The Café Remix "Pokémon 30" Anniversary Celebration

Since the onset of this year's major Pokémon anniversary, Café Remix has held a celebration event for that occasion, certainly using its usual event frameworks. Since the content of the particular event is fascinating and a little more involved than the usual content furnished through the frameworks, I thought I'd cover it as a whole, especially with regard to what has been made available up to this point.

As demonstrated by its initial promotional image, the event features the return of various first partner Pokémon from all generations, this time with a special "Commemorative brooch" outfit for each of them. This also becomes an opportunity for some players to hire the Pokémon if they hadn't already through other means, for getting the outfit also means hiring the Pokémon and making it available for play. The outfits are available through daily stamps and Mission Bingo, so that means logging in frequently and making the most of plays.

The celebration also began with the fully evolved first generation first partners, as Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. They were respectively obtainable through an event, a special pass, and deliveries. Of course, a player had to make the effort through the event, purchase that special pass, and hope for some luck with deliveries, unless the player bought an instant hire ticket for the last one. They're still the usual mannerisms for the game, so players had to deal with them as best as they could.

Meanwhile, the event is transitioning to the feature of other special Pokémon, like an Eevee with a new five-star outfit to be gotten through deliveries, as well as a Garchomp with a different outfit through a currently ongoing event. The café is also presented with a special main screen music that incorporates some chiptune elements that hark back to the time when Pokémon first appeared on the Game Boy. For as long as the celebration is still going on, these elements will certainly be present to make things lively.

While Café Remix is present many years after most Pokémon elements have already appeared, the current anniversary celebration makes for a good callback to many of those elements, including some of the first that apply to Pokémon in general. It becomes a fascinating and lively celebration for players of this puzzle spinoff game, and old and new players alike can appreciate all the offerings of the merriment.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 3/22/2025

Two years ago: Ghost Pokémon... and Being Ghosted Myself

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

Four years ago: Respect for Sarah Natochenny

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

Six years ago: Celebi @ Everywhere

Seven years ago: At the Same Time

Eight years ago: Shiny Lugia Obsessions

Nine years ago: A Passion for Red

Ten Points of a Pokémon Life

Going back to that certain time I mentioned a few days ago, today's kind of the prime time for that, so I want to go over it again and certainly with Pokémon in tow - moreover since in previous years, I've done just that (this one being last year). For the occasion this time, I've decided to reflect things with a song... but it's kind of obscure - at least to most readers who would be expected to read these posts - so I'm not going to use it directly in the reflective discussion. I can, however, use the central idea that is posited in the song, like what I did a couple of years ago, to get my points across. In fact, there is a multiple of them.

 

Now, the song that I'm thinking of discusses "ten points", at least for the version I'm closer to and enjoy more. The other version of this song has "five points" instead, which means that it is also simpler in that regard, but then the one with "ten points" can be considered to "subsume" the one with "five points", so regardless, I'd like to use the one with "ten points" to deliver my views. And as I've said above, the song is kind of obscure, including with respect to the content of those points - but I can extract their essences and make them relate to Pokémon for the purpose of this discussion, which is essentially the point (ahem).

For the ten points, the first two concern respect for the (created) things in this world and their sources, which when Pokémon becomes a concern, the likes of Arceus and Mew become relevant somehow along with all other Pokémon species. The next three points then concern respect for people who educate and bring up others to be what they can be (here Pokémon Professors and families fit the bill), as well as for the land, for without the land neither people nor Pokémon would be able to survive. Those are all great points.

The next five points would concern "spiritual" matters, but in the context of Pokémon, they can be made "semi-spiritual". For that, the first four of these could be construed as each of the individual "four pillars" that I had explained such a long time ago, and respecting and making relationships according to these pillars. As for that last point, which perhaps might be the most important one, that would be to smile whenever possible - and obviously Pokémon can help in that regard, to make all of its fans as happy as possible every time.

