Halloween 2022: Relative Spookiness

Well, it's another year and another Halloween, and some things - including for Halloween - have started to return to the way they once were... but still not quite outside the "forest of spooks". With that in mind, I consider it to be appropriate to discuss about "spooks" once again. This time, the context for that discussion is their relativity, what makes them what they are or aren't. Pokémon as the primary focus of this blog can naturally be involved, and it is known for providing some spooks - or maybe not, as will become clear.

Five years ago, when I wrote about Halloween for the first time (see below) - also last year's as well - I noted about what makes Pokémon able to provide spooks and how that may be construed as being less of that and more cutesy. Something that may play into this matter is depiction and perception. In common depictions, the Pokémon species of concern may be considered to straddle the boundary between "cute" and "spooky", as their appearance may be perceived as relatable and not so much fearsome. Yet that's just one depiction; with a very different depiction, the perception is likely to be very different as well. In the case of the Pokémon species above, they could potentially end up becoming perceived as more fearsome.

This discussion is actually relevant because of the event I sent Ash to yesterday, which was plagued with controversy regarding spooky things. Depiction and perception play a role in this as well; if the organizers didn't want "spooky", they should have avoided "spooky" imagery in the first place. It also meant that some Pokémon things could have become off-limits if they had looked for them. Even Pokémon knows that Halloween means or at the least implicates "spooky", although the case of Pokémon might have still allowed some things to go through, if they hadn't gone far out. Of course, if the people already have a far-out perception of spookiness, then there's not much that can be done to change or even repair that.

Many of the sentiments in previous years seem to continue to apply even as I'm discussing it today. Yet all that also comes back to the two things I mentioned above, as depiction and perception. By the depiction of Pokémon, one can then choose to perceive how much of it can be spooky. While any sense of realism for Pokémon might trump the depiction and any associated perceptions, with any luck, one can still have their spooky way with Pokémon, or even disregard it.

Before leaving today's Halloween with its "spooks" behind, as usual, there's a bit of discussion to be had.

Ash: I got your Daily Adventure Incense going today and met a few Ghost Pokémon along the way. You might need to keep working on that slightly.

Me: Oooh, spooky! It's a better day this year, even though I was a bit limited in getting you going.

Goh: I like the Pumpkaboo with the hats and the Vulpix with the cape. They really got into the spirit.

Me: Don't they? They look so natural(ly spooky) with them, even if they're just plain without. You can almost imagine what they'd do if they were more spooky.

Goh: Oh, I'm not too sure about that!

Ash: Yeah, that's kind of a bit far out.

Me: See what I mean? Thanks, you two, even being with me on this spooky or not-so-spooky day.

Ash, Goh: No problem!

As the saying goes, yesterday's enemy is today's friend, and today's friend is tomorrow's best friend forevermore. Somewhere in that may just be a place for spooky Pokémon, however the characteristics are played up or down.

Happy Halloween 🎃 ...however spooky you decide it to be. 👻

One year ago: Halloween 2021: Spooky Branding

Two years ago: Halloween 2020: Facing the "Spooks"

Three years ago: Halloween 2019: Taking My Chances

Four years ago: Halloween 2018: The Tricks to Treats

Five years ago: Happy Halloween!

Cosplay: Halloweeaboo Cosplay Party

Me: I want to be honest about this one. I really have mixed feelings about this event - which you'll find out soon enough - so I did or didn't want to send Ash for this one.

Goh: I can see that, just by the name. "Halloweeaboo"?

Pikachu: Pi pi pika? ["Why so weird?"]

Me: Well, as you can guess, it's a takeoff on "Halloween", which we'll deal with... tomorrow, in fact - although this one is for my friends and me, who like Japanese things. But that's also what creates the mixed feelings.

Ash: Oh, Halloween! So are we going to see spooky stuff like Pumpkaboo, Gastly, things like that?

Me: No. None of that.

Goh: What do you mean?

Me: See, the organizers decided - or rather, were forced - to ban ghosts, spooky things, and scaring people. In fact, it was originally "Halloween" before they changed it, maybe because of that. So you can see where this is going.

Goh: No wonder. You must not be the only one who's confused.

Me: A lot of people are. If I showed you what they talked about, there would be no end to it.

Ash: So, is there still a reason for me to go?

Me: That's the thing. I actually didn't want you to go on this day unless it was the only thing that you could go to... and it is. I was kind of hoping we could prepare a little something special, but that too seems to have blown up in different ways.

Ash: I guess I'm going then.

Me: You might want to keep Pikachu at bay for this one.

Ash: I understand. Pikachu, don't make yourself too obvious, OK?

Pikachu: Pika... ["Well..."]

Ash: OK, so I'm here for...

Me: Singing. "Chiisaki Mono." Hoenn outfit. You know the drill. And... that's all.

Ash: Oh, so it's like that one time to a faraway convention. But this one is nearby and- hey, it's the same place as the party and celebration from before! I guess I'm doing this again.

Me: Yes. Yes it is. So you see why this is such a big deal. 

Goh: From what I see, the events get slightly better, but they also get more controversial.

Me: That is true; the controversy detracts from the execution. Now, how did they fare this time?

Ash: Not much better from last time! There was still a sea of people, and everyone was everywhere. Wait, I saw Pumpkaboo lanterns. I thought it was supposed to be not spooky.

Goh: Their recent media seems to still be "Halloween" and not "not-Halloween".

Me: They never did take that suggestion of changing the theme and graphics to heart. Some friends and I suggested it, but they just ignored it.

Ash: By the way, you didn't sign me up really early, so I had to sign up at the event. Luckily you gave me what I needed - and they allowed it.

Me: Yeah, that's the thing about this. If I was more decisive about it and it wasn't as controversial, I'd have signed you up really early.

Ash: Are you sure you don't want me in the character parade?

Me: No; think of this as our little "statement" that we don't like how things are being organized. Besides, sometimes we've got to "put our eggs in one basket and watch that basket". To make up for this, I've arranged for you to leave early and meet my friends for a different "sing-along". 

Ash: I understand. I'll take that. Also, they moved the stage from the party before! But now it's really small. 

Goh: You'd think that they'd at least have a bigger stage when things are this popular.

Ash: Yeah, I mean, the stage from before was good - they just needed to work it.

Me: I hear they also forced everything to be outside. How was that?

Ash: You told me that you're concerned about it raining, but it didn't rain. It was sunny with some clouds - it was even a bit hot!

Goh: Oh, so we got the opposite problem. But that should be better for them than rain.

Me: OK, how was the performance?

Ash: I did good. The words were fine. I almost lost the rhythm at one point.

Me: Hmm, don't worry about it.

Ash: They had a lot of mic problems. The last singer had it off almost the entire time, and they couldn't make it work with a guitar.

Me: What can you see about the character parade? I know you're not in it, but maybe you can find out a couple of things.

Ash: It was... like last time again?

Me: OK, no improvement, then - or not much. See, that's poor organization. That's your cue to leave and just meet my friends.

Ash: Yeah. I met them and we had a great time, maybe just as great as the event.

Goh: But the event itself... It seems they still need to work on a lot of things. They still need to figure out how to work the crowd.

Ash: I'd love to see a better character parade.

Pikachu: Pika, pi pi pika pika... ["Well, I want to be myself..."]

Me: All of the above, plus a better Halloween event. Maybe not theirs, but something else can also work. Speaking of which, did the performance work out?

Ash: I asked one of your friends to cover for me if something happened, and... I guess nothing happened.

Me: I've got nothing here either. So it's safe to say that we didn't get anything.

Ash: A friend of you told me that whether we win or not, everyone appreciates us.

Goh: Wow, that must mean you two are really well-known.

Me: I guess we are, but I still wish it could be more evident.

Goh: I'm sure it will, just like how this event should improve.

Me: Why not. That's something to look forward to.

