Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/30/2025

The theme of this Pokémon Go season has been set, and this month kicks off the first batch of events that show how that theme is or can be manifested. For that, it's also time to roll up the events that have taken place and note their particular features. As stated, this season becomes all about transformations - as changes and deviations from the norm - and that can mean a lot of things for Pokémon. The first few events of this season and the ones of this month certainly would be the first forms of testament to that.

Right off the bat on the first day of the season on September 2, Trainers were thrust into a Kanto Celebration running until September 7. They celebrated with characteristic Pokémon of the region and their changes, as reflected in bonuses of Candy XL for evolution, extended Mega Evolution, double XP from PokéStop spins, special moves for evolving first partners, and daily photo bombs. Then there was also daily Timed Research for the regional Pokémon, along with Field Research and Collection Challenges with Mega Energy involved. Some Trainers may also have purchased the paid Special Research for Dynamax-capable Legendary birds of this region along with other bonuses. The event culminated with a Mega Sharpedo Raid Day, which is not part of the event proper but does show the breadth of transformations as this very first Pokémon region had shown.

After a short break, it was time for a really long break... "vacation", that is, with the Pokémon Concierge Celebration Event from September 9 to 14 to commemorate its new episodes. In the spirit of the celebration, Psyduck got a new costumed form with a swim ring, and may even be Shiny and/or have a background. Other species from the new episodes joined the fray in the wild, raids, and Research encounters (Field and free Timed set). Other specialties were photo bombs with the characters, a special pose part of a paid Timed Research set, a new clothing item, and stickers, plus bonuses of double catch Candy and more items from Buddy Pokémon. It was a friendly week with the event - moreover with Community Day on its ultimate day - and had a nice "break" for Trainers to go along with it.

Still, Team Go Rocket was not far behind, and they chose to take over the Psychic Spectacular event from its very start on September 16 up to 21. On the latter's side, this was the debut of Indeedee and its Shiny form in 5 km Eggs, accompanied by a cohort of other Psychic types (including Lunatone and Solrock anywhere) in the wild and raids, along with bonuses of more Candy and greater Candy XL chance plus halved hatch distance. On the former's side was the usual takeover bonuses (frequent balloons, remove Frustration by TM, and varied IVs) as well as new Shadow Pokémon and a Collection Challenge for them; the leaders rotate their species and Giovanni pursues Shadow Tornadus, while Trainers pursue the latter through a Special Research set. Field Research and the extra paid Timed Research also mostly complemented the takeover side of things, while the event's weekend (September 20 and 21) brought about a Raid Weekend for Shadow Groudon in the same manner as Kyogre last season. The "double" event was as much two-sided as it was all a single event.

In the last full week of the month from September 23 to 27, the Completely Normal event brought about a change of pace. The event also served as the debut for Dudunsparce as the evolution of Dunsparce. Meanwhile, Ditto also changed up its disguises with the event. With bonuses of double Candy catch and double XP for evolution, as well as increased chances for Shiny Dunsparce and Ditto, other Pokémon of the Normal type also appeared in the wild and Field Research task encounters, some of which also necessitated evolution for Collection Challenges. The extra paid Timed Research provided helpful items and encounters for Dunsparce, while a clothing item based on Dudunsparce was also added. Like the very first event of the month, a Raid Day for Mega Camerupt followed the event's end on September 28, not strictly related but needs to be mentioned regardless for a span of time with some good changes in it.

Even only at the start of it, some transformation is and has already been afoot for Pokémon Go in the span of this new season. That seemed to apply just as much for the Pokémon and other aspects and content featured in the events as well as the scheduling for them, which are surely changes that are worth writing about (rolling up) as well as experiencing. For those changes, there seems to be always something to take away.

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Monday, September 29, 2025

The State of Nominations, Part 36

Looking at posts from previous years, it seems rather coincidental that I've made my updates on PokéStop nominations on this same day, for the parts that are multiples of 12. And then there is this month's update, which also fits into that. It may be something to keep for the future, assuming that things make it that far and not much changes. Since that's a much later concern, though, it's not something that can be dealt now, but the present can and needs to be dealt with now - as in, the current state of that update.

For that, the hard numbers as always tell the tale. My Accepted nominations are now at 183, which is an increase of 4 from last time. Unfortunately, my Not Accepted nominations also increased, although slightly by 1, to a count of 67, and I still haven't decided if I want to Appeal a few more of those. I've also just "dumped" (made a few more) nominations - 3 of them - and they'll go through the review process, now In Queue and eventually In Voting and then ultimately resolved... but that's for other Wayfarer people to say.

Meanwhile, my area of the world (along with another one just to the northwest) had gotten a boost in PokéStops outside of the nomination process. That's because as part of the transition to the new level cap, some Waypoints that were previously used as Power Spots are now present as PokéStops, albeit generic ones with just a plain photo disc. They're there to help local Trainers attain more XP, although this means not being able to use them as Power Spots. They're also a bit dilemmatic, but they serve their purpose well enough.

Regardless, with the situation as above, there is even more of an impetus to step up the local nomination game and nominate as many objects as possible, as long as they can meet the  usual criteria and whether or not PokéStops are already present. It is still wise to plan out things so that PokéStops are prioritized over Power Spots, but in this case having them the eventual Waypoints available as Power Spots is a bit of priority as well. This matter will likely need to be resolved depending on the situations of specific places.

Given all that, this update on PokéStop nominations is a bit of a weighty one, particularly for the realization that more still needs to be made on this front and in more places - plus not necessarily for the purpose of having more of them either. Like the prospect of having the next "twelfth" update on this matter on this same day later on, a lot will come down to the places and objects, their current conditions in Pokémon Go, and the actual efforts of making the nominations to get them going in the system.

Five years ago: The Leek and Pokémon
Six years ago: Cosplay: Isekai
Seven years ago: A Merchandise Dream
Eight years ago: Unified Centers and Marts
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Sunday, September 28, 2025

Cosplay: Nihon Carnival

Me: This one wraps up the month for us.

Goh: I see - it's the last Sunday of this month. So there can't really be any more festivals or conventions this month.

Me: Goh's got this. Anyway, this one might be a bit odd but it's all the more familiar. For starters...

Ash: The place is the one the game tournament festival one from about a year ago!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Fancy that!"]

Goh: Then... is the organizer the same?

Me: As a matter of fact, in a way, yes. But the content is different. 

Goh: I see - it's mostly dance groups. But I guess you two might not be too interested in them.

