Pokémon and Virtual Pets

Virtual pets, as the term suggests, are animals or animal-like creatures that people take care of electronically or digitally as opposed to in real life. As such, they may also be called digital or artificial pets. Meanwhile, Pokémon not only represents games of different aspects but also a body of hundreds upon hundreds of species, some of which may be regarded as pets. With that being the case, it would appear that the concept is perfectly applicable to Pokémon, and it is. It becomes something to be explored, and that is the purpose of this post.

Many virtual pets take the form of specific gadgets, and Pokémon has a few of those. An early device is the Pokémon Pikachu (else called Pocket Pikachu), which features the titular Pokémon in an interactable and walkable form, and for its second iteration, something that gives back to the second-generation games through the infrared port and Mystery Gift function. In that regard, the PokéWalker may be considered its successor, for it allows Pokémon from the second-generation remakes to be transferred to the device and walked, which allows one to obtain even more bonuses from activities before the Pokémon is transferred back. The Poké Ball Plus, with its ability to carry a Pokémon, may only be considered to be not as comprehensive but still a workable device.

Another form of virtual pets, or at least their management, is software-based virtual pets. Now, all Pokémon games constitute software of their own, but a few have parts that are characteristic of virtual pet applications. Pokémon-Amie in the sixth generation games and Pokémon Refresh in the seventh generation games are the parts that practically fulfill interactions with Pokémon the way one would to a virtual pet, even though the involved aspects are different (the former is on general care while the latter is on recovery care). Likewise, in that regard, the revised Buddy Pokémon system in Pokémon Go would constitute another form due to the aspects present in the "play with Buddy" part and the rest of the system in general.

That does beg a particular question: can Pokémon itself in general and overall be considered a virtual pet? Some people would think so, as the overall developmental progression of them in many games, including many that are related or linked to what I've mentioned above, does constitute similar ones for applications that are largely considered defining of being virtual pet applications. One of these, in fact, even has a battle system for certain pets just like how Pokémon has its system; it obviously had to be inspired from the latter. And though taking care of Pokémon doesn't necessitate extensive feeding and caring of them like in other applications, some Pokémon do still have to be "fed" and "cared" somehow over the course of their development.

Essentially, it's hard to avoid discussing "virtual pets" when Pokémon is brought up. Devices or applications that are considered virtual pets have aspects that are also reflected in both specific and general aspects of Pokémon, which may very well make it desirable to be considered as one. Regardless, Pokémon in its many game software implementations do facilitate its digital enjoyment, and that's a key thing about virtual pets as the programmed analogue of this aspect of real life.

One year ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Shaping for Success

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/30/2020

Three years ago: A New(?) Pikachu Doll

Four years ago: A Sun & Moon Doujin Manga

Five years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 2

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/29/2022

There are some parallels between the April event rollup for Pokémon Go last year (see below) and the one for this year, which I've decided to make today - one of them being that both are on the same day, evidently. Another one is that there are five events of interest, some of which have further parallels with those of last year and others being completely different. All those details are included in this edition of the event.

As usual, this month starts off with the traditional set of shenanigans, and this year, as I've hinted early on, the focus was on a surprisingly duplex Pokémon. Dubbed as "April Fool's 2-Oh?-2-2", this one-day event on the day of significance (April 1) featured a lot of Ditto. It was featured in the wild through new and old disguises, for which many also appeared more frequently from 5 PM to 8 PM. All these complemented or helped out with an oddly addressed Special Research set available only that day, and a set of Ditto stickers made things even more lively while still being odd. In all, Trainers had their fill of the characteristic purple replicant on that day.

Two days later, from April 3 to 7, different shenanigans came from a group of never-do-wells - Team Go Rocket - in what is called the All-Hands Rocket Retreat. Like a takeover that previously occurred in January of this year, new Shadow Pokémon - of note, some Alolan forms - made their way in across Grunts and Leaders, shady Pokémon appeared as Field Research task rewards, appearances on the overworld and from balloons were increased, and Frustration could be forgotten. The primary highlight, though, was on the rescue of Shadow Latias from Giovanni, as well as the debut of the Salandit species family from 12 km Eggs, gotten of course from TGR Leaders. This latest shenanigan was something that Trainers had to power through.

All things renew in the springtime, and the same applied for the Spring Into Spring event this year from April 12 to 18. This time, the renewal filled in the flower crown forms of the Togepi and Buneary species families, and it also accommodated Ula'ula Island, the next island in line for Alola, along with its Island Guardian of Tapu Bulu in Legendary Raids. In the wild were "youngster" Pokémon, some of which are the species with the flower crowns, while 2 km eggs featured an assortment of "newborn" species. TGR grunts also had an abundance of Exeggcute and Whismur. The flower crown species also pervaded Field Research task rewards, a Collection Challenge, and all sorts of new stickers. Coupled with bonuses that pertain to Eggs, including extended Lucky Eggs, the renewal was quite spectacular.

Things were livened up even further midway through Spring Into Spring with a Limited Research on Exeggcute, with the title of An Egg-Citing Surprise. This one returned to the old framework of Limited Research, with tasks at PokéStops, but what was more important was that during the event hours from 11 AM to 2 PM on on April 16, Exeggcute can be evolved, for the first time ever, temporarily into Alolan Exeggutor with the special move of Draco Meteor. Complementing the event were Grass-type species of various kinds in the wild, as well as an additional doubled XP. Shiny forms are a given for this event, but it seems this chance fell flat for nearly a third of the world (East Asia), which is why tomorrow the event is being rerun there with an additional Timed Research for a few extra encounters. It seems the event needed a reason for renewal as well.

A few days ago, Sustainability Week also came back into action from April 20 to 25. The highlight of this year's edition was the debut of Oranguru and Shiny Cherubi, two interesting species in their own right. Supplementing the event was a Timed Research on Cherubi on the day of this month's main Community Day, involving incentives of Cherubi for each km walked and trees planted if completed; a Collection Challenge was in order with mostly grassy Pokémon, also requiring the use of a Mossy Lure Module, given for free in the Shop. Similar assortments of mostly grassy and earthy Pokémon also appear in the wild and as Field Research task rewards (plus Mega Energy for Venusaur and Abomasnow), while 7 km Eggs featured "precious" species. The action came back, but it itself was also a call to action.

The last event for this month is big - as in "Mega" big. Entitled "A Mega Moment", the event started today and will last until Sunday (May 1). Its purpose is to promote Mega Evolution, but also to promote a rework of it that was just implemented globally today. The key figure in this is Mega Kangaskhan, now appearing in Mega Raids as well as a Mega Raid Day slated for Sunday. In the wild are many Pokémon that can eventually evolve to species that can Mega Evolve, while Field Research allows Mega Energy to be obtained for currently existing Mega forms other than Kangaskhan, and a branched Special Research allows a (re-)exploration of Mega Evolution. The rework will have to be discussed later, but it is well-commemorated with this event.

At least, from the above, the parallels of the events are quite evident, especially under the guise of "renewal". That said, it's a good day to make the event rollup to allow it to compare to that of the previous year, and both of them favorably compare to each other. The renewals were extensive from duplicates to rebirths and super-sizes, and in any case, they're all parallels of their own, just as much as these events.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/29/2021

Two years ago: The State of Cosplay

Three years ago: Cosplay Team Projects, Revisited

Four years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 13

Five years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 1

Employing a Loudred "Speaker"

Over the past few days, I've been dealing with a little sound problem that has grown out of proportion. I had purchased speakers that were both stylish and functional, except for the fact that one side kept not working. I've returned the speakers in question, but that has yet to resolve the problem fully, as the purchase itself played a role in the problem and I'm left without a speaker. At this point, I'm wondering if I should have just employed the services of a Loudred for my speaker needs.

The reference is, of course, evident for any major Pokémon fan. It relates to a scene in the Detective Pikachu movie where the illegal underground battling arena did just the above: the DJ employed Loudred to create the distinctive, humming bassy sound that not only intensified the battle arena but also made it lively for the competitors. Needless to say, when the R gas got to the Loudred in question, they caused additional uproar as the battling arena became exposed.