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Just wait!"]

One year ago: In the Blackest Dens

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2020

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/30/2019

Four years ago: Community Day Workflow

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Halloween 2017 Event

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/29/2022

The current season of Pokémon Go is called the Season of Light, and as noted earlier, that has its entailments of brightness and darkness. For this month, the two seems to have to come together, and that is appropriately no better reflected than in the events for this month in Pokémon Go. There are (or were) a couple of elements of each over the course of this month's events, and they make for a fine interplay of contrasts, especially involving certain species of Pokémon that are always the norm for this time of year.

Early on in the month, from October 5 to 11, the Evolving Stars event took place. Its highlight was Pokémon that can evolve or have evolved. One of them is Cosmoem, which becomes the furthering of the Cosmog storyline that is presently unfolding through Special Research. Another is Gyarados, which got a Mega Raid Day on October 8 for those who may just need the Mega Energy. The rest of the event's selection of Pokémon comprised Pokémon with unique evolved forms or ways of evolution in the wild and raids; meanwhile, Field Research rewarded Stardust, evolution items, and Mega Energy in the spirit of fueling evolutions. The event was also complemented with Collection Challenges and the Evolution Cup that I covered earlier. The evolving spirit was brilliant and truly at hand then.

Just as brilliant, and not to miss out on that, was the Festival of Lights event from October 14 to 17. Here, some Pokémon showed off their glow - particularly at night on the map. One of them is Morelull, with this event being the debut of its species family. Complementing that was a bevy of other flaming, sparking, and glowing Pokémon in the wild (with more by extended Incense, and increased chances of Shiny Chinchou), raids, and Field Research tasks. Doubled Candy and XP, plus Timed Research and new stickers, pulled everything together into a bright and timely show.

After the light, then comes the darkness. That comes in the form of the customary Halloween event from October 20 to November 1. The event is actually split into two parts, but there are commonalities between the two parts. For the occasion, falling leaves litter the ground and PokéStops are decked out in pumpkins and an orange color. Two Timed Research sets are available to purchase - a novel addition - and a Special Research set is available to claim. Also, 7 km Eggs can hatch into a Shiny Noibat more often along with three selected species plus one form. In the style department, a pose is updated and new items are added. Candy is abound, with double from catching, hatching, and transferring, and guaranteed from Buddy walking. Giratina, the Legendary raid boss of the occasion, also gets the Shadow Force attack as a Charged Move, regardless of form. And of course, there is the Lavender Town theme remix for extra spookiness all throughout both parts.

Part 1 took place from October 20 to 27. In it, Mega Banette debuted, and ghostly and shady Pokémon took the spotlight in the wild, raids, and Field Research tasks, the last also having Mega Energy rewards. Part 2 takes place in the rest of the time from October 27 to November 1, and this time, a few species now appear with the Spooky Festival costume. Species with the Halloween Mischief costumes from last year also return where appropriate, with ghostly and shady Pokémon still present. Finally, just today, after a failed debut on Tuesday (October 25), Zorua now properly - more or less - debuts with its own brand of transformative mischief, along with its species family. Darkness had to occur in different ways.

For this month in Pokémon Go, brightness and darkness are (were) in no short supply, thanks to its two "light" events and the one overarching "dark" event in two acts. It's a perfect encapsulation of what this season is all about, at least according to its expectation, and the timing is perfect too in the second month of the season. The "light" will continue for another month, but for now, the "dark" is perfectly fine as well.

One year ago: Holowear Wonderings

Two years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: Getting Warmer

Three years ago: Psyduck Is Missing

Four years ago: Expression of Care

Five years ago: Three-Line Episode Summaries

From Draft to Post: The Thought Process of Pokémon Blogging

I've noted in my post yesterday that the post initially started out as a draft that I kept for a long time before I finally decided to write it up. As a matter of fact, so were the posts on the two days that preceded it. With that being the case, I feel that I should also write up something on the thought process that goes into those posts, specifically on turning the semblances of drafts into full-fledged posts. As a Pokémon blogger, it could be considered a fascinating process.

Quite a bit of that process I've also explained in another earlier post and yet another one, so this post serves mostly to expand them. That starts out with the "seeds" of those posts, being the drafts. If I consider there is a Pokémon topic that I could potentially turn into a post containing its discussion, it gets noted somehow - on this blog directly as a draft, as a note on a separate app, a voice note in some form, and/or even by offline means. Otherwise, it becomes very easy for me to lose track of them, much less their development into a post.

As for that development, some drafts and ideas, particularly if they're "volatile" or already set, can or have to be developed fairly quickly. This would be the case for things like Community Day or Café Remix features, which are often evident right away. Others, though, often need to be "knocked around" for some time before they can be turned into anything useful, which in the best case might take a month or two, or in the worst case, like the three posts in the beginning: years and years. Either way, the process is still worth it for a good post.

Certain posts on this blog are known to be made on rather quick timescales, regardless of the daily nature of them in general. For those, the same thought process also occurs, but as can be guessed, they have (or are forced) to occur rather quickly, from idea conception to "knocking it around" and eventually having a full post. Sometimes it seems rather miraculous how that happens, but there are times when Pokémon know-how and other kinds of know-how all work together within a snap to result in the posts and discussions contained in them.

With the three posts I mentioned at the beginning, I've managed to lighten my draft load. Yet, it won't be too soon before I start adding to that load once again as I continue to think up or come upon new Pokémon post or discussion ideas for development over time, along with those that need to be developed and written up practically on the spur of the moment. So is the nature of Pokémon today with current and developing complexities, which just await to be made into posts on this blog.

One year ago: Pokémon Unite Halloween Event

Two years ago: Being a Scanner or Diver with Pokémon

Three years ago: On Tap for Go

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Repeat, 10/28/2018

Five years ago: At the Movies: Episode 698 - "Movie Time! Zorua in 'The Legend of the Pokémon Knight!'"

Equivalent Spirits

A very long time ago, I had the idea to write a post on a Pokémon topic, but I felt that I didn't have enough material to do so. Because of that, I left it as a draft for the longest time. However, now I've thought about it again, and I consider that the topic is rather vague in and of itself, except for the central idea that prompted it. I now feel that I can only write about that central idea, and so I've decided to work with just that.

The idea is that some situations across different Pokémon games have spirits that are equivalent. My original intent was to extend this to the terms that apply to those situations, but this is where things get dicey, and as such, it wouldn't make a good discussion. Yet the "equivalent spirits" idea is a powerful one, and some discussion can still be made out of that, which is exactly what I've chosen to do.

One situation is Pokémon with the best stats possible, which in the main series games could likely involve what are called 6IV Pokémon, but in Pokémon Go could likely involve those with 100% IVs (which is the origin of the "hundo" term and all its other derivates). It becomes obvious that the terms align only loosely if at all, much less the situations, but the "spirits" of being the best in either case have a good deal of alignment.

For those who like being close to their Pokémon, this can similarly occur. Past main series games allowed the "Affection" levels of Pokémon to be raised, which in doing so results in the Pokémon being able to do nifty things for their Trainers, especially at the highest level. In Pokémon Go, meanwhile, this is achieved through the Buddy Pokémon function, with the highest level being a Best Buddy. The "spirits" appear equivalent even if the terms aren't.

Many situations are present in different Pokémon games, and the terms for them are likely to differ just as much as the games do, including but not limited to the ones I've mentioned above. But even with their differences, it may be apparent that a certain spirit of sameness can be achieved within and across those differences. That much is clear, even if their technical workings may not be readily apparent as being such.

One year ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: The Penultimate Resolution

Two years ago: Pokémon Go as a Gacha Game?