Me: That's why before coming, I sent Ash to meet with a few of my other friends to organize a few things for the future... and then some to raid Mega Camerupt.

Goh: Oh wow! Busy day then.

Ash: Yup. I got the things organized, but then I only got one good Camerupt from the raids and no Shiny. 

Goh: Well, that's OK. 

Ash: After that I went to the place.

Goh: So, you must have come somewhat late with the other meeting and the raids.

Ash: Yeah. I just saw one of the dance groups. And I wasn't at first planning to go in, so I just spent time outside with our friend's other friends.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika chu. ["Which was pretty nice."]

Goh: At first... but then you went in.

Ash: A friend really wanted me to go in... and for the character parade too. I had my Kanto and Johto outfit this time.

Goh: But I guess that didn't work out for you.

Ash: Nope. I think it might have been "technical"?

Goh: Well, it's been some time since you were in one too.

Ash: Yeah. I can always try again.

Me: As for the rest of things...

Ash: There were a few booths for people and food, but not many - and the space was kind of small too.

Goh: Smaller than last year?

Ash: I think. And there was a smell coming off the scary exhibit next to the space.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["It reeked!"]

Goh: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, it seems like it was just another fun day of mostly meeting all our friend's friends.

Me: Here, there, and everywhere.

Ash: Right. Like you said, it was odd but familiar.

Goh: Also again, busy. 

Me: Well, hey - they advertised a carnival and we got it, in our own way. 

Ash: Hey, that works.

Goh: Not necessarily theirs, but it's yours and ours. 

Me: It's a great thing, for the end of this month or any time.

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Saturday, September 27, 2025

Concentrate and Contemplate

Somewhat recently, I had heard about two conceptions for human processes. One of them concerns the human mind, which needs to concentrate and put in thought to do its thing. The other concerns the human soul, which would need to reflect, or more specifically contemplate, in order to be able to regard the things of life. Both of these are certainly necessary, which would also explain them being mentioned together in close association. They also strike the fancy of my thoughts, as well as considering them with Pokémon, and that becomes the subject and purpose of this post.

According to the person who explained it, in fact, a person cannot survive on simply one or the other. Applying this to Pokémon, it's conceivable that this would apply not only to the people (Trainers) but also the Pokémon species, some of which might just appear to display similar characteristics and capabilities of critical and spiritual thinking as the people do. That could happen whether they're caught up in an intense battle or just dealing with everyday activities, which is also essentially the gist of the situation according to the person: the processes are applicable anywhere and any time.

The ways that the person explain, in a way, might also seem similar to the ways that have been explained by a certain person within the Pokémon world itself about the keys of the species' powers to attack. The "focus" would represent the "concentration" part of it, and the "control" would represent the "contemplation". Looking at things in this manner, there is the sense that the critical thinking is to make the attack happen and the spiritual thinking is to get it as good as and where one wants it to be.

I'm certainly taken by anything that explains the workings of human processes to understand myself as one. For me as a Pokémon fan, that seems to be especially more so to consider them in and out of Pokémon. There's a lot to understand about myself - and perhaps still plenty more that I don't - so these conceptualizations help in this regard. With regard to Pokémon, that may be manifested in different ways, but even concentration and contemplation might still find a way within those ways.

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Friday, September 26, 2025

You Only Live Once (YOLO)... for Pokémon

I've explained an aspect of certain feelings and how that may relate to Pokémon, then proceeded to explain one of two others that I said would be related to that aspect - even if faintly by experience - while still including Pokémon. Now, I'd like to "close the gap (or circle)" by explaining the third in the group, certainly along with Pokémon. It is now also evident of how else the three aspects are related - by their assonance - besides by experience and now putting them alongside Pokémon.

The third aspect is "YOLO", short for "you only live once". It does mean what one would think it implies: there is really only one life for every person in this world, notwithstanding the possible future ones in different spiritual realms. It also means that one may also have certain freedom to pursue all the good and best things in life, for there may only be one chance for them. Depending on the person, this may be a prompt to pursue different things - hopefully ones that are wholesome for one and all, like Pokémon.

For that, Pokémon can provide entertainment in all its varied media forms, achievements for those who are willing to go the extra mile, and connections to all kinds of fans who enjoy and seek for the same things. All those things are great things to have in a life that may only occur once, so to pursue any and all of them would be great to do. Though, as they say, the pursued things may not be able to be carried over to the next life, it may be that the wisdom gained from them could be, and that may be the only comfort.

Meanwhile, the aspect is also the exact title of an instrumental music piece by Yanni - which I don't have to say is an artist I'm rather fond of and have frequently attempted to connect on this blog. It's a contemplative but upbeat piece that may provoke considerations of much of the above. A little more offbeat from that is a song with slightly closer ties that I happened to discuss exactly one year ago (see below), but may also be regarded to have similar spirits to the aspect as I've discussed above, and that too is a good thing.

With this discussion, the three experiential aspects have all been discussed and are all now present on this blog along with their possible ties to Pokémon. All their relations, to each other as well as to Pokémon, seemingly may not be clear-cut to most people and/or fans, but at least by my dealings with them and then with Pokémon, some things may become evident to be considered. And all that happens within the time that is my life, which like other life is fleeting and perhaps only once... but in a good way, especially with Pokémon.

One year ago: Only Here, Only Now
Three years ago: The Original Dance Mix
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Thursday, September 25, 2025

Meet Me (Us) at Pokopia

Along with Legends: Z-A that is due next month - or rather, in a few weeks - the next hit Pokémon game may be something a little different that a certain segment of fans of the franchise has been desiring. They likely will have played similar games being offered by others, including by Nintendo itself, but soon (as in next year when it is released) they can enjoy an actual Pokémon offering that might just promise to be as exciting as those other offerings. For that, they'll congregate themselves in a secluded yet wonderful place for all its happenings.

The new game is called Pokémon Pokopia, and it is billed as a "life simulation game", in a way similar to that of Nintendo's own Animal Crossing. It was revealed just a couple of weeks ago along with the "final trailer" for the Legends: Z-A game, and its side-by-side preview along with that game suggests that it'll keep Pokémon fans busy over the course of the next year while and after Legends: Z-A gets going.

In this game, the player plays as a Ditto who transforms itself into a human form. Though human in appearance, the Pokémon is still able to use moves just like other Pokémon... and it'll have to do that, by interacting with other Pokémon to learn their moves and then use them. They'll shape the land, build structures, grow plants, and make the area a comfortable one for living with fellow Pokémon as they become present.

