Thinking About... Us

We must be truly clear and absolutely clean

Pure in our bodies and in our souls

Look inside yourself before you start to speak

Cast away the dust that's still present there

Oh, cast away the dust that's still present there...

-- "Untuk Kita Renungkan (For Us to Think About)", Ebiet G. Ade (free translation)

Like in past years, there's that certain special time of year - which seems rather coincidentally (or not) placed close to a certain "break" - that I want to touch on while incorporating some things related to Pokémon. In the past couple of years, I did that rather indirectly and almost vaguely with the mediating aspect, but this time, I have a clear song that I can use as that mediating aspect. It's one from a local artist who also has another song that I used in the past as an end-of-year song, and it seems pertinent for all matters of concern. 

Both songs were in fact once used by a certain party to promote contemplation for this certain moment of the year many, many years ago when the actual moment was during a different time of year - clearly as it shifts throughout the year. Furthermore, both songs were actually conceived after disasters, this one after a natural one and the previous one after a human one. In any case, it is their contemplative nature - specifically for the current song for the current discussion - that becomes importantly pertinent.

"Contemplation" is also indeed relevant for this specific song, as the translated title contains the word "think". The song itself, beyond the first verse, is a call for reflection when terrible things happen, and to keep in mind that there is a supreme power about that keeps things in line. What that supreme power might be might depend on the person - and in the case of Pokémon matters, it might involve a certain four-legged beast - but the key is that the supreme power continues to hold sway, while people still contemplate what it means.

Now, to relate all this to Pokémon, it has been plain to see that my Pokémon relations have been on edge lately, and the causes of this may be both external and internal. I've done my share of self-contemplation (that is, introspection) to try to figure it out where and how things went wrong, though it's still a difficult process; I'm not sure if the others have done the same or not sufficiently enough. What's for sure is that the matter will still need to be dealt with in the short term for the better of us.

Perhaps at this time, Pokémon may need to contemplate a few things as well, particularly given the shift of Pokémon Go management to be under Scopely and the continued problems with the physical TCG out there, in order to find possible solutions to rectify matters or make sure things always proceed as possibly as they can. Given that next year is somewhat of a big anniversary year, this also becomes a bit of an imperative in some ways, along with whatever else is to come in the lead-up to that or whatever will become closely associated.

This certain yearly special time always makes itself out as a time to think about things, which makes sense given the song above and in particular its quoted verse above, especially now personally and in some ways for Pokémon itself. The latter is regardless composed not only of those who enjoy it but also those who make the enjoyment happen, and thus the "us" element is manifested in more ways than one. All that seems to be ever important to be put under the scrutiny of thought, even at this moment.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/31/2024

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 21

Three years ago: Consume and Create

Four years ago: "New Daybreaks" for Pokémon

Five years ago: The Long-Winded Side of Things

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

Seven years ago: Mauville's Progress

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

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/30/2025

Continuing on, there is the rollup of Pokémon Go events for this month, which are admittedly made a bit later than usual (in at least one respect). As I had discussed earlier, the game's current season has seemingly provided a challenge by packing it full of events. This then translates into the challenge of (re)packing them into summaries like these rollups, which might be as challenging as going through them in the first place. But it's one to be handled regardless, so this is the time.

This month kicked off with Pokémon Go Tour, which is the "remnant" of last season. But it had other "remnants" as well, like Enigma Field Research (which rewarded a Pokémon with a rare special background), and for those who bought the Tour Pass Deluxe, the Lucky Trinket to make anyone a Lucky Friend as long as they're Great Friends or better - which also needed to be used within the week after the event. Rewards could also be claimed in the week after if Trainers didn't do so during the event. They're all veritable "remnants" in some way.

The first real event of the season was the Powerful Potential event from March 5 to 10. It introduced the "seed" of a highlight Pokémon of this season: Kubfu - one per Trainer from the season's Special Research, with another from an extra set for a fee; it also introduced Shiny Charcadet, with bonuses (including from Research) geared for that purpose. It was also during this event's weekend, March 8 and 9 - including Community Day - that the "Max Battle Weekend" for the Dynamax Kanto starters took place. Other complementary Pokémon appeared in Field Research encounters and raids, and they definitely indicated that the season's power is going to be unlike most others.

Following a brief break, the Festival of Colors event happened from March 13 to 17. Pokémon of all colors appeared at this time through usual means, but the highlights were the debut of Shiny Bruxish and the return of Shiny Smeargle (also through its usual means). Bonuses were geared for more encounters - longer duration tools and more for the two Pokémon above - as were some Research rewards, including a paid one. Those in India, where the celebration originated, enjoyed unique extras as well. Its weekend, March 15 and 16 doubled with a Max Battle Weekend for Dynamax Raikou with preparations the week before (and tripled on the latter with a Catch Mastery featuring Archen to complete Timed and Field tasks). It seems the colors were abound in more ways than one.  

After the celebration, it was time to go deep with the Deep Depths from March 19 to 24. The featured Pokémon were (Shiny) Clauncher and the Nickit family as a debutant, suggesting "deep sea" and "deep darkness". They appeared in the wild along with other Pokémon but were more focused on 7 km Eggs, with hatching bonuses for that purpose. Research had encounters and item bonuses, and Collection Challenges upped the "deep" ante. This event's weekend coincided with the occurence of a Raid Day for Mega Absol on March 23 with all the usual perks plus a paid extra, Brutal Swing for Absol (as a Charged Move), and a Timed Research set giving bonus Stardust. The latter definitely gave the Pokémon much-needed darkness power, and so did the event in general.

Finally, skirting the month's end was the Bug Out event from March 26 to 30. This edition turned up the heat by introducing the Sizzlipede family, while other Bug types returned in all the wild, raids, and Research (Field, free Timed, and paid Timed) task encounters to herald it, plus new avatar items and a few Collection Challenges to "crawl" through. As bonuses, Lure Module appearances were augmented, as were XP, Candy, and Candy XL chance. Things cooled down a bit on March 29 with the Fuzzy Buddy Research Day, which featured four bear Pokémon from Field Research task encounters plus a few other fuzzy Pokémon in the wild to complete the tasks. Overall, for a short period there was both heat and cold.

Also, it's worth noting that March 29 and 30 was the City Safari weekend, which took place in four cities simultaneously: Singapore, Mumbai, Santiago, and Milan, representing all regions. The perks for all are the same and similar to previous editions with a few things changed up, and the Research Day event became highlighted on its day of execution. It's a big external event that at least deserves a little mention if it can't be all rolled up.

Convincingly, the first month of this new season already shows that it's going to have a lot going for it, as seen by the runs of periodic events, weekend day events, and even an instance of a big-time paid event. As challenging as they are to go through for many Trainers, including me - and personally for me to roll up in a post - there is a sense that one just takes them as they see them, and then there will be something of Pokémon Go for everyone.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 27

Two years ago: Adjudication for PvP Tournaments

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

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

Five years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 3

Six years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Cup

Seven years ago: Lugia Raid Burnout

Eight years ago: Ice Is Nice with Pokémon

The State of Nominations, Part 33

It is a given by now that I want and need to update my progress on nominations for PokéStops and other points of interest in Pokémon Go, even with the game having shifted ownership and this update being made in an inopportune manner... but only I need to know about the latter. With that, overall progress has been inopportune as well with only minor advancements in some ways.