Three years ago: Explaining the Supernatural

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/27/2018

Five years ago: Expecting Something Special

Censure, Cut, and Correct: Errors in Pokémon Transmission

Yesterday, a classic error or slip-up occurred with relation to Pokémon. Niantic had scheduled a special happening to occur in Pokémon Go, but as it occurred for a select part of the world, it became apparent that something was seriously wrong, causing the special happening to be cancelled for everyone else before the error propagated. Such an error is no stranger to Niantic by way of Pokémon Go... but then again, it seems the fandom of Pokémon is no stranger to errors in general that come from or generated by different sources, which I'd like to explore on this occasion of a post.

The error as above is on the part of the originator, which is fatal to an extent, more so with it being an in-game error. It's almost comparable to the Mewtwo error that happened for Pokémon Shuffle a long time ago. Sometimes, though, an error can also occur outside of the games, like for the Pokémon e-mail newsletters; on one occasion, faulty newsletters had been sent out, forcing the newsletter edition in question to be sent again. Thankfully, the latter two errors are rare and speaks for the quality control that is involved. As for Pokémon Go errors, those are a source of bemusement with some amusement on the side.

Meanwhile, errors can occur for those who report on Pokémon happenings, particularly with the need to communicate them to others. Sometimes, the Pokémon Go infographics by two very well-known providers of information contain some inaccurate tidbits in them, which perhaps may have resulted from misinterpretations of what had been given on the official Pokémon Go blog. This is expected, of course, by the nature of how information passes, given that they are the second party in sequence. It may always be a challenge to make out the information that has been only provided officially but simply.

I have to say, as a furnisher of Pokémon information myself, sometimes I mess up in the transmission or even the presentation of that on my blog posts, and sometimes I don't catch them in time. Even so, I always come back to try to fix those errors, whether instantly as I spot them or to take another post for that specific purpose. In that sense, I am not exempt from errors in the same way as the others above are not exempt either; this is also as I've declared the first time early on in this blog and time and time again have to repeat - something that becomes pertinent right now.

While it might take some time for Niantic to fix up that happening it intended to present without error and for the Trainers of Pokémon Go to enjoy it as it's meant to be, it may be considered that some errors are just meant to be until they need to be fixed. When it comes down to it, Pokémon is still a human creation from a figment of imagination, and to err is the nature of humans, even with fantasies. For the three parties as I've outlined above, this should apply equally well, even with different respects, and the best respect that can be given for them is to edit and make them right as things progress.

One year ago: Pokémon Music on Vinyl?

Two years ago: Usage Experience of Go Plus Peripherals

Three years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Sinister Cup

Four years ago: Two-Sided Stories

Five years ago: Pronouncing Pokémon

Virtual Voices for Pokémon Characters

I've always been fascinated by a certain device in the Pokémon anime that allows practically any character to speak into the device and to be heard as an entirely different character. It has its uses, notwithstanding unsavory ones in at least one instance. Apart from that, though, it has at least some entertainment purposes, not just in that world but also in the real world, the latter should the device come into existence in real life. Thankfully, through the wonders of today's technology, it may be possible to realize such a device, especially for the specific purpose of Pokémon characters, even with only throwing out conjectures.

(For the purpose of character examples, I personally refer to Ash here, but this can conceivably apply to any Pokémon character.)

Fans of Japanese pop culture today will no doubt recognize a particular series of software for the generation of virtual voices - I won't say which, but it becomes rather obvious - and with some adaptation, they could fit in a Pokémon framework. What makes them "tick" is that they are based off of actual voices, and this leads to the possibility of one for Ash being based off Rica Matsumoto's voice work, at least for the Japanese side of things. For the English side of things, this could get rather convoluted even with the natural involvement of Sarah Natochenny's voice, and a separate sophistication may be necessary - though this technology is arguably already rather sophisticated.

Outside the framework of that software series, today there are what is called text-to-speech (TTS) generators that do a pretty good job, and I'm sure most people today have had experience with them for one purpose or another. They can generate voices locally or even through the Internet (online, or by the "cloud"). For Pokémon characters like Ash, though, they would need to be really adjusted to make them sound right and true to the characters, which is a hard task but not an impossible one, since a great variety of voices in various languages also exist. This also has the potential to be more user-friendly and be closest in purpose to the device I mentioned in the beginning.

A solution that's neither of the above - and one that is comparatively low-tech to the high-tech ones above - is to keep a voice bank for the characters, which for the example of Ash would be almost every piece of dialogue that Rica and/or Sarah has ever provided. This solution isn't too versatile, but can be fairly standard. Further, it has been theorized that generation of English speech only requires 44 phonemes (the "bones" that make up speech in the language), and so if Sarah's voice bank contains all of that, then it may be a precursor to virtual voice generation. The purpose may be as it should be.

Technology today is amazing, as remarked by a certain famous guy in Pallet Town, and that seems to apply well to virtual voices, especially if they can concern something as specific as Pokémon characters like Ash. It would then be just a matter of development to find out which one works the best and universally, and in that way, it would fulfill the realized concept of that specifically interesting device from the anime that alters characters' voices. The fascination and the concept may not have been so far-out after all.

One year ago: The New Tournament Pantheon

Two years ago: Type Logic: Of Light and Darkness

Three years ago: One-Upping Ash

Four years ago: Dilemma of Colors

Five years ago: Pokémon XY Pikachu Freezer Bottle

Pokémon (Pikachu) Loot from Utsuru KJR

This is something I meant to cover soon after the relevant convention ended, but things somewhat got away from me and it slipped my mind. Now that I've been reminded of it, I really do have to cover it. So, out of that convention, I obtained a few neat things from the booths that peddled custom wares, and as expected, I opted for the ones related to Pokémon. That's what I like, and that's the point of this blog, which is to accommodate all things Pokémon, even custom ones as shown.

Interestingly, all items in the loot - as pictured above - feature Pikachu in different guises. The keychain on the left, the only one I obtained from the booth that provided it, is small but rather expressive. It's an acrylic keychain, as it consists of an image sandwiched between two layers of acrylic. As for the image, it shows Pikachu reaching up with arms raised and looking rather excited. The artist that created the image should be proud, as it really fits the character of the Pokémon.

If the keychain is expressive, the set of stickers next to it may be described as even more so. In the stickers, Pikachu is illustrated in crossovers with other facets of (Japanese) culture, including a few well-known anime series and a popular courier service, the latter pertaining more to local culture. All of them are evidently done in the same impressionist style, which also likely means that they were created by the same artist. The approach is rather unique for the depiction of Pikachu.

Though the convention had to take a different turn due to circumstances that were sudden and unfortunate, that did not affect how most people enjoyed the convention and adapted to its new setting. That includes being able to get custom stuff like these and keep creators going while keeping things going with the adaptations. Once the convention returns to normal - which is likely to be soon - everyone can enjoy things as they're meant to be, including custom Pokémon stuff like these.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/24/2021

Two years ago: Type Logic: Of Dragons, Fairies, and Steel

Three years ago: Pokémon Annual 2019

Four years ago: Items with a Purpose

Five years ago: Beyond the Boundary... of Languages

Cosplay: CyFest 2022

Goh: Oh nice! Another event.

Me: Yes, and this one should be really nice - or rather, we have to make it that way.

Ash: I'm ready. So, whatcha got?

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["What's up?"]

Me: So, this is actually a follow-up to the gathering that took place last month. The "cyber" part is still relevant because that's the "Cy" in "CyFest". It even happens in the same place.

Goh: So it'll be the same?

Me: Take a look at the schedule, compared to the last time.

Ash: Wow, it really is the same! Almost.

Me: Right, but we still have to make it different. The concept is already slightly different as it's part of the anniversary celebration of the venue. For us, for one, you'll also be performing, not just in the character parade, but also to sing. 

Ash: Awesome!

Me: What's even more awesome is that you don't compete for that; you're essentially a guest performer. So you can relax and let loose as you do your best.

Goh: That's neat!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["It is neat!"]