What is interesting is that the other Pokémon will interact with the player character in human language, in similar ways as the Mystery Dungeon game series. Yet that is understandable, for the player character is a Pokémon itself and therefore can understand others of its kind. The initial setting and premise might also seem a little "dystopic", but in accordance with the title of this game, a kind of "utopia" is promised for those who play.

Many gamers will surely be familiar with life simulation games, even without a particular Pokémon offering. This particular new game will bring just that for the most dedicated fans of the franchise, and yet certainly others are welcome to it as well. And when it comes time for its release, they'll know exactly where to meet and bring the land to life.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

The Café Pop-Up in Café Remix

Recently, Café Remix has introduced yet another event type for players to wrap their cooking puzzle skills around. Such a happening is always festive, but for this new event, there is some cause for concern due to the way things are implemented. So it is that the new event type is called Café Pop-Up, and it's also "popping up" a few other elements that might become a total challenge for any player participating in the event.

The event's overall structure more or less follows the format of Outdoor Tea Party, with it also using the Slow Cooking framework (and it seems One-Minute Cooking may not be a concern anymore for that and this one). Players go through the puzzle stages to earn points, fill up gauges, and get item and Pokémon rewards. That sounds innocuous enough, but beyond that, there lies a whole lot of quirks.

For starters, one can only play the puzzle stages five times for free each day, using a special item called a "food storage box". After that, one has to spend 1000 Golden Acorns each time for one box and thus one play. On the upside, the point earnings from each play are also higher... but then the gauges need to be filled with more points, thereby offsetting the efforts. In a way, it's supposed to be like a pop-up restaurant with limited resources.

Because the number of plays can be limited, the event includes a "stage redraw" feature that can be used to re-select food stages to try to get ones that can result in possibly higher scores. The first few of these each day are free, and the rest understandably require payment of Golden Acorns, up to 20 in total each day. This may or may not be able to be implemented in regular Outdoor Tea Party for its usefulness.

Meanwhile, the limited play and scoring perhaps also factor into an additional paid element - this time by proxy of real money - called a Mighty Menu, which will increase scores and invite Pelipper as an extra Pokémon. Five choices are available, with the most expensive having the best effect. This comes alongside the Premium Pass, which likewise will increase scores for this event and others during the month that it is purchased for.

With all of that, it is somewhat clear that the Café Pop-Up is a rather extreme attempt at monetizing things, whether it's to buy Golden Acorns that would then eventually be used to attempt further plays each day and/or to redraw food stages, or directly for the purchase of a Mighty Menu for increasing scores immediately and getting a few bonuses alongside. It's a bit regrettable that all of this is made evident through the new format.

Concerns over its monetization are the obvious challenge of the event, along with the usual one of using Pokémon to clear stages (complete orders) and get all the things - or as many of them as possible - from the event. As festive as they are, the Café Pop-Up event type and the new elements that it also "pops up" may still leave some nags for players with regard to the time and effort (and possibly money) for all that is needed to make the occasion a success.

Three years ago: The Desire to Refresh
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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Quickies: In Puffs of Smoke

Some Pokémon are known to manipulate smoke (or make it appear) in order to enable themselves to avoid attacks or make things harder for opponents to deliver their attacks. This may be in the form of the Smoke Screen attack, usage of the Smoke Ball, or other ways that the mechanisms as depicted in the games or other media may or may not adequately explain. Yet it's a unique aspect for the Pokémon species of concern - and possibly the Trainers they are related to, if they have ones attached to them. It's also a fascinating aspect of these Pokémon to consider for all that they are and that they can do.

In popular culture, especially that which is tied to Japan, also the land of origin for all things Pokémon, acts involving smoke are sometimes associated with ninjas - the warriors of the darkness who lurk about in especially shadowy ways. Those familiar with Pokémon will no doubt recognize that there is a Pokémon called Greninja, literally a "ninja" in both appearance and (English) name. As for other Pokémon that can use smoke in all their different ways, they may not necessarily be ninjas or considered as such, but at least their skills may be comparable with regard to their particularly unique ways of using smoke.

Admittedly, smoke is a useful diversion, given what the ninjas have figured out with all their acts that involve the aspect. Some Pokémon species no doubt have figured out to use smoke or make it appear in their own ways (as mentioned above), and especially in battle where the techniques would be most likely be used. In their puffs of smoke, there is likely to be a bit of confusion as some attacks miss their mark and a few things disappear or change, but that may be considered the hallmark of the usage or appearance of smoke. Its cloudy and shadowy appearance, for Pokémon or people, may just disclose and reveal.

Now, it seems I have to get things going and make this post puff out like smoke...

Four years ago: Unite Uptake
Five years ago: Making Time, Taking Time
Six years ago: Doubleheaders and Such
Seven years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 2nd
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Monday, September 22, 2025

Pikachu's Indonesia Journey: After One Year

Looking at my post from the previous year (see below), it is apparent that today is the one-year anniversary of my local major Pokémon event - or rather, a series of it - specifically on the biggest one of it all. Also looking through posts from past years, it's also been a long time since I've made a post covering the one-year passage of anything related to Pokémon. For that, I've decided to make this post to commemorate the one-year anniversary of that grand event as well as to discuss what has happened since then.

So, after the series of grand events last year, the series of events this year really downscaled. It visited four cities, none of which were the same as last year (although one may be called a "suburb" of last year), which may be considered a move of introducing lesser locales into the ways of Pokémon. It also had no accompanying Pokémon Go paid event for each city, focusing more on TCG, merchandise, and general entertainment - arguably becoming a focus on the more popular aspects of the franchise at present.

Because of the absence of accompanying Pokémon Go paid events, the things gained from them throughout last year have become special and exclusive for those who obtained them, like me and others. The absence has also meant that it might take time for Pokémon Go paid events to revisit the country, in particular something along the lines of last year's City Safari. Planning for a future expansion of its concept may also be in order.

Regarding overall impressions, the quality of the event series last year has been impressive, especially its "finale edition". This year, therefore, might be considered a "backseat" or "back burner" year, also with consideration of other goings-on - shaky ones, at that - that make things a little less savory for holding something as festive as the event series. After things have settled and improved, there is hope for the event to be seen again in greater grandeur.

With the way things are for Pokémon and local affairs, at least some of the former has settled into the latter, in part thanks to the event series as discussed above. The future of that may bode for some expansions... perhaps once the "hump" of current events have been passed. It may be considered a wonderful journey since last year, and the rest of it awaits.

