Tuesday, July 1, 2025

The Vibes of Go Fest... and a Festival

Me: Well, I said "friends" would be involved, didn't I?

Goh: OK, that's fair. If you say that, then Ash must have been involved too.

Ash: I'm here! And was there at Go Fest. And... I guess this makes it three years in a row.

Me: Yeah, something always seems to come up on the second day.

Ash: I'm fine if you're fine with that.

Me: Why not?

Goh: So this was for the second day, and you battled Zacian in raids.

Ash: It's an awesome Pokémon! With Zamazenta too - remember that time in Galar?

Pikachu: Pika pika pika! ["It was a big time!"]

Goh: Sure. That was a really big time - and now you two got to experience it (again).

Me: I hope you got all the spiffy Zacian just like I did for Zamazenta yesterday.

Ash: I got three Shiny ones and seven ones with a card image.

Me: Excellent! Just like that exactly.

Ash: And I traded one each of the card image ones with your friends. It wasn't perfect, but it looks like it'll be OK.

Me: Great!

Goh: Aren't these the "friends" you two have problems with?

Ash: I was with the ones who still hit it off OK, but then... there were the hard ones being hard - even if they weren't being hard on me.

Goh: Oh. That must have made you not comfortable.

Ash: Yeah... so I just moved after I couldn't stand to raid more.

Me: Luckily, there was a little festival I could have you drop by instead.

Ash: It was perfect!

Pikachu: Pika chu pi. ["Good thing."]

Goh: OK, so you actually went to that instead, not like in past years where you didn't.

Me: Emphasis on the "drop by", since Ash wasn't actually in attendance and can't partake in the usual things - so I (we) can't even say too much about it.

Goh: I see. And the usual things - you mean, like a character parade, if there was one.

Ash: There was, but like our friend said, I couldn't make it in. I just went on with mostly Go Fest stuff while at the festival while I met your other friends - good ones.

Goh: Hey, should be better than the ones before. Did everything work out for Go Fest?

Ash: I think I might have missed a couple of things, but I really did try to catch the Pokémon. 

Me: Well, let's see what I can do to make things up if there is an event with similar content. 

Goh: So then... our friend mentioned "vibes". I guess we have to talk about feelings as well.

Ash: Our friend really said it - this Go Fest is "royal", and big time, at that.

Goh: I can't disagree. Zacian and Zamazenta do make things that way.

Ash: And for the festival, it had really great vibes too for the characters and entertainment. I think they were mostly dance groups.

Pikachu: Chu pika... ["Good vibes..."]

Goh: It might be the usual vibes, same as Go Fest in general.

Me: But something always makes both of them different - the festival this time while we're on Go Fest, and for Go Fest it's obvious.

Goh: You can make them however you want to make them.

Ash: And they'd be great with the right people - and friends! 

Goh: Why not? 

Me: If the feelings are good, then they'll be mutual. 

Two years ago: A Virtual Cosplay Card
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Monday, June 30, 2025

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/30/2025

The happenings of this year's Pokémon Go Fest, as its Global edition, also happens to skirt the end of the month when I usually make a rollup of the month's events. Yet that is perfectly fine, because it so happens that the events of the month mostly tie into the grand series of events. That makes this rollup a "Go Fest edition" in some ways, and in this case it's perfectly timed as well with the end of the month, meaning that it's really time to get it rolling and wrapped up.

For the first edition of Pokémon Go Fest this year, the one for Asia in Japan, the "complement" event is called Serene Retreat, running from May 30 to June 3. The featured Pokémon of this event were ones that are lax as well as dreamy, being present in the wild, Field Research encounters, and 2 km Eggs. They were also the subject of three Collection Challenges to be completed within the event period. The biggest draw of the event was the debut of Gigantamax Rillaboom for Trainers to battle over the weekend portion (Saturday and Sunday) of the event, along with increased MP earnings and collection for this purpose. The other complementary bonuses were mostly related to hatching and increased Shiny chances for certain species, especially with the extra paid ticket for the event and its Timed Research.

It has to be noted that the "complement" events to the regional editions of Go Fest actually had similar structures, so some of their elements will go without saying. The "complement" for the edition in the U.S. in North America was Instrumental Wonders from June 7 to 11, presenting some hardened Pokémon in the wild, Field Research encounters, and raids, certainly for the Collection Challenges. This event also had a Gigantamax debut for Cinderace in the same way as the previous event, and the main bonuses dealt with raids along with augmented Shiny chances plus the paid extra. The Europe edition in France had the "complement" event of Phantom Ruins from June 14 to 18 with some shady Pokémon in the wild and Field Research encounters as well as from Incense, again to deal with as Collection Challenges. This event's Gigantamax debut was for Inteleon, and the main bonuses of catching were the order of the day, along with the increased Shiny chances and the paid extra.

A break came between the regional and Global editions of Go Fest, not only for Community Day but also for Trainers to be able to play with some of their favorite four-legged friends through an event. That's because the event is called Yamper's Paw Prints and is thus for the debut of this species family, over the course of June 20 to 22. True to that, canid Pokémon appeared throughout the event along with the debuting species, with three of them (Snubbull, Poochyena, and Furfrou) having increased Shiny chances and every catch worth double Stardust. While Field Research had encounters with the featured species, free Timed Research dealt with the highlighted species above with daily sets, and a paid ticket had an extra Timed Research set with bonus items and encounters with the featured Pokémon as the canids that fans have gotten to know and adore.

Closing up the month was the ultimate and accompanying event for the Global edition of Go Fest, dubbed Ancients Recovered from June 23 to 27. The "ancients" in this case are the family of the titans (the "Regis"), which naturally would appear in raids, and they did - the first three on June 23, then Regieleki on June 24, Regidraco on June 25, Regigigas on June 26, and all together on June 27, with Raid Hours in each and all of them with certain moves when caught. By raiding, they also complete a Timed Research set that recycles itself every six tasks up to six times to provide an opportunity to catch each one of the titans with a background - if they haven't or couldn't through the raids. Aside from the titans, Trainers could also purchase a paid Timed Research set that allows an encounter with one of the Galarian birds, particularly helpful if they still haven't encountered or even caught any of them all this time by using the Daily Adventure Incense. During these days, remote raids were increased to 30 (going to unlimited during the weekend), while Trainers also prepared for the upcoming Global edition of Go Fest.

On that subject, the remaining preparations (over the course of the above and the event weekend) were the return of the Gigantamax evolved Galar starters, a separate Go Pass for the event with a very special item, a Global Challenge for powering up raids and making them more effective, Candy XL bonuses through trading, and event stickers and item bundles, plus early access to event 2 km and 5 km Eggs for ticketed Trainers. With all the preparations, the event really had been promising a lot in store - which it was.