Me: Since we're not under pressure, we can afford to do something new for that. How about... "XY&Z"?

Ash: I've always wanted to know when you'll send me with that! Kalos outfit it is, then.

Me: And... the people want you to sing two songs. So let's just go with "Mezase Pokémon Master" for the second song. Easy, doable, universal.

Ash: I like the sound of that. All set.

Me: For two, I'm pretty sure they've learned lessons from organizing the first one, and that means there are and should be changes.

Ash: Like you telling me to go really early to avoid the rain, and in the end, it did rain later on.

Me: That's an important change, on our part. What can you tell me about their part?

Ash: Now it's held downstairs on the stage that's over there.

Goh: You know, that's what things should have been for the first one.

Ash: Maybe they thought not many people would come back then, so they set it up for the little stage, but then things happened.

Me: I would think that's the case. So, anyway, um... you're up first for the singing performance. How'd you do?

Ash: Um... I messed up the bridge a little for "XY&Z". But the rest was fine though! The other song was OK.

Me: Hmm. Good thing this wasn't a competition, but at least we tried; it's a good practice for one. We can do better next time - and we have to, if it's going to be for a competition. A valiant effort for the first time.

Pikachu: Pi, pika pika. ["Well, it's still good."]

Goh: Oh yeah! And the character parade?

Ash: Pikachu and I did fine, but... maybe it was a little short?

Me: Maybe I should have given you more pointers. Sorry about that. Lots of things going on, including getting you prepared for "XY&Z". And I guess that didn't pan out, huh.

Ash: There were many characters in the parade, and only four winners.

Goh: Guess it really didn't work out. But the event did, right?

Ash: There were lots of people like last time and the one before, so yeah. This was a success - like last time, but lots better.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["A success!"]

Me: Well, even if we can't get "XY&Z" to work out perfectly right now, at least something else did.

Ash: Yeah! We'll have to give it our best next time.

Me: I'll be sure to do that while I get other things in order.

Goh: And that wraps up another good day. Short, but good.

One year ago: Creepy Pokémon Flashbacks

Two years ago: Minimum Play with Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Performance Critique: Akatsuki no Matsuri 2 J-Song

Four years ago: A Storybook and a Reference

Five years ago: A Successor Has Been Named

Stamp Events in Café Remix

Another point of commonality between Pokémon Shuffle and Pokémon Café Remix is the feature of daily stamps, which as I've discussed in tangent four years ago, becomes a task unto itself. The feature in the latter game, however, is slightly expanded in the form of specific instances yet still maintains similarity, and thus it is fitting to call its instances as "stamp events", in similar vein to other (even unrelated) games that implement them as such. It also deserves a fair bit of exploration, which is the point of this post.

First, there are the common daily stamps. Functionally, this is similar to the predecessor, handing out pre-puzzle and mid-puzzle items as well as Golden Acorns, in line with those of their predecessor as well as Enhancements, Coins, and Jewels; Café Remix, however, does not hand out Stamina, the equivalent of Hearts in Shuffle, which are handed out in that game. The similarity is right down to its structure: 15 items, one earned each day, repeating after that time. One important difference is that in Café Remix, the stamps are automatically earned each day upon accessing the main screen of the game (a "login" in its terms), in comparison to Shuffle, where a check-in has to be initiated manually each day. The gist is still the same, which is to access the games each day to grab the useful goodies for now and/or later.

The expansion of the feature in Café Remix, which makes this feature an "event", is related to certain specific periods. During those periods, another instance of daily stamps appears, and a stamp is earned for that. The common regular daily stamps are not replaced by the instance, and they are earned immediately after. As for rewards, they are commonly Golden Acorns in great amounts - often greater than those after five days of login - but occasionally there are specific Pokémon outfits as well as selections of different items to be earned. These are also typically a portion of the general overarching event period, which allows those who do not play every day to still be able to get all the goodies that are necessary to make play more fun.

It may be said that the differences in the implementation of daily stamps between both games aren't too fundamental - Café Remix is practically the successor of Shuffle, after all - but in the former, it may be said that the implementation is adaptive in addition to being expansive. And that's kind of the point of being a successor, to be able to improve the previous installment, but it's at least comforting that some tasks and results can be achieved in the same ways.

One year ago: Just Waiting on an Absol

Two years ago: On the Variety of Go Plus Peripherals

Three years ago: A (Not So) Little Anniversary

Four years ago: Resilience

Five years ago: Cosplay: Arigatoo...!!!

Possible Participation in Pokémon Unite Tournaments?

I've been playing Pokémon Unite for a good long while now, and I've gotten to be good in some respects. Even so, most of my play have been and could be described as "casual". What I would need to do to step up my game is to participate in a tournament of some kind. That fact is as plain as day, but the participation may be easier said than done, as I don't belong to a team (though I do belong to a Unite Squad - which may be a different avenue to explore). I've decided to try to reason how I might go about it and what would happen if I do so.

For team tournaments, which are becoming more and more numerous and includes but is not limited to the makings of the World Championships, it's pretty obvious that I need to find a team, and fast. I'm actually part of a loose regional association of those who play Unite, and tournament info sometimes makes its way around, so it would only be a matter of grouping up with the others for the tournaments we're interested in. Yet this too is also easier said than done, and furthermore, I may have created some friction with the others. That would leave me to group up with those who play locally, but they too are off and on. It seems to be a challenge whichever way I go.

There is, however, one tournament that I can stand to participate in even by my lonesomeness. Pokémon Unite Challenge Day is a tournament where full teams can register, but one can also register solo (individually) or as a duo and even a trio with others, and these competitors will then be matched up with others to form full teams. The most recent edition of this tournament, however, has concluded, and I would need to wait for the next edition to participate. I would also really need to commit to the tournament, but this is par for the course for any tournament regardless. It remains something to think about for next time.

No matter what happens, if I do participate in a Pokémon Unite tournament, it can be expected that I will cover it on this blog, as I've done for VGC tournaments in the past and PvP tournaments closer to the present. I consider all tournaments like these to be consummate experiences of Pokémon games, so there's a particular incentive for me to cover the ones I do participate in, and occasionally the biggest ones like the World Championships. The coverage for Pokémon Unite, though, will certainly have to be different, and much will be dictated by the structure of the tournament as well as what I do within its confines - but that's for when things happen.

Even with my current skill set in Pokémon Unite, I'm still quite interested in taking part in a tournament for it. The main problem of not having a team is one to be resolved in this case, although the solution might be expected to be "out of the box" in some way. Then again, Pokémon Unite has always been "out of the box" by its gameplay ever since it began to exist, and being in a tournament would honor that aspect - so too it would apply for going beyond the bounds of my normally "casual" play.

One year ago: All for Pokémon Communication

Two years ago: "To the Sea" with Pokémon

Three years ago: Some Pokémon Commercials

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/21/2018

Five years ago: Pokémon Brand Parodies

Pokémon Species Fan Collectives

Pokémon has its legions of fans around the world. They will invariably like the eponymous creatures as much as its varied aspects, in the games and beyond. The same would be true of the people who exist within the world; there would be fans of species with different aspects. Furthermore, they can also align themselves as part of "collectives" of fans who like those particular species. It becomes fascinating to try to cover some of those collectives and the species that they like.

Those who watch the anime will likely have been exposed to a few of these fans. One of them likes Shiny Pokémon, which is not only expected but also quite natural as every species has a form, invariably. Two others like species with blue coloration, and they were also demonstrated as eccentric fans; though blue is a natural color for Pokémon species, the two fans almost appear to be "unnatural" with their passion. The latter was also demonstrated to belong to a collective, and while the former wasn't, it would be expected that a collective can also exist. It becomes apparent that people in the Pokémon world also have their own preferences.

