Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/31/2024

And it's also the last day of the month, so my monthly event rollup for Pokémon Go also needs to get going, moreover since I haven't done it on a certain day as in some past years - but that's water under the bridge. Speaking of, there seems to be a torrent of events this month, coming like a wave to Trainers, particularly those in certain parts of the world. So, I have to put myself through the torrent of explaining them just as I have gone through the torrent of their progression.

On March 3, there was the Charged Up Research Day, which for some came quite a bit sudden. As expected, species of the Electric type were featured, with five selected species able to be encountered from Field Research and others appearing in the wild, including Pikachu. A paid Timed Research set was also available for those who could devote more effort, to encounter the selected species. Notably, this also took place on the second day of a certain paradise event, so the Pikachu portion aligned perfectly... but other things may not have, as the case may be. Still, it did provide a charged start for this first month of the season.

March 5 to 11 brought something new on the horizon, as the Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration event. It coincided with the launch of the anime series of the same title on specific platforms in specific regions. Appropriately, the event features elements from the anime: debut of the Charcadet family in Eggs, a special Cap's Pikachu with Volt Tackle, main character photo bombs, and other characteristic Pokémon in the wild, raids, and Field Research task encounters. The remaining complements were double XP for hatching, more Team Go Rocket balloons, themed showcases, and a Web Store bundle. For those about to get into the new series, this event became a fine introduction in addition to celebration.

Weather Week returned from March 14 to 18, and this time it was an all-weather celebration, certainly with Castform in tow. It appeared with greater Shiny chance and more often in the wild plus in Field Research for all forms regardless of weather, and it was key to a Collection Challenge. The rest of the featured Pokémon were one species for each kind of weather and a few other all-weather species from the channels as above plus raids, making up the other Collection Challenge. The whole event was complemented by double Stardust for captures plus more in Weather Boost, and certainly themed showcases. In general, fair things about the weather was to be found during the event.

Two Raid Days were seen in March - and not just any Raid Day; they were Primal Raid Days. That meant Kyogre and Groudon in that specific form, on March 17 and 23 respectively from 2 to 5 PM with appearances in all Gyms. As usual, both of these had increased free passes, chance for the Shiny Pokémon in question, and remote raid limits. They also had paid tickets that could be bought in a bundle or individually, and provided even more free passes as well as increased Candy XL chance, XP, and Stardust. In execution, though, the Kyogre edition suffered from server problems and was extended to 7 PM, while the Groudon edition was normal. It was definitely a huge undertaking on both days, and slightly abnormal too.

Verdant Wonders was the penultimate event of the month, taking place from March 21 to 25. By the featured Pokémon of the event, it could be described as a "magical jungle" with Grass types, Fairy types, and some other "cheeky" species; they were in the wild as well as Field Research task encounters. New to this event were the Cottonee family with a costume and Shiny Flabébé, and returning for all was another Zarude encounter opportunity... obtained through buying an event ticket containing a Special Research set for that purpose as well as other bonuses. Collection Challenge sets and themed showcases rounded out the event, making it a veritable jungle indeed.

Closing up the month, there was the Taken Over event from March 27 to 31 (today). As this is a Team Go Rocket takeover, it had its usual features: more of its members everywhere, changes to their Pokémon selections (new and old alike), and the ability to unlearn Frustration by Charged TM. The major highlights of this edition are Shadow Groudon from Giovanni with a new Special Research set, Shadow Mewtwo from raids on the weekend, and Shiny Sandile debut. The minor complements are Field Research tasks, Dark-type Pokémon in the wild, Timed Research sets, featured showcases, an extra paid Timed Research, bundles in the in-game shop and Web Store, and an avatar pose for sale. Team Go Rocket had wanted to deliver their own wonders as well - and they did just that.

It only started off the season, but the abundance of Pokémon Go events in March (and all of the elements contained therein) did seem to crash upon Trainers like waves, gushing them with torrents of things related to Pokémon. Appropriately enough, it's for a season that promises to deliver a literal world containing wonders, so the deluge may be said to bring wonders awash for Trainers - even only at its beginning. After the deluge, the two remaining months of the season can promise more wonder in events, hopefully in different ways.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 21

Two years ago: Consume and Create

Three years ago: "New Daybreaks" for Pokémon

Four years ago: The Long-Winded Side of Things

Five years ago: Cosplay: ONEGAI Bunkasai 2019 - Eiyuu no Uprising

Six years ago: Mauville's Progress

Seven years ago: Nostalgia: Episode 672 - "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!"

The State of Nominations, Part 27

It's time, once again, to update the progress of my PokéStop nominations through Pokémon Go by way of Niantic Wayfarer. By now, it's a bimonthly process to account for the possibility of many things happening... or not, as the case may be sometimes. But then, that may also depend on the efforts by me and the rest of the Wayfarer support system, which means I can do so much before I can leave it up to the system to do its "so much" part. Those efforts are certainly part of this and the previous updates.

For that purpose, the primary matter is the numbers as usual. My Accepted nominations increased by 2 from last time to 120 and my Not Accepted nominations decreased by 2 to 64; this isn't much and is the result of having Appealed certain nominations, one of which is in that status. All other counts for decided nominations are also the same, likewise indicating not much in this regard. What is significant is that the undecided nominations increased to 26 (by 16), with 16 In Voting and 10 In Queue. I've certainly made progress on this and now Wayfarer can stand to do the same.

Aside from the numbers, I've also made other efforts by usage of the Wayfarer toolkit. I've had to make edits to the titles and descriptions of at least one nomination, and I've even had to withdraw one of them due to having set the location incorrectly - one of two things I can't edit even in Wayfarer, the other being the pictures. The nomination has since been redone, an advantage of having lots of slots available. I've also yet to upgrade (or mark one for this purpose) a nomination, but that may change as I have one nomination that could use it. That may have to be considered.

The next task for me may be working toward that upgrade while seriously considering marking that one nomination. Meanwhile, the recent increase in undecided nominations was caused by many being in certain "focus areas", and this may be a good approach for making more nominations in the future; I may be able to identify more during my Pokémon Go explorations. Of course, that may also depend on occasional serendipitous finds, which cannot be counted out either, but still need to be researched anyway. In short, things proceed as usual with focused adjustment.

Even with so much having been done to nominate more possible places to be made as waypoints for PokéStops, much more could stand to be done both by me and others using the Wayfarer toolkit and system. Thus, the progress of nominating them continues, along with the eager waiting for the results of nominations that have been made. The accounting of that progress is expected to continue to be as essential as the progress itself and all the possibilities that it just might present.

One year ago: Adjudication for PvP Tournaments

Two years ago: More on Wayfarer (and Links to Pokémon Go)

Two years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Beckoning Specials

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 3

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Cup

Five years ago: Lugia Raid Burnout

Six years ago: Ice Is Nice with Pokémon

New Gatherings for Blessings and Success

Me: Remember a few years ago when there were two gatherings I sent you to for some noble goals?

Ash: Hey yeah! I remember those.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Of course."] 

Me: Well, they happened again this year, only somewhat differently.

Goh: How different?

Me: For starters, we have you, Goh, today - that wasn't the case back then. The place is also different: there are actually two of them, but still in the same area as each other. And the people are different too.

Goh: It's not the same group of people, I take it.

Me: Goh has this figured out. The group of people Ash was with back then had unfortunately broke up when the world had a downturn years ago. And... I regret to say, the place from back then also closed up.

Ash: Oh no!

