Five Years of Café (Re)Mix

This is one Pokémon game anniversary I haven't discussed 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.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Not Becoming Ourselves

Two years ago: Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 1

Three years ago: 2000 Posts!!!

Four years ago: Cosplay: YASUMI 2 - Sunday Holiday

Five years ago: Lifestyle Gaming

Six years ago: Cosplay: ENNICHISAI 2019 + CLAS:H/ICGP Nationals

Seven years ago: Gym Rework, One Year Later

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Gym Rework

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.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 6/22/2024

Two years ago: The Eternal Pokémon Fanfare

Three years ago: The Catch 'Em Battle Arena

Four years ago: All for a "Pokémon (Pikachu) Meal"

Five years ago: Dub Absence, Again

Six years ago: Tournament+Cosplay: Club 40 Indonesia Tournament

Seven years ago: Food Chain Axioms

Eight years ago: Technology, Good and Evil

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.

One year ago: My Pokémon Leveling Progress in Café Remix

Two years ago: So You Think You Can (_____) with Pokémon

Three years ago: The Fossil Cup of GBL

Four years ago: Community Day Patterns

Five years ago: Another Anime Dream

Six years ago: Cosplay Card, Fourth Version

Seven years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Complications), 6/21/2018

Eight years ago: Resets and Redos

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.

One year ago: Driving and Loving with Pokémon

Two years ago: Possible Silph Successors?

Three years ago: I Love You, As Long As You Are

Four years ago: Trainer Rank in Pokémon Shuffle

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/20/2020

Six years ago: Thematic Battles

Seven years ago: Losing Touch and Keeping in Touch

Eight years ago: Pokémon Exclusivity

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.

One year ago: Saving (Preserving) Pokémon Locations

Two years ago: The Flurry of Unite Team Creation

Three years ago: Say You Love Me (Not)

Four years ago: Earthing with Pokémon

Five years ago: Taking Pictures of Pokémon

Six years ago: LINE Pokémon Emoji

Seven years ago: The Super Incubator

Eight years ago: The Badge Arcade Hit Its Limits

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. 

One year ago: Community Day Classic Prospects

Two years ago: Beachside with Pokémon

Three years ago: Cosplay: Mini Futsal Gathering & Cup 2022

Four years ago: Pokémon Words from the Coach

Five years ago: Pokémon (PKMN) Presents, 6/17/2020

Six years ago: On Copyrights

Seven years ago: Boxes of Go-Goodies

Eight years ago: There Is Only One Ball

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

Four years ago: The Mystique of the Slowpoke Well

Five years ago: Good Storage Limit Counts

Six years ago: I'm a "General"!

Seven years ago: Viewpoints and Preferences

Eight years ago: Hounds and Hyenas, Canines of the Dark

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.

One year ago: Cosplay: Gold Generation

Two years ago: Possibility of Bottle Caps in Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Voice Acting, for Me and...

Four years ago: Personal Social Media Experiments with Pokémon

Five years ago: Go with the Flow

Six years ago: The State of Officialness

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/16/2018

Eight years ago: Limited Editions

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

Two years ago: Recent Visual Improvements in Pokémon Unite

Three years ago: For Discerning Kids and Adults Alike

Four years ago: Subspace Emissary Buddies Poster

Five years ago: Names, Markets, and Issues

Six years ago: Code Affairs

Seven years ago: Number One for...

Eight years ago: 15th Feature Film Mini-Figures

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.

One year ago: The Unnerving Feeling and Pokémon

Two years ago: Gimmicks in Café Remix

Three years ago: Sending Champs to Be Champs

Four years ago: Remembering Missing PokéStops and Gyms

Five years ago: Pokémon Conventions?

Six years ago: Integration Prospects

Seven years ago: More Pokémon Paper Things

Eight years ago: Poké-Crafts Made out of Paper

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.

One year ago: Time to Get Back into the Cards?

Two years ago: Keeping the Memory of Silph Arena (Factions)

Three years ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Merchandise

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Pursuing Our True Selves

Five years ago: There's a Time and Place

Six years ago: Chaos and Darkness

Seven years ago: Singular vs. Multiple Focus Legendaries

Eight years ago: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

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.

One year ago: Quickies: Smells Like Pokémon

Two years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Icy Wind (SA Factions)

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

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.

