Pokémon Loot from Indonesia Comic Con 2023

It wouldn't be a convention without me getting some physical takeaways - that is, loot - and I did get some of that from the latest one I went to. For this particular case, the "loot" (I say as such) can be grouped according to whether they actually constitute "loot", as well as their relevance to Pokémon. Certainly, anything that goes on this blog is related to Pokémon in some way, but some can be more or less so than others, yet in this case that also applies for the "loot" quality. They all regardless need to be explained along with what I got from there.

Some of the things that I got are definitely tied to Pokémon and are definitively "loot". That goes for the Pokémon poster with all current starter Pokémon and the Pokémon Journeys manga above. They are such because I did get them directly from exhibitors - the former being from a very talented artist that draws all things Pokémon and the latter being from a bookshop where I also got many of my other Pokémon books and manga. While the poster is rather expected and the manga is happenstance, both are still perfectly suited as being considered "loot" as such.

As for that other book, well, it's definitely Pokémon, but it's less of a "loot". I got the Pokémon Encyclopedia as a prize from the Cosplay Runway competition, and it is effectively the only proof (aside from a picture taken during the awarding) that I won something, as I received no certificate for such an accomplishment, yet all the other winners received one - unless the book itself is considered the certificate, which is not my preferred assumption. Then there were goodies from the national Pokémon Go association, one of which is a postcard version of the Noibat poster. The others (stickers, pop socket) I had already gotten from prior editions of  Community Day, which made them less of a "loot" in this case.

Then there is the thing that is a little less tied to Pokémon, but is still definitely "loot" because of what it took to obtain it. It's a poster with the autograph of Rica Matsumoto, which is personalized for me and so it is obviously mine. The poster image itself (not seen here) has relevance to animals but not so much to Pokémon, but it's obviously still relevant to Rica Matsumoto herself. Still, it's the autograph (as "loot") that's the important thing more than anything else, and it still matters as she is the Japanese voice behind the Pokémon character I often cosplay. It is in essence the primary "loot".

Even if some of the loot is not so much "loot" and a little bit of it is slightly unrelated to Pokémon, I consider anything that I got from events or conventions and has (at least some) ties to Pokémon to be my "loot", especially if they deepen my appreciation and functional breadth of it. The past convention had truly presented a wonderful time, and the "loot" that I got is as equally wonderful. It will certainly make my convention visit what it is (or was), with my involvement to bring out Pokémon, long after it has gone.

One year ago: Even More Post Categories

Two years ago: The Reality of Pokémon Battles

Three years ago: Aliens Among People and Creatures

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Rainbow Cup

Five years ago: Gifts That Keep on Giving

Six years ago: After Six Months: Poké-Paradise in a Blog

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/29/2023

Sometimes, a little differentiation is in order. I thought about making this event rollup for Pokémon Go as I had done in earlier years on June 27, but I knew another event was going to come up in this month, so I opted to postpone it to today. But that may be a good thing, since in later years there might not be a guarantee that I can do it on the same day anyway, and it may be nice to have an option. Anyhow, "differentiation" also seems to be the order of the events of the month, and that is something to be explored.

First in line this month was an event called "Searching for Gold" on June 3. Its framework is a Research Day event to find and complete Field Research tasks that reward Pokémon, whose Shiny forms are... gold! That meant the likes of Caterpie, Magikarp, Sableye, and more, including a few that only appear in the wild for the event. Even PokéStops could turn gold during the day at times and give out Gimmighoul Coins. Trainers with a little spending power could also opt to spend for a Timed Research focusing on more tasks to encounter a Pokémon of their choice. It was an overall differently themed Research Day that turned out rather gleaming for many.

Next was an old event making its return, this time with a theme. Water Festival made a return on June 6 to 12, with "Beach Week" as its theme - something I had effectively teased in an earlier post. True to that, many of the featured Pokémon could conceivably be found on a beach, including the Sandygast species family, for which this edition marks their debut. The rest of the featured Pokémon appear in the wild, in raids, and as Field Research task rewards. Unique to this event were a Global Challenge that tested throwing skills and rewarded Candy and Candy XL, a multi-Pokémon Spotlight Hour with tripled XP, extended Rainy Lure Modules, new beach outfits, and a Timed Research set with the ultimate reward of a new pose. "Fun at the beach" was definitely in order.

The midsummer peak is the solstice, so its associated event also returned, this year as "Solstice Horizons", from June 16 to 25. Two sets of Pokémon were featured: one for the day, which included Solrock and Hisuian Sneasel, and one for the night, which included Lunatone and regular (Johto) Sneasel. They appeared in the wild and formed two Collection Challenges, which also rewarded Fomantis. This Pokémon could also be found as Field Research task rewards and in raids, the latter along with some selected Pokémon. Complementing the event were a Special Research set rewarding Cosmog called Starry Skies, which could be purchased for a second go as well as a second Cosmog, an exclusive online offer, and a doubled Stardust bonus for a rather sparkling time.

Unfortunately, what is not so sparkling is Team Go Rocket, who conducted another Takeover from June 21 to 25, concurrent with the above. This time, they have Shadow Regirock in tow, and as usual, Trainers are provided with a Special Research set to get there. Also as usual were increased appearances of the team in all places and the capability to remove Frustration with a Charged TM, as well as new lineups (including Shiny Shadow forms) for the Grunts and Leaders, plus Shiny Pancham from 12 km Eggs that come from the latter. It's a contrast to the above event in its run.

Lastly, there is that one final event, called "Dark Flames", which runs from today to July 2. As can be discerned, the two main types of this event are Fire and Dark, and Pokémon species of the types appear in the wild, raids, and Field Research task rewards. The debut hallmarks of this event are Turtonator, Mega Sableye, and Heatran with the Magma Storm move, befitting the featured types. A Timed Research set frames this event, with a branch that determines which Collection Challenge a Trainer will get and what Pokémon will be attracted by Incense. The other perks of the event are bonus XP, Candy, and Candy XL from raids, as well as more TGR Grunt appearances with the Fire and Dark types, all in the brightness and darkness.

Considering all the events above, "differentiation" really was the name of the game for them in one guise or another, from contrasting contents to involvement of different themes. While that may not bring complete justification for me to make the event rollup on this day instead of a couple of days ago - and in particular because of the last event above - something may at least be gained from all the differentiation, which would be a totally changed Pokémon Go from what it was previously.

One year ago: Pokémon Adventures: Sword and Shield Manga, Volume 1

Two years ago: Blogging on Blogs: Jurnal Otaku Indonesia

Three years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Sorcerous Cup

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/29/2019

Five years ago: Monotype (of) Sorts

Six years ago: 3DS Circle Pad and Pokémon Games... Plus My Experience

Café Remix 3rd Anniversary: New Heights

This year, Pokémon Café Remix celebrates its third anniversary, which is (and should be) a sign that the game is achieving maturity. Seemingly to demonstrate that, a whole bunch of new features have been added to the game, and they may be described as taking the game to "new heights". This applies equally well to the Pokémon that have become a part of the game and the things that support their use in different places in the game.

As a start, all Pokémon now have a new max level, which would be 25. Uncapping to reach this new maximum is not accomplished by Pokémon cookies, but with the use of a new item called Macarons; these aren't specific to each Pokémon, but to each of the food element "types" - Refreshing, Crispy, Hearty, and Sweet - and can thus be used for multiple Pokémon. Even so, each Pokémon will require 30 of these Macarons at level 20 in order to uncap the higher levels, which certainly means that players will have to grind for them. Their introduction has been fairly recent as well, so players have a long ways ahead in that grind.