My current situation with the speakers has led me to think a Loudred could have very well been the solution. They would have been great in generating low sounds from any situation, and thus play into good situations that result when the problem is resolved. Even so, I also can't help but wonder that the situation may not become fully resolved even with an actual Loudred being present; it might not do so well with sounds that are not low and bassy, as with the situation that occurred even without a Loudred being present in due form.

It will likely be some time before I'm able to resolve fully the situation of the speakers, but it's also nice to consider that there can be more to the situation when Pokémon is involved. And that something more is the species of Loudred with its relevance to sound as indicated above, in the realm of sounds. Though it might or might not become the solution for this current sound woe, Loudred seems to be always part of the solution as it stands in the world of Pokémon.

One year ago: The Mysticism of Pokémon in Caves

Two years ago: The Allure and Wonder of "Shundo"

Three years ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 4 - Hibana no Utopia

Four years ago: Other Pokémon Competitions

Five years ago: Pokémon Floor Mat

TCG, My Past and Future

Based on the paucity of recent posts related to it, I haven't been dealing with the TCG in any of its forms (local-language or English) and that has been somewhat true. At the same time, I still maintain at least a low-key interest in it, as a form of a Pokémon game that is popular in many places and forms a part of its competitive "pantheon". I have an assortment of cards in either form and I maintain the installation of the TCGO client on my PC, though it seems that may not be enough and/or change is on the prompt. As such, I'd like to take a post to discuss things and reason them out.

Though I'm still capable of playing - as I've discovered the other day while also claiming a promo code in TCGO - I found my experience a bit overwhelming, though I chalk this up to having not played in a long while. What remains is that the sensation would be intensified with the local-language cards as I need to wrap what I've learned in English to their terminology. Therefore, the most workable personal solution, and one that remains as such from way back, is still to obtain more English cards and play in English, else I devoid myself of physical cards and devote myself to the TCGO, partially as I've gotten some flak for possessing physical cards in addition to other things of interest. It's a tough matter.

It seems that the past has provided some complications, yet the future might offer up either that or more convenience. Last year, Pokémon TCG Live was announced, and for all intents and purposes, it may be considered the successor to TCGO. It offers the same gameplay of the TCG as it has been and always will be, along with newer and more recent innovations. Its personalization factor also appears massively improved. Yet, there hasn't been any more news about it (besides "Coming Soon"), and for now the TCGO still remains operable. The way forward is still likely to be TCG Live, and as such I will have to keep tabs on this development and how I can make it work personally.

Much continues to occur in and with the TCG, and it forms an organized past for Pokémon that is still maintained in the future. Having been ingrained in Pokémon since a long time ago, it forms my past that is also maintained in my future, however much it may make up. For that, the dependent factors are the maintenance of my ability to play in the most comfortable manner possible, and possibly the leap over to TCG Live when it comes out and/or possibly succeeds the TCGO. That's a good future that I would like to have, if the signs of my TCG past are of any indication.

One year ago: Quickies: Trainers as Independent Learners

Two years ago: Resolving Differences

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/27/2019

Four years ago: Groups and Sub-Groups

Five years ago: Out of This World: Episode 690 - "A UFO for Elgyem!"

Forced Updates to Pokémon Games

In a couple of days, thanks to advance warning provided by a notification after loading the game, Pokémon Unite will be down for one of its regular extended maintenance periods that will last around half a day. By experience, it is usually accompanied by a "forced update" that requires the app to be directly updated from the store, at least on mobile devices. This latter procedure is not unique to Pokémon Unite, as a few other Pokémon games also utilize the procedure as those games continue their progression, which should be at least slightly fascinating to discuss.

Obviously, not all Pokémon games utilize the procedure. The procedure is pertinent for games that are continuously updated, such as Pokémon Unite above, and doesn't apply for games that are mostly inert. The main series games, for example, already have everything that is needed to play and are more or less inert, barring planned major content updates as with the Sword and Shield Expansion Pass and certain bug fix updates for the purpose of VGC, for one. Games like Pokémon Unite, therefore, utilize forced updates in order to make sure that everyone is "on the same page" when it comes to major changes, and certainly to minimize conflicts that may occur.

When it comes to forced updates, another Pokémon game stands out in particular, and that would be Pokémon Go. Unlike Pokémon Unite, there is no real advance warning (or few, if at all) that such an update will happen; at some point, those on an older version will open the game and be presented with a pop-up message that says "Update to continue..." and tapping on the OK button opens the store to demand that the latest version be downloaded and installed, thereby updating it. That is effectively the only certainty, aside from the certainty that the game will always be updated with new Pokémon and new events.

Even on the 3DS, Pokémon Shuffle can be said to have had its "forced" updates. I say "forced" because the only trigger for it is connecting to the Internet to check in or play a Competitive Stage; otherwise, the game runs fine, though one would miss out on a lot. Anyhow, either of those actions may throw the message that the system or the game needs to be updated, and if that happens, it's essentially a "forced" update, though not necessarily for the game itself and for other progresses in the game.

Going back to Pokémon Unite, at least there's a couple more days to enjoy the game in its current state before the extended maintenance period that not only prevents play for a good half of the day but also is likely to be followed by being required to update the game to a new version. This latter bit will certainly bring new things, but then that is the point of this game as well as other Pokémon games for which "forced updates" may be necessarily involved in some cases. It's just their way to get on and catch up with time, at which point time then provides more enjoyment... until the time it happens again.

One year ago: (Re-)Join for Good

Two years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Voyager Cup

Three years ago: Raising the Pokémon Go Level Cap

Four years ago: Working with Shuffle's Item Limits

Five years ago: In Pursuit of Collections

Pokémon Audiobooks and Audio Dramas

I've been going back over some things I intend to enjoy but haven't gotten to do so, whether due to Pokémon things or other necessities. One of these is an audiobook I want to read; it's not about Pokémon, and I've actually read the book in question in written form, but I want to enjoy it all the same in audio form. That gets me thinking about the enjoyment of ones that are actually related to Pokémon as well as their adjunct, audio dramas, that are less related to books but still related in form.

For the uninitiated, audiobooks are just that - spoken word versions of regular books. Depending on the book and its length, they might be a few hours for shorter or "abridged" books or many hours for longer or "unabridged" books. They can also span different genres from fictional novels to non-fiction compositions, and they can certainly appeal to people of different ages, from children to adults. Since Pokémon is already in the realm of books, audiobooks could appear to be a natural step.

A cursory search of top sites does show a number of hits for Pokémon audiobooks, though many are apparently unofficial, or in less sensitive terms, "indie", and official ones seem to be far and few between. Many are also related to Pokémon Go, obviously riding off its (initial) popularity and at least preserving the shade of that popularity. Of the few that aren't related to Pokémon Go, some tangential ones might be good for listening. All the same, further reach into this may be necessary.

Meanwhile, audio dramas are narratives that are acted out with voice, in essence plays that one doesn't watch but hear. In olden days, they might be heard on the radio, which gives rise to their alternate (or rather, more common) name of radio dramas. The experience could be said to be like hearing the dialogue and sounds of a TV show but with additional auditory elements to enhance the experience. As I've stated in an earlier post, it might be something those who can hear but not see (well) may be interested in.

Thanks to a bit of digging, there are, in fact, three Pokémon audio dramas. However, they're all in Japanese and involve Team Rocket somehow, with two of them coming from the infant years of Pokémon and the third being a decade old. Team Rocket fans will be sure to enjoy this, but those who are not versed in Japanese, like me, may not be drawn to them, especially being true to their form, they're "sound only". They're also dated and may be of low priority for adaptation outside of Japan.

Pokémon in any kind of form is meant to be enjoyed, even if only in audio as something like an audiobook or an audio (radio) drama. And they do exist, though some of these might not be what fans are looking for or have the ability to enjoy fully unless adapted somehow. Regardless, their existence gives credence that Pokémon can adapt to the media and still present something to be enjoyed. Right now, I may want to enjoy that audiobook I have, but there's no harm if I want to branch back into Pokémon later on.