Goh: My regrets.

Me: But, things change, and now we have a different group embracing us, and we in turn embrace them.

Goh: Well, isn't that a great thing?

Ash: Yeah!

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Isn't it?"]

Me: Anyway, we'd better get to talking about those gatherings. The first one happened a week ago - last Saturday, to be precise.

Ash: You sent me there. It looked like a mini festival that Bocchi Noizu sometimes holds.

Goh: Well, if it was the same people in the same place...

Ash: It was, from the MCP thing.

Goh: There you go.

Me: I was actually a bit mixed up about sending you there, but in the interest of blessings, I got you there anyway.

Goh: So, I think I can tell what it had. Entertainment?

Ash: Mini games, a mini band, a dancer, and a singer. Oh, there was a dance group that performed for the first time.

Goh: That sounded nice. Character parade?

Ash: There was one, and I got in with my Kanto Johto outfit like a few weeks ago.

Goh: What happened then?

Ash: Hey, I got a judge favorite award!

Me: OK - well, it's not exactly "redemption" for that time, but it's a bit of a success anyway.

Ash: And... one of the MCs was a Snorlax!

Pikachu: Chu, pi pika! ["What a sight!"]

Goh: That must be the missing one from back then.

Ash: I think so.

Me: That first gathering did have lots of blessings after all too - a good thing I sent you.

Goh: What about the second one?

Me: That would be... today! A friend offered to bring Ash, so you got there.

Ash: I did! This time it was in the place next to MCP.

Goh: You know, I get the feeling these two places share gatherings and festivals often.

Me: You have a good point. They do, don't they?

Ash: But this one was different! It seemed like a bunch of communities actually gathering up.

Me: That's exactly the point. It's more of a party to meet with others and pass the time... kind of like something that happened years ago also at around this time of year with the "break".

Goh: I guess it makes sense people letting loose because of the "break".

Ash: It got really lively at night, just like the other gathering.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["It was so nice."]

Goh: Anything else that was similar?

Ash: The communities had performances... and I got drafted to sing!

Goh: That had to be good. Did our friend suggest anything for Ash to sing?

Me: Well, I sent Ash with the Journeys outfit, but I thought he could practice an old song... like "Advanced Adventure" - and then sing "Mezase Pokémon Master" afterwards. How'd you do?

Ash: It was fine. It's been so long since you wanted me to sing it, and I think I can get even more used to it.

Me: Great! We'll practice it some more, and we'll think about putting it in competition again.

Goh: Who were the communities? Bocchi Noizu is one of them, surely.

Ash: Oh, there were five others - they're all fans of different things, like how our friend likes Pokémon.

Goh: OK, I get you. I guess it's like Utsuru on a personal level.

Ash: And just like the other day, there was a character parade too.

Me: Oh, you got in! Tell me how you did.

Ash: Didn't win this time, but that's OK. Singing and being in the parade was fun enough.

Me: So we can call that blessings, even without a lot of success.

Goh: I mean, Ash was literally invited as a guest anyway, so things just happen the way they do.

Ash: You're so right, Goh.

Pikachu: Pika. ["Indeed."]

Me: Comparing things to what they were, I think there have been even more blessings since that time, even if the successes may not be apparent.

Goh: Changes too.

Me: And you're a testament to that.

Ash: Like you said back then - you kept on sending me everywhere and now we get the blessings.

Me: It doesn't take gatherings during a "break" to prove that; here's to more of that begetting more successes.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/29/2023

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 15

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Regional Event Rollup

Four years ago: Pokémon Go: A Drive to Investigate

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/29/2019

Six years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon MonCollé Friends: Pikachu

Seven years ago: Pokémon Mechanical Fan

One Item, Indefinitely?

While on the subject of items, by now, most Pokémon fans will know about one of the glitches in the first generation main series games that duplicates a certain item to a practically indefinite (though not unlimited) amount. It's certainly a glitch in the sense that it should not happen, though it does pose a hypothetical question: if one could have one item to an indefinite amount, what item would that be? Obviously, there could be many different answers, but I can try to explain a few of them here.

A contender in this regard would certainly be capture balls of any sort. Supposing that the obvious choice of Master Ball is off-limits due to the difficulty of procuring it, then the next-best choice of Ultra Ball could work for many Trainers. A Trainer could even opt to have Great Balls or Poké Balls indefinitely if their throwing prowess is as such that it renders better balls unnecessary, though given the choice, it is still likely that any Trainer will opt for Ultra Balls or Master Balls if at all possible.

If Trainers don't require indefinite capture balls, they may instead opt for healing items, as Potions and Revives. This would perhaps be justified if those Trainers already have a healthy supply of battle-ready Pokémon and all they would be doing is battling other Pokémon, whether those of other Trainers or in the wild - providing that captures are rarely made in the latter case. It is also likely that they will opt for Potions rather than (Max) Revives due to the "ethical implications" of continuing to let Pokémon faint.

Some Trainers could possibly also prefer to have items that double as food, like Berries, things like the Lava Cookie or Malasada, and beverages like the Soda Pop. The rationale for this could be that if their Pokémon don't need to use them, then Trainers themselves can use the items for sustenance. Given that they can be and are regularly consumed by people and Pokémon alike, this makes a whole lot of sense. This would still be a fringe case, yet it's one that could totally be justified.

The possibility of having indefinite items, in any case, is still a remote one that only a glitch has been able to manifest, meaning that it is not realistically meant to be. Yet it's still a thought-provoking exercise to determine what items Trainers could demand for such a condition and the usage scenarios that arise out of that condition. Whether or not items could be had indefinitely, items are still essential for any Trainer, and how they make do with usage and amount becomes the key to their success in the world.

One year ago: Rainbow Pokémon Fantasies

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/28/2022

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/28/2021

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/28/2020

Five years ago: Local EX Raid (and Priorities), 3/28/2019

Six years ago: More on Ali (and the Early Manga)

Seven years ago: A Pikachu Wall Hanging

On Pokémon Valuables

Every so often, I'm reminded that Pokémon has elements that add richness to its world. One such element literally and figuratively does that by way of how they fit in. That would be what I call "valuables", items that have currency value in their own right but aren't usable for anything else - in other words, they can only be sold for money. Of course, they may have other significances now, but their "valuables" aspect is the first thing they're known for - and still is among fans.

Of these items, the ones that might be more in vogue in recent times are Stardust and Star Piece. These items have meager and mid-range selling prices in the main series games, but what they're known for today is as the substantive "currency" in Pokémon Go and the item to increase the earned amounts of that "currency" from the various means of earning that currency. In a way, their place is solidified in Pokémon lore as something that has value and/or gives that value for Pokémon needs.

Then, there are four items that have distinct species connections: Tiny Mushroom, Big Mushroom, Pearl, and Big Pearl. The former two are distinctively associated with the Paras species family, while the latter two are closely associated with species that carry their own pearls, as Spoink and Clamperl. Likewise, these items have minor and major selling prices for the small and big items respectively. What's more, they also establish the particular Pokémon species as having value.

Perhaps most famously, there is the Nugget, being the first recognized item of these kinds of items. Its selling price is significant - as far as it goes when it came about - so Trainers needed to seek the item and then sell it for money they can use for other items. It too is also significant for lending its name to the Nugget Bridge north of Cerulean City as the first place one can obtain this item, and in turn, the place itself has other significances as well. Thus, it too continues to have a place for itself.

