The Peak of Adventures Abound

Well, the events have wrapped up, and now it's the last day of the month and of it overall, so the end of the season has to be dealt with. As has been evident for the past three months, the season has the (sub)title of "Adventures Abound", which has the potential to imply certain things. Two of those things regard the qualities of adventures, which may be outward or inward as it applies to different Pokémon games, not just limited to Pokémon Go as the season might suggest. And that is worth looking into after the three months of this season.

The outward quality was indeed quite apparent with Pokémon Go, and definitely so with the entry of Pokémon from Paldea. It marked a way of breaking out for the game, which might be considered unusual but only further affirmed the quality. The major feature that colored this season, Party Play, was also a breakout social move. And even though most events were repeats, the new Pokémon and features did bring their outward side.

For other games, they mostly had their own things going on, but every once in a while, something did try to break out. Pokémon Unite did that with the addition of Mimikyu in time for Halloween, and Café Remix had some new features beyond the usual; the latter, though, seems to be about to be more "baked in" with the way that things have gone for it. It may be that in the times ahead, there would be more outward-inward battles within them.

Still, either way, some adventures were still to be had. They would have had to involve dealing with the aspects that had the presented qualities and making them work wherever and whenever possible. At that point, the adventures might just be able to amount to however many people would like them to be, even "abound" as the season (sub)title suggests. 

Possibly, what might be considered great about adventures besides their quantity is also their quality, specifically their way of transcending times - in a way as the Pokémon Go example above. But then, that could also be considered a whole lot more literally, and in that sense, there is a plethora of adventures to be had then, now, and later on.

One year ago: The Peak of Light

Two years ago: The Peak of Mischief

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 7

Four years ago: Cosplay: UC Bunkasai

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

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

The State of Nominations, Part 25

As usual, every two months, I have to update on my progress with nominating new PokéStops in Pokémon Go. Readers might recall that the previous update was made under some highly unusual circumstances, and I'm happy to say that those circumstances don't apply this time. However, there might be certain other unusual things, including of the system (Wayfarer) itself, and those deserve to be explained properly. Right now, updating my personal state becomes the situation at hand.

For that, I have the numbers as usual, which I'm basing on the previous previous update since the previous one was unusual. Of the nominations I have, 117 are Accepted (increased by 10) and 64 are Not Accepted (increased by 8), indicating that some progress was to be had, even in a "downtime". Meanwhile, 11 Duplicate nominations are still as such, I have 4 In Voting and none In Queue, and none are being Appealed (all decided). As for my numbers, they increased in much the same ways, so the Wayfarer numbers pretty much tell the tale.

Then, there's the unusual matter. Recently, Wayfarer got an update to its review process, replacing 5-star evaluations with thumbs-up and thumbs-down (or "I Don't Know") evaluations. Testing is now not absolutely required, and approval criteria are explained graphically. These are big changes - and unusual ones - which might have affected some people's judgments and might have explained the shifts in the numbers above. By my experience, it has done just that for me as well.

While the "downtime" seems to have passed, it seems that it may still be good to not "bend" the criteria a bit much and to stick to nominations that obviously fit within them. The new graphical explanations ought to provide at least a semblance of what should and shouldn't be nominated, so one can definitely play by and into them. Appeals naturally would work the same way as well. Of course, there is still no harm in surveying and finding other locations that are eligible for immediate nomination.

Certainly, because this is the November update, it also means that it's the last update that I can make for this year. And still, the journey continues to seek locations that have not been covered by PokéStops and allow them to be covered by at least one. It has always been a "side quest" from my other "quests" in Pokémon Go, but it's still an important one, given how it could potentially affect the way I (and others) play. With the way that things have changed in this year, that should remain to be affirmed.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 19

Two years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Sparkling Steps

Three years ago: The Catch Cup of GBL

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

Five years ago: Multiple Pathways to Evolution?

Six years ago: The Words of a Pikachu

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2023

With only three days left in the month, it becomes time to roll up the events of Pokémon Go in this month before it ends - and as a matter of fact, before this season ends as well, as this is the last month of the season too. The run of events this month may be considered a little predictable as it consists of some repeat events, but what they repeat is also enhanced with some niceties, thus making them not feel like repeats at all. That's something neat to point out in all the events this month.

As in past years, November starts by honoring the deceased with the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) event, which is now part of the global vernacular. On November 1 and 2, spooky and flowery Pokémon took to the wild, Incense and Lure Module encounters, Field Research task rewards, and raids, including last year's cempasúchil (orange flower crown) Duskull family, now complemented by the Cubone family. Bonuses involved extended Incense and Lure Modules to 90 minutes as well as double catch and transfer Candy, the latter exclusive to Central and South America, all complemented by stickers, fashion items, and showcases. It was a festive repeat that was set to bloom further.

In the same vein, the Festival of Lights is also now part of the global vernacular, and this event lit up the world from November 7 to 12. This time, the Tadbulb family joins in the fun with other glowing Pokémon in the wild, 7 km Eggs, Incense encounters, and Field Research task rewards. A Timed Research was available for all to complete along with bonuses of double hatch Stardust and Candy plus extended regular Incense, while India got extra bonuses of a Collection Challenge and double catch Candy, and fashion items and showcases became the complements. The "light of the spirit" was especially evident in this edition.

During the previous event, there was also a sub-event as the Mega Garchomp Raid Day on November 11. As usual, the Pokémon could be raided, with increased Shiny chance, in any Gym with up to five free passes and 10 remote raids. Trainers could also shell out for a ticket rewarding eight more free passes, increased Rare Candy XL chance, and increased XP and Stardust from raids, not to mention a web store and in-game Shop deal. While the event seemed superfluous as Mega Garchomp continued to appear, at least some Trainers could (and should) have taken advantage of it and all the bonuses and had a Mega day... or week, whichever they preferred.

Wildly making a return splash was Fashion Week, from November 15 to 19. New to this edition are Dragonite and the Wooper family in special attire, and they joined other stylish and/or costumed Pokémon - plus Shiny Gothita - in the wild, raids, 5 km Eggs, and Field Research task rewards. A Collection Challenge had Pokémon of certain flair, and the ante could be upped by paying for a Timed Research set. Double catch Candy, increased Candy XL chance, and discounts on fashion items were the bonuses, and new fashion items and showcases became the complements. There was flair (and flare) to be found in certain capacities.

All that was left in November after the above was to repeat the joy of making a Party, and that prompted the Party Up event from November 22 to 27. Select featured Pokémon from events throughout the season, including the Paldean starters, became present in the wild, raids, and Field Research task rewards. A Timed Research set focused on Party Play and had celebratory rewards, while a Special Research set could be purchased to obtain a Master Ball if the Timed Research for it was not finished. More Special Trades, more Candy in trades, and guaranteed Candy XL plus double XP from raids were the bonuses in play, along with showcases and web store and Shop deals. This was essentially a celebratory recap of the entire season.

