The Peak of Heritage

Today's the last day of February, and by extension, being at the end of a 3-month period, it's also the last day of the Season of Heritage in Pokémon Go. Now, "heritage" speaks of many things from the past, whether throwbacks or retro elements, or even opulence or spirituality as I had suggested at the start of the season. Much has gone on since then, and each of the above have manifested themselves in different ways throughout this season, even for happenings beyond Pokémon Go, for which the latter might very well be able to be regarded as being reflected in the former.

Some Trainers in Pokémon Go will likely have been following the backstory of the events that have transpired over this season in addition to the events themselves, and the references that they make to past areas of the Pokémon world are quite welcome and make the season what it is. In addition, all the traditional celebrations over the past three months are themselves representative of "heritage" and rightfully deserve inclusion in Pokémon Go as well as other games for which they are appropriate.

Of those other games, Pokémon Unite stands out in this regard. It too had a Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day event, though I would consider them more subtle as they simply utilize simple gameplay progressions for rewards, and are therefore not as significant. For Pokémon Day, though, there is something more significant, and the impacts are far-reaching. They might involve a certain Pokémon known for its hijinks... which in a way is a "heritage" and "throwback" of sorts. 

In recapping the end of the season, last year (see below) is also a "heritage" of sorts, as it was the first time I did as such, which paved the way for later seasons and even today. As I've said back then, it was never an "ending" so much as a "climax", and that has been continually proven. Now that it has continued, in that respect, it has become a "living heritage" for the respective seasons and more.

For the next season, the information on it has come in time, and it will be a bright and breezy one. Still, the "heritage" presented over the previous three months will remain a part of Pokémon affairs in the next season and others to come. Appreciation is deserved, especially at this (high) point in the season.

One year ago: The Peak of Celebrations

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/28/2020

Three years ago: The Birthday of a Hero

Four years ago: Cosplay Poses

Five years ago: Cosplay: Japanese World 2017

Pokémon Day 2022 - 26th Anniversary

Now that the 25th anniversary (see below) of Pokémon has passed, also as noted a month ago, the anniversary returns to regular numbers - at least ones that are not too special - for a few years into the future. This year, the number is 26, which most of the world recognizes as the number of letters in Roman alphabet. That number prompts me to discuss about the "all-inclusive" quality of Pokémon, and for this anniversary specifically, just like how the Roman alphabet is "all-inclusive" in its usage across the world today.

Given the games that were featured over the course of the anniversary week, Pokémon has become rather all-inclusive in that regard. Now there are many ways to play with Pokémon, and they're highly competitive, collaborative, or even both. Some of them are even taking the competitive stage for the very first time and/or continuing collaborative traditions that have persisted, even when the conditions are uncertain. With the "all-inclusive" quality, however one desires to play Pokémon, there's a game that can cover that.

The transformation of the franchise from being of purely games to encompassing all kinds of media is definitely part of the "all-inclusive" quality. It was well-received by gamers at its outset, and as the years went by, it became well received by gamers beyond its initial audience and gradually non-gamers as well. Sure, the competitive "combat" portion of the games might be a bit much even for some gamers, but the exploratory nature of some games and the appeal of the many species with all of their forms make up for the competitive aspect, and these elements are even able to coexist in harmony throughout all these years, which is something I brought up in last year's anniversary post.

For those enjoying the anniversary week, they should have found at least one thing to enjoy throughout the week. Today is notably also the day of Pokémon Go Tour: Live in certain places, as the "offline adjunct" to yesterday's Pokémon Go Tour wherever one might be. That is quite representative of the latter two aspects above, while other happenings throughout the week might be more representative of the first aspect. Evidently, the "all-inclusive" quality is demonstrated through the happenings.

Speaking of "all-inclusive", today as the ultimate concluding day to the anniversary week as above also features another edition of Pokémon Presents, which is all the more appropriate. Since today is purely about the anniversary, I can't really cover it in detail right now, but I can give a preview as always before addressing it later. They may involve islands on the go, the latest updates on mobile from this week, new events and updates on the Switch games, and something wildly new and colorful for the Switch later this year. It has to be "all-inclusive", and this one certainly fits the bill.

With Pokémon now being over a quarter century old, it has the right to be able to be attractive to as many people as possible, and that necessarily means being "all-inclusive". That has been proven in the development and transformation over all those years, even to this very moment. Last year was rather special indeed for that; the next few years might not be too special with ordinary numbers, but at least the "all-inclusive" quality should be something special to be preserved, now and in the years to come.

Happy 26^th anniversary.

One year ago: Suddenly Silver: Pokémon Day 2021 - 25th Anniversary

Two years ago: Pokémon Day 2020 - 24th Anniversary

Three years ago: Pokémon Day 2019 - 23rd Anniversary

Four years ago: Pokémon Day 2018 - 22nd Anniversary

Five years ago: Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary

Tenth Cosplay Anniversary - Still Patient

There's a song out there about the remanent qualities of certain things, even after they have seemingly disappeared. One part of its title is "still", which is in line with the above theme. "Remanent" seems to be rather applicable to patience, specifically the patience for me to be able to get cosplay effectively going again, and thus I've opted to discuss the theme, with the aid of the song, for this year's personal cosplay anniversary - which happens to be the tenth, a round number and a full decade.

Ten years is a long time, and a lot has happened in that time, from the early limited years to the lively later years, and now in the "pause" period due to current conditions. This last bit is where patience comes in, as it would surely take time before cosplay can return to the way things were; most people seem to understand that, the exception being the people behind the failure of a theme event a while ago, for whom impatience is part of a greater problem. Through all that's happened, I'd say that I'm still patient in some ways.

In regard to the song, the remanent qualities are also related to attraction, which may or may not involve romance but definitely does involve attachment. I would say that for me, there is still some attachment to cosplay and in particular Pokémon cosplay as the way I express my attachment with Pokémon. In that sense, I have a hard time of letting it go, as it makes sense within my Pokémon framework. It just has to wait a little - or maybe a lot - and patience would have to be involved in this.

Incidentally, I've noted in my initial presentation of Pokémon Go Tour that today is that day, but since my Pokémon cosplay history is longer than even Pokémon Go itself, it has to be relegated for that very reason. But eventually the write-up will come soon; all it takes is, again, patience. Slightly regrettably, "patience" might also describe the state of affairs by my experience) with this edition of the event, but again, that will take a bit of patience at this point as I compose myself and other posts in the meantime.

How much longer I have to wait before I can present myself and my Pokémon attachment through cosplay as it once was is not known for sure, but all that I know is that it requires patience. I need the patience to maintain my composure, and everyone needs the patience for this to be realized feasibly. All I can say is that I am still attached to Pokémon and cosplay, as something that can't be taken away... and somewhere inside I'm still patient.

Happy tenth cosplay anniversary to me.

One year ago: Ninth Cosplay Anniversary - Taking a Backseat

Two years ago: Eighth Cosplay Anniversary - Doing What I Want

Three years ago: Seventh Cosplay Anniversary - Timeless Cosplay

Four years ago: Sixth Cosplay Anniversary - From No-One to Someone

Five years ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/25/2022

Like last year (see below), there are still three more days in the month, but I can only make this month's event rollup for Pokémon Go today as the last effective day. The reasons are mostly the same as last year, though slightly different. It's as if there are links between the old and the new... which may be said to describe this month's events as well, and that seems to be a neat thing to be explained in this rollup.

Speaking of old and new, there's a link to be made to last month in the form of an addendum to the Power Plant event. As part of that, Hisuian Voltorb began appearing on January 30, first in massive numbers and tapering off; it also comes with a Special Research marking its (surprise) entry. This also marks the first entry of a Pokémon species from Pokémon Legends: Arceus into Pokémon Go, and that is a new old thing all its own. The new (old) form of Voltorb continued to appear intermittently throughout this new month as well.

