Tuesday, November 4, 2025

More Pokémon Go Transformations Beyond Levels

The biggest (and latest) transformation in the ways of Pokémon Go and its associated season occurred last month, and it's certain that the focus of every Trainer was on the new journey that it also brought forth. However, the update that brought about that new journey also brought about a few other aspects and features, some of which for some Trainers might have been just secondary. In this post, I'd like to promote them to bring attention to them and make a bit of discussion out of them.

Along with the new leveling system, some XP earning screens got a makeover, particularly those that involve tens of thousands of XP being earned. Now, a progress bar that includes the level progression is shown for those screens, and the "use a Lucky Egg" option is moved here to allow more opportunities for that to happen (regardless with Friendship XP). It's certainly a nice touch, and usability is increased at the same time - something that is definitely needed along with the level cap increase itself.

Meanwhile, during Pokémon capture, the ball animation has been made even faster. This is actually the second time that it has happened, after the same had happened a few years ago. In any case, this is good news for those who catch Pokémon the conventional (not rapid-fire) way, as it means they can go through the process faster - a real instance of "hurrying it up". It will certainly satisfy those who had thought it could be even faster, and now it is in fact. Some XP can also be hurried up as a result.

On the daily routine side of things, a new Daily Adventure Egg has been added with its own incubator. Each day, one of this Egg is found, and it is to be hatched by walking 1 km. The Pokémon that is hatched from the Egg is a random starter or first partner; it also awards 10 thousand XP and counts toward any Egg hatch tasks. This is a fascinating addition alongside or in the same vein as the Daily Adventure Incense, and the rewards are somewhat worth it for all old and new seekers of XP and more.

Having transformed everyone through adding new levels and restructuring XP earnings, it seems that for Pokémon Go, a few other transformations of various aspects could also be tacked onto that. Evidently, that has been what happened with the addition of the above features or aspects alongside the big transformation. In this season of transformation, even little ones could be just as significant as large ones - or the largest one - and Trainers can hope to discover all those significances.

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Monday, November 3, 2025

Quickies: Hurrying It Up

Sometimes one just needs to get through things in a faster amount of time - that is, hurrying them through. A few of the means (as provided through items) for making this effort happen in Pokémon games are the Bicycle in the main series games (movement), the Super Incubator in Pokémon Go, and most recently the various hourglasses of TCGP. These means are certainly optional in their use if one doesn't need to hurry up, but when hurrying up is demanded, they then become absolutely essential in that regard.

Yet even with the means or items for hurrying up, at least some effort is still by and large needed. One still needs to move even with the use of a Bicycle and Super Incubator (also furthermore when Eggs are of concern) as above, and then there's the effort to earn - or rather, specifically purchase - the hourglasses of concern. The hurry-up effect may only be evident in the way that these means "fold time" (in a way) to achieve that effect specifically, and it may not necessarily speak of the still-needed effort.

"Folding time", indeed, may be the name of the game, as hurrying up certain things can then allow other things to be hurried up, for example achievements that are attained after hatching Eggs. It's a useful thing for many players in many circumstances and - I have to admit - even myself, even though it's not a complete necessity for me personally. It's when things go beyond necessary that I'd have to really make use of the hurry-up means... which might even have some relevance to the actual writing of this post (being a "Quickie" after all).

For now, though, I may really have to contemplate the hurrying up of some Pokémon and other things..

Two years ago: From Apricorn to Balls
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Sunday, November 2, 2025

Cosplay: Utsuru X

Me: The highlight of this year!!

Ash: It's Utsuru!

Me: Indeed it is.

Goh: Oh, so this must be the "something important" you sent Ash earlier to take care of with the card game people. 

Ash: Yeah! It was for getting in today. Our friend wanted to go along with them.

Goh: Well, that's one way to do it. So... what's different this time?

Ash: The place! It's now where Daisuki! Japan Fest (DJF) was back then. 

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

Goh: Oh wow! So it's like a revival - only not.

Me: I would think so. Either the usual mall is booked or they wanted something special - this is number 10 after all.

Goh: Hey! You know, I think it's the second. 

Ash: That makes sense.

Goh: OK, that means today would be like past Utsuru and DJF combined.

Me: Some people already feel that way. One of my friends already call it "Daisuki Utsuru".

Goh: Perfect!

Ash: So, yeah. Community stands all in the middle of the arena, and food and goodies outside.

Goh: Exactly that.

Ash: And a lot of people!

Me: Just like both conventions on their usual days. So we're pretty much on the dot.

Goh: And as usual, there must have been a character parade, yes?

Ash: Yeah! I got into it with my journeys outfit.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["A great one!"]

Ash: But then, yeah, so did a lot of other characters. There must have been a hundred or so.

Goh: And not many winners, I presume. 

Ash: Right.

Goh: Well, we can forget about that.

Me: I'm with Goh on this one. Let's move on to the communities.

Ash: So our card game friends is one of them.

Goh: Was there a good-looking one?

Ash: A mecha one - they won the "best by voting" award. 

Me: Any other awards? 

Ash: Another card game one won the "best by scoring" award. 

Goh: OK, those are neat. Well, I have the schedule, and it looks like the entertainment is all dance groups and bands - plus that karaoke group at the end.

Ash: There were character groups too! I really liked their performances.

Goh: Oh, right. And I suppose you watched the bands, not the dance groups.

Ash: Yeah, just like our friend would do.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Pretty nice."]

Goh: Along with that, you must have met many of our friend's friends, character and all.

Ash: Yup! I thought I would meet many of them, and I did. I also thought I'd meet a few others, but I didn't. 

Goh: With so many people, a few were bound to get lost somehow. 

Ash: I guess we'll meet them next time somewhere.

Me: I hope so. I always have a few things to work out with them.

Ash: So today was really great! The place brings back a lot of memories, and the convention was pretty good this time too.

Goh: I can't be there, but I'd have to agree. Speaking of "bringing back", this convention being held this way wouldn't have anything to do with how things will go later on... will it?

Me: Um... I can't say for sure right now. We have to see what happens.

Ash: I read about the history of it in one stand. It's a long one.

Pikachu: Pi-ka... ["Long-ish..."]

Goh: It seems there will always be things up in the air. 

Ash: But we'll try bring it back down!

Me: And we'll see what holds up, after ten years and counting.

