along with Budew as the baby form of Roselia. With the development of new norms, Trainers were free to take advantage of either Lure Modules and/or Incense to make the featured Pokémon appear to a greater extent.

During the usual event hours (11 AM to 5 PM), a slew of usual bonuses - double XP, double Stardust, halved Egg hatch distance - were in effect, and joining the party this time were the trade cost discount from last month as well as an extra Special Trade each day. Field Research, as expected, were of "Catch 3 Pokémon", and if one was lucky, one could find ones that reward Mega Energy for Charizard, Beedrill, Gengar, Gyarados, or Altaria, in lieu of them not appearing in Mega Raids currently. This time, Timed Research provided one of each featured Pokémon from last year and this year with bonus Stardust and XP at the end, while the paid Special Research provided a number of helpful items, including Elite TMs, one of each kind. Because of the multitudinous nature of the evolved forms of Eevee, the move window is also extended for one day, ending more or less tomorrow.

Speaking of the move window, if last year the Pokémon from the 2018 editions got cut, this year those from the 2019 editions got cut, in respect to the possibility of obtaining their exclusive moves. This in effect establishes a paradigm in that the end-of-year edition for Community Day will "support" the editions from this year as it should, along with those of last year as a "legacy". It also means that Trainers have the rest of the move window for this year to obtain the exclusive moves from last year, after which the use of Elite TMs will be required. Meanwhile, those of this year may also be obtained next year, but one will certainly not wait that long if it can be gotten right now, especially if the Pokémon are available.

For myself, I became (or made myself) available on both days in different ways. Yesterday, one of my raid subgroups became available to meet, and many of us did end up meeting next to a local park. We captured, traded (mostly me with two Lucky Friends), and made the most of our day to buff up our Community Day stocks before we had to part. Today, I couldn't meet the same friends, but after a neighborhood tour, I did meet another friend who couldn't go anywhere, and we made the most of Community Day there, including taking advantage of trades primarily to buff up Candy XL stocks. In all, it was a productive use of the Community Day Weekend and a perfect closing for this year's run.

With that, the progression for this year's series of Community Day events in Pokémon Go is now more or less at an end. Yet, there's still much room for progression to continue in next year's series, as well as the progression to what could be a possibly more "normal" state of affairs. The latter hasn't quite happened due to progress and retrogress, but Pokémon and Pokémon Go move on regardless, for which this year's recap makes a nice statement with how it includes everything from this year and last year.

One year ago: What It Takes to Contribute

Two years ago: Creations Without Drama: Cosplay Teaser for 12/22/2019

Three years ago: The Four Pillars of Pokémon

Four years ago: Nostalgic Returns

Let's Talk About Making Teams Work

Me: I have some Pokémon business today that I can't really write up a discussion until tomorrow at best, so in the meantime, I figure we can have a "Let's Talk".

Ash: I'm up for that. I'm sure you have something neat that we can talk about together.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["Should be neat!"]

Me: OK, so I want to talk about teamwork and how that works out with Pokémon. In many cases, Pokémon is an individual thing - often it's just one Trainer with one Pokémon against others in similar fashion. But it can and does work for team play in some cases. I'm sure you already know what I'm talking about.

Ash: I know! There's something called a Double Battle with two Pokémon on each side. I've had my share of that, and you really need both Pokémon to work together. If that doesn't happen, it's not going to be good.

Me: Indeed, they have to cooperate - very well, might I add. A special case of this is the Multi Battle, where four Trainers in two pairs put in one Pokémon each and have a Double Battle. This too I'm sure you're familiar with.

Ash: Yeah, that one time I got paired up with Paul. That was a terrible time even if we did end up winning. It really looked like we couldn't get it together.

Pikachu: Pika, pika pika chu. ["My head hurts thinking about it."]

Me: I didn't enjoy watching much of it either, so we're pretty much in agreement. Now, when it comes to Double Battles, they're pretty common among my fellows and me. They are, in fact, the backbone of established Pokémon competitions.

Ash: I remember you sending me a few years ago with your team to try to compete in a tournament, but we didn't do so well.

Me: One of my fellows that hosted you told me that the team had to be modified, moments before the tournament. And that was the best team I had come up with ever; all other times it was even more haphazard.

Ash: So I guess that's why you like the fast Single Battle format of some other tournaments. But I'm told that has its own team competition too...?