With that, the "Go Fest edition" that is mostly the Pokémon Go events of this month shows a lot of greatness in the events that had transpired, which is rather fitting for an event series that is always grand - and perhaps equally so for the difficulty of rolling them up. Yet to wrap up June in such a manner is no less grand than participating in all of them as well.

Three years ago: Even More Post Categories
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Sunday, June 29, 2025

Pokémon Go Fest 2025 (Global), Day 2

With that, Day 2 of this year's Global edition of Pokémon Go Fest comes (and goes), and today, more of those royal mechanisms are brought forth in ways that are different as they are the same. In light of what happened yesterday, it may not take a trained eye to determine what's different and what's the same, but it's still important to make the distinctions, especially for the purpose of its summative discussion here.

Today, the same rotating habitats, featured wild Pokémon, special costumed Pokémon, and rare Pokémon from Incense for ticketed Trainers, as well as support for them through Lure Modules and Collection Challenges returned with practically no difference (of course, the last one of these needs to be completed today or else). What's different is the royal mechanism and influencing element for this purpose and another one today: it is offensive instead of defensive, and it is thus "SWORD", the counterpart implement to yesterday. True to that, the thematic Pokémon are of the ferocious sort, and the Unown are of the letters above. This also implies that the featured Legendary Pokémon as the top-tier raid boss is Zacian... which it is, and the exact same dealings for raids as yesterday apply to today, except this time Trainers collect Crowned Sword Energy instead for transforming Zacian to its Crowned form from its Hero form. Needless to say, the Special Research foray of yesterday continued today, and if necessary may also continue beyond the confines of this event.

Since pretty much most of the event details have been divulged, it is of interest to discuss the other niceties that accompany it. Throughout the weekend, everyone should have benefited from increased Shiny chances for all Pokémon to get whichever ones they want or need. Buddy Pokémon could also earn more friendship hearts on both days than is typically possible. For friends, Party Play lasted longer and more Gifts could be opened, and for trading, trades are discounted and more Special Trades could be made. They all added to the festivities.

Meanwhile, my day went on pretty much like yesterday, spending half of it in the company of certain colleagues (for raiding and trading with them), and the other half tying up as many loose ends as possible, incidentally while in the company of other colleagues... and I have to say that in part, a certain friend also helped to do the work. That may be reserved for a separate discussion, for which I'm still determining a few things.

Having gone through two days of the Global event, some Trainers like me may just have had their knightly and luxurious fill (another thing I noted in my preview), more so if they attended the regional events earlier in the month. That might just prepare them for noble ventures of the future in attacking and defending with loyal Pokémon species, something that is as royal as communities of friends and the Pokémon (Go) experience in general.

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Saturday, June 28, 2025

Pokémon Go Fest 2025 (Global), Day 1

After a month of waiting, it's time for the Global edition of Pokémon Go Fest and certainly to discuss how that plays out. As noted, the running theme for this and the previous regional and live editions of the event is a few royal and regal things; as usual, in the previous editions, they had all been implemented a bit differently - though the Global edition will still shed some light on how that had come to be. Regardless, that is the one that matters now, and so does everything that is featured over the course of these two days.

The main event hours still span the stretch of 10 AM to 6 PM, and today, they contained four rotating habitats repeated once: Moonless Volcano, Galvanic Dojo, Hypnotic Tundra, and Fae Swamp, in that order. If they sound like curious elements relating to the Pokémon featured in them, one could be right, and so the Pokémon species reflect them in some way. They are complemented by other thematic Pokémon of a defensive sort (more on this soon), as well as a unique rare species to each (plus Unown, also to be detailed shortly) only attracted by Incense and certainly who paid for the event. Rounding them up for the "royal ride" are costumed Pokémon: Pikachu with top hats accented by three colors (red, blue, and yellow), and Falinks with a train hat, all of which could also be gotten from raids but may be preferred to be caught through other means for reasons that will be clear. Lure Modules last for an hour for this purpose, and a few photo bombs are in short order for Pikachu.

Meanwhile, today's primary royal mechanism pertained to that defensive element, which would be "SHIELD" - also reflected by the Unown of those letters. Accordingly, the Pokémon most representative of that is Zamazenta, a Legendary Pokémon from the Galar region. Naturally, it is to be gotten from raids, and this time - as the Pokémon had debuted a long time ago - it was in its Crowned form; its raids, along with the costumed Pokémon as above, ran for half-hour intervals. The best interest, of course, is going into raids for this Pokémon, as doing so will allow one to obtain its Shiny form (if they hadn't) and/or one with a background, but most importantly to earn Crowned Shield Energy, an item that will enable a certain one of the Pokémon to transform into the Crowned form from the basic Hero form, allowing for other niceties that are to be addressed at a later time. A few extra free passes are furnished for this purpose, and the raiding aspect of today also has implications for tomorrow's dealings.

On the side of Research, which applied to today and will apply tomorrow, there too are familiar aspects. Field Research deals with mostly Pokémon encounter rewards through tasks that are associated with the habitats and today's royal mechanism, and Collection Challenges feature nine Pokémon from each habitat and need to be completed over the two-day span. Hourly Global Challenges persist and so do their objectives and bonuses. As for the realm of Special Research, one set refines the introduced royal mechanisms of today and tomorrow with a selection of one's preference, and another set becomes the lead-up for the regal, mechanical, and Mythical wonder that is Volcanion, the major debutant of this year's royal festivities. 

I spent much of this day like I did last year, with some colleagues that now I feel rather out of touch with. Half of it (the early part) was for Zamazenta raids to earn as much Energy I can stand to earn, and in doing so also had an OK haul from these efforts. The other half as the later part was to tie up loose ends from the rotating habitats and in particular Field Research, to make progress as far as could be made. Given the mechanisms of this year's edition, more loose ends in all of these areas are expected to be tied up tomorrow.

Some elements of Pokémon are royally wonderful - even if behind the scenes, they may take effort to deal with - and the inclusion of that in Pokémon Go now makes (or should make) for a royally great time. One more day for the Global edition of the festivities is still at hand, and for many Trainers, that might just be the defining part of it all.

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Friday, June 27, 2025

Camerupt Waiting to... Erupt?

One of the most enigmatic Pokémon species (as a consideration) might be Camerupt. It has the appearance of being tame, but with the right conditions and provocations, it might be prone to become rather explosive and make its humps erupt like a volcano - thus, befitting its name. At that point, it would also be hard to calm it down. Such a condition could also seem to be applicable to a few people-Pokémon situations today, both personal and public.

I'm always wary that what I do - particularly involving Pokémon - might not be received in good faith even if the intent is good (or not meant to be bad in the first place). Some of this may have played a factor in a certain departure I discussed many years ago, and now history seems to repeat itself with the local Pokémon Go raid group in my area. I essentially always seem to be treading around Camerupt that might erupt at any moment by what I do.