Three years ago: Teams in Café Remix
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Sunday, September 21, 2025

The Pains and Gains of the Local TCG Registration System

While on the subject of Pokémon TCG miscellanies, I want to take out a post to discuss the local TCG registration system for competing in local tournament events. Owing to my current lack of suitability with the physical TCG, I've never really used the system to participate in those great events, but my TCG fellows often do. Besides convenience, though, the system also has a way of delivering other "gains" as well as "pains" when registering for those events, and that becomes a partial focus for this discussion - perhaps slightly in jest.

First up is the system itself. For those great events, many of them (especially the high level ones) require pre-registration, and the system facilitates that. Players sign up for an event through the system, and a few days prior to the event, players are selected by a draw to fill the pre-registration spots. Those who don't get a spot through the draw can try to take part in the event through on-site registration to fill for the no-shows, unless the event does not allow for pre-registration, in which case the players are resigned to their fate by the system.

The workings above are more or less the "gains". As for the "pains", some of my TCG fellows consider that the system may have a "mind of its own", with some players accepted for some events and not accepted for others. Furthermore, the events to which the players are accepted are sometimes ones that are out of town - certainly necessitating travel arrangements for that purpose - while they aren't accepted to the ones in town that are more convenient for them. It's often a strange situation even with the system... 

...and for that, some players have started to make that jest about the system. The jest involves taking plenty of time to practice their TCG skills only to get shot down by the (pre-)registration system when it comes time to compete in an event, which may force them to take extra effort to go through on-site registration for the event, including arriving early and camping out. Even then, the on-site registration involves another draw, which is further a jest to how things are basically decided by draws (along with just being able to show up to the events themselves).

Even though (pre-)registration is normal and expected for taking part in competitive events, especially for the Pokémon TCG, the ways of the local system for that seem to be just as ornery as they are useful, leading to some players to poke fun at it. Despite all the "pains" that the system presents, there's still a lot of "gains" to be gotten from it, the most important thing being to be able to play competitively. The necessities of the system might just outweigh its quirks, and the only thing left to do is to take that both in jest and in stride.

Four years ago: Pikachu Fidget Spinner
Six years ago: Remember, Remember
Seven years ago: Community Raid Days?
Eight years ago: Pokémon and Party Games
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Saturday, September 20, 2025

Am I (Really) Suited for Physical TCG?

The answer to the question I posed in the title of this post might seem obvious based on the way I play the physical Pokémon TCG and the virtual TCGL by extension or "proxy". However, a few factors are still relevant to that answer, so they're still suited for a discussion on the topic. For that, the topic concerns whether I'm actually apt to play the physical TCG. Irrespective of any other factors, the answer is always "yes", but when those other factors are put back into play, the answer becomes more complicated than a single word.

If I'm going to be active in the physical TCG, I'd need to be performing card management for my decks and loose cards, and that hasn't come easily even for the cards that I already do have, in and out of decks. In this regard, I may be somewhat less suited for playing the physical TCG - and it also explains why I would prefer (and somewhat need) the convenience offered by the virtual TCGL. It's a real major hurdle, especially given that the physical TCG takes up space, and managing its cards also means managing the space for it - also not necessarily easy.

At present, I also have to venture to find others to play, and I can't expect others to venture to me. This venturing requirement also takes a little bit of a toll and has to be fitted in along with my other activities, Pokémon or otherwise. The venturing is also necessary for certain events and/or tournaments, even if I am equipped for (to play in) them with the help of others. As such, it also makes me less suited to play physically; this, like the card management effort above, are external aspects to the game itself that affects me in this manner.

Even if all of that wasn't a problem, there is also the problem of keeping up with regulations and other novelties in the game, which might necessitate that I shell out regularly for them - something that I'm becoming incapable to justify at the moment. If I can't keep up, then I may not be able to consider myself suited for physical TCG, and like card management, it makes me gravitate to the virtual version for this purpose. All that's left to suit me then is just the gameplay of the TCG, which at least I have a grasp on.

With all of the above considered, realistically, my suitability of playing the physical TCG is certainly not very much, despite knowing how to deal with the cards. Again, if that was the only criterion for suitability, then I'm suited for playing physically regardless of any other things that are necessary for doing that - likely, any or all of the above factors that I've mentioned. At the least, I'm suited to observe the play of the physical TCG with my "fellows", and that may be all that I can do presently.

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Friday, September 19, 2025

Little Transformations among Big Ones

As stated, this season in Pokémon Go is to be a transformative one, with a few big ones coming to Trainers sooner if not later. Among those transformations, though, there are also a few little ones, and they also lend themselves to complement the big ones. It is just as useful to discuss the former as it is to discuss the latter - which is likely to be in a certain way as is the norm for this blog - so I've taken this post in order to do just that for the former.

Some of those little transformations are in the form of UI changes, as in changing the Berry and Poké Ball tabs during Pokémon capture from horizontal to vertical, which many Trainers agree to be useful. Less useful was a change in the Pokémon information screen to bring the capture details front and center, as after only a few days, the change was reverted. Benefits certainly go into the considerations of making these transformative changes.

Resources for the game changed as well. Close to the start of this season, there was a great deal of changes in game assets, and Trainers were warned that they would have to redownload those assets, a process that becomes a good practice in a variety of conditions. Audio for the game has also been made noticeably louder even at the lowest setting, and Trainers will have to transform settings not only in-game but also for their play device.

PvP is (was) the target of a little transformation as well. As of this season, the switch timer is 45 seconds, even shorter than what it was a year ago (see below). This comes along with the usual flurry of move additions and changes, which surely has an impact on certain PvP dealings, ones that I may have missed by this point in time. In any case, the transformation is still as usual but with an additional and marked transformative change.

Even though the big transformations this season may have already been outlined early on and through later announcements, the little ones among them - as other changes to different Pokémon Go aspects - have their own major factors and deserve at least some highlighting. Change (transformation) is a constant thing for this game, if this season isn't about to make that even clearer; it's also clear that it can come in all scales.

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Thursday, September 18, 2025

BOGO Offers for Pokémon?

Along with the previously discussed FOMO aspect, I also had mentioned two other closely associated aspects to that - at least, by my personal experience - and ones that sound rather similar. One of them is now the subject of this post: "BOGO", short for "buy one get one". It may be that the relation of this aspect to the previous one (and perhaps the third, which will be discussed whenever) will appear rather superficial by way of that experience, but then there's a way of tying that aspect to Pokémon as I have done for the previous one.