Me: There is, but the challenge is finding people (Trainers) to fill in the team, which is easier said than done. And like the Pokémon of Double Battles, the team has to be coordinated in who does what, otherwise things fall apart.

Pikachu: Pi, pika chu pika! ["You don't want that!"]

Me: It's the worst thing that could happen.

Ash: That's also why I don't see you with a team of Trainers.

Me: No - if I was in a team by now, it would be because I either initiated the team, or the others wanted me as part of the team. Either way, coordination is important.

Ash: I hope you can join one in the future!

Me: Thanks, even if the hope is small. Now, I'm sure you also know by now that I've been somewhat enjoying a kind of Pokémon battle that involves many players and just as many Pokémon.

Ash: That one is extreme! Can you keep up with all the action?

Me: Mostly yes, sometimes no. And for this one, the team has to be absolutely even more coordinated and everyone needs to know what to do, or otherwise the battle is surely lost - which is what happens when I get bad teammates and we can't help each other because we can't communicate.

Ash: Looking at the battles, I think Pikachu can understand what to do, but then Pikachu would have to work together with the others too.

Pikachu: Pika, pi pika chu pika. ["I'm sure it can be done."]

Me: So whether it's a team of people or a team of Pokémon, the important thing is that one needs to know what one needs to do, and to make sure that the others know what the others need to do. If that can be done, then teamwork is not only achievable but also pleasant.

Ash: That sounds like us in these talks! I've always enjoyed doing them.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Me too!"]

Ash: And so does Pikachu. You could say we all work together for this.

Me: That has been the case in the few years we've had them. As they say, "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" - we'll continue to have more of these talks.

Ash: Pikachu and I can't wait!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yeah!"]

Me: That's teamwork for you.

One year ago: "Seasonal" or "Occasional" Gamers

Two years ago: A Cosplay Departure

Three years ago: Screenplay Writing

Four years ago: Good (Life)Times, Again

Pokémon Lectures?

If around one and a half years ago I discussed about the possibility of conferences involving Pokémon, this time I want to discuss lectures in the same fashion. Lectures can be considered related to conferences in that they involve focused discussions, but usually with single topics for an extended length of time, and the two activities often go hand in hand. Anyone who has been through college has effectively participated in class lectures, since that's what they are, more or less and wherever one gets educated. And that has implications for how the particular activity can involve Pokémon.

As is often the case, I was inspired to write the post about this topic based on a real happening. One of the other games that I play just literally held a lecture - true to the description above - on a significant topic related to the backstory (lore) of the game. It lasted a couple of hours with the presenters discussing a topic at length, including taking in audience questions and continuing the discussion with them. Further, it was not the first time; it was the second time after a rather successful and well-received first time with many participants in the audience. The event is likely to continue as a full-fledged series for the game.

Regarding the applicability of this to Pokémon, the games themselves can't really suitably allow this to happen within the games, as their focus is quite different, which would be on the action in the games. However, if an actual "lecture" were to take place, it could be done outside of the games and through various video streaming services that are available today. In fact, one of them - which is the popular YouTube - already has at least one channel that effectively packages Pokémon lore in a way that is similar to the lectures, except without the length and interactivity factors. Further, the most effective lectures would preferably deal with the actions in the games (such as breeding and teambuilding) rather than lore, and without question this is already present to a great extent. Either of these may be apt to be put in a "YouTube Pokémon Highlight", but that's for a later time.

Granted, Pokémon and its games have a much greater focus on action, so typically its lore takes a backseat. All the same, either one can and does facilitate some kind of lecture on their particulars to take place, even if the lecture isn't in the games themselves, something that isn't quite possible. Packaged in similar ways to any of the above, there's no reason that these lectures can be appealing and necessary, furthermore possible.

One year ago: Quibbles with Candy XL

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/14/2019 and 12/15/2019

Three years ago: Raid Dramas

Four years ago: Hoenn Pokémon Are Go!

Salim Group and Pokémon

Wherever Pokémon goes to establish itself, it has to go through legal hoops, not the least of which are the ones set up by the companies I've mentioned in a post about copyrights, as well as Pokémon Asia for markets in the continent beyond Japan. In Indonesia, the one that deals with those hoops, especially for the special campaign that started the other day, is a corporate and conglomerate entity known as Salim Group. This entity possesses some of the most well-known brands in the country, and through the companies that are part of the conglomerate, they also serve up Pokémon in different ways.