The same feeling is had even for other people in my local area, beyond the aspects of the above that I consider parts of the ways I express myself with Pokémon. They appear to be even more sensitive - and that's saying a lot given that I'm sensitive myself for a few things, even a few Pokémon ones and not necessarily the same things. In my "head canon", seeing some of the people like Camerupt is the fitting impression of them, perhaps broadly applicable.

And then... there is today's world. A lot of people out there today seem to be "hotheads" - for which Camerupt is then the "spitting image" - and that causes concern that if they "erupt", then a lot of things will be affected, including other Pokémon things (or "species", given their image as one). The ones that aren't Camerupt are treading around those who are, and without knowing how and when they might possibly "erupt" by their own or other accords.

Certainly, every Pokémon species is fascinating yet quirky in their own ways, and that is especially applicable for Camerupt, particularly for its transformative temperament and some potentially explosive ("eruptive") behaviors. The greatest concerns with this species are not getting them to erupt in the first place, and if they do, finding ways to alleviate that. For the people-Pokémon of today, that might just present itself as pressing current matters.

Seven years ago: Leaders
Eight years ago: A Little Dream
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Thursday, June 26, 2025

Special Wonder Picks in TCGP

Usually, the Wonder Pick feature in TCGP allows a player to "snipe" (obtain a duplicate) card from recently opened packs by friends or someone else out there in the world. At times, however, the player can opt to obtain other cards instead, from sets that may be considered as "special picks" but still work the same way as Wonder Picks in general. These "special picks" deserve a bit of exploration for what they offer and to make the most of them.

One of the most frequently encountered "special picks" is the Bonus Pick, which for some events might offer a single card in the set alongside two Wonder Hourglasses and two shop tickets, and for others might have a selection of cards instead. Given that it's a "bonus", it's free from using up Wonder Stamina, and moreover, it may appear a few times a day, demanding the game to be opened frequently. It's still regardless a good and simple way to get extra cards, if not either of the two items mentioned above.

Some events, meanwhile, have the Chansey Pick, especially when Promo cards are involved. A common format for this is two of the cards, with both having certain chances (perhaps 1:4 or 3:2). The cost for this pick is minimal - 1 Wonder Stamina is the norm - and true to its name, the cards have a Chansey emblem on the lower right corner of the art. Because of the chances (ahem) involved, some cards from this pick might appear to become dominant, but the pick is still something to go for when it presents itself.

Then there is the Rare Pick, which is accordingly an infrequent sight but a truly wondrous one. The contents of the pick are also rare cards, possibly three and four Diamonds. As such, the cost measures up to that: it costs 3 Wonder Stamina like certain similar picks from other players, but it's definitely a worthwhile pick to be made. It's certainly the time to spend the Wonder Stamina and the associated Hourglasses (if necessary) on it, if one ever appears, especially if it's tied to specific events like some are. 

It's a given that some of the time spent in TCGP will be for getting cards from Wonder Picks, and some of those Wonder Picks might just be for the "special picks" as outlined above. They're somewhat different from the picks from friends and other people, but they also offer niceties of their own that they might just not be able to provide, likewise if they're tied to an event. Yet they'll certainly tie together the cards in one's collection as well.

Two years ago: This Is My Pokémon Way
Three years ago: Cosplay: Outfest 2022
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025

"Dumping" Rare Candy and Rare Candy XL

Some Trainers in Pokémon Go have a tendency to rack up lots of certain kinds of items quickly whether they want to or not; I'm one of those, although for a different kind of item not exactly pertinent to the current discussion. Regardless, the current discussion also applies to a certain capacity for me personally, not to mention to others. The items pertinent to that are the Candy items, as Rare Candy and Rare Candy XL, and when lots of these are racked up, the question becomes how to "dump" them - that is, get rid of them by using them wisely.

A good rule of thumb for both is to "dump" them on Pokémon that are hard to come by, most likely Legendary and Mythical ones that certain Trainers may not frequently raid for (unless one is hardcore about this), let alone catch - especially true of a number of Mythical Pokémon. Now, though, with the advent of Pokémon that have Dynamax and Gigantamax forms that require egregious amounts of Candy (XL) to level up their Max skills, they may present a viable target for "dumping" at least some of these items on them, particularly if the species in question rarely or currently don't appear.

For Rare Candy specifically, at times when an evolution is demanded and it's not convenient to catch the Pokémon in question for Candy, at least a good amount of Rare Candy could be "dumped" on them for this purpose. Meanwhile, given the way that Candy XL is used for powering up Pokémon, it may be that one could lack just a handful of them for a specific Pokémon to power it up fully, and it may be permissible in this case to make up the handful with some Candy XL, particularly if the regular means to obtain them have just become unavailable for the present time and there's no telling when it will come back.

Even with all these tips, it may be admitted that Trainers can do as they please with these items - Rare Candy and Rare Candy XL - and "dump" them for use wherever they may want or need them, and that may just work out, especially if they have particular visions in mind. It is still a given that Trainers will accrue these items, sometimes at quicker paces than they would expect, and they may need quick pointers for "dumping" the items wisely; the above may be sufficient in that regard along with their judgment.

Five years ago: Uniting the Heart
Six years ago: Evoked Emotions
Eight years ago: Four Notions
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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Bringing Pokémon Cosplay to the Big Time

As Sunday's convention made it evident, one of the exhibited performances in the final round of the big-time cosplay competition that day was a Pokémon performance. All told, it was somewhat based on the TCG but also took cues from the main series games - Scarlet and Violet, since the performance involved species of the ninth generation. The inclusion of this performance affirms that Pokémon cosplay can be brought into this realm, but the reality isn't as simple as this affirmation. For that, I want to make a good bit of discussion regarding this matter and how it ties into me as both a Pokémon fan and cosplayer to boot. 

First up, it's helpful to bring up the relevant competitions and realms again. ICGP is part of the competitive realm of the World Cosplay Summit (WCS), and its focus is placed on the art and craftsmanship of cosplay; it accordingly has a number of regulations and checks - particularly on costume creation - for those who are competing for and in it. ICC meanwhile is part of the realm of Pop Culture Hiroshima, and its focus is highlighting that and its appeal; its regulations are less focused on costume creation and more focused on the performing arts, especially on making cosplay performances wholesome (family-friendly) - a requirement briefed to me for the competition I didn't get to see, but did receive reports on.

With this, the hurdles for each are obviously different. One has to be practically a "semi-pro" or professional crafter (in addition to being a cosplayer in general) for the former, while one may just need to be well-versed in cosplay for the latter. Another hurdle is the selection of suitable subjects for depiction in performance... although as seen the other day, if Pokémon can be made to work, then it shall work - and it does (did), for the team that won the regional ICGP competition with the performance and performed again for the finals with it. Even so, many years ago for ICGP/WCS in particular, it was reported that the subjects were limited because of the constant issue of rights management, though it was relaxed later on; obviously now this is no longer a problem for Pokémon, and the same may be said to apply to ICC/PCH.