For that grind, it is accomplished through another new feature called Daily Training, accessed through the Order menu. The objective is to play One-Minute Cooking stages up to three times a day for different food element "types" to earn EXP tarts as rewards, which can be used to raise the levels of Pokémon. It is also possible to skip playing the stages (if it is prohibitive to play them) by using a new item, Skip Tickets, to gain the highest rewards possible. Doing this also fulfills a part of the challenge "quests" that allows the aforementioned Macarons to be earned to uncap Pokémon levels (as well as the Skip Tickets).

Speaking of challenges, in another effort of "consolidation", events that involve "quests" have been merged and the "quests" can be accessed from a button on the main menu, next to the Presents button; it also allows for mass claiming of rewards from specific sets. Another important addition and "consolidation", which had been implemented earlier, are supplementary passes that may be purchased to unlock their own reward sets, the latter by way of the shop and the former in the same way that the monthly goals are accessed. These are or have become important in any case, so the consolidation makes sense.

Café Remix has been around for three years, and that's an impressive feat by itself. To build on that impressiveness, there would have to be further improvements to the game's interface and mechanisms, and the above would qualify as such. That has to be able to set it up for more impressiveness in the times ahead as the game matures further and players are able to reap more and more rewards from the game.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies, Round 2

Two years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Going to the Far Side

Three years ago: A Virtual Figure Gathering

Four years ago: The Path of (the) Silph

Five years ago: Go Gets Social

Six years ago: LINE Pokémon Themes

So Weird, So Glorious (for Pokémon)

We'll be glorious - we say oh

Just like a warrior - we say oh

We stand tall we're fighting

Through the darkness

But we're never gonna fall

'Cause we'll be glorious

We say oh...

-- "Glorious", Weird Genius and Lyodra, Tiara Andini, Ziva Magnolya

As Ash (and Goh) reported, the very last act at this year's Indonesia Comic Con was an EDM group - also becoming a DJ that night essentially - who have local origins but have become known in the global scene, Weird Genius. They have recently composed a song that, regardless of any other connection, is a great thing of itself; unfortunately, it was partially involved in a tumult that - for lack of a better description and to maintain brevity - led to a "loss of innocence" of sorts. I won't go into more detail on that, but I will discuss how this song also can and should work well with Pokémon as the core focus of this blog.

The song itself was made for a certain sports event (again, I'll just leave it at that), so naturally it had to include an epic theme - obviously, "glory", by its title. Its lyrics in a way tell the story of a spirited fighter coming out into the spotlight to compete and raise things to the "next level", so to speak. It's appropriate for a sports event because it and others of its kind involve "fighters" of certain kinds doing just that, to be seen by others and to do the very best they can in order to succeed. That should already be familiar going into Pokémon.

In considering how this song would work well with Pokémon, well... (somewhat) recently there has been a very (and I mean very) similar situation in the anime that faithful fans will very much recognize. I consider myself to be unauthorized to discuss it at the very moment, but it's one that I need to discuss eventually - that is, when the authorization comes. Regardless, the themes of the situation are plainly appropriate (to be matched) with the song, and in that regard also deserve to be accompanied as such.

While the tumult is (was) rather regrettable and I consider to have presented a "disservice" to the group that conceived the song, I find that Pokémon also deserves to be linked with the song, and if I could, I'd throw away the links to that tumult and forever associate this song with Pokémon instead. At least, the happenings of the recent Indonesia Comic Con have facilitated the means to make this consideration, especially with my Pokémon contributions.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2022

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2021

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2020

Four years ago: Club 40 ID Tournament Memorabilia

Five years ago: Leaders

Six years ago: A Little Dream

This Is My Pokémon Way

Over the past three days, it has become clear that I engaged in an activity that has nothing yet also everything to do with Pokémon, being that I attended a convention for three days straight with both cosplay and guest star agendas in tow. It does seemingly suggest that I may not have clear dealings with Pokémon. Yet for me, at least, my dealings with Pokémon are already pretty clear. In fact, they may be considered to constitute my "Pokémon way", in an idea that should be familiar to fans of pop culture, particularly Japanese pop culture.

The concept, of course, stems from a certain series related to Japanese "shady warriors" - that is, ninjas - where one character proudly proclaims that the way of that character is the "ninja way" of the character. I don't have to mention the series, but at least it has a bit of similarity to the Pokémon anime, at least in its early days, and it is well-liked by fans either way. While my life is not pertinent to ninjas, my life is pertinent to Pokémon, and thus I've adopted the concept to explain my Pokémon dealings.

In that sense, what I did above may be considered a non-traditional way with Pokémon. Dealing with it through creative expression, such as through art and (in my case) cosplay, is something that certain fan segments will certainly do, but perhaps not as extensively. In my case - and I'm sure the case of some others - the creative portion is extensive, more so than anything else, which makes it "non-traditional". And the way I implement that, with a majority of my efforts cosplaying Ash, is even more out of the ordinary, affirming the "non-traditional" quality of my Pokémon way.

Still, the non-traditional way might still have some traditional underpinnings. For me, that would be the anime, as that is what allowed me to get to know Ash and therefore be able to cosplay the character. That has further underpinnings in the main series games, which were mostly initially the entry point for anything Pokémon. Those who continue to play and enjoy these, even now with modern innovations like Pokémon Go, would be considered to have traditional ways. But as I've explained, mine is anything but.

After the three days of activities, I'm taking a well-deserved break... although not for long, since things will pick up again real soon, both traditionally and non-traditionally. But whatever happens, they are assured of being on the same way of Pokémon that I've followed and will continue to follow as much as I can. I suppose in that regard, I'm a "ninja" of my own following, which would be for Pokémon. That much should be appreciable, as are all the ways that they may choose to follow - including mine, as non-traditional as it may be.

One year ago: Cosplay: Outfest 2022

Two years ago: On Becoming an Early Adopter

Three years ago: Gift Stickers in Pokémon Go

Four years ago: Pokémon and the Visually Impaired

Five years ago: Retro Music and Modern Music

Six years ago: More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 3

Ash: Hey, we made it!

Pikachu: Pi! ["Nice!"]

Me: Yes, it's both expected and unexpected, but essentially, I got you in for the last day.

Goh: This must be through a Pokémon connection.

Me: You bet your Bidoof. Er, actually, that's kind of appropriate since I also brought you my team jersey (that has a Bidoof on it) to wear, at least briefly before you get into your "special journey" outfit again.

Goh: You have some odd but neat Pokémon connections.

Ash: But I like the Bidoof jersey! You do you.

Me: OK, just like for Day 1 and Day 2, the only things that are different are the schedule and activities.

Ash: Yeah! It started with a Shadow Articuno raid with a few of your teammates at a Gym at the convention.

Goh: Neat! How'd that go?

Ash: We did great! There was a foursome who just made it too. But none of us got a Shiny one.

Goh: The Shiny one must be very rare.

Me: It is, but it's also a matter of luck. So if you don't get it, you don't.

Ash: That explains it. Maybe we'll get it some other time.

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Maybe next time?"]

Me: OK, so don't focus too much on that. We're here for the rest of the convention. 

Ash: I saw a photo booth for characters. I thought you might like and need that.

Me: Oh, thanks! Let's see if that will be good for my portfolio and our image.

Ash: And... I got to see lots of real good characters in action!

Goh: Wait - I've looked it up. So that means this convention is also the place for ICGP Nationals.

