The Peak of Light

Finally, there is the end of this brilliant Pokémon Go season, the Season of Light. It was all about the sun, the moon, and the stars - the heavenly objects that provide a brilliant shine - and what may be the aftereffect of that shine, as the shadowy murkiness that comes with it. That has been evident with all the events that Pokémon Go has had over the course of this season, each one delivering brightness and darkness in turn. Yet as I've suggested at the beginning of this season, brilliance and murkiness may make itself evident in other Pokémon affairs and in different ways, and it did.

The most brilliant thing for Pokémon aside from the Pokémon Go season is the Scarlet and Violet games, which in many ways have shown themselves to be a great step forward, though in some other ways, they too have shown some of the murkiness that follows their development - more on the latter may come later. Regardless, they have furthered the continued expansion of the world of Pokémon, and some of their brilliance has to be shared with other Pokémon games, at least in due time. 

Yet, light and shade following each other may be described as "usual business", playing on what I had addressed earlier in this month's Pokémon Go event rollup, and this even applies to beyond Pokémon Go. Theia Sky Ruins in Pokémon Unite, for example, while already "bright", had to deal with some changes to make it even "brighter". This, along with what had become true for Pokémon Go events and a certain adage, is rather indicative that the two are persistent, and the key is to deal with their interplays.

As a final remark on brightness and darkness, a certain place that some people call "the emerald of the tropics" is on the way to receiving its brightest "enlightenment" with Pokémon yet, after what seems to be years of "being kept in the dark" about it. Everything Pokémon (or mostly everything), including Pokémon Go with something official for it starting today, will be part of this "light" that comes rather timely.

In the next season, as a teaser, certain "lights" in the sky may just indicate the way going forward. Aspirations are surely to be fulfilled in some manner, and they might just unveil some of the most fabled forms of Pokémon existence - ones that some may have looked forward to. Before "shedding light" on that, it may be comforting to bask in the last bit of light at this high point as the season transitions.

One year ago: The Peak of Mischief

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 7

Three years ago: Cosplay: UC Bunkasai

Four years ago: Local EX Raid (and Rain, Again), 11/30/2018

Five years ago: Feature Film 20 - "Pokémon The Movie - I Choose You!"

The State of Nominations, Part 19

Meanwhile, as usual after two months, there is the chronicle of my efforts in that time to expand the overworld of Pokémon Go by putting in my PokéStop contributions. This series of posts has gone on for a long time, almost as far back as my history of making them, and while the efforts may be described as tangential to what Pokémon Go involves, I would also describe them as "integrated" because it happens while I play, and it will and does affect what happens in the future. For now, the present is what matters.

Starting out with the numbers on Niantic Wayfarer, I've had the chance to make only one nomination recently; even so, In Queue nominations have decreased by 3 to 18. In Voting nominations have also decreased by 4 to 12 as well, indicating that the nominations are indeed progressing. Fortunately, I've had 4 more of them accepted to total 72; unfortunately, I've also had 3 of them not accepted, making the number 64. Duplicate nominations are also still at 11; this should remain the case unless something unusual happens. To date, I also had to Appeal 4 nominations, and this last matter presents a unique challenge for the present.

The challenge is that I seem to have encountered further limits. The four appealed nominations are all that I've been able to appeal, and none have been resolved thus far. As a result, I've had to let rejected nominations stay as such - though I could always make a new nomination (effectively a renomination) to use up one of my many possible slots instead. Another limit is that there is an apparent certain distance at which point I'm unable to make a nomination, and yet I've found one that is just somewhat out of town. For this nomination, I may have to make it the old way, at or near the spot.

As for my own counts, I have 28 active nominations, 2 renominations, and the 4 appeals as above; the "limbo" status of appeals have forced me to keep track of them separately. The 72 approvals are a given, while the 31 rejected nominations are as usual kept track independently from Wayfarer's practice. For superseded nominations, I gained 1, bringing the total to 17. This last bit was because someone else nominated the same place I nominated, and this was accepted instead. It's bittersweet, but it's at least a PokéStop now, and this represents how my tracking practices differ from Wayfarer and continues to deserve a separate mention.

Because of the (current) two-month gap between each update, the very next update will of course be in January of next year, and judging from what happened since then, there's still some significance to be had. Yet what has to be the greatest significance is still the cause (to increase the number of PokéStops) and the effect (allowing more freedom to play, not just for me but other Trainers as well). That has to apply well to both the present and the future, for which Pokémon (Go) is always concerned with.

One year ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Sparkling Steps

Two years ago: The Catch Cup of GBL

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/29/2019

Four years ago: Multiple Pathways to Evolution?

Five years ago: The Words of a Pikachu

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2022

And... the Pokémon Go event rollup continues to take place on this very date (see past years below). But that's fine, since November may be considered a setup for some usual things to occur - one of which is the end of the Pokémon Go season, which will be discussed in due time. For now, there is the run of events this month, which is part of that setup of usual things. Aside from usualness, something that might describe the events this month are their "bursts", whether in content or duration. They're also fascinating to look into.

First up, there was the post-Halloween festivity of the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), which took place on November 1 and 2, a short burst to start the month. New to this edition are cempasúchil (orange flower crown) costumed members of the Duskull species family, which might be found through typical channels (wild, with Incense or Lure Modules, Field Research tasks, and raids). Along with them, there was an assortment of ghastly and festive Pokémon found in the same ways. Rounding out the bonuses were slightly extended Incense and Lure Modules, doubled capture Candy, a Collection Challenge, and a new Trainer fashion item. Though Trainers in Latin America experienced the event more festively, it was still sufficiently festive for everyone around the world.

Closer to the middle of the month from November 9 to 17, there was the Greedy Gluttons event. Here, all the Pokémon were those that can eat or put away food in unbelievable amounts, including the Ultra Beast of Guzzlord, for which the event becomes its debut. Those eating or putting-food-away Pokémon in all the usual channels (wild, Eggs, Field Research tasks, and raids), the second of which also included the debut of Shiny Munchlax. Timed Research also provided an assortment of Berries with a side of Snorlax, and those who used the app hatching widget got three Eggs halved in hatch distance. All told, it was a festival of eating with all the Pokémon concerned.

Yet, Trainers had to "eat and run", as Team Go Rocket conducted a takeover that was concurrent from November 14 to 17. They had a number of new Shadow Pokémon that could be used to threaten the Ultra Beasts, and thus the associated Special Research was titled "Ultra Beast Protection Efforts". Fortunately, it just becomes another edition of Shadow Mewtwo, so there was less of a concern. New this time around was the possibility of hatching a Shiny Pawniard from 12 km (Strange) Eggs and Field Research tasks rewarding Mysterious Components, while as usual, its members appeared more frequently and Frustration can be forgotten. And so it was that the running to counter Team Go Rocket occurred.

In order to really counter the Ultra Beasts, that became the role of the Astral Eclipse event from November 23 to 28 (today). Solgaleo or Lunala, with the choice to be made by Trainers, became obtainable as an evolution from Cosmoem, continuing the Special Research storyline for this season. In the wild and raids, there were Pokémon related to the sun, moon, and stars, and in all directions. Some Field Research tasks had Staryu as a reward, two Collection Challenges were active that furnished Stardust rewards, and new Trainer fashion items inspired by Solgaleo and Lunala became available. Trainers had to make use of them to prepare for the coming of the Ultra Beasts...