Yet even then, there's the question of Pokémon being able to deliver a winning (not to mention entertaining) performance. The Pokémon performance the other day lost out to a few other teams, whose takes are admittedly more intricate and appealing to the audience - a Pokémon battle tends to be just like "that" compared to other, more action-driven series, but that's not to say that it can't be intricate and appealing, which would be something for a potential contender to figure out. If a Pokémon battle is involved, and it will likely be that way, it would have to be as intricate and entertaining as the ninja battle (for that well-known series I keep hinting about) that was performed at last year's WCS finals, which incidentally is also the winner of that competition.

I also can and do have to talk about myself as a part of these. Obviously, I'm out of the league for ICGP/WCS, as my crafting ability for cosplay or otherwise is so-so. This competition is especially looking out for "cutting-edge" materials and techniques - again, something that professionals would understand (for example, one of the teams talked about "biodegradable" materials, something rarely heard within cosplay). I'm better suited for ICC/PCH, and even then if there is a partner who is willing to work and stand by me for the purpose of this competition, and that's something that's hard to come by when it comes to Pokémon. And believe me: I really can't go it alone for very obvious reasons.

The prospect for bringing Pokémon cosplay to the big time - specifically these competitions and others in their vein, with the aim of bringing winners to Japan for the ultimate competition - is wide open, if it hasn't already been affirmed as such. It becomes the challenge of the contenders to work with the materials that they have as well as the regulations that apply to either, and present a dazzling performance, which can and should be done with involvement of Pokémon. The big-time reward is impressive - as is perhaps going there without competing - and appealing, even for this Pokémon fan.

Six years ago: The Show Must Go On
Seven years ago: Jumping the 'Karp
Eight years ago: Married... to Pikachu?
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Monday, June 23, 2025

Café Remix 5th Anniversary: Evolving the Vision

This is one Pokémon game anniversary I rarely discuss on this blog (and wasn't there for its early editions), but since it's happening and it's on a bit of a significant number, I thought I'd discuss it regardless. So, Café Remix - including its earlier iteration of Café Mix, has reached the age of five, which is starting to become somewhat long. But that is still impressive, especially considering what the game was and now is.

If what is presently known in the game as extra orders are of any indication, being the way puzzles were first presented, the game (as Café Mix) had a rather rudimentary start to things even if the mechanics pretty much carried over to Café Remix. The extra orders still being present as they are - and giving out rewards for their completion - means that the game still stays true to its roots even with all the changes.

Speaking of changes, I was just barely there for the initial iteration of the Delivery feature before its turnover to giving outfit levels, and it's a profound change that even now may or may not be warmly received. The change in maximum levels that came with the addition of Macarons has been a great dimensional extender, however, and staying on top of this matter becomes the key for endeavors in the new event puzzles.

Meanwhile, the current anniversary would be aptly considered a "visual" one, adding several new features enhancing the look of the game - to be detailed later, of course. Apart from that, the game goes on in the same state as of a few months ago, and no major shakeups are expected. There might still be a few minor shakeups, but that will be if and when they are announced through the game's News feature.

Five years is not a short time, but again, it's still a significant number of years to reach. That quality also very much applies to what Café Remix has to offer in its present state and after its change-up from Café Mix. Now it seems that players have to bring their own significance to what is offered and how much time they can offer in return given the above - a time that, like the past five years of the game, seems to just fly by.

Three years ago: 2000 Posts!!!
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Sunday, June 22, 2025

Cosplay: ChibiCon 6 x ICC & ICGP Finals 2025

Ash: ChibiCon!!!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Look at that!"]

Goh: Well, I figured just as much.

Me: Since it's a "constant agenda", it's just got to happen.

Goh: I hear you. But is there anything different about this one, though?

Me: It's still two days as usual, but... it's a little more dense. Have a look. 

Goh: Oh wow. That's a loaded schedule. And... there are two stages, yes?

Me: Indeed, in two different areas, both having had their shares of conventions and festivals. 

Ash: And there are two big character competitions this time!

Me: Yes! Indonesia Cosplay Crown (ICC) - Hiroshima Pop Culture and the all-too-familiar Indonesia Cosplay Grand Prix (ICGP) - World Cosplay Summit, both holding their grand finals to select representatives to go to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Goh: Usually it's just one of either. How'd that happen?

Me: Funny you should ask. The convention where the latter was going to be held - which would usually be in the biggest city - was apparently delayed, so the competition got moved... to this one.

Ash: But... you wouldn't be able to put me in these.

Me: Not for the latter (and even then not without a lot of effort), but for the former, there could be some leeway. I'd just need someone to help out both of us... and that is hard to come by.

Goh: Anyway, based on the schedule, the first one was yesterday, and the second one is today. 

Ash: And... the regular character parade was yesterday, wasn't it. And yesterday was also Community Day.

Me: Exactly that. Whether you were there or not, you'd have the added assignment of going to a Community Day meetup and missing either or both the parade and competition - and this time I went for the money-saving option, saving our go at the convention for today, the second day.

Goh: I guess that makes sense.

Ash: So I guess we're just having fun today - with my new Kanto and Johto outfit.

Pikachu: Pika... ["Let loose..."]

Me: Not quite. There's also a fair bit of connecting to do with people we rarely see these days. And since the convention is so big now, instead of dealing with everything seen and unseen, let's focus on what (and whom) you did see and do.

Ash: I spent the morning with your girl fan friend and the afternoon with your techno friend. Your techno friend even sent in a character - a ninja with a bowl cut!

Goh: Oh, that's unique! Ninja characters must be popular where you are.

Me: You better believe it. What did you do?

Ash: We looked for goodies in the creator market - I even bought a few cheap ones - and watched the performances.

Goh: There were bands and dance groups, yes?

Ash: Sure, but I only saw a couple. The rest was the big thing for today and a few odd things.

Goh: The character competition. How'd that go?

Ash: Everyone was impressive. There was even a performance by... Armarouge and Ceruledge!!

Pikachu: Pika!! ["Impressive!!"]

Me: Note from me: they're both species found in Paldea.

Goh: Wow!! So you can put Pokémon into these competitions.

Me: Sure. That might even have been the case since the beginning - but I want to discuss this on my own. Lots to reason, you see.

Goh: Did they win?

Ash: Another team won. I think that's because they also got the audience really worked up.

Me: I'm also going to take that into consideration for my reasoning. What else for today?

Ash: I saw and met two people who looked like me but not quite, and one of them gave away prizes - I got a mini model.