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Saturday, November 1, 2025

Burning Up, Down, and All Around

Ill wind blows the road to go
How many times we've told you so
(Burn you up and I'll burn you down)
(Burn you up and I'll burn you down)
No rhyme or reason
No way to make it easy 'til it's done
(Burn you up and I'll burn you down)
(Burn you up and I'll burn you down)
So you cross onto the other side of the street
(Burn you up and I'll burn you down)
(Burn you up and I'll burn you down)
Should know better but you keep turning up the heat...
-- "Burn You Up, Burn You Down", Peter Gabriel

It is well-known that Pokémon has the Fire type, for which its various species have various ways of inciting flames and burning things to a crisp. Even then, some species not of the type may still be able to use moves of the type (or not necessarily) to inflict characteristic burns of their own. For me, that seems oddly reminiscent of a rather fiery song that I've gotten to know quite well through other means, and that would be the above song. 

The part that I've chosen to quote is its second verse, which is where the ideas expressed in the title are first mentioned in the song as "responses" to the "calls" of the verse. The part in its entirety may represent the struggle that a Fire-type Pokémon may have to go through in order to bring the heat to other Pokémon and/or other things. It's a struggle that may have its twists and turns, considering the invoked imagery of streets.

Meanwhile, the song itself overall is a pop-rock number, and much of it can be considered to have to do with making things work for oneself and others in the face of certain obstacles (for example, falling rain). It's especially evident in the chorus, which may be a little less "friendly" in consideration of Pokémon - not quoted here and further doesn't contain the titular ideas - but if the song is of any indication, then it too perhaps can be made to work somehow.

As an aside, this song has had a few different versions, but one version will resonate with fans of a certain thing, as it was used within one iteration of that "certain thing" - in two guises, no less. It's also even been alluded as recently as two posts ago. Obviously I resonate as such, but then I also resonate with having this song tie into Pokémon, hence the purpose of this post. Some ideals seem to transcend, after all.

Perhaps the most important line - "you can make it happen..." - which is sung near the end of the song, also encapsulates its general sentiments. Whether that would be for Fire-type Pokémon species trying to make their (burn) mark or people in general trying to accomplish what it is they need, there might just be a way for all of that to happen. And with that, their fervor can burn in every which way possible.

Five years ago: The Halloween Cup of GBL
Six years ago: Later, Psyduck
Seven years ago: Hardcore (Dis)United
Eight years ago: Duff Knows Pokémon
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Friday, October 31, 2025

Halloween 2025: Heads and Tails

And then, there's the big spooky day itself - Halloween. Also as detailed last year, Pokémon has really been getting into its spirit through its "Pokéween" branding for all things spooky with all things Pokémon. Certainly, that would be from head to tail, as is true of many Pokémon that are like real creatures that have heads and likely tails. With that, the subject seems to make for a good discussion for this year's Halloween festivities and how that centers all around Pokémon and some spookiness.

Recently, the revealed Mega Dragonite has been shown to have a really funky head (with wings) and an equally funky tail (with an orb just like Dragonair). It made many fans do a double take, perhaps in a way even "spooking" them out. With the way some Pokémon are - like the eyeless headed Zubat, or the forked tail Espeon - they might just be able to bring spooks to anyone, particularly those uninitiated with Pokémon. If they're if any indication, the oddest heads and strangest tails are definitely helpful in this regard.

Meanwhile, looking at the current plethora of costumed Pokémon in Pokémon Go, specifically those related to today's occasion of concern, quite a few involve putting things on Pokémon heads (or somewhere close to that). Even if bodily tails aren't too involved, the things being put on might have "tails" themselves of some kind, and that makes for a unique tails-on-heads situation that could be considered spooky in quite a few ways. That would still be rather unique, even for Halloween.

Of course, there is another sense to "heads" and "tails". That would be the two sides of a coin, something that TCG players often use in their battles. These may be considered to have their aura of "spookiness" about them, being strangely "helpful" when not needed and less so otherwise. That will then cause "spooks" for either or both of the attacking and defending players. And even if they're only figuratively related to actual "heads" and real "tails", either player will still need to deal with the possibly "spooky" results.

Me: Maybe we can think of any other strange heads-and-tails things today?

Ash: Don't you have that "something important" for me coming up?

Me: Oh, yes! So, um... I guess you might as well go out for me.

Goh: Hey, another actual outing on Halloween!

Me: Sure! No parties (that I know of), but a few friends always deal with things on this day of the week.

Ash: They're your card game friends - and they're helping me get set up. I paid for you just as you told me to do.

Me: Great! 

Ash: And then... I hung around with them and even talked about you for a good bit of time with one of their buddies.

Goh: You didn't play?

Me: Oh, I wish I could set up myself and Ash for that. But I really can't.

Goh: I'm sorry. Well, it does seem like a good time.

Ash: But it's right on Halloween... so I also got you a little something.

Me: Oh, nice! A few "treats".

Ash: It wasn't exactly "trick-or-treating" but it was as close as I could get.

Goh: Maybe you can do it for real at some point.

Me: I'd love to arrange that. 

Goh: By the way, what's this in your fridge? It looks a little like... Torchic heads. 

Ash: Oh, that's an odd one.

Me: Well, you don't need to know too much more about that...

It's amazing that even something as trivial like "heads" and "tails" can be thought-provoking for Pokémon matters or spooky matters - or both as a matter of fact. It's the way they combine as in the case of Pokémon species, the two sides of a coin, and their other manifestations that make them what they are, and even "scary" good. 

So, at the tail end of this discussion, I'd like to head cap things off by saying Happy Halloween 🎃 to all those getting into all of its festivities - hopefully all the way from the head to the tail.

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Thursday, October 30, 2025

Some Oddly Spooky Pokémon... by Numbers??

It's almost time for the spookiest day of the year as many would consider it, and in preparation for that, I want to bring up something that relates to that, albeit indirectly yet still somehow with a certain Pokémon flavor. Now, I've made write-ups of Pokémon species by numerology every so often - even having a series of them in June - and this post will be in the same vein. There's something out there that I'm familiar with (familiar readers should know what if they read my blog), but for others it may come off somewhat spooky - and still does even for me. A few parts of that "something" does involve numbers, so I've chosen to apply those numbers back to where it is relevant for Pokémon, which means the Dex numbers of species.