It's a matter of fact that events can and do repeat in Pokémon Go (and so does this rollup on this very day - see below). But if any of the above events are of any indication, bringing to the table at least a little flourish to keep things from being too same is a very good way of keeping the engagement going - even up to the end of the season, which is what it's all about this month. Even next season, there will be repeats across times, which is both for certain and getting ahead of myself... but that just needs to be dealt with.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2022

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2021

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

Four years ago: Keeping Gratitude in Mind

Five years ago: Sinnoh Stone: Agglomerating Evolution

Six years ago: Journeys and Adventures

NYT Games, Pokémon Editions?

Pokémon games will always remain popular over time and among its fans, but another group of games is currently popular across demographics. They would be the games of The New York Times newspaper, which in this digital era have become interactive and electronic, as has the newspaper itself. I've developed a slight attraction to some of these games and thought I'd create a post on the possibility of having them in "Pokémon Editions" to cater to the fans.

While most of the purely linguistic games (including the hit Wordle) would be rather constrained, the landmark and ever-popular Crossword could still be adapted into a Pokémon Edition with some of the linguistic breadth that the franchise has. And it doesn't have to be a "full-size" crossword, because they also have a Mini edition that has the potential of carrying at least some of that spirit. All that remains is convincing Will Shortz, the crossword editor, that such an edition is viable.

Then, there is also the Connections game, which has players group 16 items into four categories of four items (for example, "Hyper", "Signal", "Charge", and "Meteor" are all "Beam" moves). This proves very much that a Pokémon Edition is totally viable. The only hard part would be including items that could potentially - and intentionally - be ambiguous to make it hard for the player. Yet that's a challenge that I know some Pokémon experts are totally poised to take on for the entertainment of fellow fans.

For other games, they have graphical or puzzling aspects to them but could just have the Pokémon Edition treatment. Tiles features squares with identical motifs that are to be matched, eliminating the motifs; the goal is to have the longest run possible while eliminating all motifs. Here, the motifs could be those of Pokémon imagery: Pikachu's head, a Poké Ball, type images, and so on and so forth that could be combined onto tiles - then it's just a matter of retaining the core gameplay but in a Pokémon Edition.

Lastly, there is Vertex, which is in the vein of "picture logic" puzzles like Picross, of which Pokémon is known to have one treatment. This particular game demands players to connect dots logically to make colored triangles, which then form a picture. Certainly, the pictures for a Pokémon Edition could be of individual Pokémon species, items, or practically anything that is a distinct object that can be identified as belonging to Pokémon. The possibilities here could be rather varied and wild.

Some of the games on The New York Times can thus be adapted to have "Pokémon Editions" and made to appeal to them. For as long as there will be news, this famed newspaper can be expected to continue to cover them, and to keep readers entertained, its games can provide entertainment. It may just be that Pokémon could enhance that entertainment while flexing the minds of its fans through the workings of the games.

One year ago: Pokémon Loot from ChibiCon

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 13

Three years ago: Go Onwards to Home

Four years ago: Herding the Last: Wooloo Sticker

Five years ago: Poké-Pareidolia

Six years ago: The Pacing of Types

Cosplay: We Are More Project

Me: Surprise, surprise.

Goh: Oh, well, that rounds out the month, doesn't it?

Me: Why, yes it does. I don't expect anything on the remaining four days of the month, so we should be fine.

Ash: I guess I'm in! What's the deal?

Me: OK, so this is less of a pop culture festival and more of a creative festival; the title should already be obvious about its implications.

Ash: Well, Pikachu and I are always more than us put together.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Certainly!"]

Ash: But I guess that's not what they're talking about.

Me: I have to say, this is a sponsored festival by a telecommunications company, so I guess it's about doing more with what they have for us.

Goh: Fair enough, I guess. So, our friend has Ash for...

Ash: Just the character parade! Right? You gave me my special journey outfit to wear.

Me: Right. They did advertise a singing competition, but it's more of a general one (not specifically Japanese songs), we don't have time to prepare, and... it's good anyway to take it easy.

Goh: Understandable. So how'd it go?

Ash: The festival started in the afternoon at 1, but the character parade wasn't until later at 3.

Goh: There must have been a lot of characters.

Ash: There were! I was number 49 and there was one more after me.

Goh: So, about 50. You had tough competition.

Me: Especially if they're not afraid to bring the big bucks for prizes, which this one should have, judging by the turnout.

Ash: After that, there was the singing competition.

Goh: How many participants did you see?

Ash: Just a few, but it seems there were more than 25.

Me: Boy, that's tough competition too. Aren't you glad this is a break week?

Ash: Well, I guess...

Pikachu: Pika. ["In a way."]

Me: We'll have you singing again some time else when we can work it out.

Goh: I guess the entertainment wasn't too varied.

Ash: No, just a band and singers. 

Me: A famous national singer was supposed to perform also, though. Did you catch a glimpse?

Ash: I did! He came up last. I just watched for a few minutes before I went back to you.

Me: Well, it's not something to worry about. I'm not terribly interested in the singer either.

Goh: I guess now we can discuss results, then.

Ash: You know what? I had an OK time on stage. It was a bit slippery for me.

Goh: That could've gone worse. But I'm sure how you did spoke for itself.

Ash: Only three winners. Every one of them was great. But I wasn't one of them.

Me: Figures. Were they of anyone we know?

Ash: All of them, actually - but only one we know well, and the rest not so well.

Me: Oh, that's nice. Anyway, at least today went well for the most part. Also, sorry if I was being a bit lethargic before I sent you.

Goh: Oh, did something happen to you again?

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["What now?"]

Me: It's not that bad, but it might have affected you a bit.

Ash: Don't worry about it! I got you covered... but I did miss out on a friend meet while doing that.

Me: Yeah, that happens. Whether or not that was a good thing, we may not need to know.

Goh: Hey, at least you two proved that you could do something more.

Ash: Like the title of the festival!

Pikachu: Pika chu pika? ["Isn't that nice?"]

Me: I suppose that is always expected, whether for this specific festival and beyond. 

One year ago: Cosplay: Loading Costume Party

Two years ago: The Joys and Sorrows of "Stealing the Lords"

Three years ago: Simply, Thanks

Four years ago: Going Deeper into Team GO Rocket

Five years ago: Individual Appearance Variations Among Pokémon Species

Six years ago: Popularity

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 11/25/2023

So it is that an edition of Community Day Classic becomes set on this day, which happens to also be on that anniversary day (see Thursday and posts from previous years below). Thus, the in-game event becomes more important to be covered on this day, as it becomes a truer reflection of this blog and its purpose. For that, there is a certain brightness on this day that comes across for the second time, as is the typical nature of this event, bringing back a previous edition for all current Trainers to undertake. Yet that also applies in another way for this specific edition.

That's because the featured Pokémon of this edition is Mareep, the electric sheep of the second generation, last featured in April 2018. As with the prior edition, when fully evolved, first to Flaaffy and then Ampharos, it gets the Charged move of Dragon Pulse, which suits its Mega form more so than its common form - but that should be fine as now it is in Pokémon Go as well. The same main bonus is also in place for this edition, being quartered Egg hatch distance, which I didn't specifically detail last time. It was thus another opportunity to catch up on this matter if nothing else.