Me: So it succeeds Ennichisai as the host from several years ago. And as you know...

Ash: Maybe I don't want to know.

Goh: Well, there was a talk about it once. I went through your stuff - sorry about that.

Me: There's a saying, "to dwell in the past is to die in the present". So Goh is right, and we might as well leave it there and then. 

Goh: Anyway, anything else that was big today?

Ash: I met my friend's friends and character friends. I met one who was last seen many years ago!

Pikachu: Chu, pi pika chu. ["Now, that was neat."]

Me: That's impressive, right? Besides the schedule of events and activities, that's the wonder of really far away conventions like this one.

Ash: And getting stuff that's hard to find!

Me: Hey, you're on to something now. But we can deal with that later.

Goh: Now you shouldn't be too afraid of sending Ash really far away.

Me: No, but we still have to be really careful.

Ash: I got another bonus at the end of the day: Weird Genius!

Goh: Cool! I heard that they're the local act.

Me: That is a neat bonus. I hope you enjoyed it.

Ash: I did!

Me: Excellent! Now, then, I think it's appropriate for us to close today and this three-day run with some final thoughts.

Ash: I say this was the best convention weekend ever! Rica Matsumoto was why you got me here, but the DJ and artist was a nice bonus.

Goh: You also got to meet new friends, old friends, good friends, and great friends - Pokémon and all!

Ash: And I won a prize from the character parade, and I got you tons of stuff!

Goh: All this must have been a significant spend, but it was all worth it, I think.

Me: Both of you are so right. The trip was a bit of an effort, but the effort paid off several times over.

Ash: Can I come back if Rica comes back?

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Is that possible?"]

Me: I'll consider it. Who knows when that might be, but I'll consider it. 

Goh: You have my support!

Ash: And mine!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Me too!"]

Me: Well said. Thanks to you both, and especially to Ash and Pikachu. And utmost congratulations to everyone. Let's see if we can make things happen, and until next time, ICC and Rica Matsumoto.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/25/2022

Two years ago: Who Floats - Pokémon Floats

Three years ago: Uniting the Heart

Four years ago: Evoked Emotions

Five years ago: Promoting Local Establishments with Go

Six years ago: Four Notions

Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 2

Goh: OK, so it's Day 2.

Me: So, we don't need to go over details of structure because it's still the same, aside from the schedule of events today. But there is one difference.

Ash: You got me with my Kalos outfit today!

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["It looks neat!"]

Me: That, just for a change of pace. Now, today, we're all about the continuation of yesterday.

Goh: More Rica Matsumoto?

Me: You better believe it. But we don't have to go all out on this day - just a character pass will do.

Goh: A character pass, huh.

Me: Yes - Ash can get in slightly cheaper that way. How did that turn out?

Ash: You gave me the ticket, but then I had to show a picture of myself. But I got in, no problem.

Pikachu: Pi, pi pika. ["Yeah, that worked."]

Me: It's a wondrous thing, that character pass. 

Ash: After that, someone invited me to get into a "character runway". I was told it's just a character parade.

Goh: But I've looked at the schedule, and it says "character runaway".

Me: You know, I thought that was funny too; why would this convention have a "character runaway"? I thought it was going to be a stage play or something like that. But if it's a competition, no problem - go ahead. I'm pretty sure this is a major error that they didn't bother to correct.

Ash: Yeah! I got in.

Me: Great! The rest of the day should be like yesterday - go around, get pictures taken, meet other people - but then there is the Rica Matsumoto thing and now effectively a competition for us. So let's start with that first one.

Ash: Yeah, so it was called "This Is Her Voice" - maybe, my voice - and she talked a lot about how she got to sing and act with her voice. She even gave tips for beginners.

Goh: What did she say?

Ash: Um, let's see... I guess the big thing is "don't pretend, be" with your voice. She also said that she wanted to "give back" to the people who listen to her, and to make other people happy.

Me: You know, there are a lot of similarities with that and why I've sent Ash as a character [OOC: in cosplay] all these years - and why I got you to sing as well eventually. The result is where we are today.

Ash: Oh yeah! She also said that she started singing and voice acting because of some physical things.

Me: More similarities. See, all these insights are great. Now we know about ourselves and how we can make things work.

Ash: After the talk, they started selling goodies that were signed by her. I got you a signed postcard! But it was a bit of a spend. And everyone got into a rock-paper-scissors giveaway for a poster, but there was only one and I lost in the first round.

Me: Well, as they say, it's better to get the ball rolling now than to wait for who knows how long. And that giveaway is a total pure luck, so don't fret.

Ash: Oh, um, the staff also had a mix-up - even with the MC - for this one like the performance ticket the other day.

Goh: You'd think they've learned to communicate more effectively, even with the schedule error like what just happened.

Ash: The MC was the one who got it sorted out.

Goh: See what I mean?

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["It had to happen."]

Me: Well, anyway, the problem is behind us and more or less resolved. What else happened?

Ash: A lot of people got to take pictures with her, but we had to keep our distance.

Me: Understandable, being that she's a big star and even in today's world. On that note, let's move on to the "runaway runway". That should be a closer matter.

Goh: There must have been many characters in it.

Ash: No, just around 70 or so. Maybe because it was on a Saturday. Everyone still got 10 to 15 seconds to perform.

Me: And the all-important question: who won?

Ash: I thought I would win... and I did! For a special category: Best Pokémon Character.

Goh: WOW!

Pikachu: Pika chuu!! ["Awesome!!"]

Me: Oh my! This is big! This is almost like at the national level!

Goh: You know, you really could think of it that way.

Ash: I got a lot of books as a prize! But they're big and heavy too. Luckily your friend from earlier this year could help with them.

Me: Nice! I'm sure you two had a great time with each other.

Ash: We did - for a real convention this time!

Goh: This is as real as you can get.

Me: I'm sure you'd agree that this has to be one of the most awesome convention weekends and days ever because of all the things that happened today and yesterday.

Ash, Goh: Yeah!!

Pikachu: Pika!! ["Yeah!!"]

Me: Now, I also have to say that the convention actually lasts for three days, but we've already spent so much on the first two days that we might just not need the third.

Goh: I kind of agree.

Me: Even so, let's just let tomorrow unfold and see what happens then. We both (mostly me, but you could too) have some business then in the area... and you just never know what might happen, like today.

Ash: I'll be on the ready!

Me: Whatever happens, you know this is one for the ages.

One year ago: The Pokémon Unite Club Membership

Two years ago: Until Perfect, Until Appreciated

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Grievances

Four years ago: The Show Must Go On

Five years ago: Jumping the 'Karp

Six years ago: Married... to Pikachu?

Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 1

Me: Congratulations, we've just stumbled onto "the big one".

Goh: Whoa!! This must mean another trip for you and Ash.

Ash: Yeah!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["All right!"]

Me: OK, without further ado, this is the biggest convention on "this side of the pond" in years, and I've decided to send Ash to it.

Goh: You say "this side", so I did look, and it would be hard for you to go to the Comic Con on the other side. So I believe you.

Me: You get what I mean.

Goh: If you went all-out for this one, you must have a reason.

Me: Yes! Normally, I don't have many reasons to send Ash to here. But this year, there is effectively one, single, really big reason why I've taken the leap for this one.

Ash: It's got something to do with Pokémon! Doesn't it?

Me: Very much so. But you'll find out about it soon enough. Anyway, today I sent Ash with the "special journey" outfit. What happened there?

Ash: I got in in the middle of the day, after the artists got in first. But it's really big - it's like twice the size of a few weeks ago.