Whether they're Pokémon fans or just ordinary ones, people will likely have heard or seen this aspect in relation to purchasing things. Essentially, it's a form of a discount where one buys an item and gets another one (of the same or similar kind) along with that item. Given this link, it becomes evident that the aspect is most pertinent for Pokémon merchandise, something that one could expect to buy one of and get something additional, although a few other purchases related to Pokémon might also qualify to have this aspect. 

Looking at the current offerings on the Pokémon Center web site, there may not be much leeway in anything that might allow a BOGO offer to take place, but the major end-of-the-year festivities are on tap, and even minor BOGO offers could be offered then... and may have been in the past, though that seems hard for me to discover for one reason or another. Meanwhile, the offerings of current Pokémon games with paid purchases often have bonuses, especially for those who purchase the offerings for the first time, and selected offerings may essentially be a BOGO offer for those who know when and how to look.

In attempting to relate this to the previous aspect, it's quite possible that BOGO offers might stimulate a FOMO feeling because of the way they are often limited-time. That may be especially so if one doesn't know how long the offers have appeared and how much longer they might be around for. In that respect, at least some games per the above may have lessened the FOMO feeling by way of informing how their "BOGO offers" have been and will be around, but even with that, at least some of the feeling might persist.

Perhaps it may be hard at times to justify the presence or existence of BOGO offers, or things that can be construed as such, for Pokémon matters. Yet as part of dealings and transactions, it may just sometimes make itself present, albeit not explicitly. As subjective as the relation is between this aspect and the previously discussed aspect, explicating them, that link, and the possible connections to Pokémon may still be warranted, and it may just be the prompt for looking out for and not missing the next (form of) BOGO offerings.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

The Problem of Scalpers and Pokémon

I have been mentioning a few times this year the issue of how scalpers have become involved in Pokémon matters and thus affected them. The focus, though, has been less of the latter and more on the former, and so the effect might not seem evident. Yet the effect is arguably just as important as the phenomenon in the first place, so it has to be discussed even to a certain length in order to understand what has taken place and its essence.

When the Van Gogh collaboration surfaced with its promotional card, those who "invaded" the museum in a flurry to obtain the card were undeniably of the scalper sort, causing somewhat of a hassle for its distribution and forcing a bit of a rework for this purpose. Thus, the effect becomes an illustration of how scalpers have caused problems for the distribution of Pokémon merchandise and how this necessitates changes in the method for doing just that.

Later on, it was apparent that scalpers had gotten ahold of Pokémon merchandise offered by McDonalds in Japan with complete disregard of the food that it's supposed to come along with, leading the franchise to cancel a later promotion for another series that is just as popular as Pokémon and surely has scalper problems of its own. Here, the effect goes beyond the merchandise itself and it poses further problems for distributing parties.

Meanwhile, TCG players in the U.S. still find it hard to get ahold of cards, for which it is cited that the display shelves of a major retailer for it is often seen empty - likely because the scalpers have gotten ahold of the products before actual players have. Evidently, the effect in this case becomes the burden of the players, whose need for the physical product cannot be fulfilled due to the products being in the hands of the scalpers rather than among players.

Out of these happenings that are brought upon by scalpers, their effects can be said to be somewhat profound for the fans of Pokémon merchandise and those who provide them, and it becomes a major problem for all. The solution to that problem, that which will satisfy the fans and providers while excluding the scalpers, may still need to be worked out; hopefully, concern will remain with the merchandise itself and not those who scalp them.

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Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Getting Tired of Packs in TCGP?

As has become evident, throughout this year, the TCGP implementation of the Pokémon TCG has come out with expansions (and thus, packs) one after another in monthly succession. That makes for a great deal of content - not all of which have been perfect - but it can also be overwhelming to the point that it makes some people or players tired of them. This becomes an undesirable condition that may lead to other undesirable things for (the state of) the game, and it demands a few perspectives for its understanding.

This condition is also referred by a certain player as "pack fatigue", which encapsulates the above sentiments quite well. The novelty of opening card packs from a new expansion is conceivably replaced by a sense of frustration, boredom, and tiredness when it comes to getting the last few numbered cards, which may not be all that easy to get. And then a new expansion comes in too quickly, which repeats that. Although it's possible to battle with the already obtained cards, the intervening timeframe may not allow that to happen comfortably. The game also seems pressured to put things out quickly, leading to the above problems.

I myself feel that sense of tiredness, losing the novelty from the addition of expansions quickly and not having the downtime to battle and try to make use of the cards I've already gotten. Moreover, since sometimes I don't log in frequently enough for getting the cards as well as certain events, it feels like I can't keep up with them before the next expansion shows up and I'm thrust into the "new expansion roller coaster" again. If things didn't happen so quickly, I would be able to enjoy them more and not be pressured to get everything done within the period of one month as is now apparently their norm.

Could there be a way to rectify this situation? The answer may be "yes": for the next expansion, both major and minor, the period can be extended to one and a half months, and the events in them can have their durations adjusted as well. This ought to allow time for players to get all the cards they want and/or need, and their development can become not so rushed as well. Following that, a lengthy break of expansions for concurrent maintenance (while still allowing the game to be played) can be implemented before "the next big thing".

For many things, it is certain that rushing them may not be in the best interest. The expansions and packs in TCGP over the course of this year look to have that "rushed" quality for them, which in turn may be "rushing" the energy and feelings of some players, and perhaps even the game itself. A pause to not rush the things in the game might be beneficial at this moment to allow further enjoyment without the tiredness that has developed for players or otherwise.

Three years ago: New Pokémon Fossil Watches
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Monday, September 15, 2025

Cosplay: Foodtopia Festival (S4)

Me: So, here's that "thing" from yesterday.

Ash: It was this festival again!

Goh: OK, that's not too bad. And... I think this would be the fourth time. Same deal and all.

Me: I think so. They didn't say explicitly, but this would be "Season 4" if they actually said it.

Goh: Like all the times before, there had to have been competitions.

Me: Sure! But... it seems they wanted to try some different things, so a few things changed.

Ash: There was no singing competition this time!

Goh: Oh, what a bummer. So you couldn't do anything our friend would want you to do.

Ash: Yeah. But then there was Community Day, so I still couldn't even if I could.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika... ["It wasn't going to happen..."]