Numbers would certainly tell the tale. Presently, I now have 168 Accepted nominations, just an increase of 2 from last time. Not Accepted nominations decreased by 1 to 66, helped by a couple of Appeal efforts. As well, I've inadvertently created another Duplicate nomination, increasing it to 12 for the first time in some years. I don't have very many "pending" nominations presently, but that may change soon.

Further, I've also managed to narrow down the Accepted nominations that I haven't checked to just 4. The completely absent ones are now just 6 (down by 1) while those that became Power Spots are now 7 (up by 1). I'm sure with time that the former will become resolved, just as I've made the effort to check the Accepted nominations, though in either case, some getting around may still be needed.

The next course of action would certainly be to continue to make more nominations and to scout for places as usual. Yet there is also the imperative to check over older nominations and note which ones can be Appealed. These would be mostly to build up stock for both and keep myself on top... again, perhaps unlike the inopportune manner in which this nomination update was made.

Many installments of these updates on PokéStop nominations have been made, even covering what happens after the nominations have been decided and how they actually manifest within the game. In that sense, both the process and the results are wide-ranging, strangely just like how the game itself has progressed. Continuing the updates thus also seems sensible - even if the current states of affairs may not be so.

One year ago: New Gatherings for Blessings and Success

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/29/2023

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 15

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Regional Event Rollup

Five years ago: Pokémon Go: A Drive to Investigate

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

Seven years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon MonCollé Friends: Pikachu

Eight years ago: Pokémon Mechanical Fan

Real Deal Myst for Pokémon T-Shirt

The last time I made a custom Pokémon shirt was actually a year ago, but it's something special - one that I haven't made particular preparations for exhibiting on this blog. However, since that time, I've made another one that I can and do want to exhibit... although doing so might be construed to "break the mold" in more ways than one. Regardless, one of those ways is that by the title of the design, it clearly involves not only Pokémon but also Myst, another series that I've also indicated my attraction toward; further, it fulfills the "quota" for mentioning that annually on this blog. It still makes for a fascinating discussion.

For the Pokémon part, that is all that can be seen, including the structure - more on this shortly. There is Pikachu on the left as a favorite Pokémon of mine, Entei as a "special guest", lots of Unown in the middle, and Sun and Moon elements in the background, including a very faint silhouette of a Pokémon characteristic to those games. The mood of the design not only evokes the seventh generation games as above but also the third movie, given Entei and Unown. The Myst part lies in the words, the ones formed by the Unown and the actual text below; the former is the most famous quote ("the ending has not yet been written") associated with a central character, while the latter are phrases used in promotional materials for a spinoff. The Myst elements are very few, but they give the Pokémon elements credence - hence the title of the design.

Observant readers will note that the structure of the design resembles that of the shirt for the previous anniversary of my raid group - and that's the intent. I would publicly claim that the design was made in tribute to that anniversary and what happened during it, and that's where I'd draw the line. Still, with the way my raid group is and has been, and in particular much of of the recent happenings with them, I wouldn't rule out certain reactions if this becomes presented to them.

As for the actual T-shirt itself, that was made with the design in front, following the shirt for the group, and the logos of the involved series on the back in a simple arrangement, also following how the group had its logo in the back as well as my previous other designs. The same shirt maker made the shirt, albeit with a slightly different material, and the results came out very well - almost as if it was made along with the group in the first place.

Indeed, for me, Pokémon is the "real deal", but then so is Myst to an extent. Having the latter to provide some perspectives on the former (and then vice versa) at times becomes helpful... and incredibly inspirational for creations, as is the case of this new T-shirt. As stated on the shirt, when "you are you", that makes for a mold-breaking yet realistic opportunity.

One year ago: One Item, Indefinitely?

Two years ago: Rainbow Pokémon Fantasies

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

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

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

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

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

Eight years ago: A Pikachu Wall Hanging

When Two's a Crowd...

There is a topic pertinent to Pokémon affairs that I really do want to discuss, but it's a bit of a sensitive topic, and discussing it directly and blatantly may make my relationships with other Pokémon fans more difficult - if it isn't already is at present. So, after much thinking, I've decided to touch on it very, very indirectly while still providing my considerations. That topic, as suggested by the title of this post, is a situation where having two of a certain something becomes a bit of difficulty despite the utility it brings to the table. And it evidently applies across several Pokémon segments and associated fans.

Being that one of the "pillars" of Pokémon (by my consideration, at least) is friends or friendship, there are naturally some things that can only be done in twos or more. When they're had separately, that's the intended scenario, but when they're had together as one, that may be problematic for those who are involved, whether the possessor or other people in connection. Obviously, the situation is not for everyone - in more ways than one. This would be even more so in a formal setting, where it should be not evident that the situation is in fact the case for the people concerned.

At any rate, there is not much that can be done to prevent a "twos" situation from occurring, and it's pretty much a cat-and-mouse (or Meowth vs. Rattata) game for who might or might not incur or have incurred the "twos" situation. For them, it might be that wisdom is necessary to deal with the situation if it's already apparent, or not to deal with it if that isn't the case. Pokémon conditions keep evolving (ahem) and eventually someone or something would be able to discover the situation of the "twos", and it might make it more difficult for someone to keep it up.

It may be that what I've explained above may be somewhat abstract, but the concrete situation is that it happens if one looks hard enough for it; it may even occur in certain Pokémon realms that one may think it doesn't occur - and yet it does. Whether that may be as clear as day or as obscure as a Gastly in the shadows, some Pokémon affairs will always need "two" or more to deal with, but it may be that only "one" is in control. In that sense, as referred in the title of this post, when two's a crowd... it may just be that one is behind it all, and the "company" that one has in the situation is a neatly crafted illusion.

One year ago: On Pokémon Valuables

Two years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Majestic Force Elite (SA Factions)

Three years ago: The Irreplaceable Difference

Four years ago: Quickies: Finding Pokémon in Trees

Five years ago: Countermeasures for Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Ingress and Out

Seven years ago: Pokémon in Common Terms

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

TCGP: A Battle in Space and Time

So, I might as well make that discussion, as I had indicated. Prior to the addition of the Triumphant Light "mini" expansion as a Themed Booster Pack in TCGP, there was the addition of a semi-major expansion that as noted also and altogether effectively dealt with the Sinnoh region. Pokémon originally from this region, as well as ones already known from elsewhere, are rather recognizable, including the two main "box Legendaries". In fact, it is them who would lend their namesake to this expansion, as it's called "Space-Time Showdown".

