Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: (Final?) Selections

It's been quite some time since the appearance of the Pokémon coins that I've detailed on several occasions as I have accrued them. Like similar merchandise before them, though, they are effectively time-limited, and eventually they would disappear. It seems that the situation is exactly what is happening, as the coins and the packages of snacks containing them are becoming harder and harder to come by, eventually leading to total disappearance altogether. Before that happens, though, I've had the chance to obtain a few more of the coins, which I might as well consider as the "final" selections for those coins.

For those "final" selections, I obtained those for the species of Moltres, Lycanroc (Dusk Form), and Poipole. This is a neat group of Pokémon species, with two of them being from the seventh generation and having intricate connections to Ash. With that, it seems as fine as ever for what is likely the closure to my efforts of obtaining the coins from the snack packages.

The reason there are three above instead of four (or a multiple of it) is that as usual, at this point, I've gotten a few repeats of certain species coins. I've never really discussed about these repeats in greater detail - at least not on more than one occasion - and I'm not about to do so now. As for my friends who collect these coins as well, it is likely that they have stopped collecting them at this point or even shortly before, and as such, I may have to live with the repeats I now have.

Because these may be effectively the "final" chance I get to obtain these coins, even if I do obtain another (particularly one unique one to complement the three above), I won't discuss about it. The one exception I'll allow is if I happen to obtain a large number of them somehow, as had happened with two friends. But the possibility of that happening now is remote, and may only be within my dreams.

Whatever the case, it seems that the coins have entered their "sunset" period, and not much more can be done to collect them by the usual means of opening snack packages. Yet during the time of their availability, the coins have highlighted the zeal of local Pokémon fans in the collection of merchandise, and the selection of featured Pokémon is pretty good as well. The coins themselves may be on the way out from distribution, but the coins themselves should stay in one's collection and the fascination of collectors' minds.

One year ago: Zorua in Mareep Clothing

Two years ago: Reading About Pokémon Lore

Three years ago: The Magic of 25

Four years ago: Et Tu, Shuffle? (Thy Hath Bugs)

Five years ago: It's Been a Month...

More Pokémon Brand Parodies

During the infancy of this blog, I put up a post with a few images parodying various brands with a Pokémon twist. Since then, I hadn't thought up of other ones until recently, and when I did, I also started the process of image manipulation for the creation of these parodies. Even with a different editing process for them, I'd say that they turned out great. The ones I present below are also a little more international in nature, and that ought to complement the internationally recognized aspect of Pokémon. So, here are a few more of them:

Yanmar feat. Yanma

This one may be admitted to be less of a parody and more of a "return to its roots". The reason is that Yanmar, a Japanese diesel engine company, has a part of its name origins in the Yanma dragonfly... and Yanma the Pokémon species is also a dragonfly, so put two and two together. Still, Yanma has a red body, and the original logo is red, so that matches at the least. Because of the fact above, I also may not be the first to create this parody, but it's still creative nonetheless to realize the creative idea. Also, the company makes diesel engines for purposes of agriculture, and where there's agriculture, Yanma and/or other dragonflies may be found as well, which makes for a good connection.

Wuling feat. Wooloo

Wuling Motors is a Chinese vehicle company that also serves a number of countries, including mine. Its initial "wool" sound might also be construed to lead up to the Pokémon species of Wooloo, and I've filled it in accordingly. Coincidentally, its two ponytails in a way resemble halves of the "five diamonds" logo of the company, so putting them together might make the logo. This might be a novel illustrative exercise for someone to take up and create. Wooloo itself might not have much to do with cars - perhaps its evolved form Dubwool may be closer, and both may be transported in one - but it's still nice for a start.

Royco feat. Raikou

I consider this one to be the most humorous of the three, not the least because it is quite personal. Royco is a brand of seasonings owned by Unilever, although only a few countries (like mine) have this brand; it is known in others as "Knorr". Regardless, a family friend of mine sometimes misspells the brand as something closer to the name of the Pokémon above (Raikou), and that partially inspired me to create the parody above, besides the fact that two words sound similar. I'm not suggesting that the seasonings may have been made with Raikou, but at least Raikou might have lent its "magic" to the seasonings, and so the parody is quite fitting in a way.

Aside from the three parodies above, I also updated one of my older parodies:

Gojek feat. Golett (Updated)

I noted in an old post that the company and the app had adopted a new slogan; what I didn't mention was that at the same time, they essentially also rebranded with a new logo and wordmark, the former of which might look a little similar to Golett's chest. Regardless, the parody still fits, and I've updated the image accordingly to resemble the style. It's still fun to think that something as clunky as a Golett can help out just like the people associated with the company and the app.

International recognition may just be the key concept. Pokémon has such a repute, but so do some of the above brands that were parodied. And with the recognition that they have, it's conceivable that they might merge, as in the case of the above parodies. The results are obviously very funny, perhaps depending on whom one might ask, but those who know Pokémon very well and any of the brands above ought to find them satisfying in humor and Pokémon relations.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2021

Two years ago: Bringing It Home

Three years ago: Three TCG Booster Packs

Four years ago: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Series 2 Figures

Five years ago: Always 21 - Memories of 21

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2022

It's a new year, and life goes on, Pokémon goes on, and Pokémon Go also goes on, even after all the oddities of the past couple of years. In order to get through those oddities, one will likely have needed a boost of power, which is always energetically helpful. This month's events in Pokémon Go can all be described to have an element of "power", and that should have helped Trainers get through the start of this year up to today.

Like last year, there was a New Year's event that actually started on December 31 at 10 PM local time, but for all intensive purposes, it should be considered a January event instead. If last year there was the debut of the 2020 Slowpoke that can then evolve into a 2021 Slowbro, that same Slowpoke can now evolve into a 2022 Slowking (on its shell crown), or the Slowking itself may be caught through raids. Also new this year is the debut of Shiny Hoothoot, first with a golden top hat during this event, then normal afterwards. As for other elements of this event, they involved the return of other Pokémon wearing party hats, some of which were in the wild, raids, Field Research tasks, and 7 km Eggs - the usual channels - along with doubled hatch bonuses, new fashion items, and a Timed Research set. This lasted to January 4, lending power to the New Year transition.

Returning to the Season of Heritage, the next event from January 7 to 13 was called "Mountains of Power", based on the great mountains of certain Pokémon regions; this event also furnished a bevy of Pokémon of the Rock and Steel types. A number of them were featured in the wild, raids, and Field Research tasks, including the debuts of Mega Aerodactyl and Shiny Slugma. For this event, Buddy Pokémon heart distance was halved, and the included Timed Research set had many tasks that demanded walking, as earning Buddy Candies and hatching Eggs. The event essentially simulated a hike or a trek through the mountains - along with one's Buddy Pokémon - in search of the Pokémon of the featured types, as well as to power through them and the accompanying challenges.

After a break of a few days, then there is the Power Plant event, which started on January 19 and will end on February 1. Likewise, this event takes inspiration from the same locale in certain Pokémon regions. The big debuts for this one are the Helioptile species family as well as Shock Drive Genesect with the exclusive move of Electric-type Techno Blast and Regice with the exclusive move of Thunder in raids. A bevy of Electric-type Pokémon (including Helioptile) along with a scattering of Pokémon of other types can be found in the wild, raids, and Field Research tasks. In many ways, it is as much a "show of power" as it is an effort to gain power through the main featured type.