The most important of these at the moment is AKG Games. This company handles the goings-on of the localized TCG, from the localization itself to the coordination of linkages, events, and of course promotions tied to everything about the game. All these efforts demand a whole lot of communication, which is why some time ago they were looking for someone to join the team and make things happen. Whether or not this has happened, it's hard to deny that the game itself is played through lots of communication, and in a way, the tasks of the company reflect what happens when the game is played.

Digressing from the TCG, there is Indofood Fortuna Makmur. This is the snack food company that produces the brand of snacks (Chiki) that contain the Pokémon coins that I have collected, the last being around a week ago. It should be noted that the "Fortuna" used to stand for "Fritolay", which meant that it was once a partnership for bringing in the snack brands of that company before the partnership was dissolved and the company went fully with local brands, as Chiki above. Local or not, its place as a venue for the much sought-after Pokémon coins from a global franchise is still impressive.

In some ways, this last one might be considered the important "link in the chain": the convenience stores that carry the cards for sale in addition to them being sold at hobby shops, as well as the one that received Sponsored PokéStops the other day, is called Indomaret (formal company name: Indomarco Prismatama). Over the years, it has become a leading name as a convenience store, even before the localized TCG was brought in. Just before the current global situation, tournaments for it were in fact hosted at different stores. Its role still remains important regardless of what happens.

Like any major conglomerate entity, Salim Group has many different companies in different business lines, and the three companies above represent just a small subset of those. Yet, what's important about all the three companies above is that they all have some hand with the entry of Pokémon into Indonesian consumer space that has been notable over the past few years. Salim Group has really demonstrated the intent to bring in Pokémon with all that's happened; their businesses have been established names in the country for years, and now it seems they'd like to ensure the same with Pokémon.

One year ago: Perking up Holidays, Pokémon Style

Two years ago: PvP: After One Year

Three years ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys, Waves 3 and 4

Four years ago: Balanced Systems Stimulate Civilization

"My Pokémon Collection" in Indonesia

Good news for Indonesian fans of Pokémon (which includes me, not the least because of my residence): starting today and for the next three months, a major promotional campaign for Pokémon has been initiated, and it's titled "My Pokémon Collection" (Koleksi Pokémonku in Indonesian). As it is a big one, it does have to involve in part the localized TCG that has been in play for over two years now. It also obviously has to involve a lot more, and it does, which is why I consider it a good thing to elucidate for others around the world.

Whether they do or do not play the games, including the TCG in localized form or not, merchandise is always a big draw (and in fact, that may remain the case - perhaps more on this later). As such, Pokémon merchandise are to be sold in convenience stores, the same ones that sell the localized TCG and its necessities as well as the Pokémon donuts that I detailed a while back. Due to the ubiquity of these convenience stores, there is also the possibility that Pokémon merchandise will be even more ubiquitous locally as well, if it hadn't been already through prior initiatives. That ought to be great for fans regardless of what they like.

Then, there's the localized TCG again. By buying a certain amount of merchandise from the stores, or the "private label" product of the stores, one will then receive a promotional localized TCG card out of a selection. In the selection are Pokémon cards that don't look very different from other cards except with the logo of the store on a corner of the Pokémon image, as well as the Professor Willow card that I've discussed previously. Therefore, this promotion also becomes the avenue for obtaining this particular card as well as the special bonus it entails for those who are still playing Pokémon Go, which more or less goes without saying.

Speaking of Pokémon Go, the game isn't left out as well, for starting this morning, many of the locations of the convenience stores across the country became Sponsored PokéStops, and since each local region has a number of these stores, that means there are many new PokéStops indeed. By putting these stores on the map, in a way, it becomes a bit of reassurance that one may be never too far from any one of these stores for everyday needs as well as Pokémon needs, which is at the heart of the three-month long promotional campaign with all the great Pokémon things that it confers for certain games and beyond.

I've noted in the past that "collecting" is something I consider to be part of the "four pillars of Pokémon", whether it's for the species themselves or even representations of them - as in, merchandise. This campaign seems to have everything down pat, from providing batches of merchandise to making sure that the needs of the fans who play the localized TCG or Pokémon Go are served well with respect to their desires for collecting. I dare say that the collecting efforts will be intense within the three months of this campaign.

One year ago: On the Statistics for My Blog

Two years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 3

Three years ago: Only for You, For Your Eyes Only

Four years ago: The First-Generation Surfing Theme

Buying Games Ahead of Playing?