The expansion is composed of two sub-expansions, which feature Dialga and Palkia, owing to its name. Both of them also have their own immersive cards, which are likely targets for collection... at least until one possesses them. The rest of the expansion, also as stated for its addition, concern the Sinnoh region, but that doesn't mean all the Pokémon species are of the associated generation (fourth); there are adjacent species, many of which are also in said region, making the expansion rather filled.

Compared to the game's first major expansion of Genetic Apex, there are only about two-thirds as many cards ("common" ones at least), which makes sense as there is one less sub-expansion compared to the former. Yet, the effort to collect all of the "common" cards as well as however many rare cards - including the immersive ones as above - may be similar to the former; even now with the Triumphant Light addition, some will certainly keep going back to Space-Time Showdown for getting certain cards.

With this expansion, Pokémon Tool cards are also introduced. These are also present in the regular, physical TCG and themselves constitute an "expansion" of sorts to cover cards that are attachable to Pokémon in battle - more on this in general will be covered in a separate post. Two of them were introduced with this expansion, and they immediately found usage in various decks by various players, sometimes to the chagrin of others. They may just keep on finding uses, even if (when) new ones are introduced later.

Long after it was introduced to Pokémon fans, the Sinnoh region still piques the interest of many, and this expansion, as well as the "additive" expansion that follows it, is only a further affirmation of that. For the TCGP specifically, it's also expansive in yet other ways and may just help pave the way for later expansions. That's a "space" that has become well-defined, and the battles that will take place in "time" are to be just as enigmatic as the two Legendary Pokémon in control of these realms.

One year ago: For Want of Rotom Devices

Two years ago: Faster Leveling for One-Minute Cooking?

Three years ago: Ready System for Pokémon Go Raids?

Four years ago: Be the Winning Team

Five years ago: Looking for Good News

Six years ago: Nominating PokéStops

Seven years ago: Envisioning More Local VGC Tournaments

Eight years ago: Slowpoke Moments

TCGP: The Triumphant and Divine Light

As mentioned, for the occasion of Pokémon Day this year, TCGP had celebrated in its own way by adding something new. That something new is a Themed Booster Pack, called "Triumphant Light", in the same vein as the one that preceded it, also the first of its kind. It too acts as an add-on to an expansion... which I've actually yet to cover but will likely need to after this. Regardless, it seems just as well to cover this one first.

The "mini" expansion is nevertheless similar in size, although there may be a few more "common" cards (those of the Diamond rarities) compared to the previous. Now, it's a "divine" pack because the pack focuses on the "god" of the Pokémon world, which is none other than the venerable Arceus. As expected, it has an immersive card of its own here, becoming the prime card to collect among other cards in the mix.

In fact, some of those cards - of the Pokémon kind - are directly connected to Arceus itself, as they have Abilities that require the presence of the Pokémon on one's side for them to do certain things, some of which are quite beneficial. Players will still need to figure out how to make them work with the cards for that species as well as other cards to do the things they want and need to do by taking advantage of them.

With the expansion that this one acts as an add-on toward, they are mostly representative of the Sinnoh region, if the presence of Arceus isn't already a clear indication of that. That expansion has other and more unique properties of its own, but again, that needs a separate post to explain. This Arceus expansion is nonetheless the complement to that expansion and more or less makes everything about it more complete.

Considering the expansion's title, there's a certain clarity that the "mini" expansion needed to provide alongside the expansion to which it complements - particularly in the realm of "working and playing well with others" - and the cards that it provides as above seem to do just that. By all means, that's a "divine" way of making things happen, perfectly suitable with the Pokémon that is at the heart of the expansion.

One year ago: Who's on Who's Side?

Two years ago: Pokémon Rites of Passage

Three years ago: Weathering with Politoed

Four years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 9

Five years ago: The Difficulty of Sickness

Six years ago: All I Learned with Pokémon

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

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

Revision Roundup

Every so often, a current Pokémon game - necessarily of the spinoff type - will include a "revision" of some sort to something that I've covered previously, some of which is to my chagrin and others being to others'. It just so happens that three games that I have quite a bit of stake in at present have all recently included something to that effect, so I thought I'd "round up" the revisions and cover them all at once instead of making separate "treatises" for each when the matter becomes majorly pertinent.

The first one comes from Pokémon Unite, where Theia Sky Ruins returned as the map for Ranked matches after a temporary soirée with Remoat Stadium right around the time of the franchise anniversary. The situation thus perfectly described that state of affairs, as it became a perfectly designed throwback. Meanwhile, the latter's (re)incarnation as the "First to 500" play mode is persistent as of yet... but this could be due for a "revision" of some kind in the near future, hopefully for the better rather than otherwise.

Café Remix also has a "revision" to the now-regular event structure. Instead of the same two team and individual point events during a major one, just one of them occurs, and that is followed by a minor points event that extends to the end of the major event, overlapping with a Cook and Collect event for Gholdengo. This has the effect of allowing other older Pokémon featured in past events to come back, which is definitely a good thing for those who missed them or didn't get as much as they could for them.

And then, there is Pokémon Go. The recent Go Tour event had been advertised to include a pose, but this didn't materialize, and the mention was removed. However, fortunate Trainers caught the mention of the missing pose, and ultimately compensation had to be made - though not in the form of a pose. It's a "revision" that's typical of the way things have been done for the game, and in its second life, there may just be other "revisions" that further characterize the (future) happenings of the game.

"Revisions" are common - and part of the norm - for continuously updated games of the present, including some Pokémon ones. Depending on the effects and quality of the aspects involved in the "revisions", as well as the results of the "revisions" themselves, they may be anywhere from pleasantly acceptable to necessarily repetitive, if the above instances illustrate as such. Yet it's hard not to expect at least some "revisions" in current games, and people on both sides of the gaming table need to deal with them wisely.

One year ago: Direct vs. Quiz Selection

Two years ago: Performance Critique: Mezase Pokémon Master feat. Otaku

Three years ago: More Berries for Pokémon Go?

Four years ago: The Future of WhatsApp Pokémon Stickers

Five years ago: Virulent Impacts

Six years ago: From One Path to Another

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

Eight years ago: The Many Forms of Pikachu in Shuffle

On Max Particle Management

The introduction of Dynamax and Gigantamax in Pokémon Go also introduces a new element that is used not only to take part in battles against them but also to enhance the Pokémon involved in these battles. The element, called Max Particles, is something that is primarily collected but can also be paid for in packs. In some sense, these efforts can have the potential to get complicated, which would necessitate their management. Some have offered their take on this, and it seems I can provide my own as well.

For general situations, it may be considered that the maximum number of particles with surplus that may be held at any one time is 1,290. This would mean having 990 particles earned by any means, which is then supplemented by particles earned by walking (300), at which point one can then walk again for another 300 particles in "reserve". Of course, it's not always possible or feasible to get exactly 990 each and every time, but one can get close to that with smart usage and collection, at which point the walking particles can be claimed.