The next old new thing is the major Eastern transition from one time to another, known as the Lunar New Year. In the first week of the month, the highlight was on Litleo as it received its Shiny form. It, along with other characteristically red or lucky Pokémon, appeared in the wild, raids, Field Research tasks, and 7 km Eggs; Timed Research was also available with the ultimate rewards being Litleo and Espurr. This was also complemented by bonuses of double Stardust in Gifts, increased chances for Lucky Pokémon and Lucky Friends, and extra Special Trades. The event and celebration helped to herald the transition and to make things festive.

Valentine's Day is an old tradition of sorts, but it is one that is renewed each year, and that continued to apply with this year's edition of the associated event in Pokémon Go, from February 10 to February 14. This time, a flowery Pokémon makes its debut, being Flabébé and its species family; Furfrou in its Heart Trim form also became available. Both (as regionals and rarities for each of the forms of Flabébé, and the Natural Form for Furfrou) in addition to other pink and cute Pokémon became available in the wild, raids, and Field Research tasks. Along with bonuses of double-length Lure Modules, more items from Buddy Pokémon, and double capture Candy, a Global Challenge rewarded a triple transfer Candy bonus, the first and last of which also applied to Community Day as noted earlier. Two Collection Challenge sets, Synchronoise for Gardevoir and Gallade, and new fashion items and stickers plus an item bundle complemented and revitalized the traditional event this year.

Poké Balls are a must for any Trainer, event or no event, and in order to get Trainers prepared for Pokémon Go Tour, the Poké Ball Prep Rally was instituted from February 18 to today. This event featured Pokémon that are spherical or reminiscent of Poké Balls, which appeared in the wild; Hisuian Voltorb also became able to evolve to Hisuian Electrode after having debuted without the evolved form. Since the focus was on collecting items, Field Research tasks and a Timed Research set rewarded Poké Balls in good amounts, and substantially more could be gotten from Buddy Pokémon as they brought them more often. Trainers can also get in on the action with a fashion item inspired by the Ball Guy of Galar. By the conclusion of this event, Trainers should have enough Poké Balls for old and new Pokémon alike.

Unlike last year, Pokémon Go Tour is tomorrow rather than having passed, but like last year and the similar Go Fest event, Trainers who don't pay for a ticket can still enjoy a limited set of side bonuses for the event, essentially constituting the "remnants" of the event. Still, it is not quite the end of the month, and more may be expected in three days, which could force another old-and-new situation in next month's rollup with another addendum - but that will have to be seen if it does happen.

It's been a rather old-and-new journey this month in the events of Pokémon Go, and I've chosen to wrap them up today in an old-and-new manner as well. I'm sure there is always a reason for the old and the new, and I'm totally fine with that - perhaps other Trainers should as well. Anyway, in three days, the month will turn over, and events in Pokémon Go old and new will continue to tell their tales as they make way to my rollups.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/25/2021

Two years ago: Trade Evolutions in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Meeting of the Minds

Four years ago: Cosplay: Japan LovEvolution Vol. 3 - Haruka ni Yoi - Full Japan Day 2018

Five years ago: Dealing with Cosplay Offerings

The Johto Cup of GBL

This next themed cup, one for the Go Battle League, comes at a pretty appropriate time with Pokémon Go Tour coming up this weekend; the respective write-up is also appropriately timed, as today is practically the only day that I can put it up due to the sequence of events that will happen over the next week or so, but I digress. What's important is that the themed cup concerns the region that is the subject of this year's Pokémon Go Tour, as Johto, and thus there is the Johto Cup.

As with similar regional themed cup predecessors for Kanto and Sinnoh, it's another Great League-based affair, this time in concurrence with the final week of the GBL season in addition to Pokémon Go Tour as above. Likewise, the key restriction that makes this themed cup what it is is simple; it involves all Pokémon species that hail from the Johto region (Dex numbers 152-251). The total number of involved species is even fewer than the Sinnoh Cup - especially after non-viable species are eliminated - but they are likewise key to the essence of the themed cup.

For that, there are the top contenders of the themed cup. Skarmory leads the pack of species, while the remainder of the top five is composed of Lanturn, Shadow Raikou, Azumarill (which needs Candy XL), and Shadow Meganium. Others down the list include the non-Shadow versions of the above, as well as Qwilfish, Quagsire, Steelix, and Ariados. Depending on how active Trainers have been, by now some of these should have been quite obtainable and not require expending much resources, which ought to be a plus even with fewer available species overall.

By putting my Pokémon to battle, I've discovered that the results of the battles can be quite entertaining and they can turn out to go either way, depending on the Pokémon that are possessed by both of the Trainers. A good team ought to be fruitful for a Trainer, and should be especially so in this case given the relative paucity of pickings, many of which might be good enough to stand up to those of others, even similar ones. That said, the themed cup has only been in play for a couple of days, and it is available through the end of the month and the season.

If memory serves me right (see below), the Johto region delivered much excitement in whatever form it took, and Pokémon Go seems to be receptive of that after the debut of the species in this generation years ago and its eventual completion. That then leads to the festivities of the incoming Johto edition of Pokémon Go Tour and the concurrent Johto Cup for the Go Battle League. The excitement of the latter has to be able to hold the tide until it surges with the former.

One year ago: Learning from Each Other, for Life

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/22/2020

Three years ago: Don't Forget Our Roots

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/24/2018

Five years ago: Memories of Johto

Good Builds for Unite?

When those who play Pokémon Unite talk about "builds" for the Pokémon they use, the discussion mostly revolves around the held items that the Pokémon possess to amplify their skills in battle. Since there are many Pokémon by now - more from its paltry beginnings and surely even more to come - the discussion is likely to be an open-ended one, with different builds for different Pokémon. Even so, some multipurpose builds may still stand to be conceived, and they could be the solution to a good build.

Fervent player POKENITE BUNNY, whose YouTube channel I highlighted around a month ago, has provided such a solution, in the form of an "universal build". The three held items in this build are Focus Band, Score Shield, and Buddy Barrier, each certainly upgraded to the maximum level of 30. Of these, the latter two are perennial favorites of many players due to their effects in protecting the most crucial action and/or a fellow teammate. The most debatable item is then the Focus Band, but the others also have their share of debates.

Some have suggested that the Score Shield be replaced instead with the Muscle Band, which would benefit those who primarily attack rather than score. Else, the Focus Band may be replaced with the Attack Weight or Razor Claw for Pokémon with high impact and high versatility for both scoring and attacking. Choice Specs might also become a choice (ahem) for those who really desire to focus on attacking and to keep scoring to a bare minimum.

The "universal build" thus certainly may have its place, though it may not be preferred for those who have certain Pokémon and/or roles as "mains". It's a good build nonetheless for specific Pokémon, which has to be agreed upon. Yet so may be any of the suggestions that have been posed as above, being perfectly applicable to a number of commonly played Pokémon. Possible experimentation may be imminent, starting with the above as a basis.

As an attempt at a multipurpose build, the "universal build" above certainly would fit as one amidst a myriad of possibilities. It could become the build that many would utilize as is or modify for different Pokémon or purposes, especially as more changes (Pokémon additions) become imminent. As such, the discussion continues to revolve while players determine the builds that are best for them, their Pokémon, and their game.

One year ago: The (Un)Popularity of Legendary Raid Bosses

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Rose Cup

Three years ago: Let's Go Take Pictures

Four years ago: Community Days!

Five years ago: Competitive or Non-Competitive?

The 2022 Pokémon Anniversary Week

Through a song about the progression of shows (things), I've noted that in a week, the progression of the Pokémon anniversary will be heading into a new one. As that happens, there couldn't be a better time than now to get things going through various aspects of Pokémon, and so this week becomes the "Anniversary Week" for it this year. Each day of the week is to involve pleasantries of particular aspects, with everything climaxing on the big day - Pokémon Day - on Sunday. It becomes evidently festive in that regard.