Goh: That seems neat!

Ash: I did want to try getting a picture with Armarouge and Ceruledge... but I guess they were still busy after their performance - and I just never had a chance.

Me: I think it's always hard to get to the people who send them; they're semi-pros after all, and they expend a lot of energy.

Goh: Can you recall a time where you met other characters that performed on the same stage instead?

Ash: You know, I can't say that I have. So I think our friend is right. Still...

Goh: You really wanted to meet them, huh.

Ash: Yeah.

Pikachu: Chu... ["Hmm..."]

Me: Let me see if I can dredge up my social media skills for this purpose. Other than that...

Ash: The convention is just as great as it's ever been - and it had a lot of Pokémon today!

Goh: As we keep saying, it's no longer "chibi" (little), but it always seems to work out - and so it did for you today. 

Me: This "constant agenda" has a lot of constants to it - but a little change of pace like today (and of course, a lot more Pokémon) is very much welcome. It's a lot like that ditty you hear...

Ash: "All In, ChibiCon, All In, ChibiCon..."

Goh: Like Wurmple inside people's heads. I got you.

Three years ago: The Catch 'Em Battle Arena
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Saturday, June 21, 2025

Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/21/2025

But of course, the rhyme and reason for putting up a post about Community Day just the day before is because this month's edition of said event comes today. Now, I did mention "dragons in June", and this month is indeed June; in prior years, some Dragon-type Pokémon have showed up in this month as a featured species, and that comes as a natural prospect. So it is that the prospect is also fulfilled for this month's edition that furthermore comes as a respite between Pokémon Go Fest editions, being significant in more ways than one. 

For that purpose, this month's featured Pokémon is Jangmo-o, the scaly dragon of Alola, with its Shiny form as expected. Evolving it to Hakamo-o and then to Kommo-o allows it to learn the Charged move of Clanging Scales, one that is potentially useful in PvP due to its effects. The main bonus is triple catch XP, yet again another one geared to those still looking for it. The secondary bonuses of double catch Candy and extended Lure Modules and Incense come naturally to make the most of the event period as would be expected.

That also applies to the rest of the bonus cohort: double Candy XL chance, photo bombs, an extra Special Trade, discounted trades, item bundles, and showcases, as well as the plethora of Research tasks (Field, paid Special set, background Timed set). Whether these bonuses are new or old, they are now part of the dynamics of the event and to be expected for this and other current editions; they also particularly enhance the dragon aspect.

Now, for good reasons to come soon, I've gone and enlisted the help of a good friend for this event, and with another one, we make a discussion about it.

Goh: Oh, Ash is back again.

Ash: Well, why not? It seems like the perfect time.

Me: I thought long and hard about this, and I decided to send Ash instead of just sending myself - right at the last minute.

Ash: Like I said, it seems perfect. You already had my Alola outfit from Wednesday, so you just had me wear it again. And Jangmo-o is definitely a cool Pokémon from there.

Me: That's one of the points. But let's not discuss this too much - how'd Community Day go?

Ash: I didn't catch many Shiny Jangmo-o. Just five in all. 

Goh: OK, we can't always expect to be always lucky, just like last time with Pawmi.

Me: Sure. I bet it wasn't enough for a toy car either (like I need another one).

Ash: Nope, nothing from your "friends". 

Me: Of course.

Ash: And I evolved a few to Kommo-o, but I think you need to take care of the rest.

Me: No problem, there's a week to do so. There might be other challenges, but I'll see what I can do.

Goh: What about our friend's other friends? You know, the ones who aren't problematic?

Ash: I met two in the middle of the event, and we did a few things together - and caught Jangmo-o, of course.

Goh: Sounds like a good time.

Ash: Yeah, just right before going back to the "friends".

Me: I hear they're doing something tomorrow that's good to give back to health... but I can't do it myself even if I wanted to.

Goh: I'm sorry about that. There might be better things you can do.

Me: Sure! Meanwhile, this weekend is actually a "happening" weekend, which is another reason for me to send Ash.

Goh: I see. I think I know where this is going.

Ash: It's about a big character thing somewhere, isn't it? 

Me: Hmm... you'll just have to find out about it all tomorrow.

Said to be a "cool" Pokémon, the Special Research set title "Jangmo-o Yeah!" (I'm told) suits the species perfectly. That may or may not leave some people "howling" with excitement about the Pokémon, but at least Community Day is a perfect vessel for that excitement.

Three years ago: The Fossil Cup of GBL
Four years ago: Community Day Patterns
Five years ago: Another Anime Dream
Eight years ago: Resets and Redos
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Friday, June 20, 2025

General Community Day Prospects

About a year ago, I discussed about prospects - as the things that might just happen - for Community Day in Pokémon Go and specifically its Classic edition. Lo and behold, two of them (Beldum and Ralts) eventually became realized, with the third still waiting for its turn. With such a state of affairs, I then thought about discussing the prospects for Community Day in general, and now that's exactly what I want to do - to see where the monthly event might be headed and what to expect for it.

The Classic edition still serves as a good place to start. Based on the editions that have taken place thus far, an obvious prospect would be Chikorita as another gap filler, considering its kin from Johto have gotten the treatment. Then it would move on to the ones from Hoenn (Treecko, Torchic), and then... perhaps oddities like Weedle, Abra, and Gastly - all of which have final evolved forms with Mega Evolution - could stand to be repeated as one or more Classic editions. Given time, they all could be fair game.

Meanwhile, for the regular edition, it is almost certain that this year will see all of the starters or first partners from Paldea, with the last of them (Quaxly) due for its turn any time. Next year, then, the ones of the remaining region present but not represented (Galar) will be featured - certainly to get things rolling. Then, it will be all for these Pokémon... unless they, like Charmander, get a second turn with an unexpected move, but that is rather a last resort, and not exactly what Trainers may want or need - in contrast to "dragons in June".

Some unusual fodder could also be at hand for the regular edition. Since there have now been a few rounds of dual-region lines, something unusual like the Grimer family might just pop up - though this too is a last resort. Less of a last resort would be the Applin family with its wild evolution line, but the family has only been fairly recently introduced, so it would take some time. Most unusually, the Cosmog family could pop up since it's composed of three stages... but the thought of this is as outlandish as it is sensible.

If any of these general prospects for Community Day have anything in common, it is that they all follow certain sorts of patterns, and those patterns are maintained after eight years of the monthly event - even with a few hiccups along the way. And where the patterns lead, there lies the prospects of the future, all waiting to be realized in some way, sooner if not later. They are what they are, and with time, anything can be possible, including their realization as had been outlined even for a specific sub-edition.