Once this maximum has been obtained, the next obvious course is to keep using the particles, whether to battle at Power Spots or to enhance Pokémon, then repeating the supplementation as above. In fact, in the case that Legendary Pokémon appear in Power Spots, which will always take 800 particles to battle, it becomes an easy matter of battling once, claiming the walking particles, and claiming a little bit more from a Power Spot - assuming that one hasn't battled for the day, allowing two free battles with the least effort, just like keeping a free raid pass.

As for extra particles, it is possible to earn more through certain Research tasks during certain events, and of course opening packs of 800, for those who like (and want) to pay. These will certainly take the total of held particles beyond the "nominal" maximum of 1,000, which means that they need to be used as soon as possible. It is likely, though, that the situation of excess will be for the specific events, and after using the particles right away, the situation becomes a normal one, and the above management strategies apply.

Max Particles serve a similar function to raid passes yet are themselves used for enhancing the Pokémon - not to mention in specific amounts - which makes the element rather unique. Such a unique property may necessitate management tactics that are unique as well, perhaps as unique as the Pokémon that are tied to the usage of the element. Though that might be a bit different from one Trainer to another, including by what I offer above, the process might remain unique nonetheless for those who need a guide.

One year ago: My Essential Orbs in Mystery Dungeon

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies: Changing Faces

Three years ago: Crazy for Pinap Berries

Four years ago: My Favorite WhatsApp Pokémon Stickers

Five years ago: Continue Our Videogame Innate Desires

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

Seven years ago: The "Generals"

Eight years ago: Pokémon Food... For Us

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 3/22/2025

So, the manifestation of the first of those Classic editions I mentioned in commenting on this busy Pokémon Go season takes place today. And it takes place with "the bite that bites" - nothing to do with chili peppers for those who get the reference, but other kinds of bites may be involved, particularly as I and the "community" I'm associated with experienced personally, but most notably of the featured Pokémon for this edition. Of course, as with all Classic editions, it brings back a "bite of the past". 

The keyword is certainly "bite", as it would be what the Pokémon does. The Pokémon that can make such a "bite" would be Totodile, which was last featured in January 2019. As with that previous edition, its ultimate evolution of Feraligatr gets the standard Hydro Cannon move, and the main bonus is quartered Egg hatch distance. Lure Modules are extended like back then, and so are Incense as is standard since a few years ago. Back then, regional scheduling was a thing, but now the edition enjoys local time scheduling.

As well, it enjoys the other modern perks of a paid Special Research set, a background Timed Research set with extra Field Research, photo bombs, showcases, and item bundles galore on the in-game shop and Web Store, not to mention actual community meetups facilitated through (Club) Campfire with their own rewards. Any sting felt by the "bite" from the previous edition could be said to be relieved with this "enhanced rerun", being also a second chance for some to gather resources.

In my previous dealing, the edition coincided with an EX Raid, but now they're no more. Instead, the community meetup is the thing - and was, because it provided the opportunity to make a "social impact", here giving "bites" for other people to eat. Given the strain in my local community relationship and the fact that I (by proxy of Ash) already did it yesterday, I opted not to participate, except of course for the main "meat" of Community Day for Totodile and its associated resources, being important to be gathered.

For the actual meetup, it was in the same place as some previous ones for Community Day, which being mostly indoors was not affected by rain, which did come and could have affected the "bites" thing as above. I personally caught as much as I could to build up resources and didn't worry about evolution, which thanks to the background tasks and extended window for that, could be dealt with over the next few days instead. A guest from abroad also joined the meetup... which could be said to be a pleasant thing, and the only one at that.

Being the crocodile-like species that it is, Totodile can deliver a strong bite, but then so can the perks of Community Day (Classic) - hopefully some pleasant ones in regard of the latter. After all, it would be up to individual Trainers as well as the communities that they gather up in to make sense of all that is (or was) involved. For that, it may take a real "bite" to deal with those aspects, but the results, perhaps like the ultimate evolution of this month's featured species, would be something that can enable one to "bite" through future quirks.

One year ago: Ghost Pokémon... and Being Ghosted Myself

Two years ago: Changing Go Battle League Ranks and Titles?

Three years ago: Respect for Sarah Natochenny

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

Five years ago: Celebi @ Everywhere

Six years ago: At the Same Time

Seven years ago: Shiny Lugia Obsessions

Eight years ago: A Passion for Red

Let's Talk About Social Impact

Me: Well, there are only a few days left in the month (and that "break" that we brought up earlier), so I thought we'd fill it with a "Let's Talk".

Goh: I guess it makes sense. You might not be sending Ash to anything for a bit.

Ash: Well, um...

Goh: Oh, something today? 

Ash: But we can talk about it as we go.

Me: And it also ties into the topic for today - "social impact".

Ash: OK, so... it's like, doing good for others and really making them feel good.

Me: Yeah, more or less.

Goh: I bet you do that all the time with what you do that doesn't involve Pokémon.

Me: I would like to think I do, but I'm not sure to what extent. 

Ash: I'm sure you do! You don't have to think about it.  

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["So do I."] 

Me: I wouldn't doubt that. So, as for relating this to Pokémon...

Ash: Oh, I know! It's like cleaning up Grimer from the sewage, or getting rid of Alolan Rattata.

Goh: That would definitely affect many people in good ways. You must have done them before.

Ash: Yeah! In Kanto and Alola.

Goh: Well, of course. And having been Professor Cerise's research fellows, I think we would have affected many people too with what we did in that time.

Ash: Hey! That's a good way to think about it.

Me: I've seen some of that, and I think I can vouch for them. But then again, sometimes social impact just means going "back to the basics".

Ash: Like, making sure they're not hungry.

Goh: Or cheering them up when they're down.

Ash: They're both important! But also the first one.

Goh: You know, you seem to be never not hungry.

Me: I think that makes two of us. (Although, I do need to cut back every so often...)

Pikachu: Pi pika pika! ["That could be three!"] 

Ash: Haha. Well...

Me: Anyway, Ash has a good point. Which is why I sent you to a familiar place to do something familiar for that purpose.

Goh: Oh, again like last year!

Ash: Yeah! And just like last year, everything went by in a flash.

Goh: I guess a lot of people were hungry too during this break.

Me: Sure. That's also the case with me.

Goh: I'm sure you had a good time with our friend's friends.

Ash: Yeah, but then when I needed to go and do something for our friend, I slipped up... I think you might need some of that "social impact".

Me: Oh, hmm. If only that could be the case. I'll deal with it somehow.

Ash: I also stopped by to meet your card game friends before doing something else for you. I felt a little better after that. 

Goh: Why not. That's a "social impact" in a way. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Sure."] 

Me: So, to sum things up, social impact can come in various ways, with or without Pokémon.

Goh: But you know, you always prefer having that along the way.

Ash: I do too!

Me: Very much so. And if that can come with a host of friends who love you - especially for who you are - then that's all the more reason.

Goh: Given what happened to you recently, that may be for the best.