As the ultimate day is Sunday, the week actually began yesterday, and yesterday, Pokémon Masters EX stepped up to the plate with the announcement of a new Sync Pair, May and Latias. Today, it was the turn of the Sword and Shield games, with the announcement of Max Raid Battles featuring the fully evolved forms of the Kanto starters in a distinctly maxed-out form. Some of my fellow players have noted that these announcements haven't been too weighty, even though they are distinctly special; that may be fine, given that Pokémon itself as a whole is the big thing rather than the individual games.

Coming down the pipeline for the rest of the week are Pokémon Café (Re)Mix, Pokémon Unite, P25 Music, and Pokémon Go in that order, before the ultimate wrap-up with Pokémon Day. Some of these can already be identified, as P25 Music has its sweepstakes that I mentioned, and Pokémon Go has its Pokémon Go Tour, although as with the announcement above, there are likely to be more things in store for each of these related aspects. Pokémon Unite and Pokémon Go may be the ones that are eagerly awaited due to their activity, but any (all-round) fan will eagerly await the one for Pokémon Day.

Festivity is a must for any anniversary, and the "Anniversary Week" this year for that of Pokémon is an accumulation of the aspects that have made it special in recent memory. Of course, it can't be forgotten that Pokémon itself had already come off of an already very special anniversary last year, so what follows in the footsteps of that has to be sufficiently great; it doesn't have to measure up to the actual scale of last year due to this year being an ordinary number, but at least it would also show that the celebration indeed goes on.

One year ago: (Pokémon) Songs as Advice

Two years ago: Cosplay: Beat Launch Party

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (in a Frenzy), 2/22/2019

Four years ago: Trainer Caps, and a Teaser

Five years ago: Back in the Park

3DS eShop Closing - Demise Is Near

There is some new information that is related to Pokémon just as much as it isn't. For those still hanging on to their Nintendo 3DS, it has been announced that its eShop (in addition to that of the Wii U) is closing in late March, which means that it will no longer be possible to purchase or download games or utilities from it. That's the general gist of things; the specific implication, and the way that the information becomes related to Pokémon, is that the situation applies for Pokémon games and utilities that are present on the eShop as well. It becomes somewhat of a concern, which is why I've elected to highlight the information in a post.

The affected games would include the main series games of the sixth and seventh generations, plus the third-generation remakes (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon). Other affected games would be the spinoff games (including Super Mystery Dungeon, Shuffle, and even Detective Pikachu). As for utilities, the main one in this regard is Pokémon Bank, though despite being outdated, the Pokédex 3D might be of some novelty. All of these, including associated updates, would stand to become inaccessible, unless they're also the full-fledged games with a physical cartridge available.

A few of my friends have suggested to purchase and/or download as many items as possible from the eShop before it closes, including updates for all existing games and utilities if necessary (especially Pokémon Bank above). The advice is succinct and worthwhile, so it bears to be repeated in this post by me. The eShop closing down certainly doesn't mean that games - especially those in physical cartridges - will no longer be playable, but they'll likely function differently; the suggestion above remains something to regard nonetheless.

At any rate, the imminent closure of the eShop of the 3DS (and the Wii U) also means that the demise of both is also nearing, and this is one of the milestones on the way to that demise. And since Pokémon is majorly present on the 3DS, it also becomes a milestone to regard for anyone who plays the games on the platform. "Late March" is also not that very far away, considering today's date, so it becomes all the more important to take action now before the gameplay experience for Pokémon and other games is affected due to the eShop closure.

One year ago: More NPC Trainers in Pokémon Go?

Two years ago: Hobby as a Partner

Three years ago: Even More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Four years ago: Quirky Raids

Five years ago: Secret Garden

Show Goes On, and On, and On...

The show goes on

And the sad-eyed sisters go walking on

Everyone watching all along

The show goes on

As the autumn's coming and the summer's all gone

Still without you

The show goes on

-- "The Show Goes On", Bruce Hornsby

Personally, there's been a roughness that has been felt in the past week, whether by myself or other Pokémon fans. At the same time, that roughness seems to be about to lead into mostly sweetness in the following week, which would be this one. All things continue to proceed, or in entertainment terms, "the show goes on". The phrase is also the title of a song that is popularly identified with a movie about firefighters and brothers, both of which I've hinted about in separate posts, though it is also a good pop song in its own right.

The roughness certainly comes from the ill-executed theme event that Ash, Goh, and I reported last week; for me, the ill execution actually recalls the first verse of this song (Didn't you expect it/When you opened the door...) because it was truly just that, at least for the ones who tried to hold it. It became (or I declared it) a missed opportunity for me to put forward Pokémon as always. Then there was the passing of the voice actor for Ash for the local dub, effectively becoming the voice actor's "curtain call", for which the song also has allusions in the pre-chorus. All told, the song seems to encapsulate both happenings.

Meanwhile, the next Pokémon anniversary is due out within this next week along with Pokémon Go Tour. It's a bit bittersweet to move from the major anniversary of last year, but at least that is complemented with some sweet pleasantries, which helps to ease the transition. And it's an inevitable transition nonetheless, and along with the two happenings above, things had to happen one way or another - the show had to go on for everything with time, as the chorus of the above song suggests. If anything, I had already suggested the major anniversary itself as a "show", so it still fits somewhat perfectly.

Retrospectively, this may be the song that I should have thought of when my "show" had to go on that one time everything went wrong; back then, though, I did not really connect with the song. Now that I've connected, it does make some sense regarding my Pokémon situation at the time. I have to admit that I haven't completely made peace with that situation even now, but this song may be considered to be helpful in that regard. At some point, the peace must be fully made and the "show" has to completely go on.

What has gone on with the recent event failure and the passing of a star, as well as what is to go on with the Pokémon anniversary and accompanying events, is just a part of the "show" of Pokémon in life - or even, "shows". Time goes on, and likewise the seasons; in turn, these happenings and similar others continue with their aftereffects as well, as in the above lyrics. The roughness might just eventually smoothen and the sweetness, while fading away, might still linger in part, as the "shows" go on (and on, and on).

One year ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto

Two years ago: Living with My Buddy

Three years ago: Poké-Tourism

Four years ago: Pokémon "Cover Songs"

Five years ago: Venice and Alto Mare

(Possible?) Community Day Concepts

Last month's Community Day Classic was a phenomenal and unique addition to the range of possibilities that the event has realized. It becomes evident that the event may be and in fact is receptive to different editions with no change or at the least very little. With time, other different and possible editions based on several concepts could be realized. To that end, it may be worth it to discuss possible concepts for different editions of the event while still attempting to follow patterns that have been established.

One of those possibilities is a "regional" edition of the event, not in terms of real-world geography, but in terms of Pokémon forms. While this seems rather obvious, in the past four years of the event, no edition has been able to implement this possibility, except as a proposal that was once put on the table and hasn't been addressed since. A species like Geodude - which incidentally has not been featured - can possibly have a double Community Day within a month, one for its Kanto form and another for its Alolan form. Or, for a more radical twist, Exeggcute for example can be featured, and its evolution can be different hourly, similar to how Incense Day works. The possibilities are intriguing and diverse, though could be difficult to implement. Yet, this kind of edition is quite likely with the growing number of regional forms of Pokémon species.

Traditionally, the final Community Day of the year is a recap edition of all editions in the year along with support for legacy editions of the previous year. However, a novel possibility could be to have a "mid-year recap" as an extra edition in June to ease the pressure of the end-of-year recap and the waiting time to get to the recap edition if somehow a Trainer missed a previous edition during the early part of the year. It could very well become the June edition instead, also to ease the pressure of establishing new editions of Community Day. Even so, if such were to be implemented, the recap editions would have to be harmonized in some way, and this could be a difficult matter, though surely possible.

