The Season of Alola

And... the new season for Pokémon Go, called the Season of Alola, is one that is inherently tied to the distinctively tropical region of the Pokémon world. As of today, Trainers in the game can experience wonders that they would or used to experience in the (Ultra) Sun and Moon games, but now in the grand overworld of Pokémon Go. The name of this season carries some implications, which are to be detailed below; they also stem from the fact that the name is based on a specific reference rather than a general term. Yet it's still a season nonetheless, so to take an initial look into it can still be a neat thing.

One of the implications is that today also marks the first entry of the species from those games of the seventh generation into Pokémon Go. The entry is formally marked with the three starters (Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio) and a few other species, including one of its foremost Legendary Pokémon, the Island Guardian Tapu Koko, as a Level 5 Legendary Raid Boss. Over the course of the next three months, other species will make themselves evident; it's also evident that the first "wave" itself constitutes an event, which will be detailed when it becomes appropriate - as in, after they happen in the due course of things.

A more radical implication is that the word "Alola" can be construed to mean not only the region, but also the greeting that the people there use to address each other, especially for the very first time. As such, the implication is that the season is a "Season of Greetings" in a general sense, especially for Pokémon matters beyond Pokémon Go, even if this implication is only theoretical and the result of the reasoning above. It may still be possible to examine other Pokémon matters in light of this reasoning and see how they line up, even if that really isn't a guarantee and is rather subjective.

Of all the Pokémon Go seasons thus far, this one may be one that is the most pertinent to Pokémon Go if nothing else, on par with or even beyond the season that started the same time last year (see below). Like the region itself, the season ought to be breezy and bright regardless of what happens, though that may have to be seen as with the reasoning of "greetings" above. At least, Trainers may find it possible to lighten up as they deal with what Alola has to offer. In light of everything above, it becomes clear that I have only one thing to say to kick off this season:

"Alola!"

One year ago: The Season of Legends

Two years ago: Cosplay: March Funtastico

Three years ago: In Living Galar

Four years ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers

Five years ago: Posters