As is typical of Classic editions, modern perks combine with old ones to liven things up. Incense in addition to Lure Modules from last time are extended, Mareep can also appear through photo bombs, there are offers in the web store and the game Shop, and there is the extra paid Special Research entitled simply "Mareep Community Day Classic". This last one deals with Professor Willow going through all the special characteristics of this bright species family, in particular the last one with its illuminating qualities.

Because this was a Classic edition, Trainers were free to gather up where they may, but my raid group set up a semi-official meeting at a sheltered location that hosted past editions, hoping to avoid weather issues. That didn't happen with the heavy rain, and many of us still got sprayed to some capacity, though that didn't hinder progress. It was a relatively unimportant edition of Community Day anyhow, and if anything, most like me evolved just the "nice-to-have" ones. This was the meetup I didn't have the chance to attend last time, now realized.

No matter the circumstance (Classic "redo", filler edition, inclement weather, and so on), it may be that Trainers will always find ways to make any edition of Community Day shine, and why not for this specific edition as well, given the featured Pokémon. This time, it also happens to come on a local anniversary where things usually shine, but that just added flair for my and others' local experience. At least, everything will still shine like the tail of an Ampharos.

One year ago: Rise Up and Move Together

Two years ago: Togetherness Brings Meaning

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

Four years ago: Spreading Inspiration

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

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

Circular Species of My Heart

Pokémon species all come in various shapes and forms that suit those shapes. For some people, though, one shape that they might be fond of is the circle, and a few Pokémon species do assume this shape and (thus) a round form, or at least some variation of that. I too have some fondness of Pokémon species that possess the shape and form for all their varied characteristics, and they are indeed varying as such. 

While the Voltorb species family and their Hisuian forms might be considered a "shocker" in the truest sense, they may also be considered attractive for that reason. It's not just about their tendency to impersonate Poké Balls and cause a good jolt, although that's a significant aspect. Treated wisely, they can be good companions, and circular ones at that; it's a surprising "shock", but a good one.

A little less rounded but still quite so are the "celestial duo" of Lunatone and Solrock, for the moon and the sun. The latter may be rounded only in the middle, but its sun ray-like appendages definitely emphasize that. The former is "doubly" rounded: by showing a "cutout" to project its crescent shape, it actually accentuates its lunar origins. Add to the fact that they're part Psychic types, and the attraction becomes evident.

Then there are the "oddball" odd balls of the fifth generation, for which I consider Solosis, Munna, and Darumaka to be part of the group. They all show their roundness in one way yet supplement them with inner "circles" in some way, as their innards, flowers, and eyepatches respectively. Then there are the additional limbs of the latter two, and all of these just makes it seem hard to not become attracted to them.

It may be that the "roundness" of any or all of the species I mentioned above may seem rather abstracted, but I suppose that's the nature of any Pokémon fan finding the commonalities and quirks among the species that they are so attracted to. At the least, any or all of these species could be considered to be representative of the "full circle" that is my interest in Pokémon and the "continuity" of it all.

One year ago: Chow On, and Thank You

Two years ago: Challenging New(ly Returning) PvP Happenings

Three years ago: Contemplating Abilities (or Their Absence)

Four years ago: Cosplay: CHoCoDays 2019

Five years ago: Cosplay: Art and Culture Exhibition 2018

Six years ago: Catching Them All

Celebrating Togetherness

Today is the fourth Thursday in November, which means it's Thanksgiving in the United States. Today is also November 23, which the Japanese take as their Thanksgiving, and it all comes back to when I brought it up six years ago (see below). It's a point of confluence that two cultures have and could be taken as a spot of happiness, certainly to celebrate - more on this soon enough, especially given the title of this post. As for Pokémon (Trainers) making a confluence on this point, there may not be much, but the sentiments of six years ago are still perfectly applicable even today.

Admittedly, there is another point of confluence for this year's edition. For reasons that will soon be evident, I won't be able to touch on a certain anniversary that will take place in two days yet I've touched on in years past (this was last year's). However, today is the 23rd, and that anniversary is also of the 23rd - that is, in years. Therefore, it makes perfect sense on this special day to touch on it and specifically the selected theme for it, which would be in the title of this post. That also becomes the "insertion point" for Pokémon.

The theme, of course, is in the same vein as last year and two years ago, what with the word "together" and all. I've written much about the "together" aspect of the theme in past years, so those sentiments are also ones that continue to apply. That means the "celebrate" aspect becomes more relevant at present... which brings things back to Thanksgiving, though it seems a given that the holiday and anniversary celebration will always occur at nearly the same time given their rather specific scheduling.

As for Pokémon particulars, the occasions to celebrate together are the most joyous ones, for example a great victory (ahem) by a Trainer and their team of Pokémon. Different Pokémon can celebrate together too if they share a purpose, like "guilds" of them in Mystery Dungeon. The point is that it's not above and beyond for them to celebrate together - but the occasions are surely different from common people occasions that demand celebrations.

Still, with the way that the TV channel is, if it were to exist in the world of Pokémon, it would be to broadcast stories like the ones I've mentioned above for the good of the world. Then that would be all the more reason to celebrate together, for both people and Pokémon alike. Evidently, amidst all the issues of the world and the local area, the "togetherness" aspect is what the channel tries to promote, which should be good in terms of Pokémon as well.

Sometimes it's important to remember that one has to be grateful in this world, and thus Thanksgiving serves its purpose. It's also important to remember that one is not alone in the world - Pokémon or otherwise - and this shared life and all its great moments for the good are worth celebrating, whether on or off the TV screen. 

In any case, I would like to confer a Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate and a happy anniversary for the TV channel. Some good celebrations may just need to occur together.

One year ago: The Willpower Cup of GBL

Two years ago: Quickies: Meowth for Pay Day

Three years ago: The Kanto Cup of GBL

Four years ago: Make a Wish for the Little One

Five years ago: The Amazing Pokémon Race

Six years ago: Thankfulness

The Incredible and Vivid Art of Pokémon Trainer K (Kelvin)

Some readers may remember the starter Pokémon poster that I shared way back when, as part of the "loot" I obtained from Indonesia Comic Con. It's a wonderful poster to be sure, but so is the creator behind the art for it. He exhibited at the convention, and most recently, he also exhibited at ChibiCon, which was a little unexpected but also worked out very well. In any case, it is also well to do to discuss about this extremely talented artist and promote his art a little more by way of this blog.

As can be discerned, the artist calls himself (Pokémon) Trainer K, where "K" stands for Kelvin, his first name. His works can also be found on Instagram under the handle @kelvin_trainerk, which is also used for X (formerly Twitter). They are nothing short of impressive; the works are amazingly accurate to Pokémon appearances in general, and in all of the works, there is a great degree of artistic technique, in particular shading and gradients, especially in larger pieces featuring scenery and landscapes. This is certainly a point of appeal for his works, including for me.

When I - that is, Ash - visited his booth at the latter convention, I only came away with one postcard (which was on "clearance") and a sticker, owing to the extremely limited budget that I set myself with. The postcard was of the starter Pokémon of Galar, and the sticker was of Pikachu, which are themselves suggestive of special mementos. Yet even in these forms, the art is every bit as expressive as the larger pieces, and I'm just glad I could come away with what I did get.