Yet, it seems that Team Go Rocket wants a piece of the action (and an amount of power as well), so during the second half of the Power Plant event starting on January 24, they instituted another Takeover. In doing so, the Leaders now have a different array of Shadow Pokémon, while a few more species have been turned into Shadow Pokémon - most notably the second-generation starters. Some Pokémon with a shady nature are also available from Field Research tasks. For this purpose, their balloons also appear twice as often, while prospective Trainers can also elect to remove Frustration with a Charged TM. All this will happen until tomorrow (January 30), at which point the power of "good" returns.

Good power is still good, of course, and that along with different kinds of "power" have been evident throughout this month's events in Pokémon Go. With all this power and the boost that it provides, this month should have been jumpstarted really well for Trainers. Of course, there might still remain the oddity of current life to deal with, but it's still quite possible to be able to power on through even after this month has passed.

One year ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: One More Month

Two years ago: Expecting the Contrary

Three years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon

Four years ago: More Pokémon Hanging Things

Five years ago: Fire Power!

Legends: Arceus Unleashed

After nearly a long year of waiting, the new Pokémon game that is "the open-world proposal" is formally and properly released today, as noted. It is an utterly, completely new game - yet still with some main series underpinnings - and its release deserves to be highlighted as such, in a way just like the release for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and New Pokémon Snap before it. As usual, there are a few facets that are relevant to the release of this new game, and I've gathered a few of them from my fellow fans as well as from reports strewn around the Internet.

It has been informed that already on the first day of release, the game has received a patch. The patch changes a few things regarding the script and localization; from the gameplay perspective, not much is likely to be affected, but at the same time, something must have had to be necessarily fixed, on the first day of proper release no less. Some might be tempted to take it as an issue of quality, but I wouldn't go as far as that, especially when the game has only been experienced by a few people at this point. That would need evaluation at a later time.

Before the proper release, the game has also had its "sensitive information" revealed as early as one and a half weeks ago, to the amazement and even disbelief of some of my fellow fans. Even so, one of them whom I'm really close with has stated that this is normal, even for other games. How one deals with this depends on the individual, but the occurrence is by no means limited to this brand-new game. Still, the fact that the occurrence happens to a very new game such as this one may still be considered surprising despite the inevitability, though perhaps it would be something players don't need to know, and it would be just as well.

Meanwhile, on my local scene, I'm informed that some of my fellow fans had been able to pre-order the game, but the arrival is delayed to tomorrow. It is also not yet generally available, as in for those who didn't pre-order. A variety of reasons may be applied for the turnout of either circumstance, but the takeaway is that everyone will have to be patient in any case. For me and any one of my fellow fans, however, the game will be (or already is) a big spend, whether they choose to buy a physical copy or a digital download. That would need to be factored in somehow.

There can be no doubt that Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a totally new game and experience, but at its heart, it's still a Pokémon game; release-day facets like the above, even with the novelties, would be nothing new. What would be new is how players would react to all its offerings after the release is done and gone, which would be from today onwards. Past the facets, today is the time to play this "open-world proposal" and reap what has been sown over the past year - the past major anniversary year - and hopefully make the stride to new horizons in play.

One year ago: Prospects for My Pokémon Cosplay

Two years ago: Bear Walker Pokémon Skateboards

Three years ago: (Scripted and Connected) Local EX Raid, 1/28/2019

Four years ago: Cosplay: Japanese World 2018

Five years ago: The First-Generation Bicycle Theme

Road of 25th Anniversary: The Final Month

This month, of course, truly marks the final month of the big anniversary of Pokémon, its 25th or silver anniversary. Almost all special things for that anniversary have pretty much been divulged over the course of the past year, so not much of that remains to be discussed. I've also already essentially recapped the anniversary last month, so now it would be wise to discuss about expectations of the future - as in beyond the anniversary - as opposed to expectations of the anniversary itself, which I had already discussed in September in the year prior. Still, it also seems wise to respond to that while looking forward to the future.

Looking back, I noted that the anniversary ought to "pull out all the stops" and maximize things, and that did happen, also as noted in the "kaleidoscope". Special things have occurred in a manner that is expected (commemorative merchandise, exclusive items), immersive (featured regions, musical offerings), and unusual (unique collaborations, fanciful things). All this occurred while Pokémon stayed true to its gaming mainstays and animated entertainment - as has been served up on some occasions by different parties - even during not the best of times. At the least, my expectations have been met; other fans may evaluate that to different degrees.

Meanwhile, in the other direction, the next most significant anniversary milestone will be the 30th anniversary in four years or so, which is a nice round number, though without any other particular connotations. Four years is also quite a long time, and within those years, one or more Pokémon games ought to be expected to be released, along with necessary updates to existing ones. Only time will tell what happens then, and whatever happens between now and then will still be something to look forward to.

Still on the topic of expected games, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is due out for its proper release tomorrow. After all the attention that it has gained over the past year, and even now on the eaves of the release after some "special previews", the momentum of its release tomorrow is a significant one. The eyes of many fans have been turned toward this new approach to a Pokémon game with "the open-world proposal", and time awaits on how they declare their ultimate responses to this ultimate new game.

In considering the tagline of the anniversary as "Train On", things really did go on for this major anniversary. Regardless, it's still up to the Trainers to decide how to realize that with everything that Pokémon has today, and then (again) onwards with whatever the future has in store. That said, a little celebration - or more than a little, in this case - is always in order, in order to build motivation to train and move ever onward, even to the next big anniversary.

Thank you for a wonderful, gleaming, and gilded 25th anniversary, and until next time on the 26th in a month and the 30th in four years to come.

One year ago: BT's Coins, My Coins, Our Coins

Two years ago: Spinning Like a Spinda

Three years ago: The Cards, Revisited

Four years ago: Changes

Five years ago: A Loss Is... A Loss?

YouTube Pokémon Highlights: Pokémon Unite Channels

A great thing about YouTube is that it's perfect for showing off action, whether real or imagined. Some of that imagined action, though, might be perfectly demonstrable through games, like the recent offering of Pokémon Unite, which indeed does have action in spades. The game therefore lends itself well to YouTube, and in fact, channels featuring videos of action from the game have sprung up; a number of them can and does serve to be highlighted, which becomes the point of this post.

Of these channels, two furnishes videos on a regular basis, and they're aptly named: Daily Dose of Pokémon Unite and Daily Overdose of Pokémon Unite. Of the two, the latter is slightly more popular with 11.4K subscribers compared to the former's 10K. Both of them have the same premise of showing frequent clips from gameplay that are received from various sources, and true to that, some clips may be shared between the two channels. Recently, though, the latter has also shared videos of tips and tricks for the game, which makes it a potential differentiator. Clips from gameplay will still be the primary substance of both channels, and they're worth checking out.

Two other variety clip-based channels that ought to be checked out as well are Pokémon UNITE Clips and OnlyPokeNite. In comparison to the other variety clip-based channels above, these ones have a little less regularity along with fewer subscribers, only in the few thousands. The former's clips might tend to repeat the other two above due to having the same sources, and the latter might be closer to a personal clip channel instead (but with lots of humor), but their content should be seen nonetheless. It seems best to pay no mind to their issues and just enjoy their offerings.