One year ago: Signs of a Good Day (and Morrow)

Two years ago: Cosplay: "It's My Town" Competition

Three years ago: Finding Reasons to Sing and Connect

Four years ago: Justification for Writing My Blog

Five years ago: Low-Bit Fantasies with Pokémon

Six years ago: Field Research Task Reporting

Seven years ago: The Myth of Shiny Pokémon

Eight years ago: On Skateboards and Pokémon

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.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/9/2024

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/10/2023

Three years ago: Bots in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: Arena Factions, Assemble

Five years ago: The Persistence of Pokémon Spotlight Hours

Six years ago: To Hold or Not to Hold?

Seven years ago: Variegated Pokédexes

Eight years ago: Pokémon and Sports

Going through the 00s

I'm fond of numbers and things one can do with them in addition to Pokémon. I've even made a few numerology-style posts on Pokémon species by their National Dex numbers according to certain patterns and then analyzing the species for even further patterns - at least, my take on them. So, I thought I'd make a few more of these kinds of posts for a bit and put my analytical thinking to a test. For a start, I'd like to consider the species that all have Dex numbers ending in two zeros - natural milestones for things with hundreds of members, of which Pokémon species are a sort.

For these, the relevant Pokémon would certainly be Voltorb (#100), Misdreavus (#200), Skitty (#300), Bibarel (#400), Emboar (#500), Klang (#600), Sylveon (#700), Necrozma (#800), Kleavor (#900), and Gholdengo (#1000). As over 1000 species across nine generations are now known, it becomes feasible to collect all these and have a "motley crew" of sorts, something that wouldn't have been possible even many, many years ago. It also makes other numerical species collections possible... but I'm getting ahead of myself. Right now, the ones above are the pertinent ones.

So, among these species are some cutesy ones (Skitty and Sylveon), some powerful ones (Emboar, Necrozma and Gholdengo), some that are popular in specific ways (Voltorb and Bibarel), and others that are emblematic of how Pokémon can take various facets and make them emblems in species form. Altogether, this selection makes for a fascinating group of species that are representative of Pokémon as a whole, even if their only commonality is the characteristic of their Dex numbers.

All Pokémon are unique in their own ways (including in their National Dex number and precluding the possible regional forms some of them may have), and they also uniquely identify themselves as the eponymous species that they are. That said, identifying some of them purely by their National Dex numbers and seeing what comes out of that is always a fun task, particularly for a Pokémon fan who is also somewhat of a fan of number manipulations and making that work for Pokémon and beyond.

One year ago: Cosplay: Akazora Fest 2024

Two years ago: The Eevee Festival in Pokémon Unite

Three years ago: For Elemental and Pokémon Periodicity

Four years ago: Birdkeepers, the Real and the Imagined

Five years ago: Pokémon Hanafuda

Six years ago: Limited Research Methodology

Seven years ago: The Spirit of Giving

Eight years ago: A Faraway Tournament and a Charitable Spirit

Cosplay: Akiba Fest 2025

Me: All right, something not too different but not too same today. 

Ash: Sounds like a festival! 

Goh: Well, it has "fest" in the name, so you bet it's one.

Ash: So what's different - or the same?

Me: Well, the place is familiar, for starters. 

Ash: Oh, it's the plaza!

Goh: OK, that's one same element about it.

Ash: And... it's a lot like the previous festival there that you sent me to. 

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["It's a festival."]

Goh: Mind if I see the schedule? Oh... It looks lively with all of these acts. 

Ash: Most of them were dance groups, but there were three bands.

Me: Oh, those had to be a hoot!

Ash: For me (us), it was.

Goh: Well, I guess can tell what you two like.

Me: Yeah, I'm the vocal sort. So I pass that on to Ash.

Ash: I think that's great. I like doing it for you.

Me: Of course. Now let's see if I can get you to sing in a competition soon...

Goh: Speaking of which, what about one(s) for characters in this one?

Me: Well, for this one, I'm told everyone who sent in a character is already in a competition. It's, um... "characters on the street".

Goh: Oh, so it's a no-brainer for Ash. 

Ash: Yup! All I have to do is be there. 

Pikachu: Pika! ["Easy!"]

Goh: But if so many characters are there, how are they going to pick winners?

Ash: I was told that there would be "secret judges" - but I never got to meet any of them...

Goh: ...and they never came up to you. So you didn't win.

Ash: No. I wasn't called at the awarding.

Goh: Stuff happens.

Ash: You bet. It even sprinkled near the end of the festival and they had to delay a few acts. The stage was in the open, you see. 