Ash: But we'll still be here for you!

Goh: That's true.

Me: Now, I think I need to scrounge up a few more things - especially before and as the "break" draws to an end.

Goh: I suppose that will be soon?

Me: Soon.

Ash: And then we can keep on making "social impacts".

Me: That should always be the case, with or without a "break" to go along with them.

One year ago: The Charm of Open-Air Pokémon Markets

Two years ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Ionic Cup

Three years ago: The Route Themes of Journey Beginnings

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Waiting Games

Five years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Toxic Cup

Six years ago: Gender Appeal

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

Eight years ago: GSC Nendoroid Series #425: Red

Monopoly Pokémon Edition, Then and Now

Most everyone knows of the board game Monopoly, which involves moving around a board to build properties and get money to become the "top dog". It is available in many different languages as well as many editions in collaboration with other facets of pop culture... and one of them is certainly Pokémon. In fact, it has been available twice over, once in the past and again more recently. The existence of these collaborative versions becomes something that is unique and certainly deserving of some discussion on this blog.

The first edition was conceived early on as Pokémon started to become popular, so notably there was an influence from the very first region of Kanto; it also aligned with some of the more classical mechanisms, especially regarding valuation. As for the more recent edition, that has influences from the more recent region of Paldea - it even has the starters from there along with Pikachu as tokens - and has more unique mechanisms that revolve around catching Pokémon with Poké Ball and Pokémon icons.

In the past, I had seen the former in a board game shop and was able to browse through one belonging to a friend (but didn't get to play). Meanwhile, the recent new edition has been promoted through the Pokémon online newsletter, along with a bonus game card that expands the gameplay slightly and makes it more interesting. That should also apply to the previous edition, which is worth it to be played even today.

Owning both is certainly a preference of collectors, but owning either one might just affirm one as a fan of either - or both. As for playability, it seems the former might appeal to those who understand and want to practice buying and selling, while the latter might appeal to those who just enjoy Pokémon as it's meant to be - a realm of catching creatures and collecting them, with some battles along the way.

Being popular across many different groups of people, the Monopoly board game is sure to remain in their collective minds. The collaboration with Pokémon, meanwhile, suits the fancy of those who are fans of the franchise and enjoy its gameplay alongside Pokémon... to be tops in money and/or creature collecting.

One year ago: Can-Do with Pachirisu

Two years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Pallet Town Ruby (SA Factions)

Three years ago: ASMR with Pokémon

Four years ago: All I Can Do, with You

Five years ago: Sad Music from Kanto

Six years ago: A Girl and a Fan

Seven years ago: The Place to Be

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

3000 Posts!!!

This post being written has a significance: it becomes the 3000th post I've written on this blog. It comes a few years after I've written my 2000th, and it will always be that way because of the number of posts and the intervening time for all of them. The most significant digit of the number for the current milestone is of course 3, which has strong ties to Pokémon in its manifestations (three Legendary Pokémon in a bunch, three evolutionary stages, three starters or first partners, and so on and so forth). Meanwhile, the number itself is a part of a certain facet of pop culture that also in part encompasses a certain triad, and with that in mind, I thought I'd use (interpret) it as the framework for the occasion of this milestone.

Each of the elements in the triad technically represent "zones", but for the milestone occasion, I thought I'd interpret them as "concerns". The first of these deals with residential affairs, which may have been considered by many of the posts on this blog. These can be interpreted as my entrenched progressions, as well as those of others, in the games as well as how the games continue to entrench themselves for everyone who deals with them, like me. They're really "entrenched" in the sense that they're persistent... and therefore "resident" as well, and that's something I like to present in the posts about the above topic.

Of course, Pokémon now has a lot of things offered for money deeply embedded within many of its things, so there are commercial affairs afoot. In addition to the games - which in a way I'm promoting thanks to my posts about them - there also has been a lot of merchandise, which I've also taken to promote at times. Some are purely aspirational, as in ones that come to my attention and I promote without owning them, but others are genuine, as in ones that I do actually own and/or have gotten and have taken to promote them as such. The affairs might be considered "iffy" for some - even me - but they're still part of the process.

Lastly, there are industrial affairs and their associated concerns. In the case of the posts on my blog, these can be considered to be the various analyses and critiques I've made of matters surrounding official Pokémon goings-on as well as my own creative efforts, the latter of which could be considered as further extensions. The process of putting Pokémon things out - including for this blog and my related creative efforts - is not (and has not been) always an easy one, and it may be helpful to review and check them as they occur. That's definitely a concern along with all the other concerns I've outlined or suggested above.

All the elements above in their original form need to be balanced in some way in their original context, and that would seem to have to apply well for the posts on this blog. After having written 3000 posts, I've explored so much about Pokémon and yet there's much more about it to explore, especially as Pokémon itself continues to develop. What other significances Pokémon will have in the future and I will provide in return for this blog may not be known yet, but to look for them as I deal with and write about Pokémon is the task.

One year ago: Rethinking Pokémon-People Relations

Two years ago: Cosplay: Culture Festival

Three years ago: Pokémon of Overlapping Roles?

Four years ago: The Post Malone P25 Virtual Concert

Five years ago: No Sight, No Mind

Six years ago: Fashion Statements by Pokémon

Seven years ago: PokéTerminology

Eight years ago: Cosplay Hair

Trading Cards in TCGP

Some time ago, TCGP finally added a long-awaited feature, that of trading the cards, which fulfills the namesake of the game. In the physical TCG, this is certainly easily accomplished in various ways, the simplest being to just swap cards with friends regardless of quality or amount. But since TCGP is an electronic implementation, there have to be controls in place for the process, and there are such controls. It is therefore helpful to elucidate those controls as well as the overall process by which the action takes place.

At present, the feature and its associated system works almost like a trade in the Global Trade Station, for those who are familiar with that in the main series games. A player chooses a friend to trade with and then offers a card (essentially, "depositing" it). The friend can then offer a card in return, after which the first player can confirm the offer. When that happens, the two cards are traded and both receive the new cards. Either player may decline the offer after being given, or the initially offering player may terminate the trade request, in which case nothing happens. This method offers controls for the players involved.

Controls also come in the form of restrictions on both cards and execution. Only cards of any Diamond and one Star rarities may be traded for cards of the same rarity, and neither can Promo cards. The cards of three Diamond up to one Star also require certain amounts of Trade Tokens - obtained from in-game events or converting excess cards for the item - to be consumed, with more of them obviously needed for rarer cards. Lastly, each trade consumes a Trade Stamina, recovered in the same way as other stamina gauges, and only one trade offer can be active at a time - so other players cannot offer to ones already offering either.

Now, I say "at present" because the trade feature and system is actually being planned for revamp later this year. Trade Tokens are planned to be phased out and trades using them would use the game's already existing "currency" - more on this in a different post later on. The developers are also looking into how to let other players know about specifically desired cards, something that right now is more of a "guess-and-check" unless the players can communicate by other means, as well as enabling higher rarity and Promo cards to be traded. Obviously, players are looking forward to these and other changes too.