Goh: Why not? It is for as many people as possible. And... artists, huh. Who did you meet?

Ash: I met this person who I met a few years ago. He draws comics, and sometimes he puts in Pokémon too!

Goh: Wow! 

Ash: I even got to meet a DJ and artist my friend likes from other media!

Goh: That's spectacular!

Ash: And I got to meet another "legendary" character of our friend!

Goh: I just don't know what to say. You do know quite a bit of people!

Ash: I have to thank our friend for that.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu!! ["Thank you!!"]

Me: That's a lot of accomplishments for today - and we haven't even gotten to the main one I sent you for!

Goh: It's a great day already... but can it be greater?

Me: Indeed. Tell them how the structure of the convention looks like.

Ash: So there's a really big hall with all the booths and a mini stage - I think I'd call it the Ho-Oh stage - and there's a second big stage area, the Rayquaza stage, I'd call it.

Me: OK, so the former is where you met all those people. But the latter, that's where great artists and other people perform.

Ash: I saw talk shows in the day, so the performance has to be at night.

Me: Right you are, and you can't get in the night show without a special ticket. Fortunately, I've shelled out for that special ticket today so you can go and see it.

Ash: And that's why I'm here.

Me: Exactly. I hope you enjoyed.

Goh: So who is the special artist?

Ash: Want me to say?

Me: Go ahead.

Ash: RICA MATSUMOTO!!!

Pikachu: Pika!! ["Yeah!!"]

Goh: Oh! Oh! ... It's... "your soul"!

Me: Yes. She is indeed the artist who brings Ash to life in voice, at least on the Japanese side. So you know how much this means to me and Ash.

Ash: I'm honored!

Goh: What did she sing?

Ash: She sang "Best Wishes" and of course, "Mezase Pokémon Master"! But she also sang other songs.

Me: Nice! The Unova theme and the anthem of all Pokémon fans.

Ash: And it was her first time in my friend's country!

Me: Unbelievable, right? We can't miss this for the world. Who knows where she could be next and if we'll ever meet her.

Ash: She even mentioned me! I was standing in front and she saw me.

Goh: Amazing!

Me: That is really great! But above all, this should have been to your liking.

Ash: It. Was. AWESOME!

Pikachu: Pika!! ["Awesome!!"]

Me: I'm glad you enjoyed the performance.

Goh: By the way, were there any issues? For a convention this big, something has to come up eventually?

Ash: Oh, they almost mixed up my ticket for the night show and I almost couldn't get in. 

Me: It's a good thing they got it sorted out, otherwise they'd have to answer to me.

Goh: Phew! Crisis averted.

Me: I think this whole thing was a "crisis averted", if you ask me. I had a little thing going on before this.

Ash: You know what? That is great, and we (I) had a great day!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Great!"]

Me: And as you can tell, this isn't over yet, as this is Day 1. Tomorrow, there will be a Day 2.

Goh: Oh wow! I guess we all can't wait.

Me: Rest up, and get prepared for that.

Ash: Will do!

One year ago: 2000 Posts!!!

Two years ago: Cosplay: YASUMI 2 - Sunday Holiday

Three years ago: Lifestyle Gaming

Four years ago: Cosplay: ENNICHISAI 2019 + CLAS:H/ICGP Nationals

Five years ago: Gym Rework, One Year Later

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Gym Rework

The Eternal Pokémon Fanfare

I have a certain Pokémon affair that I can't reveal just yet, but all I can say for now is that it may be (one of) the greatest of the great affairs I've dealt with. With that, I've decided to discuss another greatest-of-the-great affair, which would be what I call the "Pokémon fanfare", the music that was initially present in the original first-generation games and have been present in various guises since. As such, it may be said to have another great quality, that of being "eternal", and that's something to point out.

The fanfare - or it may also be called a march because of its qualities - has a two-bar lead, 16-bar main section, and an 8-bar choral section. It may be extended by looping back to the main section (which the main series games do) however many times as needed, and it also may be made to close by repeating the lead and finishing with a final note "hit". Arguably, its most popular early rendition off of the games is in the anime, which repeats once and closes in the manner I just mentioned.

As for its other renditions, it is (was) made different in the second and third generations by having different lead sections, and for the latter, it is extended with entirely different melodies. The sixth and seventh generation games too have had their takes on the music, and they're quite laudable as well. In Pokémon Go, the "professor's fanfare" may be considered to echo the original fanfare in some ways and to be adjacent to it, while the fanfare itself has its own rendition as the regular raid lobby music. 

Given these renditions and the way that it has made its mark (and will continue to do so), its "eternal" quality becomes rather evident. Scores of players and fans from various generations, even if they got to know newer ones first before older ones, will no doubt be able to recognize the fanfare and know through it that Pokémon is involved somehow. They will then be able to instill and perpetuate the recognition among other players and fans, and that only becomes a further reflection of the "eternal" quality.

Being a long-time player and fan of Pokémon, I'm able to recognize what the "Pokémon fanfare" is and what it signifies, and it is indeed a great thing for the franchise among all the other great things, of which there are many. And as stated above, one of them is the one that's presenting itself to me now and I myself will present in due time. Yet if there is something that's just as great (if not greater), then that would be this piece of music that really stands for much of Pokémon.

One year ago: The Catch 'Em Battle Arena

Two years ago: All for a "Pokémon (Pikachu) Meal"

Three years ago: Dub Absence, Again

Four years ago: Tournament+Cosplay: Club 40 Indonesia Tournament

Five years ago: Food Chain Axioms

Six years ago: Technology, Good and Evil

So You Think You Can (_____) with Pokémon

Sometimes, I'm reminded that nothing is as easy as they appear to be. Case in point: there's a thing that I've tried to get for a while now that might just lead to Pokémon things in the future, but it has proven to be very difficult to get - and today, things came to a head with those difficulties, nearly putting me in a complete mental breakdown. In a way, the same may be said to be true for certain Pokémon things, and I've opted to discuss how that may be, with a certain saying and a certain format that I've used once before.

The saying suggests that a person is able (and/or proficient) in doing something, yet reality and the pressures contained therein might suggest a completely different situation. It has been used for evaluating the skills of people, though in affairs that are only distantly related to Pokémon. Yet so it is that Pokémon itself is composed of a variety of affairs, and they all demand certain abilities and proficiency in them; that's something that not everyone may be capable of, just like for the affairs with distant relations to Pokémon. 

A more closely related affair would be the training of Pokémon, as their masters (Trainers) are wont to do. It includes a lot of activities, all of which look simple to do or get through, but they actually aren't. It is no surprise, then, that some people who thought they could go through them turn out to be unable to do so, and they end up a failure. I myself can be considered a "failure child" of VGC, as I've never been able to make do with all its intricacies, which are the results of a quarter century of Pokémon development.

Certainly, there is much more to Pokémon than just training, and that's where the blank part (_____) of the title comes in. People may breed, care for, and rescue Pokémon - among a whole host of other things - and they are all appreciable. But to be able to do them excellently (more so than others), that's a feat only some people are capable of. This goes back to that saying, which has the implication of proving one's chops as being the best possible. That seems to remain an overarching theme of Pokémon, no matter what seems to be involved.

Regarding the fate of that thing I mentioned at the beginning, it still remains slightly out of reach at the moment, and there is both a strain (further mental breakdown) and an impetus (just getting it done) in obtaining it for the good of all things that may come with it, including Pokémon things. That much I can easily say; whatever happens next may be more difficult than what I had envisioned. Yet by the saying I mentioned, it may be the thought that counts, which will beget the actions I would need to do to show that I am able - in my case, when Pokémon is also a concern.