Despite being taken out of their original context, all of the ten points above seem perfectly applicable to and reflective of Pokémon matters. That is a great thing regardless, but even more so for a special time that becomes the context that frames this post. With that, it also seems that no matter the number of points (ten or five as in the above), the whole point is still to celebrate life, happiness, and Pokémon in all their best and greatest glories.

One year ago: Let's Talk About Social Impact

Two years ago: The Charm of Open-Air Pokémon Markets

Three years ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Ionic Cup

Four years ago: The Route Themes of Journey Beginnings

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Waiting Games

Six years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Toxic Cup

Seven years ago: Gender Appeal

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

Nine years ago: GSC Nendoroid Series #425: Red

TCGP: The Wonders of Paldea in Packs

As I mentioned in the previous Pokémon Presents edition, the matter of a new expansion for TCGP is something that I need to get to, and now I'm finally able to get to it. After several of these that are oriented to Mega Evolution, the newest one provides a respite from that and has the setting of the most recently recognized region and generation in this world. That would be Paldea, certainly, and the expansion is thusly called "Paldean Wonders" to reflect all that is fascinating from this region and featured in the expansion.

For that, the expansion is a minor one (a Themed Booster Pack, as it is so given) with nearly all of the Pokémon in the expansion being ones from said region, including the first partners and a few others that are emblematic of the region. The pack image indeed contains these Pokémon species and presents them as potential targets for players opening the packs for this expansion. As with other expansions, that may take a good bit of time to fulfill.

Since Trainer cards have grown in diversity of kinds, I thought I'd discuss the ones contained in this expansion as well. This minor expansion also introduces 1 Item card, 1 Pokémon Tool card, 5 Supporter cards, and 1 Stadium card. That's a good number of selections to have and go through, so some players will be rummaging through packs for them just as much as they'll be rummaging for the Pokémon that they will want and need to use in the battles.

Meanwhile, the expansion itself has 93 cards in the numbered section and 38 cards in the overnumbered section, making it come out to 131 cards in total. That's somewhat more than most other minor expansions or Themed Booster Packs, so the "rummaging" potential is also somewhat greater as a result. That would be especially true if full art and/or Shiny cards are a concern, for which the 38 overnumbered cards are still quite a bit and rare too.

If this minor expansion or Themed Booster Pack is an indication, the most recent species entrants to the world of Pokémon are still fair game and of interest even in this virtual TCG form. This new one then encapsulates the most essential aspects and presents them as "true" wonders that might just show dominance on the card playfield.

One year ago: Monopoly Pokémon Edition, Then and Now

Two years ago: Can-Do with Pachirisu

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

Four years ago: ASMR with Pokémon

Five years ago: All I Can Do, with You

Six years ago: Sad Music from Kanto

Seven years ago: A Girl and a Fan

Eight years ago: The Place to Be

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

The Legendary Flight, Unite License Style

Players of Pokémon Unite will recognize the "Legendary Flight", as the three Legendary birds of Kanto and the first generation, in their appearance in "legend pits" on certain maps and for their partial playability in the Catch 'Em map. Now, though, and as a part of commemorating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, players can (or will) be able to enjoy them in full playability, certainly through the game's system of Unite Licenses and by earning them through a game event... aside from paying them outright and immediately with Aeos Gems, also as usual.

The three birds are given the roles of Defender for Articuno, Attacker for Zapdos, and All-Rounder for Moltres. At present, the Zapdos event is about to end in a few days, having started a couple of weeks ago, and the Moltres event is in full swing with it having started just a few days ago; the one for Articuno will certainly start in due time. The game's login screen is also showing these three birds above Theia Sky Ruins for the purpose of promoting the events and occasion of getting them to be able to play with them in all the game's modes and maps.

Having the three birds in fully playable form certainly increases the number of fully playable Legendary Pokémon in the game, and by quite a bit with the successive additions as in this case. As for the three birds having the above roles, they are the "standard three" that are expected in a usual five-on-five battle, so any of them can be used to meet the expectation; obviously not all three at once are expected in the same battle for a team (especially if other restrictions are in play), but any or all of them could be handy for players with role experience.