One of those parts is considered rather sonorous and a little "zippy", and the key for that part is a number that corresponds to the Dex number for Arcanine (#59). Arcanine itself may or may not be as sonorous, but it could be as "zippy" for its original and regional forms; just get on them, and it may not be hard to see why. It might also be "at home" given the place that is referred to by the part, having survived its upheavals to settle on the land and keep its existence going - not to mention with sounds in the mix.

Then there are Magby (#240) and Piloswine (#221), who in tandem are the key to a part and place filled with wonders of machinery. They might serve to heat them up and cool them down for their workings, even if they themselves weren't involved in their creation. And though one is a baby Pokémon and the other is the middle stage of three-stage family, what they might be able to do for the machinery goes beyond their size or abilities, and they become a part of the place nonetheless.

Another part and place has Decidueye (#724) as its key, and it is rather apropos in that regard, for the place has very many tall trees, something that the Pokémon could use to make a home for itself. Even its regional form might surely be "at home" with the way that the tall trees are rather shady; in fact, the original could live in one level and the regional form could live in another. Both of the forms may or may not literally "unlock" the part and place, but they surely can very much exist in the latter. 

For the next part and place, their key is in the form of three connected species: Koraidon (#1007), Cottonee (#546), and Frogadier (#657). The part and place strangely has to do with ships, especially one that is literally moored (attached) to the land itself. Koraidon might be a bit big for the ship, but it might still be fitting for the land in some ways. As for Frogadier and Cottonee, they're definitely at home in its sea and sky respectively, and that may be all that matters for them, aside from all of them being the respective key.

Lastly, Wigglytuff (#40), Sandshrew (#27), and Clefairy (#35) are the key to a part and place that is somewhat cold and a bit dark, but they may be content with that regardless. The regional form of Sandshrew could totally serve in the place, while the original form alongside Clefairy might just be content to aid with the part. As for Wigglytuff, it might just be strong enough to abide the cold of the place and accompany Sandshrew, while also helping out with the dealings of the part somehow as it's needed.

Considering the above, it seems the spookiness of that familiar thing may be downplayed by the presence of these specific Pokémon, yet it may still be there even with the presence of the species. What may be spooky enough is combining or framing that spooky and familiar thing with Pokémon, but that may be par for the course for the goings-on of the big spooky day ahead, which will certainly have flavors of Pokémon, the thing, and more.

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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 10/29/2025

Last month, a Pokémon Go season that is dubbed as very transformative kicked off along with the first of its events. This month continues the run of those events, seemingly also with the additional "qualifier" of being "just in time". To see how that qualifier is reflected in the events, it's of course the "time" to roll them up - precisely at this specific time (of the month) that I chose since it's the "perfect time" to do it and there is no need to "spend time" waiting to do it even a little later.

The first of these month's events actually began on the last day of last month (September 30), but I chose to "time" it as one of this month's events. Steel Skyline was the event, which ran up to October 7; it was the time for Trainers to look up to the sky courtesy of Steel-type Pokémon, with its main feature being the debut of Duraludon with its Dynamax form. True to that, other Pokémon of the type were present in the wild, Field Research encounters, and Power Spots for Max Battles. Trainers too had to assist (look for help with) one another through three Global Challenges for bonuses from catching, raids, and Max Battles. Timed Research sets were also present, one free and one paid, both with bonus items and encounters. "Just in time" along with this event was a Raid Day for Mega Metagross on October 4, timely completing most of the first batch of Mega Evolution forms during the event's steely time.

Next, it was time to reap a few sown things with the Harvest Festival from October 10 to 16. The prime harvest of the event was the "other" branch of the Applin family, as Dipplin and Hydrapple, making their debuts along with the necessary item for evolving into the former. Along with the key Pokémon above, other farm-themed Pokémon were also present in the wild and Field Research encounters, also prompting Collection Challenges to suit the "harvest" theme. The event's paid ticket brought about not only a Timed Research set with items and encounters to reap but also additional bonuses for "reaping" PokéStops; the event itself had bonuses of more Candy with Pinap Berries (of either kind), as well as greater Shiny chances for Pumpkaboo and Smoliv, as well as Apples when using a Mossy Lure Module. Combined with reaping the new level cap, a lot of things were definitely up for harvest, some in more than one way for the best of the offered things.

Since this month marks the time of the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a Celebration Event was apropos, from October 16 to 20. A Timed Research set prompted the selection of a first partner from the game and gave out special bonuses (including its appearance during Daily Adventure Incense), and their evolved forms could learn their special moves by evolution or regular TM use, a true novelty. New avatar items were also made available and Mega raids were more frequent, further with a Raid Day for Mega Rayquaza on October 18. Admittedly, the event may not have been much of a celebration, but it was still timed perfectly.

Halloween is prime time as well for October, and Part 1 of its event took place from October 21 to 27. Along with the usual visual and auditory change, a Go Pass was instituted for this part and its continuance, with items and encounters as well as lots of bonuses. This first part can also be loosely described as a "ghostly tea party" with the debut of the Poltchageist family in raids, while the Sinistea family entered the wild with other ghostly Pokémon (including Zorua of both regions). Raids also had ghostly and otherworldly species, while those in Field Research encounters were more of the former. The start of the festivities also brought about a new avatar item and some new stickers... which would be more relevant for Part 2 but were still implemented timely enough to start things off.

For that, Halloween Part 2 started on October 27 and will last until November 2. This one can be loosely described as a "haunted costume party" instead with the Teddiursa and Noibat families having new costumes (a witch hat and a headband respectively, also with increased Shiny chances for both). They and other costumed Pokémon from past years come to the wild, regular raids, and Field Research encounters, replacing some selected species from Part 1, although others remain (the "tea" Pokémon above in regular raids, Shadow Raids, and Spiritomb). So, the party and festivities will carry on to the time of the big day and beyond for a really spooky good time.

Where October is concerned, there is the time for the specific festivity as above. Yet, this particular October also had a certain Pokémon moment going for it, so it's only apt that the events in Pokémon Go address all of those - and "just in time", if the events above are of any indication. For this transformative season, that timeliness may just be a great thing to complement all the changes that occur or are to occur.

Four years ago: Holowear Wonderings
Six years ago: Psyduck Is Missing
Seven years ago: Expression of Care
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Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The Matter of Pokémon Devolution

When talking about Pokémon, fans (and maybe some non-fans) will surely be familiar with the process of evolution, as the changing of species from a lesser form to a greater form. What is rarely talked about is the reverse, which is called "devolution" by analogue. It's obvious why few people talk about it, since no one really wants their evolved Pokémon to "devolve". Yet the process exists in certain ways, and it deserves a bit of discussion.