Speaking of personal channels, at least two of them also have neat offerings: one by NinJazGuru and POKENITE BUNNY. These might come off as even more humorous - or in some cases, even more humbling - than the other channels above, but likewise there are some real gems within them. Interestingly enough, both of these channels state their origin from India, which also goes to show how Pokémon Unite (and Pokémon in general) have taken root in the country of the subcontinent.

If any of these channels have something to indicate about Pokémon Unite, it is that it is packed with action and then some - it's multiplayer action that Pokémon has not seen before but others may have in different guises. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising if players record their gameplay action on video so that the action can be exhibited on (at least) one YouTube channel as above. In doing so, they're effectively keeping the action going, even within the pauses between really active gameplay as Unite would and should have.

One year ago: Unity Power

Two years ago: Cosplay: Aishiteru Minna

Three years ago: SwitchCon

Four years ago: Private vs. Public Raids?

Five years ago: The Times They Are a-Switchin'

The State of Nominations, Part 14

This post might seem a little bit too early to make at this point in time in the month, but I feel that today is a good time as any as close to the end of the month as possible to make the post. I speak, of course, of my currently bimonthly updates on my progress of nominating new PokéStops in Pokémon Go, which is often affected by different factors. This time, the affecting factor is significance, whether in the process of making the nominations or the waiting period afterwards. That has led to a few associated impacts to the progression.

The hard numbers ought to illustrate how that may be so in some ways. From the last time, I've gained an additional approved nomination, leading to a total of 65 from 64; unfortunately, I've also gained another rejected nomination, making the total 30 from 29, while there was no change in superseded nominations (13). For the nominations that are currently active, now there are 24 of them, up by 7 from 17, and still with 3 renominations. Thus, on one hand, I have not been able to take advantage of the increased possible nominations to increase my own submissions significantly, but on the other hand, I'm also trying to make sure that each of my nominations have significance - at least when I'm out and about and consider that something might be as such, at which point I take pictures for the nominations and make them as soon as possible.

Still, it also means that from the last time out, it seems that not much progress has apparently taken place in the evaluation of submitted nominations. It may be that the progression in Niantic Wayfarer, where the nominations go to get reviewed and decided after being submitted, is entering one of those "bleak" periods where nothing seemingly advances (significantly). This may be what happened with India, as the nominations there had accrued into a "backlog" that was only cleared in December (and is still progressing today). Therefore, it may be expected that there could be a similar effort for local nominations, and then a flurry of nominations will have their fates decided - but that's for time to tell.

Speaking of Niantic Wayfarer, as of the start of this year, e-mail notifications of submitted nominations are no longer formatted with Pokémon Go framing, and instead utilize the framing of Niantic Wayfarer, which is obvious as that is where the nominations go. The content is also more descriptive, containing all the parts of the submitted nominations, and in the case of edits, what PokéStop is being edited and the proposed changes. Regrettably, however, rejections now no longer display the reasons in the e-mail - as a result of being merged with approval e-mails - and must now be checked in Wayfarer itself. This might be an actual and significant incentive to gain access to Wayfarer for me personally, which I might do when the time is right.

After the previous two months, PokéStop nomination progress has seemingly been significant in some ways and less so in others. Despite all of that (non-)significance, it seems to still be worth it to maintain the progress of reporting on them in the hope that something really significant will result in the next time. The ultimate significant goal of this is certainly to make more PokéStops available where possible, which is hard not to overlook.

One year ago: I Need Great Pokémon Friends

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/25/2020

Three years ago: Keep Calm and Carry On Researching

Four years ago: Performance Critique: ACC 2018 Single Performance

Five years ago: Keychains!

The Sinnoh Cup of GBL

As stated nearly two weeks ago, the community-based PvP venue of Silph Arena is on a bit of a break, so not too much is going on there, at least for the average Trainer. But for everyone, including those who are just average, the Go Battle League of Pokémon Go continues no matter what, and that allows for PvP action to take place alternatively. Over the past two weeks, that action has taken place in part in the form of a theme that encompasses Pokémon of the fourth generation and a very dynamic region. That would of course be the region of Sinnoh, and the theme is thus called the Sinnoh Cup.

This theme is concurrent with the second Great League period (incidentally, today being its last day), and that's for a good reason: as with the prior Kanto Cup, the theme uses the Great League as its basis. Its primary restriction is also just as simple: any of the fourth-generation Pokémon (Dex numbers 387-493) may be utilized, provided of course that they can fit into and be workable for the Great League. Overall, that only comprises 106 species - again, not all of which are workable - but within them are certainly some real gems, if ordinary Great League hasn't already proven that.

On top for this cup is the venerable Bastiodon, especially if powered up with the use of Candy XL. Pachirisu is also notable, but this is a regional Pokémon in Pokémon Go and still requires Candy XL to boot to be viable. A few selections further down the list that are neither include Lucario, Abomasnow (Shadow or not), Drapion, Magnezone (Shadow or not), Froslass, and Toxicroak. Any of these might be viable for most Trainers, especially if they were procured for earlier use in Great League.

I have to admit that I have not been too fruitful with this theme, at least with what I can muster. I have mostly ended up on the losing side, either encountering the top picks as above or even other odd picks. In that regard, one seems to have to be resourceful for this theme as the most viable pickings require (or may have required) effort to have had to be gained, in addition to the skills of putting them into battle. Regardless, the results can be entertaining past any struggles that one may have.

Regarding the matter of regions, Sinnoh is almost as memorable and dynamic as Kanto with all the tribulations that have taken place over the years. Going by that, it seems well enough that it should have its own theme competition just like the one for Kanto that was created a while back. Its demand for resourcefulness and skill also keeps the action going for those enthralled with PvP, and that may just be a testament for its memories and dynamicity.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 8

Two years ago: Little Bits of the Pokémon Anime

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/24/2019

Four years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and More), 1/24/2018

Five years ago: Electricity: Harness, Don't Exploit

On the Referencing of Stats in Pokémon Go

In all my time of dealing (again) with Pokémon Go since my return years ago, there's something I haven't discussed. It's about the stats of the Pokémon, which would be decidedly different than that of the more well-known main series games. In fact, their referencing - the way they are mentioned - would have to be different because of that fact as well, and this leads further to other novelties. It would seem to make for a good discussion, so I've decided to make just that.

Like the main series games in general, different Pokémon have different basic stats as well. They are Attack and Defense (which are the determinants of themselves as expected) as well as Stamina, which is the determinant of HP - all of which have certain numerical values for different species. Even so, these stats are not frequently referenced as they're essentially static and unchanging in most circumstances for a Pokémon species; it is only in combination with or as other, more dynamic stats that they do tell tales. Yet it may still be neat to know about them and at least know that they're present.

Those other dynamic stats are the IVs - Individual Values - for a specific instance of a Pokémon species. These are composed of Attack, Defense, and HP as the stats above, which range from 0-15 and are frequently referred in the above order as a triplet of numbers (for example 15/15/15 for one with the best stats, or 0/15/15 for certain ones most capable in PvP) as well as a percentage aggregate rounded to the nearest whole percent (100 and 67 in the above cases, for which the former leads to the terms "hundo" and thus "shundo"). In most cases, the reference for general use will refer to these IVs as the stats of concern.