Meanwhile, in the real world, Pokémon fans have similar and dissimilar preferences. Some fans, who might just be in my various Pokémon groups, also like Shiny Pokémon, which as above is also expected as it is natural, and represents similar preferences. But then, there are those who like different things; a few years ago, I noticed some of my Pokémon Go fellows aligned in what was called an "Aggron Fan Club" that as one might discern is focused on this Pokémon species. As of now, this collective is practically defunct, but its memory still remains, and it's a very interesting one.

Speaking of fan clubs, it can't be forgotten that those who play the first games will recognize the Pokémon Fan Club in Vermilion City, which may be described as a general collective of sorts. This is likewise natural and expected as with those who like Shiny Pokémon above, as people may just have a general interest regardless. To that end, some of my Pokémon groups and others that I'm not in may also be considered as "general collectives", almost acting like the Pokémon Fan Club. This may be considered an example of the similarity of human nature even across worlds.

And that may be just what it comes down to. It's in the nature of every person to love and appreciate, whether real things or imagined things. It's also in the nature of everyone to associate, to group up with others who share similar interests and views. Pokémon and the eponymous creatures becomes just one of those bases of appreciation and association, which might be the same or different from one person to another. That should bode well for everyone (like me) who is a Pokémon fan.

One year ago: Battling Against Pokémon... and Algorithms

Two years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - Comic Dub Special

Three years ago: Cosplay: Akatsuki no Matsuri 2

Four years ago: Santorini and Sootopolis City

Five years ago: To Genwunners: Get with the Program!

Pokémon, Lucky Love in Teenage Heaven

Lucky love belongs in teenage heaven

I know, I know

'Cause I've been there with you tonight

Lucky love belongs in teenage heaven

I know, I know

'Cause I've been there with you tonight...

-- "Lucky Love", Ace of Base

Since I've discussed my Pokémon experiences with an AoB song every other year on this day, I thought I'd make it a threepeat this time around. Now, when Pokémon was introduced, it would be conceivable that some of its earliest fans at that time (myself included) were in their teens or were just entering that time of their lives. To be able to become attracted to Pokémon then seems like a lucky happenstance... and so it is with this song, describing it as a "teenage heaven".

As is the case with many of this group's songs and other similar ones, the love described in this song is romantic. The lyrics illustrate the kindling and rekindling that love may go through, especially for people who might just be in their teens and are starting to discover what love is with others of significance. After that, it just becomes a matter of rediscovering it as time passes and with what moments that time presents afterward.

Kindling and rekindling might also appropriately describe the feelings of attraction of any Pokémon fan - especially the ones I've described above - might have with each new Pokémon thing, story, adventure, and so on. The feeling emerges, dwindles, and then emerges again, and for those who are definitely attracted, whether at that original time or even any time past that, they might just consider themselves fortunate. And then, everything goes back to this song.

Of course, now those same Pokémon fans who were originally in their teens at the time of introduction have become grownups, as with perhaps those who had originally heard this song way back when and were also teens at that time. But then it seems that for those people, they never grow out of that teen spirit, and so it persists. And whether it's romance or Pokémon, that may just be or have been a match made in "teenage heaven".

One year ago: Breakthroughs Involving Pokémon

Two years ago: The Challenges of the Juvenile

Three years ago: Pokémon Movements in Pokémon Go

Four years ago: Being Young and Proud

Five years ago: PokéNumbers

On the Giving and Taking of Collections

For people who love to collect things, including but not limited to Pokémon things, the greatest threat to their collections may not be things that expand them, but the people who have their eyes on the things that make up the collections. If those people really have their heart set on them, and the collectors consent to bequeath (give) their things to them, then there is no problem. The problem comes when they are forced to transfer their things without consent - in other words, have them be taken away by those other people. It's a difficult matter for me to discuss, but it has become relevant and therefore necessary to do so.

Ultimately, this matter comes down to ethics. One simply does not remove things from rightful possessors - here, items from collectors - without their consent and for whatever reason, noble or malicious (heaven forbid). At best - and that's an understatement - it is simply and plainly rude; a friend and I arrived at this conclusion while discussing the matter. At worst, it is tantamount to theft, and everyone knows what to do in case of theft. It also doesn't help if there is a background "what's yours is mine, what's mine is yours" mentality, and the people of concern take this mentality too far and forget ethics along the way.

A different friend of mine had been involved in this situation, though it did not involve Pokémon things, but instead things that are related to certain "robots"; I won't say what they are - most Japanese pop culture fans should recognize them. In this case, my friend lost a few things due to relatives underestimating their prices and forcefully transferring them to another. That is a serious breach of trust, and should already be grounds for excommunication; not to mention, there is a certain invoked rudeness, which was part of the discussion with that other friend that led to that specific conclusion. The situation has passed, but it is certain that the pain lingers.

The main reason why I brought up this topic is that the situation has in fact happened to a friend with Pokémon things. In fact, it so happens to involve a Vulpix doll, which suffered more or less the same fate, though without the price aspect. It was for this reason that the friend chose me for the safekeeping of a recently purchased Squirtle doll, as well as what prompted me to purchase a Vulpix doll as a "replacement" - the same exact dolls that I exhibited just yesterday. It is apparent that the two circumstances above show that the situation can and does occur, regardless of fandom and even with similar circumstances.

Provided the reasons for legitimacy, a collector has the right to assert ownership over the things that one collects, and then shift that ownership by consent and amicably to another person if so desired. Breach this protocol, and it becomes ethically wrong, not to mention potentially criminal. This is something all collectors and friends of (or those who connect with) collectors should be aware of, whether they collect Pokémon things or other things. The threat seems to be always present in any case and in some form, and it is definitely something to be averted as collections inevitably grow ever larger.

One year ago: Keeping Pokémon Cities Weird

Two years ago: Starting with the End in Mind

Three years ago: October (on the) Road

Four years ago: The Moves Pokémon Know and Use

Five years ago: Second Remakes?

A New Set of Pokémon Dolls

Of all the things that Pokémon fans can collect, dolls are likely to be high on the list. They're nice to look at and fun to play with, and if one is a cosplayer like me, they fulfill (un)imaginable purposes. They're also something I haven't discussed in a long time, as I haven't dealt with them since a particular instance of obtaining one. Now, though, I've obtained not just one, but three Pokémon dolls - a set of them, which is a bit of an impressive feat as well as a prompted necessity, which will be explained soon enough.

The dolls that I've obtained this time are of Charmander, Squirtle, and Vulpix - the last of these (and practically all the species here) Kanto, obviously. Two of these are starter Pokémon, while the other one has a relatively niche popularity. All of these I received without packaging or indication of their brand, with the exception of Squirtle, which is definitively identified as part of the Pocket Monsters Mogu Mogu Time collection thanks to the paper tag that came along with it. Still, by the doll tags themselves and how I sourced one of them, the other two I've identified as official (original) Nintendo and therefore Pokémon merchandise, regardless of their other possible origins.

Yet to be honest, only two of these are definitively mine, being the Charmander and Vulpix dolls. I obtained the former with the help of a friend on a shopping platform which I don't have access to, but luckily my friend does; thanks to that, I'm able to make the identification. The doll is relatively cheap, but coupled with the shipping cost, which was as expensive as the doll, it did come out a bit pricey - it is also indicative of the origins of its purveyor, who is actually quite remote. The latter, meanwhile, was completely handled by another friend and I simply provided payment, but if it's anything like the former, the origins may be more or less the same, down to the shady particulars.

As for the Squirtle that isn't definitively mine, it belongs to yet a different friend, but the procurement may be said to be the same as the Vulpix, even down to who handled it. The reason that I've included it here is that friend of mine has entrusted the safekeeping of the doll to me due to certain concerns, which deserve to be discussed but not now. Long story short, the doll is practically mine for many intents and purposes, including the true intent of all of these dolls - also something to be discussed but when that time comes. Yet I am still responsible for it regardless, and that's fine; I will simply regard it as a precious collectible, as are the other dolls and my Pokémon collection in general.