The process has come into its own in the TCG - particularly most recently - with some cards that command the process to be performed by removing the top evolution card of a Pokémon, forcing it to devolve to the prior stage. It's a bit of a nasty trick, but then the cards that enable this to happen are also relatively few; it's still a trick for players to look out for because the results and side effects may be as unwanted as the process itself.

Meanwhile, outside of the games, the anime has depicted "devolution" - albeit in an illusory fashion - with some Pokémon seeing the lesser forms of themselves through some prompted imagery. Like the cards in the TCG, though, instances of these are few and admittedly not as memorable (or even definitive) as other scenes, including those that depict the inverse process - even if it's still somehow possible through certain Pokémon powers.

Given the constraints of the process, it can be seen why the process is not often evident. It represents a physical reversion that in real life and practically derived settings would be impossible to do. In most cases, the process is (or would be) almost "tantamount" to time travel, which even with some Pokémon powers in play is still limited in capacity and may not necessarily have the expected and intended effects for the process.

Still, the existence of the "devolution" process may be considered a demonstration of what some Pokémon species may actually be capable of, even if that may not be all that evident or practical for them in whatever settings they are involved. Evolution as its inverse will remain the dominant process of Pokémon development as is true of the reality that moves ever forward, yet some "backwardness" may serve as an added intrigue.

One year ago: PokéParkour
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Monday, October 27, 2025

Cosplay: BEF Fun Coswalk

Me: Now, this one actually took place today instead of yesterday, but just in the afternoon.

Goh: OK, how'd you two get ahold of this one?

Me: A friend told me about it. 

Ash: And I thought it'd be nice to go to it!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Looks great!"]

Me: And so you went. 

Goh: So, this is a, um... festival, yes?

Ash: It was! For businesses and the like. There was food outside and beauty stuff inside a building. And it was completely free. 

Goh: So you should have gotten in fine.

Ash: I would have, but they wanted me to check in first. It was a bit complicated...

Goh: Sorry about that. But then, the competition should have been fine.

Ash: And then... I got hung up by the staff who said it was only by invite. 

Goh: Wait! But then, how'd you get in?

Ash: Another staff member signed me up. 

Me: Hmm. I sense disconnect and complications in the staff about this festival.

Ash: After that, it was fine!

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["All good."]

Goh: Then you met your friend's friends.

Ash: Just a few. There were nine of us in the character parade [OOC: cosplay walk].

Goh: That sounds neat. 

Ash: Oh, uh... They did ask us to perform longer than usual - up to three minutes. 

Me: Hmm, that's fairly long. It's almost like a mini-performance.

Ash: But I did try to fill time just fine.

Goh: How about winners? 

Ash: Three got a really fancy goodie bag. Everyone else got a smaller one - I did too. 

Me: Well, that's OK. And it may not be too too useful, but let's see what I can do with it.

Goh: I hope you enjoyed the festival along with that.

Ash: Sure! I got a little something for our friend to keep things full.

Me: Thanks. I think it works out well.

Ash: So yeah, I think this was a surprise for all of us.

Pikachu: Pika. ["Sure."]

Goh: It's not so often that something like this comes up. But they can do better if there's a next time.

Ash: That! I'm sure they wanted a crowd and all, but it was a Monday. 

Goh: There is that. You could say it was a "diversion for success".

Me: There you go. Something tells me that more successful diversions are needed - and coming too.

Three years ago: Equivalent Spirits
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Sunday, October 26, 2025

The Lustery Brilliance of Vivillon

Of all existing Bug-type Pokémon, Vivillon has to be one of the most, if not the most unique Pokémon species of the type. The reason for this is certainly its multitude of patterns that are begotten from certain locations, in one sense of the games they're featured in and of the real world as an extension of that. There's a certain brilliance in all of this - in particular, a "lustery" one - and with that, I've decided to take a post to discuss that quality.

The luster would definitely come from those multitude of patterns, which exemplify a number of different colors that aren't often seen in Bug-type Pokémon that are similar in form, even though they are mostly present in the wings. There is additional luster in the form of "powder" since the species family is known for its ability to use "powder" moves, which in certain ways would enhance the appearance of the patterns on the wings.

Some could say that the brilliance would look a little "papery" because of the way they look; they're almost like the motifs found on certain kites, especially homemade ones for example, which are often made out of paper. Yet the luster and brilliance are still there, and the "papery" description may not be all that apt, and the "lustery" description remains the more apt one given the characteristics mentioned above.

I originally wanted to combine this discussion with an external aspect that is actually the "prompt" for the discussion itself, but after looking further into it, I found that the "prompt" may not be all that great to be included in the discussion. The above is actually what remains of the discussion "prompt", and it may be further considered a bit of a "reminder" for what makes the discussion as it is for the relevant Pokémon species.

All Pokémon of the Bug type dazzle in all their own ways, but the ways of Vivillon, also pertaining to the species family of which it is a part, are particularly dazzling. It is certain that all those wing patterns that it has are part of that dazzling deal, and so may be other aspects related to it and its species family. That dazzle is certainly the lustery brilliance that the wing patterns bring and in turn how that would be seen and perceived by all.

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Saturday, October 25, 2025

Let's Talk About The Ends of the Universe

Me: Well, um... it's been a long time since we did one of these "Let's Talk" sessions without it being tied directly to some character thing, so I thought we'd go for it.

Ash: OK, I'm up for that!

Goh: Directly... so there might be something indirectly going on?

Me: There might... or there might not... but it could be all the same.

Ash: I think I get you. 

Goh: So then, what are we talking about?

Me: Well, have you ever wondered how things would be at the ends of the universe? Yours and mine?

Goh: Wow, all the way out there? I can't imagine!

Ash: I guess I'm with Goh on this one.

Pikachu: Chu pika pika. ["And I'm with you."] 

Me: You know, I have to be honest: I can't either. But let's try to start somewhere closer, like the space closer to our home planet.

Goh: OK, so if it's that far, then that's just beyond where Rayquaza lives. 

Ash: And then there's the Minior too!

Goh: Oh, right. All the colorful ones. But then you go farther away, and...

Ash: I heard that that's where Deoxys might come from - a floating rock in space.

Goh: And then we have more rocks, the stars, maybe other planets, and then... what else?

Ash: Could Pokémon live there? Could there be other things living there?