...which occurred on November 27 as the Ultra Beast Invasion, more appropriately called the "Ultra Beast Raid Day". The first seven Ultra Beasts - some appearing globally and others in certain regions - took over Gyms in two three-hour periods from 11 AM to 5 PM. Any and all of them can be raided, but it is certain that they need to be raided to complete a Timed Research set that contains all of them for those who haven't gotten them. Thanks to referrals by Trainers, a free Lure Module became available and Beast Balls could be used to capture them. Meanwhile, more free raid passes became available as is proper for a Raid Day, while the raids themselves gave out more XP, greater chances for Rare Candy XL, and brief appearances of more wild Pokémon. In all, the day was Ultra in every way possible.

Considering all of the above, the "bursts" of the events were phenomenal and defined them this month, from dramatic longer-period ones to explosive short-period others. Even with some of them having their usual framework - from past years to previous editions - it also cannot be denied that there was something beyond usual about them. Fortunately, the continuance of usual business with these events means the continuance of usual Pokémon Go business, especially as this season wraps up and next season begins to present itself.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2021

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2020

Three years ago: Keeping Gratitude in Mind

Four years ago: Sinnoh Stone: Agglomerating Evolution

Five years ago: Journeys and Adventures

Pokémon Loot from ChibiCon

It's been a week since a great convention - the first local attempt of such kind - took place. As Ash and I reported, I got some great things out of that convention, and they're necessarily Pokémon things as what I like and what I cover on this blog. This time, I got a variety of them, so I thought I'd collate them, much like an earlier convention loot post. And that should be the case anyway, since quite a few of these don't deserve long-winded explanations, which means it also makes sense to do that. That said, the current "loot" is quite fascinating.

The first and biggest item that I got is this "Creation Trio" poster. It also fits well with the theme of the event, with it being a "creators' market"; consequently, the word "creators" is emblazoned up top in Unown characters. The "Creation Trio" is certainly Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, and in this poster, they are depicted in a stone fragment, with Giratina in the center. Here also, they are all in their Origin Form, for which the first two are recently known thanks to the Hisui region, and the last has been known almost for as long as the Sinnoh region is known. Stylistically, the choice to depict them all in a stone fragment is appropriate and nicely executed. In obtaining this, I also obtained a knockoff TCG card from the same booth, which is quite evident from the font choices. The people who managed this booth, which happened to be for all kinds of Pokémon goodies, do have quite the penchant for design.

Next, like last time, there are a variety of stickers. These were gotten from two different booths, and uniquely, I obtained a piece of the present of Pokémon with them, as the ninth-generation starters. The four on the left came from the same booth as the poster, and the Pokémon I selected were Pikachu (something old), Fuecoco (something new), Rowlet (something "borrowed", from the Alola region), and Oshawott (something blue). As for the five on the right, three are obviously the entire Gastly species family with Haunter and Gengar; I intended to obtain Fuecoco just to make things even out, but the people in the booth gave me Quaxly as an extra bonus. Regardless, these stickers are quite expressive, even with the comic style on the left and the impressionist style on the right.

One last item that I got is this Slowpoke cookie. Actually, this is not so much a "loot" but a "gift" by one of the booths, quite possibly to thank my cosplay "patronage". Not only that, it's fragile, perishable, and consumable, so I had to take a picture of this almost immediately and keep its memory fresh after consumption and before I review it. This is a shortbread-type cookie with an icing on top, with the latter obviously in the different colors of a Slowpoke; the shortbread is dry and crumbly while the icing is sweet, but both are quite pleasant. Customarily, I also ate the tail first, which is reputed to be the part of a Slowpoke that some people seek. I would happily buy more of these cookies and consume them if I could.

Any convention I go to would be expected to have some sort of custom Pokémon goodies, but for this convention in the style of a "creators' market", it becomes almost a necessity. Thankfully, the booths I visited were in no short supply of them, and all of them did a great job in furnishing the goodies with remarkable designs. I'm only happy to take up as much as I can to serve as the "loot" from this convention.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 13

Two years ago: Go Onwards to Home

Three years ago: Herding the Last: Wooloo Sticker

Four years ago: Poké-Pareidolia

Five years ago: The Pacing of Types

Cosplay: Loading Costume Party

Me: Sometimes the opportunity to send Ash comes at the strangest and (in)opportune times.

Goh: This does seem like it's sudden but interesting. I wonder how you caught wind of this event. 

Me: Well, I have my sources. But yeah, I'm up for it if Ash is up for it.

Ash: I'm up for it, sure!

Pikachu: Pi pika pika... ["I'll tag along..."]

Ash: Pikachu is interested too.

Me: OK, that settles it. Now, I heard that the setting for this one is not very typical. It's being held in-

Ash: A club! It reminds me of that one time.

Goh: Well, that is an unusual place for characters to gather.

Me: Hey, you know, at least this one doesn't take place late at night and into the morning - it's just for the afternoon and the evening, according to the schedule I got.

Ash: Phew! Good to know. So I guess you want me in the character parade.

Me: Of course.

Ash: I got in! Thanks.

Goh: It says here that there is a singing competition - did you get in that one too?

Ash: They said they couldn't take any more people.

Pikachu: Pika, pika chu. ["It was full."]

Me: I guess I'm to blame for this one. I just heard of the singing competition today, and if I heard about it sooner, I'd sign you up ahead of time.

Ash: That's OK - maybe next time. Maybe you're not feeling it anyway?

Me: Maybe so. So, according to the schedule, there's a certain group that takes up a lot of it. What can you tell me about that?

Ash: It seems to be a pop dance group. I guess it's just fine for me.

Me: They should have been entertaining for some people, but I guess if it works, it works.

Ash: I heard the singers in the competition, and some of them maybe... could use some help?

Me: I wish we could help them.

Goh: You could try that... with Ash, in the next competition?

Me: I guess we really need to sign up next time. Oh yes, this event is actually held by a group of people that I have an up and down relationship with, but that shouldn't matter.

Ash: No, it never did! Don't worry about it.

Goh: It sounds like you have a long history with them.

Me: And one part of that is here.

Goh: Like Ash said, don't worry about it. That was then, this is now.

Me: Yeah. You should have found their content amusing, though.

Ash: I did! I didn't mind.

Me: OK. So, after all that, there was the character parade. How was that?

Ash: I did just great! You sent me with the same outfit as you did to the convention - the new version of my new Kanto outfit - and I understand that's to make up for that.

Me: In a way, yes. But also because it was convenient for us both.

Ash: That's fine! I wouldn't want to trouble you.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Just fine!"]

Me: Anyway, what about the results?

Ash: Five characters won! But I wasn't one of them...

Goh: And this was out of...

Ash: Around 40.

Goh: Tough competition, I guess. 

Me: I wouldn't disagree. But you still had a good time, so that's what matters.

Ash: Yeah, I did! Maybe next time we can get something when it's not a strange time and it fits for us.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["When it works."]

Goh: When you put it that way, it can come at any time.

Me: You never know what just might happen.

One year ago: The Joys and Sorrows of "Stealing the Lords"

Two years ago: Simply, Thanks

Three years ago: Going Deeper into Team GO Rocket

Four years ago: Individual Appearance Variations Among Pokémon Species

Five years ago: Popularity

Rise Up and Move Together

Well, since I've covered it in past years (see mostly below and here), I might as well cover it again, certainly with Pokémon in tow. Today is the anniversary of that local TV channel, and as usual, it has a tagline to suit; this year's tagline is "Rise Up and Move Together", as evident by the title of this post. It may have something to do with the results of a gathering of leaders that recently happened, or it might have something to do with recovery from the past few years - or even both. Whatever the rationale for it, I support that - but I also support having Pokémon views along with that.