With their presence now in full playability and not just partial as with the presence in the Catch 'Em map, the "Legendary Flight" takes to a much greater height in Pokémon Unite, particularly with the potential that they hold, if the partial playability (for Articuno and Zapdos) is already an indication of that. Moltres then completes the trio and its dimension in actual gameplay, and players will have to prepare themselves for the potential tricks that they may hold in that regard. Yet that may be a good (and major) thing for the context of the major anniversary.

One year ago: 3000 Posts!!!

Two years ago: Rethinking Pokémon-People Relations

Three years ago: Cosplay: Culture Festival

Four years ago: Pokémon of Overlapping Roles?

Five years ago: The Post Malone P25 Virtual Concert

Six years ago: No Sight, No Mind

Seven years ago: Fashion Statements by Pokémon

Eight years ago: PokéTerminology

Nine years ago: Cosplay Hair

Life Is Bright, Light Up Your Life

I have a certain discussion topic in mind as a tangent that I still wanted to discuss but with still some relation to Pokémon, and I had wanted to discuss it today. However, the more I thought about it, the more I felt unprepared to make that discussion. So, I've decided to shelve it and prepare another discussion instead (in a way, rather on the spot as well). Now, in considering that the discussion topic is fading in its "light", I thought about bringing up another topic that is related to "light" and certainly will be brought up with inclusion of Pokémon references.

That topic concerns a certain saying that is more or less represented by the title of this post. It's relatively obscure in origin, but the meaning is bright - literally. In a surface sense, it means to bring light into life as light brings brightness into one's life. In a deeper sense, though, it means to make contributions to life to make it a brighter place (than ever) and then bring back that brightness into one's own life. That seems evocative of many things, including Pokémon.

Perhaps the brightest thing in Pokémon is the spectacle that is presented by the various battles that take place involving them. They often present light play by way of the moves and resulting attacks, but most importantly, they can also show how far the contributions of others, including the Trainers associated with them, have influenced outcomes. In this way, the saying as presented above manifests itself in a somewhat extraordinary manner through Pokémon.

Of course, light doesn't have to be always present in Pokémon battle; it can also be present outside it, like in the fleeting glimmer of a passing Jirachi or the glow of a Pokémon using Flash to illuminate the darkest of areas. As for their contributions, with regard to people or Trainers and whether they're in front of or behind them, all of them have certain roles that translate into influences for and from what the Pokémon do as they bring their light to them.

Light is never in short supply, also for as long as certain bright things are present, and by the saying above, people and Pokémon can bring their own "light" in different ways. For that, it seems that its discussion alongside Pokémon seems to be warranted intermittently (especially if another topic is on hold), to present any semblance of related and possible contributions.

One year ago: Trading Cards in TCGP

Two years ago: New Controls in Pokémon Go

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

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

Five years ago: New Pokémon Go Bonus Hour Experiments

Six years ago: On Blogging and Microblogging

Seven years ago: Character Songs

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

Nine years ago: Alton : Food :: I : Pokémon

The Department Stores (of My Life)

Early main series Pokémon games featured an in-game place called the Department Store, located in one of the major cities in the games' regions. These could be thought of as a substantially expanded Poké Mart in those places, where the Mart is not a part of the Pokémon Center as it is in later games and thereby regions. I thought I'd carry this topic for an actual post - after having only mentioned it as an aside in some earlier posts - and bring in some philosophical musings, given that in some places of the world, this current time would be the time when some people might be rushing to real department stores for what they offer.

Like their real counterparts, the place is divided into floors with staff selling different items on each floor. Getting to each of these floors and then getting the items needed for continuing the adventure is an exercise in reading into what's there, how much one can spend, and what it takes to get the items - especially from the vending machines on the rooftop. It's an exercise that the people as mentioned above might have some familiarity with (and so do I), and when it comes time for that, people (and Trainers) might just have the power to go all out.