Whether they are or aren't mine, I definitely enjoy having Pokémon dolls as part of my collection, even now with three (two plus one) additions. They take quite a bit of time and even funds to source and obtain, but they're still well worth it, given the indication that they are indeed official merchandise to a certain extent. That would still be definitive of a huge fan like me, as the effort to extend a collection as far as possible and to have it be rather purposive for all that one might want to do.

One year ago: My Qualms in Taking On Ranked Matches

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/17/2020

Three years ago: Wallpaper: Pokésoft Mix

Four years ago: The First Sinnoh Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Five years ago: Pokémon and Trains

Taking Raids to the Elite Level

Those who have opened Pokémon Go over the past day or so, particularly for a specific event, might have noticed strange raid boss eggs in certain Gyms that take a day to hatch, and then hatched today as raids with a Mythical and Legendary surprise. These new raids constitute something new for something a little old, as well as something beyond extraordinary - that is, "elite". Aptly, they're called Elite Raids, and they're the biggest and most intense things to happen yet to raids in Pokémon Go.

As it has become evident, the raids began life as raid boss eggs that became present in very specific Gyms over the course of the past day after the main part of Community Day ended, up to 24 hours after that. The raids then started the next day (today) at varying times, at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM. Though the time it took for the raid bosses to hatch was quite extensive, Trainers were only given a mere 30 minutes to take on the challenge and defeat the raid boss - of course, they can gather and should have already gathered parties over the course of that extended hatch time. Further, like recent raids that took place after the main part of Community Day, these raids are "Local" only, meaning that Trainers must be on the spot to raid, and remote passes may not be used.

Meanwhile, the raid boss of the day is (or was, at least in my local area) Hoopa in its Unbound form. For those who didn't obtain Hoopa during last year's Season of Mischief, today is the opportunity to do so, with the option to convert to the Confined form afterwards. Though they are stated to be Level 5 raids, they're more appropriate to be stated as Level 6 due to their toughness. This seems to be all the more true, given my experience with it - more to come shortly. The red "aura" and glowing clouds around the raid boss egg should have already been a clear and present indication that these raids are going to be more difficult than normal ones of similar metric.

Uniquely, there's something in common about all these raids: they are all situated in Gyms that are marked as EX Raid Gyms. It is known that since current conditions took effect, there have been no EX Raids of any kind (like the one I had four years ago - see below). Still, there have been more of these Gyms added since, including a few in my local area, and they await the return of proper EX Raids. These new Elite Raids may not really be considered as being that - they require no invitations and can be accessed by any on-the-spot Trainer - but it's still fascinating that they use the framework of these Gyms.

In my experience, these raids delivered on their quality, being "elite". I participated in one this morning with six Trainers and average counters, but it didn't work out; it was only when three more joined that things worked out. One would literally have needed to have all the proper counters (Bug in this case) including Mega Evolution and powered up as high as possible in order to reliably defeat this with fewer Trainers. It may be that the Trainers in one of my groups realized this, resulting in us backing out of an afternoon opportunity.

One final note: it was reported that by defeating Hoopa, the Legendary bird trio of Kanto would appear in the surrounding area depending on what time the raid was defeated (Articuno at 11 AM, Zapdos at 2 PM, Moltres at 5PM), as indicated by an on-screen timer. In my case, though, none seemed to appear, and of course there were not enough takers for everyone locally to verify - others may have (had) better luck.

While it is true that these new Elite Raids don't have the makings of a replacement for EX Raids, the fact that they peruse the system is still neat. Even so, Trainers will find these raids uncommonly challenging and will have to step up to the plate when the time comes (again) to battle in them. Those who can will likely certainly have proved their worth to be called "elite", just as these raids have proven to be as such in their state.

One year ago: Quickies: Real Interest in Pokémon Sweet Treats

Two years ago: Hunting for Rewards from the Go Battle League

Three years ago: Where I Want to Go

Four years ago: (Improving the) Local EX Raid, 10/16/2018

Five years ago: Trainer Fashion

Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/15/2022

Looking through past Community Day editions for the month of October, quite a few of them - including the first one - had not been too in line with a certain festivity that takes place in the month. Then again, those editions of concern were before festivities were formally recognized by way through Seasons, so there was no obligation for them to conform to anything. Of course, with Seasons, there is in a way such an obligation, and if an edition could, it might as well. That becomes true for this edition vis-a-vis last year's edition.

That said, the featured Pokémon of this edition is Litwick. It's another Pokémon from the fifth generation, this time a Ghost- and Fire-type that really suits the occasion of the month. Likewise, it evolves twice, first into Lampent and then into Chandelure; the final evolutionary stage also learns the exclusive move of Poltergeist, which is very powerful in all battle settings. Being that its Shiny form also debuts, it may be expected that Trainers will be quite interested in this edition, not to mention for the exclusive move and tripled XP for those below level 50.

Evolving from Lampent to Chandelure is not facilitated (made easier) by trading, but it does require the use of the Unova Stone, at least specifically to Pokémon Go. To that end, a Timed Research set rewarding 5 Unova Stones was implemented, similar in vein to previous editions of Electabuzz and Magmar with their Sinnoh Stones. The discounted trade and extra Special Trade bonuses are still present and still important in some ways, for those who wish to make use of them. Yet the Stones remain a pivotal part of this endeavor, as is Candy, helped by its doubled regular and increased XL bonuses.

As for other bonuses, they were the usual menagerie: extended Incense and Lure Modules, photo bombs, Lampent raid battles, stickers to mark the event, and paid Special Research. The last one of these is rather unique for this edition, not the least because of its title ("Field Notes: Trick of the Light"); that's because it features both Professor Willow and Rhi in guiding Trainers regarding the lore of this decidedly spooky species family. It's not the first time that the two have "co-hosted", and it certainly won't be the last.

Meanwhile, in the realm of local meetups, the location was once again changed to a different yet familiar place with shade for concerns of inclement weather, but this never materialized. Most of us still enjoyed the change of pace and eventually ventured away from the shade near the end of the main part of the event for capturing, raids, and more. It may be that the location might have to depend on our whim and/or the weather's whim, but as they say, a change is as good as a rest - feel free to take either.

Where we are (were) supposed to be...

...and where we went. (I have my Pikachu shirt.)

Now in October, things might still need to tie in to that certain festivity that defines a lot of things within this month, in Pokémon Go and beyond. But whether or not Community Day can align with that certain festivity, it is apparent that it needs to be enjoyed however and regardless. Especially now, Community Day has regained a life of its own with local meetups all over the world; that should light a fire in the hearts of all Trainers just like Litwick and its species family burn bright as the soul.

One year ago: Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: Expanding the Collection

Two years ago: Strange Eggs, and Getting Estranged with Eggs

Three years ago: Rekindling Old Games

Four years ago: Ultra Ball Hanging Ornament

Five years ago: Cosplay: MAXcited

The Evolution Cup of GBL

Since I've collated some of the newest happenings in PvP in the GBL from last month, I thought that I shouldn't let the next few ones get collated. Fortunately, I have (or had) stumbled on a fascinating one, and that definitely deserves to be covered. As part of last week's events - which will be covered in due time - a special format of the GBL was put in place. It, along with the event, paid honors to Pokémon that can evolve, and so the Evolution Cup took form.

For this format, which has a Great League basis, Pokémon species that are an evolution from another species and can still evolve to yet another species are fair game. In other words, they must be second in their evolutionary sequence and must be followed by a third. Since Legendary Pokémon don't evolve - except for those which form an important chain that will be apparent this season in Pokémon Go - they effectively have no place by the restriction above; the same is true of Mythical Pokémon, especially as the Meltan family as the only evolutionary sequence has only two members. No other restrictions are present aside from the main, simple one.