Something that could be controversial is to implement a "full-day" edition of Community Day, perhaps for a repeat Classic edition. It is true that the intent of Community Day is to be able gather Trainers at a specified midday time, and this should be maintained (such as by increasing Pokémon appearances greatly during that specified time), but what could be interesting is to expand Pokémon appearances and the move window for an entire day. This may very well have to be as a test first, and per its controversial nature, many would have their views; it may still be a possibility to consider.

Community Day is actually a very special event, and surely many Trainers in Pokémon Go would agree. They would also agree that its special quality also goes to the many editions by which the event can be realized. It seems that it might not hurt to try to add even more editions, three of which have been placed as a conjecture above. Further realization of those editions and possibly more would and should augment its special quality even further.

One year ago: Preparing for Pokémon Go Tour

Two years ago: For the Sake of Consistency

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/19/2019

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Team Leader Stickers

Five years ago: Let's Get Ready to Rumble

Respect for Ahmad Zulkifli Lubis... in Memoriam

The name I mention in the title of this post might be lesser-known to the rest of the world and Pokémon fans therein, but to Pokémon fans in Indonesia, he has a particular regard. And since the title contains "Respect for", it becomes obvious, considering posts that I've made on this blog in the past. Yes, Ahmad Zulkifli "Iphie" Lubis is an Indonesian voice actor, and the particular regard is that he voices Ash in the local-language dub, referred as either Satoshi (the Japanese name) or Ali (the adapted Indonesian name).

His career in dubbing goes back to the early 1990s, and he became involved in many of the dubbing projects that are broadcasted on the channels that would eventually also broadcast the local dub of Pokémon, and eventually Pokémon itself. That lasted for a good number of years until the dub changed hands - that is, shifted to another channel - for the Sun & Moon dub. But like Veronica Taylor for the English dub, his repute remains, regardless of what has changed, including the fact that he's uniquely a male voice actor for Ash.

I first got to recognize his distinctive voice characterization for Ash over a decade and a half ago, and it is distinct. There's just one oddity: other characters he voiced (hint: they include a boy possessing many forms) also sound more or less similar. In that regard, it may not have been unique, but by my observation at the least, the characterization is carried through whoever character is voiced by him. I consider that a hallmark of a great voice actor despite the apparent limitation, and he is just that with what he has done for Pokémon and beyond.

As for the "in memoriam" part, well... I'm sorry to say, he passed away late Thursday night my time. The news came to me in the morning, and it was somewhat a shock to everyone in the know. Tributes have poured in throughout the day, and it's quite evident that those in the animation, dubbing, and related pop culture communities recognize his far-reaching contributions. In that sense I am also indebted, and therefore I had to make this post for today in order to honor him and to put in another tribute, one that fans can appreciate globally.

Personally, I consider every person related (and who have contributed) to Pokémon to be of great significance, even if they're obscure to the global context. Such might be the case for Iphie, but I'm sure that once people in the global Pokémon context realize his contributions, they will also be able to realize that he has great significance as well. Like every voice actor I've covered under the "Respect for" tag, he too has to be respected - not just by local Pokémon fans, but also those around the world.

Rest in peace, Iphie. Your voice - for Ash and others - is legendary and forever in our hearts and minds.

One year ago: Quickies: Water, the Source of Life

Two years ago: To Lure or to Walk?

Three years ago: Mewtwo @ Everywhere

Four years ago: Cosplay: CHoCoDays x CLAS:H/ICGP Regionals 2018

Five years ago: Pokémon Art on Walls

Follow-up Pokémon Happenings

I often cover (possible) neat and/or phenomenal Pokémon happenings on this blog without intent of following them up, as in to cover them again particularly with new related happenings. Recently, though, a few of those old happenings have had something new related to them, and I just had to update and follow up on them. I've also decided to put them all conveniently in one post to fulfill the follow-up theme and because they're mostly insufficient for full write-ups anyway.

Last year, the "Master the Ball" campaign for kids' futsal by Pokémon and the England FA unfolded, complemented by a few games featuring the players and some words from the country's soccer coach himself. Recently, that same coach also checked out how that campaign is realized in a particular primary school as a surprise guest, to find out how the students and teachers are receptive of the campaign and all its neat perks. The results can be seen in a YouTube video that shows off the action. As for the campaign itself, which includes a tournament of the sport in question, it's in full swing and will climax to finals in June, followed by another season in September. It seems to be popular and quite successful.

Just a few months ago, I posited the idea of having Pokémon music on vinyl, along with the rationale, musical material, and process for that. Happily, that has been realized: a week and a half ago, I received word that the songs of the P25 Music program have been put on vinyl records, which are to be given to some lucky winners as part of a sweepstakes that ends at the end of this month, at the same time as the next Pokémon anniversary. Unlike the vinyl records for the other series I mentioned, the music for this one isn't exactly a throwback - it's more forward-thinking - but the exclusive (by a giveaway) and commemorative (for the anniversary) qualities of the vinyl records are quite evident in this case, and those who might stand a chance and desire as such to get them ought to enter to try to obtain this retro novelty.

Meanwhile, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is still fresh on the minds of most fans, with them having obtained the game or at least planning to. For those who are still not convinced to get the game, maybe a little humor might help for that, and that comes in the form of a few promotional advertisements. These advertisements were released over the past few days, and the humor part of them is that they parody certain kinds of TV programs (including cooking shows and telenovelas) with a Pokémon twist and the tagline "...But Not as You Know It!", in reference to the fact that PLA is quite different from the staple main series games. If the game itself doesn't get its message across, maybe the humorous ads will.

Every Pokémon happening is neat, certainly - even ones that are just plain conjectured for possibility - but what's even more neat is if they can be expanded by a follow-up that really makes them come or brings them to life, as in the case of the above. It may be well-deserved for any fan to keep tabs on even the most remote of happenings, as they can suddenly be expanded as above with something that is truly incredible. For this Pokémon blogger, that's really a sight to see.

One year ago: Gym Takedown Habits

Two years ago: Delayed Costumes

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/17/2019

Four years ago: Time for a Pikachu New 2DS XL?

Five years ago: The Park Is Open

On Tap for the NADWPKMN YouTube Channel

When I posted about opening the YouTube channel for this blog, I had noted some of the future plans that I might have for the channel. After having discussed the first two videos that I uploaded on the channel, I thought it would also be wise to expand on those future plans as well, especially what I'd need to do to achieve those plans. They would then constitute what's "on tap" for this YouTube channel as well as the things that are involved for them. 

Earlier, I noted that the channel is still rudimentary, and that's because there are a few things missing that I'd eventually like to add, like custom thumbnails and a shorter link. The former is easy, as I'd need to verify myself further, but the latter isn't, as that can only come with further development of the channel. Further, the former also leads to the prospect (and issue) of certain "money matters", which may need to be discussed separately. I consider both of these as being helpful, and I'd have to undertake them sooner or later.

Naturally, expanding the channel means expanding the equipment for presenting Pokémon things and experiences on video. That would mean not only games and consoles themselves, but also recording devices, especially for streaming games and displaying them. I can only go so far with the equipment that I have - though it may be quite far indeed - and to go even farther, that would take quite a bit of special equipment. It may be that they can expand my blogging reach as well in addition to video.

Speaking of additions, if I were to make more content frequently that is not related to live videos or streaming, I may need to get someone to help out to shoot videos and edit them. The first two episodes were completely shot and edited by me, even with the constraints that I had with them. Those same constraints may or may not allow for much progress in either action (evidently with the second video), so someone that can assist with these two actions will likely be needed, and that is something to consider.

The YouTube channel for this blog has only started with the first two videos, and that can only mean that there will be more to come - and there should be. To get there, however, also appears to mean to make ways for expansion on different fronts in addition to the content and related topics themselves. Much seems to be on tap for both, especially when tied to something as grand as Pokémon.

One year ago: Pokémon Cinematic Universe - Possible?

Two years ago: Cosplay: Cosplay on the Street II

Three years ago: Romancing the Ball

Four years ago: Once and Again: Cosplay Teaser for 3/11/2018

Five years ago: We Three Birds of Kanto Are...