One year ago: Pokémon Airplanes

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/25/2020

Three years ago: The World Is All Here

Four years ago: I'll Be... The One

Five years ago: Shuffling in Alola

The Flame of Cyndaquil

One point of contention that I sometimes read about on social media nowadays and is related to Pokémon concerns a particular species from the second generation. That would be the Fire-type starter Cyndaquil, and the object that imbues it its type is exactly the point of contention. Specifically, is there supposed to be fire on its back (as its "quills") or not? The contention is best resolved by considering the aspects of the species, of which the two important ones are the artistic and biological aspects.

The reasoning that some people have about the species being supposed to have the fire "quills" on its back likely stems from the artistic aspect. In older games, the species is often depicted with those exact flames, but as a static image (or technically a sprite). This persisted over the course of many games, until the age of 3D models came without the "quills" unless it was doing some kind of an action, which made it seem weird to those who are used to seeing the "quills". The weird sensation might come even quicker for those who watch the anime, in which Cyndaquil comes without the "quills" by default.

Biologically, however, the answer becomes quite evident. The fire "quills" on its back are an indicator of its power, particularly when it is performing some kind of action, most likely an attack. Therefore, the "quills" not appearing all the time makes sense; they just only need to appear when they need to appear to get things (or attacks) fired up. It's not a vital sign of life like the flame on the tail of the Charmander species family; yet this may be what the common early game sprites suggested, and people are quick to accept it and make the comparison, especially with it being only the second Fire-type starter at the time of its "discovery". In short, this is a case of "keep giving people the wrong idea and they'll treat it as the right idea".

Even though this discussion is about Cyndaquil specifically, the discussion can be extended to its entire species family, with Quilava and Typhlosion. Their flames appear in different places on their bodies - not necessarily resembling of "quills" - but the mechanisms are pretty much the same and the similar process of misconception more or less applies. Likewise, their default appearance is flameless with the flames only appearing whenever it's pertinent for them to appear, as with attacks in battle, and not all the time as the common and/or early static sprites or images would suggest.

It's been years since the "discovery" of Cyndaquil and its associated species family as the second-ever Fire-type starter, but it seems that there's also an element of misunderstanding about it that leads to the contention as above. Fortunately, consideration of the artistic and biological aspects help to clear up that misunderstanding and resolve the contention. Still, it's fascinating to see how such a contention arises with what is involved as well as to be able to resolve it with the information at hand.

One year ago: Days of Friendships Persisting

Two years ago: The Signature Electric Type Species

Three years ago: Partners in Crime, Partners in Time

Four years ago: Pokémon Craft Figures - Mewtwo

Five years ago: Crossovers!

Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/23/2022

OK, so the time has come for the main Community Day of this month, as opposed to the Classic edition earlier this month. And "time" may very well be an appropriate descriptor for it, because this month's Community Day has a few things going in relation to the descriptor, some of which might be favorable, and others might be less so. But then, that always seems to happen for certain editions of Community Day, depending on their features and/or "bones". For this one, though, the descriptor seems to apply quite well.

This month, the featured Pokémon is Stufful. Now, if that seems odd, that's because this is the first time the Pokémon has appeared in Pokémon Go. That makes it not only the first Community Day with a seventh-generation Pokémon that is native from Alola, but also the first Community Day where a Pokémon directly debuts; all previous ones have had their debuts much earlier, but never for the first time, until today. Along with that, its evolved form Bewear (and necessarily both of their Shiny forms for Community Day) accompanies the debut, and when evolved as such with a whopping 400 Candy, gives it the exclusive move of Drain Punch, a Charged Move. While it doesn't have a Mega Evolution, breaking the prior pattern with this, the 400 Candy requirement preserves it, in a way.

New Pokémon or not, there are the other familiar "bones". The main bonus for this one is tripled catch XP, but it is also supplemented by bonuses of doubled catch Candy and doubled chance of Candy XL, given the steep requirements for Stufful's next evolution stage of Bewear. As usual, Incense or Lure Modules are extended to three hours and may (and should) be employed to catch as many Stufful as possible; this also goes for photo bomb surprises, which should help to guarantee a few. Also as usual is the plethora of item packs in the Shop, as free Ultra Balls and the Coin-paid Community Day Box, as well as the optional paid Special Research, this time titled "Strong Stuff" and discussing the powerful fury behind the cuddly faces of the two species that make up this species family.

A few other niceties and changes also accompany this Community Day. During the event period, including the move window, trades are discounted by half and an additional Special Trade is permitted. There is also what is called a "Group Play Bonus", where if enough Pokémon are caught from a Lure Module installed in a PokéStop, the tripled catch XP bonus becomes increased to quadruple for half an hour, necessitating an element of cooperation. There is also one major change: Community Day is now back to three hours, from 2 PM to 5 PM, in line with the earlier Classic edition. The rationale for this is that very few Trainers play the full six hours, and so the duration was reduced. While it does make things less flexible from a scheduling perspective, at least presently it may be the necessary change.

Ever since they were introduced, Field Research has always been complementary of this event, and that remains the case for this one. In addition to "catch 3" tasks, some tasks now could be "use a Pinap Berry", "walk 1 km", or "spin 5 PokéStops" with much of the same rewards, though Stufful Candy is also thrown in as rewards in some PokéStops to alleviate the Candy requirements for Bewear further. Likewise, the paid Special Research awards Candy copiously, making it even more valuable. The walking tasks may also be considered an adjunct to a concurrent Timed Research for an environmental initiative, which also requires walking. Finally, those in certain parts of the world can enjoy local meetups, and with support from Niantic, they'll likely get a few bonus Sponsored PokéStops with courtesy.

In fact, that's exactly what happened. Because of the meetup in the great metropolis, a few other major cities with major Trainer bases received those PokéStops, including mine and in the place where I've had Community Days in the past. Naturally, that was the prompt for my community to gather where they are, and gather we did. In the process, that also changed my initial plans for a Community Day closer to home, though it was still not that far away. Thanks to the many PokéStops and Trainers installing Lure Modules, there was many Stufful to go around. I caught a good number of Shiny Stufful, traded one in a mirror Lucky Trade, and evolved that along with the best one I found and one for Ultra League - I couldn't find one that was perfect for Great League, but that may come along with time.

Sometimes, there are times for surprises in the way things go - even for Community Day - and it may be said that today is and was a pleasant surprise. A debuting Pokémon, some changes to the workings, and meetups around the world and even local ones all make up that pleasant surprise, even (still) in the face of current conditions and the time change that may be a little undesirable. Regardless, every Trainer - like me - desires a good time, and Community Day still ought to be able to provide that, no matter what is involved.

One year ago: The (Post-"General") Longest Journey

Two years ago: Touching and Caring for Pokémon

Three years ago: Pokémon for a Puzzle Professor

Four years ago: (A Late) Local Ex-Raid, 4/23/2018

Five years ago: Luffy and Infernape

Let's Talk About The Ways of People and Pokémon

Me: It's another month, so I figure another edition of "Let's Talk" is in order. Incidentally, even when it's not gnarly out there, we're in the time of year where not much happens, so consider it a "rest", so to speak.

Ash: Yeah! But I know you've been able to send me places in the past, so we're still active in some ways.

Goh: We all need a break every now and then, so it's kind of nice that it happens.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["It should be nice."]

Me: People also tend to be nicer around this time, so that's a good thing too. It's also something that I think we should discuss - how people and Pokémon are, and how they change over time. 

Ash: I guess it's time for that story again.

Me: It's hard to avoid talking about Charmander as it became a Charizard, and there's a great deal of dynamics there, but at least we don't have to talk about it too much. We now have Goh, and some comparable experiences.

Goh: I guess I know - you're talking about Raboot and Drizzile. I've had my moments with those two as they evolved from who they were before, so the same must have happened with Charmeleon, yes?

Ash: Yeah... that.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Precisely..."]

Me: The takeaway from all of these experiences is that evolution changes things, and I'm sure of that. But then, like Charizard, Pokémon can change even just as they are.

Ash: Riolu did too, and that shaped it up for when it became Lucario.

Goh: Same thing for Raboot to Cinderace.

Me: And of course, we can't forget Pikachu. You changed so much and so quickly in the beginning that it's hard to believe you were what you were.

Pikachu: Pi, pika chu pika! ["I changed too!"]

Ash: You're absolutely right!