Meanwhile, the most dynamic stat may be considered to be the CP (Combat Power) of a Pokémon, which is essentially an aggregate of the above together with the level of a Pokémon as a single numerical value, and is thus a quick reference to determine how powerful one Pokémon is against another. That certainly means that this stat is fully dependent on different species, their IV "builds", and of course their levels, so these need to be mentioned or referenced as well to make a full reference for whatever a Pokémon species is capable of.

Given the above, it is evident that there are many components to the stats of Pokémon in Pokémon Go, and the referencing of any one or a few of them will depend on the context of and necessity for the reference. Once they are known, however, it doesn't (or at least shouldn't) take much more to understand what is going on, especially with the kinds of dynamics that Pokémon Go has to offer.

One year ago: Beyond the Immensity of Life

Two years ago: New Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - Selections

Three years ago: Islands and Continents

Four years ago: Passing the Guard

Five years ago: Two Pokémon Pillows

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 1/22/2022

I've covered Community Day of Pokémon Go almost since it began in all its various incarnations, from the originals to technical repeats, year-end recaps, revised formats, and even double editions. So, when a new incarnation of the event comes about, I feel that I have to cover it as well. That new incarnation takes place today, and it's called "Community Day Classic". The premise is that as part of the currently running Season of Heritage, it is also wise to look back on the "heritage" of Community Day and pull something out of that for another run, this time with a contemporary take, and so things end up with today.

This Community Day Classic features Bulbasaur, which was first featured in March 2018. Its first edition featured its final evolutionary stage of Venusaur getting the Charged move of Frenzy Plant, as well as a tripled XP bonus (which I neglected to mention in my post way back when); both of these remain the same for this "Classic" edition. This is, of course, in line with the intent of this edition, which is to bring back an edition of the past; it makes sense and is fitting, not to mention that it serves as a "second chance" of sorts.

Unlike the previous edition, however, now almost all the perks of current Community Day editions apply to this "Classic" edition: the option of using extended Lure Modules and/or Incense, Field Research tasks ("catch 3"), photo bombs with the featured Pokémon, additional item box sets in the Shop, and even the extra paid Special Research set - this last one with no unique title (just "Bulbasaur Community Day Classic") and a story recounting that time along with the traits of the species family. The paid Special Research even includes a good amount of Venusaur Mega Energy for its Mega Evolution. The only one that doesn't apply is that this edition is exactly the same length as its predecessor - three hours instead of six - though its scheduling (2 PM to 5 PM) is localized as it has been for the past three years and unlike the initial region-based scheduling prior to that.

Like the (main) Community Day from Sunday, I spent the event period with some of my raid fellows at a nearby park, which almost didn't happen. I particularly wanted to maximize my time earning as many Candy XL as I can for powering up an already-evolved Venusaur that was also Purified and had the best stats possible. What was unexpected is that I also caught a Shiny Bulbasaur with the best stats possible near the end of the appearances of the featured Pokémon; it becomes the first time I caught any Pokémon with this characteristic. After the Pokémon disappeared, I traded as many of them as possible with a friend to earn more Candy XL. Altogether, I evolved that Shiny Bulbasaur along with ones for Great League and Ultra League PvP, a Lucky one, and a Shadow one. With ones that I've evolved over the years, now I have a motley assortment.

After over four years, Community Day in Pokémon Go has become something established unto itself, even if earlier editions are less so compared to today. It can then become a good thing to take one of those editions and put a contemporary spin on it, resulting in a "Classic" edition, and it is, as is the case today. As a commemorative part of the Season of Heritage, it is wholly appropriate, and as part of Community Day in general, it becomes yet another variative edition that is defining of the Pokémon Go experience.

One year ago: Best in the World and Universe

Two years ago: On the "Invisible Forces"

Three years ago: Fan Art... for Me!

Four years ago: Costume and Cosplay Checklists

Five years ago: Pokémon World + Hero's Come Back = ...

Six Degrees of Separation

Years ago, I wrote a post that illustrates a certain quantity of time by which fame might be realized, as that may apply to Pokémon. Now, I'd like to discuss another numerical quantity, this time pertaining to how far two entities may be separated. The theory is that two entities may only be separated by at most six links or degrees; this was first illustrated in a 1929 short story and was subsequently popularized today, especially in this era of social networking and even in the era prior to that. To some extent, the theory may be considered to be able to apply to entities of or related to Pokémon.

For families of Pokémon species that evolve in particular, this is rather evident, as any one of the members are separated by two or three links. It means that it doesn't take much to develop one species to another one of a higher level. There's an inherent elegance in that, which could be another reason why more evolutionary stages might not be necessary. Then, there is the biological "forking" of Pokémon species by regional forms; while there is displacement in the relationships due to the "forking", it's still neat to trace how that happened, and most importantly, it can and does happen within the framework of the "six degrees". If anything, that seems to be further elegance.

The most popular application of the "six degrees" theory is in the linking of people by their closeness to one another, which may be quantified in numbers. In the same way, the links of Trainers could conceivably be examined to determine how related they are to others. The most plausible determinant for this purpose is if they have directly battled each other, which would lead to a lower number against that Trainer. Beyond battling, a simple interaction would perhaps suffice, and this is actually implemented in The Silph Road with a "handshake" metric that authenticates an interaction. Either way, a "six degrees" situation might just very well be established.

As for "six degrees" in another scope, Pokémon is obviously not just one game, and players could stand to play other games as well. In this case, the theory can be used to examine how related one player is to another, not necessarily for the same game(s). For example, I'm in contact with certain main series fellows that don't play Pokémon Go, as well as those of the converse, Pokémon Go fellows that don't play the main series games, and one of these parties would likely have to go through me in order to get to the other, barring that they aren't already connected. That would mean two degrees of linkages between us at worst, but even those two degrees really do show how connected we are.

It's amazing how vast Pokémon has grown today, and in that growth, it would seem even more amazing that there are linkages of various kinds, some of which may be no more than six links or "degrees" apart. That seems to apply equally well to the namesake species with their developmental relations as well as their human partners in various roles that make things happen for themselves and the species of concern. The theory essentially establishes that things that are separate may have significant links that bring them closer together, and that seems just as relevant for Pokémon as it is anywhere else.

One year ago: Seeking Comfort with Pokémon

Two years ago: Getting Too Technical

Three years ago: Takara Tomy Arts Manmaru Pokémon Netsuke Sun & Moon - Torracat

Four years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition 2018, Day 2

Five years ago: Dreams of Itasha

Pokémon and the Multiverse

After discussing about identities and the "metaverse" as they may pertain to Pokémon and as prompted by a certain movie that I saw, they demand the discussion of a topic that is as much a tangent as it is related. That would be the regard of the Pokémon world as part of a "multiverse" of related universes. It is related because of the "verse" characteristic and in that each universe may very well have its own "identity", but it is rather tangential because it's not exactly related by "verse" either.