Me: It seems to get rather lonely out there. Or maybe we already are.

Goh: Hey, um... that's a good point. But then... what about the "ends"?

Me: Based on what I've seen, it could be that other universes border ours.

Goh: Oh, I think I've heard the term - "parallel universes".

Ash: I think that was the thing we went to when we met our "doubles".

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["The second world."] 

Goh: That makes sense. But could we - would we ever get to them regularly?

Ash: Oh, right! The one we went to was kind of limited.

Me: They say two regions can be connected by a "wormhole", but none has ever been found - no less between universes.

Ash: That would be neat if that ever happened.

Me: As you say, there may be limits - and if we can't break them, then we can work around them... maybe.

Ash: So what could be in these other universes?

Goh: Well, our friend is in one, we're in another, our "doubles" are in yet another...

Me: Who knows? But they say they exist, so to me, you two are somewhere out there in another (aside from being here right now in a "talk").

Goh: In that case, we feel the same way.

Ash: So do I!

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Count me in."]

Goh: And I see what you're getting at with this talk. It's about finding us - and ourselves.

Ash: Yeah! But you don't have to go to the end of the universe to find "us". We're already here.

Me: That's true in many ways. But if it could ever happen and the means are there... then why not.

Goh: It's never really space or time that separates us. It's our feelings.

Me: And even at different ends of the universe (or universes), that may be all that counts.

Six years ago: One-Upping Ash
Seven years ago: Dilemma of Colors
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Friday, October 24, 2025

Battle Ribbons in Pokémon Unite

Any aspect of Pokémon games or other media, whether big or small, is apt for me (by my consideration) to write about and discuss. The latter is applicable to one aspect of Pokémon Unite that some might overlook yet it has certain meanings of this own; it also may be of interest for certain players to achieve and then promote, which they likely will. As can be discerned by the title, that aspect is what is called "battle ribbons", which apply to the Pokémon, or more specifically the Unite Licenses they correspond to.

There are three of these battle ribbons: green, blue, and red. These ribbons are earned by earning battle points by playing with a Pokémon and its corresponding Unite License of choice, with green needing 30 thousand, blue needing 85 thousand, and red needing 165 thousand. Since earnings of battle points are slow, even with frequent play, it takes time for them to be accumulated and collected for the Pokémon; in fact, there is a sense that the system benefits players who specialize in one or a few Pokémon, since they'd need to keep playing and playing with those Pokémon in order to attain the ribbons.

My state is reflective of that condition and those efforts. I have three Pokémon with green ribbons and none with blue or red, although one Pokémon is closing in on a blue ribbon, and there are others closing in on a green ribbon. Still, the efforts to get them past the "close" stage certainly won't be minimal and will take a little bit more out of me. It also won't be a primary concern, although the concern of using the Pokémon is still primary and will surely aid in the achievement of the ribbons, sooner or later.

In the promotion side of things, the ribbons can be seen in the pre-battle matchup screen for the selected Unite Licenses by the players. They then may be taken as indications of players who specialize in playing with those Pokémon, and they thus may be the ones to be watched on the map and if necessary be dealt accordingly. Other than that, they are still signs of posterity and achievements of dedication for players.

While the battle ribbons in Pokémon Unite are indeed small and may go unnoticed, there's still something to notice and regard about them, in particular the way that they are to be earned and the possible meanings and implications they may have when they are visible for others. With the right efforts, attaining them would be a matter that is just as important as doing anything else in the game and figures into overall successes.

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Thursday, October 23, 2025

My Staff Member Progress in Café Remix

The last time I updated anything related to my personal progress in Pokémon Café Remix was somewhat over a year ago, when I detailed the state of leveling for my staff members at that time. Given that quite a bit of a time has passed, it seems right to make another update on the progress, but this time, I want to take a different focus. Instead of focusing (mostly) on their levels, I want to focus on how many staff members I actually have, which could be considered a more extensive way of evaluating how far I've gone through the game, as well as the paths I haven't explored for that purpose. 

So, the numbers are in: I have 67 Pokémon staff members fully raised to Level 25, 12 in the levels between that and Level 20 (the "working group"), and 103 at Level 20 or somewhere close to that. Overall, that also means I have 182 Pokémon staff members in total, which is a very big number. Considering the time that I've been playing - and the time before where I didn't play - that's significant and yet also expected for the best progress possible with all that the game continues to offer today.

Going back to leveling progress, because of the extreme overabundance of resources for leveling, it seems easy to just level up the Pokémon immediately as they are hired, particularly to Level 15 at the very least to unlock all their skills so they can be usable in any stage. In fact, by the above counts, that has been exactly what happened: all the Pokémon I have were leveled up as soon as I had them, further in order to avoid wasting resources, as there is such a thing as being unable to earn more.

Yet even with all that, I'm still missing quite a few Pokémon. The culprits are those that can only be gotten from Delivery and that I can never seem to encounter before they are rotated out for others, or those that can only be gotten if I purchase the monthly Premium Pass - which I don't, being mostly a "freeloader". Then there are still likely others from the time I didn't play that haven't been made available through regular or special means since they first appeared. I'm still interested in these.

With all the staff members that I've hired and subsequently leveled up in Café Remix, I'm definitely fulfilling a core intent of the game and setting myself up for future offerings for the game, which means doing even more of those actions by way of what those future offerings would bring. At that point, it just means trudging on and keeping the Pokémon staff going to make the café more lively each time.

One year ago: Pokémon and Steampunk
Two years ago: Memories of Unova
Three years ago: Cosplay: CyFest 2022
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Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Pokémon Agility Contests??

Lately, I've been on a kick of watching agility contest videos (as in, ones that involve dogs), with them having been suggested to me during my off time. They can be rather dazzling to see when the participants do them right - and quickly, as the contest name suggests - yet just plainly entertaining even if they don't. That, of course, got me to thinking about how the contest might be applied to Pokémon and what species might be involved, as a way of considering how the contest might pervade the world.

If the contest's moniker is of any indication, the Pokémon that could be involved in them would be ones that can learn the "Agility" move... but given that both big and small Pokémon know the move, and that the real contest features predominantly small-ish animals, then the Pokémon that would be involved in the contest would be smaller ones, preferably those who know the given move. Of course, they might not have to know it to participate, and their results would lean to the "entertainment" aspect as above.