Even for the postcard on clearance and the sticker, which I consider to be "petty" items, the talent of the artist is incredibly evident. That is what I consider to be the hallmark of a true artist, being able to give their all on (or for) media that seems less significant, in this case being that a postcard or a sticker seemingly isn't quite as "establishing" as a full- or half-page art in regard to artistic talent. Yet it is very much so in this case, and thus the talent becomes evident.

Really talented artists can therefore make great things from little things, and that's what Pokémon Trainer K is obviously doing. He has taken Pokémon as a subject matter and expanded it with his array of creative talents to produce mesmerizing pieces of art that any Pokémon fan (like me) would be happy to procure and possess. As a final remark, the artist says that a driving force for the art is his passion for Pokémon, and that too is considerably important, whether for an artist making great strides in Pokémon art or me promoting said artist on this blog, which is also a "passion product" of sorts. That should continue drive us toward more interesting creations.

One year ago: How Long for a Cosplay Walk (or "Character Parade")?

Two years ago: Non-Trademark Substitutions for Pokémon Names?

Three years ago: Sword and Shield: After One Year

Four years ago: Everyone's Contributions

Five years ago: So Little and So Much

Six years ago: A Pokémon Menu

Days of Specific Pokémon

For any Pokémon fan, every day might be considered a special one when Pokémon can be involved. More recently, though, it seems some days are so special that they have come to be identified with certain Pokémon species and in effect becomes a "celebration" of that species. By virtue of itself, it also becomes an offbeat and unique way of involving and celebrating Pokémon within that span of time. As for those recent days, they deserve a bit of discussion for their perspectives into this topic.

Today, for example, has been linked to that four-legged evolutionary wonder that is Eevee, and the day has become commemorated as "Eevee Day". It is particularly evident in Café Remix, where there has been an influx in orders featuring Eevee, and in Pokémon Sleep, where a few players have had something related to Eevee. The "buzz" is sufficiently distinct that today may be regarded as such. Still, that "buzz" seems limited in comparison to what transpired a couple of years ago with a different Pokémon.

Bidoof would be that particular Pokémon, which had its own "special day" of sorts way back when. That one had a strong "buzz" on social media and even in Pokémon Go, almost becoming its own definitive special event. Even so, it seems that it was an apparent one-time affair, as the "buzz" and special day did not recur in later years, at least not too strongly to the point that most people including me became aware of it. Recurrence could seem to be a sticking point with these "special days".

Regarding recurrence, there is of course Pokémon Day, which at this point is due out in just a few months. It's not a special day for a specific Pokémon per se, but more like a day where the entire breadth of Pokémon species is celebrated. Even with that being the case, some people might also remotely consider it "Pikachu Day" in a way, by virtue of this Pokémon being the de facto series mascot, no matter how far removed the reasoning may be. It could then be the only special day for Pokémon that is worth marking.

Currently, there are over 1000 Pokémon species, all of which could be made to fit into the 365 days of a year. In this way, theoretically there could be special days throughout the year for celebrating all Pokémon species. In practice, though, only a few of days have become marked (once) for those species, and they may or may not be a sticking point. So, it seems the vision of celebrating Pokémon all throughout the year may be a distant one as far as things are concerned. The fact that they can and have happened may still be considered odd yet special.

One year ago: Pokémon Outfits in Café Remix

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/21/2021

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

Four years ago: The Hype Cycle and Pokémon

Five years ago: Traveling All the World

Six years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Uptake

My Personal PvP Preferences

It's been some time since I've discussed anything related to Pokémon Go PvP, and much of what I discussed earlier in my post about "the fire" (or lack of it) still continues to apply at present. Even so, there may still be a few things that I can discuss about this pioneering form of Pokémon battling. It is practically known by now that PvP can take a number of different formats, themes, cups, and so on and so forth, all of which may also depend on the organizer for the battles of concern. Among those varied formats, Trainers will likely be attracted to some of them more likely than others, and that's true for me as well; in other words, we all have our preferences for specific ones.

Of the three leagues from which all other formats and so on are derived, I'm preferential to the Great League format, certainly because of its relative simplicity. This line of reasoning is of course what the former Silph Arena adopted for its varying "specialty" formats, which were nearly wholly based on the Great League. Since there are three leagues, I of course have secondary and tertiary preferences, and they go up in complexity as the preferences progress - meaning that Ultra League is indeed my second preference and Master League is my third, and this is also supported by what I can power up on hand.

For the matter of "specialty" formats, I find that I enjoy those of the Go Battle League more than I do of community-organized formats as with the aforementioned former Silph Arena. Even though some formats between either venue do seem to blur the line, it seems that anything that Go Battle League decides to put into implementation is more straightforward than what the community can implement. But then that's also because community formats are what they are because of the development they're often put through.

Going one step further, I also prefer simpler "specialty" formats compared to more complex ones. Something like the Psychic Cup is my preference over something like the Arcana Cup and then further over something like Cliffhanger. While I'm expected to know these formats and occasionally deal with them, the fact remains that I'm gravitated to simplicity more than I do dealing with a bevy of restrictions like what the latter two (and others) have.

After all that's happened in Pokémon Go PvP over all these years, I'm regardless still entitled to discuss it, given my history and the fact that continued dealings with Pokémon Go still necessitates me to "touch base" with PvP in some way. While I've yet to rediscover my "fire" from before, discussing aspects like my preferences is just one way of doing that at present.

One year ago: Cosplay: ChibiCon 2022

Two years ago: Let's Talk About (Im)Perfect Timings

Three years ago: BEMANI-Pokémon Connections

Four years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 2

Five years ago: A Raid Group Gathering

Six years ago: On Cosplay Props and Prop Makers

Cosplay: Seishun! Japan Fest

Goh: As usual, a busy Sunday for you and Ash.

Me: Of course. Actually, today is "busy busy" for another reason, but let's discuss that later.

Ash: OK, as usual. But this one is... different?

Me: A little different, but a lot more of the same... I guess? That's because this festival is organized by the same people as Harusaki no Matsuri and Bunka no Tenkai... again.

Ash: Oh, I see now. But there has to be something different!

Me: Well, for starters, you're taking it easy today. The festival only has a character parade, so you don't have to deal with singing.

Ash: That's fine. We can deal with that!

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["That's OK."]

Goh: I guess we all need a break every so often.

Me: I'd agree with Goh, and besides, I'm also deep in something of my own, so this is practically all I can do for you - with your Unova outfit, to keep things simple.

Goh: Well, I guess we are keeping things simple. So how were things over there?

Ash: Hey - it's in the same place as Harusaki no Matsuri!

Me: It is, and that's one reason for sending you there. It's a memorable place for us.

Ash: But, well... I guess there was something different after all. It didn't look that crowded.

Goh: That's strange. These festivals usually seem to burst apart at the seams. 

Me: I have the answer for that, and this becomes the other reason - the "busy busy" part. There are actually two festival events where I am today, and they happen with similar schedules some distance apart, so it's not practical for me to send Ash to both - it's one or the other today.