Though in some sense the feature is currently in an imperfect state, the trading feature and system as implemented in that current state is still a good manifestation of the central premise of the TCG, as cards that can be traded as well as played with. Further improvements will need to affirm that as still being the case, and they'll be something that players will look forward to. Now that trading is in the game, there is another way of obtaining the (some of) cards that one wants or needs for their collections or card battles.

One year ago: New Controls in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/18/2023

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

Four years ago: New Pokémon Go Bonus Hour Experiments

Five years ago: On Blogging and Microblogging

Six years ago: Character Songs

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

Eight years ago: Alton : Food :: I : Pokémon

The Legendary Challenge in Pokémon Unite

Ever since the first addition of playable Legendary Pokémon to Pokémon Unite, the Unite (EX) Licenses for them have initially been available for free, as long as players can put in effort in the associated event for that purpose. That associated event is called the "Legendary Challenge", which has a different title for each Pokémon, but the mechanics for the event and its individual editions are essentially the same, as is the effort required for them.

The event revolves around rolling dice to clear spaces on boards to earn coins, which can then be exchanged for the Unite License and/or other items of interest. Each day, one earns a die to roll; if the roll isn't a six, one can roll again for a guaranteed higher value by (progressively) spending coins. If the result of the roll is accepted, the marker on the board moves that many spaces forward, and if the board is cleared, the remaining spaces carry over to the next. At the end of a roll, except on a board clear, one needs to complete one of two missions in order to be able to progress; one of these is an individual task of various objectives, and the other is a team task that simply has someone play as a particular Pokémon. Completing the mission gives 10 coins, while clearing the board gives 100 or 150; the Unite License takes 1000.

Support may be provided in one of three ways. Landing on a highlighted space moves the marker a few spaces forward, which may be an option to (try to) land on rather than rerolling. Extra dice may also be earned from special accompanying events, which in the past were also linked to an active Panic Parade event and points exchange, but in more recent times are just based on daily or other missions. Finally, for those who prefer to pay (and/or need to because of missing some days or to try to get all the items), each board can be automatically cleared by offering 120 Aeos Gems, which are of course paid as a proxy of real money.

Because of the way the event is structured, both casual and hardcore players can deal with the event in their own ways, with Standard, Quick, or Ranked matches in any combination. The important thing is to go through the event, earn the coins, and exchange for the Unite License. Payment is only an extra for the other items, unless one wasn't diligent enough for the daily die and/or didn't make the necessary rerolls. The free aspect regardless should be enough of an incentive for players to go through the event and obtain the Unite License while it still is.

For what it's worth, the Legendary Challenge is a respite from many of the paid elements of Pokémon Unite and gives all players a fair shot at a newly introduced playable Legendary Pokémon. Some effort still needs to go into playing through it, just like most other parts or events of the game, but it's a noble effort for the game's noblest playable Pokémon.

One year ago: Pokémon Plush Dolls of All Kinds of Sizes

Two years ago: Tools for Solving Pokémon Go Problems... and Life Problems?

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

Four years ago: The Sentience of Pokémon

Five years ago: There Are Monsters Outside

Six years ago: "Monkey Trio" Keychain Figures

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

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

Too Many Events for Pokémon Go??

Meanwhile, as Pokémon Go goes (ahem) to Scopely, there are still other present issues faced by the game. One of them is the presence - or rather the extreme multitude - of in-game events, both regular and special, not to mention ones with paid extras or tickets. As such, players or Trainers are seemingly facing the situation that there are just too many things going on, much like what went on last year for Pokémon Unite, though not necessarily at the same time. It's the problem that I mentioned at the start of the current season and it deserves some dealing with by exploration and discussion. 

Prior to the start of the season, the schedule of events for it was revealed, and it appears that the season will be one of, if not the busiest, with five Community Day editions (including two Classic ones), four Raid Days (including a Shadow one), three Max Battle Days (one for each month), and a few other events in between. In fact, it would seem that almost every week there would be a day event of some kind on either Saturday or Sunday (or both), in addition to the periodic events in between or accompanying them. Then, there are certain paid events that have become a hallmark of the game, not mentioned in the schedule but is expected to be understood to occur. By any stretch, that is a lot going on, not to mention to take in.

As for events overlapping one another, that has already happened, with this month's Community Day in the midst of a Max Battle Weekend for the G-Max Kanto starters. Further, another Max Battle Weekend was scheduled for the following weekend - that is, yesterday and today - with today coinciding with a Research Day. Then, in a couple of weeks, there will be a City Safari weekend, and its Sunday will coincide with yet another Research Day, similar to how the PIJ events also had something else going on on the Sunday of their execution. This too becomes a lot to take in as the events go on.

For some people in some places, other Pokémon Go situations may present other problems. One of my PvP fellows, who just happens to be a top contender, had been planning to attend one of the City Safari events - yes, there's more than one - but because regional qualifications would occur (or have occurred) at the same time, the person canceled the plans to go to the event. It too would be (or have been) scheduled at the tail end of the "break", which many people were up in arms about. The reason for the "have" is that since then, the qualifications have been moved well past the "break" period (a rare instance of acknowledgment), but unfortunately, the damage has been done, and it seems City Safari will still be off the table.

It may very well have been that the multitude of events were created as a "money grab" by Niantic (and a "desperate" or "last-chance" one, given the sale), owing to their claims of decreased revenue and the fact that the events can have paid tickets for that purpose. Still, for players or Trainers, it just may have the opposite effect by forcing them to be selective regarding what events they will go through and furthermore pay for their extras, if applicable. Even after the sale, things may not change much with so many events.

Regardless, the reality of having too many events in Pokémon Go seems to be at hand, and it may be one that is difficult to change. It is now up to Trainers to make sense of the situation what and how they will, for the best results and however much they can or are willing to spend on them. Certainly, there's also the looking ahead to the future under Scopely and how that might change some things - perhaps not ones in this season in progress, but in forthcoming ones, to lighten what's "too much" into something that's "just enough".

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/16/2024

Two years ago: Starting and Restarting Pokémon Go

Three years ago: On the Intricacies of the Battle Pass

Four years ago: Localized Legendary Pokémon

Five years ago: Brushing Up on Pokémon Mythology

Six years ago: Cosplay: Neko-Neko

Seven years ago: Our Glory of Love

Eight years ago: Multilingual Pokémon

From Niantic to Scopely

Back to the hard stuff now after the soft stuff over the past few days. I had wanted to save the discussion of this for a couple days later, but seeing that it's relevantly important and has urgently presented itself, I thought I'd discuss it now. So, near the end of last month, I reported that Pokémon Go along other games might be sold to another company as a result of the selling of Niantic's games unit... and that "might be" has become "has been", with the deal finalized and situation announced. The importance and urgency thus becomes evident.