Me: And I suppose we all changed somehow from the past to the present.

Ash: Well, yeah. I guess you can't believe all the things that I did way back when I started my journey. And now I have a really big goal.

Goh: And so many things changed from that time out to today - even my goal changed a little, yet it's still much the same.

Me: With all the things that happened with Pokémon, I can also say that I've changed quite a bit as I discuss about them on my blog. I have an idea of how to close up our discussion: Ash, you say something about change for Pokémon, and Goh, you say something about change for people, then I'll follow that with my comments.

Ash: Let's see... Pokémon change, by themselves or evolution.

Goh: People change, hopefully always for the better.

Me: OK. Life continues in its revolution, and we'll always have Pokémon, no matter the weather.

Goh: That has a nice ring to it!

Ash: I like the sound of that!

Me: It's as if I had planned it.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Nice one!"]

One year ago: Ideas for Pokémon Vehicles

Two years ago: Reading the Signs

Three years ago: PokéMania and WhatMania

Four years ago: Tournament: PTC18 Online Tournament 7

Five years ago: Costume Issues

Community Day Meetups (Plus Local)

This month's edition of Community Day is only a couple of days away, and things are gearing up for that event. That includes a number of meetups in a number of places around the world, scheduled to take place on the day of the event. Yes, current conditions are still at large, but it seems they've subsided enough to allow these to happen, in person no less. Meanwhile, a number of other places will have special bonuses even without an in-person meetups, and they're dubbed as "remote" festivities; they're assured to have the same fun as in-person meetings without the hassles of current times.

One of those places for an in-person meetup, though not mentioned officially due to late administration, is a very famous metropolitan city where I've had some Pokémon escapades, though some fell flat on my face. That meeting is set to take place during the afternoon, even starting a few hours before the event, though it has to end (including full dispersal from the location) exactly when the event ends. The meetup location itself, while a park, is also somewhat debatable regarding its particulars, which actually inspired me to write up yesterday's post on what may constitute ideal parks.

Since the meetup is far away, I'd have to jump through the hoops of current conditions in order to make it, and I can't. Even if current conditions didn't apply, this time being supposed to be just a general "rest" period makes things even more infeasible. Still, the fact that this is the first one in a long time and is practically the first one that is officially supported, which has many further implications, is a big one. It might (and should) spawn several other local meetups, which although are not officially supported, ought to carry the spirit of the official meetup and take it beyond its local scope.

In fact, that ought to be the thread that connects all the scheduled Community Day meetups that are to occur around the world in a couple of days from now, particularly in-person ones and including the locally scheduled one above. It's been the longest time without much of any interaction among Trainers in Pokémon Go, and these meetups ought to alleviate that, even while still being in the shadow of current conditions and thereby have to play with the restrictions of those conditions. At least, the "community" bit of Community Day is affirmed and continues to be evident with them.

One year ago: Quickies: The Pokémon School of Martial Arts

Two years ago: All Rumbled Out

Three years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 14

Four years ago: Crazy Decisions

Five years ago: Tropius Fruit and Other Pokémon Edibles

Ideal Parks for Playing Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go and parks go hand in hand. They've always been places where certain Pokémon species can be found, even ones that are extra-special and/or extra-powerful. Even so, it could be that some parks may be more ideal than others for the things that Pokémon Go demands, whether for general play purposes or even special events (for example, Community Day). A number of factors go into deciding the playability of those parks with Pokémon Go, and I thought I'd discuss a few of them in a post.

One big (that is, major) factor is obviously size. Since Pokémon Go is a walking game to a good extent, the best parks to play Pokémon Go in would be larger parks that allow for walking - likely on the order of Central Park in New York or that certain park in Taiwan - rather than smaller ones. It's not hard to find very small "parks" in Pokémon Go, but it would be hard (though not impossible) to get much of anything done around them, especially with few PokéStops and/or Gyms even in the actual park itself.

To an extent, accessibility may be of some concern. Parks that are located in places that are practically city centers but with no easy walking access from public transit stops may be less desirable for playing in, especially if the access itself is somewhat "perilous". Remote parks that are located a good distance away may or may not provide an "adventure" getting to them by walking, some of which may be better spent in the park itself. A balance may need to be struck in certain cases for adventuring inside and outside the park.

It may be that the most important factor is whether the park area itself is considered a "park" by Pokémon Go standards - as in, whether the area itself is zoned as such in the game. Yet this is a bit of a complicated matter, as it relies upon the map that becomes the basis for Pokémon Go data. The only practical hope on this matter is for the map to be updated necessarily to reflect the park zoning, then for the update itself to be implemented in Pokémon Go, which is neither an easy nor quick matter.

Regardless, it seems one might not have to trouble too much to consider what is or isn't the best park by any of the above factors (or even still others). Whatever park one may have access to and is sensible enough to play Pokémon Go in may just be the ideal park for that purpose. For all intensive purposes, the observation I noted at the beginning may remain the most ideal indicator of a park in Pokémon Go, however the park may be in real life; as long as that doesn't change, then an ideal park will always seem to be one.

One year ago: Getting In and Out Of Character with Pokémon Games

Two years ago: Rumble Tumble, and...

Three years ago: Legends for Lunch and Dinner

Four years ago: Curveball Wisdom

Five years ago: The Music of the Poké Flute

Scoring in Pokémon Unite

One of the most basic techniques in Pokémon Unite is scoring, and it is a crucial one to win the matches, as the points obtained in doing so decide practically all matches. Though it's a basic technique, it may be that some players (Trainers) don't have a significant understanding of it, and because of that, I feel that they can use some help in order to gain that understanding. And that's what I'd like to do in this post - I'd like to explore the workings of scoring in the game and provide some useful insights for the technique.

Just in case a refresher is needed, it's helpful to review how scoring works. Scoring is done at the goal zones of the opposing team, and the team gets credit for (obtains) the points earned by the Pokémon, counting it as a "goal". Scoring is accomplished by pressing and holding the score button, as the default setting in the options, but one may also change the setting to just pressing without needing to hold. I personally use the latter setting because I no longer have to think about holding, though I then have to remember to not do anything else while scoring, else the scoring fails. I sometimes have the tendency to let go of holds, so I consider this setting a blessing, and it may very well be helpful for others.

The scoring process is also affected by certain items or actions. The held item Score Shield may afford some protection while scoring occurs, but it's not completely foolproof, as some Pokémon may still be able to break through the shield, attack the Pokémon, and block the goal. Meanwhile, the Goal-Getter battle item doubles the scoring speed, which may be useful in certain high-pressure situations. Normally, the scoring process may be quick and definite with fewer points or slow and vulnerable with lots of points, but the process is made instant when Rotom and/or Zapdos are defeated, which renders one or more goal zones "defenseless". Both Pokémon are therefore imperative to be dealt with as they appear.

In arenas with more than one goal zone for each team, the innermost or farthest goal zones are protected by outer goal zones, which need to be cleared in order to open up the inner goal zones. The way to clear those outer goal zones is certainly to score in them; each has a points threshold that when met, the goal zone disappears or is "destroyed" in in-game parlance. This last bit also makes them similar to "towers" in certain other similar games of the same genre. Certainly, because of their presence and necessity to be dealt with, they're part of the "rotating objectives" to be addressed over the course of a match. Once they're cleared, the farthest goal zones are of course free for all (and necessarily never disappear).

For the outer goal zones, there is one very important technique: overscoring. It is possible to score in a goal zone with more points than needed to meet the threshold (in other words, exceed it) and all of the scored points will still count. Therefore, it is wise to try to score in them to get close to the threshold without exceeding it, then have a team member with a massive amount of points to score in them, thereby clearing them while getting lots of points. This technique is the subject of a number of angry/sad YouTube videos on the game of those who couldn't accomplish the technique due to others with less points "butting in". As such, it is better to rack up as many points as possible before scoring in goal zones that only just need a few more points to be cleared.

Scoring is necessary and (relatively) easy to do in Pokémon Unite, but like all other aspects of the game, it may be a little hard to master, especially given many of its finer points as I've detailed above. Regardless, it is helpful to know and understand about them, and then be able apply them whenever the opportunity arises in order to make the most out of one's earned points and contribute to a much-deserved victory that results from those points.