Before going on further, it has to be noted that technically, Pokémon already has its own "implementation", if it may be considered as such, of an "agility contest". That would be the spinoff game of Pokémon Dash on the Nintendo DS, which by now is a relic for the concern of many fans. The name of the game itself already has such allusions, if its core activity of making Pokémon race doesn't already suggest as such. The core activity itself might be somewhat different than an actual agility contest yet not too far off either.

Yet it may still be apt and creative to try to combine elements from the two aspects above (the real contest and the game) for creating an "agility contest" that is truly unique for Pokémon like the game but reflects the sensibilities of the real contest. That would also mean dealing with timing - an important sensibility in this regard - in addition to any other entailments and proposed features of the contest. After that, things depend on how workable the resulting contest would be for everyone and even the Pokémon.

As for my own dealings, I'm likely to continue to watching those videos of real agility contests for the entertainment and pleasure they bring, at least for a little bit of my most recent spare time and while I'm not dealing with Pokémon matters. Then, when I come back to dealing with Pokémon matters, I can then think about the contests again in a Pokémon frame of reference... or then deal with that realized "implementation". Either way, I seem to be due for some "fast times" for Pokémon matters or otherwise.

One year ago: Pokémon Airships
Three years ago: Stamp Events in Café Remix
Four years ago: Just Waiting on an Absol
Seven years ago: Resilience
Eight years ago: Cosplay: Arigatoo...!!!
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Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Too Many Pokémon Go Events, Not Enough Variation??

Some days ago, I received a comment on one of my older posts that pertained to what can be said as the "extreme" multitude of events in Pokémon Go. Admittedly, the post had a lot to do with what I would call as "day events", the likes of Community Day, Max Battle, and Raid Day as well as full-paid events like City Safari. The commenter (who for some reason chose to remain incognito) also noted that what I would call "theme events" are also as numerous, both in quantity as well as duration; this also has its side effects, one of them being the lack of variation that the situation creates. I responded that I could make a fuller discussion of this - obviously in a post - and that becomes the very point of this one.

The gist of the problem, as I stated in my response, is that the theme events have gotten longer; where they used to be only a few days tops, many of them have extended themselves to span a week or a duration close to or effectively that. Then, the "break" - the days with no elements of particular events, even regional ones - are also shorter as a result, being only approximately two days long. The shorter break consequently results in having less time to deal with the Pokémon that are featured during the season, which is a crucial part of the season system since its inception, and is seemingly cast aside as a result.

For a particular example of how dense things can really get, July's events for this year shows how they can really pan out. The events in that month, including the one that would carry over into the next, all lasted six days; the only full "break" days were all on Monday, and there were four of them (three if the one with the Summer Concert is not counted). Since the events started at 10 AM and ended at 8 PM local time on the respective days, that afforded another 12 hours of a "break", not even amounting to a full day even if it did technically span the period of three days. This becomes the situational concern.

Going back to what the commenter said, many of the theme events often feature a selection of species that are hard to escape from, being particularly present in all places. Such a situation certainly can and does become boring, and it may be evident of "desperation" and a "cash grab", exactly the same points I raised as for the day events in the previous post. These sentiments of the commenter are understandable, even with the good intentions of the theme events as they are executed.

Responding to that, I proposed that the theme events may need some rework. As an example, while some featured species may be needed for "grinding" (for example, Gastly and its family may be needed for PvP in all leagues, Mega Evolution, and Max Battles), others have less utility and may be better off not as being the primary promotion, yet still featured in some way as with Research. Then, even shaving off a day from the theme events can cut the boredom and allow seasonal variety to appear again; it may also be possible to have other midweek events.

Whoever the commenter is, an interesting point was raised regarding theme events and their current state in Pokémon Go, with them becoming numerous in quantity yet somehow lacking in variety. Even now, such is the state of the matter, and its future may demand resolution that appeases every Trainer, including the two of us. It's just another thing that this Pokémon blog is a prompt for bringing up and dealing with.

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Monday, October 20, 2025

Cosplay: Toys & Hobbies Week 2025

Ash: I was wondering when you'd get to this!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["Finally."] 

Goh: Oh, Toys & Hobbies happened on Sunday?

Me: Technically, it happened over the course of last week, but the last day (Sunday) is the big day for us, as it was last year and two years ago.

Goh: And this is unusual for us - we're not discussing it on the day of. 

Me: No - I wanted to try something different and focus on just the festival the other day. Although... I may have to evaluate things still.

Goh: OK, so... I'm sure it was like all those times.

Ash: Sure. Three places in the same mall - a game zone, a racing zone, and a toys zone.

Goh: My guess is that you must have spent more time in the toys zone.

Ash: Yeah! Everyone was there too. It was so crowded.

Goh: Like, convention-level crowded?

Ash: You could say that.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Really."] 

Me: Hey, when it's been going on for three years, you know people really want to go to it.

Ash: I heard from a friend there was another festival with the same thing in the same town - and not many went there. 

Me: Well, see, there you go. We'll deal with friends later on... but I'm sure yesterday was the day of the character parade.

Ash: It was! I got into it with my Kalos outfit.

Goh: And then...

Ash: It didn't win against about 100 other characters.

Goh: Oh, that's rough. It must have been a "lottery" again.

Ash: I thought others could win too, but they didn't.

Me: Yeah, the usual. At least it was free, and so was the festival.

Ash: Right!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yup!"] 

Goh: Maybe you did other stuff to enjoy the festival?

Ash: I did look around, but didn't play the games - and there were some Pokémon cards on sale, but they were pricey. Our friend might be interested in some gaming tools too.

Me: Hmm. I would be interested, if not for the price, for the cards and tools.

Ash: I got to play a Pokémon game that our friend has been wanting to play.

Goh: Neat!

Ash: But I only got one Pokémon out of it...

Me: That's OK. I'll deal with the rest of that myself, whenever.

Ash: And... someone gave me a Pokémon card display of Flareon!

Goh: That's pretty nice!

Me: I'd so say myself too. I could really discuss it for myself. 

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Very nice!"] 

Goh: What about the "friends" aspect?

Me: I was going to say that I thought my local friend was going to come, but it turns out the person couldn't. So, who did you meet?

Ash: I met a few of your friends outside your communities. We basically hung out almost the entire day and on my way back to you.

Goh: That's great, even if your local friend couldn't come. 

Me: Indeed. So, after three years of the festival - or maybe it could also be said to be a convention - there may always be something great to do, to see, and to experience.

Ash: With everyone!