To start off in seeing how this may be so, the Pokémon world is and has been likened to "another earth" or at least as an "alternative history of the earth". This "other earth" is likely one that lies in a parallel universe, while the "alternative history" part - as a path - is likely to have been taken when the earth was in its infancy. Either way, it's something that according to quantum physics might just be possible, for those who are knowledgeable in it; while unconfirmed, the workings do not rule out the possibility of this occurring.

Meanwhile, it has been theorized that the Pokémon world itself lies in a multiverse with other universes of other fictional franchises. These universes are placed in a specific arrangement, which may or may not allow the possibility of crossing over while showing their relativity. The scope of this arrangement is beyond this blog in some ways, but it may still be considered a brilliant work of reasoning in that just maybe, Pokémon may be conceived to have some relatedness to other franchises based on proximity.

Even Pokémon itself may be considered to harbor other multiverses of itself. That would be evident in treating the "champions" as achieved by individual Trainers as existing in different universes, who can then battle each other in a grand tournament... as has actually been executed a couple of months ago. This is an interesting idea, as it suggests that the reality of Pokémon might depend on how one makes it to be, specifically as the events that transpire in the games. The plethora of possibilities in this case is astounding.

It may be intriguing to regard that Pokémon may just exist as a parallel universe somewhere in the vastness of the multiverse, if not as existing somewhere in the current universe. The possibility that it can then contain other parallel universes or be contained in a grander multiverse against other things. However it may be realized, there is still a certain "identity" that Pokémon has, and that lends itself a unique place in the universe - or wherever it may be placed in the great matrix of the multiverse.

One year ago: Living Amidst Creatures... or Pokémon

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/19/2020

Three years ago: Cosplay: Toys Week Season 2

Four years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition 2018, Day 1

Five years ago: All in the Cards

Pokémon and the "Metaverse"

Along with the matter of identity, the movie that I saw two days ago also in part dealt with the matter of the "metaverse", which is a hot thing right now thanks to a certain social media having ideals in that direction. It may be considered that many things in life are also heading in that direction, so the social media wants to capitalize on that. What about Pokémon? It is meant to be an offshoot of the real world, so it's supposed to be (more) realistic in its presentations. However, it might just have a place in this increasingly attractive realm.

In the movie, though, the "metaverse" still appears rather abstractly virtual than realistic. It is more reminiscent of something that had begotten the "incident" rather than a place where Pokémon exist in all their realistic glory - and for many of those deeply involved with Pokémon, the "incident" will always remain a regrettable part. Therefore, a Pokémon "metaverse" involving something as depicted in the movie might not be preferable, and something that replicates the realism of Pokémon would be more preferable.

Instead of a virtual space with lots of abstract geometry and sharp lines and angles, a "metaverse" with lots of organic and natural objects and materials would seemingly work out better and fit in with the characteristically realistic nature of the species. Within the space of any "metaverse", people (as whoever they might be) would still need to interact with each other, and the realism that Pokémon projects might be more conducive to people, who might not necessarily want to shed parts of the real world in the "metaverse".

In that regard, Pokémon Go - though it is an augmented reality game instead - could be considered to be a (prototype) "metaverse" for Pokémon and people deeply involved with it. Meanwhile, Pokémon Playhouse might become the introductory "metaverse" for younger audiences before they delve into what might be a more complete realization of a Pokémon "metaverse" at a later point in time. By then, something greater than these two games might just manifest itself as the "metaverse" for Pokémon.

At any rate, the world might be heading in the direction where everything moves away from the realism of the real world and be conducted in the world of the "metaverse". Even so, some underpinnings to the real world might still be necessary in whatever that "metaverse" might turn out to be. For fans of and those who are very much involved with Pokémon, that much might still be true for what its "metaverse" could be - a reality that is removed from reality yet still feels like reality.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Homes and the Place to Be

Two years ago: Cosplay: Cosplay on the Street

Three years ago: Peace

Four years ago: Suspending My Disbelief

Five years ago: Ash, Satoshi, or... Ali?

My Pokémon Identity

The movie that I saw yesterday - not related to Pokémon, otherwise I would have a full blog post on it - in part dealt with the issue of "identity". Specifically, it concerned how they (identities) may apply or be realized for a single person. Pokémon has many things that can be enjoyed in as many different ways, and that conceivably can lead to the creation of different identities. In fact, that may very well be what has happened to me, so I figure that I ought to discuss the topic along with how that is reflected together with Pokémon.

Because of the Pokémon game that I currently frequently play, which would be Pokémon Go, some people may have the tendency to apply the identity of me being a Pokémon Go Trainer. And that may be true, to an extent. Yet a reminder should serve well that Pokémon consists of many games beyond Pokémon Go, and in many of those games, I as the player am referred as a Trainer. Therefore, it would be better to say that I'm a Pokémon Trainer in general, in the sense that the different games allow me to become one the way that their systems facilitate me taking up the identity; it would be a true sense of me as a Pokémon fan.

Since I cosplay a Pokémon character, which in most cases would be Ash, some people have taken to refer to me as an "in-real-life" version of that character. In many ways, because I identify myself with Ash, I don't object to have this identity being applied on me and I'd accept it as if it were my own. Still, there is the remote possibility that I might cosplay other Pokémon characters besides Ash, and if that were to happen, the identity wouldn't be fully accurate for that time only; it is regardless still accurate beyond such a circumstance.

Probably the identity that I've yet to establish in regard to me and Pokémon is being myself, as a person who identifies with and is truly identified by Pokémon. For example, I've had this blog for a number of years but have not fully been able to establish this identity through it. And yet, this is still something that I strive to do, with the hope that one day, this will truly be realized in a way that benefits myself and each and every Pokémon fan.

What was exhibited by the movie I saw the other day was profound or deep in regard to how identities can define a person in different spaces. It's not hard to tell that Pokémon can go deep as well to the point that any person who is a fan - like me - may have identities applied to them or be realized. The three identities above are in effect what could apply to me or have been realized in relation to being a Pokémon fan. In the spaces of real and imagined life as they pertain to Pokémon, at least I've gained something in terms of my identification.

One year ago: Pokémon Body Pillows

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Fusion Cup

Three years ago: Rivalries

Four years ago: (Almost) A Pokémon Party

Five years ago: Pokémon Art Academy - More Than Just Pokémon Art

Unique Touches

It's evident by the posts from previous years below that today is my birthday. In effect, yesterday's Community Day post was both a hint and a prelude to this day, for two years in a row. One year is already unique enough, but two years consecutively is hard to happen, and yet it does. It may even be considered to be unique, and that, along with other unique things that take place on this particular day has given me inspiration about what that could mean for me (and others) as a Pokémon fan.

Even with more fans than ever today, I would still consider liking Pokémon as a unique thing for any one of its fans, including yours truly. A person doesn't have to like every aspect of Pokémon, but even with that being the case, it's still quite possible to talk to different fans of different aspects and still gain an understanding from their points of view about what they like. That's what I've attempted to do with all my friends who like the main series, anime, Pokémon Go, and so on and so forth. Any and all of them may offer unique views on Pokémon, and we can then compare our views. The results might just be fitting to discuss on this blog or anywhere else.

In the same way, Pokémon itself can be regarded as unique. It's a high-valued franchise that's only been around for a quarter century, and its beginnings might come as a surprise to anyone not fully familiar with it. While it does have "standard" fans of various characteristics, it also has fans who are extraordinary and thus unique for their skills, achievements, collections, and other things. When they get together, the results can be unique as well, and that's something I always love to see happen.