Me: I'm pretty sure that it would have been smack-dab in the afternoon right at the same time as well.

Goh: But they had to fill time - so what did they have?

Ash: I heard it was a dance cover competition. But I didn't see any of it.

Me: It was absolutely that. One of my friends told me he'd participate in it. But yeah, this is something we really can't deal with.

Goh: And there had to be entertainment... oh wait, according to the poster, looks like it's just dance groups.

Ash: Didn't get to see (most of) them either.

Goh: Not surprising since our friend isn't fond of them.

Me: That's true.

Goh: The thing that stays has to be the character parade... yes?

Ash: Yup! But I didn't get in even though there was still time when I got to the place.

Goh: Hmm? Care to explain, our friend?

Me: Well, let's think about it this way. Did you see the parade?

Ash: Almost the entire thing, in the evening.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["A good time for it."]

Goh: That's actually kind of nice. 

Ash: There were 25 or so characters.

Me: And how about the winners?

Ash: Just three. All friends of yours, and they've been winners before. And I think the judges know them - and us.

Goh: I see where this is going. So it was a good call not to sign up, just like that one time.

Me: See, this is too easy. And hard for me to shell out cash if that was just going to happen.

Goh: Yeah, I get that. So, after all, the day was just for meeting friends of our friends.

Ash: I'm just fine with that!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Sure thing!"]

Ash: And... I guess it might take some time before our friend can put us in something, somewhere. 

Me: If better opportunities present themselves, then that will happen.

Goh: Hey, at least there was food this time. 

Ash: A lot! But I only tried a bit from your friends.

Goh: Oh. Well, next time.

Me: There will be good food, good friends, and good times - hopefully all at once.

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Sunday, September 14, 2025

Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/14/2025

Some people might say that September is a pleasant month. One thing that might make that so is all the colors that might be present throughout the days of the month, and the sight of colors is indeed relaxing to many. Colors also apply very well to Pokémon species, of which some of them have forms that vibrantly show off these colors. This may or may not have been the guiding principle for choosing the featured Pokémon of this month's edition - which incidentally is on the same date as last year's (see below) - but the colors are still evident regardless for this edition. 

Those colors are certainly of Flabébé, this month's featured Pokémon and its species family. As discussed in a post, it has five colors (of their flowers), which in Pokémon Go is distributed according to specific areas of the world - "regional", it can be said. That makes it the first Community Day with forms that not everyone in the world may have. Even so, the event is advertised with the white and orange colors, the global but rare ones. Regardless of color, evolving it to Floette and then Florges during the span of the next week allows the latter to learn the Chilling Water move, a Charged move of the Water type with usefulness for PvP. Further, the usual stringent evolution requirement to evolve Floette is temporarily simplified to just earning seven Buddy Pokémon hearts - truly a necessity if one wants to evolve several.

Because of the regional specificity, a few things also apply to Research. The Field Research encounters are of the regional color as well as the global colors. The background Timed Research encounters are of the regional color, while the paid Special Research encounters are of the global colors. As such, this isn't an opportunity to obtain the colors of the other regions, but more to obtain special versions of the ones that are available wherever one plays. Of course, one can deal with the ones from other regions if one already has them.

As for the rest of the aspects, this month's main bonus is quartered Egg hatch distance, always a useful bonus for an addition. Then there are the usual other bonuses of double Candy and Candy XL chance, extended Lure Modules and Incense, photo bombs (of the regional variant), an extra Special Trade and discounted trades, and item bundles in the shops. They're all regular, even if the featured Pokémon isn't.

Oh, and there is (was) a bit of an irregularity for me today for dealing with this edition...

Goh: That means Ash, doesn't it.

Ash: Here I am! (And there I was...)

Me: Well, we don't need to talk too much about Flabébé and its kin, since we know you two have a history with them while you were adventuring.

Goh: Yeah, you know about that, especially the white flower one.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika chu. ["I like yellow myself."]

Ash: I captured a lot of them today! But the only Shiny ones were for the blue one.... 

Goh: So, the blue one is for the place where you are.

Me: It surely is. I don't know if I'll be able to get the white and orange ones - if ever - but I can try a few things.

Ash: I met your better friends of your "friends". And then I went somewhere else for even better friends.

Goh: Oh, so that must be a for a thing going on somewhere.

Ash: It was.

Me: We'll deal with that separately. But hey, it makes for a "flowery" day today with all the people we met.

Ash: Nice one!

If the defining characteristic of the Flabébé species family is the color of their flowers, then as suggested by the title of the paid Special Research ("Flower Power"), the botanical aspect is their key to make things lively. Of course, that goes for the appearance aspect as the color, and that comes in spades to make this month's Community Day a real pleasant one.

Two years ago: Watch What I Say
Three years ago: Into the Deep Blue
Four years ago: Dancing with Pokémon
Six years ago: The Appeal of the TCG
Seven years ago: A Pokémon Watch
Eight years ago: Three's Demise
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Saturday, September 13, 2025

Mega Evolution on Parade

In the past, I had discussed about Mega Evolution in different framings, a minorly pessimistic one when it apparently seemed to be put to rest, and a slightly hopeful one after it has taken a foothold in Pokémon Go. Fast-forward to today, the concept has seen a resurgence, which could be described as a "parade" of sorts; not only that, fans of the past and present are quite receptive of this resurgence and particularly how it's being presented. This current state of affairs for a Pokémon evolution form that almost became a bygone one definitely demands attention and addressing, particularly for the relevant factors contributing to it - as in the games that will feature them.

Along with the prior discussion, I had postulated that it might take something new to bring it back to prominence and provoke a good response. Now, that something has become clear: that would be Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which takes the setting of Lumiose City as the heart of Kalos, the region that heralded Mega Evolution in the first place. In fact, new Pokémon with this evolutionary form have been revealed, from Mega Dragonite during the latest Pokémon Presents to those for Victreebel, Hawlucha, and Malamar in various (and quirky) social media announcements, and just now through a "final trailer" for other expected and unexpected species. Much, much more will become clear(er) when the game gets released next month, with this cavalcade heralding that clarity.

Then there is the TCG (physical as well as Live) with the coming Mega Evolution expansion. Some of the featured forms will certainly be for the "first batch" species that fans already know and recognize, and players will need to deal with them as "ex" cards that evolve from their earlier stage forms. Obviously, there was some planning for this to coincide with the Legends game as above, and that works out well for the momentum of that game while bolstering the TCG itself - allowing it to "take part" in the parade, in a way.