Goh: They all knew what it's all about.

Ash: We do too.

Me: At the least, we'll know what to expect for toys, hobbies, and all things related to them.

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Sunday, October 19, 2025

The Essential and Avoidable Qualities of Pokémon Go Level Tasks

Talking about the new leveling journey for Pokémon Go and its new level tasks prompts me that a good discussion can be made on the latter. Specifically, the discussion concerns the qualities of being "essential" or not, and being "avoidable" or not. These qualities, independent of the progression a Trainer can make on them, can then determine how they can be used by Trainers to level up or even defer that progression, the latter especially given that they earn lots of items in the process. Both of these qualities are then useful to be discussed for their relevance to the level tasks. 

In this regard, "essential" refers to how necessary a task is to be performed in regular play, with or without the task in question. The task of "walk 25 km in a week" (an old task) and "trade Pokémon caught 300 km apart" (both old and new) are not really essential to be performed in regular play, but they do help with some of the gameplay. On the other hand, making Nice or better throws and powering up Pokémon are routinely essential in order to attain certain successes in the game, especially ones related to battling. For the level tasks, the essence is certainly to advance leveling progress, but they also help to make the essence of the actions in regular play evident.

Meanwhile, "avoidable" in this case refers to the possibility of not having to do a task and to wait for other or better opportunities before doing them, such as a task that when completed will surely result in going up a level. Any task has the potential for this, but tasks like "win 3-star Raid with Pokémon of CP 1500 or less" (also an old task) and "power up Pokémon to maximum CP" (old and new task) do quite exhibit a potential for avoidance. Then there are the tasks of exploring - even for long distances - and earning Stardust that no matter how much or little one plays, they'll eventually complete themselves, making them truly "unavoidable". Neither is leveling up, really, but progress can be paused at least for a little bit of time with some of these tasks.

Where and what does this leave players or Trainers? The combination of these two qualities gives a way for Trainers to establish how they can or will proceed with their level-up efforts. A less essential and more avoidable task can be saved (intervened) for last or whenever they really need it, while a more essential and less avoidable task is more likely to be complete itself without intervention, though not necessarily first. For example, the "crazy" players will likely have their platinum medal tasks completed unavoidably despite not being (too) essential, and more normal ones can try to save some for level-up holdovers when they get to certain high levels with tasks for them.

"Avoidable" and "essential" might not be the first thing one thinks of when describing the level tasks for higher levels, yet it does make some sense since many of the tasks are long-form in nature and end up furnishing lots of rewards when they are completed and the level increases. The tasks can then be factored into however and whenever one regularly plays Pokémon Go and be worked on accordingly with consideration of the two qualities above, and the effort becomes a journey in itself, even before and now after the renewal and replacement of those level-up tasks.

Seven years ago: Being Young and Proud
Eight years ago: PokéNumbers
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Saturday, October 18, 2025

The New Leveling Journey of Pokémon Go

While all the most recent hubbub this week - on this blog, at least - was directed to the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the most significant transformation in Pokémon Go this season, as the increase of its level cap, also happened during that time. That transformation also brings forth a new leveling journey along with other things for that journey. Since all of that has happened, it's a good idea to discuss about the happenings and even include my own take on those happenings, as what it brings forth for me.

So, while the associated XP Celebration event ended at the local time transition to October 15, after which the increase was expected to occur, there was actually a kerfuffle as its scheduling was actually the local time of the developers - that is, U.S. Pacific Time - meaning that most of the world got the increase on October 16. The usual reactions to a kerfuffle for the game - a common one by now - followed but didn't last long, and soon everyone was absorbed in what the level cap increase offered for their gameplay.

As expected, everyone leveled up proportionately to their earned XP, and those with at least 85.8 million leveled up to Level 70. At that point, they'll have to complete the tasks and either collect XP (or use their "banked" amount) to go to the next level. Furthermore, all the tasks, needed XP, and level-up rewards - the latter two even for all prior levels - can be seen, so Trainers know what they expect to get and need to do. This is a real improvement from the previous limited view, again one that maybe should have been implemented a long time ago.

Regarding these tasks for Level 71 and beyond, one in each set involves collecting a certain number of Platinum medals, while the rest are composed of long-form tasks that are supposed (or at the least designed) to take quite a bit of time to complete. Yet some "crazy" Trainers, however, might find a way to complete some of them in a single day... which in fact happened for the Level 71 tasks before they were stopped cold by a Level 72 task that explicitly requires it to be done within a span of seven days. As such, it'll take some time for the higher levels.


Because the XP can be seen and calculated, it is also easy to determine if one has enough for all those levels, regardless of the tasks needed to go through them. For example, I have 208 million XP, which is just a little more than what is needed to get to Level 80 by XP alone (203.3 million). Of course, that's only in a dream, and the reality of the tasks is what I'll be facing; that's pretty much the only thing to face, though, and whatever XP is earned along the way only "sweetens the pot" for what will take place after the tasks are done.

In any case, all of that constitutes the new leveling journey for Trainers in Pokémon Go with the new level cap. Yet it's a journey that is as familiar as it is new for anyone who gets involved with the game, for its task mechanism for higher levels is essentially recycled and the XP itself is never new. Only the spirit may be new along with a few of the numbers involved in the leveling progression, and that may just be spirited enough for the case of this game as it continues to provide the same challenges with all different Pokémon.

Six years ago: October (on the) Road
Eight years ago: Second Remakes?
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Friday, October 17, 2025

A Big (Mega) Time DLC

For the last discussion of the "gimme five" surrounding the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the topic to be discussed is a big and weighty one, not only in terms of scope but also in terms of cost - additional ones, as a matter of fact. That, of course, implies a paid DLC for the game, which is in fact the case... or will soon be. It's also profound due to its timing - precisely at the beginning of the game's life - as well as the content that it provides, and therefore it has to be discussed alongside the release of the game proper.

The DLC is called "Mega Dimension", and at the core of it, Hoopa is present. As advertised as early as last month (through certain information channels), it also brings forth Mega Raichu, split into X and Y forms as with Charizard and Mewtwo. Whatever else the DLC brings is not yet known as the DLC is still in a bit of development and will come somewhat later on, but it's already available for purchase now; those who do that will get the bonus of an outfit that can be worn even while the main game is in progress.