The main contender in these evolution festivities is Vigoroth, particularly when it has the Fast Move of Counter, which is tried and true. Moving down the line, there are a couple of Ghost-type Pokémon (Haunter and Dusclops), a couple of Dragon-type Pokémon (Dragonair and Hakamo-o), and a few oddities (Charjabug, Sealeo, and Golbat). Many teams will likely feature Vigoroth in tandem with two others from the list; in particular, the two Ghost types form a quite capable complement not only to back up Vigoroth but also to fend off others of their own kind. But then, there are still threats like Rock and Steel types that others may bring to spice things up.

In fact, that may be the least of the problems. According to notes from a PvP fellow of mine, the ubiquity of Vigoroth is indeed one problem, but so is one Pokémon "under the radar": Chansey. In the hands of a very capable Trainer, the pink egg blob may cause annoyances by taking command of the battle. Meanwhile, Dusclops is also potentially powerful and troublesome if it happens to be of the Shadow variant, which some Trainers may just possess. Rounding out the problems list is Sealeo, which does have potential to outpace others but does get outpaced by the three others above. Things seem to have to be considered in and out for this format.

Although the event (as well as the special format) has ended its run - for now, just in case it returns in the not-so-near future - the format is still fascinating to highlight. It is neat how a simple restriction on species that may be brought into battle has far-reaching consequences for what can actually be brought and what will succeed, as well as the difficulties and complications that result from that. That's definitely something not to keep under wraps, but to be shared and be known.

One year ago: A Pokémon Best Friend Dream

Two years ago: Workouts, Exercise, and Fitness with Pokémon

Three years ago: Community vs. Central Management

Four years ago: Cosplay: Akatsuki no Matsuri

Five years ago: Never Stop Exploring

Pokémon Café Remix Burnout?

As much as I enjoy the addiction of playing Pokémon Café Remix, lately though, I have to be critical as well - which is why I'm bringing it up just after my previous discussion. Specifically, I'm feeling a certain feeling that I've only experienced for Pokémon Go (on two previous occasions) but not for any other game until now. That feeling is one of "burnout", becoming bored or tired of playing. It also doesn't help that things had become rather burdensome, which will soon become evident. And that seems to have cut through my enjoyment of playing the game.

The burdensome part is that there have been some events that demand a lot of resources, both physical and mental. Around the past week or so, there was a One-Minute Cooking event, and now there is another one... which is technically a repeat of the one before the last. Since these are based on action, it's easy to see how these can be(come) demanding. Then, last week, there was yet another one of those "appreciation" events that demanded the spending of Golden Acorns - and a lot of them this time; I basically would have needed to drain my stash to complete the event, and that's even if I could, as the opportunities for me to spend them have become scarce unless I spend more time. All of these happened or are happening simultaneously or sequentially, creating a burden that makes me feel "burnt out".

It might seem that others have realized or felt the same burden, even way before current events. It's no wonder that I've seen people on my team who are approaching their 30-day inactivity period on my team and at this point have likely been booted out after surpassing that. Even team events can be a burden, particularly if only a few members actively participate - the presence of a full team (30 people) is not a guarantee of the situation that most if not all will participate in a team event. In fact, in the last team event, not everyone on my team participated and not every reward was earned as a result, likely because others are "burned out" as well. If this keeps up, I may very well need to change teams soon before that further contributes to the burnout.

Others might notice that I've never had this feeling with its predecessor Pokémon Shuffle, even today in what might be regarded as its "sunset" period. A lot of that may be due to the fundamental difference in their "life" structures (30-minute Hearts vs. 15-minute Stamina), the latter being twice as useful but also twice as demanding. And it seems to have been the case; for all kinds of events, including the ones mentioned as above, the rewards are numerous and extensive, but so is the effort needed to be put into them - and quickly - to gain most if not all the rewards. Whereas, I can spend just a bit of time each time I play Shuffle, and even though I spend just bits of time, everything adds up eventually with relatively less time and effort pressure. It's something to consider.

While I'm still feeling addicted to Café Remix in general and will continue to play it (as with Pokémon Go above), I can't help but also feel burned out to an extent at the very moment with recent happenings. It is also apparent that the situation might be the same for a number of others, who most likely have ceased playing earlier due to feeling what I feel now, and thus I sympathize with them. On the whole, Café Remix has been designed well, but the current execution does leave something to be desired. This has to be improved in order to avoid potential "burnouts" for me and others.

One year ago: Tournament: Raid Group "Relaxed" Lunar Cup

Two years ago: The Day-Night Cycle and Pokémon Games

Three years ago: Cosplay: KAI ESports Exhibition

Four years ago: Pokémon and Adventure Games

Five years ago: Respect for Ikue Ootani

Pokémon Café Remix Personal Feature Wishlist

It's only been a few months since I've played (and gotten addicted to) Pokémon Café Remix, and I think it's a great game. The amount of progress that I've been able to make is astounding even with the features that are available. Even so, I would say that a few feature additions could be put in to make the game much better. With that, I've decided to make my own "feature wishlist" for it in line with other games for which I've made the same.

One important one for the current time regards the recent spate of One-Minute Cooking events. I desire that in those events, the "move link number" display, which shows the number of Pokémon linked in a move, be moved to a different place, preferably where it doesn't cover the play field. The reason is that as it is, the display often covers up something vital that needs to be cleared - in particular, "bubble" obstacles often make their way under the display, causing them to often be missed. Sometimes, I've had to take (and lose) valuable time to search for them, only to find it there; in addition, it could also be hard to reach, based on experience. Moving the display in this case ought to rectify all the problems.

The next matter covers the in-game Pokémon list. In it, some Pokémon are sometimes shown with an "attention sign", indicating that they have received new outfits and/or can gain new abilities through items called "kitchen notes". Yet, these are sometimes hard to find and go through in the list, even after filtering it. Therefore, I suggest that a new filter be added to the list feature to be able to show Pokémon with the attention sign. This should be very helpful for those who forget to check for their new outfits or additional skills by kitchen notes, even though some decision-making might still be required to remove the attention sign after resolving either.

Something that's clear is that Café Remix has been around for quite some time now, which means that many Pokémon have been introduced before that I and others who only (re)started playing recently haven't gotten. While it's rather spoilery, it may also be equally helpful to be able to see which ones have, in fact, made it in the form of a "dex list" so that the relevant events can be pursued in order to obtain them. For example, at this point I know I've missed Garchomp because someone on my team has Garchomp, but I don't know the extent of the others that I've missed. Sooner or later, it may have to be necessary anyway, and for that purpose, I want in regardless.

As with the other Pokémon games that I've made personal feature wishlists for, I feel that everything in the games have been great, at least for me personally, but there have been some rough edges. The features on the wishlist are considerations to be able to smoothen those rough edges, and with this being a food-themed game, to be able to prepare the best quality food and beverages for the current time and more Pokémon customers.

One year ago: Thrills and Spills in Quick Unite Battles

Two years ago: The Deprecation of HMs

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/12/2019

Four years ago: Finding and Re-Finding Players

Five years ago: The (De Facto) Series Mascot

Pokémon Airlines in Its World?

As noted in a previous post, Ash and Goh in the Pokémon anime have been spotted in their usage of airplanes to get to places in the Pokémon world beyond their base of Vermilion City. Where there are passenger planes, there are sure to be airlines that carry those passengers, not the least of which are the duo above. As such, it makes for something interesting to touch on. While there isn't much to go on regarding the matter beyond the bare evidence above, at least a few things may still be discerned.

One of those things is the name and namesake of those airlines, for which they assuredly have to have them. If the world of Pokémon is as big (as real life) as it is to be believed, then there would be airlines that are representative of the regions, likely the major(ly) continental regions like Kanto and Unova. They're the ones that would make the services to insular or remote regions like Hoenn and Alola, though there could still be the possibility of lesser airlines in those regions just for the local area.