One year ago: Friendships Like Pokémon

Two years ago: Everyday Discoveries

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (and a Whirlwind), 4/19/2019

Four years ago: Cracking the Case

Five years ago: Oddest Things with Pikachu

On the Two Sweepers and Cleaners

I've been in the place where I currently live for just over a year now, going by this post. Since then, a lot of things have happened, including dust gathering in a few scattered corners throughout my living space. It's a bit unsightly to look at, yet at the same time, a little hard to clean. In a way, it seems I could require the service of two very well-known sweepers and cleaners of the Pokémon world that also would be the eponymous species themselves.

One of the two would be Minccino, the basic form of a family of Pokémon species that resemble the chincilla. It has a certain fascination with sweeping, particularly for things that are shiny, like cutlery. It just so happens that the place where I live has a good deal of reflective surfaces to step on if nothing else, and I'm sure it would enjoy sweeping that - perhaps it would do so as well for things with a certain gleam around my living space.

The other one of the two would be Nickit. As has been illustrated at one point in time, this fox-like Pokémon really enjoys sweeping - it would do so with a certain intensity and passion, and lead to good results as well. For that, it may enjoy the reflective surfaces I step on as above, and it may just be able to find a wealth of other surfaces to sweep intensely, ones that I may not even have considered to a great extent.

Perhaps, what I really would need is the services of both. Minccino would take care of all the minor jobs, while Nickit would take care of all the major jobs. I also might not need them around too often, but every so often they ought to and should be welcomed for all the things they can sweep and clean - surprisingly, if the Trainer named Bianca, who has a relation to the former species, is of any indication.

Still, I don't quite have the services of the two, though I could seem to (and have to) make it in other ways, including with myself and the resources that I possess. The thought of these two sweeping and cleaning Pokémon is a nice yet fanciful idea for myself as a Pokémon fan, and I'm sure that other fans like me who experience the same issue would agree. Now it seems I'll have to grab a sweeper of some kind and do just that as often as I can.

One year ago: Cosplay: "Pass-the-Time" Contest

Two years ago: Love and All

Three years ago: Performance Critique: INOCHI 2019 Sing Cover

Four years ago: Getting Social with Cosplay

Five years ago: Console Renewal?

Rotating to Objectives

In Pokémon Unite, there are always several targets to deal with on the standard arena, at least in the early stages of a match. They would be the upper and lower goal zones and Rotom and Drednaw (the "sub-lords"). A good team would know to score on both sides to open up the farthest goal zone as well as attack and defeat the two Pokémon for extra offensive and defensive power. In order to do so, it is necessary for the team to split up, yet later it also becomes necessary to shift and deal with the other targets, especially if the other side needs help. This latter process is what is known in the community of players as "rotating to objectives", and it's a process that is just as important yet not realized by some players.

Most players would already know to split up at the beginning, whether or not the indicator arrows to certain paths make that clear. Doing so focuses resources on the goal zones and either one of the two Pokémon above. What many might not know is that one doesn't always have to stick on the indicated path, especially if one "objective" is already taken or another needs lots of help. The decision to "rotate to objectives" is one that needs to be considered carefully but also methodically. Once the upper goal zones are gone, for example, it is obvious that the lower ones need to be worked on, including the "sub-lord" Pokémon if at all possible. That way, everything would be clear when the late game stage arrives and all that's left to deal with are Zapdos and scoring in the goal zones that are left - hopefully, the farthest one and the most important.

As an aside, with so many Pokémon games these days, "rotating to objectives" might just take on a secondary meaning, and that would be to deal with all current objectives of the Pokémon games that one might play. Today, for example, there is (or was) the big competitive wonder that is Go Battle Day in Pokémon Go, and that might have demanded the better part of a few hours to go through, for those who have already prepared teams for the ordeal of 100 battles. The effort to go through them all might have even started as early as the wee hours of the morning, given what some might have to go through additionally on this day. The shift to other Pokémon games such as Unite, then, might become a bit jarring but somewhat necessary, especially if there are unfulfilled objectives.

What seems to be important, then, is that there are always objectives to be fulfilled. In the case of Unite, it would mean dealing with the active parts of an arena in order to clear them for later purposes. In the case of other games... well, it would be whatever just needs to get done, like Go Battle Day. And all of those may always necessitate some rotating into and out of them so that they can get done and one isn't stuck in just one path, allowing the path to victory to be seen clearly and to be gotten when it can. At least the Unite standpoint is validated for its definite importance to win.

One year ago: Longing for Team Go Rocket

Two years ago: Impressions of Chef Mallow

Three years ago: Choosing Pathways

Four years ago: And Again, I Dream

Five years ago: We're All Tied to Pokémon

My Current Holowear of Interest

I've brought up one of the most fascinating aspects (if not the most) about Pokémon Unite from time to time, and that would be Holowear, which is the game's analogue of "skins" in other games of the genre. I have to admit that the aspect isn't something I'm too concerned with, if an earlier post hasn't already hinted as such, though it's still nice to have them in some cases. That said, I'm still slightly fascinated and interested by some of the Holowear I don't have, and I'd like to discuss a few of them.

Some Holowear are madly expensive, costing great amounts of Aeos Gems and thus money, but they still look neat. Ruins Style Lucario, Sacred Style Blissey, and Power Plant Style Zeraora are among some of the priciest Holowear in the Zirco Trading shop, but they're also ones that I consider not only neat but also appropriate. The first befits its "jackal" heritage, the second aligns with its "purity" aspect, and the third is just symbolic of "power". I'm likely not to spend Gems (and thus money) on any of these, but they're still nice to dream to have, especially if I were to somehow obtain them.

As I'm not (yet) about to spend money on Gems for Holowear, the best alternative option that I have, aside from getting "freebies", is to exchange Holowear Tickets in the same shop. Of these, I'm interested in Fashionable Style Absol, Star Cloak Style Decidueye, and Bonfire Style Talonflame for their reasonable price and sharp looks, which apply for all three. And I would get them now, as I do have enough Tickets for them... but the problem now is that I have none of the Unite Licenses for the Pokémon above, and I can't spend Tickets unless I have the Unite Licenses for the Pokémon. This may be a prompt to expand my skill set and get something that looks nice along with that.

Unfortunately, some Holowear presently cannot be obtained, because they've either been "taken off the market" or are part of an event or Battle Pass that I missed. These include Hip-Hop Style Pikachu, Captain Style Cinderace, and Cake Style Crustle, three of which I consider among the neatest of the Holowear that are currently unavailable for some reason. For these and others, there is really not much that can be done except to wait until the Holowear get revived somehow, including being "put on the market" again; if that were to happen, it may be time to obtain them at the earliest opportunity.

However one plays Pokémon Unite, eventually one would be compelled to have and use Holowear in order to look good, whether as "freebies" or by taking the purchase "leap". Among those might be Holowear that look sleek and/or are convenient to have, and they would be the Holowear of interest, as with the ones I've mentioned and detailed above. In any case, it looks like it could be a matter of time before I finally obtain any of them, but it may just still be acceptable to have at least some interest.

One year ago: In Need of Rotom, Right Now

Two years ago: Fanboys and Fangirls

Three years ago: The First Unova Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/15/2018

Five years ago: Dialectics

Love Nature, Find Beauty

There's a saying out there that goes that if one loves nature, one will be able to find beauty in everything. The implication is that if one is able to appreciate and respect nature, then the same process will naturally come for other things in life. Now, by this blog, it is certain that I'm fond of Pokémon, and in a way, I find beauty in it. By the saying above, it then goes that I'm fond of nature as well. In fact, the relationship goes in various ways, considering realism as well.

Though I can't take care of the natural environment around me, at least not in major ways, I'm always interested in ways to maintain it, in the same ways that doing so in the Pokémon world allows the species of the eponymous names to persist wherever they can persist. I still believe that I can do what I can do to maintain the environment (and its beauty), and that would somehow effect changes that allow not only myself but other fans to keep enjoying the franchise we love.