Like in the real world, sometimes Trainers will need to seek out riches to continue their journey, and any or all of these items may be necessary for that purpose. Certainly, the other purpose of these "valuables" is to show that the world of Pokémon has some things going to make its world rich - in both figurative quality and literal value. Coupled with the other significant qualities beyond their original appearances, they add value to the way things measure up in the Pokémon world.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Majestic Force Elite (SA Factions)

Two years ago: The Irreplaceable Difference

Three years ago: Quickies: Finding Pokémon in Trees

Four years ago: Countermeasures for Pokémon Go

Five years ago: Ingress and Out

Six years ago: Pokémon in Common Terms

Seven years ago: Cosplay: CLAS:H/ICGP 2017, Regional Edition

For Want of Rotom Devices

If there's a particular aspect that different Pokémon things have popularized in recent times, it's the use of equipment powered by Rotom, which may be called "Rotom devices". They make up the "molded forms" that I wrote about some time ago as part of a discussion on the possible ubiquity of Rotom, with the first two members being the quirky Rotom Dex and the sensible Rotom Phone. Being a Pokémon fan, I take interest in this particularity and even in the desire for one if such things were possible.

Most recently, the latest member of these devices has been introduced as the "apparent" Rotom Tablet, which like the Rotom Phone, resembles the device it is so aptly named for, only with the characteristic appearance as with the phone incarnation. It is capable of what a real tablet is expected of, yet it too can float like the Rotom Dex and do much of the same things as the phone. It may be considered an essential device as with the phone for certain Trainers as it has similar assistive qualities.

That said, I have a pretty capable phone, which doesn't resemble the Rotom Phone but could appropriately be one in the world of Pokémon. I could, however, see the potential for a Rotom Tablet - at least something in real life with similar capabilities, except maybe for the floating aspect - to be used in all parts of my life, including those that deal with Pokémon. Though presently a few matters hold back my possible possession of such a device, the possibility may open up just as more Pokémon things open up for me.

And while I may not need a Rotom Dex, the tablet and phone versions seem essential enough as they are for any device in the modern age. They're already necessary for realizing what Pokémon can be, and then taking it all in for what it means in life. The existence of the "Rotom devices" in the world is still a testament to technological advancement that can similarly apply in this world, even without the quirks of the Pokémon species that make all things work behind the scenes of the particular devices.

One year ago: Faster Leveling for One-Minute Cooking?

Two years ago: Ready System for Pokémon Go Raids?

Three years ago: Be the Winning Team

Four years ago: Looking for Good News

Five years ago: Nominating PokéStops

Six years ago: Envisioning More Local VGC Tournaments

Seven years ago: Slowpoke Moments

Who's on Who's Side?

Everybody's playing the game

But nobody's rules are the same

Nobody's on nobody's side

Better learn to go it alone

Recognize you're out on your own

Nobody's on nobody's side...

-- "Nobody's Side", from Chess (originally sung by Elaine Paige)

There's a recent development in Pokémon Go PvP that I'm still trying to make heads and tails of, so I'm obviously not ready to make a post (or posts) on it. Yet I've been observant of the situation surrounding the development, and while it's not exactly bad, it's not exactly in the best state it could be either. Without explicating what it is just yet, I'd like to describe its situation, and for that, I'm also enlisting the above song as it is in a way an illustration of what's going on. 

First and foremost is the situation itself. A great deal of Trainers have gotten into this new development, so it has gained some momentum. That momentum has not all been good, however, as there have been some snags in participation and execution by the Trainers who are respectively involved on either end. Thus far, the results of those snags have been mediocre at best and confounding at worst, possibly leaving some to wonder whose side they're actually on.

Certainly, that becomes the lead-in to the above song. It's one of many from a concept album that became a musical and it joins the others I've brought up on this blog. The song may be considered the theme of one of its characters, whose attachment becomes divided between two parties - thus, being on "nobody's side" - and only the character can make sense of the situation. Even so, the character and others move and act in their own ways, so no one is truly "aligned".

It seems that in relation to the Trainers in the PvP situation, they all will have to make sense of it in their own ways - and then do the same with respect to others, since there is actually a necessary alignment here. Being an observer of it for now, I'm also taking it in and making sense of it, fortunately not as an "early adopter". Everybody here is still playing Pokémon Go and may have their own interests, yet some "rules" may have to be adjusted for things to work out generally.

While I'm still trying to take in the situation, what remains true is that I still stand by Pokémon, more specifically particular affairs like Pokémon Go PvP, if a related "side" song is of any indication. It may take a bit more time for things to work out and the question in the title to be answered, furthermore for me personally and my dealing with the situation on this blog. When that happens, other sides may just become apparent, and I may or may not be standing alone for it.

One year ago: Pokémon Rites of Passage

Two years ago: Weathering with Politoed

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 9

Four years ago: The Difficulty of Sickness

Five years ago: All I Learned with Pokémon

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/25/2018

Seven years ago: "Grow Old Along with Me..."

Direct vs. Quiz Selection

While discussing about Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, I'd also like to bring up one of its fascinating aspects, which would be character selection for the main Pokémon "hero" and/or partner. In the first two sub-series, the former was selected by way of a "personality quiz" consisting of several questions taken from a pool of possible ones, and the latter was a direct free choice. In Gates to Infinity, both were made free choices. The quiz method is unique in its own right, especially in contrast to the ordinary direct selection, and going deeper into the two methods, there are more understandings to be made.

The quiz method can be thought of as a way of providing a recommended character by way of moods or feelings that day or moment. In fact, some other games of Japanese origin (distantly related to Pokémon) that use this particular selection method for certain elements call it as such. It thus seems a bit "unfair" or nonsensical to use this method to commit to a character for an adventure that will span many hours, times, and ages beyond the span of a day. The shift to purely direct free choice in Gates to Infinity is thus understandable and sensible from this viewpoint. Though it is possible to "game the system" to select certain Pokémon, one would have needed the resource on the system (and such a resource does exist) yet the results could still be a bit unpredictable due to the question pool.

On the other hand, the direct free choice method caters to practically anyone regardless of mood or feeling, and it satisfies those who like to choose certain Pokémon to play with; I in fact immediately chose Pikachu to play in Gates to Infinity after not having succeeded in getting Pikachu as the main "hero", even though I did choose the Pokémon as a partner instead. The use of this method to choose the partner at least gave things a bit of predictability. For those not exposed to Pokémon, though, which may have been a part of the reasoning for forcing the quiz method instead in the earlier games, a free choice might be a difficult one to make, and this may be admitted to be an "edge" for that method. 

In any case, both methods have their warranted usage in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games and need to be perused, particularly for those who are to deal with the games in perfect retro form. One way definitely has a chaos element to it but seems rather suitable for a "mindless" or spur-of-the-moment selection, and the other way suits those who need control and consideration in their selection. In some sense there is no "right" or "wrong" in either way - those are only to be made evident once the Pokémon are chosen and the adventure begins.

One year ago: Performance Critique: Mezase Pokémon Master feat. Otaku

Two years ago: More Berries for Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: The Future of WhatsApp Pokémon Stickers

Four years ago: Virulent Impacts

Five years ago: From One Path to Another

Six years ago: (Again a) Local Ex-Raid, 3/24/2018

Seven years ago: The Many Forms of Pikachu in Shuffle

My Essential Orbs in Mystery Dungeon

I rarely write about Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, but that's also because most of what I understand is confined to older games (prior to the Super version) and I still need to re-review Gates to Infinity as the last installment I played. Yet I can still share my views on some aspects, like the one for this post. Items called "Orbs" are known to be featured in the games, and they're not only useful but also downright essential. As such, I'd like to share some of the Orbs that I like to use and what I consider important in that regard.