Goh: Oh! Extremely logical. I'm guessing that the other festival must have taken away people from this one.

Ash: It's like what happened two months ago!

Goh: Yeah, it looks like you got the shorter end of the stick again.

Ash: But it wasn't totally empty. There were some more people in the afternoon, but not much.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["Lots of room."]

Goh: Maybe you two were meant to take it easy after all.

Me: Goh, I think you do have a point. But we still need to know about how the character parade turned out.

Ash: I thought since there weren't a lot of people, not many characters were going to come - but I was wrong. There were 20 of them in the parade with me.

Goh: How many winners?

Ash: Seven - four best and three favorite. And... I didn't win any of them.

Goh: Well, you almost got away with it.

Ash: I did. I thought I did really good this time too. But a few of our friend's friends won something - even at the other festival, I heard.

Me: That's good for them. But I still wonder about us.

Goh: I'm sure if you two keep at it, something will come out.

Ash: I think that too. 

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["So do I."]

Me: Anyway, other than the people who came, it must have been just like Harusaki no Matsuri, but in miniature.

Ash: It was just like that! A few booths of communities and goodies inside, and food stands outside.

Goh: Entertainment too, I guess.

Ash: Bands and dance groups.

Goh: Typical. But they must have been festive.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["They really were!"]

Ash: And it didn't go too late into the evening too! I got back to our friend just in time before we got really tired.

Me: That's a great thing indeed. By the way, this festival, I'm told, is to celebrate youth - hence the title.

Goh: What a great theme! It fits so well with us.

Ash: It really does, since we - at least Goh and I - are still young in a way.

Me: I'm not (anymore) as young as you two are, but I agree that it's a fun thing to celebrate on a busy Sunday, even in so many ways. It's a fine one.

One year ago: Pokémon Emblems in Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Unleashed

Three years ago: Till Death Do Us Part

Four years ago: A Theme Event Dream

Five years ago: Fans of Fans

Six years ago: Cosplay: MINORI 5

Focus and Control: Two Keys to Pokémon Power

I'm as fascinated about the wondrous mechanisms of Pokémon (species) as I am about their technical mechanisms. Recently, it came to my attention that for the powers that those species possess, they need to be able to harness them to make the best use of them. And in doing so, as demonstrated by a "mentor" (for lack of a better description), they need to get a handle on two important aspects, the keys to their power. As can be discerned by the title, those aspects are focus and control.

Focus is accordingly important, as that is what is needed for the species to be able to generate anything related to their power. This may take the form of electric sparks for Pokémon of the Electric type, or even frigid air (that then leads to the freezing of water) for those of the Ice type. Near-total focus is what allows a power to be realized - while still minding (focusing on) the environment, particularly during a battle - into the form that is required for the power to manifest as a move for attacking or advancing.

Control, meanwhile, is just as important, being required to keep the power in check. Continuing the examples above, it is what is needed to shape electric sparks into a current (for Thunderbolt and the like) or a ball (Electro Ball, obviously) or contain frigid air into movement (Icy Wind) or formation of special shapes (like Ice Shard). This also prevents those powers from being excessive and causing detriment to the Pokémon or the surrounding environment; they only need to deal with what is sufficient.

Now, I have to address the "mentor" that I brought up earlier. It's a little bit of an irony that the "mentor" is who the person is, especially given that to explain the concept of these aspects, the "mentor" does so in totally unspecific and non-descript terms. Yet that "mentor" could be described to have gained an understanding of the conceptual elements of the very aspects that are being described, to the point that the "mentor" has gained success with them. Most fans will recognize this by now, in fact.

Regardless, Pokémon species will remain a wonder to the fans for the amazing things they can do, and that starts with the inherent powers contained within them. To harness them, it seems to take a great deal of restraint for generation (focus) and formation (control) so they can do what they need to do, on and off the battlefield. Beyond the technical aspects as is often presented, these wondrous aspects just make Pokémon what they are, and that ought to preserve the fascination among fans like me.

One year ago: Scarlet and Violet Unleashed

Two years ago: Living Further with My Buddy

Three years ago: Pokémon "Genealogy"

Four years ago: Drafts Piling Up

Five years ago: Trough of Disillusionment

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

End of Main Orders for Café Remix

I had earlier discussed a new facet of Café Remix earlier this month, the strategy-based Slow Cooking. I also mentioned the reason for its introduction, which was because of reasons of maturity and new possibilities. Yet that's actually not the whole story, for I held back on the other parts that make up that story. This time, I'd like to explain those other parts, and as can be discerned by the title of this post, it involves a culmination of sorts.

That culmination is for the main orders (puzzle stages), which has been set to end at #2400, meaning that no new ones will be added after that number. Presently, the number of main orders has reached #2350, and since they are added in batches of 25, there will only be two more batches before they reach that number, at which point their addition will stop. This effectively covers the maturity reason, as there is now a point that limits their addition.

But of course, the game itself will continue to persist in other ways, and that covers the "new possibilities" reason. That also ties back into the Slow Cooking format, which will be the way that new move-based puzzles (orders) will be introduced. This has the added benefit of allowing anyone to play those puzzles, no matter where they are in the main order progression, and that's at least a bit of equality after several years of the game.

Still, the end of main orders does mean that eventually, the requirement of completing certain numbers of them to join a team will become irrelevant as more and more players get close to its end. At that point, the one that may be most relevant is having completed all of them (or at the least a good majority of them), just as a way of ensuring that prospective team members are all caught up before taking on the dedication that is the team itself.

With the end of main orders approaching, there are also less chances of encountering Shiny Pokémon through them... although on the flip side, there hasn't been any of these "encounter" events in a good long while. That also means not being able to use Heaping Helping Tickets on them as expected, and they too seem to be about to become irrelevant as well. For that matter, it seems that some other things in the game may have become either irrelevant or MIA, but that's another post.

At any rate, the capping of main orders in Café Remix does not mean their demise; they're still key to players who are starting out. But for longer-term players like me, it does seem that their relevance is fading away and they have matured, so it's logical to cap them and move on to other, newer opportunities like Slow Cooking. They still represent a good run of what makes Café Remix what it is, and they will still be so, at least until a player manages to complete all of them.

One year ago: Fun Pokémon Memes by a Fun Tortoise

Two years ago: Loyalty

Three years ago: Matters of Cosplay and Current Conditions

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

Five years ago: PikaPool

Six years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Unleashed

A Fascination for Noctowl

The second generation of Pokémon species may be regarded as having some of the most notable Pokémon species. One of those may be a bird with a distinct stature, colorful plumage (in one case), and special powers. Those characteristics, of course, belong to Noctowl, the evolved form of Hoothoot and a species quite capable of some "spiritual" moves despite being only of the Normal and Flying type. For some, that might lead to fascination, and that fascination may just deserve to be brought up in a discussion.

As far as Pokémon species go, it's one of the most realistically accurate, given the real species it's based on and vis-a-vis the evolutionary predecessor. It may also be somewhat bigger (compared to the real basis) or even gigantic, but that only adds to the fascination. Meanwhile, the special plumage belongs to its Shiny form, which might belong to some very happy (and lucky) people, including the case of a very specific and fortunate Trainer. It's safe to say that this is also a source of fascination.