Then, by appreciating each one of the conceived Pokémon species, I'd find reasons to appreciate their real-life counterparts, which of course means appreciating nature as well in order to support them. Indirectly, I'm also learning to appreciate the many different minds and appearances of people, for which supporting nature is also tantamount to supporting their existence in this world as well, which also means supporting them and nature for the beauty that they really are

That Pokémon exists in an otherworldly nature cannot be denied, but it also cannot be denied that their existence is in an eerily similar environment. Therefore, to love nature either way is something noble, particularly if it leads to being able to find beauty in different things in their worlds of existence. As such, I find that the saying above rings quite true, and whether it's for Pokémon or the real world, nature and the beauty of everything else wouldn't be too greatly separated.

One year ago: Great League, Remixed

Two years ago: On Pokémon and Computing

Three years ago: The Fullness of the Cup

Four years ago: Cosplay: GAME - Games Animation Marketplace and Exhibition

Five years ago: True Colors (...of a Logo)

Keeping a Balance for the World Championships

After some time of being absent, the Pokémon World Championships are set to commence again, with the traditional games that are and have always been part of the festivities, as well as the fledgling newcomers of Pokémon Go and Pokémon Unite. Everything is gearing up for that occasion, including in one particular way: the games (at least, some of them) may be trying to keep a balance of elements in the lead-up to the occasion. It's a fascinating thing that happens for them - for the ones that are a concern - and they have some worth to be pointed out.

Pokémon Go is the game that is doing this currently and in an obvious manner, in a way. The current Go Battle League season, the one that corresponds to the Season of Alola, is in an "interlude" season: no moves were adjusted at its start a month and a half ago, and no ratings are shown at Rank 20, making higher ranks inaccessible. In addition, the formats rotate weekly instead of biweekly and feature the return of certain specific formats. Admittedly, these are all being done more to accommodate an overhaul of the backend of the PvP system, but it can't be denied that the side effect allows to keep a balance for the championships, which continues to progress. Pokémon species are still being added, but they're likely (and ought) to not have grand effects, at least not now and not yet.

Those who play Pokémon Unite might be said to be enjoying or to have enjoyed a greater degree of stability, as the only practical threats to stability are Pokémon that are introduced in the run-up to the Championships, and the battle system in the standard arena is relatively stable. True to that, two Pokémon that have been influential of late are Hoopa for its teleportation mechanisms and Duraludon for its strength, though the latter has been recently toned down and the former requires one's expertise and others' willingness in some ways. Likewise, it might just be a matter of when something will shake up, but it could be easier to sidestep (and mitigate if necessary, as in the above).

For the traditional games (VGC main series, TGC, Pokkén), their stability has practically been proven even during the time of the World Championships absence, so not much is an apparent concern. The only thing that might be of a concern is what comes next after the current iterations - for example, the Scarlet and Violet ninth-generation games - but that is likely a concern for the forthcoming edition after the current one. Sticking with mostly the current state of affairs is part of their balance.

It seems then, after all that, much of my argument might be considered to have fallen flat on its face. At the same time, however, it can't be denied that some balance has to be kept for the World Championships, and that may be effectively what is happening or what has happened, even if that may not be the primary intent. At least, that ought to make for fairer World Championships, both en route and when it finally comes up.

One year ago: Whence I Am, Whence We Are

Two years ago: Levels and Half-Levels in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2019 - Sengoku Jidai

Four years ago: Shiny Here, Shiny There

Five years ago: Friendly Plays

The Type Icons, A New Standard

Besides being able to be identified by colors, and specific ones at that, the types that a Pokémon may have can evidently be identified by icons or symbols. A set of 18 of these icons or symbols, corresponding to each of the types, are used for this purpose. Uniquely, these icons don't appear in just one place, and they can be seen in a number of places besides the one that might be thought of as the primary places. As such, these type icons have the makings of a "new standard".

For many, these icons are likely to have been initially seen in Pokémon Go, where they are prominently used for type identification in different places, and remain so even today. The next most likely place that they can be seen is in the eighth-generation main series games (Sword and Shield) on the Nintendo Switch, where they are used for certain identifying elements. Those who watch the anime starting from the "world saga" or Journeys will also see the type icons appropriately identifying Pokémon in the Rotom Phones of various people. Though nothing states that they are a definite standard, these appearances suggest that they are apparently as such.

It's easy to see why they've become a standard across (some of) the games and even the anime. The symbols are succinct and identifiable, as with Grass (a leaf), Fire (a flame), and Water (a drop) for the basic three types. For higher types, the identification is a bit more abstract - as with Psychic (a swirl), Steel (a nut - as in the partner to a bolt), and Fairy (a "sparkle") - but the purpose is still achieved. Even without actual establishment, the usage in Pokémon Go alone, hopefully without change, establishes them in a kind-of "de facto" manner, even for future usage elsewhere.

These type icons or symbols are a minor thing, but as all Pokémon fans know, type and typing is still key even if it's not the be-all and end-all. There would have to be a way to distinguish them somehow, even if colors have been designated for that purpose, and the type symbols fit that purpose very nicely. In the end, they're still major in their own way just like how types are of the exact same quality.

One year ago: Differing Amounts of Pokémon Knowledge

Two years ago: Pokémon Helmet Covers?

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/13/2019

Four years ago: Go at Home

Five years ago: Paint It, Picross

How Many Pokémon for Each Role?

One of my friends who play Pokémon Unite (and hopefully still does) has an obsession - to put it lightly - with Pokémon that are assigned the role of Speedster. My friend likes the role so much that my friend had reported last to have collected the Unite License for all of the (then-current) Pokémon of the role. There is of course nothing wrong with that, as "collect" is a directive for Pokémon fans of any kind. Yet it does beget the question of how many Pokémon one may want to have or prepare, or even need for each role. That question becomes the title and its answer becomes the discussion for this post.

In relation to the answer, it is worth it to remind that Trainers can "main" certain roles and/or Pokémon, which means specialization of those as well. Unless necessitated for some reason, a Trainer does not have to deal with the skill sets and capabilities of many Pokémon, and for such an action-oriented game like Pokémon Unite, that could in fact "muddy the water" of the existing knowledge and capabilities of certain Trainers. At that point, collecting more Pokémon becomes a matter of posterity more so than necessity, though the latter can always take precedence for really, really good Trainers.

As such, it seems that a good number for Pokémon of any one of the specific roles is (at least) three for any purpose or reason of having them. It's a good number to reflect that one has or had the means to obtain them, even if not all three of one role are all played. Of course, one can still delve into more than one of the any three given Pokémon for a role in order to have versatility and to expand skill sets and capabilities, and if any new Pokémon of that role comes about - which now happens every so often - it could be worth it to swap the least necessary of the three for that new Pokémon.

Understandably, it seems my friend could have been (and in fact is) of the right state of mind by getting all the Speedsters. Any or all of them may be complete fodder for my friend's style of play, which is apparently a speed-oriented one. Still, it seems that anyone can get into this same state of mind for any one of the five roles (including Speedster) without necessarily obtaining all the Pokémon of one role, though it could help to obtain a few - as few as my suggested three - and work with them to achieve all that they can be and then some to face the continuously changing challenge of Pokémon Unite.

One year ago: Pikachu and Bulbasaur Donuts

Two years ago: I Believe, in Love

Three years ago: (Wet and Wild) Local EX Raid, 4/12/2019

Four years ago: Wallpaper: Pokémon 20th Anniversary

Five years ago: Pokémon Couriers?

Mega Evolution Fates, Again

Way, way back in the first year of this blog, I wrote about the fate of Mega Evolution in a general manner, though with some focus on the main series games as the place of origin and ideally survival as well. Five years later, many developments in Pokémon games have occurred, and Mega Evolution has survived in a way, but not how one expects it would be and in a place one doesn't expect, at least initially. After five years, it seems necessary to bring back the topic for another discussion on it.