Me: That always makes things hard. But you got back... almost unscathed. 

Ash: A friend of yours helped me out, luckily. 

Goh: Hey, that's one good thing that comes of our friend always sending you to places.

Me: Certainly. It's so vital - even more than competitions, entertainment, goodies, food, and whatnot.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["That's very nice."]

Ash: Even if they can be wild at times.

Me: Tell me about it. Also, before we leave off, I noticed that this festival is organized by the same people with one back in January.

Goh: Oh! I think some of today makes sense now.

Me: Indeed. That seems to explain the sameness and differences. 

Goh: But then, some things have to be the same at the very least.

Ash: I don't mind - as long as Pokémon is there, for me and our friend.

Me: Count on it, when it's being put in a discussion. 

One year ago: My Pokémon Communities on WhatsApp

Two years ago: The Scramble for King of the Hill

Three years ago: Classes and Classification of Pokémon

Four years ago: Battle Box for Pokémon Go?

Five years ago: Game Freak with Mario on the Side

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/8/2019

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/8/2018

Eight years ago: Poor Zygarde

Ties or Draws in Pokémon Games

Many Pokémon games will surely (and demand to) have battles that result in a victory for one side and defeat for the other. However, in some cases (and rare ones at that), a tie or draw might just be possible, not exactly favoring either side as a result. While being infrequent, the possibility of a tied or drawn result becomes a fascinating one for the Pokémon games in question and demand at least a little bit of exploration for how, where, and when it might occur and what happens afterwards.

In the main series games, a tie would have to involve both sides coming down to their very last Pokémon and both of these getting knocked out near-simultaneously, usually the defender getting hit by a move and the attacker affected by a move/battle effect or status condition. Meanwhile, in Pokémon Go, sometimes a PvP battle will come down to the same state and there's a chance that both Pokémon will use their Fast moves simultaneously for the final hit, in which case both are knocked out and the tie occurs (a check of the Journal will affirm this). Given the non-resolution of a tie, in a tournament, it is likely that another battle (in both cases) will be required to resolve things, whereas the latter's case occurring in the GBL will just be treated as is but with less ill effects when ratings are concerned.

As for the realm of the TCG, since most matches will resolve in someone taking their last prize card to take the win, the situation often precludes one from occurring. Some physical tournaments, however, particularly those with absolute set time limits per round, might be more apt to award a "double loss" - not exactly a tie or draw, but close enough - for matches between players that just seem to drag on and on. In the TCGP sub-realm, meanwhile, the same setup as above in the main series games can occur, resulting in both players earning a point on the same turn and thus a tie, which will be indicated outright on the screen. It's still pretty rare by any means but not impossible.

Then, there's Pokémon Unite. Here, a tie or draw is practically guaranteed not to happen, because even if both teams achieve the same score in a match, it will always resolve to a win and loss, with the win condition (in other words, "tiebreaker") being which team got to that score first. Certainly, the new "First to 500" play mode introduced somewhat recently makes it clear that a team is surely going to win or lose, the latter if the other team achieves the objective instead, and the former if the team achieves the objective as intended. This kind of assurance of the outcome of a match may be the thing that helps keep them going.

Battles in the Pokémon games have all sorts of dynamics associated with them that helps them to arrive at decisive resolutions of wins and losses, but a few might still lead to the indecisive one that is a tie or draw. At that point, it might be up to the players, officials, or the games themselves to make a resolution through certain means and keep the results as decisive as they should be without the tie or draw occurring.

One year ago: LINE App in a "Downturn"?

Two years ago: Silph Arena Factions S2 Postseason Metas

Three years ago: NADWPKMN - The Video Series: Episode #3 - The Games I Play

Four years ago: Mastering Balls of Hands and Feet

Five years ago: It's a-Mario Time

Six years ago: Going Big in Galar

Seven years ago: Pokémon Archetypes

Eight years ago: New Paradigms

The Light and Shade of the Moon Islands

According to the lore, two islands are associated with two Pokémon species on the tail end of the Pokédex for those of the fourth generation. The islands have "moon" in their names, and they evoke the all-too-familiar duality of "light" and "shade" (or "shadow") that is part of the struggle of daily life. Despite the circumstance, the struggle is lively, which also applies to the Pokémon that are involved; this then becomes something to explore.