For this discussion, it may be helpful to subdivide the tagline into three parts. The past few years have been a downer for everyone, including Pokémon, but people can only stay down for so long; at some point, it becomes necessary to "rise up", and now couldn't be a better time, especially with Pokémon. The World Championships have resumed and are gearing up for the run-up to the next year, the next members of the main series games have been released, and other new games are serving the needs of every player (Trainer). They're all a step up above "down" times, and they're certainly something to reach for today.

Then there's the "move" part. It is certain that at the present, there are still a few obstacles ahead even outside of the above efforts, but they just have to be dealt with in undertaking those efforts - in essence, "moving" through them. Even in those efforts, there may be roadblocks, dead ends, and/or wrong turns - say, losses, things that don't go right, and off strategies - but the only thing that anyone can do is to "move" through and even past them. Interestingly and most importantly, this ought to apply for both those who enjoy Pokémon and those who furnish it, as recent findings may have indicated. More on this will come soon, but it's clear that to "move" is necessary anyhow.

As for the "together" part, that has been explained in spades in last year's tagline and "treatise". What seems to be even more important presently is that the aspect has to apply to the other two above simultaneously - in other words, yes, "together". As is often demonstrated in Pokémon Unite, two Trainers that can link their mentalities can just be able to overcome those of the opponent, an instance of "rising up and moving". Of course, many Pokémon battles involve instances of one-on-one battles, so it can almost be assured that their goals will become divergent after battling; yet in either case, the "rising up and moving on" may just have parallels somehow.

It's been a rough few years for everyone of concern, but even after all that, people still (ought to) have something to strive for. The anniversary tagline of the local TV channel seems to fit into this nicely, to provide encouragement for anyone looking to get back on track. Moreover, it also seems to fit nicely for the spirited world of Pokémon and its fans, both of which were not spared from some of the effects. At least, it is comforting to know that in general, there has to be a way to get back up and proceed again through life in sync with others.

One year ago: Togetherness Brings Meaning

Two years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: 25, Anniversaries, and More

Three years ago: Spreading Inspiration

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/25/2018

Five years ago: Late Launch Party... Minus the Party

Chow On, and Thank You

For those who can't seem to keep up with special days, let me make a bit of a reminder: today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., a special day indeed for those celebrating. It's something that doesn't have much to do with Pokémon (apart from a particular celebratory instance), but as with past years - like last year and all posts of the past years referred then - I've always found ways of relating the special day to Pokémon. Now, the special day has always had its relations to food (it started out as a harvest festival, after all), so it becomes a fine topic to discuss on this day, along with the thankful spirit. In fact, it may be in the interest to be thankful for how Pokémon and food relations have developed.

With early Pokémon games, there wasn't much, if anything, to speak of regarding food and Pokémon. At least, food was understood to be there, but there wasn't anything special to really touch on. In subsequent games, though, there were more references to treats that both Pokémon and people can enjoy, like the Castelia Cone and the Malasada, the latter even directly taken from an actual regional treat. Now there is even a Pokémon game that is partly dedicated to food because of its theme: Café Remix deals with an eatery, and true to its spirit, it has food and even drinks galore for its customers to enjoy. Meanwhile, in the real world, there are now real Pokémon café installations where people can enjoy actual food with a Pokémon theme. With all of that, one can only feel thankful that food has made inroads into Pokémon.

Meanwhile, the actual (modern) celebration for Thanksgiving has its usual assortment of food, which nowadays might be harder to procure than in past years. But if that happens to be possible, it suffices to say that there is no other proper reaction than to be thankful. Though that harvest festival may have involved thankfulness in many other and different senses, being able to have food at all has to be a genuine expression of thankfulness. So too should be having Pokémon in all its different guises, including but not limited to the games. Of course, if it can and does involve food, then that seems to be a perfectly fine bonus.

A lot of things have changed in the past few years that it might sometimes seem hard to put food on the table or even get in a little leisure in the form of something related to Pokémon. Yet in either case, the matter isn't impossible, though it would be likely more difficult in some ways. It's when the matter is possible that gratitude is deserved for how that takes place, as the food sustains the body and Pokémon sustains at least a part of the mind. And as with past years, that hardly needs a special day to be reminded of... though today's really helps.

Keep on chowing down to survive, and Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating.

One year ago: Challenging New(ly Returning) PvP Happenings

Two years ago: Contemplating Abilities (or Their Absence)

Three years ago: Cosplay: CHoCoDays 2019

Four years ago: Cosplay: Art and Culture Exhibition 2018

Five years ago: Catching Them All

The Willpower Cup of GBL

This is kind of late, but it's fascinating to discuss nonetheless. Some weeks ago, GBL in Pokémon Go instituted another new format, but for those in the know about PvP in Pokémon Go and in particular its community aspect, one may just recognize its familiarity. Even so, it does have its own quirk that does effectively render it as its own unique format. Yet, those in the know might still recognize its aura of familiarity and consider it almost all the same.

At that time, GBL implemented a format called the Willpower Cup. This format employs a Great League basis, but all the Pokémon must have at least one of the types of Dark, Psychic, or Fighting. There is one exception, though: Gardevoir in any form is banned. This is for good reason anyhow, since simulations have indicated that it would be the top choice for hitting and countering, and that is surely not wanted.

Now for the bombshell: the selection of types for this format is exactly the same as the Nightmare Cup from the Silph League Arena. Thus, those who deal with the community PvP may have already gained some experience from battling with this themed cup. Still, that themed cup was born in a different era than this format, and much has changed since (as noted previously) that the current format may be rendered as being more different.

By those same simulations, Galarian Rapidash is indicated to be the strongest contender, while a few selected species below it include Sneasler, Hisuian Qwilfish, Scrafty, Toxicroak, and Skuntank. Some of the species lower down the list above have the potential to counter the ones higher in the list, for which not everyone may have, especially for those who haven't been able to obtain the highly specific regional forms somehow.

While the Willpower Cup brings about an aura of familiarity with its resemblance to the Nightmare Cup, the former may be considered to exist separately from the latter due to all the changes in the realm of Pokémon Go between the existence of the two. Nevertheless, the presence of the former is a reminder that sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same, even with how PvP in Pokémon Go has developed.

One year ago: Quickies: Meowth for Pay Day

Two years ago: The Kanto Cup of GBL

Three years ago: Make a Wish for the Little One

Four years ago: The Amazing Pokémon Race

Five years ago: Thankfulness

How Long for a Cosplay Walk (or "Character Parade")?

Nowadays, I don't discuss the technical intricacies of cosplay much, owing to more frequently discussing cosplay "in character" for event or convention reviews. Yet I still consider myself to have a stake in those technical intricacies, since they're still relevant to the character I cosplay ("send") and how I deal with them. One of these concerns what transpired in the recent convention in the "character parade", which would be a cosplay walk; there, the time to perform was relatively short, in comparison to similar offerings in other events or conventions. That then pertains to the question I posed in the title: how long should such offerings be, particularly for the cosplayers ("characters") who are involved?

This topic is actually frequently brought up by a cosplayer friend of mine who is also as well-respected as I am and even took inspiration of dedication from me. That friend told me that a cosplayer should maximize the time given, which may very well be rather short if it was like the other day and there were very many participants. I wouldn't disagree with that, although it should be kept in mind that the intent of a cosplay walk is to showcase as many cosplayers (characters) as possible and that everyone should keep their performances within a reasonable time limit to keep things going. It may be considered a delicate "balancing act" of sorts between one's ideals and reality - thus, another "Reshiram-Zekrom" matter.