The main Orb that I always need to have when I venture in the dungeons is the Escape Orb. It helps in the completion of missions, notably a series of them in the same dungeon, without having to go through the entire dungeon. It also allows me to focus on other objectives, get them done, and then quickly leave. As well, if a situation of extreme emergency arises, it becomes my last resort, after which I can try again. Obviously, its usage scenarios are many and varied, especially when I'm in a pinch, so having one in possession is beyond essential.

Then, I also have a couple of Orbs to deal with possible yet pesky Monster Houses. One of them is the Warp Orb, and the other is the Petrify Orb. The latter is useful if I want to deal with the Monster Houses in a controlled manner, or at the least keep the monsters in one place while not having to deal with them. The former is useful if I really don't want to deal with the Monster Houses, or do want to deal with the monsters only as I try to make my way to the stairs - which could be a bit chaotic, but it could regardless work. Thus, both have their uses.

Other Orbs are non-essential but useful to have. I like the Trapbust Orb in a dire situation where there is an excess of traps and they need to be cleared right then and there. I also like the Stairs Orb for its capability to reveal a way out for when things get too dicey. Both of these Orbs are relatively rare, which leads me to prefer duplicates of the other Orbs mentioned above, or whatever Orbs could be gained conveniently to supplement exactly those Orbs. So, the essential Orbs could also be quite circumstantial in nature.

Admittedly, it's been a while since I've picked up Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, and sometimes it goes through my head. Yet I also store thoughts like these that may be helpful for others who want to pick up Mystery Dungeon and may just need useful pointers like these on one of the absolutely essential points in the game and what I can offer regarding them. It's a "retro" understanding in that it may mostly apply to the older games as per my situation above, but that could still be useful as well.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies: Changing Faces

Two years ago: Crazy for Pinap Berries

Three years ago: My Favorite WhatsApp Pokémon Stickers

Four years ago: Continue Our Videogame Innate Desires

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/23/2019

Six years ago: The "Generals"

Seven years ago: Pokémon Food... For Us

Ghost Pokémon... and Being Ghosted Myself

In the Pokémon anime, a very long time ago, it was shown that it took a Ghost-type Pokémon to quell the mood of a person - namely, Haunter for Sabrina, the Gym Leader of Saffron City. It's a testament, in a way, of the extent that the powers that Pokémon of this type might have. Those powers might also be the thing I need myself right now in dealing with a "ghostly" situation, though the way that those powers can assist this current situation seems rather questionable. Yet it seems still wise to make a discussion out of it, which is the present intent.

Ghost-type Pokémon evidently can do a lot of nifty (and/or tricky) things. They can cast shadows and use those shadows to inflict all kinds of tricks, while they themselves act as apparitions that bring about some nasty effects... or they may use both to be able to support people when they need it, for which the above could be construed as an instance. That may just be the entire point of all their trickery, whether or not one realizes that, and that puts them in a special place, if their capabilities don't already suggest that. 

Still, while there may be Ghost Pokémon all around, it's not in the best of interests for people to act like one, at least on purpose. I've had a few people becoming "ghosts" on me recently, and like Pokémon of this type in the Mystery Dungeon games, they seem to be entering and exiting walls at their own will, becoming stealthy and seemingly ready to unleash their trickery when I least expect it. As the Ghost type counters itself, the only thing I expect right now is to conjure my own "shadows" and get their attention.

That has yet to happen. In the meantime, it's still important to make the testament that Pokémon of the Ghost type are quirky beings with shadowy powers that should still be respected (and understood that it may not be in the best sense to replicate). They'll still be around, disappearing and appearing from walls as well as using shadows in the wildest ways, which becomes all the more reason for the above. I have a feeling that the quelled Sabrina might just agree, which just means finding the "Ghost" within me to deal with things.

One year ago: Changing Go Battle League Ranks and Titles?

Two years ago: Respect for Sarah Natochenny

Three years ago: Pokémon SM KFC CKM Toy: Rockruff & Premier Ball

Four years ago: Celebi @ Everywhere

Five years ago: At the Same Time

Six years ago: Shiny Lugia Obsessions

Seven years ago: A Passion for Red

The Charm of Open-Air Pokémon Markets

Around certain times of year for certain people - in my case, this time this year - a lot of open-air markets pop up in different places yet at about the same time. It's a sight to see and take in for those who like to shop around in them. That works out great for Pokémon fans as well, because the world has its share of open-air markets, or at the least one important instance of them. Even with that being the case, there's a certain charm about these markets that are on par to their real-life instances as they currently take place.

The open-air Pokémon market that I'm referring to, of course, is the one in Slateport City in the Hoenn region, where a variety of Pokémon goods are sold, including some that appear only once a Trainer has been able to obtain them elsewhere first-hand. It's an important and unique sight to behold in the city as well as the region, particularly for the purposes that it serve. Trainers in the course of their progression are likely to come back time and time again to this market, just like the real instances return at specific times.

While not a specific "open-air market" or an instance of them, sometimes some Department Stores hold a sale on the rooftop, and this could be considered a kind of "open-air" market. Like the real open-air markets, the prices are rock-bottom, and it becomes something that a Trainer ought to try to not miss. It may be just another day when the "market" is held, but it seems it can be "special" in a way when it is held. 

It can be said, then, that the real open-air markets and the Slateport market share the charm of having unique goods at unique times, although the latter is always present and the former isn't, being more like the Department Store rooftop sale. Yet waiting for the sale and the occasion of the real market is a charm in and of itself, at least to some extent, as is eventually being able to shop for goods in all of them.

Each time the real open-air markets come around, it's admitted that there's a certain joy in seeing them open and then shopping in them. The same has to be true of getting into any Pokémon game, whether or not they include open-air market concepts as above. They're a charm for the experience and the shopping pleasures.

One year ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Ionic Cup

Two years ago: The Route Themes of Journey Beginnings

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Waiting Games

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Toxic Cup

Five years ago: Gender Appeal

Six years ago: At a Loss... in Lavender Tower

Seven years ago: GSC Nendoroid Series #425: Red

Can-Do with Pachirisu

I have a soft spot for a number of Pokémon species aside from popular and/or expected ones like Pikachu. One of those would be Pachirisu, the "mascot" or "signature" Electric-type species from the fourth generation. It's a rather squirrelly Pokémon with a distinct yet light coloration, either (or both) of which might explain why other fans and I are attracted to it. Even so, the reason for the attraction might have more to do with its capabilities, which can be described as a "can-do" matter.

As mentioned in that other post, many, many years ago, the Pokémon made a phenomenal appearance in VGC, where it became the "saving grace" - in a way - when it was used, to the surprise of many. When I think about VGC, I can't stop thinking about this happening, and it seems others can't either. It may be much less relevant today than when it first happened, but it still remains a testament to its "can-do" aspect and how that was reflected in that fortunate and now timeless happening.

Those who deal with Pokémon Go can also attest its "can-do" aspect in some instances of Great League PvP, which meant that the Pokémon had to be restricted or outright banned in certain theme formats in this area of PvP. This is despite the Pokémon being only regionally available - only in the Arctic - although this has been slightly lessened with it having been featured in certain recent events related to Sinnoh. Trainers may still need to be "can-do" about it in order for the Pokémon to be such as well.