One of the islands is called "Newmoon Island", and the Pokémon associated with the island is as dark as the face of the sky object in this state. That Pokémon would be Darkrai, and of the two, it's a Mythical Pokémon, which is slightly strange but expected due to its abilities and powers of bringing in the darkness - as any experienced Trainer can attest. With that kind of strength, only full-on darkness is to be expected.

The other island is accordingly and expectedly called "Fullmoon Island", and this one obviously brings brightness and clarity. That happens through its Pokémon, Cresselia, so named for the crescent moon, which is not as bright as the full moon, but it still works for the Pokémon through its lunate appearance and light appearance. It's also a Legendary Pokémon, and that makes its brightness and clarity-bringing powers sensible.

Both of the Pokémon above have had their struggle episodes with each other. Most recently, that occurred in the TCGP through a Themed Collection named for the two places above, with the objective of collecting the cards for both Pokémon. In the past, it also had occurred in Mystery Dungeon in the Explorers series through a pursuit story involving the latter going after the former. And then there were others - but those are for another "moon".

With the way that these Pokémon are, including the islands associated with them, they present a dynamic that is substantiated not only in familiarity but also in the constant nature of the transfer between the two. For as long as the moon hangs over the heads of all people and Pokémon, there will certainly be the matters of light and shade to contend with, and those are something that the two Pokémon only aim to provide, even on their islands.

One year ago: A Pokémon Performance Dream

Two years ago: Notes on Development Notes

Three years ago: Prankster Possibilities

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/6/2021

Five years ago: Repetition for Reputation

Six years ago: Be with You, Always with You

Seven years ago: (The Least) Local Ex-Raid, 6/6/2018

Eight years ago: Pokémon Direct, 6/6/2017

Quickies: Weather Institute Interests

Aside from the introduction of a vibrant region along with the Pokémon species that originally hail from the region, something else the Hoenn region is known for (and perhaps an easily forgettable one) is the Weather Institute. The institution is designated for the study of the weather, which explains why both Team Aqua and Team Magma wanted to control it for their respective interests. These interests aside, the institution would certainly have vested interests of its own, at least with consideration of its real-world analogues.

Some of those interests might just be related to the ocean and sky, which are definitely evocative of their Legendary Pokémon denizens, as Kyogre and Rayquaza. The former also further explains the targeting by Team Aqua for the interests of control of that Pokémon and its respective environment. Meanwhile, the institution will likely work with sky factors and therefore Rayquaza (albeit indirectly) with the simple interests of ascertaining the workings of that environment - with the resulting work for both environments being the weather.

For the "earthly" aspect involving Groudon, the institution might have a more hands-off role and a little less to do with "aerial weather", but that might be exactly what Team Magma was looking for when they went in for the institution. Still, making sense of ways to increase the sun's output and having Groudon and the "underground weather" jive with that would be a priority interest, where the latter might be a more realistic concern, at least for the institutions that actually do deal with just that. 

It's not hard to see that the dwellers of the land, sea, and sky as mentioned above are in some ways affected by the weather, and Hoenn's Weather Institute becomes an easy target for those with the interests to summon and deal with these beasts. More realistically (and practically), the Weather Institute might have more common interests for all, as indicated by the above in light of what the real-world versions do. That may just be the thing to not be forgotten, even if the Institute faces this predicament more easily.

One year ago: Flying Pokémon Flags High

Two years ago: Come to Me, Hidden Gems

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022 (Global), Day 2

Four years ago: Venture Past Cliffs and Old Paths

Five years ago: The Pokémon Battlefields

Six years ago: Holding Hands

Seven years ago: Raid Preferences

Eight years ago: Sympathy for Villains

Pokémon Spin on Art

Some people are artistically oriented; they have what it is to appreciate art and may be able to make some of their own. The same would be true for people in the Pokémon world, who may have the same orientation - and can even be part of their own kind of art. For that, it seems that it may not be hard to think of how the latter can be realized, with respect to certain pieces that might just be realized with a little bit of Pokémon elements incorporated.

For example, Drowzee carries a metal charm tag that it uses to hypnotize people and Pokémon alike. Such a charm tag may very well have the possibility of being over- or under-sized, or even becoming bent or deformed (especially with frequent use). All these used and/or out of shape charm tags may find themselves on a field, whether hanging in the air or laying on the ground; then, there would be Durant crawling in some places, wondering if they can make use of these charm tags. It's somewhat "out there" and impressionist, yet seems plausible.