As mentioned in a very old post, a later iteration of the Department Store also featured sales of certain items on the rooftop at certain points in time. The items that can be obtained from these sales may or may not be what Trainers need, but it may still be fun to make the effort to obtain them. So too do occasions occur at the places where the real people (and I) shop - as I perhaps can attest all too well - and there is the fun to be had out of that, which means going to them whenever the occasion strikes and to take advantage of the visit for many things.

While the Department Stores only had an early presence in the main series games, those who interact with the games, then and now, will realize that dealing with them in the games may not only be necessary at certain times but also can present an outing opportunity of its own. With the ways that they are as described above, as well as their parallels to reality, they make for places that will certainly supplement Pokémon goings-on in more ways than one.

One year ago: The Legendary Challenge in Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Pokémon Plush Dolls of All Kinds of Sizes

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

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

Five years ago: The Sentience of Pokémon

Six years ago: There Are Monsters Outside

Seven years ago: "Monkey Trio" Keychain Figures

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

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

The Three "Peculiars" of Pokopia

While I can't cover Pokémon Pokopia directly due to a few reasons that I've outlined in a post that also apply to other fans who are likely also interested in the game, I can cover a few more things about the game in a somewhat indirect manner. One of those things is the presence of several Pokémon that have established themselves as a part of the game (even by now) and to be quite identified as such - three of them, in fact. They're also quite odd by species standards, and for that, I've applied the term of "peculiar" to them.

One of these is a different take on Pikachu, which goes by the name of "Peakychu". It still resembles Pikachu by many respects, but instead of being brightly colored, it is instead very pale in color - in a way, quite "ghostly". Its ear and tail are also considerably "limp", almost affirming its "ghostly" perception. Yet a Pikachu by any other name is still lovable even if peculiar, and that fits the bill for this entity of the Pokopia realm.

Then there's "Mosslax", which is evidently a take on Snorlax. Instead of the familiar blue-and-white coloration of that species, it is mostly a shade of mossy green, with white still showing on its face. Its sitting position is quite indicative of it staying in that position (perhaps unlike a normal Snorlax), allowing moss to grow on it and making it what it is. It's a Snorlax lookalike that is rather receptive to nature, even peculiarly on its own body.

As the last of the "peculiars", there is "Professor Tangrowth" - for which the species name is obvious. That also goes for its appearance, being differentiated from a normal Tangrowth by its white tufty vines on its head. Like the human professors of the main series games, it is expected that the player Ditto will interact with it for some sage advice... which isn't totally weird, except maybe for the circumstances of this strange world.

Getting ahold of a chance to deal with Pokopia and its strange realm will automatically mean getting a chance to deal with the "peculiar" creatures above that resemble (or take off from) some popularly recognized species. That may be the strangest thing yet, aside from not being able to play the game at present, but goodness and strangeness will come in due time.

One year ago: Too Many Events for Pokémon Go??

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/16/2024

Three years ago: Starting and Restarting Pokémon Go

Four years ago: On the Intricacies of the Battle Pass

Five years ago: Localized Legendary Pokémon

Six years ago: Brushing Up on Pokémon Mythology

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Neko-Neko

Eight years ago: Our Glory of Love

Nine years ago: Multilingual Pokémon

I Want to Play Pokopia, But...

So, the newest Pokémon game, a spinoff title entitled Pokémon Pokopia, had been released some days ago on March 5, also as I mentioned in the latest edition of Pokémon Presents. The game 's life simulation aspect is by no means unique, though the game itself is as the first of its kind for Pokémon. Further, the challenges that preclude one from being able to play the game are unique as well, and a lot of players share the same challenges... including yours truly. For that, I'd like to discuss those challenges and dealing with them.