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Thursday, June 19, 2025

Held Items in Pokémon Unite

In all the times I've dealt with Pokémon Unite and wrote about its facets on this blog, it seems unbelievable that I haven't directly covered the facet I'm about to cover and I only had mentioned it indirectly, as in the case of "builds" for specific Pokémon. And yet, it's also so key to the workings of the game, not to mention having other particularities of its own that are worthy of discussion even now. It is therefore fitting to make that discussion and delve into the facet into some (and greater) depth for its understanding.

The facet is certainly that of held items, which all Pokémon in the game can carry three into battle. Some of these items are based on items in the main series games, like the Focus Band (previously mentioned), Weakness Policy, and Amulet Coin (recently introduced). Others are unique to the mechanics of the game, such as the Score Shield (previously mentioned), Slick Spoon, and Rescue Hood. New items are certain to be introduced to keep the dynamics of the game changing and fresh, alongside the Pokémon.

Each item is upgradeable to level 30 ("Max Grade") with the use of Item Enhancers that can be either earned or purchased - likely the latter if one is serious to get more than the earned ones can provide. If one is unsure, though, one can use a 7-Day Trial Coupon for this purpose to see if the upgrade works out. For other items that work out, one can also use the Super Item Enhancer to upgrade an item to Max Grade and recoup the Item Enhancers used for that purpose. Judgment of these three situations remains the discretion of the player.

Such is also true of the usage of the items, which constitutes the "build" for the Pokémon as mentioned. Those who are certain might have already made their "builds" by trying things out, but for those who are less certain, they can use sets made by other players through the Example Sets feature in the Held Items menu. This also offers exploration potential and a quick way of accomplishing that - especially for Pokémon that fewer players use, yet others need to get up and running for certain purposes.

As for other aspects, there are but a couple. Zacian is notable for having a permanent held item, the Rusted Sword, which is also already at Max Grade, and so it only can (and needs to) bring two other held items. Longtime players also will likely - or rather, should - have had all their held items upgraded to Max Grade, which also becomes another prompt for the continued addition of new items alongside just challenging players anew with combinations that they may never have thought of before and have great battle potential.

Held items have been a longstanding concept or facet in the main series games, so it was natural to bring it to Unite, itself being a part of the MOBA games family for which others have similar implementations. Likewise, though, they all require some understanding of the aspects that may be involved aside from the functions of the items themselves, which might take some time... just like for this post to be made about the ones in Unite. The essentials as above may just point players and their Pokémon in the right direction in battle.

Three years ago: Say You Love Me (Not)
Four years ago: Earthing with Pokémon
Six years ago: LINE Pokémon Emoji
Seven years ago: The Super Incubator
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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Cosplay: Amphoreus Cup 25 - Futsal and Cosplay

Me: Welcome to an instance of "midweek characters".

Goh: Right in the middle of the week, huh. I remember you and Ash dealing with this. 

Ash: Yeah! This one from way back and the one from years ago. [See below for the latter.]

Goh: But those were on Saturdays. What's one doing in the middle of the week?

Me: Well, I'm sure some people are free today at this time of year, like the students who compete in the same tournaments like from back then.

Goh: Oh, there must have been one. Right? 

Ash: Right! Just like those times.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["A tournament!"] 

Ash: Oh yeah, the place was in the same one from years ago.

Goh: Aren't there many places for people to play the sport?

Me: Sure! But like for food, some people (players in the case of sports) might go to a usual place, and this would be one for the person behind it all.

Ash: The "ninja teacher"! Yup, he was there and did it all like last time.

Goh: He must teach sports - or I think the correct term for your world is "physical education". 

Me: By all reports, that he does.

Goh: How'd the tournament go?

Ash: I didn't get to look really close, but the students all had fun - and they won for their teams and themselves.

Goh: I see, individual and team awards.

Ash: Yeah, that's it. And... I guess I also got sidetracked by other students on another field playing a sport with a ball and sticks.

Pikachu: Pi pika - pika pika. ["Me too - looked neat."] 

Me: Oh. They must have been playing field hockey. I'd actually prefer playing that compared to soccer, myself.

Goh: They can do that at the same place?

Me: This is the first time I've had this report, but I guess it works.

Goh: So... where did characters come in?

Ash: At the end, with a parade. I was one of 10.

Goh: OK, so post-game entertainment.

Me: I guess the students were busy enough that they couldn't fit in a "halftime show".

Ash: For the parade - with my Alola outfit - Pikachu and I tried playing soccer together with a spare ball that was lying around.

Goh: My guess is that it would be like if you were invited to play with the students - like that real Pokémon sport thing.

Ash: Yeah, that's what I was going for. And hey - we got the "Best Action" award for it.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Very nice!"]

Me: See, this is what I like about Pokémon: it really blends into our lives.

Goh: Hey, you said it.

Ash: But after everything, I went out to see if your other friends would battle nearby, and I didn't get anything. 

Me: Well, it can't all happen the way we would expect.

Ash: Other than that, today was great!

Goh: I'm sure it's not like the conventions or festivals you send Ash to on weekends normally, but it did seem to work out for a break in the middle of the week.

Me: It's a good break, and one that's filled with some sporty things - so why not.

Ash: You might just take it up.

Me: Who knows. And hopefully there will be Pokémon alongside. 

Two years ago: Beachside with Pokémon
Six years ago: On Copyrights
Seven years ago: Boxes of Go-Goodies
Eight years ago: There Is Only One Ball
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Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Switching Up (and Upgrading)

For those who haven't heard the news, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been released recently, along with a certain race-driven launch title that isn't quite related to Pokémon but may cause similar stirrings for its fans. Even so, this "(not-)successor" will coexist with its predecessor - as addressed previously, and for some foreseeable time ahead - and in some sense, players are to "upgrade" to it. That also applies for some of the current games for the predecessor, which also includes some Pokémon games.

The reason is that some games now have upgrade packs (free for many, paid for some) that will provide enhancements and/or new features for the console, and two of these games happen to be the ninth-generation Pokémon main series games of Scarlet and Violet. In fact, the upcoming Legends Z-A game will also be in this state, being playable on both consoles but having enhancements for the newer one. This latter game will also have more info out soon, but at least improvement is welcome for the former.

As for certain people upgrading to the console - me specifically - conventional wisdom may dictate that it may not be wise to adopt such a new console early on except to deal with the novelties, which are not too numerous at the moment and especially for Pokémon. I myself am apt to give the new console some adaptation time before deciding to take it up, especially for certain pertinent Pokémon matters. In the end, it would be for when "the time is best", not "the time is now" as many would have it.

If the new Nintendo console is of any indication, however, the best of things (as the original Switch) does not need something completely new to become something better - it just needs a better version of itself, which is practically what the Switch 2 is. That also goes for some of the existing and upcoming games, including Pokémon ones, for which "good" and "better" versions are (due) to exist for play on both consoles. In that respect, to switch up and upgrade may very well be in the futures of many sooner if not later.