Its special powers, meanwhile, are of its own renown. It has the capability of some moves of the Ghost and Psychic type in addition to Flying. Game-wise, while its use in the main series games is sporadic, it is practically one of the "essentials" of the Great League format in Pokémon Go, moreover in the competitive scene, where it can be a part of some novelty teams. Again, this is unique in contrast to its actual type designation, and in this way, a certain fascination is created, even if the context is limited.

Like other Pokémon, Noctowl definitely has special or unique characteristics. Yet it is those characteristics for Noctowl that makes it such a fascination among people and fans. Its powers are (nothing short of) amazing and its appearance is strikingly close to the realistic counterparts, with sizes that might put some of them to shame. What is not a shame, however, is having the admiration or fascination for this fantastic Pokémon, and that speaks for its notability as much as it does for other Pokémon species.

One year ago: To Cart or To Download?

Two years ago: Connectivity

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

Four years ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Cup 2019

Five years ago: The Detective Goes Live!!

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

Pokémon Monuments of Our Hearts

If there is something significant that I've noticed in my years of (re)playing Pokémon Go, it is that many places (that is, PokéStops) in the game are connected to monuments, both major and minor. While monuments highly pertain to their underlying system - here, the Waypoint system - I can't help but think that they are also pertinent for the Pokémon world itself, and furthermore, they appeal to the hearts of the people. It's a fascinating connection for all of those who are involved, and that's something to be explored.

For Trainers whose vision of success involves Ho-Oh - and there are such people, I can assure - the Brass Tower, which in the present context may be called the Burned Tower, and the Tin Tower are definitely symbolic monuments. These are, of course, the places where Ho-Oh comes (or came, in the past) to roost. It may then be safe to say that these structures are present in their hearts as monuments, just as the structures actually stand (or once stood). Their success would also stand as tall as these towers and even greater where Ho-Oh takes to the skies.

A different kind of tower would be the Lumiose Tower, which is certainly the heart of the city of the same name as well as practically of the Kalos region. It's also present symbolically in the renewed Mauville City to represent their spiritual "sister city" connections, which I've twice addressed in the past. Trainers for whom these two regions resonate in their hearts will surely consider them to be not only physical monuments but also spiritual ones for all that they stand in their respective regions and beyond.

Though per se not really considered monuments, the highest pinnacles of the Pokémon world - as the Pokémon League, Elite Four, and/or even the special case of Mt. Silver - could be considered special cases as such. And if they involve physical structures, they might be somewhat adorned just like any actual monument would be. If anything, they also might just be in the minds and hearts of Trainers as their ultimate goal, as much as any challenge that they might need to face before getting there. As such, it still makes some sense to consider them in this way.

Even if the aspect of monuments may or may not pertain too much to the Pokémon world and are more closely associated with the Pokémon Go ecosystem, wherever they are present, they were surely made with heart or are designed to "strike the heart". This might be considered to apply well wherever Pokémon Trainers operate, as they are still people who are present alongside those monuments - and they'll surely have the same hearts that embody the spirits of those monuments as they progress in life and Pokémon affairs.

One year ago: Preparing for Scarlet and Violet

Two years ago: Pokémon Cafe Delights

Three years ago: Cosplay: The Bros Contest

Four years ago: Sword and Shield Unleashed

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

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

Doing What's Necessary: Transferring (Releasing) Shiny Pokémon

Most Trainers will readily transfer (in Pokémon Go) or release (in the main series games and their ecosystem) Pokémon they know they will not need. Something that may be rather far down on that list is Shiny Pokémon due to their exceptional quality, which is admittedly still very much true for the main series games due to their rarity there. But adding Pokémon Go back in and in particular its "prime" events like Community Day, it becomes a different matter entirely - in fact, it may become a necessary one, and one that's also up for some discussion.

I became "enlightened" about this matter by way of a meme that addressed it, in particular for the Pokémon Go case. The meme depicted two people in conversation, and one of them inquired about something that's strikingly true yet cannot or could not be addressed - the "elephant in the room", so to speak. The other person then responded with the very matter that becomes the very topic for this post. While the meme was intended to be funny, the resulting mention of the matter became somewhat thought-provoking.

After that point, I started to consider the matter, and its necessity seems to be quite truly justified. For events like Community Day, the Shiny encounter rate is increased to an extraordinary amount, at least for those who are used to their rather incredible rarity in the main series games. Therefore, there would be an abundance of Shiny Pokémon among many Trainers - specifically for those who partook in the events - and even more in the main series game ecosystem as they are transferred there by way of Pokémon Home. With all that happening, there is some rationale to cut out the "excess" and transfer (or release) the truly unnecessary ones, which I've done since at times.

Of course, given that they're still incredibly rare in the actual main series games (and still somewhat so in Pokémon Go as well), this cannot and should not be regarded as a sweeping matter. At least some Shiny Pokémon deserve to be kept in Pokémon Go or at least preserved by transfer to Pokémon Home in the case that certain Trainers request them for one reason or another. If only the "excess" as above and not everything is transferred or released, then things should be fine, and any loss due to requests could be made up somehow.

With the way Shiny Pokémon are in the main series games, it seems such a sacrilege to even consider their release. Taking Pokémon Go into account, however, certain happenings may result in their relatively sheer abundance that at least a few exemplars may merit to be transferred or released. Still, they are not something that most Trainers will readily let go in many situations, but if push comes to shove, there may be some necessary initiative to do just that and leave the Shiny Pokémon only as fleeting memories.

One year ago: Tunnels of My Heart

Two years ago: The Shops of Unite

Three years ago: Graduation of Regionals?

Four years ago: The Music of Shuffle

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

Six years ago: 1000 Episodes!!!

Finding a Diancie Amongst Carbink

For fans of Pokémon lore, it is known that Carbink and Diancie are related, as I had highlighted with a certain new feature of Pokémon Go. They're both Pokémon of the Fairy and Rock types that expectedly arise from processes (similarly to ones) that take place in the depths of the earth. But while one instance of the process leads to just a less ordinary rock (Carbink), another leads to the more extraordinary one (Diancie). It is a fascinating lore aspect that I have to discuss, even long after its relevant Pokémon Go season has come and gone.

The instances of the process that lead to the formation of ordinary rocks and extraordinary diamonds implies that they depend on certain, specific conditions for them to lead to either result, even though they take place practically similarly. That means that a lot of times they'll lead to one result (plain rocks as Carbink) instead of the other (shining diamonds as Diancie). This would also entail that either formation may depend on specific places, as it is known that one and not the other is found only at certain locations.

And that leads to the specific point I want to stress with this discussion. That point concerns their search and discovery, which would imply looking in different places around the earth and even certain depths. A lot of those places will surely result in just the discovery of Carbink, which would mean that the discovery of Diancie will be a far rarer occurrence. Yet it's the discovery of the latter that would have lots of significance, even though it can be possible to find Carbink of certain significance by way of their properties.