First and foremost, the game is only for Nintendo Switch 2, so those without the console are obviously challenged in this regard. Even with the fact that the game supports Game Share, a feature of that console that allows others (even on just a Nintendo Switch) to play, it still takes someone with the former console to get things started - and of course, they'll need a copy of the game, but I'll get to this shortly. Regardless, a console remains a necessity, and the prospective Pokopia players will need to get that going somehow.

Then there's the game itself. By certain reports, the game costs around 70 USD, making it on par with a main series game of modern times. Furthermore, it's too big to fit on a game card, so even physical purchases will provide a key instead to download the game. Prospective players will thus need to have ample space on their consoles' internal storage, a daunting one if they already have filled it with many games. It seems that players will not only be filling the spaces of their worlds but also the spaces on their own consoles.

Most importantly, even if the above prerequisites are met, players may not be able to spare some time to actually play due to other commitments, including for other (Pokémon) games and especially if competitive matters are at hand. Even so, one of my VGC friends have taken time out of whatever schedule there may be and has played the game, proving that it's quite possible for that friend. For others (like me), that may not necessarily be the case. As I've said, the game itself is a "timesink", and that may not be ideal for some.

With all of the reasons above, many of which also apply to me, it seems it could be hard for me and other players with similar reasons and applicability to justify being able to play the new Pokémon life simulation game anytime soon. But for those who can fulfill everything above and make their way to live in Pokopia, that might be a lucky break, something that other fans and players hope could happen to them. As they say, where there's a will, there's a way, and the will to live in Pokopia might just lay out the path for that.

One year ago: From Niantic to Scopely

Two years ago: Loot (or Not) from Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Bali

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

Four years ago: Investing in a Battle Pass?

Five years ago: A Year of Living Dangerously

Six years ago: Cosplay: IAM COSPLAYCON

Seven years ago: The Pokémon Search Bar in Pokémon Go

Eight years ago: Ash and Pikachu, DJF 2018 Style

Nine years ago: A Psyduck Headache

Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/14/2026

First off, for those who recognize it, today is Pi Day (for the mathematical feature), so it would be rightful to serve up pies (the culinary treat) on this day. It seems Pokémon Go had also decided to serve up the "pie" that is Community Day on this day, both the one that represents this year's helpings as well as this season's helpings. There is also a helping of the "pie" that represents the first partner Pokémon species in this edition, and now comes the time to explain all of that and how tantalizing things are.

Having said all of that, this month's featured Pokémon is the veritable Scorbunny, the first partner Pokémon of the Galar region. It evolves twice into Raboot and then Cinderace - and the latter will certainly be able to learn the move of Blast Burn, which is true for this month. It can also learn its signature move of Pyro Ball from this point onwards with the help of a TM, which may be useful as an alternative to the above. Meanwhile, the main bonus of this edition is quartered hatch distance, which means a time to get Eggs hatched on and out.

As usual, the regular bonuses of double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules (plus extra appearances), trade discounts and extra Special Trades, photo bombs, and special backgrounds apply. Then there's Field Research, Timed Research (for those who check in to community meetups), and the paid Special Research entitled "Hoppily Ever After" - a suggestion that may be taken for granted nowadays.

On this occasion, I chose to go with the local community meetup due to the prevailing "break" - which also prompts reminders of why I should and shouldn't deal with it. I caught a sizeable number of Scorbunny that were Shiny, had backgrounds, or both, and I evolved the best of the best out of my usual roster of things to evolve for Community Day. Now I have a game plan for what to do with the resources I obtained today... and for future Community Day meetups.

This family of rabbits that can deliver fiery kicks might be relevant to those who play soccer for that very reason and association, but with regard to the species themselves, there will always be a place for them somehow in battle with how they've been involved in Pokémon Go, including today. With that, the "pie" piece has been served to satisfaction.

One year ago: 100 Years, 1 Million Memories

Two years ago: Cook and Collect in Café Remix

Three years ago: Serving up Paldea with a Twist

Four years ago: To Share and To Care

Five years ago: Berry Cuisine

Six years ago: Pokémon Anime Song Remixes?