After the seventh-generation games, nary a peep about Mega Evolution has been heard of since. It is not included in the eighth-generation Sword and Shield games nor the fourth-generation remakes of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. For the latter case, rumors briefly surfaced that new forms could appear for them, but the rumors only remained as such. If they were true, they should have made a splash in my main series games communities, but that didn't happen either. Based on this, the fate of Mega Evolution in the main series games is pretty much sealed, unless something is to happen for Scarlet and Violet (the ninth-generation games) later this year, which is highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, over in Pokémon Go, Mega Evolution thrives after its introduction one and a half years ago, and its addition is slow but gradual, though surely eventually encompassing all existing forms for the Pokémon of concern. It has been beset by the initially stricter conditions for their usage, but some have been relaxed since then. Even so, the procurement is still far too opportune (primarily from raids - provided Trainers are willing) and the Mega Energy method for evolution is still far too consumable, in contrast to the main series games where it is implemented with unconsumed items. Still, the concept will stick regardless, and thus Mega Evolution survives and persists in this manner.

With the current way that things are developing, Mega Evolution is becoming an abandoned concept in the main series games, with newer games preferring not to touch the concept. Those who play them may be likely to forget with time that the concept exists. As for Pokémon Go, it has become the "repository" for the concept, keeping it alive for those who are engrossed in it or who seek its nostalgia, even as other games move away from it. Due to this dualism, it may be said that the concept is in "suspended animation" due to its preservation in Pokémon Go and yet decay in other games. It may just be awaiting for a good response from Trainers before something new becomes in order.

Even so, now as it was like then, the clarity of the fate of the concept is still somewhat vague. It's either active and pulsing for some Trainers, or hushed and inert for yet others. How many more years of developments in Pokémon games it will take for the concept to become viable again (if ever) is not known, but at least some persistence in the games that it has already been included seemingly assures that the concept is and always will be part of Pokémon - and the Trainers who choose to embrace it.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2021

Two years ago: Three Simple Rules for a Great Adventure

Three years ago: The Songs of the Detective Pikachu Trailers

Four years ago: O Charizard

Five years ago: Romanticism of Tall Grasses

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 4/10/2022

The true Community Day for Pokémon Go of this month isn't for another two weeks or so (more on this when the time comes), and so there's a nice gap between it. That gap would be nicely filled with another edition of Community Day, and why not Community Day Classic, the new edition that was introduced this January and seems to be quite popular then. With that, the edition returns for another go this month to revive another old Community Day edition and give it a modern twist.

Now, there is another reason why I made yesterday's post; it's a foreshadowing of today. For today, the featured Pokémon is Mudkip, as featured earlier in July 2019. In line with the principle of Community Day Classic and the previous edition, Swampert as its final evolved form gets Hydro Cannon, and the main bonus is tripled XP, which matters even more now for many Trainers than in the past due to the level cap increase. This, like Bulbasaur earlier in January, gives yet another chance.

Likewise, many modern perks now apply for today. Extended Lure Modules accompany extended Incense for those needing an alternative or complement. There are Event Field Research tasks, photo bombs featuring the Pokémon, and extra items in the Shop. Not to forget, there is also the extra paid Special Research, today as "Mudkip Community Day Classic", which again like the one for Bulbasaur explores the traits of the species family and recounts the previous Community Day experience. And as with the earlier Community Day Classic, the duration is only three hours, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time, which is fine, more so that currently this is actually a "rest" period for many people. Even so, three hours may hold some significance even for regular Community Day, which is to be explained further then.

Unlike the previous experience, I wasn't concerned with the additional "task" of sending Ash somewhere else, so I'd have the day solely for the event. Unfortunately, during half of the event period in my local area, a storm passed by (which a Swampert should have been able to detect) and affected my progress quite a bit in earning Candy, which was my primary task since I didn't get to do much of that previously with the "task" above. I also had a bit more on my evolutionary task plate: one with perfect stats that was Purified, one Shiny one obtained from a Lucky Trade with a friend, a Shadow one, and two for Great League as suggested by a friend, while adapting a previously evolved one for Ultra League. Candy XL was not a main focus, but it became nice to have, along with all of these that I managed to evolve.

With two editions now under its belt, Community Day Classic seems to have established itself just like how Community Day has overarchingly become established. It can then stand to repeat and revive any of the most notable editions from the past four full years - like this one - and update it for modern progression, and especially to fill a long gap as is the case for this month. That should mean more: more second chances, more Pokémon possibilities, and more adventures to be had.

One year ago: Harkening Back to "Versus Guides"

Two years ago: Let's Get Going Today

Three years ago: Expecting the Detective

Four years ago: Bandai Pokémon Sun & Moon Pokémon Lover Mascot 6 - Wobbuffet

Five years ago: Evolution Revolutions?

Quickies: Making Friends with Mud Skippers

The place where I live, as I've noted a couple of years ago, originally consisted of rice fields. In their original states, these are places that are often muddy - whether before or after planting and harvest - as anyone familiar with them can attest. Such places would certainly make good hosts for the family of mud skipper Pokémon that is the Mudkip species family, as they all do well in both water and mud, and thus especially so in those rice fields. It then becomes a matter of making friends with them.

It may be conceivable that when the fields are empty - before they are planted with rice - it ought to be possible to let them (specifically the smaller members of the family, Mudkip and Marshtomp) frolic, also in the hope of dredging up the soil slightly. During the time the plants are growing, the matter becomes limiting their access to the fields to let the plants grow undisturbed. After the harvest, Swampert might just provide the power to haul everything off and return everything to the blank state.

At all of these points, it seems that one has to be able to relate well to each of the members of this Pokémon species family. When they're not fully evolved, one has to be in the same mind with them to let them enjoy their lives; conversely, when they are fully evolved, one has to be in the same mind with them to allow them to do some hard work yet still have some fun in the very same fields where they enjoyed themselves previously. It's all about making good friends with them for all objectives in the fields.

Now, the rice fields around my place of residence are gone, but traces of them still remain from time to time, in the form of the mud that could be present when it rains heavily and erodes some of the exposed soil. All the same, those mud skippers could stand to still be around at times, even if there are no fields to speak of for them to play or do things in. In some sense they are still welcome, and they still should be regarded as friends regardless - ones people could really get "down and dirty" with.

One year ago: The Sound of Instant Gratification

Two years ago: Pokémon Upbringings

Three years ago: Benefits

Four years ago: Ex-Raids and Cancellations

Five years ago: The (Current) Fate of the Megas

On Trainer Footwear

Though I didn't mention it in my discussion on Trainer fashion a long time ago, footwear is also important to any Trainer, besides being a key element in life and fashion in general. It makes them look good, certainly, but it also supports them in what they do day in and out. Therefore, it also seems fair that the topic gets its own discussion while still being linked with the main topic of fashion.

Of all the possible kinds of footwear, shoes (particularly sneakers) make the most sense, as a Trainer gets around to many places in search of Pokémon, challenges, and so on and so forth. It's no wonder that the prime Trainer examples of Ash and Red also wear a pair everywhere they go, at least in their regular outfit. Even the song "Type: Wild" brings up the matter in both its Japanese and English versions, suggesting that it definitely is important. A different kind of Trainer may just use a different kind of shoe, but it's hard to escape the fact that sneakers may very well be the most important one.

If Pokémon Go is of any suggestion, it is of course that Trainers don't have to wear shoes and can wear whatever's available. They might be able to wear sandals, perhaps in the style of the Bug Catcher, and primarily go through a local wilderness adventure. They might also wear boots for rougher environments, or even ones that are integrated into their outfit (such as the ever-popular "onesie" of certain Pokémon). Or they might even wear no footwear at all, suggesting that they're homebound Trainers - perhaps like most people right now - and they just spring challenges on whoever might come to visit.

Footwear - or maybe even the lack of it in some cases - is still regardless something important, even if it's just one of the elements that are the subset of Trainer fashion and contributes to that as well as their lives. Likewise, it very much depends on their character, activities and personality, obviously suggesting that any choice of footwear may be right for the right people who are with Pokémon all the time.

One year ago: Doing Well on Pokémon Quizzes, Right Now

Two years ago: Voyager of Glory

Three years ago: You Can, I Can

Four years ago: (Continuing the) Local Ex-Raid, 4/8/2018

Five years ago: On the Road Again

The Silph Arena Factions Post-Season

I've been spending the past couple of days writing a couple of reflective posts, so it's time to write about something subjective for once. And something that fits that bill is the Factions competitive arm of the Silph Arena. It has entered a neat phase, which is its post-season, meaning that the current (and inaugural) season has effectively ended. Yet like in certain sports, the teams - in this case Factions - are still competing to show off their best capabilities, and that occurs through two competitions that involve the best of them.