One year ago: Not Alone... But Alone
Two years ago: The Mystique of 151
Three years ago: Knotting Destinies and Love
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Monday, June 16, 2025

The Expressive Ditto

The award for the blandest Pokémon species could be considered to go to Ditto. It's plainly obvious, given that it's just a "blob of purple goo"; even Pokémon with similar transformative abilities as this Pokémon have far more attractive appearances. Yet what might not be so bland about it is the expression on its face - or the part that might be considered its face - and how that expression becomes emblematic of the Pokémon even as it takes on different guises, and evocative of it without it actually being present.

Usually, the telltale Ditto expression is the colon-end-parens smiley face just like the classic emoticon, which is retained in a transformation and in particular for individuals with imperfect capabilities for doing so. It becomes a sure sign of a masquerading Ditto, making it emblematic in that manner. Of course, its other expressions (delight, surprise, and a few others) are also distinctly characteristic, even if they are in the same plain-symbol style as that basic emoticon smile. They're all still expressive by any means.

As for its "presence" without its presence, some time ago, the host of a very popular TV show made a somewhat recognizable mistake during taping, and in the process made a face that may be considered to resemble the Ditto expression. Even without the Pokémon being actually involved, the facial expression seems rather evocative of the Pokémon in this way. Come to think of it, that specific person is rather transformative in many ways, so the Ditto aspect may be quite evocative for that person beyond facial expressions.

While "expressive" may be somewhat of a weird term for describing the transformative purple blob that is Ditto, it's still rather obvious that the purple blob has a face of its own that can make a few usual and unusual expressions. That includes that emoticon smile that may just persist in its transformations, which for the observant will be a dead giveaway of its presence - perhaps for its expressive nature as well. In that sense, the purple blob may not be all that bland and has something to show for its own.

Three years ago: Voice Acting, for Me and...
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Sunday, June 15, 2025

Frustrated by Café Remix Score Missions

In Pokémon Café Remix, a few of the game's Mission Bingo boards sometimes - OK, often - contains a task that states that the player has to earn a specific score on an event puzzle, one that ends with a certain digit. This sounds easy until it is considered that the score must be the one obtained after bonus points are taken into account, which can sometimes make the score shift by one or many points in any direction. This has the potential to cause frustration, and in fact, it already has for yours truly; for that, I've decided to make a discussion out of it.

The problem with the task is that its objective almost becomes totally dependent on luck - in the parlance of this and other similar games, gacha. Even if the Pokémon icons could be manipulated to earn certain point values, the kicker is still the bonus points, which are seemingly arbitrary in value in affecting scores as the above. I've had several runs where the point value I obtained was never the one I needed, whereas at other times, I got the required point value almost immediately. The results seem as arbitrary as the points.

For the case of One-Minute Cooking, it is possible to sidestep the effort needed for the task in some cases by clearing megaphone and skill icons (which give out bonus points), manipulating icons to the needed point value, then quitting the stage. Doing this will still allow the player to earn points for the task and the event, but hopefully in a quicker fashion; it might also take a few more stamina, but it's worth a try if the needed point value never seems to come up even with best play, which becomes the source of the frustration.

With Slow Cooking, the effort (and frustration) is magnified as one has to complete the entire sequence of puzzle stages to earn points for the task and the event, and quitting mid-way simply annuls the attempt. A player might try to rush through the puzzle stages and earn points wherever they can be earned while making progress, but this runs into the arbitrariness challenge of the bonus points, which are still earned during (and after) play of the stages. This situation might demand that a balance be struck between best play and rush play.

An appropriate saying for this situation seems to be that "sufficiently advanced technology cannot be distinguished from magic" - in this case, the former being Café Remix scoring and the latter being luck. Both might just play into the completion of the Café Remix score missions and the frustration that ensues when trying to complete those missions. Even so, at least some understanding can be made in trying to complete the missions properly, with a little luck for seasoning, and that may alleviate some of the induced frustration.

One year ago: Pokémon Calendars
Six years ago: Code Affairs
Seven years ago: Number One for...
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Saturday, June 14, 2025

My Numbered Card Progress in TCGP

Well, it seems apt that I talk about numbers one more time, but not in relation to the National Dex as has been the case for the past several days. Instead, it's about the cards of TCGP, which like its physical brethren also has cards of the numbered and overnumbered sort. Of these, it's the former that I want to focus on with regard to my collection status. It becomes a practical way to gauge that status and to see which packs I want to or should focus on opening.

For the first major expansion (Genetic Apex) and the minor Themed Booster Pack (Mythical Island), I have 214 out of 226 of the numbered cards for the former and 67 out of 68 for the latter. With only 13 cards missing in total, it's a pretty good turnout for these, and I can stand to complete the missing cards with trades and/or point purchases; opening a pack of these can be reserved for a blue moon or when curiosity still strikes.

Next, there is the Space-Time Showdown major expansion, for which I have 141 out of 155 numbered cards. For the following Themed Booster Packs of Triumphant Light and Shining Revelry, I have 68 out of 75 and 67 out of 72 numbered cards respectively. With 26 cards across these three, I may need to go over these expansions to open up a few more packs before considering doing the same thing as with the previously mentioned expansions.

Then there is the major expansion of Celestial Guardians, of which I have 117 out of 155 numbered cards (38 missing), and the Themed Booster Packs of Extradimensional Crisis, of which I have 54 out of 69 numbered cards (15 missing). For these, it seems rather obvious that I need to open up quite a few more packs, especially for the former, and there will be some continued effort to get numbered cards in this manner.

Considering that the way of the TCG in any form is to get cards randomly from opening packs, there too might be an element of randomness in the progress of obtaining certain cards, especially the "common" numbered cards as above. From my progress, things appear to be close for some of the expansions and somewhat farther for the others, but all appear to be rectifiable by getting some more packs opened up to continue to follow the game's norms.

Two years ago: Gimmicks in Café Remix
Three years ago: Sending Champs to Be Champs
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Friday, June 13, 2025

Friends of Pikachu... by Pokédex Numbers

For one last discussion of Pokémon with them being tied together by Dex numbers, I thought I'd go back to basics and refer to a species that many should know the Dex number of by now. That would be Pikachu, whose number is #25. Given this number, one line of reasoning is that its (close) friends could be found among Pokémon whose Dex numbers share the same two digits as this popular Pokémon. Thus, I've taken this line of reasoning and go over the Pokémon that are related by this virtue.

These Pokémon species would be Electabuzz (#125), Delibird (#225), Spoink (#325), Drifloon (#425), Boldore (#525), Bisharp (#625), Litten (#725), Dottler (#825), and Maushold (#925). Evidently, they're all the ones with 25 at the end, but in line with the other recent discussions, they cover the breadth of species up to the more than 1000 that are known today. The species that would have the number #1025 would fit in too... but things aren't there yet. When things get there, surely there will be a friend to be found.