And that could be what happened today. I went out for a movie along with two friends, one of whom used to play Pokémon Go a lot but now plays Unite more, and the other whom I had introduced to Unite and "commissioned" for Pokémon cosplay in the past, both of whom I have mentioned on this blog at least once. It was also the first time the two of them met, and we discovered fascinating and unique connections about us with each other. But they also really hit things off while playing Pokémon Unite, being able to win a Ranked match together while I struggled even with them in Standard matches. In all, it does seem very unique for Pokémon affairs and beyond.

After nearly three and a half decades of life, I've found Pokémon over its two and a half decades to be a unique part of my life as it is for others. Each time I discover something unique, as with my friends interacting today, I know that I can make my unique strides (and touches) with Pokémon as well - if I haven't already. That and those of others will keep the (Pokémon) world brimming with uniqueness.

Happy birthday to me, and may we find all that is unique about Pokémon.

One year ago: Wishes for Good Days

Two years ago: Always Together

Three years ago: Wonderful Opportunities

Four years ago: 30 Going on 10... Or Something Like It

Five years ago: A Pokémon Party?

Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/16/2022

It's another year, and Community Day for Pokémon is once again being held on the same date no less, though not on the same day. Though the holidays have passed, some people may still be in a celebratory mood, particularly of the current season in the northern hemisphere, which is winter. The featured Pokémon of this month's edition for that purpose covers both bases nicely, being both celebratory (if not at least a little) and appropriate for the season, being a little ball of icy goodness.

By the above, the featured Pokémon is of course Spheal, as the ball-shaped seal that bears the identifier of Clap Pokémon, which I've hinted about in a pair of cards and a clapping situation. The species family comprises Water- and Ice-types of the third generation, along with Sealeo and Walrein. Spheal already has its Shiny form, but it was highlighted only for the Holiday Event and with a costume; now is the chance to obtain its non-costumed form. Along with the respective non-Shiny form, they can be evolved all the way to a Walrein possessing the exclusive moves of Powder Snow (a Fast Move) and Icicle Spear (a Charged Move); it's another "twofer", just like for Roselia a while back.

The bonus for this edition is tripled XP for captures, which becomes lucrative for those under Level 50, particularly since Spheal is a relatively easy target for Excellent throws and can therefore grant lots of XP on the quick, especially with a Lucky Egg. Apart from that, the usual menagerie of bonuses are more or less the same, including the usage of either Lure Modules or Incense (or both) to attract more Spheal to appear to be captured, as well as the extra paid Special Research, this time entitled "The Spheal Deal" and has a story concerning the fun-loving nature of this species family of icy Pokémon.

A few of my raid group fellows in separate sub-groups could stand to meet in a nearby park, so I took that opportunity, being able to meet some of them by chance and others as intended. We got together and set up our necessities (or used the remnants of others) to set out to capture as many Spheal as we can to gather XP - certainly - and whatever we can muster for its Shiny form and statistics. One wanted to Lucky Trade a Shiny Spheal, and we agreed on a mirror trade; we got good enough results and evolved them. I also evolved a Buddy Spheal that was also Purified, a Shadow one for possible Great League PvP usage, and another for Ultra League, plus the best one we caught today.

An attempt at AR+ by one of my fellows led to this candid shot.
I'm the one with the red beanie.

While the time of celebrations have passed (or may not be even entirely suitable to begin with), at least some amount of celebration may be appropriate at times. One of those times seem to be now, and what is a better way other than a Community Day with a fun Pokémon that is also seasonally appropriate in many places. If the experience of my fellows and me as above is anything to go by, it would be that we all have different reasons to celebrate, and the venue of this month's edition of Community Day highlights just that.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/16/2021

Two years ago: Only Women Like You

Three years ago: Pokémon Conversations

Four years ago: Be the Best... or Be Different?

Five years ago: My Pokémon Anime Epoch

Let's Talk About A Fourth Party

Me: You know, we've had these three-way conversations for a good long while now.

Ash: Yeah! I remember when you first thought it up so you and I can talk about things when you send me to events and stuff, but then we just did it whenever we really needed just to talk.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["I remember!"]

Me: It's really great for that. Now, sometimes others can join in, like for when we had May, Brock, and others - though that's mostly from when I send you to places.

Ash: Those were great too! I'm a little sad that it would be hard for that to happen again with them.

Me: So am I. Which leads me to think, for when we talk in general, maybe we could have someone else join in and make things a little different.

Ash: Who do you want to join with us?

Me: I think you'd know. He's a research partner of yours, he's got a great attitude, and... I've taken a bit of a liking for him as well, just like for you.

Ash: Oh! That would mean-

Goh: Hi!

Me: Say hello to Goh, and welcome to the club.

Ash: All right! Glad to have you with us!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["That's nice!"]

Me: Since this is the first time Goh is here, I'd like to converse with just him for a bit first.

Goh: Okay, well, I'm new anyway here. So what's the deal?

Me: You know, I think you're an excellent guy. I've heard about your backstory, and you have a grand goal, as grand as Ash's.

Goh: Thanks! It's been some time since I decided on my goal, and I'm sure that I can make it happen. One way or the other, I'll catch Mew and other Pokémon too.

Me: Your family is also involved with technology, and I like that. I'm not a total expert like them, but I know my way around quite a bit, as I'm sure you do. And your workstation setup is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Goh: Oh! I'm glad you like it! Technology is helpful, isn't it? I'm sure you have your own setup that works for you.

Me: Sure does, even though it's nowhere near like yours. The important thing is that it works.

Goh: I completely agree! So now... what do we talk about?

Ash: We talk about how Pokémon works out for us...

Me: ...and how that also works out for me in my real life.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu, pika chu! ["It's all so great!"]

Goh: You know, that is interesting. All of our lives have Pokémon in some way. For Ash and me, we deal with them all the time. You do that too, but you also deal with your real life half the time. That's impressive.

Me: Believe me, if I could deal with Pokémon all the time, I would. But a double life, one that is like your parents with one field - though mine is in a different field - and another that is like you two with Pokémon, is fine for me for now.

Ash: And we get to see it all happen before our eyes.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika! ["It's wonderful!"]

Goh: I'd have to agree! By the way, I have a few questions. Are there people like me in your life, who catch a lot of Pokémon but don't battle much?

Me: There are, and I know some of them very well. They like their adventure, not so much the battling - but they still do battle when required. Even with battles being a key part of Pokémon, some people still value the adventure aspect, and of course the "catch-them-all" aspect, exactly like what you do.

Goh: I heard that some people are not fond of me. Is that true?

Me: Whether or not it's true, I doubt the real reason is that they're not fond of you outright; the real reason might be that they don't know you very well - much like (I confess) myself until some time ago. Now the fact that you're here means that you are deserving of my full appreciation, and nothing else.

Goh: Thank you! Oh yeah, what's this about sending Ash to places?

Me: Oh, that's a fascinating part of my life plus Pokémon. Ash helps me out by going to certain events and things, and we make our presence known by doing so.

Ash: It's a great thing! Maybe someday you can get in on the fun.