What becomes rather apparent is that the DLC is a way of restricting some content behind payment, otherwise called "paywalling". Even if Raichu isn't (quite) as popular as its "devolved" brethren, it still conceivably has a certain legion of fans, and they'll appreciate the addition of Mega Evolution to it - in two forms, no less. To have that "paywalled" behind DLC instead of being in the main game outright could be considered a bit of disappointment, particularly with the popularity of the content in question for fans.

Meanwhile, Ranked Battles will obviously be carried out online, and online services on the Switch console require the subscription... which can be thought of as an indirect "paywall" or DLC. In fact, the reward for the first season is the Mega Evolution of a particularly popular frog, and thus content is already being "paywalled" as I speak. It's only pertinent to the actual DLC as above by its similar nature, but it bears mentioning with consideration that the DLC is already in the works to supply actual paid content.

Having DLC present for any game may be controversial to some extent, and now it is apparent that the new Legends: Z-A game can't escape that controversy, as it has a (planned) DLC of its own. It's an additional scope with an additional cost for elements of possible interest, and it is furthermore being presented early on in the dynamics of the main game. That makes it a big-time thing for a big-time game - or rather, "mega", in light of the major concept that the game and its setting revolves around and brings back.

Three years ago: A New Set of Pokémon Dolls
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Thursday, October 16, 2025

Legends: Z-A Unleashed

OK, so the big day is finally here. Today is the day that the follow-up game in the Legends (sub-)series is released after a long wait. As has been previewed, it already promises many elements of interest and excitement, including a whole lot of new Mega Evolution forms. How that then translates to the interest and excitement of fans is to be seen today and throughout the coming times as they go through this new game and all that it offers.

For some, the first order of business may be to unlock Ranked Battles as the primary in-game competitive endeavor. This also has other implications that involve a certain aspect to be detailed separately, and is already associated with the game. It is certain that some players (Trainers) will look into the competitive endeavor as soon as possible, although completion of the game to certain points for this and its competitive materials is necessary.

Some others might just not deal with that (too much) and just take in the game as is, being that the return to Kalos and the return of Mega Evolution are the more enticing aspects to go through in their entireties. And there's no shame in that, since the original games were big on these, and they made them bigger still. That also goes for Lumiose City as this game's central focus, now bigger than ever with a lot of big things inside it as well.

As for local reactions among my fellow fans, they seem to be muted, whether they're the ones with vested interests in the main series and its ilk or just remotely interested ones who play other Pokémon games (TCG, Pokémon Go, and so on) more than the main series, which is known for its "barrier to entry". Of course, some of these "barriers" - including the apparently muted reactions - might just be broken down sooner or later to show the true reactions.

Now that the game has been released, the biggest thing for Pokémon - besides this game and Mega Evolution as the key "big" aspect - may just be making this second-of-its-kind game a really big success, also given that a big momentum is ahead. For now, there are other big things to deal with and within this game, and dealing with that will be big (or even bigger than big) for whichever big Pokémon fans are concerned.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Making Mega Evolution a Persistent Concept?

Also as stated earlier, I would bring up Mega Evolution as a discussion topic, since the concept has been made a key part of the game and the associated region. It too has waded its way to other Pokémon game realms, in a way cross-promoting the game. Yet for all that, the concept hasn't been exactly persistent in the regular main series games, seemingly only returning by way of the alternate Legends series. The issue then centers on how a persistence could be achieved for the concept, especially for the main series games, regular or otherwise.

But first, it may be helpful to gain insights from the lore behind the concept. It is said that some of the stones in the Kalos region possess special powers, and people found they could use them to allow certain Pokémon to gain access to the concept form, something that is larger than even their own lives. But then, in Hoenn, others also independently discovered the same thing for other Pokémon, and then there's the matter of Rayquaza accessing it by a Meteorite and strong wills from people who are linked to it.

The lore above thus concerns the original main series game as well as the related remake game with the concept. It suggests that there is a significance in both of the regions where the concept is (was) featured with major incorporation of it into the gameplay and lore. This is then compared to the seventh-generation games, where the concept was just there but not seemingly having any significance in gameplay and lore, even though it did feature in them. So, the featuring part of the concept is easy; the integration part may be harder.

Persistence for Mega Evolution, then, may seem to lie in being able to have it being a good  (or key) part of the games where it can be featured, and then having something new to complement the feature and make it engaging for the players. Many Pokémon even now still don't have a Mega Evolution form, and future instances of the concept being featured can stand to have new forms for species that don't already have it, in the same way that the remake games featuring the concept had that to complement its original feature.

Mega Evolution has been a fascinating concept since its debut, and its preservation (albeit not its persistence) has been somewhat surprising as well with the assistance of other games beyond the main series. For the latter as well as any other Pokémon game, making it persist is the greater challenge, but the two takeaways above of incorporating it well and contributing something new to it appear to be important for maintaining its persistence. After that, the only challenge is having the "mega" guts to keep dealing with it. 

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Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The Future of the Legends Series

As I've stated, the future of the Legends series may make for a good discussion, and that's what I've chosen to take up as the next topic in this "Legends: Z-A week". Granted, it's a topic that's a bit "far out" as topics go since only the next member in the series, the one that makes it as such, is just being released. Yet there seems to be no harm in trying to establish what the future might hold for this new (and newly established) series of Pokémon games.

The first consideration would certainly involve the region. Two regions have already gotten the treatment (Sinnoh as Hisui and Kalos), and there's still a lot of potential out there. Given the strong Legendary connections, Alola could make a perfect target for an in-the-past approach like the first game, while Hoenn does so likewise for in-the-future like the second game. Other regions may also be possible with surprising developments.

Included Pokémon would certainly be a given. The featured region would certainly have to have its characteristic species, but beyond that, considerations might just go any which way. Species appearing in a region from a later generation retroactively appearing is always an interesting prospect, especially how to make them work as special features. As for older species, they're a natural, but they can also have finer points and surprises too.

Finally, timing is a major consideration as well. The current Legends game is actually being released at a point closer to a momentous time, and the current time may be considered an inter-period between major milestones. If another Legends game is in the works, it would have to be situated between other major Pokémon milestones and take advantage of that so that fans can in turn take advantage of the new game for their needs.

Considering the above, the future looks to be promising for another iteration of the Legends series, but the content and timeframe could be anyone's guess - though certainly at least a few years in the future, likely to continue drumming up Pokémon interest while being in the "doldrums". That may be a future worth waiting for, and while waiting for that, there's always the current iterations of the Legends series for planning out that future.

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