For diehard fans of game series like Pokémon, which obviously includes fans like me, they may buy the games in a timely manner in relation to when they'll play them. They're likely to purchase the games just as they intend to play them, or when they are on the brink of or feel they have reasonably achieved completion of their tasks in other games. But what about buying the games way ahead of when someone expects to be (or become) able to play the games? That extraordinary situation may deserve at least a bit of a discussion.

It may be that the situation is wholly unintended. For example, someone buys a Pokémon game with the intent to play it right away or shortly after, but then affairs of life and/or other Pokémon games take over, much like how my completion of some older main series games got delayed by those same affairs. Then again, the situation may be fully intended, as in buying a Pokémon game even without the necessary means to play it - which in other words often means buying the game although one does not possess the console. This latter situation may be considered the oddest thing ever, but it's been known to happen.

One of my friends had actually done the latter. During the height of the 3DS years, my friend had not actually possessed a 3DS, but then that friend of mine went right ahead and bought one of the versions of the Hoenn remakes when it was released. It took a while for that friend of mine to be able to obtain a 3DS at long last and be able to play the game that had been bought, which I'm sure was a blessing when that time came. It's a position that I can understand if I were in my friend's shoes back then.

As a matter of fact, I have actually committed this action: I've bought a Nintendo Switch game - certainly, a Pokémon game - without possession of the console. And it hasn't been a recent occurrence; it had happened a little over a year ago. Now, I have to say that I'm debating whether or not to commit to the same action again for a different game, which would put me in the same situation as my friend but twice over.

Diehard fans, of Pokémon included, seem to have their ways about things that they are a fan of. In the case of games specifically, it might mean buying and playing them expectedly and timely... or unexpectedly buying them and becoming untimely in playing them. Whichever way things go, it still makes sense for them to be called "fans" for their devotion in committing one or the other. And they'll still likely have their work cut out for the game they choose to buy and play, whether sooner or later.

One year ago: For the Sake of Something or Another

Two years ago: Putting Things on Hold

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (Double or Quits), 12/14/2018

Four years ago: Tears of Life... and Being Moved to Tears

The Bugs of Unite

At this point, it's hard not to expect that new games, particularly new Pokémon games, to come out and be updated with them being free of bugs. The new and popularly explosive addition to the lineup is the MOBA-styled Pokémon Unite, unfortunately is not (or has not been) immune to this fact. A few bugs have been reported from minor annoyances to major issues, specifically involving certain Pokémon. They've become quite noticeable thanks to players highlighting them, particularly with video evidence on YouTube.

One of the older introduced Pokémon, Cramorant, has a bug that renders it invincible onwards under certain circumstances, something that is likely unintended. As can be discerned, this bug becomes rather dangerous, because an invincible player is one that would dominate the entire match and practically spell defeat for those of the other team. This bug is definitely something that demands a fix to prevent further exploits and make the game once again fairer to play when this particular Pokémon is involved.

Recently, Tsareena was introduced; the Pokémon has gained notoriety for its abilities and ubiquity, as well as a bug. In certain circumstances, the Pokémon may be able to move faster as if it had used X Speed. Though not as severely impactful as the Cramorant bug, it would make what has already been deemed as a "broken" Pokémon from launch even more "broken" due to its already existing notoriety. This too becomes something to be fixed, even if some might desire it to be kept as a temporary ability.

Then there are other bugs. Some situations, particularly those involving poor connections, might allow some Pokémon to go through walls directly (a "clipping" phenomenon). Pokémon have also been spotted in unusual positions, like Charizard in a "napping" pose. One time, when viewing Pikachu in the Pokémon list, it makes a Charizard cry instead - which I have experienced but has since been fixed. The other two might be a little harder to fix, but there may just be a good interest in fixing them.

It seems that aside from new additions to the roster of playable Pokémon, which has been more or less active and is typically plagued by its own imbalances - which some say might be the "rite of passage" for specific metas - other bugs can also creep their way in as nuisances at best and noxious things at worst. As with any game that is developed in vivo, that may just be the normal state of affairs, and Pokémon Unite practically has challenges of its own for dealing with them and making sure all is fair in matches or otherwise.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/12/2020 and 12/13/2020

Two years ago: Performance Critique: Pokémon Theme feat. Otaku

Three years ago: Trainer Battles Are Go!!!

Four years ago: Will You Be There?