The first competition involves the best of the best from the Diamond tiers of each region (North America, Latin America, Europe-Middle East-Africa, and Asia-Pacific), and it's called the Global Championship. The best four teams from each region's Diamond tier, comprising either Cycle winners or those with the next-best winning records, are gathered into a single-elimination tournament that proceeds over a course of four weeks, one round each week. This, of course, ultimately decides which Faction is the best in the world after having proven themselves in their respective regions.

For the rest of the teams in other tiers, there is the Global Melee, which is a large Swiss style tournament for each tier, including the rest of Diamond tiers that didn't make it into the Global Championship. Likewise, the best teams from each tier of each region are gathered to participate, and this time they battle each other to determine the best of the best in each tier on a global scale rather than that of the regions. Here, the number of teams in each tier varies depending on who is invited and who accepts, and they all battle it out in the same timeframe as the above.

Both of these competitions use different metas or themes for all the usual League and Field Specialists. The most fundamental change is that everyone brings in a team of eight Pokémon, and then the opponent will ban two at the start of the match. The Battlefields for the Championship are Atlantis, Dungeon, Comet, and Cave, and those for the Melee are Floating City and Dungeon (two each), with slight modifications. Some Leagues are to be utilized in a restricted manner, either in a Battlefield style (UL Comet for Melee) or being forced to select some Pokémon from a set list. Most of these also ban Salandit and/or Salazzle (two just-introduced Pokémon, more on this later) to even out the competition.

Silph Arena Factions has turned out to be a phenomenal mode of competition even just in its inaugural season, and if anything, the Global Championship and the Global Melee above serves as a fitting end to this first season. The teams (Factions) that made it to either one did so by no small feat, and now they'll have to do more of that to establish that the teams and their individual members are no small fry either, instead to be bigger than the rest and to proclaim that they're the first giants of this new competition.

One year ago: Let's Go Meet New and Old Friends

Two years ago: Leaping off Ledges

Three years ago: Scat-Poké-Land

Four years ago: Let's Go Research

Five years ago: Caravansary

One More Day, Time, and Chance

One more day, one more time

One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied

But then again, I know what it would do

Leave me wishing still for one more day with you

-- "One More Day", Diamond Rio

In writing the post that I made yesterday about "keeping things down", I realized that a recurring theme was things that occur each day and another day should one come by. As such, I was reminded of this minor hit song, which encapsulates much of the same feelings. It is hardly related to Pokémon, but it also may be considered to apply in some ways.

This country song became minorly popular near the turn of the century due to the death of a certain race car driver. The idea is that the song describes a longing for another day with the driver should the driver remain alive. Therefore, this song could be considered to be perfectly applicable to Pokémon comrades that have died (for example, Eric Medalle) in order to long for another day with them had they remained alive.

As for the matter of the things done to "keep things down", it essentially ties into a longing for another day to the things one (I) want or need to do to make sure the above happens. While currently I'm assured that each day and another day will be available, at some point it may become a matter of "if", and should that happen, the longing may be justified. Yet presently it can still occur for a number of specific situations.

What it all may come down to is that only so much can be done within one day, and life only consists of so many days, to do the things that are wanted or needed to do, including for Pokémon. It may just be that such a longing for more days may be justified at any time and repeats for all days until one no longer needs to long for one more day.

One year ago: Quickies: Going to the Safari

Two years ago: PvP Charged Attack Technique

Three years ago: Friend Cascade

Four years ago: Icons, Images, and Such

Five years ago: These Foolish Things Remind Me of Pokémon

Keeping Things Down

One of the challenges I face in writing posts on this blog is how to "keep things down" - that is, how to keep on writing even if things aren't fully supportive. Besides being a writer on a blog and a Pokémon fan anyway, I'm a regular person, and I'm affected by things that happen to other regular people all the same. The challenge is then an important one to consider, and I have thought of two ways that I deal with the challenge.

The first way is that writing gives me the assurance that I'm helping to "keep things down" for Pokémon as well. While it's certain that the happenings of the Pokémon world may be distantly removed (in a parallel universe), it may also be true that the same happenings may just be closer than previously thought, as illustrated by Pokémon Go - it may also be for that reason that I enjoy it a lot today. By doing things and then writing about them, I feel that I'm in fact doing the above, "keeping things down" for the Pokémon and their world.

Secondly, I'm also assured that doing things for Pokémon "keeps things down" for myself as well. Doing so helps me to maintain links with other people who do exactly the same as above, to "keep things down" for that which is concerned with Pokémon. I feel that I'm also able to keep my sanity as I continue to live in my world, in some sense "receiving guidance" from Pokémon to deal with my worldly things, even ones that don't necessarily deal with Pokémon. In some ways, I am effectively able to keep myself in line.

By going through the above, I possess the confidence that I can "keep things down" with what I write and under the circumstances that I write in. Normal happenings to people will keep happening, but so will Pokémon happenings that matter to the most devoted fans like me. Yet each time I write and complete a post, I become certain that I've "kept things down" for myself and Pokémon, at least for just another day in our lives.

One year ago: Pretty Colors of the Prism

Two years ago: Writer Shortcuts

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2017 T-Shirt Replica

Four years ago: 1000 Pokémon Species?

Five years ago: That Way You've Got

All the Trainers Are Nemesis

There's a certain song out there that proclaims that the years that pass by can be considered to be an opposing force, or in other words a "nemesis". That may have a certain truth, especially for Pokémon Trainers who are getting on in years - that is, age. But then, the same might apply to other Trainers who might currently pose a challenge. That might be the spirit that the Silph Arena is trying to encapsulate in this month's themed cup, which is rightfully called "Nemesis".

It may be said that the themed cup for this month is a blend of the sensibilities of the "Fusion" theme and the "Commander" theme. The reason for the latter is that teams require some setting up. The first slot is what's called the "Fighter" slot and is composed of 10 specific "active" species (three of which are Blaziken, Lucario, and Obstagoon), while the second slot is what's called the "Anti-Fighter" slot and is composed of 10 "countering" species (three of which are Charizard, Noctowl, and Dedenne). The remaining slots are called the "Bodyguards" and are to be filled by species that satisfy a number of criteria - and everything is as usual available on the themed cup page.

As expected by the former above, the focus on this themed cup is Pokémon of two types, and thus those of one types are automatically out. The focus types for this themed cup are Grass, Fire, Water, Bug, Psychic, Ice, and Dark, while the banned types are Normal, Flying, Ground, Fighting, Ghost, and Fairy. Mega Evolution is of course banned as a current standard, but so is the species of Escavalier, which has quirks of its own besides its Bug/Steel type.

For the "Fighters" and "Anti-Fighters", the ones I've listed above are some of the most affordable yet damage-dealing picks. Still, they'll have to contend with all the possible Bodyguards of the other possible types, including the possibility of Electric- and Steel-type counters. It's still expected that the "Fighters" and "Anti-Fighters" will duke it out with each other and the Bodyguards, but some Bodyguards can realign with and provide backup to the other two groups.

More insights are gleaned from the development notes. The focus on two types means more possible weaknesses to strike at and deal with. Initially, only the "Fighter" slot was conceived, but then the "Anti-Fighter" slot was also conceived, both having selected Pokémon free from the Bodyguard restrictions. It is also those Pokémon that are intended to be highlighted in those two slots, and the ban on Escavalier is because it was just too dominant in the previous theme. As with most other themed cups, the intent is to make things different... even if it doesn't preclude that some things will be the same.

How one deals with the passing of years might depend on the individual person, but how a Trainer deals with other competing Trainers, especially under stringent standards such as the ones for this themed cup, might be a different matter. It would have to do with how they can make their lights - their Pokémon - shine brighter than that of others. And as the same song proclaims about that, it's just going to have to be what it's going to be.

One year ago: Moody Friends, Moody Pokémon

Two years ago: The Primary Warning of Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Local EX Raid (and Nothing), 4/4/2019

Four years ago: Gambling Not Permitted

Five years ago: One Thing