In at least one episode, Ash and Goh were spotted traveling on a "wide-body" airplane, meaning that it has two aisles. This is a hallmark of airlines that operate long-distance flights (the example being to the Galar region) as per the above. Lesser airlines and flights would then still operate single aisle flights for their limited capacity and convenience. This too becomes further affirmation that the Pokémon world aligns closely with its real life counterpart, with travel expectations also being the case.

The goal of airplanes is to carry people to great distances, and the goal of airlines is to operate them to realize such services. That is a necessity in the real world whose places are often located great distances away, and that may be considered the case for the Pokémon world as well, as it mirrors that of real life and has become evident with the adventures of a couple of its characters. Then, it's not hard to expect that the airlines (and their planes) work the same way as well in bringing people and places closer together.

One year ago: Lunar Mysteries of the New Season

Two years ago: Making (Personal) Breakthroughs in the Go Battle League

Three years ago: Shuffle Secrets

Four years ago: Pokémon Game Journals

Five years ago: All That He Wants... (Is Another Victory)

Pokémon Mascots for Existing Sports Teams

The convention the other day that was turned in part into a donation/fundraiser as well as emotional support for a recent incident was important, as the mascot of the convention represents a depiction of that of a local sports team to which the incident is related. Ash described it as "Pyroar", as the mascot is indeed a lion, which I've touched on once. That gets me thinking about sports teams having their own Pokémon mascots, in addition to and representing ones they already adopt, in the same way as world regions may be represented with their own Pokémon.

My local sports team is for the sport of soccer, and as many people can attest, the sport has its legions of fans for different teams. Many teams do have mascots, though they are less well-known relative to fans as well as other sports. A certain soccer team in the U.K., also similar to the one for my team, also has a representative lion mascot - two in fact, quite similar to how Pyroar itself has forms for each gender. A big rival of it, meanwhile, may be characterized as owning capital on Darkrai. These should be already very identifiable.

I have spent time in the U.S. in one particular place, and that place has its own share of well-known and prestigious sports teams. One of them is from the sport of ice hockey, and the Pokémon mascot of this team would be a Shiny Abomasnow, whose colors are identifiable for the team, especially with the addition of something red. Another is from (gridiron) football, and in this case, the mascot is a Mudsdale, as horses are rather identifiable for the team and its location, making them rather fitting.

While not being teams per se, certain energy drinks do support a dazzling array of sports figures and/or athletes, making them their "team" in a way. A particularly identifiable example for this is a drink that ought to have adopted Tauros as its specific mascot, given the omnipresence of its associated athletes. Its competitor, meanwhile, ought to have adopted either Tyranitar or Haxorus, which are representative of its freaky creature spirit. It may be hard to tell whether they need Pokémon mascots, but these should be just fine.

Sports teams (or maybe even "conglomerations" as in the last case above) often have or need mascots to make them more friendly to some people. Pokémon is already very friendly to many people, and so it would seem that the two could go hand in hand, with a specific Pokémon species as a mascot for a team. At least, when times are dreary like this for my local team, it could also be a form of lighthearted and of course amicable support.

One year ago: The Music of Unite

Two years ago: How Simple Is Pokémon Really?

Three years ago: Illusions of Success?

Four years ago: People-Adventure or Pokémon-Adventure?

Five years ago: Kanto Starter Keychains

Cosplay: Utsuru (for KJR)

Me: OK, this time, I want to approach things very differently, even though the title of this event - actually convention - should be familiar to you, Ash. Also, let's keep things down a bit.

Goh: Hmm? What's the reason?

Me: I'll explain that later, actually, after Ash gives details on what happened there.

Ash: This one hasn't shown up for a long time. What do you want me to do?

Me: Well, of course I want you to attend - and take part in the character parade. But this one starts very early, much earlier than you're used to.

Ash: So I came as you told me, and everything looked normal, but many people wore black, and there were Pyroar images in many places...

Pikachu: Pi, pi pi pika... ["Yes, lots of black..."]

Goh: Oh, something must have happened.

Me: Yes. Yes, it did. More on that soon. Anyhow, I realized that the last time I sent you here was four years ago, since I technically sent someone else three years ago. But I'm sure you will recognize many people even after times have changed.

Ash: Yeah. It's like everyone's here again. I'm glad to link you up like always.

Goh: I wasn't around back then. How's it like?

Ash: There's a lot of communities, and everyone's here for them.

Goh: And you, and other characters.

Me: Of course, since I'm responsible for sending Ash. This convention always has some kind of entertainment, and I'm sure you saw them.

Ash: I did, but it was kind of... simple? There were just a few dance cover groups and a guitar group that you know.

Goh: I'd like to have seen that guitar group.

Ash: You should. They play the guitar in a neat way.

Goh: It must be unique to have a music group of only guitars.

Ash: That's true. Oh yeah, there were no bands.

Goh: No bands? They really kept it simple.

Me: OK, so the entertainment being simple is relevant as well. And then there's the main thing for us, the character parade. How'd it go?

Ash: So, you had me with the special journey outfit. You wanted me to do something before I performed, and I did that. I also think it was good.

Goh: But was it good enough for the judges?

Ash: Not this time. Not with more than 40 characters and only 5 winners.

Pikachu: Pikachu. ["Didn't work."]

Me: That's OK. The odds were not with us. Anything else we should know?

Ash: Everything ended early, in the evening.

Goh: So an early start, and an early finish.

Me: At least you got back to me unscathed... mostly unscathed, at the least, with these rains.

Goh: OK, so tell us. What's with everything?

Ash: We'd like to know.

Pikachu: Pi-ka. ["Me too."]

Me: So, the reason for what you saw is that not far from here, hundreds of people died or got hurt in a nasty incident a week ago. That's why this convention changed its subtitle, which I've abbreviated with the place where the incident happened. Pyroar is an identifier for this.

Goh: That's really terrible.

Me: What's more terrible is that the convention happened to coincide with 7-day mourning even though it was planned well before, so the organizers had to change the theme and the content so the convention can go on.

Ash: That's why there were no bands - and now I understand what you told me to do. It's to pay respect to the victims. But the communities weren't different. Also, this reminds me of that one time you sent me to an event which was almost affected by some outside happenings.

Me: Exactly. From what you reported, it seems just as well. But I'm told they had to work with no extremely loud sounds, and of course the early start and early finish, plus wearing black and setting up donations.

Ash: That reminds me. I put in a small donation to help the victims. 

Me: That's good. Every little bit counts for them.

Goh: It's a shame the original plan for the convention couldn't get through. 

Me: Yes, and no. I've been told that they will attempt the original plan again later on.

Ash: I heard that too.

Me: You know, I'm told the organizer had two choices: reorganize the event, or reschedule (delay) it for another date. It seems that they didn't pick one or the other - they picked both instead.

Goh: I was just about to say that. That is a real class act of them. By doing both, they leave neither hanging. The ones being organized are OK, and so are the people to be.

Me: I like that. The people can enjoy the current plan, and then the original plan. That needs serious commendation. For now at least, it seems that we might just have our fill of events and conventions again, even if things aren't quite stable yet.

Ash: That's true. But we can always try. I found a saying at the convention: if you fall seven times, you get up eight times.

Goh: And things can and have to get better. Once I heard that tough times pass, but tough people (like us) survive.

Ash: I found that saying too. Looks like everyone thinks the same way.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Very similar."]

Me: We'd like to express our condolences to the victims and our hope for a bright future ahead.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/9/2021

Two years ago: On the Buying and Selling of Gameplay Elements

Three years ago: Hunting for Physical References

Four years ago: What Pokémon Eat

Five years ago: Pokémon Jigsaw Puzzle