Perhaps the most important thing about the discovery is the gleam or shine that is obtained when one manages to find Diancie instead of Carbink. It would be the aspect that proves that a certain search was well worth it, by looking for it at just the right place and with the right effort. The aspect would also be foretelling of continuity, with the gleam or shine being able to last for what could possibly be the longest time. And when that time comes, with the Diancie amongst Carbink being found, it would be the time to really shine like a diamond.

One year ago: Evaluating Elite Raids in Their EX Raid Places

Two years ago: Inspiration from Characters

Three years ago: The Spirit of Brothers

Four years ago: Shuffle Special Stage Play Limits

Five years ago: Marshadow and Mimikyu Keychains

Six years ago: Cosplay Assistants

Cosplay: Foodtopia Season 2

Me: Well, I said it was around the corner, didn't I?

Goh: Two days, two events. I should have known.

Ash: Yeah, it's a little tiring for me and Pikachu, but we've got to do it for our friend.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu. ["We're here for that."]

Me: Anyway, unlike yesterday where Ash was performing and judging, this time he's competing - in all the usual competitions, of course.

Ash: Character parade and singing! What do you have for me today?

Me: "Saikou Everyday!" It'll be the first competitive attempt for that. So that means...

Ash: My Sinnoh outfit. I'm ready for that.

Me: OK, so this one should be somewhat familiar. I sent Ash to the first edition of this food festival way back in May, half a year ago.

Goh: And... everything was exactly the same. Same place, same organizer, same competitions.

Ash: And the same crowds!

Goh: Well, what do you expect.

Ash: But there was something different - it was about to rain but it didn't, so everything went as planned.

Goh: That's a good thing. And then there were your performances.

Ash: I had a lot of fun for both! But... I almost messed up on some of the lyrics, and I almost went the wrong way out of the parade.

Goh: Maybe you got distracted a little.

Ash: A little. But otherwise it was so fun!

Me: Well, we need to hear the results anyway.

Ash: No win from the singing competition, 3 out of 20. And no win from the character parade, even with lots of prizes to go around.

Me: That said, I do somewhat regret sending you here. I should have sent you far away instead for one of three festivals... but then the results might not be that much different anyway, so we're right back where we started.

Goh: Are you trying to cut back?

Me: In a way, yes.

Ash: Don't worry about that! We'll always have your back. Somehow.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["Count on us."]

Me: That is very true. Still, I do believe that we're underappreciated, which has become my mission for all of us with these conventions and festivals. But this is starting to digress, so let's get back to the festival.

Goh: Anyhow, so... anything else that was different?

Ash: I think the food stands were a little different, but I couldn't check.

Goh: Maybe on stage - the entertainment?

Ash: Just dance groups and a singer. Very little besides the competitions.

Goh: After all that... nothing else?

Ash: Well, there's one thing.

Goh: Spill the Poké Beans.

Ash: A Shiny Charizard.

Me: You met a Shiny Charizard?!

Ash: The person who sent Shiny Charizard said he also sent it during the festival we missed to go see our friends.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. [imitates Charizard]

Goh: See, maybe it was a good thing that you did send Ash here.

Ash: I even got lots of photos taken! But... maybe it was the "Charizard effect"?

Me: This kind of thing happens all the time. I assume they were more interested in Charizard than they were about you, even if you two helped each other.

Goh: Hmm. I think now I see what you say. But this has got to be better than you imagined, just like when Ash met that Pokémon fan.

Me: In a way, again. So this was an OK day. Not too great, but not too bad either.

Ash: Yeah, I almost tripped and disagreed with someone on the way there.

Me: Um, sorry you had to go through that, even though that wasn't part of the festival. The next one has to be real good and much better.

Ash, Goh: That's the spirit!

Me: We'll take care of that while I take care of other (Pokémon) matters.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/12/2022

Two years ago: Perfection Under Imperfection

Three years ago: The Little Cup of GBL

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

Five years ago: Rediscover Cosplay

Six years ago: Cosplay: Japan Pop Culture 2017

Cosplay: Bocchi Noizu First Anniversary

Ash: Oh hey, it's Bocchi Noizu again!

Me: Yes, and you probably will be able to tell what you're in for.

Goh: Oh, so the community is only a year old?

Me: Yeah - you know, I'm just surprised as you are. But then, fans have developed in various ways, just like the ways I send Ash.

Ash: But we love everyone! Right, Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yeah!"]

Me: So, that's something we should take advantage of.

Goh: OK, so this sounds special - I'm sure it is for Ash too.

Ash: You bet! I'm singing and judging the character parade today.

Me: The second time this year! Ain't that grand? That is, of course, your special assignment for today.

Ash: So you want me to sing "Boku no Best Friend e" again.

Me: I thought we'd take this opportunity to practice and experiment with it, given how it's been dodgy for us. And speaking of experiments, the other song I want you to perform...

Ash: Hey, it's an idol song!

Me: And it's perhaps the most popular one at that. The singers may have some Pokémon involvement... but we'll take care of that sometime else.

Goh: You sure that's OK with Ash?

Me: Well, some people consider either or both of us an idol, so I guess it works... kind of.

Goh: If you think about it, I guess maybe it does. But anyway, how'd things go?

Ash: I got to the place in the afternoon, and it was really different.

Me: Oh yes, this was going to be in a mall, but they wanted to hold other events, so the place changed.

Ash: It was a cafe! But I liked that. There wasn't a lot of people for a couple of hours.

Goh: So when did you sing?

Ash: Just after it started, and I sang both songs in a row. I almost didn't have Pikachu with me for the first song...

Pikachu: Pika chu!! [*ZAP!*]

Ash: Ow! Sorry about that. But it was fine after that. And we did get to experiment, and I think we got some things to add for the next time for that. I won't forget next time!

Pikachu: Pika. ["Can't wait."]

Goh: The second one, the idol song, must have been a hoot.

Ash: It was! For a few people at the beginning. After that, it was kind of normal.

Goh: I wonder what would happen if there were lots more people who saw you sing.

Ash: Maybe it could be like that one time the straw hat character came up?

Me: I have reason to believe. How about the sequence of events overall?

Ash: After a friend and I performed, the community had a few games that looked real fun! But I just wanted to focus on the judging.

Goh: I'd think you would. That must have taken some time after that.

Ash: It did. The character parade finally happened in the evening, and there were few characters like last time - 10 this time.

Goh: That's a downer. But you did choose some great ones, right?

Ash: Sure! I thought the top three were really great. The favorite ones were just OK, but they were the "best of the rest".

Me: I have to say that it's a bit of a shame that not many got to be able to be evaluated by you like that one time way back. But it is what it is.

Ash: It's all for us! As always, I got something too.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika. ["Something good."]

Me: Thanks so much. This is (was) partly the point of it all.

Goh: Anything else we should know about?

Ash: They had giveaways and a sing-along at the end.

Me: That's not that bad. That should have made it a good day.

Ash: Yeah, it was pretty much just a party.

Goh: Wasn't it? It was after all their anniversary celebration.

Me: And a party is just the thing. Speaking of which, you had a little something else to do - to "party up" from there with a few faraway friends to take on Mega Garchomp. How was that?