One year ago: The Fossil Cup of GBL

Two years ago: Community Day Patterns

Three years ago: Another Anime Dream

Four years ago: Cosplay Card, Fourth Version

Five years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Complications), 6/21/2018

Six years ago: Resets and Redos

Possible Silph Successors?

There's only one month and some days left before Silph Arena as the last vestige of The Silph Road closes down, and that's important to drill down in that time. Yet what also seems to be important is to determine and establish potential successors for the two-in-one institution... although the result may not necessarily become two-in-one as with the Silph Arena and The Silph Road. Regardless, the process is an ongoing one, and in fact, three of them have emerged to certain capacities. It seems important to identify them at this point in time, especially what players (Trainers) may be able to expect from them.

One of them is called Gymbreakers, and it has already established its own set of competitions, primarily those affiliated with certain regions and/or nations; it has even held its own "world cup" style competitions. The competitions are facilitated in part through the same familiar-to-gamers platform I hinted at the start of the last Cycle of Factions, so it has some similarity to Silph Arena, and there is further similarity in the usage of the themed cups from the Arena. Of course, once the Arena closes, they'll have to stand independently, and the word has been that they are ready to concoct their own team tournaments similar to Factions, so this may be its expected successor more than anything else, particularly given the above.

Another potential successor is called Project Zygarde, obviously taking a cue from the Legendary Pokémon. After the closure announcement of the Arena, a group of Trainers banded together and conceived this establishment to try to make a new host for individual competitions, so the potential of this one is for that. The application frontend is being developed, and it is highly likely that it will make individual PvP quite organized. Further, PvPoke as the leading analyzer for PvP battles has effectively partnered with this effort, and that is why their current wordmark also shows a Zygarde, in contrast to their "classic" wordmark. They may have quite a bit more to go, but they appear well on their way to establishment for their purposes.

While not a "successor" per se, Stadium Gaming deserves a mention in many ways. If this one sounds a bit odd, that's because it's more recognizable as Go Stadium; it may be apparent that the other name is being deemphasized. They're the originators of the Cliffhanger PvP format, and evidently it has continued to be updated according to recent developments in Pokémon Go. Apart from this, they have their own collection of news update roundups and valuable resources for PvP, so in that respect, they may be considered more of a successor to the side of The Silph Road - although the Cliffhanger format may then become more adoptable ex post facto, depending on the whims of Trainers and organizers.

Looking at the three potential successors above, it is apparent that none of them are "all-in-one" as it is apparent for Silph Arena and The Silph Road. Yet that may be a good thing, considering the two have presented a duality that some people (like me) may have been ignoring. What definitely cannot be ignored is that it is important that some semblance of a successor needs to be established (and soon), in order to deliver on the continuity that the Silph institution has (and had) provided. Any or all of these potential successors may just deliver on that and keep community PvP for Pokémon Go alive and well.

One year ago: I Love You, As Long As You Are

Two years ago: Trainer Rank in Pokémon Shuffle

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/20/2020

Four years ago: Thematic Battles

Five years ago: Losing Touch and Keeping in Touch

Six years ago: Pokémon Exclusivity

The Flurry of Unite Team Creation

Being a MOBA game, Pokémon Unite demands that teams be formed for good play. That means one will eventually have to seek out (or be sought out by) teams to which one can contribute their skills. Of course, it is also possible for teams to organize and reorganize on their own, carrying the whims of the players in the process. It may be a rather dynamic process, and I want to discuss how that can be by illustrating a few examples by my observations.

I'm part of a loose association of players (not a team) with a certain connection, particularly to other realms of Pokémon. Yet sometimes, some of its older members are able to group into teams for competitions when demanded. This association can therefore be thought of as a "proto-team", acting as a hotbed for the possible formation of teams and facilitator for communication among the members of those teams even as they remain in the association after the formation of teams.

Certainly, it is normal for teams to form by self-association, just like in the specific case above. After that, provided they do well, they might rebrand themselves, especially as they are absorbed into different (major) associations. For example, the team Rise, which made a name for itself in last year's competitions, was absorbed by the eSports giant RRQ and now competes under that name. Meanwhile, EVOS absorbed Laevateinn and it competes under "EVOS Laevateinn". These are truly big undertakings given their statures.

When multiple teams form under a single association (such as that of Wotaman), there's always the possibility that a team - or at least any of its members - can change associations. That was effectively what happened when its Akiba team effectively changed association to GeekFam, but still retaining the team name. It becomes obvious that associations can be breeding grounds for teams as well, who may then "spread their wings" and make new "homes" for themselves.

Even with Pokémon Unite being a relative youngster among its MOBA game kins, the formation of teams for it still represents a "flurry", in that it's an active undertaking as the game itself grows in activity. This appears to be true no matter how the teams form, just like in the examples above. For those that continue to play, it should be rather invigorating that their successes may just enable the (re)formation of teams to keep the "flurry" of the teams and the game to keep going.

One year ago: Say You Love Me (Not)

Two years ago: Earthing with Pokémon

Three years ago: Taking Pictures of Pokémon

Four years ago: LINE Pokémon Emoji

Five years ago: The Super Incubator

Six years ago: The Badge Arcade Hit Its Limits

Beachside with Pokémon

In the first year of this blog, I discussed one of the pre-movie Pokémon short films, the pieces of background music from that short film, and what triggered the discussion. The memory of the activity still has not faded even now, perhaps in part thanks to the Pokémon connection I made. As a matter of fact, so is the memory of an actual beach outing - and not just to a water park - that I made many years ago, before this Pokémon blog (and even, Pokémon Go) became a thing. It seems apt to bring up that discussion and bring back that Pokémon thing as its framing.

That beach outing many years ago can be considered to have proceeded a little like the short film in question (and the three music pieces I mentioned). It seemed festive and playful in getting to the beach (like "Fun at the Beach"), and then as the outing progressed, it got a little hectic and wild (like "The Lawnmower Chase"). But when all was said and done, there was a slight urge and longing to go back to a beach - not necessarily the same one - and go for another outing (like "Let's PikaBoo Again"). That didn't happen for the longest time, and it only finally happened today.

And the current outing was much like the previous outing in my recollection of it. Only this time, the chaotic ("The Lawnmower Chase") part was the travel to the beach with a lot of ups and downs - literally - and the beach part was as fun as fun can be. And when it was all over, there was the same urge and longing. Still, there were some changes: this time, the outing was with a larger group, and because of how Pokémon has pervaded since then, I chose to memorialize it with Pokémon. Specifically, Pokémon Go came to assist in this effort, allowing me to take pictures of Pokémon on the beach:

The six Pokémon I chose to feature in snapshot above are actually related in that they all represent Pokémon that can conceivably be encountered at any beach, especially the one on the upper right, for which this time is also important. Moreover, all six were subjects of a special feature in the form of a familiar event that took place earlier in the month, but this time with a special theme. As always, that would need to be explained separately and closer to the month in question in a separate event rollup.

It's been a long time since I've been able to go to a beach (in actuality) and then return there. But when it happened, which was indeed the case today, it happened at a fortunate time in my life, and it could also be commemorated with Pokémon in more ways than one. It was thus a great day overall, and in the case of this Pokémon fan, a great time made even greater with Pokémon presence. Like the earlier beach and "beach" outing, this one will certainly remain in mind for some time to come as such.