Using the Master Ball

Sometimes I receive creative reminders of even the most basic issues in Pokémon that I haven't covered on this blog. One of those issues cover the usage of a very rare kind of Poké Ball that is also a certain guarantee in some ways. That ball would certainly be the Master Ball, the ultimate ball that guarantees captures and is itself guaranteed once (if not more) in each game in the main series of Pokémon games. All of its related characteristics consequently have implications on the best methods of usage for this kind of Poké Ball.

In the past, certain games have included "roaming Legendaries", which would be Legendary Pokémon that are not encountered at a specific place, but travel throughout their respective regions, with encounters being quite fleeting as they can and do flee after just one turn in battle, sometimes even after certain actions have been taken. They have a reputation for being notoriously difficult to encounter, let alone catch, so using the Master Ball on them makes complete sense, even if it may become the one and only chance. One would have to choose wisely on who to catch in this manner.

Meanwhile, some Legendary Pokémon possess exceptional strength that makes them difficult to be weakened and then captured after those efforts. This includes resisting Poké Ball after Poké Ball and the subsequent weakening of one's own team as well. Rather than to go through this effort and spend a lot of time - especially if the Legendary Pokémon may be Shiny after numerous soft resets - it may be just preferable to throw the Master Ball and get things over with, without all the hassle.

Personally, though, since I would have only one of the ball in most cases, I prefer to go through the hassle and save the Master Ball for a momentous occasion. This is unless I have at least one more, which can happen if I win the raffle for it, even if this is not likely to happen since the chances are so dire. In this case, I end up not using the ball at all in this way since the occasion that would be momentous ends up not happening.

When it comes down to it, the usage of the Master Ball really is a basic issue, whether to do all the work (which may result in nothing, leading to repetition) or to forego all the work and instantly resolve things with the Master Ball. The choice - including for myself personally and all other Trainers - may have to be decided on circumstances and the work that they entail; yet it may be that the choice is also dependent on a creative way of solving situations, just like how I was creatively reminded of this matter.

One year ago: Virtual Reality (VR) and Pokémon

Two years ago: Sword and Shield Uptake

Three years ago: Much Ado About Figures

Four years ago: The Rainbow Feather of Ho-Oh

YouTube Pokémon Highlights: The Modelers

YouTube is a venue for showing off different kinds of video creations, certainly including many Pokémon ones (some indeed, one year ago - see below). Of those, some videos display the prowess in modeling objects in some way, shape, or form. Pokémon itself is no short of objects or things to be modeled, and some creators have taken advantage of that fact to model Pokémon objects, for which the results are presented dazzlingly on the video sharing site.

Some (at least from its 1 million+ subscribers) might recognize MetaBallStudios. This channel is particularly famous for its comparisons of grand objects, both real and fictional, with 3D models that are accordingly scaled. As expected, the creator has done one for Pokémon as well, with the comparison of a select number of Pokémon species by their actual scale; despite a single mistake, it is more or less reasonably accurate. The video is from 2018 and is therefore not up to date with new developments, and the creator may or may not have plans to create a new one (there have been requests in the comments section), but what exists is still notable to be highlighted.

Animation can also be made through modeling real depictions of objects and taking pictures frame-by-frame, then assembling the pictures into a video; this process is called "stop-motion animation". Many creators have attempted this, including one called Animist. Specifically, this creator has made two works related to Pokémon: one that depicts Trainer Red practicing a Poké Ball throw and Blastoise shooting a Hydro Pump. The former of these even has the behind-the-scenes, which shows the intricacies that are involved in making this kind of animation. But whether it's long or short, they still require lots of work undoubtedly - yet the results more or less pay off.

Physical modeling may be done with food stuff, and one particular creator does so with pancake batter, and that creator would be Pan K The Pancake Artist. This creator has been making pancake art for a good part of five years and has come a long way since then, including in making Pokémon pancake art. The spectacle is impressive, whether it's for the first-generation (pseudo-)starters or Eevee and its evolved forms, from the creation of outlines to flood-filling in colors - exactly like traditional drawing, but in pancake form. The results might be much too pretty to eat, but they make for some dazzling pieces to please the eyes, especially for its 2.7 million+ subscribers.

Moving on to something not so edible but equally as artistic, clay can be used to make figures that are exceptional and wonderful. The creator Squash Clay has taken the art form to new heights by sculpting and molding figures of Pokémon species out of colored clay; the artistry is quite evident for the Scorbunny family, Xerneas, and even Mega Rayquaza - these being just a fraction of what has been shown off. Pokémon has been the dominant subject of the creator for a few years straight, and it could be said that the creator has "specialized" in it at this point. The art speaks for itself, as well as for any Pokémon fan that find it appealing and any sculptor or modeler of the substance.