More recently, the Pokémon had also entered Café Remix, where it appears occasionally through (and is obtained from) the delivery feature. It's also a surprisingly capable Pokémon on the order (puzzle) playfield, with a wide-reaching skill effect that in some cases can clear things in one go, especially if it was obtained at the start of the stage due to the Pokémon being of at least Outfit Grade 2. Those who have this Pokémon can and should take advantage of its evidently "can-do" capability here.

Pachirisu might not seem to be a significant Pokémon species, aside from it being considered a "mascot" or "signature" species as above. Yet the way that it has made strides in certain Pokémon games shows that it has a "can-do" aspect about it, which some fans may only be happy to take advantage of to make themselves as "can-do" as the Pokémon has made itself apparent. In the process, it's one species that can earn the soft spot of many fans, including yours truly.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Pallet Town Ruby (SA Factions)

Two years ago: ASMR with Pokémon

Three years ago: All I Can Do, with You

Four years ago: Sad Music from Kanto

Five years ago: A Girl and a Fan

Six years ago: The Place to Be

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki Japan 7 - Wanderlust!

Rethinking Pokémon-People Relations

I've written up quite a bit in the past about the envisioned relationships between people and Pokémon species, and this post is another one in that series. Specifically, this one deals with (re)considering those relationships, in light of some happenings in the real world that involve animals and people, which would stand in for Pokémon and people. It's a bit of a significant matter as far as the happenings go, and that means exploring the essence of those happenings for the relationships of concern.

Somewhere a bit removed from my local area, a tiger that menaced people was captured - only this one is actually a recapture, due to the tiger having been rehabilitated previously. This also meant that the tiger necessarily had human contact at that time. Then, there had been stories of other wild animals coming into human contact and being changed by that human contact, becoming no longer suited for the wild. There is as well the observation that even for something like cats, the feral ones behave remarkably differently than the domestic ones, and there is a change in behavior going from the former to the latter. All this could potentially apply for the Pokémon analogues of the respective species.

The "rethinking" part lies in the consideration that Pokémon as they are have some different behaviors. Some of them are more receptive to human contact and thus have a certain "sentience" about them that makes them less "animal" and more "humane", even when they are in a wild state. Others, meanwhile, still remain "animal", sometimes with human presence and/or connection. It stands to reason, then, that the relations between people and Pokémon could be thought of as having a dual state of being carried over sentience and wildness characteristics - the trick being to recognize when either are present.

Whatever the case, the relations between people and Pokémon remain complex, as for their real animal counterparts, mostly due to their envisioned nature. Yet with all the things that they are capable of and their coexistence with people, the relations can still be explored to some extent and can even be rethought based on observations as above. It's just a natural part of things existing with people, for which Pokémon is on multiple levels.

One year ago: Cosplay: Culture Festival

Two years ago: Pokémon of Overlapping Roles?

Three years ago: The Post Malone P25 Virtual Concert

Four years ago: No Sight, No Mind

Five years ago: Fashion Statements by Pokémon

Six years ago: PokéTerminology

Seven years ago: Cosplay Hair

New Controls in Pokémon Go

As with any game or app in general, Pokémon Go has a lot of controls - buttons and interfaces - that perform certain functions, tantamount to features. Also as with modern games or apps, they are frequently updated as with content and features in general. Recent updates to Pokémon Go have brought about some remarkable additions to controls and thus new features, and being remarkable as they are, they deserve at least some discussion to explore their details.

Pokémon information screens now contain a "Swap Buddies" control button at the very bottom similar to the one for Buddy History, allowing immediate changes without having to (re)visit the Buddy information even to Pokémon that hasn't become a Buddy. Those who frequently deal with Buddy Pokémon ought to welcome this novelty as it constitutes an extremely handy shortcut for new and old Buddy Pokémon alike. Still, the convenience it offers for anyone is regardless significant.

Controls for "Heal All" and "Revive All" were also added when Potions and Revives respectively are activated from the Item Bag and the available Pokémon are displayed. This is obviously another convenient shortcut than having to deal with Pokémon individually, though sometimes the latter might sometimes be useful and necessary. The controls also serve as an indicator in that regard, as they disappear when healing and reviving have been manually carried out, affirming their control status.

Yet another new control button was added to friendship level increase screen, one that will activate a Lucky Egg if a Trainer chooses to as such and one hasn't already been activated. This one is especially significant for the level increases to Ultra and Best Friend that reward tons of XP and may occur suddenly (or even accidentally) at times, particularly for those who are uninformed or had forgotten. It's a control in the truest sense, not only as an interface aspect but also as a management aid.

Having existed for a number of years, Pokémon Go has developed in terms of both content - the included Pokémon and ways to play - as well as features that tie everything together. All of these benefit from good interface controls, which Pokémon Go also has. The above new additions to controls are then a normal part of the development of the game, yet also show that improvement is also a continuous effort, thanks to the usefulness and necessity of these new controls.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/18/2023

Two years ago: Countermeasures for Pokémon Go: "Over" Time?

Three years ago: New Pokémon Go Bonus Hour Experiments

Four years ago: On Blogging and Microblogging

Five years ago: Character Songs

Six years ago: "You Shall Not Pass" - Hard-to-Access Gyms and PokéStops

Seven years ago: Alton : Food :: I : Pokémon

Pokémon Plush Dolls of All Kinds of Sizes

Pokémon fans who are the most fervent of their kind likely cannot get enough of Pokémon plush dolls, as they come in all kinds of species that they like... and all kinds of sizes to suit. This last bit is a fascinating one, and I've opted to discuss about that. It's especially pertinent for fans who seek ones with certain aspects to suit their collection or even where they would house it. Size is thus a potentially important determinant in this case, perhaps just as much as the Pokémon that is featured in the form of such a doll.

Those who lack space for many or really big dolls yet still desire them (or want to maximize space for more Pokémon) will likely appreciate the Sitting Cuties line, which I've already discussed to some extent previously. The compact size of this line of plush dolls suits either objective perfectly and fills in potential voids in Pokémon merchandise that some fans may have and would like to fill somehow. If anything, the variety of species represented in this line is another plus - it has something for everyone.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are the "actual size" plush dolls with heights that correspond to the Pokédex, of which Lucario and Psyduck are the latest members to represent this group. It's rather obvious that one needs at least some space for these plush dolls, but those who do are sure to enjoy having them in possession. "Actual size" also could be a front to "actual pals", so this is yet another aspect that could be fulfilled with possession of such a doll, hopefully for the best things in Pokémon life.

Yet some Pokémon will still have plush dolls that lie within the size ranges of the above lines or groups. Wailord, for example, has a very big plush that is one-tenth of its actual size, and that may be as big as it's going to get, because an actual size one is gargantuan in both size and other problems. Meanwhile, Pikachu as a fan favorite comes in a wide range of sizes from compact to actual size and even bigger ones, and this undoubtedly satisfies the broad interests of the fans as well - as would any plush, really.

Sizes of Pokémon plush dolls are just one aspect that fans will take into account when  creating or expanding their collection of Pokémon merchandise, for which the process will depend on other aspects, factors, and interests. Still, all of them in combination will be able to demonstrate or highlight what they do enjoy about Pokémon, with particular relation to the eponymous species. In that sense, size does matter when it comes to the species that fans like and have no problem in showing that is indeed the case.

One year ago: Tools for Solving Pokémon Go Problems... and Life Problems?