Ash: We did great! But I also wish I was actually with them...

Me: I kind of do too, and I slightly regret that. But then I don't regret sending you to judge, because that's an even greater honor.

Goh: At least both of them got taken care of.

Me: That's very true. So let's keep our spirits up no matter what happens.

Ash: Right!

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["So true."]

Me: The next thing may just be around the corner.

One year ago: Changing Deliveries in Café Remix

Two years ago: Wingull Place Mat

Three years ago: PokéJournalists

Four years ago: A Story of Bands

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

Six years ago: Heroes, Veterans, and Special Ones

The Money Deal: The Main Series Currency

Among some of the things that have stayed the same in the Pokémon main series games, even in the current generation, is the use of in-game currency to obtain common and specific adventure items. Owing to its roots as an RPG, this is something that's expected as a mechanism. Yet it does have a few finer points that are also fascinating to be discussed, and they are as representative of the aspect as the aspect itself represents the games. Considering its role, the discussion about the aspect deserves to be made.

Its most distinctive characteristic is certainly its symbol, similar to currencies in the real world. For most of its existence, the symbol is in the form of the letter P with two dashes at its base, similar to the symbol for the Japanese yen. Given the initial basis of the regions of Japan as the first few featured regions, as well as the origin of everything in the first place, this makes a whole lot of sense, including for its persistence. In the most recent ninth generation games, the symbol is less textual but more pictorial, yet still carries its legacy.

Then there is the name of it. Curiously, even now, it seems hard to refer to it by an official textual name; even BulbaPedia, which is a go-to resource for Pokémon aspects, indexes it under "Pokédollar", yet this is still unofficial. It seems quite possible to call it "Pokéyen" given the origins above, but it's still not any more official. I prefer to refer to it as "Poké", the same as the currency in Mystery Dungeon, to sidestep the two names as above - at least, for as long as an official name is still yet to be established, continuing my personal trend.

Being that the currency was based on a real-world aspect, it has to have another connection to that, and it does. Its "exchange rate" is roughly equivalent to the yen, at least for all the times the regions were based on Japan. Another series that I follow, one that also incorporates Japanese elements - at least in passing - also has a currency roughly based on (and "pegged to") the yen. If a common thread of adapted material based on specific regions is to have similarly adapted currency, then the Pokémon currency becomes further proof positive.

While anything may happen as the Pokémon main series games continue to develop, the RPG-based aspect of its currency has been consistent since the beginning and is likely to be so even with further generations. Its legacy and constant presence still leaves a few remarkable properties about it, which are fascinating to look into. The currency is just another part of the adventure, but it can and does establish itself as a significant part of it, even right down to what could be considered as it most specific points.

One year ago: Ed's "Starry Expanse" with Pokémon

Two years ago: Asymmetrical Friend Levels?

Three years ago: Life with a Go Plus Peripheral

Four years ago: In the November Sky

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

Six years ago: Mission Cards in Shuffle

Stuck in a Rut... or Rank

It's been a long time since I wrote about my progression in the Ranked mode of Pokémon Unite, and there may be several reasons for that. The biggest reason of them all, however, is as I've indicated in the title: I seem to be "stuck in a rut"... which in terms of the mode would of course mean one of the ranks. Even so, it's not technically "stuck" nor is it limited to one rank, but it still seems like both are happening. And that is what I currently perceive as the biggest problem.

For the past few seasons, I've been in "limbo" between the Expert and Veteran ranks. One of two things (or even both) happen in this regard. The first is that I advance somewhat far into one of the classes in Veteran (highest so far has been Class 3), but then I hit a losing streak due to the acts of some unscrupulous players, and as a result get bumped down to a lower class, even back to Expert. The second is that I can't muster up enough Ranked matches by the time a season ends, and inevitably get bumped down to Expert Class 1 anyhow. Thus, in this way, I become "stuck".

While it may be reasoned that I haven't played enough to get myself out of this "limbo" or "rut", the problem of "unscrupulous players" as above still rings true. Then, there is also the problem of not finding players who are roughly equivalent to my rank and seeking each other's assistance to bring up our ranks; most other players that I communicate (closely) with are already of the Master rank even just within days after a season starts, and even with the "nerf" at the start of a new season, they're still not where I can comfortably ask them for assistance to bring me up - and so the problem persists.

Even with the introduction of a new and supposedly helpful item, the Rank Protection Card, that doesn't seem to help matters much. This new item, when opted to be used, acts as a failsafe in the case of a loss and prevents rank markers from being lost, thereby avoiding a "nerf" in some cases. The problem is that I either use it too early or not at all, as the item expires at the end of a season (also since a few seasons ago), and the fact that I only get one  each new season as a free player does not help matters much. In the end, this also contributes to the "stuck" problem.

Ranked progression is obviously not supposed to be easy, nor is it always possible to avoid losses and continue to rack up wins. At the same time, I feel that I'm warranted to discuss my qualms with progression as I have done once in the past, and now this time for a different one yet something that's all the same and touching on those mentioned issues. With the name of the game being "Unite", I may have to make some other efforts to make a "union" of myself to get out of this "rut".

One year ago: Running (through) the World with Pokémon Shoes

Two years ago: Pressing the B Button... Realistically

Three years ago: Stepping into the Marsh

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Ferocious Cup

Five years ago: 3D Printing and Pokémon

Six years ago: (Mid-)Generational Updates

Quickies: Sailing on the Seas with Pokémon

The topic of making a voyage on the seas - that is, sailing - in the Pokémon world is always an intriguing one to discuss, given that the world is just like the real world, containing vast seas that could possibly be sailed through. It's also intriguing for me personally, given how I've brought up a song about it and that I'm an additional fan of a certain seafaring universe. What still needs to be brought up is the finer point of how that would happen, in particular given the personal case of people like me.

For starters, as with a Trainer's voyage anywhere, there would be the consideration of Pokémon that would accompany someone sailing. One or more of them would seem to have to know their way around the sea, particularly in specific regions - for which perhaps a Pikachu could embody that. Others would also have to be adapted to the sea, the sky, or even both to deal with the expected environment; this seems to be the task for a Wingull or Pelipper. Beyond these, the possibilities remain numerous.

As for actually taking on the voyage, it may be that most people will sail under the direction of others instead of them making the direction - myself included. Yet it seems that either or both people will still need the help from the Pokémon of concern, if not or in addition to each other, to make it to where they intend to go. There will always be Pokémon to deal with during the sailing voyage, but the expertise of both sailing and Pokémon ought to and likely will combine for the best voyage possible.

I should note that it's been some time since I intend to make (or have made) a voyage on the seas for certain reasons. Even so, the next sailing voyage I make - whenever that may be - will likely involve Pokémon in some way. That may be something that I'm highly expecting, just as some people in the Pokémon world will expect further sailing voyages that involve dealing with Pokémon just as much as it is about getting to where they want to go. And in casting off on the high seas, Pokémon may just have the answers.

One year ago: The Varied Hues of PokéStops

Two years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights: Other Species Channels

Three years ago: The Beautiful Game(s)?

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

Five years ago: A Raid Dream

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