With the many objects that have been conceived over the years, Pokémon offers many possibilities for modeling, just as many as the forms that one might choose to do that modeling with. The modeling might be physical, virtual, or creative, as with everything that has been exhibited above, but it's certain that whichever objects are chosen and however one might model, there's a certain prowess (Pokémon or otherwise) that demands to be shown off.

One year ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - "Gotcha!" Versions

Two years ago: Rethinking Game Linkages

Three years ago: Passing It On: The Next Generation

Four years ago: Pikachu Head Collectibles

Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: Selections Once Again

After over a month of not gathering them, I've had the chance to gather a few more of the Pokémon coins that became all the rage starting a few months ago. My collection went from a few, to a few more, and then a whole lot more. This time, it's back to just a few more entering my collection, but I consider the few that I got to be a fascinating selection in different ways.

The latest additions to my collection are Bewear, Tapu Bulu, Eevee, and Arceus. These were gotten from two packages with no duplicates, which at this point can be considered lucky, since the possibility of duplicates increases as more and more are added. What is neat is that I got the former and latter two as sets in the same packages, which meant that I got a Normal-type set in one and a Gen 7 set in the other, both being thematic sets in a way.

With Tapu Bulu, it means now I have all the Island Guardians of Alola except one (Tapu Koko), and that one may become the hardest to find now, even if I were to obtain another package. Meanwhile, a very different friend told me that one of the coins that friend had obtained initially was Arceus, and now with Arceus being in my possession, we can identify with each other. These are further themes that I'm also happy to identify with the new additions.

Last time, I had a coin with a defect, in the form of an Altaria with scratches; this time, I have another. The Bewear coin is missing the large notch that allows coins to be inserted in different angles, making it possible to create large structures with a variety of angles. This time, the defect is slightly functional, but since I'm not making use of the coins for building structures, I'm not too concerned - and like last time, it may be worth something.

It may not be certain for how long these coins would still be available, but the fact that they're still available to collect now is at least satisfying. What might be more satisfying is to bump up my collection before what's available is gone for good - at least in the wild. In my collection, they should provide satisfaction and fascination like the above for as long as possible.

One year ago: Night Falls, Heavens Rise

Two years ago: Pokémon Center Pilot Pikachu Plush - Narita Airport Ver.

Three years ago: Stage Coin Tricks in Shuffle

Four years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru F!

Casting Out Porygon

Every Pokémon species has its place, whether in the clutches of a Trainer or to liven up the wild environment. The only ones that seem out of place are Porygon and its family, being present in the games (at least in some form) but seemingly nowhere else. In that regard, it seems that it's a great oddity. However, considering the circumstances that surround them, the situation might be considered understandable - and that situation seems to "cast out" Porygon and its kin.

Any discussion about Porygon always becomes an adjunct to the "incident", which is important to be sure, but I'll spare this specific discussion for a later occasion. What is important from that "incident" is that it becomes a characterization of the nature of the species and its kin: it remains a virtual oddity (as in the electronic sense) among all other Pokémon that are more or less realistic, as real as the Pokémon world is a reflection of the real world.

By that fact alone, they are the "odd ones out" in the realism of Pokémon, further as the virtual characteristic is often identified with something else. Thanks to the "incident", the first member of the species family also has gotten a bad rap, and this is effectively extended to the rest of the family. With the state of affairs having gotten so regrettably bad from back then, they're also made out to be "outcasts" despite still properly being Pokémon like any other species.

It's certain that no one wants to be reminded of bad times, and Porygon has had its bad time that nothing can cover it up, except by letting things slide and moving away from it, which leads to it pretty much being casted out. The realism that Pokémon presents today also doesn't appear to leave much room for the virtual aspect of Porygon and its kin.

For the consideration that every Pokémon species has its place, it may be that for Porygon and its species family, their place is the nether realm that separates the reality of the Pokémon world and the real world. At least, even with them having been effectively casted out in form, they still remain Pokémon, and that's something that cannot be casted out.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Finding Our Way

Two years ago: A Day (or Year) with Pikachu

Three years ago: To See and See Not

Four years ago: A Pokémon Twist to My Phone

My Current Pokémon Unite Role Preferences

As with other MOBA games, Pokémon Unite allows players to have a "main", the most frequently used character - here, Pokémon. It's something I've noted in a post I made about "loyalty" about a month ago. I won't dispute that; after all, I did mention mine in the same post. At the same time, I also prefer to think that presently I have several "mains" rather than just one, and they can be neatly divided according to (or rather, based on) each of the five roles that are assigned to each Pokémon in Pokémon Unite. It seems it would be helpful to share my insights about each of them for those who are considering them to be played.