Two years ago: Quickies: Trees, the Symbol of Life

Three years ago: The Sentience of Pokémon

Four years ago: There Are Monsters Outside

Five years ago: "Monkey Trio" Keychain Figures

Six years ago: What's Played, What's Not, and What's Next

Seven years ago: Pokémon X Food Network ...?

Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/16/2024

With or without a "break", Community Day remains "on fire". Going a few seasons back, the dates for Community Day for the three months of the forthcoming season - including Classic editions, if any - have actually been set as early as the last month of the season, certainly to suit the system. This is certainly in its own regard, and Trainers may have to adjust their other agendas to suit, as I have done a few times. So it is that I (and other Trainers in my local area) have to exert a bit more effort for this edition and continue that "fire".

The fact that things are "on fire" is also a hint for the featured Pokémon of this edition. That would be Litten, the Fire-type starter of the seventh generation. Hot on the heels of Rowlet from January, as is the norm of starter Pokémon, its fully evolved form of Incineroar gets the special and exclusive move of Blast Burn; it can also learn Darkest Lariat from this point onwards as a non-special "signature" move. The main bonus is tripled XP, a boon and yet another "hot" chance for those less than level 50 to catch up.

Also as usual are the other bonuses: double Candy and Candy XL chance, extended Incense and Lure Modules, an extra Special Trade and discounted trades, photo bombs, extra Torracat raids, Field Research and showcases, Web Store and in-game shop bundles, and commemorative stickers. Meanwhile, the extra paid Special Research is called "All Fired Up" and takes Trainers through a hot discovery journey about the species family with Professor Willow. Any and all of these bonuses may be "hot" for certain Trainers.

Today, there was no hot weather where I am, but what was "hot" was meeting a lot of friends, some old and some new, in the same place as the past few editions of Community Day. Though there wasn't much of anything new to offer in the workflow of this month's edition, the experience with old and new friends was still a renewed one, and that made things "hot" in a sense. Also "hot" today was the opportunity to use up a good bit of the bonuses, something that I don't usually have a chance.

I'm wearing a special Mystic jersey.

As usual, I evolved the "cavalcade" I keep in mind for this purpose, though I didn't have a Lucky one on hand - perhaps due to sudden circumstances - and the Shiny ones left something to be desired, even during the organized contests at the end. There were also no apparent "perfect surprises" other than ones that weren't universal, though I did get one that was almost as such and consequently evolved it. This edition had a good haul, although in some sense it could have been better.

While the "heat" of this edition was mostly figurative, it could still be felt with the "warmth" of many good friends as well as the featured Pokémon and its species family, at least personally. Those who are participating in other parts of the world may very well differ about that, including the actual and proverbial heat, but something that could be almost certain is that Community Day remains "heated up" to continue its "on fire" trend, obviously helped by a trio of fire cats and lots of Trainers to stoke the fire.

One year ago: Starting and Restarting Pokémon Go

Two years ago: On the Intricacies of the Battle Pass

Three years ago: Localized Legendary Pokémon

Four years ago: Brushing Up on Pokémon Mythology

Five years ago: Cosplay: Neko-Neko

Six years ago: Our Glory of Love

Seven years ago: Multilingual Pokémon

Loot (or Not) from Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Bali

It's been a couple of weeks since that grand and "breakthrough" Pokémon event on the Island of Paradise, which I had the chance to attend through (and with) Ash as a proxy. I have just been reminded that I did get a few things out of it that I can and should discuss in a post, so I've decided to take a post to do just that. They're usually the things that I would consider "merchandise" or "loot" (and for this blog, they are classified as the former nonetheless), yet in some ways they are also not as such. It's a strange duality, but I have to take it in stride anyhow, especially for this post.

I should note that there was actual merchandise for sale - yes, in the park, but still under tents - but even early on there were already lots of people lined up for it, it was more than I was willing to spend even with my being there, and then there was the Pokémon Go dealings, which did indeed take up most of the time there. In a way, I feel both justification and regret (at this point) that I couldn't get the merchandise, especially for the purpose of sharing and discussing it here, but that was the way things went - fait accompli. I proceed with the things that I did get and can demonstrate here.

So, those things are the postcard with Pikachu and the Bali background, the Pikachu visor, and most importantly the promotional TCG card featuring the Pikachu with the batik shirt. The first of these was obtained from the Pokémon Go booth, and the latter two were obtained from the registration booth, both at the park where the event was being held. The visor might be considered typical, as it's just a paper visor, but the postcard is definitely unique and the TCG card, while obtainable somewhere else, could be difficult in that regard. It can be said that all of these were fortunate to be gained here of all places.

Sometimes, some things just deserve to be explained as best as they can, whether or not they meet certain criteria, as the items above, with regard to their "merchandise" or "loot" status. Yet considering how they were gotten through a special place and through special means for those who came, it may be that the criteria are met even to a minor extent. With much of that day being devoted to other tasks and agendas, merchandise was definitely the last thing to be taken care of - and now, to be discussed. Still, the items are extraordinary for a weekend that was no less than that.

One year ago: Quickies: Flying With Lugia, On Demand

Two years ago: Investing in a Battle Pass?

Three years ago: A Year of Living Dangerously

Four years ago: Cosplay: IAM COSPLAYCON

Five years ago: The Pokémon Search Bar in Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Ash and Pikachu, DJF 2018 Style

Seven years ago: A Psyduck Headache

Cook and Collect in Café Remix

Players of Café Remix might have noticed something extra and gleaming intermittently within the past few weeks while playing certain orders (puzzle stages). That something extra is part of a new framework for events, called Cook and Collect. It was introduced with the Pokémon anniversary update and looks set to be the precursor for certain events with remarkable Pokémon - albeit there being only one at this moment due to the feature's infancy, but it's still a remarkable one nonetheless.

When a Cook and Collect event is active, while playing those orders or stages, every so often, event items will drop into the play field. As with obstacles, clearing chains of Pokémon next to them will allow the items to be collected, and upon completion of the stage (which is necessary), the items are earned and added to the collection, which gives out certain rewards as more are collected. A limited number of the items may be earned in a day, and only certain orders or stages will have the item drop. Once an event ends, the event items will disappear, except for a certain event for which the items are persistent and is in fact currently the only incarnation of the event.

That would be the Gimmighoul event, and like other games where it is featured, the player earns coins for said Pokémon. When enough coins are collected, its evolutionary next of kin Gholdengo is sure to follow... but that won't be for a bit for many players. Luckily, the event recurs, and the coins can also be collected through other event means as well, so players may be able to proceed through this at their own paces, but still with significant effort. The rest of the rewards for this event comprise Milestone Cookies and Golden Acorns, which are typical but still befitting the nature of the Pokémon in the species family.

As for other incarnations of this event, they have yet to be realized as per the above, but when they are realized, they will likely be concurrent, as the main screen of the event visibly allows space for more than one event indicator. Whether they are of new or returning Pokémon and/or their outfits, that remains to be seen, and their durations may have to be significant as well, given that the only currently available incarnation as above has a bit of a slow progress to it. But then again, it may be possible to have ones with accelerated progress and therefore accelerated duration. Everything is still up in the air for this event, it seems. 

Yet the event, being remarkable as it is with its first featured Pokémon, has some promises in exchange for the typical efforts that players make in Café Remix. They may or may not be making pie (hint: today is that day), but they'll still make all the usual food and drink that are the specialties of the cafe, while also collecting items that will be of interest for particular Pokémon before possibly inviting them to the cafe and making all the cooking more lively.