For me personally and my character of choice most of the time (Ash), since he doesn't actually have many characteristic actions and poses, I can work with a shorter performance time limit  (say, 5 to 15 seconds) like the other day and absolutely focus on the most characteristic of those actions and poses - which would most likely be Ash throwing a Poké Ball. Should the performance time limit be longer (one-half to one minute), then I would have to draw upon what often goes on with Ash in a battle, and if it gets even longer... then I may not be talking about a cosplay walk in the first place, as that would reach into actual cosplay performances.

So, given the above, especially in my Pokémon case, it may be that the suggested one-half to one minute for each participant in a cosplay walk may be good for more "intimate" settings with fewer participants, while less than half a minute is better for more general settings with lots of participants. Regardless, any participant should be able to make use of as much time as given, in a way bringing "Kyurem" to bridge reality and ideals.

Any cosplay competition is unique and they present their own sets of challenges, including a cosplay walk or "character parade" as above. For that, the challenge may lie in the time limit given to individual cosplayers or "characters" and how much they can take advantage of that to show off what they can do. As a Pokémon cosplayer, I'm not exempt from this matter, especially as a frequent participant in those competitions. I just have to deal with them according to the time that I'm given and the time I can actually take. It's just another intricacy that I deal with my Pokémon cosplay and others deal with theirs.

One year ago: Non-Trademark Substitutions for Pokémon Names?

Two years ago: Sword and Shield: After One Year

Three years ago: Everyone's Contributions

Four years ago: So Little and So Much

Five years ago: A Pokémon Menu

Pokémon Outfits in Café Remix

Pokémon Café Remix has many aspects both big and small, and for the latter, even the smallest can become quite significant. One of those is the aspect of Pokémon outfits, which for many Pokémon in the game are not too significant, but for yet many others are in fact quite significant. Therefore, it's helpful to explain about them and their (relative) significance to certain Pokémon.

Technically, all Pokémon have outfits, but only certain Pokémon have specific outfits. When they are hired, they are given a "basic red" outfit; as they level up - most likely through training - they receive "other color" variants of that "basic red" outfit, tagged as specific Pokémon (for example, "Pikachu yellow", "Lucario blue", and "Dragonite orange"). As they are "basic" outfits, they confer no additional benefits other than looking different and indicating how high in level they are.

For those certain other Pokémon, outfits can quite change how they behave. Sure, there are certain Pokémon with outfits that are purely cosmetic (one example is Scorbunny's "soccer print"), but then there are outfits that change their food specialty, how much they score with them, and what abilities they possess (an example is the "egg basket" outfit for Starly). Needless to say, five-star outfits (like Mew's "camping" outfit) that are obtained from the Delivery function do this to an even greater degree with effects that are even more profound for the above.

Related to the above is the "outfit grade", an aspect introduced with the Delivery function update. The "outfit grade" increases when collecting more of the same outfit (or in the case of regular outfit Pokémon, by collecting friend boosts). This also improves their abilities and how much they score with certain outfits, up to the maximum grade of 4. They become something that may need to be pursued in order to make the best out of their existing outfits and what they can do with them.

Outfits in Café Remix are thus a truly important aspect in some ways, even if they don't appear to be at a glance. Even so, they do have common and uncommon characteristics, as evidenced by the "basic" outfit in contrast to unique outfits that can be obtained through other means, as well as the "outfit grade". The latter two become the significant and important parts, though the aspect remains wholly as such.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/21/2021

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/21/2020

Three years ago: The Hype Cycle and Pokémon

Four years ago: Traveling All the World

Five years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Uptake

Cosplay: ChibiCon 2022

Me: So, Ash, I've been sending you for years to a number of local events and conventions, and there's been many of the latter that should be called or branded as such but never seems to be.

Goh: But this one has "Con" in it!

Me: Well, I'm pleased to say that this one has actually branded itself as a convention. Or rather, it rebranded; this is the one I sent you to nearly three years ago that couldn't continue due to awful things in past years... until today.

Ash: Awesome! Now we can say you actually sent me to one!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Nice job!"]

Me: Yeah, but just like last time, it happens somewhat far away, so you'd need to prepare for that.

Goh: Hey, you're OK with that, right?

Me: Don't worry, it won't be like two weeks ago. You'll be just fine this time.

Ash: All right! On it as usual.

Me: OK, what can you tell me about things?

Ash: It's little (chibi), but it was big! And it's in the same place before everything happened!

Me: Well, you can say it's a reunion, then.

Goh: So this is a convention - it must have a lot of booths then.

Ash: It did. And I got a lot of things for you to take a look at.

Me: Great! I'll take care of that when I'm able. And now that you're more able, it's the character parade for you. How was that?

Ash: It was great to be able to be in it again! But there were 70 characters in it, with me.

Goh: Wow! That's a lot. They must have tried to speed it up.

Ash: They did. Everyone was limited to just a few seconds. It was real quick that way.

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Speedy!"]

Ash: But, uh... I stepped on someone as I did my thing. Or we tripped on each other.

Goh: Ouch! That must have messed you up a bit.

Ash: I guess I did. Sorry.

Me: You know, things happen. Don't worry about it. How'd you do?

Ash: The judges didn't pick me, and there were others they could have picked but didn't, and I thought they would get it.

Me: Oh, "lottery effect", I see. Also no need to worry. Let's just try for next time.

Goh: Yeah. There's a little too much luck involved when there's that many.

Ash: Oh yeah! I met the person who made everything come together - your friend, the chief. We talked for a bit on how that happened.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["We had a good talk."]

Me: Oh, nice! What did you get out of him?

Ash: He said that it was the first time they tried an actual convention, like a "creator market" kind of thing.

Goh: First time! There must have been some problems.

Ash: While we talked, there was a report on a booth that lost electric power.

Goh: Maybe the character parade could be said to have problems too.

Ash: Maybe. Oh, I also got this rock-paper-scissors game ticket thing, and you had to challenge other people with it. But I had "paper", so I was a little nervous of someone else winning with "scissors" against me and getting my ticket.

Goh: You had only one?

Ash: Yeah, just that.

Goh: No wonder. I would think some other people were also nervous for the same reason. If you had one of each, or you just played it as usual but the tickets were neutral, maybe more people would have challenged you or otherwise. 

Ash: Yeah, that should have been how it worked, shouldn't it? Oh yeah, some people also said they had a hard time finding booths and the solution would be to label them.

Goh: Like aisles in a grocery store!

Me: You're not far off. Usually it might be something like letter and number combinations, like "C4".

Ash: But it still felt like the somber one from last month - only more fun this time, and it was very good.

Me: That should be an excellent point.

Ash: He also said the original idea - the one from three years ago - was to make this the "pre-show" to the other big convention that was canceled. But this idea works just as well.

Me: Speaking of, I did order a ticket ahead of time for you for that big one, but they said it can be exchanged for a free entry into this. Did you do that?

Ash: Yeah! Thanks for the free entry.

Me: Well, if the big one happens again, we'll just buy another ticket for that. Pure and simple. And by the way, you must have gotten a little tired walking around like I usually tell you to do.

Goh: Don't you think?

Ash: Yeah, I did.

Me: Next time this "creator market" happens, we're going to try something radical, and it might not be as tiring. Still, I think you had a good day.

Ash: I did, even though I had to leave a little bit early for you.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["A bit early."]

Me: Sorry about that. Lots of business going on. But thank you - and we'll work on that something radical for next time.

Ash: My pleasure! I can't wait for that!

Goh: This should be interesting.