Seven years ago: Profits on the Side

Eight years ago: It's Pi Day!

Nine years ago: Pokémon and Puzzle Games

Bemoaning the Fate of Spotlight Hour

With the new Pokémon Go season and its structure of "daily activities", it has become evident that one of the long-standing ones in this regard has met its demise and has been eliminated from that structure. I'm of course talking about Spotlight Hour, and this is even after how I had noted its apparent persistence several years ago. Though this is not a Tuesday (it's a Friday, which has a different "activity" as above), I'd still like to discuss this change, the factors that might have gone into that, and the current situation after the change.

For the factors, it seems the "disgruntled" individuals like someone who had commented on one of my old posts might have grown in number, and thus the demise satisfies them. Or as an alternative, the turnout for the weekly activity or sub-event might have decreased, even gradually from the point where I had noted that persistence. These are certainly only theories, since Niantic-Scopely have the final say on what led to the change, besides trying to make things more regular for Trainers, the substance of the body of changes.

Personally, I've always found Spotlight Hour (and its added bonus since that experiment) a useful part of the week's run, especially if it could be integrated into an ongoing event as has been the case several times over its course. It becomes an opportunity to get resources for some hardly appearing Pokémon and sometimes even others through its bonuses - or even just Stardust by catching, if the opportunity presents itself. For me, therefore, it's a bit of a loss that other event kinds may or may not be able to make up by their content.

Speaking of, what about its "substitute", Showcase Tuesday? I don't find it an "elegant" one as such, and it would work better if Spotlight Hour was still present but integrated with it. The sparseness of Showcase PokéStops, even in my area, makes this activity not too useful: in fact, the nearest one to my home is several hundred meters, and it's not practical for me to walk back and forth to that Showcase in order to take advantage of the activity. Again, if Spotlight Hour was still around, then it might be somewhat of an incentive for that.

Now that Spotlight Hour is for all its essence "gone", Trainers may have to rely on and take advantage of ongoing events in order to build up the resources that used to be able to be so conveniently gained from the activity or sub-event. Even its substitute may be better off being in tandem rather than separate from it. In that sense, I'm really "bemoaning" the loss of the activity or sub-event and the fact that now it seems it's not too persistent after all. With that, only persistence remains in seeing how Pokémon Go can progress without it.

One year ago: The Lightning and the Thunder

Two years ago: Let's Talk About A Break for the Light

Three years ago: Here Comes a Factions Cycle

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

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

Six years ago: The First Hoenn Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Seven years ago: The Poké Ball Classics Merchandise Line

Eight years ago: Yes, Even More Pokémon Stickers

Nine years ago: Every Day We're Shufflin

Dreamy Visions... in Plush Form

After discussing three songs with certain dreamy visions, now I want to discuss some actual Pokémon dreamy visions... albeit in merchandise form. Many fans are of course familiar with Pokémon evolution, by which some species "upgrade" into other forms. Some people have visions of the process for their Pokémon, and it might also be construed that some Pokémon species themselves might have the same visions. Those visions are perfectly encapsulated in a new and recently released line of merchandise.

The line is called the "Little Daydream" plush, and the concept is that the featured Pokémon in plush doll form are themselves holding miniature plush versions of what will likely be their evolved state. Kicking off the line is Charmander, Pichu, Wooper, Togepi, and Munchlax, all of which hold their ultimate evolution forms - save for Pichu, who holds a Pikachu instead, which can be construed that Raichu is an optional and/or undesired objective for it. All of them also look in a dream-like state, befitting the line's name.

Even the first three of these are available in a more miniscule keychain plush form, which looks just as charming as the bigger plush versions (and certainly more affordable, given the state of the world nowadays). If I had the option of getting any of these, I'd love to have the one for Pichu, Charmander, or both, in either the regular or keychain form. I'd also love for the line to be expanded in the future, with more first partner and/or baby Pokémon, as I'm sure many fans also have the same interest for this plush doll line.