One year ago: Serving up Paldea with a Twist

Two years ago: To Share and To Care

Three years ago: Berry Cuisine

Four years ago: Pokémon Anime Song Remixes?

Five years ago: Profits on the Side

Six years ago: It's Pi Day!

Seven years ago: Pokémon and Puzzle Games

Let's Talk About A Break for the Light

Ash: Oh, we're talking today!

Me: Yes, we are.

Goh: Knowing you, you must have a good reason.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["We'd like to know."]

Me: Sure. One good reason is that I'm (or things are) actually on a bit of a break or rest, and I may or may not be able to send Ash to anything.

Ash: Oh, like last year!

Goh: So, I guess the previous convention was the last one before this break.

Me: Pretty much. And we didn't get to address it then, so that's why we're talking about it today.

Goh: Makes sense. So that leaves the "light" part.

Me: So, for that part, I'd like to refer back to one personal experience.

Ash: I think I know what this was about.

Me: Yeah, I think you do. This was written when I was witnessing you "chase your light", the biggest one.

Ash: I thought so! Thank you.

Me: But if you think about it, "chasing the light" is a pretty common theme, in and out of this time of year. There's even a song about it where I am.

Goh: Well, based on what you wrote, it seems really nice. I appreciate that.

Ash: Yeah! We've got to thank you again.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Thanks a bunch!"]

Me: I can also give a couple more examples relating to you both. Goh, for one, has been seeking Mew for a long time, and if that's not pursuing a "light" in a way, then I don't know what is.

Goh: Absolutely! It's far from over, so I'll still be chasing its "light", wherever it could be.

Ash: I'm sure you'll find it!

Me: I am too. As for Ash, when Pikachu used (and learned) Volt Tackle, that must have been a bright sight for you - perhaps for us all.

Ash: I know it is. That was an amazing time.

Goh: Pikachu knows Volt Tackle, huh.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Sure do!"]

Ash: You've got to see it to believe it.

Me: Volt Tackle is surely a light for us all. Now, as with last year (any year, in fact), this break will last a little over a month.

Goh: What actually goes on during the break?

Me: Well, honestly, I can't say much about it since a lot of it doesn't really pertain to me, and that's also the entire reason why I just call this a "break" - let's just leave it at that.

Goh: Um... OK, I'll trust you.

Me: The only other thing that I can say is that for many people other than me, the "break" is also for chasing a certain kind of "light", in a way - hence the title of our discussion.

Goh: Can you believe that?

Ash: Hey, there's a lot of strange but wonderful things in our worlds, and I think this is one of them.

Goh: I guess if you think about it, we don't know about many of the strange but wonderful things in Pokémon either, so it goes both ways.

Me: But whatever happens, they're all still on the path of our ways of "chasing the light".

Ash: That's the spirit!

Pikachu: Pika. ["True."]

Ash: So we keep doing what we do, and we'll find the light when we get to it.

Goh: Yeah! We'll really have to see what happens.

Me: And so, our search for the light continues - even with a little bit of a respite.

One year ago: Here Comes a Factions Cycle

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/13/2022

Three years ago: More Pokémon Go Quality-of-Life Improvements

Four years ago: The First Hoenn Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Five years ago: The Poké Ball Classics Merchandise Line

Six years ago: Yes, Even More Pokémon Stickers

Seven years ago: Every Day We're Shufflin

What Lurks in the Pokémon Night

Many of my posts on this blog - OK, most of them, including many recent ones - are or were made in the night and even leading up to the morning. For some, it could be a spooky time (regardless of a certain specific time of year), especially if weather conditions are involved. For others like me, who are "night owls", it may be the most comfortable time of the day, as long as one is also sequestered safely at home. Yet even then, there may be the consideration that some things are still present in the night, even Pokémon ones for those who sense them like me. With that in mind, it seems like something to be explored, to find out what does lurk in the night.

Every now and then, a shadow flies outside my window, which I'm certain is a Zubat -and sometimes, going out briefly to see confirms that it is as such. Intermittent clicking and yelping also leads me to believe that a Treecko is present somewhere close by, and at the right moments, I can in fact spot it outside, gripping a wall much like one did a glass in the Detective Pikachu movie. Faint buzzing sounds also tell me that Venomoth are present outside, and it's all I can do to keep them at bay. Other faint sounds might be more indicative of something more typical as Kricketot, though there is a lack of affirmation for this; then, there is always the concern that Rattata, specifically of the Alolan form, might manifest itself right outside my door. Evidently, a lot of things (Pokémon) could lurk outside in the night.

Perhaps what ties all of these together is the whispering sounds that they make, and that leads me to register a certain piece of music by Yanni, titled appropriately enough, "Whispers in the Night". They're the whispers that I can't keep quiet no matter what I do, and that's completely fine as they continue to lurk. The music itself, though, has a romantic sound to it, and that might be considered indicative of the other "whispers", that of Trainers to one another or to and from their Pokémon. They're something that I sometimes wish I could hear as a bit of a reassurance that there is still something of Pokémon out there for me and everyone else who remains a fan today. The remnant sounds of those whispers seem to be embodied in the piece of music.

And it is those whispers, Pokémon or otherwise, that continue to accompany me and my Pokémon wanderings throughout the night, particularly during the writing of many of these posts. That will likely not change for many posts in the future, given that I'm always observing Pokémon happenings throughout the day before I put my thoughts in a post. So too the whispers won't change much as I listen to them, but at least they might just provide some indications for writing future posts, including this exact one, making them still one with my Pokémon experience.

One year ago: Cosplay: Unity, The Story of Us

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Challenges in Connecting

Three years ago: Making the Case for Open-World

Four years ago: Possibility of a "Basic League"?

Five years ago: Beta Testing

Six years ago: Taking the Go Train

Seven years ago: Worldly Inspirations for a Small World

To Be a Jumpluff

Possibly, one romantic Pokémon species is Jumpluff, as the fully evolved form of Hoppip, a Pokémon I bring up on this blog when a year turns over. Both of these, along with the middle member Skiploom, have the identifier of "Cottonweed Pokémon", and all of them are "wind riders", as they fly on the wind. Nevertheless, it's the fully evolved member that becomes the focus of this post for its romantic quality - moreover, something that could be aspired for myself and others.

According to the lore, the Pokémon glides on the warm winds that head to the south in search of new lands while also avoiding cold ones. In its depictions, the Pokémon does so not alone but in hordes, so one could potentially see a literal parade of Jumpluff in the sky following a certain wind current to wherever it is they may glide. It is this phenomenon that I consider to make up its romantic quality; they seem to glide so free of care and yet are able to see the world just by doing that.

In effect, the Pokémon may be considered a world traveler, something I've discussed many years ago but only on the people side of things. All the things I've said back then are still true even today, especially for little old me, who now seems to be hindered from such a major undertaking. It makes sense why I would then aspire to the Pokémon, and I'm sure that there are many other people who could also feel the same way.

Lifting off into the winds seems to be an effortless thing for a Jumpluff, as is traveling on them wherever they may lead. The romance of such an action - to go out into the world with nary a care - is ethereally simple and inherently identifiable, even if it may be difficult to realize for a person in current times for various reasons. Yet the presence of the Pokémon is a reminder of its romantic quality, ready to be manifested at any time.

Oh, to be a Jumpluff, floating on the wind...