One year ago: Let's Talk About (Im)Perfect Timings

Two years ago: BEMANI-Pokémon Connections

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 2

Four years ago: A Raid Group Gathering

Five years ago: On Cosplay Props and Prop Makers

Pokémon Emblems in Pokémon Unite

While discussing the intricacies of energy exchange in Pokémon Unite some months ago, I dropped that it was also possible to exchange for something called "Pokémon emblems" in addition to "common rewards" of clothing and other useful items. This time, I want to go over them to discuss what they are and how they work at a glance. As I've said, they form an enhancement system for the Pokémon, but the "enhancement" part could become complex and deserve yet another post for explanation; the "system" part, though, can be explained right here and now.

The emblems consist of medallions with the images of the first 151 Pokémon (that is, the entire first generation). Each of these emblems comes in three types: bronze, silver, and gold, like certain sports medals. Any Pokémon emblem of any type may be earned through energy exchange, but the most common ones would be the bronze emblems, with silver and gold being rather infrequent. It is also possible to earn Pokémon emblems through season point rewards and most recently through a Battle Pass item, but by and large, energy exchange will be the most common earning method.

Yet, it is also possible to earn the more precious emblems by merging less precious ones. Three bronze emblems can be merged into a silver emblem, and three silver emblems can be merged into a gold emblem, in either case for 100 coins. The merging process is initiated for individual emblems in their section, accessed from the main menu. It is important to know that the bronze to silver merge will succeed nearly all of the time, but the silver to gold merge may not always succeed; success or failure, coins are always used up with each invocation of the process, but the emblems remain intact in the case of failure, allowing more tries until the merge succeeds.

Obviously, the most important part is the "enhancement" aspect. Each emblem is associated with colors that correspond roughly to the traditional types, and a selection of emblems may be put into a "loadout" to enhance certain stats of Pokémon in battle. The colors and aspects of the Pokémon will determine the effects on all stats, and the right combination will boost the right stats with the right effects on all stats. The "recommended loadout" function helps to make the initial enhancement, but it is ultimately the Trainer's decisions that makes the best enhancement. As I've stated, this needs to be specifically explored, and that will be so later on.

As an enhancement system, the Pokémon emblems are unique as they start off from what is basically gacha, at least most of the time. But then, so might be the "enhancement" as they fit with Pokémon that Trainers use and possess. The system for this action is also just as important as its enhancing aspect, and does deserve a good explanation. Meanwhile, the enhancement will certainly differ from the emblems that are obtained by way of the draws, but the end result will be the same: certain Pokémon that will be boosted by certain emblems for certain stats through the system. 

One year ago: Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Unleashed

Two years ago: Till Death Do Us Part

Three years ago: A Theme Event Dream

Four years ago: Fans of Fans

Five years ago: Cosplay: MINORI 5

Scarlet and Violet Unleashed

The time for Paldea and the ninth generation is now, as the Scarlet and Violet games as the newest members of the Pokémon main series games are released today. Of course, I just have to keep it "fancy" for this one day and say that it's "unleashed" in my terms. What may not be as fancy, though, are the aspects of happenings on this special day, but they still deserve to be discussed as they tie right into the newfangled ways of these new games, especially since I've done as such for some past games.

For these new games, it seems that digital download - as opposed to owning cartridges - became a viable option for some Trainers. One cited the "information overload" phenomenon that I had described in my "preparing" post as a reason, in order to sidestep that phenomenon; that is totally believable. Just as believable may be the reason of sidestepping current issues in getting physical goods in general and just being able to play right away. Either way, the digital download stride may just be the start of good strides in play.

Speaking of good strides, a good Pokémon friend of mine has started those strides, as expected, in a live stream on the very first day. It's a commonality to those I've mentioned for past main series games as above, and why not - it's an effective way to communicate that one already has the game(s) and are ready to make the decisions that will affect future plays, especially competitive play. In fact, that friend specifically asked for contributions during the live stream, which means even more preparedness in this regard. I can only provide well wishes for what happens next.

For those not quite ready to jump into the action in the actual games, they might want to take advantage of special events in other Pokémon games. Pokémon Unite, though fledgling in contrast to the main series games, has a commemorative event on now for their release. Meanwhile, Pokémon Go also has clothing items inspired by the Trainer outfits from the game available to obtain and use on this very day as well. At least, they might temporarily satiate the need for action until the new main series games can do so with their happenings.

The new ninth-generation main series Pokémon games only have had their release today, but it's apparent that much can get or have already gotten going with them, in and out of the actual gameplay. For all intents and purposes, though, this is the day that activities in Paldea begins to rise to a fever pitch that will continue in the months and times ahead for however one chooses to go through them. And they'll likely be painted in the characteristic shades of red and purple of these new games.

One year ago: Living Further with My Buddy

Two years ago: Pokémon "Genealogy"

Three years ago: Drafts Piling Up

Four years ago: Trough of Disillusionment

Five years ago: A Little Teaser... and Guessing Game

Fun Pokémon Memes by a Fun Tortoise

Being a part of pop culture, Pokémon has its place in memes to poke fun at just about any relevant issue concerning the franchise. Some of these memes may be furnished by a single creator, and that is fine, because the creator's dedication will likely result in excellent memes that other fans can identify with; it's just like the case with me and this blog. In some cases, the creator can be as fun as the furnished memes, identifying oneself in a unique Pokémon manner and giving the memes a real identity. I've interacted with one of these creators and the creator's memes recently, and I consider the above to be very much true.

Meet Blastoise The Water Cannon Tortle, a page on Facebook that does just that: it posts all kinds of Pokémon memes that are truly unique and truly identifiable. (And no, technically, that's not a misspelling; "tortle" is the obsolete form of "turtle", so the "language check" passes in a way.) A good bit of the content is in Indonesian - more so since the creator and its fans identify as such - but there is a good bit of English or language-independent meme content as well. Since the page title is long, it is often just shortened to "BlastoiseTWCT" - which in fact is approved, evident by the page link above - or the even shorter "BTWCT" for easy reference for fans of the page and Pokémon alike.

This meme page is run by a creator who identifies as "Breaker" and assumes the guise of a Blastoise. The creator does have a real name, though, but I'm not going to divulge it here for posterity's sake; those who join the meme page's online community on a different social platform will have a chance to be exposed to it. Speaking of that community, it consists of Pokémon fans with various interests, including those who play specific games like Pokémon Unite. Its members are also afforded the chance to get creative, having the chance to submit meme creations that might just make it on the page if they are deemed fitting, even if they're few and far between.

As I've stated earlier, I've had the chance to interact with the creator, and that creator is rather masterful in creations outside of memes. "Breaker" is a great illustrator, in particular for basic art that might just become developed into memes on the page. The person is also an extremely capable chiptune maker, being able to adapt the Pokémon music from old main series games in quite surprising ways, in addition to a slew of other musical pieces; all of these creations are made on a Game Boy tracker as the instrumentation of choice for this chiptune maker - a fine choice at that. Both are rather impressive and demonstrate the creator's intense creativity in different ways.

Creativity is regardless the name of the game when it comes to making and showing off memes, and especially Pokémon memes, for which the fans as above may just be of the rather creative kind. It's also very creative for the creator to assume the personage of a Pokémon in doing so, and that is assertive of the creator's creative qualities as well as those of the memes being posted. For a tortoise, turtle, or "tortle" - or however one would call the personage of the creator - there can only be fun to be had, which is evident in that personage and should be as well in the identifiable and jocund memes.

One year ago: Loyalty

Two years ago: Matters of Cosplay and Current Conditions

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/16/2019

Four years ago: PikaPool

Five years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Unleashed

To Cart or To Download?

The topic I'm about to discuss in this post is one that I've long avoided discussion on this blog since I've always thought that the topic was more general in nature, and general answers can be sought that apply not just to Pokémon but other games as well. However, in light of the preparation ahead of the Scarlet and Violet games, I've finally decided that there are relevant and significant answers that are truly specific to Pokémon in relation to the topic. That topic concerns whether to buy and play games as cartridges or digital downloads, something that is possible with modern Nintendo consoles and certainly for Pokémon games.