NADWPKMN - The Video Series: Episode #2 - Why YouTube?

I've already discussed the first video that I had uploaded on the YouTube channel that now accompanies this blog, and now after a gap of some days, it's time to discuss the second one, which I uploaded as I declared my channel open. It's also the next in line for the regular series of videos on the channel, for which there will surely be more. Likewise, the video is embedded below for convenience of viewing, whether for the first time or again.

This one is titled "Why YouTube?", and thus the topic is obvious: it explains why I've (finally) gotten around to starting a channel there and uploading videos. The video explains the key reasons - possibly among others - for doing that, and I even include references to a couple of YouTube personalities who definitely have some relations to me, this blog, and certainly Pokémon. It also slightly demonstrates the possibilities of what can and should be able to happen in later episodes.

Unlike the first episode, I shot this one indoors in my room with my PC's webcam instead of my phone, and split it into several takes. The last one is the most significant, as I didn't mention it in the video; I actually intended for another "one-take", but it kept falling apart at different points. There was no way I could keep it as one take, and so I shot the video as several takes that were then tied together in the editing process. Future videos might involve shots with different takes anyway, so it had to happen.

As for why I staggered this write-up instead of putting it directly back-to-back, it goes back to my mention in the first video that videos take time to make, more so than blog posts. Therefore, the gap is intended to highlight and affirm that situation, which will always be the case with me preparing everything myself. There's still the possibility that things may change for that last part, but that's not for me to say at the moment.

With two episodes, obviously the next will be the third. For that too, I cannot say when at the moment, except that I've already planned things out. This second episode of the regular series may at least satisfy things somewhat while reading up on happenings on this blog over the past five years or so. When the time comes, it will be a sight to see, especially after much reading of this blog.

One year ago: GBL Progression, Revisited

Two years ago: Words of the Heart

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (and Quick Connections), 2/15/2019

Four years ago: A Break in the Action

Five years ago: Pocket Monsters Best Wishes Partners Figure - Satoshi

Valentine's Day 2022: Within Attraction

Over the past few years that I've started this blog, my coverage of Valentine's Day and Pokémon has "evolved" in a sort of way (see below for past years). It has and always will be a day of love and relationships, which to a certain extent may also be considered as "attractions". With current conditions still persisting, there have been some happenings that are related to those conditions; it seems some of them might be described as "attractions", and that is why I've subtitled this year's post accordingly.

The subtitle actually takes after one of the musical pieces of Yanni - an artist I like and have several times mentioned on this blog - with the same title, and it may be construed as a piece of mixed emotions. This is particularly evident with its live versions, which feature solos of drums and/or violins in very expressive ways. They might indicate happiness due to being able to link with certain things, or they might indicate sadness due to not being able to reach certain things even if one had gotten close to them. Even so, with all things considered, it might be mostly representative of the former rather than the latter. Yanni himself offers a particular comment on and interpretation of the piece:

Life is full of Attractions! I have vowed to play with as many of them as possible closely... without getting lost!

Certainly, considering the scope of this blog, my "attraction" is Pokémon. With Yanni's comment as above, my intent is to involve myself in as many Pokémon things as possible, and the method is to do so without me becoming stuck or misplaced among all the many possible "attractions". At the same time, though, different "attractions" might provide a way out of others, such as a Unite battle when I'm stuck in a PvP rut, or a stage of Shuffle when other things just don't make sense. In this way, I am always "within attraction" and can make it from one to another and so on.

What happened with my real-life happenings the other day could be considered as different parties getting "lost" in different attractions. I was lost in the expected morning happening that unfortunately couldn't happen, the theme event was lost in its own attraction of delusional success, and we all may still be lost in the attraction that current conditions may pass sooner than later. While I can't say much for the theme event, which has to be considered of possessing issues beyond "attraction", at least I should be able to use my "attraction" for Pokémon to get in and out of things as needed and not to become misguided - that is, "lost" by any of those things.

It's been two years of odd circumstances for Valentine's Day, some of which might not leave too much room for "attraction" in both romantic and non-romantic senses. But as Yanni said, attractions are all over life, and if one is wise enough, one may hop from one to another while maintaining one's way. I'm sure that today some will have that for romance, while others like me might have them for Pokémon - with the lucky few having both.

Stay attracted but stay guided, and Happy Valentine's Day.

One year ago: Valentine's Day 2021: No Love, Only Love

Two years ago: Valentine's Day 2020: In Pursuit of Love

Three years ago: Valentine's Day 2019: Think Pink

Four years ago: Valentine's Day 2018: Address to a Luvdisc

Five years ago: It's Valentine's Day!

Let's Talk About All the Right Things

Me: First of all, I want to say that I had something different planned for today, and it does involve a conversation with the four of us.

Goh: Including me?

Me: Including you, Goh, even though this primarily involves (or was to involve) Ash.

Ash: I think I know what this could be, but I'll save it for when you bring it up.

Pikachu: Pi, pika. ["Me too."]

Me: OK, so today we're talking about doing the right things. It can sometimes be a hard thing to do.

Goh: Oh! I know - it's like that time when I captured Suicune to rescue it from the poachers. It was a little difficult, and I didn't have to, but it was the right thing.

Me: Yeah! It's like that. But you did also heal it and get it to trust you, and that's even more of a right thing.

Goh: I know! But that was definitely hard.

Ash: I think it's great how Goh was able to do that. The chance to deal with a Legendary Pokémon like that doesn't come often.

Goh: And we got rid of the poachers! How's that for two?

Ash: That's real amazing!

Pikachu: Pika, pi pika. ["Yeah, it was."]

Me: Ash, you also helped to take care of a red Gyarados operation in Johto, right?

Goh: A red Gyarados??

Ash: Yeah, it was this big, like you wouldn't believe. It was this big angry thing. My friends and I also had Lance to help out. In the end, we really needed to do it - if not, there would be big trouble everywhere. It was a bit hard, but we did it.

Goh: I probably would do the same.

Me: That would definitely be an instance of doing the right thing; otherwise it's just a mess. Speaking of a mess, recently I found a theme event where I could send Ash, but then I received many reports that it doesn't seem to be prepared properly.

Goh: That doesn't sound good - it doesn't sound right either!

Me: The worst part is that it's supposed to be today, and today isn't a really good time - I mean, not right - with all the stuff around my world.

Ash: Wait! This is supposed to be happening near where you live!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["It's really close!"]

Me: What can you scout about it?

Ash: It looks like a normal theme event. This is definitely not good now. Oh, I see Officer Jenny and other officers, and... man, there it goes. It's like half a year ago, but worse.

Goh: As I've said, it isn't right.

Me: At least the police are right in getting things under control; it's difficult, but it had to be done. How right they can make things after they weren't right in the first place is another matter. It just wasn't right for us or anyone.

Pikachu: Pi-ka-chu. ["Just not right."]

Me: The theme event is not destined for us. Even so, I was hoping to do something else with you, Ash, with the aid of a friend and possibly a character friend this morning, but this didn't go right before it could happen.

Ash: Aw man! And it was such a good morning too for it.

Goh: What were you thinking about doing with Ash?

Me: It's very special, so I can't say much more for now. And I know it's hard to take in, but we'll persevere. Let's not talk about it - and the theme event - any further. But you know, there is something that's always right for us, and that's Pokémon.

Ash: Yeah, I hear you!

Goh: When it's right, it's right, and if it isn't, we can make it right, no matter how hard.

Pikachu: Pika, pika pika! ["We'll make it right!"]

Me: Hopefully, eventually, we can do that for theme events, but that will need the right time. In the meantime, there's always an opportunity for us to do the right things, especially when Pokémon is involved.

One year ago: The Love Cup of GBL

Two years ago: What to Nominate

Three years ago: Cryptic Pokémon

Four years ago: Two Games at Once?