All-Rounder. As suggested in the previous post, my main for this role is Charizard. Charizard just works in shooting out flames everywhere, including as fields to damage opposing Pokémon. Its Unite Move is rather extreme, though using it leaves me with only the basic attack usable. Regardless, Charizard is greatly usable, and I also have some personal connections with it - as the first starter I ever chose - and I'm proud and capable of using it even in Unite.

Attacker. This is a role that I don't deal with too much, given that I have the above. However, if I am to be challenged with this role, whether in and out of the game, then I'd pick Cinderace as my main. I've seen how powerful it can be in battle (and felt targeted on more than one occasion for picking it) and I enjoy playing it. It still takes more than a little practice, but in such challenging situations, I don't mind.

Defender. Of all the roles, this is my main role, and as previously noted, I use Mamoswine. I used to have Slowbro as my main, but I would still pick it if Mamoswine is taken and I'm challenged. I enjoy dropping Icicle Crash on others as well as stomping on others with its Unite Move. It might be a little finicky at times to work with, especially if I haven't gotten there from Swinub, but it is quite rewarding most of the time that I have used it, especially thanks to a friend's recommendation.

Speedster. Like Attacker, I don't deal with this role too much, particularly since some of the action in Unite can be rather fast and I don't need to make myself faster with usage of this role. I've gotten Zeraora from the event quest and I'm glad to use it, especially with recent challenges. Since it doesn't evolve, I can focus on leveling, gaining skills, and making quick work of opponents - and above all, to score, a flexibility that Pokémon of this role are intended to have.

Supporter. I must admit that I actually have no Unite Licenses for Pokémon of this role, but I've dealt with one significantly: Wigglytuff. As a popular meme establishes, it's rather versatile, and I've experienced its versatility, having had to be challenged in using it. Once I sense that the time is right, I will obtain the Unite License outright and make this the first one I have for this role as well as the main for it.

I still find the "mains" concept to be highly appropriate and necessary for Unite and beyond, but I also see that I'm also entitled to have different "mains" when different roles demand me to use them. Perhaps what's even more "main" is being able to use whichever preferred Pokémon for Unite (even now) and take my and others' "mains" straight to victory.

One year ago: Popular Poké-Shipping

Two years ago: Pieces of a Pokémon Life

Three years ago: Cosplay: IJF - Cosplayer Rising Star

Four years ago: (Un)finished Business

Quickies: Letting the Charcoal Burn

Charcoal is a well-known material that can be burned in order to give off heat. The resulting heat can then be used to do different things, including to cook food. Charcoal is also the name of a held item in the main series of Pokémon games with its own dazzling heat effect when given to certain Pokémon that can utilize the held item. Over the various games, it has also dazzled my mind and has become something that sticks out easily in my mind.

The held item increases the power of Fire-type moves for the Pokémon that holds it. The real beneficiary of this item are Fire-type Pokémon, but those that aren't of this type but know Fire-type moves may be benefited in some ways and in certain circumstances as well. It is truly an item with dazzling properties, particularly as it brings heat to Fire types and/or those that can make use of moves of this type.

According to lore, though, the same Charcoal that lends power to Fire-type moves can be used just like actual (real-life) charcoal, as something to burn for the purpose of heating, as for cooking. Food that is cooked with the aid of charcoal has been reputed to have certain pleasant qualities among them, which could explain why some people would go out of their way to make and obtain charcoal - in both the real and Pokémon world.

I've dealt with charcoal in the real form and Charcoal in the Pokémon world form, and I'd say a lot of things about both are substantiated. There's a certain wonderfulness about burning the real thing that lends itself to the things that it heats, and there's a certain power that it gives for Pokémon (with moves) of the Fire type. It may be that one may just have to let the charcoal burn and have it lend desirability and power to the things that it heats up or even powers up.

One year ago: GOtcha Podcast Episode 2: My Way of Playing Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Timeless and Forever

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (and the Power of Us), 12/7/2018

Four years ago: The Shops of Shuffle