As with other games on Nintendo consoles, specifically portable ones, Pokémon games have had the shared history of being available on and played from cartridges, and they still do for quite a few of the ones on the Nintendo Switch. The thing about these cartridges is that they really do make one feel like one owns the games, instead of just having a copy of the data. Their "physical integrity" factor is helpful in some respects, especially for the Pokémon main series games today with their significant sizes. Going back to that shared history, they are also helpful with keeping the way that things have been done, which may just work well.

Meanwhile, digital downloads came about with modernism in console technology, and something needs to be said for that new form of "extreme convenience", especially if that comes along with dedication for specific series, which does include Pokémon in that regard. Keeping things together with digital downloads - including the convenience and dedication - may just be an easier thing, even if all or at least a part of the management lies with keeping the data together; it also may not take much to get a good collection going, and for a Pokémon fan, much can be said and attested about that, even beyond the realm of game management.

Personally, I prefer to keep the main series games together (that is, keep their integrity) with cartridges, since they're vital parts of my Pokémon experiences and explorations. I'm also inclined to get other significant Pokémon games on cartridges for that reason, as well as for the sake of posterity. For all other games, I'm fine with just having digital downloads, especially if that's their only form and they present easier ways of management that way. I suppose that for me, a big part of either approach is the flexibility that is afforded by each of the respective approaches, and this might be something that other Pokémon fans might agree on.

Ultimately, the answer to the above duality and the associated question that is posed in the title of this post may depend on what one may find to work the best for them, especially given how Pokémon games have had their ways in either situation. Preparation, too, is still necessary in either case to make the best of things and allow for their maintenance, just like how preparation is also tantamount to being necessary before getting new games such as the soon-to-be-released Scarlet and Violet games. After that, no matter what approach is used to own and play them, the Pokémon journey ought to face the same twists and turns.

One year ago: Connectivity

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/15/2020

Three years ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Cup 2019

Four years ago: The Detective Goes Live!!

Five years ago: Go My Dear One, and Pursue Your Dreams

Preparing for Scarlet and Violet

In past years, I would make this "preparing" post well before the next members of the main series games come out, which in the case of the present time would be the Scarlet and Violet games. And... those games are due out in a few days' time, so that means this post is incredibly late by those standards. Yet I still feel the need to make the post by those previous posts, so any time before the release of the games happen is still a good time to make the post - specifically for this time, now and right away. Even at this rather last-minute time, preparations can still be made and wrapped up.

Those who have dealt with the previous main series games of Sword and Shield will likely not have to do anything drastic to enjoy the Scarlet and Violet games since they're on the same console after all (the Switch), unless there's a dire need for something, likely caused by intensive usage. Even so, it is likely that Trainers will have to do some management to allow these games to be accommodated, whether as cartridges or as digital downloads - more so if both versions are involved, though this is becoming more of a rarity these days due to different factors. Nevertheless, getting the games and consoles ready is first and foremost.

Meanwhile, years ago, I discussed the possibility of having an "information overload" with the new games, and that has remained true today. Moreover, the problem seems to become exacerbated over time and even today, with the ingenuity that is possessed by those who drop those vast quantities of information. It may have come to the point that today, some Trainers would have to go on a (social media) sabbatical in order to enjoy the games, which is extreme but could also be an understandable (as well as only) course. The only thing I can say now is to be wise about it on both ends of the scale and only take in what is necessary.

As is always the case with the main series games, there's always the option of playing either game, if playing both as above is not an option. Since I've personally opted for Sword (although I haven't played as such) in the previous generation, I opt for Violet this time around as the second of the pair. It seems, though, that this is a popular choice among Trainers regardless of my selection approach, so for the good of all of them (and me), a group of others will have to take up Scarlet. That should be no problem, unless those Trainers may be hard to find, in which case it would be.

Whatever the case, the release of the new games aren't that long now, which means now is already crunch time for getting ready to play them - even to write up to do so, as I'm doing right this moment. Yet the issues of preparation seem to just be classic issues for next-of-kin Pokémon main series games, so even with crunch time at hand, the solutions should already be obvious... and workable, for any Trainer who has experienced them. Now it's just time for Trainers to gear up for the new games in due time very soon, and those games will just have to be telltale of great times - hopefully in more ways than one.

One year ago: Pokémon Cafe Delights

Two years ago: Cosplay: The Bros Contest

Three years ago: Sword and Shield Unleashed

Four years ago: Seeing Red: Cosplay Teaser for 12/2/2018

Five years ago: Ma? Ma? Ma? Marshadow...!

Tunnels of My Heart

Some places in the world of Pokémon are known for the presence of tunnels that connect one place to another. These tunnels might be simple and straightforward, or they might be complex and multifaceted. But what seems even more important is that they don't just connect places, but they also connect hearts - including mine - to the greater world. They become something to explore in both regards.

Hoenn has a simple but profound tunnel, being the Rusturf Tunnel that appropriately connects Rustboro City and Verdanturf Town. The tunnel isn't initially connected, but through further development, it does become connected; moreover, the act of making the tunnel connected also unifies the hearts of two people located on opposite sides of the tunnel. And that's a fine feeling to have for me too; it's a tunnel of certain unions that makes me feel just as integrated inside as the people and the places in question.

In Kanto, the most famous tunnel is the Rock Tunnel that connects a "northern corridor" with Lavender City. People in that "northern corridor" can actually go places, usually one of two significant ones: Cerulean City, a very watery place in Kanto, or the Power Plant, an electrifying place for the region. With these three places being connected by the tunnel, I may feel awash, tingly, or pale, depending where I wish to go, or maybe even all three as I decide to pass each one in turn, no matter where I end up going.

Then there's Sinnoh with the Mt. Coronet "tunnel". Though it isn't a tunnel per se and it's more an elaborate dungeon system, one can cleverly get from one "corner" of the region to another, or go to what might be considered its "roof". That said, it may be perfectly fine to consider it as a "house" that connects the regions' "corners" and for which its floors might provide some "surprises". I'd feel surprised too each time I use the "house" to get from one place to another and when exploring its upper reaches.

While I'm sure the original intent of all of these "tunneling" locales is to connect the disparate places together, it doesn't seem all that hard to construe that the figurative "heart" is being connected across them as well. There are perceptions in play in all the places they connect, and exploring the places seem to mean exploring the feelings that connect them as well. And as that happens, they seem to very much fill my heart.

One year ago: The Shops of Unite

Two years ago: Graduation of Regionals?

Three years ago: The Music of Shuffle

Four years ago: GTS and Wonder Trade in Pokémon Go?

Five years ago: 1000 Episodes!!!

Evaluating Elite Raids in Their EX Raid Places

Today, there was another run of Elite Raids in the same fashion as before, with the same particulars (I participated in one and just missed out on a second). With the way that they occur, though, I want to discuss the capacity they occur in, particularly given that they appear in EX Raid Gyms and similarly to them as well. I had already discussed about that before briefly, and now I feel that the discussion could be expanded to consider how they measure up to the EX Raids that have been familiar for longer but now are absent for a long time as well.

By now, it seems that the mechanism for Elite Raids are pretty much set. They appear in EX Raid Gyms, and they similarly take a long to hatch but a short time to battle. It's fascinating that they also do resemble their raid brethren in looks. Yet despite their characteristic similarities, these new raids can never - or not really - be called the same as their brethren; they're just too fundamentally different for that. At the same time, it might be more apt to consider them in other ways in their relationship.