Pikachu: Pi pika, pika chu! ["It's a lot of fun!"]

Me: I'd love to do it myself for you, Goh - to send you - but I have no plans for that, and even if I do, it's mostly with Ash being involved. But if I can get someone to help out with and for you, then we might just have something in our hands. And as you say...

Goh: The future is in the palm of my hand!

Me: And we have lots of hands around here, so that means we all have our "futures", which is good. But that can also mean we have a "shared future", and that's even better - especially with Pokémon.

Ash: I still have battles to win!

Goh: And I still want to catch more Pokémon!

Me: Likewise, I still have a few hopes and dreams that I want to fulfill with Pokémon and more.

Pikachu: Pika chu, pika pika chu! ["They're all great!"]

Me: This party of four wants to take on the world, and if anything, Pokémon will show us the way.

Ash, Goh: Yeah!

One year ago: I Need Good Energy

Two years ago: After Tournament, Because of Tournament

Three years ago: Keeping Up with VGC

Four years ago: Here Comes an Ex-Raid

Five years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition, Day 2

Pokémon Asia Pikachu Mug + 2 Promo Cards

Earlier a week ago, I detailed the merchandise item - a mug - that would let me obtain some nifty promotional TCG cards. What I had neglected to mention is that there are actually two of these mugs, and this one has the de facto series mascot on it, which would be rather expected. Likewise, I had to obtain it not just to add to my collection but also to make a small review of it for the purpose of this blog.

This mug, of course, features Pikachu as (one of) the most representative Pokémon there is. Like the Bulbasaur mug, this one is also tapered, but unlike that one, the taper on this one is more conventional and less angled, taking up a slightly smaller space. Its graphical content is likewise similar, though with Pikachu instead of Bulbasaur and a cream yellow background. Even the price is the same, but it is certain that with Pikachu, the appeal will be slightly different. Those who get it should also be glad to have gotten a piece of official merchandise, and I'm likewise privileged to obtain and be able to use the mug.

As with the other mug, I also had the privilege of obtaining promotional cards, though I opted for two silver packages because I evidently already have a blue package, someone else might want the blue package instead, and... the particular store I got this from was (apparently) out of the blue package anyhow. Regardless, I feel rather blessed to get what I got in the silver packages, as they held a Dialga and Inkay. The former of these has partial holographic print, which makes it extremely special. I may or may not use them in TCG matches, but I'm sure they are neat just the same either way.

With both mugs in my possession, as well as an assortment of promotional cards, I've already obtained a veritable portion of the merchandise offered by the campaign. Happily, the items I've obtained are of suitably good quality as well and serve to enhance their intended functions in addition to supporting them. That has to be a good indicator for the campaign, especially for the rest of its time.

One year ago: "Post-Shuffle" Activity

Two years ago: Fusion without Confusion

Three years ago: Pokémon Theme Park Ideas

Four years ago: Playing the Meta Game

Five years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition, Day 1

Goh's Workstation Setup

I've been on a binge of watching the Pokémon anime, particularly of Journeys or the (start of the) "world saga" and certainly through one of the means I've detailed in the post about streaming Pokémon anime episodes. Something that caught my eye in one of the episodes - and this makes it obvious which one I'm referring to - is Goh's workstation in that episode, which is present in his (real) family home rather than his home-away-from-home of the laboratory of Professor Cerise. It also has a fascinating setup, which I've decided to highlight and discuss.

The "workstation" that I'm referring to is that in IT parlance, which refers to computers and associated peripherals, often with sophisticated capabilities for one to do real work on, hence the name. For Goh, his is quite sophisticated indeed. In addition to the usual menagerie of PC equipment, Goh's setup has an astounding six monitors in a 3 by 2 grid, plus extra space on his right for a tablet device. His parents deal with computers after all, and Goh is a prodigy himself, so the former would have no trouble in making such a setup work for the latter.

As for the usage of this workstation, it is certainly to conduct research on Pokémon as if Goh is a fledgling Pokémon Professor - which he could technically be considered, along with Ash, as the "research fellows" of Professor Cerise. The workstation would be for observing Pokémon anywhere in the world, noting down particularities and peculiarities, and possibly - just possibly - to gather and write them all up in reports that would be useful for research... as well as school, for which Goh might still have one or two ties.

Goh describes his parents as "magicians" in a sort of way with what they do. In the same way, Goh's workstation could itself be considered "magical" if, aside from what he does day in and day out with Ash as a "research fellow", it helps out with the things that he has been able to do or come up with, as evident throughout the entire run of Journeys. That's enough to catch my eye, and so is this impressive workstation setup, which is a dream for any hard-working researchers out there, Pokémon or otherwise.

One year ago: The Rain and Pokémon

Two years ago: Premier Ball Hanging Ornament

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day + Local EX Raid, 1/13/2019

Four years ago: My Pokémon Show

Five years ago: Pokémon and Cosplay

(Dis)Engagement in Silph Arena Action

Some Trainers in Pokémon Go right now might be (or have been) feeling disengaged as much as they are engaged with the community competition venue that is Silph Arena. Even as a community competition, it still has its share of participants for its unique monthly themed cups and more recently the Factions team competition, which have their own engagement factor. At the same time, their execution might leave some with disengagement instead as the counteracting factor. Both of these may be considered to have their own explanations.

Last year, at around this time of year, it was known that the Arena "took a break" by having no new themed cup in the month, while still keeping some top-tier Trainers busy with an invitational tournament. That remains the case this year as part of its schedule, with exactly the same approach. Hence, both "disengagement" and "engagement" are present, the latter for a certain selection of Trainers and the former for most everyone else. Yet, it appears to be an approach that works well, which can only be the reason that it is kept this year. So the tournaments go on... but for now there is that break.

While on the subject of tournaments, it's quite clear that with the scarcity of recent posts about them, I have once again become disengaged with them as well as in keeping up with the PvP pros in my raid group about their latest engagements in this regard. Though I'm interested to try to start up the engagement process again, it may not be in my best interest if I can't engage the commitment along with that. This may also keep me disengaged from Factions in addition to the problem of engaging a team for that purpose.

Meanwhile, over in the land of Factions, it seems that its structure, which I had detailed previously, has created its own disengagement in some parts despite the whole thing being engaging to many. As such, the next season of Factions will feature some major changes to make the whole thing even more engaging, and the details have been divulged - but I'll save that for when that actually begins and the next teams engage in battle.

It seems that many things go on in the realm of the Silph Arena, perhaps as many things as those of the individual Trainers. That would predictably tie in to the engagements and disengagements that Trainers may have. Yet at least some of that may be necessary in order to find out what works and doesn't work regarding particular things in the Arena, for both Trainers and the system alike. What (dis)engagements there will be after that point might then just have to be decided in further competition in the Arena when warranted.

One year ago: To Spotlight or Not to Spotlight?

Two years ago: Cosplay: Nihon Matsuri 2020

Three years ago: These Sides of Paradise

Four years ago: Another Big Shuffle Update

Five years ago: In-Game Trainer Name Inspirations

My Superstar Type Teams in Pokémon Shuffle

At this point, Pokémon Shuffle players may be considered to be in the minority, and since I still play, I'm part of that minority. One of the reasons I still play is that I've been able to devise a few teams of a single type of Pokémon that work well in various situations and are powerful to boot. Some of the team compositions might be already well-known by others in some ways, but I consider myself to have some privilege of calling them "mine" because I've made the effort to develop them for myself, and I feel they could be shared.