One year ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Gathering & Cup 2022

Two years ago: Pokémon Words from the Coach

Three years ago: Pokémon (PKMN) Presents, 6/17/2020

Four years ago: On Copyrights

Five years ago: Boxes of Go-Goodies

Six years ago: There Is Only One Ball

The Mystique of 151

Over four years ago, I discussed the wonders of the number 25, a number with a certain Pokémon connection. This time, I'd like to discuss a number that is closely related, at least relatively. That number is of course 151, which I deem to have a certain aura of mystique about it, moreover because of its significance for the early history of Pokémon.

The number is certainly the Dex number for Mew, the very last Pokémon of the first generation. It may be considered an afterthought by the way it was added, but it was effectively a fortunate afterthought. The species is practically the face and representative of its class, Mythical Pokémon, and it has made its way not just in the main series games but also in other games like Pokémon Unite. Add in its unique versatility, and it becomes hard to believe that it was first present on a whim.

Beyond Mew, though, the number is an effective delimiter of its generation. It is then no surprise that one of the Japanese ending themes of the Kanto saga of the anime is titled just that: "Hyaku-gojuu-ichi" (hyphens added for clarity), which in Japanese means "one hundred fifty one". Content-wise, it's another one of those songs that bring up the virtues of Pokémon species, specifically those contained within this Dex range from the beginning.

In similar fashion, the TCG has recently come out with an expansion to its Scarlet & Violet series, titled, aptly... "151". As expected, it would bring back Pokémon species of the first generation for play with current sensibilities; even Mew itself is present on the Booster Bundle box and color silhouettes of Pokémon from this generational cohort decorate the packaging. It might seem slightly out of place, but the generational cohort is always in place for any Pokémon fan, even now.

As for mathematical wonderings, 151 is a prime number, and that is the most significant property without considering all the more esoteric ones. It's a little befitting that the first Mythical Pokémon gets assigned a number of such stature as its "prime" example. It's also palindromic (the same backwards and forwards) and that might be representative of the versatility quirk that the species has become known for.

Without a doubt, the number 151 has become ingrained among Pokémon fans for its characteristics as a representative of one of its quirkiest species and a summation of what initially represented Pokémon. That much I consider "mystical" and indeed Mythical as well, going by all that it stands for in relation to Pokémon. 

One year ago: Knotting Destinies and Love

Two years ago: The Mystique of the Slowpoke Well

Three years ago: Good Storage Limit Counts

Four years ago: I'm a "General"!

Five years ago: Viewpoints and Preferences

Six years ago: Hounds and Hyenas, Canines of the Dark

Possibility of Bottle Caps in Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go shares a connection with the main series games, in that both have IVs as determinants of Pokémon stats for individual species instances. They're not changeable except mostly in the case of trading, and even then, it's the trading partner that gets the benefit rather than the original Trainer, unless the trade is a mirror trade. But what if the IVs can be changed without requiring a trade, which can be useful in certain circumstances? To do that, Pokémon Go would have to borrow (implement) yet another concept from the main series games as it has done recently with the addition of the Master Ball.

That concept would be Bottle Caps, items in the main series games that can change the IVs of Pokémon. The regular "silver" Bottle Cap and the Gold Bottle Cap are the representative variants. The former maximizes a single IV, while the latter maximizes all IVs. By their functions alone, they are undeniably useful, as they can do what catching and breeding alone cannot do, at least within a short time. Supposing that the items and/or their exact functions are (to be) replicated in Pokémon Go, the effects would be significant and far-reaching, and that would call their necessity into question.

As mentioned above, trading changes IVs, essentially "re-rolling" them. In that way, something like a Bottle Cap seems superfluous, especially in the case of a Lucky Trade, which is likely to result in improved stats and thereby accomplishes the purpose of something like a Gold Bottle Cap. Yet the results of trading may or may not have the same effects as using Bottle Caps due to the possibility of IVs decreasing in other circumstances outside a Lucky Trade, and that is something that would support the addition of Bottle Caps to change IVs rather than (or perhaps in addition to) making trades to do so.

Still, it is known that some Pokémon (Shadow, Mythical, and previously traded ones) can't be traded and therefore cannot have their IVs changed through the mechanism, though Shadow Pokémon can be Purified to change their IVs, the only non-trade way thus far. Bottle Caps may then support subpar instances of these rather than creating a new one - for example, I have a Keldeo that can benefit from an increase in Defense, even with all other things remaining the same. Even so, Niantic is keen to avoid loopholes, and that's why (notably) they put the "ban hammer" down on trading Shadow Pokémon in the first place.

With such a situation, it seems that implementing Bottle Caps in Pokémon Go may be a rather fanciful thought, and one that is rather remote and not at all quite possible given the above circumstances. But as with the Master Ball, perhaps even the situation will merit their addition at some point, which would open the door to a wide range of possibilities. It would also help to establish further relations with the main series games for those who are (or were already) familiar with them and further affirm this mobile game's status as an integral companion to those games, if it isn't already apparent.

One year ago: Voice Acting, for Me and...

Two years ago: Personal Social Media Experiments with Pokémon

Three years ago: Go with the Flow

Four years ago: The State of Officialness

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/16/2018

Six years ago: Limited Editions

Recent Visual Improvements in Pokémon Unite

MOBA games, of which Pokémon Unite is one of them, are arguably highly visual in both interface and gameplay. Any effort to improve visuals is therefore as welcome as it is necessary. Such is the case of some (relatively) recent improvements that have been made to the visuals of Pokémon Unite, making it more attractive in that aspect and in some ways also more functional, which makes them definitely something to go over and explain.

During the battle, a visual indicator ("Level up!") now appears when the level of a Pokémon increases, whether it's the player's own or of another Pokémon. This is a welcome addition, because although the level indicator of Pokémon appears as a circular gauge on its left side, it can sometimes be hard to see, especially to determine the level progress. The new indicator should help with that, even if only slightly. Lately, this visual indicator is also accompanied by an auditory indicator - that is, sound - which helps to draw further attention and affirms the usefulness of the addition.

The "match found" screen has also been overhauled. Now it shows all the Trainers with their outfits congregating, much like that for the Legacy Trainer Challenge, essentially affirming this as a new default visual style. The Trainers appear as they confirm, taking up the entire screen split into two sides diagonally, and the "confirm" button is relocated to the lower right, still with the new default of 15 seconds to do so. Of course, Trainers will likely not want to wait that long with the way that the screen now appears, which is now more glorious and attractive as ever, and should hype up the battle to come.

Other visual overhauls are slightly order but can still be discussed. In the (regular) battle preparation screen, the Pokémon list and Trainer selection have switched places; the latter now indicates the items they bring for their Pokémon and the former now shows them in a four-column grid that shows 16-20 at a time, making filtering less necessary. The item display is arguably important as it can identify those who are skilled or less skilled in battle, but the entirety of this visual change is also important if nothing else, as it brings out quite a bit of things that were previously less obvious, a good thing indeed.

Backgrounds have also been added to the main menu and pre-battle screen. For the former, one can opt to have the basic Aeos Island backdrop being shown, even if a special event (like the current Eevee Festival) is going on that changes that backdrop. For the latter, special events and circumstances (Pokémon and/or Holowear selections) may change the usual "sky" appearance into something more thematic for the occasion; an example being the current Eevee Festival, where the background becomes a night sky with fireworks if a team is entirely composed of evolved forms of Eevee. The possibilities may widen over time.