One year ago: Postcards in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: On the "Grass Divas"

Three years ago: Quickies: Surf's Up, Surf's Down

Four years ago: The Wonders of the PokéRap and Beyond

Five years ago: Quantity and Quality

Six years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest 2018

Seven years ago: Have You Seen My Childhood?

The "Reject" Terms

Pokémon and its games give rise to a variety of terms, many of which are official because that's how they are outlined in those games - and some I might write about soon. Even so, fans have their share in giving rise to terms related to Pokémon, and that's appreciable to me as a linguist. I've identified two terms that fans have given rise to, and they both involve the concept of "rejecting" something that has been gotten, which make them fascinating in their own regard.

The first term is "breedject", which involves the main series games. As can be surmised, this term is related to the process of breeding, an arduous but essential process for VGC and beyond. Often, the process will yield Pokémon of less-than-perfect IV - for example, 5IV or less - that Trainers may not want to keep but don't want to release either; thus, they are "rejects" of the breeding process. Despite being "rejects", though, they may be coveted by other Trainers for the possibility of breeding their own perfect IV (6IV) candidates or ones with other IV profiles, not necessarily perfect.

By analogue, there is the term "raidject", which involves Pokémon Go. In similar fashion, this term is related to raids, which by now is a well-established, common, and necessary part of the Pokémon Go experience. The process likewise can beget a lot of Pokémon with various IVs, mostly imperfect ones, some of which might be desirable to keep but others less so; they are similarly "rejects" of the activity. If the Pokémon are tradeable, they may become fodder for Lucky Trades with other Trainers, so they are just as coveted by others in this regard, particularly with other "raidjects" of their own.

It can be seen that for these terms, the "reject" quality is relative, depending on the individual Pokémon as well as their IVs and numerous quality resulting from repeated applications of the processes that concern the specific terms. That too is reflected from the possible demand that may be generated for other Trainers interested in such "rejects" by trading them, making the individual cases even less of one. Nevertheless, the "waste not, want not" aspect - possibly more the latter than the former - plays into why they are called as such.

Even through Pokémon, language still has a way of working itself, and one of the results of those workings is these "reject" terms. It's hard to "reject" that certain situations can demand their own ways to be expressed through language, and the Pokémon situations as above, taken together, happen to be some of them. The resulting terms then have a way to be used as their situations continue to result in what makes up those terms.

One year ago: Zacian, the Sword-Wielding "Menace"

Two years ago: "Plus Moves" in Pokémon Games

Three years ago: Thundering into the Vortex

Four years ago: A Taste of the Poison Paradise

Five years ago: Everybody, Polkamon

Six years ago: Action or Strategy?

Seven years ago: Thank Heaven for Little Boys

Winds of Changing Unite Teams

Many years ago, I wrote a post about prospects of changing teams in Pokémon Go, and elements and/or remnants of those prospects still linger, albeit more in the background and less in the forefront when the method for it was first realized. Now I want to discuss about changing teams in the "next door" game of Pokémon Unite. While teams in (for) this game don't exist in the same sense as Pokémon Go, even internally, there's still a certain dynamic to this aspect of Pokémon Unite that is worth telling to some extent.

It is plainly obvious that teams here are more numerous, since they're not merely a "label" as with Pokémon Go and they can almost readily identify the players. On the prevailing currents, it may be that the names of the teams themselves don't change (much), but the members itself may change, possibly among each other much like certain sports teams. On the undercurrents, it may be that both are dynamic and/or fluid, changing when the occasion demands it and sometimes in a major way as well.

Pokémon Unite is a kind of MOBA game, but it's somewhat different than other games of its kind. It may be for this reason that some teams may not want to have the same affiliation to this game than as they do to a different choice MOBA game, or are pressured to not have such an affiliation. At that point, change will certainly occur for the teams in question for the names, members, or both. A loose connection could of course be maintained, but that may be all that is maintained - or at least the memory of it.

Locally, it had come to my attention that a certain "conglomerate" of many Pokémon Unite teams - of which a couple of my Unite fellows are associated with - had changed its "conglomerate" label. The teams now exist in a different manner as well, though my fellows continue to be associated with them. This could be taken as an example of changes in the undercurrents, especially given the still-lower relative popularity of Pokémon Unite, though this may change as well should it gain further popularity.

Considering the theme I posed in the title of this post, then, the winds of change do blow among teams for Pokémon Unite, but certainly with different intensities than those for Pokémon Go. They seemingly also manifest themselves differently for teams of different scales and in different places. Whatever the case, given the nature of teams for the game, the prospects may just present themselves in different circumstances, and at that point, the winds may just blow to carry players off to a new Unite experience.

One year ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - "Camping Series", Selections

Two years ago: The Support of Fans

Three years ago: Tags and Tagged Search in Pokémon Go

Four years ago: Toxic People and Fans

Five years ago: Interpretative Soundtracks

Six years ago: Father Figure?

Seven years ago: Tonight, We Honor the Hero

Taking Pokémon "Sabbaticals"

I've mentioned the term "sabbatical" in some past posts, and it's a term with deep meanings. It means to leave (or be absent) for some time from something that one usually does or is involved in. One of those things, given what this blog deals with, could certainly be Pokémon. And when Pokémon is involved, it can mean a lot of things for a lot of fans, especially in the context of this term and how it could possibly apply to the situations of some fans like me.

For me, I could be considered to be still on a VGC "sabbatical", having been involved in it quite a bit in the past but now not so much. And that's still the case today, furthermore not having the most recent main series games and even their expansions - and even if I did have them, a part of myself to devote to them at present. This is even while I still receive info about it from time to time. So, this "sabbatical" continues for now, and I'm not quite sure how it will end.

Then, I'm also still on an ongoing (competitive) Pokémon Go PvP "sabbatical". Though it appears things have settled down since the demise of Silph, I'm still looking inside myself for continuing on this endeavor. Even so, I do still partake in the Go Battle League and push my rank there every so often for the rewards, but it's also not taken too seriously. This is still a "sabbatical" in some sense of the word, and it also looks set to continue at the moment.

What is clear is that with or without this blog, I'm not taking a "sabbatical" from Pokémon any time soon, as it still forms the core of all the things I do enjoy now and furthermore. However, the thought of taking one from this blog has slightly surfaced due to certain concerns - though I've quickly dismissed it as I still think it's a key for me to unlock something major that I can do with and for Pokémon in the future. As such, the blog still goes on in expecting that.

A "sabbatical" may also be considered to be a kind of soul searching, especially given the above and what people usually do when they take time off in general. That effectively rekindles my thoughts about a song on this particular topic, which I've discussed a number of years ago. Likewise, my thoughts from that point in time still apply somewhat well today, given the above "sabbaticals" I'm on or did consider to take on in relation to Pokémon.

Given what I've discussed, a "sabbatical" does have deep meanings and may be a precursor for uncovering more and deeper meanings. And it seems many Pokémon aspects do feature or could possess some of those deep meanings, which could be uncovered with a "sabbatical", particularly ones that I'm on. Regardless, it doesn't take a "sabbatical" to know that I still enjoy Pokémon in many ways, and that's not to change even by going on ones for specific things.

One year ago: Pokémon Tidbits from Different Places

Two years ago: On the Planning of Posts

Three years ago: At (and Beyond) the Beginning

Four years ago: Pokémon Conferences?

Five years ago: Add Hope and Tears...

Six years ago: Cultivate or Gather Berries?

Seven years ago: Pokémon and Music Games