The new suitor for the games is a company called Scopely, a company known for developing other mobile games, particularly one that concerns a certain buying and selling board game, of which one (non-electronic) edition is tied to Pokémon and may deserve a separate discussion. The games unit joins the other units of the company, though by reports it will still work and play well with Niantic while having the possibility to cross over into other affairs. It seems like a simple state of affairs, but the details may just make things complicated.

According to the announcement letter on the news section of the Pokémon Go web site, Ed Wu as the game's team leader states that Scopely is fascinated by what has happened thus far with Pokémon Go, the team will still be in it for its development, and support can be provided through Scopely. In essence, the method to the madness will still be as it has been from individuals to communities, although some changes might still be along the way since the game is pretty much still a "work in progress", something admitted outright in the letter.

Even so, by the experience of other people, specifically those who have played other games by Scopely, those games tend to be heavy-handed in the aspects of promotion and monetization. It would then make sense that they'd have concerns that the situation would bleed into Pokémon Go and detract from the game experience all players or Trainers recognize. Whether the premises in the announcement letter will remain fulfilled or not, that may be anyone's guess and becomes something to "wait and see" under the new "wings" for the game.

I personally have my own concerns as well. The last time a company making games that I like was sold to (technically, bought out by) another one, the results were pretty much as described above, becoming an actual manifestation of those concerns of other people. Still, Pokémon Go isn't like those other games since the fundamental elements of the game belong to The Pokémon Company, so there is the hope that TPC can step in to mediate matters if a major conflict manifests, even though this too is not really a guarantee, then and now.

Scopely is regardless now the bearer of a world-famous game, for a subset of legions of fans for a particularly well-known franchise. The challenge for (the dev team under) Scopely now will be to pick up where they left off at Niantic - yes, there is much about that to come in the short and long term - and deal with familiar and new problems and challenges that are (and have been) such a hallmark of the game. If a core idea of Pokémon is becoming the very best, then Scopely may have to be prepared to adopt that idea for this game and beyond. 

One year ago: Loot (or Not) from Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Bali

Two years ago: Quickies: Flying With Lugia, On Demand

Three years ago: Investing in a Battle Pass?

Four years ago: A Year of Living Dangerously

Five years ago: Cosplay: IAM COSPLAYCON

Six years ago: The Pokémon Search Bar in Pokémon Go

Seven years ago: Ash and Pikachu, DJF 2018 Style

Eight years ago: A Psyduck Headache

100 Years, 1 Million Memories

15, there's still time for you

Time to buy, Time to lose yourself

Within a morning star

15, I'm all right with you

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

-- "100 Years", Five for Fighting

The final song in my "Rocking for Pokémon" series of posts is one that is contemplative - or should be as such - to fans of Pokémon, this music (sub-)genre, or both. It too is a somewhat old song, though not as old as the one from two days ago, and could be considered to cross over with other genres as well. It's still a rock song in some ways, so it's something to consider, particularly for the messages that it contains and in this case, perceived relations to Pokémon.

Overall, the song is a "chronicle" of one's journey in life, as it mentions a number of certain ages, including the one that makes up the title of the song. The next most significant one would be 15, extensively mentioned in the choruses of the song (of which the second one is quoted above). For each mentioned age, there is an important recollected happening - a memory, which is why the title of this post is the way it is, also a rib on a certain anniversary that I now unfortunately have some regrets of.

As for relating this song to Pokémon, 15 would be the age (approximately) that a lot of Pokémon things became formative for me, and perhaps for many fans that I also know. At 22, another mentioned age, my Pokémon life wasn't quite "on fire" - or even like the song - but it was enough for Pokémon. At 33, I was already mid-way into this Pokémon blog and at some highs and lows. The rest of the mentioned ages haven't happened yet, but surely they'll have something to relate with Pokémon when I come to them. It remains to be seen how much of the 100-year "pie" I can go through - rightfully, since today is Pi Day.

In some sense, the feel (and personal interpretation) of this song is similar to another song by a different artist that I put up early on this blog as I was getting started with it. The age mostly dealt in the song here, though, is six years earlier than the previous years, but the frequent mention of it almost makes it seem like one could always remain at that age even as the journey of life goes on. It's a bit of an ideal even for the song itself, but it's something to contemplate, as is true of the rest of the song.

With that, the "Rocking for Pokémon" series of posts is complete, spanning rock songs from various times and the just-as-varied impressions I have of them along with Pokémon. It's quite clear that songs of various genres have always helped me get a feel of Pokémon (or explain that), and I hope other fans can find the same feel. Certainly, there will be more songs that I will put up here for that purpose, but for now, as mentioned in another part of the song...

You're on your way, every day's a new day...

One year ago: Cook and Collect in Café Remix

Two years ago: Serving up Paldea with a Twist

Three years ago: To Share and To Care

Four years ago: Berry Cuisine

Five years ago: Pokémon Anime Song Remixes?

Six years ago: Profits on the Side

Seven years ago: It's Pi Day!

Eight years ago: Pokémon and Puzzle Games

The Lightning and the Thunder

Just a young gun with a quick fuse

I was uptight, wanna let loose

I was dreaming of bigger things and

Wanna leave my own life behind

Not a "Yes, sir," not a follower

Fit the box, fit the mold, have a seat

In the foyer, take a number

I was lightning before the thunder

...

Thunder, feel the thunder

Lightning, then the thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder

Lightning, then the thunder, thunder, thunder

Thunder...

-- "Thunder", Imagine Dragons

The fourth song in my "Rocking for Pokémon" series of discussions can be said to be not only sentimentally appropriate, but also whimsically appropriate - and one can see why (soon to be explained). Some time ago, I discussed another song from this band, and that song happened to be the single released prior to this one; both songs regardless cement the band's legacy in music. Meanwhile, the song itself is also a "cementing" in some sense, including for its (my) interpretation with Pokémon, and that's what I also come to discuss.

For the song itself, it tells of a free soul not bound by convention and present condition, who then transforms into someone greater and changes that status quo (thus, becoming the "thunder" after the "lightning"). According to certain interpretations, the song might also define the rise of the very band that sings this song, even if the band itself has also acquired the "controversy" label due to their unique musical approach. Still, it is what it is, and the song calls out to those who make lightning strike and thunder heard.

All this talk about "lightning" and "thunder" certainly brings to mind the forefront Pokémon with these elements - Pikachu, of course. And the one that belongs to Ash can be considered to have a life story (the prologue, at least) that mirrors the ideas and themes invoked in the song, particularly the verses like the first one mentioned above. The choruses (also mentioned) are simply an "echo" of the "thunder" idea, but still make sense as well.

Come to think of it, Ash's overall journey throughout the anime was kind of a mold-breaking one in itself, also paralleling the same ideas and themes. In this way, the song also very much applies to him as it does to his most loyal partner. Given how it started in the beginnings and what was achieved after that, the "lightning" really did manifest early on and it took some time for the "thunder" to be heard, as is true of the weather phenomenon.