Five years ago: Cosplay: Japan LovEvolution Vol. 2 - Kaizen

Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/12/2022

As with last year, since Pokémon Go Tour is on its way, Community Day has to be gotten out of the way, later if not sooner. And this one is a little later, considering the schedule back then, but that's perfectly fine. What's important is that it's done before time flies away, similar to one Pokémon that also flies away on the wind. That Pokémon also becomes the featured Pokémon for this edition in a totally fluttery scenario.

The Pokémon that is featured in this edition is Hoppip - yes, the same one for "Hoppip New Year" that I continue to adopt. It and its species family represent a family of Grass and Flying types, with Skiploom and Jumpluff; the latter of these gets the Charged Move of Acrobatics when evolved during today's edition of the event as the exclusive move. The true regular bonus for this one is tripled Stardust for each catch, and I say "true" because it also stacks with a doubled Candy catch bonus and a tripled Candy transfer bonus - both of which have been individual bonuses for past editions - of a concurrent event, which is to be explained later. Today becomes all about the Hoppip.

Other bonuses are standard and still apply, including extended Lure Modules and/or Incense, as well as the optional paid Special Research, this time with the title of "A Hop, Skip, and Jump Away". There are also extra bonuses for this edition, which are three additional free raid passes during event hours (including the "move window" - this bonus is a return from November 2021 with an upgrade) and the accompanying appearance of Skiploom in parks (dark green spaces on the overworld map) also with extra Candy XL. This edition also furnishes a number of new commemorative stickers, even earlier before the day, which is actually a bonus that was started the month before in January.

Meanwhile, for my own experience, today's edition of Community Day falls on a Saturday, and typically Trainers are less free on a Saturday edition than they are for a Sunday edition. This was evident when I dropped by my usual local park, when I found no one I knew who I would usually find - except for one person, who couldn't stay for long due to having other things to do. The person left me with a couple of Lure Modules to work with, and coupled with Incense of my own, allowed me to catch many Hoppip and a number of Skiploom, all of which rewarded many Hoppip Candies due to the bonuses, including that given by a Mega Evolution (I evolved Venusaur this time). In the end, I evolved my buddy Hoppip, which is also the one with the best stats, along with one for Great League and the best Shiny; I still have no Lucky Hoppip and I neither purified nor evolved the Shadow Hoppip I showed at the beginning of the year.

With this edition of Community Day, Hoppip really flies high, and it's reasonably close to the beginning (actually two of them) of a Hoppip New Year, so it is still very much appropriate. Time can then fly away to Pokémon Go Tour just like how the Hoppip fly on the wind to seek new places; at least with this one, the Trainers can come along for the ride as they seek to connect with Hoppip and its species family.

One year ago: Fourth Anniversary of My Regional Figure Group

Two years ago: Pokémon as a Study Aid

Three years ago: A Pikachu Pillow Keychain

Four years ago: Anywhere Is

Five years ago: My Essential Pokémon Cosplay Equipment

The Pokémon DP Sound Library

Pokémon music fans may have something to rejoice with a new development on this front. Recently, the Pokémon DP Sound Library was released, which is essentially a sound bank of every single music piece or musical sound in the classic fourth-generation games; accordingly, it should be considered its original soundtrack or OST, and it is in fact referred in such a way on YouTube, for the official video containing the entire sound bank. More information is also available on the official web site... or should, as I'm unable to access it.

Regardless, the intent of this sound bank or OST is to provide all the music pieces or musical sounds not just for listening - as can be conceivably done through the YouTube link above - but also for them to be able to be used in making "personal video and music". This is a major and breakthrough step for Pokémon, also being a franchise that Nintendo has a partial stake in. The comments on the YouTube video are also overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that this is a good future direction to take.

Even so, it has to be noted (and cannot be denied) that the timing of this comes on the heels of a unique facet of YouTube that is related to game music in general fading away into nonexistence. That's somewhat beyond the scope of this blog, and I have to say I've never been interested in it, so I won't mention it here. Some people still lament the loss of that particular facet, specifically if not officially substituted with the likes of this sound bank, for example. Thus, sound banks like these for other (Pokémon) games are useful as such.

The release of this sound bank, though, should bode well for me as I may opt to selectively use certain pieces in order to provide accompaniment to the YouTube videos on my channel, which I've opened as of this month. It would be a wonderful thing, though I may have to start off simple, especially when the web site for the sound bank itself is still inaccessible for me. Should this work out, it would be a testament to the sound bank indeed.

It may be considered that developments in Pokémon music may be hard to come by at times, but when they come, they could be extremely significant. Such is the case with this sound bank for the fourth-generation games with the fascinating musical sounds and music pieces from them, along with the means of making them available. At the least, it shows how entertaining those pieces are, long after the games have been available and played.

One year ago: Friendship Filters in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: To Eat and to Lure

Three years ago: A Pidove Keychain

Four years ago: Memories of Hoenn

Five years ago: LINE Pokémon Stickers

Quickies: Fireside Chats with Pokémon

The term "fireside chat" refers to one of a series of talks that a popular head of state of a bygone era conducted on an early "social media". Nowadays, if the term were to be used, it would refer to any talk done in a similar manner, even literally with the inclusion of fire of some kind, as has been done by some creative people. Naturally, Pokémon might be something that some might choose to include in a "modern" creative version, and this could be something that's not too far out.

If Pokémon were the topic itself, then it would perhaps be something akin to a Pokémon Presents, though it could be deemed to be (or would have to be) on a more heartfelt and personal level. The talk might involve game elements and/or story elements, but regardless of what is involved, the delivery would be key; it would have to be calm enough yet still engaging, while/or exciting enough yet doesn't veer too far off the main concept of being a reassurance of sorts.

As for Pokémon being the "fire" part of the talk, that would naturally involve species of the very type. An obvious contender would be Slugma, serving as a literal fire or at least its embers, as has been demonstrated in a certain animated short. But then, it might also involve any of the majorly known (and majorly sized) Fire-type species like Charizard and Typhlosion; their power, even if excessive, might just set the tone for the talk, and they regardless might still be welcome for that.

Essentially, a "fireside chat" might be what I've been doing with this "Quickies" series of posts, of which the first one was exactly one year ago (see below) - or at least it is for this particular post, as the others may or may not have been tied up to matters of fire and/or Pokémon related to that. The early concept by that head of state remains something powerfully communicative yet calming, and modern interpretations might be able to reflect that, even with Pokémon being included.

One year ago: Quickies: Staying Productive with Pokémon

Two years ago: On (No) Coincidences

Three years ago: Cosplay: Tresno no Matsuri

Four years ago: Hoenn (Fully) Confirmed on Go

Five years ago: Space

Having Faith in (My) Pokémon

A popular adage regarding the relationship of Trainers to their Pokémon is for the former to have faith in the latter, particularly when the latter is involved in battles against others. At a glance, this adage seems rather philosophical, being that the eponymous creatures primarily exist in the realm of the imagined, though its real manifestations are distinct. Yet considering those manifestations, it may be that the adage has a place in them, and especially among those very Trainers who hold sway over the creatures.

For that philosophical understanding, it is that Trainers and their Pokémon must be of one and the same mind, with both being able to trust one another to do the right things in and out of battles. This is portrayed to some extent in the anime, showing what happens when that trust (and therefore faith) breaks down and how that can be built up again. In this way, the understanding is demonstrated, though still only at a perceptive level. It only moves to a practical level in other real manifestations.

Those manifestations would be the games. Many Pokémon games are "imperfect information" games in that not every single tidbit of information, particularly regarding opponents, are given - at least, not right away. Even with many of them being able to be discerned in some ways, such as through "counting turns" in Pokémon Go PvP, some information may nevertheless remain unknown, and that's where trust and faith comes in, in order that they may usurp whatever it is that remains unknown and favorable outcomes may be had. Essentially, the "training" session I had with my friend were to build up trust or faith in myself and in my Pokémon through the pointers; then, my Pokémon would take care of the rest.