Elite Raids, in one way, might be considered to be "supplementary", at least at present. For as long as EX Raids are absent, it may be that Trainers will keep seeing Elite Raids in some form, becoming a simple substitute for them but one that works well. They're not as complicated, have Pokémon that are of similar stature, and work with currently active pass systems instead of having to reactivate the EX Raid Pass system. They're all pluses and/or conveniences, and they make Elite Raids an easy supplement until EX Raids can return.

When that happens, what may need to be figured out is how to make Elite Raids a "complement" to whatever happens in EX Raids, including their scheduling. The raid boss of Elite Raids could be made something more benign but not too benign (for example, Genesect with a certain drive). They may also be made not to appear where EX Raids are slated to appear and can appear elsewhere normally. Otherwise, the execution might simply follow as they are executed today.

However one looks at them, it's hard to separate Elite Raids from EX Raids due to their similarities of setting, execution, and involvement. The capacity of the former, though, remains vastly different to that of the latter just because they don't work in exactly the same way. Still, it may be simpler to assume that they are as close as they can ever get to EX Raids presently, up until whenever that can happen once again as they did. After that, they may then go through a whirlwind of considerations to settle their places once again with the former.

One year ago: Inspiration from Characters

Two years ago: The Spirit of Brothers

Three years ago: Shuffle Special Stage Play Limits

Four years ago: Marshadow and Mimikyu Keychains

Five years ago: Cosplay Assistants

Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/12/2022

Being that last week's edition of Community Day was the "Classic" edition, the "regular" edition was thus still on tap, and now it's on for today, one week post facto. Now, today's edition might be a doozy for those who don't keep up with more recent developments in Pokémon... or rather, gone back into the "distant past" in order to do so. It may be said that one might have to just "grin and bear it" for the purpose of this one. That may already be enough cryptic clues to help figure things out.

If not, then the plain explanation follows. For this month, the featured Pokémon is Teddiursa, a Normal-type Pokémon from the second generation. It is commonly known to evolve into Ursaring, but recently - and thanks to the region of Hisui - Ursaring is also known to evolve to Ursaluna. This last Pokémon gets this edition's exclusive move, which is the Charged Move of High Horsepower, a very strong Ground-type attack. Those who already have the Shiny form of Teddiursa should be pleased; for those who don't, this is the chance to get it.

Evolution to Ursaluna is a bit of a fickle matter. As the Pokémon name contains "luna" (moon), there is the indication that the moon will be somewhat involved, and it is. Here, Ursaring can only evolve to Ursaluna when there is a full moon present in the sky of Pokémon Go. For the purpose of this Community Day, the moon intentionally appears during main event hours from 2 to 5 PM, and then onwards until next morning; Ursaluna becomes a possible evolution in that time. While the future implementation of this may become sketchy, at least it is good to take advantage of the present evolution opportunity.

Of course, bonuses are still around and about. Tripled Stardust and doubled Candy plus greater Candy XL chance were the main things today. Lure Modules and Incense are extended to help with captures as is the norm. An extra Special Trade and discounted trades support those who really interact. Photobomb surprises await those who like to snap pictures, and then there's the extra paid Special Research for those who seek more - this time being titled "A Sweet Snack" for the penchant that this species family has in bringing and finding food from different parts.

As is usual since several months ago, local meetups are (or were) the order of the day. The place was intended to be the same as last month and last week's Classic edition in case of inclement weather, which was true last week and almost came true this week. Even with the looming threat of the weather, a good deal of Trainers came throughout the afternoon - at one time even discovering a "perfect surprise". Whether or not that was discovered, we just went through things as usual: capturing all the Teddiursa that can be spotted, walking to relieve pressure, and just overall having a good time.

The gathered in the soft light of the late afternoon.

(For me, I evolved all the usual necessary instances this time around today, just to cover as many bases as possible for which an Ursaluna might be necessary.)

This is (or was) the November edition, which means next month's (December) edition can be expected to be the "recap" edition, and may or may not merit the way that things have been recently. But as suggested by the title of this month's paid Special Research, things have become quite a sweet one this month - at least in more ways than one, especially with the featured species and getting to know just what can happen to it when the moon and the past are involved. As this year's "sweet last full salvo", it has been a significant one.

One year ago: Perfection Under Imperfection

Two years ago: The Little Cup of GBL

Three years ago: Performance Critique: Mezase Pokémon Master feat. Maestoso

Four years ago: Rediscover Cosplay

Five years ago: Cosplay: Japan Pop Culture 2017

Changing Deliveries in Café Remix

Back in August, I wrote up a post on the Delivery function of Pokémon Café Remix, detailing what it is and what can be gained out of it. Lo and behold, two months later for its "update anniversary" celebration, the latter completely changed, rendering my previous explanation of that obsolete. I've had some time to re-experience the newly updated Delivery function, and now I'd like to write about it again to resolve the obsolescence.

The rewards - the things that are gained out of it - are of course the main point of this change. Gone are Tarts, kitchen notes, Pokémon cookies, and outfit materials (something that one previously needed to collect several of to make certain Pokémon outfits). Instead, now one can only earn friendship boosts for any non-event Pokémon, the three outfits that used to need the outfit materials, and any current special "five-star outfits". On the first time earning any of these, the Pokémon will join the staff or the outfit is earned; subsequent earnings will instead boost what is called the "outfit grade" of the Pokémon in question, allowing the Pokémon to have greater abilities during an order (puzzle).

All other aspects of the Delivery feature remain the same, including the technical exchange aspects (only now, one earns Delivery points once a Pokémon is hired and its outfit grade is at maximum). The removal of outfit material rewards also prompts their conversion into the relevant outfits, with a certain outfit grade as necessary. Certain Pokémon cookies can now also be manually purchased with Milestone Cookies in a special cookie shop accessible from the main screen, but the prices are rather steep. Finally, the other two former rewards are expected to be available through events and other means.

Meanwhile, all my previous tips also remain applicable, even more so since this represents a "clean slate". For anyone who doesn't have the Pokémon hired, it becomes an opportunity to get them right away, and for those who do, it would be time to increase all their outfit grades. Like before, it remains best to be judicious when to go for multiple deliveries at once, like now when there are very special outfits to be gained. After that, it may be worth pacing for the rewards until they can all be gained.

It is evident that the latest change to the Delivery function in Café Remix is a radical one, with most rewards being thrown out for a focus on hiring Pokémon and enhancing their outfit (grades). Yet that seems like a good new goal to work toward, and so the feature is never obsolete, even if previous rewards at this point are.

One year ago: Wingull Place Mat

Two years ago: PokéJournalists

Three years ago: A Story of Bands

Four years ago: Cosplay: Manga no Kiseki & Japan Pop Culture 2018

Five years ago: Heroes, Veterans, and Special Ones

Ed's "Starry Expanse" with Pokémon

You make me feel

Like my troubled heart is a million miles away

You make me feel

Like I’m drunk on stars and we’re dancing out into space

Celestial

Celestial

-- "Celestial", Ed Sheeran

Speaking of collaborations, this one comes to me over a month too late (by now) and needs to be discussed regardless. By now, many Pokémon fans will have recognized that the famous singer Ed Sheeran has his own connections to the franchise, and they're special in their own ways. With that, they've now collaborated on a tune that is expressive of that connection and takes it to the stars above, which would be the song for which the chorus is quoted above.