Even after this song has achieved its big-time hit (and so did the band effectively), there's still a story to be gained from it, and one that is perfectly applicable to Ash and Pikachu after their departure from the Pokémon anime. With that, fans may find reasons to let lightning strike and thunder be heard for whatever initiatives they can muster.

One year ago: Let's Talk About A Break for the Light

Two years ago: Here Comes a Factions Cycle

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

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

Five years ago: The First Hoenn Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Six years ago: The Poké Ball Classics Merchandise Line

Seven years ago: Yes, Even More Pokémon Stickers

Eight years ago: Every Day We're Shufflin

To Hold Hands and Love

(Hold my hand)

Want you to hold my hand

(Hold my hand)

I'll take you to a place where you can be

(Hold my hand)

Anything you wanna be because

I wanna love you the best that,

The best that I can...

-- "Hold My Hand", Hootie and the Blowfish

Continuing the "Rocking for Pokémon" series, after a bit of a somber song, it seems wise to follow it up with a more uplifting one. It also happens to be the oldest song out of all the songs I've discussed or about to discuss, and its release even predates Pokémon by a few years. In making the discussion, therefore, I'm in a way bringing it back to "contemporary awareness" while of course relating it to the Pokémon experiences of me as well as others.

Essentially, the song is about someone offering compassion and cooperation to another party, most likely someone who is not feeling that great. That could be in the form of love (as stated in the chorus above) or perhaps, at the most basic level, a relation of friendship. The outreach is certainly symbolized with hands as well as movement to where both parties can become what they can or need to be, even if the results may not be as spectacularly as expected.

The further relation of this to Pokémon and in particular my experiences with it does implicate the relationships of people and Pokémon with one another and across the two. As they link hands, they can bring each other to better places where they can be all they can be; that may or may not involve love, but at least it could for some lucky souls. It may just be something that current Pokémon fans may need to be reminded of, including me and others close to me.

It so happens that the song is spiritually connected (and similar) to another song I discussed many years ago, though of a different genre. The timeframe of reference is also similar, though this one is admittedly a bit early in comparison. Still, it affirms that the message is universal regardless of how it's conveyed, and that's a wonderful thing, as is the message itself. 

Being able to hold hands with another is arguably a basic human emotion, which extends to sentient beings like Pokémon, as is demonstrated in all media forms related to the franchise. It doesn't take a retro song like the above - which it is now - to remind contemporaries of the message, but it does help somewhat, and so does the consideration of fitting in Pokémon.

One year ago: What Lurks in the Pokémon Night

Two years ago: Cosplay: Unity, The Story of Us

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

Four years ago: Making the Case for Open-World

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

Six years ago: Beta Testing

Seven years ago: Taking the Go Train

Eight years ago: Worldly Inspirations for a Small World

Here on My Mind, Here in My Dreams

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you, baby

And I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still with me in my dreams

And tonight

It's only you and me...

-- "Here Without You", 3 Doors Down

Next on the "Rocking for Pokémon" agenda is a song that is just as mellow as the previous one yet somewhat more sentimental. Among fans of this genre (in particular the sub-genre) of music, this might be a favorite of them, and I've become attracted to it as well, in particular thanks to something outside of Pokémon. With that, I thought I'd reapply Pokémon to the song and discuss related impressions from it - and there is a particular one, which is to be explained shortly. In that way, the song definitely leaves a mark.

The song itself is one of longing, certainly, if its title hasn't already made that clear. It  tells of someone being separated from someone else, whether by time, place, distance, or way of living. Despite this fact, both of them can still be together, even if only within the realm of thoughts and imaginations. For people who are heartbroken, lonely, or otherwise just torn asunder, this song may be considered to speak volumes - and now I'm speaking quite a bit about it, including relating it to Pokémon.

For that, some fans even now might still be longing for Ash, even after it's clear that he's now absent in the Pokémon anime (for more than 100 days now - a span of time that is mentioned in the song above) and any chance of him returning is slim. Clearly, the sentiments of the song very much apply in this case, for those who feel the longing. To them, though, it may be that as hard as this is to take, the fact that Ash has and had been the face of the anime can't be taken away, and that fits with the lyrics in the bridge (not mentioned here).

Some songs from this (sub-)genre have a way of evoking deep sentiments, and the song mentioned above definitely does that in some respects, including one related to Pokémon. If the core message of the song is that a person is never really separate from another, significant person - or maybe even thing - then it seems the best course after all is just to keep on living until they can be together. That seems to be even more appropriately applicable for Pokémon, whose things might only just reside in someone's mind and dreams, as the song suggests.

One year ago: To Be a Jumpluff

Two years ago: Postcards in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: On the "Grass Divas"

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

Five years ago: The Wonders of the PokéRap and Beyond

Six years ago: Quantity and Quality

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest 2018

Eight years ago: Have You Seen My Childhood?

You, Me, and All People (and Pokémon)

'Cause it's you and me

And all of the people

With nothing to do

Nothing to lose

And it's you and me

And all of the people

And I don't know why

I can't keep my eyes off of you...

-- "You and Me", Lifehouse

All right, I'm in the mood to catch up a little on the "break" and other Pokémon affairs, so I want to deliver my impressions on Pokémon for a bit, instead of discussing hard things related to the games and so on. For that purpose, I have a series of posts lined up under the title of "Rocking for Pokémon" because they all involve songs that are of the rock music genre (in a sense) and the impressions I get from them about Pokémon. And that starts with the song above, a mellow number from a neat band.

The song, obviously, regards someone's feelings for someone significant; more specifically, it's about the fascination that the person has. That fascination can be considered to make the person almost go mindless and lose track of other things, yet that also affirms that the significant someone is important for that person regardless. This latter message would be particularly reflected in the chorus, which happens to be the part quoted above. In all, it's a good love song as well for anyone feeling it.

For my Pokémon impressions, significances of people-Pokémon relationships (the former as Trainers, keepers, or whoever they are) become particularly important - in addition to people-people relationships as suggested above - given the song's messages. The people don't have to be mindless about it, although some can and might become as such... including me, it seems, for which many of the posts on this blog from recent times might be seen as a testament to that feeling with Pokémon in tow.

I still have much to catch up on, but there will always be music - in this case, rock music in particular - and there will always be Pokémon to accompany me throughout all of that. Hence, the series of posts somewhat makes sense to be done now as I catch up to things and things catch up to me. As the first song in the "Rocking for Pokémon" series, the song above offers a mellow start while I gather up my thoughts for the forthcoming posts, and of course, for my catching-up efforts for Pokémon and all.

One year ago: The "Reject" Terms

Two years ago: Zacian, the Sword-Wielding "Menace"

Three years ago: "Plus Moves" in Pokémon Games

Four years ago: Thundering into the Vortex

Five years ago: A Taste of the Poison Paradise

Six years ago: Everybody, Polkamon

Seven years ago: Action or Strategy?

Eight years ago: Thank Heaven for Little Boys