What seems to have to be underscored is that faith is important regardless, whether it's among fellow people or even between people and creatures they are attached to - in this case, Pokémon. Developing that faith may be another matter entirely, but if the anime and playing the games are of any indication, it's possible and very much necessary, even if it would be first through the former and next through the latter. I'm sure there is enough faith to go around for Trainers and Pokémon for both of them to be able to succeed.

One year ago: "Colored" Moves in Pokémon Games

Two years ago: Coming Up Roses

Three years ago: Cosplay: Eien no Kiseki

Four years ago: Seeking Confirmation

Five years ago: Time

A Leftover Pokémon Promo?

Pokémon is very popular around the world; its fans are likely to snap up anything and everything that is offered to them, including through promotions. However, it may be that some Pokémon things that are offered, even through the means above, may constitute things that are left over. That would mean that fans didn't snap up those particular things as much as what would have been expected during the prime period when the things are offered. This sounds rather implausible given the popularity as above, but it might just happen in certain circumstances.

For example, there is the TCG. Regardless of edition, items for the TCG (starter deck, booster packs, and the like) are continuously updated, so certain old items are going to become outdated - though likely not obsolete, at least until a certain point in time - as new items are released. In such a situation, it may be possible that some old items may not have sold as well as expected, and there would be leftovers of those items. At that point, those old items would still need to be distributed somehow, preferably in a way that is still beneficial to all parties, which may or may not be a challenge indeed.

That seems to be what happened with the local TCG. Some of the older Sun & Moon series booster packs may not have sold all that well, so they seem to have ended up becoming promotional items for a kids meal of a well-known Japanese fast food chain, which in the past also hosted gacha machines that may have also had Pokémon merchandise. And yet, it may not necessarily be kids that purchase the meal in order to get one's hands at the cards, even for those who still need them. There may still be some value to be had by different people, including me.

A friend suggested that we order out, and we chose that very fast food place. I took the opportunity to order the meal, and indeed the meal came with the cards, and it also came with this sizable flyer full of local promotional content. The front side is as seen here; the back side (not seen) contains mostly content related to the TCG, which should pertain to whom the content pertains. What's important to note is that the front side also features Pokémon Unite and anime content, which means that it is all-inclusive beyond the TCG, yet that still remains the primary thing.

It may be considered inevitable that any marketed item, including Pokémon things, has the chance of having (more than) a sizable quantity left over, and one specific issue becomes how to get them out to the ones who would like or even need them. The result might be something like the above, with an unconventional method of distribution to say the least. Though, leftover or not, the promotion effort should be totally appreciated, as is the item in question. The goods get distributed, the fans get something neat, and everyone is happy; that ought to be a win-win solution.

One year ago: The Sweetness of "Attractors"

Two years ago: Memories and Mnemonics

Three years ago: Pokémon Clocks

Four years ago: (It's a Wonderful) Local Ex-Raid, 2/8/2018

Five years ago: Serena-Shipping: "Heaven Help My Heart"

All Star, All Pokémon

Hey now, you're an all-star

Get your game on, go play

Hey now, you're a rock star

Get the show on, get paid

And all that glitters is gold

Only shooting stars break the mold

-- "All Star", Smash Mouth

Also a little over one year ago, along with the introduction to Pokémon Go Tour, I also brought up this song as part of the way I introduced things. The song might have greater association with a movie about a big green creature as well as an Internet meme that occasionally makes the rounds, and it might be a little less applicable for Pokémon. Yet, the parts that are applicable may still be considered to have some meaning with Pokémon.

One of those parts is the "get your game on" part, which would be the part that is relevant to the main series players - actually, even a little beyond - that I also mentioned previously. The phrase makes up their slogan to a capacity, a way to get players going. It should be admitted that the slogan may have been conceived independently of this song, but regardless, the slogan is exactly the same as the lyric, and therefore it's difficult to escape connecting the song, the slogan, and Pokémon affairs all together.

Then there's the "break the mold" part, which is evocative of an Ability in the main series games that is aptly called Mold Breaker. Some advanced species do have this Ability, and they are popular among competitive circles, at least enough for the Ability itself to stick out in the memory of some players like myself.

Meanwhile, the rest of the song can be summarized in one message as being able to make breakthroughs in life. That's a vital thing for any Pokémon Trainer and in fact any one, whether they are very brilliant stars or just a regular star, or whether they are rock stars or just an ordinary musical star. In the end, everyone gets their own time to shine, just as something that a famous painter helped to popularize has dictated.

It might be a bit of a stretch fitting this song to Pokémon, but in my mind, many things seem to fit - and in the case of my fellow players above, they might agree that it also fits even if a connection wasn't intended. If anything, it might just be that Pokémon has the power to turn "any star" into an "all-star", and that's bright and shining indeed.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/7/2021

Two years ago: Turning Around and Back

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (with "Friend Boost"), 2/7/2019

Four years ago: An Eye for Pokémon

Five years ago: Conserve and Cooperate

Go Tour, Next Age and Next Stage

At the beginning of the Season of Heritage, I noted that the final stop, which would be at the end of this month, is the region of Johto. There would be a very good reason for that: the region is the subject of a new edition of Pokémon Go Tour. As such, the prediction I made nearly a year ago that the event could be extended to other regions in further, successive editions has turned out to be true, and one can expect yet other editions at a later time. For this year and this season, though, the Johto edition has become pertinent.

From details regarding the event, much of it will be like last year, including version selection - here, between Gold and Silver - and all the consequences, tasks, and rewards that are part of the event. What would be considerably new this year is the selection of a Starter Pokémon along with version selection, additional Pokémon from Kanto that have evolved forms in Johto, and an additional paid event the next day called Pokémon Go Tour: Live, though this last one is for certain places around the world and is essentially an in-person version of last year's edition, down to its region (Kanto). There's a certain promise that the excitement will be like last year, even if some things are or have been displaced.

If last year Trainers obtained the paid Special Research for Community Day for free for the current month and the one prior as a "pre-order bonus" for buying the event ticket before a certain date, this year that isn't the case. Instead, Trainers received a different monthly Timed Research set for the Season of Heritage if they did, which are the continuation of one that they received in December, each with certain rewards and a unique fashion item. It may be admitted that the bonus this time may not be as appealing as last year, but some Trainers may still find some appeal, just enough to make the "pre-order".

One of the key highlights of Pokémon Go Tour last year was the availability of every Pokémon of the featured region in a possible Shiny form, and that is retained this year, with all of them to be possibly available in a Shiny form. Of course, observant Trainers will note that the Shiny forms of some of the Pokémon for the current featured region may have already been added in prior different ways, so with this in mind, Pokémon Go Tour might be regarded as a "completionist commemoration", at least in part for Shiny forms. While it's not reasonably expected that one will obtain all the Shiny forms by the time Go Tour comes about, the event may be considered to pave the way for approaching that completion, which may be considered noble indeed.

(There's also a side note: this year, the event is held on February 26 and the "Live" portion is held the very next day, but frequent readers of this blog will note that both are very special (personally) in their own ways. They'll be explained when they come, but it is certain that the write-up for the event won't be on the day of.)

Regardless, with this new edition of Pokémon Go Tour, now it is definite where things are heading. They are heading to the next age with this new edition for the next region in line, and possibly others on down the line in later editions. They are also heading to the next stage, incorporating novelties and a completionist aspect. Beyond the final stop of the Season of Heritage, that's something to take pride in and look forward to.

One year ago: Movie Manga, Local (Re) Edition

Two years ago: In My Full Time

Three years ago: The Feeling of Disaggregation

Four years ago: Life with My Raid Group

Five years ago: Alola-Exeggutor - From Humanoid to Coconut Tree Dragon

The Little Intricacies of PvP

A few days ago, I met up with a friend and one of my raid group fellows, who is also a literal master of Pokémon Go PvP and even a member of a Silph Arena Faction of my region - I'll let readers figure out who that might be. As one might expect, I came for a few pointers in PvP and the possibility of putting those pointers into practice in order to improve my game, however slight it may be. What I learned from my friend (aside from teambuilding, which is an effort unto itself) is that PvP in Pokémon Go has a few little intricacies that one might not be aware of - as with myself, even after years of play - and it's a good thing to pay attention to as many of those intricacies as possible.