Meanwhile, there has been word that over the course of the remaining part of the year, Pokémon Unite will finally implement Mega Evolution for Pokémon other than Mewtwo (that has been the pioneer and yet still the only one as such even now). They'll be a sight to see when they finally appear, and their "ground rules" may also become evident at that point, but it is clear that Pokémon Unite has offered its contributions to the parade. 

Of course, Pokémon Go will take everything into account. In fact, nearly all of the "first batch" species now have their forms in the game, or will eventually. That means the "second batch" from the new Legends game will follow suit, whether it's during this rather "form-changing" season or all the other ones that will come afterwards.

From its beginnings in the sixth-generation games, Mega Evolution truly has had its ups and downs. The momentum of the main series games that featured them is one upward moment, followed by the almost immediate downward one of their nearly becoming deprecated. Then there were just sporadic inclusions in other facets, before the current almost full resurgence with a "parade" heralded by a game that promises to be sensational. Like any parade, at least some excitement is to be had as its participants appear, and with the ones above for Mega Evolution, fans will definitely be set for a good time as they watch the "parade" pass by.

Two years ago: Spoiler Alert
Three years ago: Longing for Pokémon Donuts
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Friday, September 12, 2025

Theia Sky Ruins, Subterranean Edition

Closing up the run of this week's discussions on Pokémon Unite matters is one that is of great interest and importance. Starting this Battle Pass season, Ranked match players continue to deal with the Theia Sky Ruins map as they have done for a few years now, but with a few differences. The discussion was originally planned to focus on the most major element of those differences, but it turns out there is more than that. As such, I decided to expand it to cover the importance of its elements taken together. 

And taken together, the overall gist is as suggested in the title of this post: the map now comes in a "subterranean" edition. What makes it as such is that the central "legend pit" now has Groudon instead of Rayquaza, which when defeated grants faster scoring of goals and increased power instead of a protective shield. Its appearance is fairly obvious: the pit is now bordered by pools of magma rather than dense clouds. It has always been apparent that the "legend pit" is important, and now it is more so.

That, of course, is not all. A few other things are changed, specifically the titan "axis" in the middle. Sometimes, the original trio and Regieleki will swap places, while Regidrago will appear in the middle early on to boost goal scoring when defeated, marking its first time showing up in a map for Ranked matches. Herds of Natu might also show up in the center, and the two outermost goal zones might have different point requirements. As such, the changes are quite spread out.

Dealing with the map might require a bit of strategy changing for those who are already acquainted with the previous edition. The titans being shuffled around might prompt some players to choose Pokémon they don't normally play in order to deal with any or all of them. Certainly, reiterating the above, players will want to go into the "legend pit" in order to take down Groudon for themselves before the other team does so, or the consequences might indeed become very dire for them otherwise.

Opportunities for new supremacy might just arise with these latest changes to affect the Theia Sky Ruins map that has been in place as the venue for Ranked matches in Pokémon Unite for some time - something that is not likely to change any time soon, apparently unlike the map itself. The appearance of Groudon in lieu of Rayquaza brings the sky-high map down to earth (perhaps a little bit under that), and this and the other new or mixed-up elements will pique and challenge players with all that they can offer.

One year ago: No Lies... and Lies
Two years ago: A Win for the Ages
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Thursday, September 11, 2025

My Pokémon Unite Boost Emblem Progress, Revisited

Meanwhile, it's been over a year since I discussed the progress of my boost emblems in Pokémon Unite. Since then, progress has been slow and steady - albeit slightly inconsistent - and this becomes a prompt for me to make the update. It comes at the right time with this month's series of posts involving the game, and it just seems so natural to be made given the circumstance; thus, I might as well make it and fit it into the subject at hand.

Out of 259 currently available boost emblems - more on this soon - for me, 29 of these are Platinum emblems, 195 are Gold or higher, 242 are Silver or higher, and 249 are Bronze or higher. That means Bronze is pretty much nearly complete, Silver needs a little bit more work, Gold still needs a good amount of work, and Platinum is going to be incremental (especially given the way that they're gotten). This might then just make it the closest update yet.

Now, 8 of these emblems are the ones I previously mentioned as "out of band" since they're not of Pokémon of the first and second generations. This group includes the Sprigatito family, which have been added only in Platinum form (and I have them), as well as Latias and Latios also only in Platinum (and I'm missing them). It seems that adding Pokémon emblems "out of band" will continue to be viable and I'd need to be on the lookout for these.

If that is also any indication, I'd also still need to be on the lookout for the Platinum emblem missions as part of the Unite Weekend as mentioned previously. I've been missing some of them, often unintentionally, and it may be anyone's guess when or how the ones I missed might ever return. Meanwhile, I may still be weighing my options on using the emblems I already have in order to boost the Pokémon I frequently use and perhaps may desire as such.

The boost emblem progress in my case could still be regarded as pretty good at any rate, and that may be the only thing that matters. Inconsistency may still be expected, especially with regard to the process of obtaining certain emblems and/or their state, but general efforts in a more consistent direction might help to even things out for the progress. The only thing that's left is more consistent progress on the core gameplay for which the emblems boost.

Two years ago: Another Pokémon Watch
Six years ago: This Is It
Seven years ago: Cosplay: Club Cosplay Party
Eight years ago: Pokkén BanaPassports
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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Set Shop in Pokémon Unite

For many players, including me, the aspect or feature of Pokémon Unite that I have chosen to take up for discussion in this post might not matter much, but those who possess the means for it might find it very much useful. Along with the regular shops of Pokémon Unite, which I've discussed oh-so-long ago, Pokémon Unite also has a few other distinct specialty shops, one of them being the Set Shop. Admittedly, this has become a "regular" shop of sorts, but for the most part, it can still be considered "specialty" for what it's worth.

The Set Shop is accessed from the upper-right corner of the main screen, just below the Aeos Gems indicator and access to its shop. Now, it's called the "Set Shop" because its contents are comprised of bundles of items, most often a Unite License and a matching Holowear so one can play with the Pokémon and have something to show off for it. As can be discerned, they're essentially "better together" items, so players get at least some value for them - moreover that they're discounted to an extent. Quite a few are also related to certain Legendary Pokémon, so they're (slightly) useful for those who missed their respective events.