The music video for this song is what really drives home the point. It depicts what might be a typical day in the singer's life, but with the addition of Pokémon. They appear in animated sequences, Western style (cartoony) as they interpolate into that daily life and Eastern style (anime) in the final moments as the music video shows a TV. Interestingly, that anime sequence is a reimagining of the climactic moments of the first movie or feature film, which should strike the hearts of longtime and/or fervent fans. The Pokémon influence is through and through, and so is the singer's presence.

Notwithstanding the Pokémon connections, the song may be construed as a minor romantic number. Its lyrics on the whole speak of a significant one who might always seem to be far away but upon connection can become very close, even where "far away" is really far away. Note that the song itself is neutral (confer Katy Perry's "Electric" or most of the others on P25 Music), so it also totally speaks out to those who are purely Ed's fans and not so much Pokémon. But indeed, Pokémon is hard to be unconnected from the song.

As a footnote, this song will be included in the Scarlet and Violet games, likely as a credits theme. It's the most plausible entry point, but it'll still be a nice touch regardless from an artist who is now considered a "bestie" with Pokémon.

It has been said that Ed got through a failed first gig and a missed train by playing Pokémon, and that's a magnificent story, whether real or imagined. Somewhere along the way, the "starry expanse" of the night might be involved in that tale... and now, Ed has sung (and expressed, with Pokémon) just what it might be like to swim in that "pool of stars".

One year ago: Asymmetrical Friend Levels?

Two years ago: Life with a Go Plus Peripheral

Three years ago: In the November Sky

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/10/2018

Five years ago: Mission Cards in Shuffle

Running (through) the World with Pokémon Shoes

Ever since the 25th anniversary celebrations, Pokémon has gotten into some captivating collaborations. Presently, those collaborations have now involved objects that people every day use to walk, run, or travel to places, which would be shoes. Most captivatingly, the current collaboration involves not just one, but three different manufacturers of shoes. That's not only captivating but also significant, and that deserves to be covered all the same.

First one up would be a collaboration with Skechers, an American shoe manufacturer. Through the collaboration, a number of shoes resulted with color bands that are reminiscent of certain Pokémon. Not only that, there are also several Pokémon sandals with images of Pokémon emblazoned on the side. They happen to have Greninja shoes and Snorlax sandals, which I consider fancy and to be my favorites as well. The Rayquaza shoes and Jigglypuff sandals also deserve special mention as well. Anyone should be able to find their faves.

Second, there's a collaboration with Mizuno, a Japanese shoe and sportswear manufacturer. Unlike the others, the collaboration resulted in one shoe - the Esperunzer Pikachu edition - but it also resulted in a diverse array of sportswear that also features Pikachu. I of course will take those Pikachu shoes, but then so would the T-shirt, jacket, and sports bag with the motif. The products are admittedly of one note featuring Pikachu, but for fans of this Pokémon, that should be enough to wow one over.

The third and most recent collaboration is with Puma, one of the big names in European shoe manufacturing. This collaboration resulted in five shoe models, featuring all the Kanto starters, Pikachu, and Gengar. They all look impressive even with their subdued but bright tones, but that should hardly be a problem. Of these, I like the Pikachu model followed by the Charmander one, and Gengar would be a close third. Any of them remain a perfect choice for sporty fans, as that is the image the brand possesses.

And that's something that applies to all of them, really. Discerning sporty people know that they need good shoes, and discerning fans of Pokémon know that they can't get enough of merchandise. Put them both together, and that results in these captivating collaborations with shoe manufacturers with an array of models. They all might just be viable for running (through) the world, something Trainers might be expected to do.

One year ago: Pressing the B Button... Realistically

Two years ago: Stepping into the Marsh

Three years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Ferocious Cup

Four years ago: 3D Printing and Pokémon

Five years ago: (Mid-)Generational Updates

The Varied Hues of PokéStops

Lately, there's been an interesting phenomenon in Pokémon Go. The PokéStops that are usually of one color or hue has been able to take on different colors or hues. Even with that, these elements have been able to be demonstrated to take on different hues depending on certain situations. Those hues and those situations deserve to be highlighted in some capacity, and that becomes the point of this post.

Usually, PokéStops are blue (actually, closer to cyan) in color. When they are spun, they turn a distinct shade of hot pink to indicate that status; this gradually fades back to the original color, letting the Trainer know they can be spun again. With the advent of Team Go Rocket since a few years back, they gain another color: black, to indicate the presence of one of their members there - though this is only as they are approached, as they look normal otherwise or has a dark gradient cube from far away. It becomes clear that the elements are already equipped to handle different hues.

Meanwhile, more recently, PokéStops had been able to "dress up" for Halloween (in line with the event), turning a shade of pumpkin orange during the run of the event. It's admittedly a nice touch, but it may be a visibility issue for some people; it is hard on the eyes to an extent. Then there was them turning golden yellow post Community Day along with a soon-to-be established connection between Pokémon Go and the upcoming Scarlet and Violet games; for now, some golden PokéStops that still remain are a taste of what's to come.

Could it be possible for PokéStops to turn other colors? Since the framework is already there, this isn't hard to conceive. For the upcoming holiday season, it could be conceivable that PokéStops will turn red for its traditional event to go with the theme. Some months down the line, a spring event might allow them to turn green, again with a suitable theme. There are way more possibilities than there is space in this post to detail them, but the two above are the most prominent possibilities.

The ability of PokéStops now being able to turn different colors from the basic blue or cyan is indeed something neat to point out. It means that they are able to possess not only indicative abilities but also decorative abilities, given what has happened above and what could happen later on. It might not be such a stretch to imagine that one day, PokéStops could turn into every color or hue imaginable under the rainbow.

One year ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights: Other Species Channels

Two years ago: The Beautiful Game(s)?

Three years ago: Fantastic Beasts (and How to Battle with Them)

Four years ago: A Raid Dream

Five years ago: Too Much Information, Too Much Excitement?

Quickies: Feeling (and Healing) Like a Snorlax (Again)

Today, it seems the only thing I can do is to go to sleep, and then when the time is right, consume nibbles of things before going back to sleep again. It's a story that repeats itself, and it has to do with the Pokémon that's a big dozer in and of itself, Snorlax. I am once again necessitated to do all the things that Snorlax does in order that I can move away from doing just Snorlax things to doing all kinds of Pokémon things, which at the moment are not as feasible as before. It also partly has to do with fatigue, something that may seem imperceptible to the Pokémon but is very much perceptible for me.

I'm a person, and like it or not, there are limits to what and how much I can do before fatigue sets in and I can't do much more, at least at that moment. At that point, all I can do would be all that Snorlax does, which would be to eat and to sleep. These are the things that Snorlax seems to never feel fatigued for, even if the food sources from where Snorlax gets its fill might take a bit of time and/or effort to get to; it seems that its eating and sleeping pattern eliminates any fatigue that is perceived. Of course, if Snorlax belongs to an active Trainer and it's being used in battles a lot, then all bets are off and more conventional Pokémon healing methods would be necessary.

It seems, though, that is the most important aspect: healing. Snorlax has its characteristic method for that, by eating and sleeping, but I can take the example for when I really need it. It's the simplest thing that the Pokémon and people can do for that purpose. While sometimes more advanced or sophisticated methods might be necessary in place or in addition to the above, eating and sleeping are conceivably the most basic things that can be done for both people and Pokémon alike. At least, it's something that Snorlax is almost nearly fully dependent on, and it works well for it - it's something that I can take up as well.

Now, I think I've got more eating and sleeping (like a Snorlax) to do.

One year ago: From Games to...

Two years ago: A New Series of Legendary Pokémon

Three years ago: (Out of) the Mainstream

Four years ago: Local EX Raid (vs. Rain), 11/7/2018

Five years ago: Closer and Farther PokéStops