Fighting-type Pokémon comprise my first assortment for a team. The members are composed of Lucario, Buzzwole, Meloetta Pirouette, and Bewear. All of them possess skills that are rather supreme - Lucario with Pummel, Buzzwole with Demolish, Meloetta Pirouette with Nosedive, and Bewear with Power Hug - which when activated cause a great deal of damage alongside the others. Even Pummel outputs more damage in combination, and Power Hug causes a stun. All together, the four Fighting-type Pokémon can achieve stunning results against Pokémon that are weak to them and may even make itemless runs possible.

Then, I also have a team of Ghost-type Pokémon. This is made up of Gengar, Lunala, Mimikyu, and Marshadow. The last one of these is actually not needed, as this is a team that works well for Competitive Stages with Mega-Evolved Pokémon that are weak to these types, often with the last Pokémon being voided by a Complexity -1. What makes the team work so well is that Mega Gengar (when it does Mega Evolve) eliminates all instances of itself, while Lunala with its Phantom Combo amplifies damage by the other two and Mimikyu inflicts a Spooked state with its Spookify+, creating even more damage. This has become rather invariable for the situations of concern and have allowed me to earn more items off a Competitive Stage.

One last set involves a type that burns within my heart, as the Fire type. For this, the team is made up of primarily Charizard, Typhlosion, Ninetales, and Delphox. I say "primarily" because I have a few other Fire-type Pokémon with different skills that can be substituted, most likely for Typhlosion (which has Rock Shot) - for example Reshiram with Barrier Bash or Ho-Oh with Pyre - in order to suit certain stages or certain intended purposes. As this team has a great degree of variability, I have to do a bit more work to adjust the team, which would be necessary to make sure the team is successful in battle.

Because of their versatility and power, it's not hard to see why I deem them as "superstar" teams; they can do what they need to do, and do it well. They were also created after much experimentation by myself as well as other players before I also personally established ways for their usage across the stages of Pokémon Shuffle. Much has gone on in the game to allow me to do that, even if it may be considered a minority now; still, these teams can hold major power for those still playing and need good teams.

One year ago: Getting Measured for Costumes

Two years ago: Faults in Some Stars

Three years ago: Pokédex Texts and Information

Four years ago: A Song for the Lonely, et Cetera

Five years ago: My Path Through the Main Series

More Evolution Stages for Pokémon Species?

Those who have been with Pokémon long enough will notice that for Pokémon that do evolve, they do so in at most three stages (four, if Mega Evolution is counted, albeit it is rather temporary and separate) - something that I've noted a long time ago with a post about numbers. As noted, three is the apparent maximum for the regular stages. But what if there were more than three of the regular ones? Though in some ways this may be considered a "moot point", it may deserve an exploration to a certain extent.

In one possibility, further stages of evolution could be represented as intermediary forms between the three representative evolutionary stages of a species family. This would allow the species themselves to be retained as proper ones, while the forms would give nuances - a "preview", in a way - of the next stage. This would seem more sensible rather than adding more species, forms, and/or stages on top of existing ones, though Mega Evolution in this regard might still be open if it's allowed to be, even if considered remotely.

Much would still have to be considered whichever way additions are made. With that as a consideration, it becomes apparent why there are not more stages of evolution. The forms and species would still have to be worked out, as does the mechanism for transitioning into them. The status quo of three stages plus Mega Evolution is preferable to be kept, rather than having them be muddied with what may seem to be unnecessary forms, species, or stages. Even with past additions (old upper stages and "Eeveelutions"), the status quo still makes sense.

However, there is one consolation to be made. The "regional forms" (Alolan, Galarian, and soon Hisuian) may just be construed to represent these "additional" stages, which according to their lore would represent offshoots in the case of the first two and precursors for the last one. They also would be representative of "natural" evolution rather than one that occurs as certain species families develop in present age. It would make sense why these "regional forms" have become more prevalent today rather than straight additions to the existing.

After having been presented with three forms at the most (plus Mega Evolution if applicable) for a species line, it may be easier to consider them closed for new forms, species, or stages within or in direct evolutionary connection with the species line. Yet, the "regional forms" are intriguing in that they present indirect connections to species lines that are not linked by "developmental" but "natural" evolution instead, and they would then constitute more stages in a way, even with the 3+1 status quo being the way to go.

One year ago: Pokémon SM KFC Family Meal Toy: Mimikyu & Ultra Ball

Two years ago: Renewed Oaths: Pokémon Direct, 1/9/2020

Three years ago: Custom Pokémon Merchandise

Four years ago: A Pokémon-Pikachu Balloon

Five years ago: Where It All Started

Streaming Pokémon Anime Episodes

Nowadays, most people have access to a fast Internet connection of some sort, which is used for many things. One of those things could be for watching or streaming a number of episodes of the Pokémon anime, and this is actually provided by some services even with the caveat that availability might be limited. But with the transitioning of broadcasting to the Internet, including for traditionally broadcasting channels, this is to be expected, and it's a good thing that the Pokémon anime can be served in such a manner as well.

Those that have Netflix will know that it has been the service that provides episodes and even feature films of the Pokémon anime. The most recent installments of Journeys and Master Journeys, as well as the Secrets of the Jungle feature film, had been made available through the service. Going forward, the future of streaming Pokémon through this service may be secured, which could be a good reason to subscribe aside from watching everything else it provides. Payment, if nothing else, may be the single biggest hurdle, but after that, at least some (Pokémon) entertainment is provided.

Pokémon does offer a centralized place for watching the anime, in the form of the Pokémon TV app for both mobile and, more relatively recently, the Nintendo Switch. In the past, the app had offered thematic selections of certain episodes to watch, though reportedly these selections had been found inconsistent in a way. Then there is the matter of availability: as some of my fellow fans have discovered, the content is not available for them or even us in our local area, practically voiding any useful usage of the app. But for others for whom the content is available, it may still be very well worth it.

For those who live in different countries around Asia (like me presently), there is another option. The Pokémon Asia English YouTube channel uploads video content like the global official channel, but it also uploads full anime episodes; currently, it is dealing with ones from Diamond and Pearl, XY, and (Master) Journeys. In fact, it has just finished its run of Journeys, for which all episodes are available to watch only up to this Friday, after which only some episodes will remain available. Nevertheless, whatever it has at any moment might still be worth watching, moreover as quickly as possible.

Given the above options, they're not exactly meager for Pokémon fans - they're better than not watching at all, yet they may still be hindered by specific limitations. Limited or not, the key point is still to become entertained with the episodes of the Pokémon anime that are on offer for streaming and watching, at least before they disappear (temporarily). The power and connectivity of the Internet also helps in this regard, enabling intense fans like me to be able to watch the anime with at least some degree of freedom.

One year ago: Introducing Collection Challenges

Two years ago: (Finally, Another) Local EX Raid, 1/9/2020

Three years ago: Pokémon Ceramics

Four years ago: Hitching a Raid Ride

Five years ago: A Tale of Two Shirts