Of these species, they might be considered to be "yellow friends" (Electabuzz, Dottler), "tailed friends" (Spoink, Litten, Maushold), "floating friends" (Delibird, Drifloon), and "strong friends" (Boldore, Bisharp). That's a whole lot of types of (possible) friends for a very popular yellow mouse, but then all of these friends may be helpful in all the ways that I've listed, allowing Pikachu to do more than it could if it were only by itself. That is perfectly in line with the spirit of friendships, in and out of Pokémon and both creature and human alike.

As Pikachu is very well-known, it would be expected that all (if not most) Pokémon are also friends with it, as is the case for the people connected to it in both real and imagined ways. The ones selected above according to a characteristic of their Dex numbers in line with that of Pikachu would then only be... a selection as such, but even that selection highlights how Pikachu can get along with others, in particular Pokémon species. On that note, it seems fitting to end the current discussion run, knowing that even Dex numbers can really link things.

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Thursday, June 12, 2025

Descending Species on the Upper Hand

The other direction from rising - as in the previous post for Pokémon species with National Dex numbers that exhibit this property - is falling, and it becomes obvious that numbers can also exhibit the property with their digits. Likewise, that can then be applied (back) to the Dex numbers to see what species come out of the specified pattern and then to find more specific patterns among them. Here, too, there might be a few liberties in more ways than one, but that may be the point of it all and the fun to be had.

Given the concern above, then, the species that tie into that are Koffing (#109), Granbull (#210), Wailord (#321), Purugly (#432), Venipede (#543), Braixen (#654), Oranguru (#765), Indeedee (#876), and Flutter Mane (#987). As with the previous post, one of the liberties concerns the usage of the number zero as the "cyclical" filler for a couple of the digits in the species numbers of concern and where things go from there. And where they go might be in places that one might not expect to go.

As a start, this group contains what might still be considered the largest out of all "common" Pokémon, Wailord - perhaps the biggest "upper hand" of the group. Then, there are Granbull, Purugly, Braixen, Oranguru, and Indeedee, all species that may be considered to deliver their own "upper hand" (or paw). The rest might just be considered the oddities, including Flutter Mane, which is part of an interesting group of species that I was really hoping to cover on their own... and that's how it's going to be - but not now.

In the light of their "descending" Dex numbers, the selected species above seem to have their ways of gaining the "upper hand", even if it's just a figurative interpretation at any rate. Yet that's a liberty (among others) to be taken when considering multiple species that only seem to be rather disjoint - except, certainly, with regard to their Dex numbers. Covering the two directions of rising and falling in this case makes for a neat fancy with regard to numbers and Pokémon, especially for the one doing so.

Three years ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Promo
Four years ago: The Floating City Awaits
Five years ago: As In As All...
Six years ago: Nationally Challenged
Seven years ago: Before Gold and Silver
Eight years ago: Red on a Bike
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Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Species on the Ascending, the Up and Up

Following Pokémon species with their Dex numbers all the same digit, now I thought about going through ones whose digits are all different - specifically, ones whose digits are one-away (consecutive) from each other in a rising fashion. There's no set name for these numbers - at least, none that I can find - but they may be considered as ones people naturally think of when they think of numbers. The same may not necessarily apply to Pokémon species, but it's still fun to consider ones for which the numbers apply.

Accordingly, the species in question are Scyther (#123), Stantler (#234), Lileep (#345), Finneon (#456), Archeops (#567), Meowstic (#678), Cosmog (#789), Eternatus (#890), and Ursaluna (#901). A little bit of liberty is taken here with regard to zero since that's what happens to the last digits of numbers when they increase; they loop back to that number, so the ones included here are of natural consequence. Also of natural consequence is that if there is ever a species with number #1234, it won't happen for quite some time, which is even more the case compared to the repdigit future case.

Meanwhile, of these species, they could be taken to have "ascending" or "expansive" things about them as well. Scyther and Stantler would have evolutionary forms in Hisui that are their own rightful species, for which Ursaluna is one for Ursaring (not present here); the latter is even more "expansive" as well with an alternate and "bloody" form. Then there's Cosmog that is the expanse of the cosmos in a miniature form, and Eternatus that is just plain expansive no matter how one looks at it. For the others, they might just have more than meets the eye, whether in their next or previous evolutionary stage as applicable.

Even if there may or may not be a definitive name for the numbers in question, the numbers just naturally seem to make themselves evident, and that may be all that is needed to deal with the numbers. Dealing with them in reference to Pokémon species by way of their National Dex numbers is then an expansive step when Pokémon fans are considered, and it turns out there may be some "ascending" or "expansive" ideals with the species of concern. That may just be a matter that a fan has to "rise" upon.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2025

The Wonder of Repdigit Species

In number theory, repdigits refer to numbers with all of their digits the same, thus "repeated digits" as their un-shortened moniker. These numbers are likely to be found many times in collections of many things with numbers associated with them, and one would be prudent to believe that they'd occur in the collection that is all currently existing Pokémon species, for which they have unique National Dex numbers. Indeed, some of them have the property for their Dex numbers, and they may be construed to have unique properties of their own.

With that, the repdigit species are Rhyhorn (#111), Corsola (#222), Swablu (#333), Gabite (#444), Darmanitan (#555), Vivillon (#666), Togedemaru (#777), Zacian (#888), and Gimmighoul (#999). All of these evidently show their repdigit nature in their Dex numbers by them being composed of a single, repeated digit, and certainly up to the latest available generation. Incidentally, they are all also representative of each of those available generations from the first to the ninth. In the future, a potential tenth generation will then be able to cover #1111, but that's getting too far ahead of these already illustrious species.

That said, there is a breadth of unique aspects for all of the Pokémon listed above. Corsola and Darmanitan are standouts for having regional forms, while Zacian and Gimmighoul are similar for having alternate forms, and Vivillon has a great number of them (precluding its somewhat "wild" Dex number - which will not be further discussed). Then, there are Pokémon of various evolutionary stages like Rhyhorn and Gabite, which are first and second in their lineage, plus Vivillon again as the third of its lineage, as well as Togedemaru and Zacian that don't evolve, the latter a Legendary Pokémon with a typical characteristic in this regard. 

At any rate, features of uniqueness and commonality are what makes various Pokémon species stand out, never mind if they're connected by a numerical feature in relation to their Dex numbers as is the case with all of the species above. Some of those features may be bound to be repeated across circumstances just like the numbers of a repdigit, but then that seems par for regular numbers just as they are for Dex numbers that represent Pokémon species. And the latter may just be a greater (if not as great) concern for fans.

Three years ago: Bots in Pokémon Unite
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