Yet there is a catch, a typical one for the game. The items in the shop are only purchasable by spending Aeos Gems, which means one will have to pay for them with real money by proxy. As such, this is the part that probably won't matter much to many players, as the ones who don't pay for or really ever use Aeos Gems for any purpose. The Unite Licenses might have already been obtained or could be gotten with alternative currencies, so the only sticking point would be the offered Holowear, the only thing that would prompt payment for and spending of Aeos Gems in any case and even outside of this specific shop.

While the Set Shop is a fascinating and useful aspect or feature, its usage of Aeos Gems to purchase its items is certainly a limiter for those who are not concerned with spending this currency (and its real-world money equivalent) and/or just want to keep things free to play. As a "specialty" shop, though, it fills a void for those who do invest in the game and look to get more out of that investment, and there is nothing wrong with that. It may be the start or continuance of that effort for when it matters the most.

Five years ago: Multilingual Pokémon Go
Six years ago: Gym Tours
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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Possibility of a Universal Event "Claim All"?

Next on the agenda for a run of Pokémon Unite discussions is one related to implementation (specifically, a way of it) and a bit of a feature request. Some modern Pokémon games now have a "Claim All" or sometimes "Receive All" button for rewards gained through pass tracks or sometimes just tasks. It's a feature that is helpful when many individual rewards are present and a player just wants to get them all without fuss. Pokémon Unite implements this as well, and it is fine in a number of cases except one.

In some specific screens, both related and unrelated to events, a "Claim All" button is present and takes care of things nicely. In fact, sometimes it becomes the more convenient and workable option due to certain issues of responsiveness (not pertinent to this discussion). However, with the burgeoning number of events and event formats, it can be kind of tedious to go through all the separate event screens and claiming the rewards in each one, even if they have that "Claim All" button. What would be great is to be able to get the claiming done for all different kinds of events, much like as in Café Remix with its "Receive All" button for tasks.

As such, the feature request would be for a "Claim All" button that would be "universal" across events, not just individual ones. Some of the events can still have their own "Claim All" button for their purposes, but for those who like and want to get things done all at once - most likely since they don't spend too much time within the game - the "universal" button would then do the trick. It might be a little hard to implement due to the way that the various events present themselves in both rewards and functions, but if there is a way to do just that, then it might very well be worthwhile to make the implementation.

The multitude of events that are now present in Pokémon Unite is certainly not going away, and further, they're likely to expand upon themselves. This goes along with the rewards that they can possibly furnish, which might require some separate claiming efforts at the moment even if they're all within a single event. A "universal" button for claiming all rewards would be the certain feature to implement, even if this could present some difficulty, and from there all that remains is to get and keep all of the usual gameplay going.

Six years ago: The Music of TCGO
Seven years ago: Cosplay: Tachiagare
Eight years ago: My Book of Days
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Monday, September 8, 2025

Sharing Results in (and from) Pokémon Unite

This month, I'm returning to an actual Pokémon subject for my "gimme five" posts that will span this week. The subject is the MOBA game that is Pokémon Unite, for discussing a few facets from both past and present. The one I've chosen for today might seem benign but actually has an element of importance to it. As such, it's also helpful to understand it and possibly make use of it for better gameplay.

Some achievements in the game (exchanging for a gold emblem, attaining certain ranks, obtaining a Unite License, among others) allow for them to be shared in the form of an image. This can then be placed on a player's preferred social media platform, and from there they can also be saved for posterity and one's records. It also becomes a useful way to engage existing players and possibly motivate non-players to play or rejoin.

For example, here's my shared fourth anniversary recap.

At certain times, there is another motivation and encouragement to share: doing so may allow the player to earn 50 Aeos Coins, which is a small sum but could be quite useful to balance its earnings from other sources - especially for those who (almost) never pay for Aeos Gems. This will be clearly indicated when the Share button pops up, and sharing the achievement right then and there will result in the small earning.

It goes without saying that the opportunity to share achievements or results should be utilized whenever it allows for the earnings above. However, since the sharing result is an image, any achievement that may deserve to be memorialized in such a form can therefore be shared to preserve them. The process may allow for their record-keeping, which I would say is a pretty good side benefit whether or not there is the earning above.

Evidently, even a small and seemingly benign facet like the sharing of results or achievements in (and from) Pokémon Unite can have its benefits, which means it's worthy to be detailed as the above. It's up to players to utilize it however they may, just like it's up to me to detail about them in the posts of this blog and outline how that might be done. As far as I'm concerned, that's a great thing for everyone.

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Sunday, September 7, 2025

Cosplay: Dalbo Fest Fifth Anniversary

Me: OK, now this is a real festival - or I should say, market.

Goh: Sure! Also, isn't this a repeat from a year ago?

Me: Indeed it is. So I think we might be able to count on this as an annual thing.

Goh: OK, so if it's a repeat, then was it at the same place?

Ash: It was - same market and things in it.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["All there!"]

Goh: And that would mean the same people holding it.

Ash: Yeah, pretty much.

Goh: Oh, and the same competitions too.

Ash: Well, there was a character parade and performance, but I don't think I saw the performance one...

Me: I could've sworn they also promised the latter. Then again, I wasn't going to commit you for either.

Goh: Oh - let me guess, there was a raid thing going on, also like last year.

Ash: There was - for Mega Sharpedo. This one I did with a friend of our friend, so just a small group.

Goh: That's nice. I guess you didn't have to do much for that.

Ash: I got in after the raids. Maybe I did miss a couple of things.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Maybe so."]

Ash: I did get to see the character parade. 

Goh: So maybe you could have made it in. But...

Ash: I knew the judges and the judges knew me.

Me: Fat chance of getting anything out of this one. So that meant just hanging out with friends and other characters.

Ash: Yeah. I met many of them over the rest of the day.

Goh: I bet they're all good friends of our friends.

Ash: Sure! I had a great time with them.

Goh: How about other entertainment on the stage?

Ash: I think they were all dance groups.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika... ["The usual..."]

Goh: Did you at least get to browse through the market?

Ash: At the end, when it was almost over. Our friend also wanted me to find a certain clothing item... and I got it for a good price, with the help of a friend too.

Me: Excellent! I think it'll make for something good very soon.

Goh: Hey, at least the market came in handy this time. 

Ash: It sure did. So if it's going to be every year, then I think we'll keep on finding new things. 

Me: I can't say it better myself.

Goh: I hope our friend can put in Ash somehow next time.

Me: Believe me, I really want to do that.

Ash: I think it can happen!

Me: And I'm sure this market festival will still be a happening one - five years and counting.

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