All the visual additions above are certainly improvements to both the interface and gameplay of Pokémon Unite, whether minimalistic or extensive. Yet that seems to be "par for the course" for a MOBA game, which may be considered to have a dependence on visuals as much as it depends on gameplay. If anything, their importance is affirmed with the above, measuring up to that which Pokémon Unite presently possesses. 

One year ago: For Discerning Kids and Adults Alike

Two years ago: Subspace Emissary Buddies Poster

Three years ago: Names, Markets, and Issues

Four years ago: Code Affairs

Five years ago: Number One for...

Six years ago: 15th Feature Film Mini-Figures

Gimmicks in Café Remix

Besides just clearing Pokémon by linking their icons, the thing that makes Pokémon Café Remix what it is - an enigmatic puzzler - is the gimmicks that appear on the stages. They're the things that need to be cleared for achievement and can be cleared well with the special skills of certain Pokémon. As such, they are fairly numerous as well, and I'd like to discuss them not specifically according to what they are, but generally according to their properties.

Most gimmicks will respond to a "hit" - that is, making a Pokémon move that contacts them - but some gimmicks may require more than one "hit" to be cleared. Soda bubbles are of the former type, but whipped cream is of the latter, in normal cases requiring three hits. Some gimmicks, including whipped cream, are free-moving (also, mayonnaise), but many gimmicks are fixed in place (chocolate bars and vegetable crates) although they can also be made to move by the effects of "bubble"-type gimmicks, but only if they can be present.

Speaking of, some gimmicks regenerate themselves whether or not they are dealt with, like honey and white chocolate, creating copies of themselves on adjacent Pokémon icons. If not, they generate other gimmicks, like olives generating olive oil or the recently-introduced soda bottles generating soda bubbles; they may even "reset" themselves if not dealt with, as in the case of popcorn and pudding. Others that don't regenerate may activate and deactivate themselves after every move (pickles and marshmallows) and can only be normally cleared if they happen to be active.

A few gimmicks always come in pairs (nuts and nutcrackers, milk and shakers) and they need to be brought together to be cleared; the former moves freely while the other is normally fixed in place. Two gimmicks, tomatoes and basil leaves, require to be collected in baskets in order to be cleared and these baskets will always appear in the orders (stages) where they are present. There are also gimmicks begetting other gimmicks - not necessarily related ones - like the pot and parchment upon being cleared with hits; these may not have to be cleared in order to clear the orders.

Then, there are just gimmicks with irregular properties, like cheese that is slim and spans rows or columns, or strawberry crates that take up a 2-by-2 block. Vegetables and eggs also never disappear from a stage. The turnip takes four hits, and it is fixed for the first three hits before becoming free-moving for the fourth. The wafer is a gimmick that can clear other gimmicks by making hits on them. Finally, some gimmicks don't take hits at all (pumpkins and coffee cans) and need to be cleared by megaphones or otherwise with Pokémon skills.

In any case, the above descriptions are not meant to be exhaustive (especially if new gimmicks appear later on), but they should give an idea of what needs to be done in order to clear the gimmicks in both normal circumstances and when the Pokémon can help out to clear the gimmicks. It's essentially the main demand for a café that involves cooperation with Pokémon to create culinary delights from the basic ingredients (gimmicks) they deal with.

One year ago: Sending Champs to Be Champs

Two years ago: Remembering Missing PokéStops and Gyms

Three years ago: Pokémon Conventions?

Four years ago: Integration Prospects

Five years ago: More Pokémon Paper Things

Six years ago: Poké-Crafts Made out of Paper

Keeping the Memory of Silph Arena (Factions)

Well, that crushing defeat that my Faction just had as its "last dance" in Silph Arena Factions is a bit depressing and something that I may not want to remember, at least for long stretches of time. As a matter of fact, this can also apply to some other things that had happened in the brief stint that my team had as part of this competition. Yet it also seems to be all fine and good to keep some of the memory of that time, no matter what had happened. Fortunately, that is happening or has happened in some ways, and it might as well be that way.

Faithful readers will note that during the Community Day meetup last Saturday, I wore a special jersey as my "Pokémon Outfit of the Day". That jersey is a specially commissioned jersey for the "SWEEP Family" by none other than my Faction's manager. It contains the senior team's logo ("Lord Bidoof") as well as the logos for Silph Arena Factions, Ostrich (the jersey maker), and Pokémon Go Indonesia - and yes, even the country's flag, my Trainer (nick)name, and position on the back side. So... while it does lend its own impressions, I also feel nervous wearing it for that reason, perhaps also by having ordered it in the first place.

Generic example of the jersey.

More to the point, this jersey has essentially become a "memorial jersey" for those who have ordered it, due to Silph Arena being about to close, which was unexpected at the time it was commissioned. This applies to those of the senior team (SWEEP ID) and the JR team. As to why this jersey wasn't of the JR team in the case of my teammates and me, my manager opted for a "united representation" instead. Still, there are talks that a "JR" version is about to be created, so I may want to invest in that version for purely the memorial aspect. But to be regarded almost on the same level as the senior team is also fine in its own right.

As for keeping the memory of other aspects, I have planned or am planning to save the complete web pages of certain aspects of Silph Arena (Factions included) that concern me personally. It's a bit of a standard practice for me to save things that concern my posterity, especially if they are related Pokémon and can only (formerly) be accessed by logging in, as is the case with things on the Silph Arena. So there is an imperative for that, and soon.

Not to forget, this blog will still be around for quite some time, and all of the completed Bouts involving my Faction are now preserved in memory as blog posts, which were created soon after their completion. That is a veritable archive if nothing else, in addition to all my thoughts about any particular facet of Silph Arena (Factions), which ought to remain pertinent for consideration in Pokémon Go PvP well after the closure of Silph Arena.

Despite some rough moments in my Factions career (as well as in Silph Arena in general), some things from both areas that involve me still deserve to be remembered. The good thing is that I am planning for this to happen, and other things facilitate for this to occur, even if they weren't specifically designed for that "memorial" purpose. Silph Arena may be about to close, but a part of it will always be open in my heart... and my mind; thus, it is certain that some memories will last, especially when assisted.

One year ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Merchandise

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Pursuing Our True Selves

Three years ago: There's a Time and Place

Four years ago: Chaos and Darkness

Five years ago: Singular vs. Multiple Focus Legendaries

Six years ago: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Icy Wind (SA Factions)

The first Bout of the King of the Hill tournament for Silph Arena Factions had come and has gone for my Faction, SWEEP JR, and the results are in. For this Bout, my team and I were paired up with a team from the North America conference, Icy Wind. Such is the norm for this tournament (and the Worlds Championship), where any Faction must be prepared to face others from a different part of the world, as I've noted earlier; in this case, the opposing Faction came from halfway around the world, bringing their game over to us - so we had to do the same to them.

A little background is in order. This is a Faction from Canada, although one of its members is from the U.S., and that's just fine, as their people are "neighbor buddies". What isn't quite as fine, at least for us, is that this Faction is one of the contenders in the Diamond tier of the respective conference (and has been as high as Emerald, the highest tier). Furthermore, the Faction is also a senior Faction, having competed in the very first Cycle of the conference. All things considered, they present a formidable challenge for my upstart Faction.