The eighth generation has Applin - with its family - and Mr. Rime, two very unique Pokémon to be present in modern times. They might appear together or even individually by themselves in a certain scene, and they might do so while floating or even falling from the sky. Even the cane of Mr. Rime is unique by itself, and if it does appear on its own, it might lead some people to construe that it may or may not be what it appears to be, also a unique situation. It seems that in all of these cases, there may be more than meets the eye about these species.

In the Hoenn region, Slateport City has a beach that is known to be popular with people (in particular, Trainers) of all ages. It can be construed that the beach would be popular on an afternoon, and especially on a Sunday at that, the last day of the week in many circumstances. Such a scene could make for an interesting sight, even with beach umbrellas replacing trees - which there aren't any to begin with on the beach - and the dynamics of the people and Pokémon that are present on the beach would be the highlight.

Art is a wonderful thing, especially if people can develop appreciation and/or skills to create pieces for it. For fans of Pokémon, this could also be the opportunity to integrate the elements of the world into the created pieces - in particular the ones that have been suggested or alluded to as in the above. It may take a certain penchant to create the art pieces, and it seems even more so for being able to marry them with Pokémon to create a unique spin.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2024: Chasing Brightness and Darkness

Two years ago: Cosplay: ChibiCon 2023

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022 (Global), Day 1

Four years ago: Quickies: Getting Acculturated with Pokémon

Five years ago: Legendaries and "Pseudo-Legendaries"

Six years ago: A Noble Mission

Seven years ago: Keeping It Free... or Augmenting It

Eight years ago: Ball Redesign?

TCGP: A Crisis of Extradimensional Proportions

As is true of the physical TCG, the greatest crisis that one can face in TCGP is likely in a battle against someone else, whose deck may or may not stack up to the competitor. Most recently, though, the game has added a new "crisis" - in a figurative sense - with the entry of some otherworldly and cryptid-like beings that are known by a "super" characteristic. Thus interred, there is the new Themed Booster Pack called "Extradimensional Crisis".

The beings in question are of course Ultra Beasts, and they make their entry in this minor expansion. Specifically, they are also marked on the upper-right corner with the label, just in case the uninitiated needs a way to tell them apart from other Pokémon, particularly Legendary and Mythical ones. More practically, however, some Trainer cards in the same expansion tie into these Pokémon, and this helps to relate them in that regard.

Meanwhile, the expansion also contains a number of other Pokémon from the region of concern - Alola, as with the earlier Celestial Guardians expansion - as well as a few supporting Pokémon from other generations, some of which are Shiny. By and large, however, the Ultra Beasts are still front and center for what the expansion has to offer, and they'll be the ones players are seeking the cards of - especially the full art ones.

Being a minor expansion, there aren't many numbered cards to deal with; there are only 69 cards in all, similar to the very first Themed Booster Pack. It's the overnumbered cards that, as with most other expansions (both major and minor), add bulk to the expansion and reiterate the above point that most players will be looking for cards in this section. Still, getting at least some of the other cards is needed for good play.

Even the world of TCGP needs a bit of a shakeup every now and then, and the latest form of that is the entry of extradimensional creatures into the game, wreaking (at least) a little bit of havoc on decks and battle dynamics. That may or may not be considered a crisis in a unique form, but having the Ultra Beasts in a specially designated Themed Booster Pack is unique enough for players to "resolve the crisis".

One year ago: You and Me, In Our Life Struggle

Two years ago: Rising Troubles, Falling Embers

Three years ago: The Forge of the Trainers

Four years ago: Nights of Raging Battles

Five years ago: Trainers of Might and Sorcery

Six years ago: Local EX Raid (Time and Again), 6/3/2019

Seven years ago: Classical and New HP Heal Amounts

Eight years ago: 3DS Pokémon Themes

Cosplay: Uchiwa no Michi + DakFest Photo Shoot

Me: Well, since there was a seasonal transition on Saturday and Sunday, those had to come first - so we're talking about this (these) not on the day.

Ash: I get that.

Goh: Totally makes sense.

Pikachu: Pi! ["OK!"]

Me: So, on Saturday, there was a mini festival, which was...

Ash: ...at the "Community Base" mall!

Goh: Oh, interesting. So, not something full by them.

Ash: Yeah, it started in the late afternoon.

Goh: I'm guessing there wasn't much in the way of entertainment.

Ash: No, just one band and four dance groups.

Goh: That's nice. But then there must have been a character parade if our friend sent you.

Ash: Oh sure! But I wasn't in it.

Goh: Um... Our friend?

Me: Well, did you see the parade?