One of those intricacies is the counting of the number of "turns" it takes for a given Fast Move to fill up certain Charged Moves. Though PvP in Pokémon Go is an action-based affair, even at their fastest, Charged Moves still fill up gradually in a distinctly gradated manner; these are based on the "turns" of the moves. One can count them for their own Pokémon, and most importantly do the same for opposing Pokémon to try to determine what Charged Move the opponent may use and therefore whether to deploy a shield or not. In a few cases, doing this ought to give at least a slight edge and allow effective usage of the best moves possible, as in my case when I met my friend; I had to change out some moves with TMs, and the results showed themselves in battle.

Another intricacy is to not let up tapping until a battle has been fully conclusively determined. Again, PvP is action-based, and there is such a thing as "inaction" where one side does not respond, much like the "AFK" in MOBA (hence the next-door game Pokémon Unite). This leads to other peculiarities and intricacies such as who gets to attack first when both have Charged Moves available (the "priority"), extra energy from prior attacks, and when to go for Charged Moves and when to defer using them for extra energy - what my friend refers to as "farming". For the primary intricacy and everything else related, persistent tapping as well as smart tapping are the strategies that would resolve issues related to the intricacy.

One last intricacy is to watch out for surprises that unravel a team; in real PvP parlance, this is what would be known as "corebreakers". One would really have to know how to deal with them given the teams they have, especially at their disposal and when it's not possible to invest in or conceive new teams. This also goes back to teambuilding, although as my friend showed me, good strategies can still be obtained regardless; it also helps to know when one has a good "lead" (the first Pokémon sent out) and who to "pivot" to just in case. In all cases, the basics of Pokémon Go and Pokémon in general still apply.

After all the time I've spent with PvP in Pokémon Go, to know about and how to deal with these little intricacies is still eye-opening to some extent - especially with the aid of a friend - though it's a lot to take in, even for little old me. Even with my up and down results, PvP is still representative of my best mainstream competitive Pokémon efforts; to improve on it, even just a little bit, ought to improve my competitive standing and possibly lead to further advancements in this dynamic area of Pokémon battling.

One year ago: Get Your Game On, Go Tour

Two years ago: It's (All) About Time

Three years ago: First-Generation Glitches... Plus My Experience

Four years ago: I Need a Laugh - Pokémon Humor

Five years ago: Itasha Revisited

The Past, Present, and Future of Silph Arena PvP

It is quite evident that the Silph Arena, as the community-based PvP venue for Pokémon Go, has a great history about it, being not far removed from the initial days that PvP itself was introduced in Pokémon Go. Recently, the Arena has taken a look back at one of its older (past) themed cups while instituting two of them as formats for Factions - its team-based competitive format - for which this could be described as the present and future. All of these seem to be worth looking into as well.

The past is represented by the "Boulder" themed cup, the very first one from three years and a month ago. Taking a cue from the title of the very first Kanto Gym badge, the themed cup involved Pokémon species of four types: Rock, Ground, Fighting, and Steel. Back then, there wasn't much in the way of choices and the "species clause" wasn't enforced - the only time it wasn't - leading to unique and sometimes unwanted dynamics. Since then, diversity has become an important consideration with whatever themed cups the Arena instituted. There are no promises that "Boulder" may return in the future, but if it does, things may or may not change up from those times.

Meanwhile, the present involves another implementation of the "Fusion" themed cup, this time as a Factions Battlefield. This implementation is not much different from the past (aside from more species to choose from), but the ban list has changed - Wormadam is out, while Nidoqueen, Scrafty, Jellicent, and Diggersby are in. Those who have dealt with the themed cup from two years ought to understand that things are very different now, and they would have to consider new possibilities that may be brought in, in addition to the old standbys; the best team may very well have to be defined by the present.

As for the future, that involves the other Factions Battlefield, which is called "Cave". The theme involves Pokémon species of the Flying, Bug, Rock, Dragon, and Dark types, but without Mantine, Heracross, Skarmory, Regirock, Altaria, Bastiodon, Togekiss, Probopass, and Scrafty (nine species on the ban list). Since the dynamics are relatively few among the main featured types, the secondary types will decide at least some of the dynamics. For those who are tasked to battle with this Battlefield, good preparations ought to sidestep expected picks and a few other surprise ones.

Lots of things have changed since Silph Arena came into being, with new formats, new themed cups, and certainly new waves of competing Trainers. It has brought color to Pokémon Go PvP from the past all the way to the recent present. The future might not be for all to see, but in seeing how the Silph Arena has developed, the Trainers that define today ought to have a defining role in the future (of PvP in various guises) as well.

One year ago: The Consideration of Gaming Journalism

Two years ago: Lost Player Ties

Three years ago: The False Gods

Four years ago: Tournament: PTC18 Online Tournament 2

Five years ago: Pokémon and Mahjong Tile Games

Standing Guard for Arena PvP

Now that January has passed, Silph Arena is getting back into the action after the break in that month. As is always the case, Pokémon species are a varied lot in terms of what they can do, not the least of which is in Pokémon Go PvP. Each themed cup, whether for the Silph Arena or otherwise, is to showcase that in different ways. For the one for the Arena this month, that seems to want to occur in a very different manner, almost making each species that participates as the "vanguards" of one's team. Thus, enter the "Guardian" themed cup.

For this themed cup, the key types are Fire, Electric, Flying, Fighting, and Psychic. But these types do not concern the species themselves; instead, they pertain to the moves they can use. Therefore, Pokémon that can learn any move of any of these types, with Hidden Power excepted, are fair game, except for those that have been specifically excluded (banned) - which is to be explained shortly. From the types, there is definitely an interplay between Electric and Flying as well as Psychic and Fighting with Fire as mediator, although as with any other themed cups, the Pokémon will determine what interactions become important. 

Then, there is that ban list. Mega Evolution is banned (by status quo), while Legendary, Mythical, and Shadow Pokémon are banned, no question because they wield too great of a power, as has been proven in other PvP occasions. Pokémon species of the Fairy type are also banned, obviously because of their tendency of dominance, as shown time and time again. To flesh out the ban list even further, 18 selected species (full list on the page) have also been banned, also because of their possibility of becoming prevalent, as with those for other themes. Altogether, these comprise one of the largest ban lists ever, but that is definitely necessary for fair play with this theme.

It has been postulated that the remaining meta can then be shoehorned into six realms, corresponding to Pokémon of Flying, Water, Fighting, Fire, Steel, and Electric types. Since a Silph Arena team is comprised of six Pokémon, it becomes well-to-do to pick one Pokémon from each of these realms and use them in a team, knowing that others will likely do the same to face against and fend off others.

As with the past few themed cups, there are also development notes. The theme was created with a "superhero" motif, where the move types are their "powers"; those same types also dictate Pokémon that harness or bend the elements for the purpose of their "power". The ban list was also created with the intent to block out recurring interaction triangles or bulk walls. The theme is an overall novel approach that additionally highlights the importance of specific Pokémon types by underscoring what moves they can use.

Many Pokémon fans indeed would consider the Pokémon that they possess and particularly to do battle with as "heroes", and this themed cup could be considered a testament to that. The themed cup, even with all its restrictions, facilitates battles where the Pokémon chosen by Trainers demonstrate the essence and strength of specific powers furnished by certain types to overcome similar adversity from opponents. There's a certain heroism in that.

One year ago: Labyrinthine Expectations

Two years ago: Editing PokéStops

Three years ago: Under a Truck

Four years ago: Formality of Ownership

Five years ago: The Sweetest Days - Ash and Pikachu