Unfortunately, my Faction and I got to see how formidable that challenge is. All the match battles took place over the course of Saturday and Sunday my time, and uniquely, they all resulted in sweeps (3-0 or 0-3 either way)... though mostly not in our favor. On Saturday, all four of the matches - Almujha vs. DragOns1lk (Echo Field, against the opposing Captain), riman12 vs. davdangg (Open Great League, against the only American), Kucingimutt vs. FreakyBot9 (Echo Field), and RaymondHrtwn vs. EJCC87 (Open Ultra League) - were won by the other team. On Sunday, YukiXCyz vs. x3TheGOAT3x (Ragnar Field) was won by us, while Orioo16 vs. Uberjudgement (Open Master League) and Newsnorlax2020 (a new addition to my Faction) vs. KevinSaludares (Ragnar Field) was won by them. The end result was a crushing defeat, 3-18.

Of course, this means that my Faction is eliminated from the tournament, and our journey ends here. Even the new member addition - the only one we can make, as all Factions can have this and/or two of its previous members for the postseason - couldn't help to turn the tide (and wouldn't have been able anyway, as our fates were already decided on Saturday by the fourth 0-3 loss). It's apparent that my Faction isn't prepared for a higher level of competition by this forced attempt at "punching above our weight", but at least something may be gained for the future of my Faction... yet that will have to wait if Factions can be resurrected in some form after the closure of Silph Arena.

Whatever happens, my Faction has gone through a wild journey in Silph Arena Factions as an upstart, though it was fairly short-lived in both the regular competition and postseason, again due to the closure as above. That wild journey comes to an end early on in the first round of the King of the Hill tournament by way of a senior Faction from the other side of the world, but it may become the progenitor for other journeys, if and when they arise.

Farewell, Silph Arena Factions, and best of luck to those who are still competing (including the above) as well as best wishes for the road ahead.

One year ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Promo

Two years ago: The Floating City Awaits

Three years ago: As In As All...

Four years ago: Nationally Challenged

Five years ago: Before Gold and Silver

Six years ago: Red on a Bike

Cosplay: "It's My Town" Competition

Me: Well, this should be something a little different.

Ash: Hey, it's your town!

Pikachu: Chu, pika. ["Yeah, your town."]

Goh: It's "your town"?

Me: Yeah, it's "my town". I can't say much more than that, but you get the gist. 

Goh: OK, so what is this about?

Me: It's a local traditional festival that isn't really related to the world of characters, but someone had the idea to invite characters over, so here we are.

Ash: And you want me in!

Me: Of course. While we do this, however, I'd like to say that I'm also trying to prepare you for something special, but I also can't say much about this, at least for now. 

Goh: Really? 

Me: Yeah. Anyhow, because of that, I'll have to send you, Ash, with your Alola outfit. But that should be fine with you.

Ash: Why not? That's totally fine! If you're fine too.

Me: It's set, then. Now, you got to the festival, so what did you see there?

Ash: I saw LOTS of food stands! But I guess I can't eat them all, can I?

Me: No, you'll go bust and I'll go bust, if you know what I mean.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Understood."]

Goh: So where's the "traditional" part?

Ash: I saw and heard dances and music like that. There was also some art like that, but not much.

Goh: Well, those are good carriers of traditions, but so is food.

Ash: I did get to try a bit, and it was yummy.

Me: As long as it's within limits, then it's fine.

Ash: No worries.

Me: All right, how was the actual competition?

Ash: It was a character parade! A lot of characters were in it, even me - I think it was over 70.

Goh: You know, that's a lot. I'm afraid to say it... but there must have been a serious crowd.

Ash: You bet.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Very true."]

Me: Here's what I think: the organizers might have known that this festival could be sleepy today - this is actually a two-day thing from yesterday, but I'm aware there were no characters then - so they asked characters to come today, and as we know...

Goh: ...where there are characters, there are crowds.

Me: That had to be the case.

Ash: Um, I think there might have been a few people and characters who got lost in the shuffle.

Me: Never mind this festival, I think I heard the same from those who went to the convention  from last week.

Goh: You don't say.

Me: Let's move on to something that should be better: how were the results?

Goh: Tough luck?

Ash: Yeah, nothing for me.

Pikachu: Pi. ["That."]

Goh: What were the winners like?

Ash: They looked a bit spooky! But then I saw really big monsters, but they didn't win either.

Goh: Maybe they're just big for the sake of big.

Me: That could float. If they have problems moving (this is a parade, after all) then they may not be expressive enough.

Ash: Oh, but it turns out I got to talk with one of the winners (before I found out) and it seems the person who sent in the character may have something interesting - for us! I even got to help.

Goh: Really??

Me: Hey, this might be an opportunity; I'll handle the rest and get back to you. So, I guess today was kind of productive, in a way. 

Ash: I got to eat and enjoy the festival, so that was great!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"]

Goh: That's not bad, even if you didn't win. And you got our friend to connect too!

Ash: Isn't that great?

Me: Who knows - this festival and our future might become great later on for the same reasons.

One year ago: Finding Reasons to Sing and Connect

Two years ago: Justification for Writing My Blog

Three years ago: Low-Bit Fantasies with Pokémon

Four years ago: Field Research Task Reporting

Five years ago: The Myth of Shiny Pokémon

Six years ago: On Skateboards and Pokémon

Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/10/2023

Some editions of Community Day are there to make a point or "point" - that is, both literally and figuratively. Those editions may be initiated to show that some species are still viable regardless of certain situations involving that species, or they can illustrate new developments in Community Day features. And then, there's just the "point" aspect, for which some species perhaps just have physical features of this kind to flaunt. All of that may be considered to be true for this edition.

So, the "point" that I speak of is that this edition's featured Pokémon is Axew, the Tusk Pokémon - which has a real nice point to it. Its species family and evolution line spans Fraxure and Haxorus as well, for which the latter receives the special move of Breaking Swipe, a Charged move with some potential for contributing to the dynamics of PvP battles. The main bonus for this edition is tripled XP, which has greater benefits for those below level 50, but it is nonetheless welcome for them, which may include novices of all ages.

As for other "points", they're pretty much of the usual menagerie. Double Candy and double Candy XL chance (enhanced by a current event bonus), discounted trades and extra Special trades (enhanced by a current mishap), and extended Lure Modules and Incense, photo bombs, special stickers, and bonus Fraxure raids (as usual), as well as the paid Special Research (titled "Keeping Sharp" as a nod to and for exploring the pointy qualities of the species) are the order of the day.

And then there are the usual local meetups. The local park that has played host to my local one for several months now is effectively the primary host at this point, but it's considered a good place since it's at the center of the local area. That may have helped this edition to garner more than the usual number of attendees, as did the significance of the Pokémon and its species family as an all-around must-have for Pokémon Go affairs, plus a local campaign to expand communities as greatly as possible.

I'm on the lower right, wearing a special jersey (more on this soon).

For evolutionary purposes, I evolved two of the best ones I had, one a regular one and a previous Buddy Pokémon, and one a Shiny Lucky one obtained by a Lucky Trade on this very day. Then there were a few more for Great League and Ultra League, though I have to say that I'm slightly displeased with the results for these. Of course, as usual, there will be another opportunity as this year comes to a close, and I may have to prepare for that opportunity to evolve the one(s) that I really need.

Fittingly, I've already made my point, and so too has this edition of Community Day. It presents the "points" (affairs) as usual, but does so with a particularly pointy Pokémon species and its family. With the results of this Community Day, there ought be future opportunities where I can make my point with them, and so can the others who participated. If anything, the grand local meetup above should also make the point that the communities continue to thrive through the low points and high points, for which this ought to be the latter.

One year ago: Bots in Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Arena Factions, Assemble

Three years ago: The Persistence of Pokémon Spotlight Hours

Four years ago: To Hold or Not to Hold?

Five years ago: Variegated Pokédexes

Six years ago: Pokémon and Sports