Ash: All of it. I got a nice view.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["We saw them all."]

Me: And I'm sure you could tell who was going to win and who wasn't.

Ash: Yeah - I got almost all of them. And we all know each other.

Goh: I see. So, it wasn't going to happen for Ash.

Me: That's pretty much the case. And I'd rather not surrender even a little bit of cash for that at the moment.

Goh: I know you wouldn't. But the rest was really a festival, right?

Ash: It was. A few food and goodies stands - but I didn't go through them too much.

Goh: I guess this festival was still a success for at least some people.

Me: That's important, even if not for us. Although... the meaning of its title ("inner circle") might be somewhat ominous.

Goh: Tell us about it. What about Sunday, yesterday?

Me: Oh, that's different. No festival or convention - just an afternoon photo shoot.

Ash: But I got to it really late. I battled G-Max Rillaboom first with your friends.

Goh: Wow!! Fully evolved Grookey!

Pikachu: Pi, pika chu? ["Nice, isn't it?"]

Me: I knew you'd like that.

Ash: But yeah, it took half of the afternoon. So I was late to the photo shoot.

Goh: Were our friend's friends there?

Ash: A few, even ones from the other day. But almost all the characters wore some kind of armor...

Me: Oh, I forgot to mention. The photo shoot was actually somewhat focused on that, so I didn't want to commit Ash for that right away.

Goh: And then there was the G-Max battle, so I get you.

Ash: So I didn't get photos taken. But meeting your friends again is enough.

Me: Sure. That's an important point even without photos. All the same...

Ash: Some of the people said there could be something like this in the future.

Goh: Will you get Ash in if that happens?

Me: As long as it's possible, definitely.

Ash: Great!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Great!"]

Me: Anyhow, last weekend was entertaining in some sense for both Pokémon and characters.

Goh: I could see it being improved for next time.

Me: Of course. And not necessarily packing everything in.

Ash: That would make for a really great time!

Me: With the seasons changing, there's always the possibility of good changes too.

One year ago: Never Too Late for Pokémon

Two years ago: Lost (Last) and Innocent in Silph Arena

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022: A Marathon Incoming

Four years ago: Display Case Ideas for Pokémon Fans

Five years ago: Pokémon and Sign Language

Six years ago: A Daily Pokémon Routine

Seven years ago: Missing Ranger

Eight years ago: 3DS Pokémon Badges

The Season of Delightful Days

The operative words - as previewed in the end-of-season post - for the next Pokémon Go season are certainly "delightful" and "days", which taken together suggests a pleasurable time; the next three months are set in the Northern Hemisphere summer, after all. The season of "Delightful Days", as it is titled, looks to promise "fun in the sun" for all Trainers, even if some background processes may still be rumbling about. Still, the season is at hand (or rather, coming up), so it's time to discuss it.

For this season, the opening act is of course Pokémon Go Fest, which has been previewed a few days ago and in fact has gotten going, bringing in a bit of the season early just before it starts. The season will properly start on Tuesday and bring in the rest of the Go Fest dealings and their associated wonders, as well as the usual cavalcade of other wonders brought in by the regular events a season typically brings. And they'll be a delight, even if Trainers might already know (of) them beforehand.

Beyond the realm of Pokémon Go, there have been only inklings of what's in store in the future, even over the course of the three-month period that is this season, so they'll have to be dealt with once the inklings fully manifest into what they represent. Also, the "delightful days" may very well not necessarily be in this season, but surely they will be had when their time is to be had - a delightful moment indeed.

Regarding other particulars, the seasonal image has hints of orange and yellow with blue, reflecting the fact of the summertime setting as above. This further ties into something also important not only for Pokémon Go but also Pokémon in general, which will be due in a couple months, again with the above footnote. That one will be truly a "fun in the sun" indeed, or at least something to be hoped for.

Many days are surely delightful, both in and out of the three-month period that will be this Pokémon Go season, but it is a sure thing that Pokémon itself will be a general factor to realizing this. On that note, as the new season is about to begin, may all of that be ever delightful as the fun days in the sun.

One year ago: The Season of Shared Skies

Two years ago: The Season of Hidden Gems

Three years ago: The Season of Go

Four years ago: The Season of Discovery

Five years ago: Taiko Adventures with Pokémon Songs

Six years ago: Techno-Poké-Captain

Seven years ago: Everyone's RPG vs. Hardcore RPG

Eight years ago: (Self) References