Dreams always have ways of manifesting themselves in certain realities, and the most recent certain reality for Pokémon merchandise is the line above with some cutesy Pokémon species holding cutesy visions of what they'd like to be. The concept is rather fascinating and fits the views of those who always have dreams on their minds, and the expansion potential is not only apparent but could be somewhat desired. Given those "dreamy visions", some fans may just have this line of plush dolls on their minds for some time.

One year ago: To Hold Hands and Love

Two years ago: What Lurks in the Pokémon Night

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

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

Five years ago: Making the Case for Open-World

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

Seven years ago: Beta Testing

Eight years ago: Taking the Go Train

Nine years ago: Worldly Inspirations for a Small World

Clear Shades of the Past

Now, it seems it's real for me

The farther away you go

The closer you are to me

I will keep and let it grow

This love you gave to me

So deep within my heart...

-- "Nuansa Bening (A Clear Shade)" (interpretive lyrical translation)

OK, OK, one more song for Pokémon experience - this time because it's rather important and close to the moment. The song now is a local song for which I've quoted the chorus and gave it a translation that one (you) can sing to if that's the choice. The relation to Pokémon will certainly be interpretative, but it also has an indirect link that ties into the importance and the moment as I've mentioned. All of those things now demand explanation.

The song has the title as such (even if only mentioned in one place) because it's about the feeling of attraction one person that is unbounded and leaves a certain feeling in that person's heart - the "clear shade", in a manner of speaking. It's a very romantic feeling, whether one has gotten close to a significant other or perhaps even separated. And it seems that this point may be relevant to the situation that applies to the song and its associated artist.

As for fitting this song with Pokémon, "moments of everlasting togetherness" would fit the bill given the above interpretation. As suggested by the title of this post, perhaps they could apply not only to moments of the present but also of the past, ones that are likely to be quite fondly remembered and whatever mix of entities is involved (people and Pokémon).

Now, this song has been sung by a different artist in the more distant past, but in modern times, it's known for being one of the signature songs of Vidi Aldiano despite being a cover - which is why I didn't tag the artist in the quote. Vidi also happened to be one of the featured local artists in the big local Pokémon event from one and a half years ago, on Day 1 - the day before I (Ash) went there. With that, the Pokémon relation is evident, and...

...I'm sorry to say, said artist passed away a few days ago after a long battle with cancer (which also strikes a chord for me personally). Due to the Pokémon ties, the importance and the moment become evident as well. Many of the artist's fans have been grieving, and I'm sure those who saw his Pokémon performance then may also be in such as state.

With the song's imagery, clarity is certainly something that many people would wish to see for all their current and past moments, especially romantic ones. Some of them would certainly have this song to thank for being able to do so, and even now after the passing of the modern artist, some of those clear moments - including for Pokémon - will remain.

One year ago: Here on My Mind, Here in My Dreams

Two years ago: To Be a Jumpluff

Three years ago: Postcards in Pokémon Go

Four years ago: On the "Grass Divas"

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

Six years ago: The Wonders of the PokéRap and Beyond

Seven years ago: Quantity and Quality

Eight years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest 2018

Nine years ago: Have You Seen My Childhood?

Come Sail with Me (Us) (and Pokémon)

I'm sailing away

Set an open course for the virgin sea

Cause I've got to be free

Free to face the life that's ahead of me

On board I'm the captain, so climb aboard

We'll search for tomorrow on every shore

And I'll try, oh Lord, I'll try to carry on

...

A gathering of angels

Appeared above my head

They sang to me this song of hope

And this is what they said

They said come sail away, come sail away

Come sail away with me...

-- "Come Sail Away", Styx

I'm in a song-and-experience mood to discuss about Pokémon matters, so I'm going to throw in another one. This rather old song seems to come across to listeners when the circumstances present themselves, whether they're relevant to the themes or situations involved with the song. The same is (or was) true for me personally, and being a Pokémon fan, things revolved back to that, making it worthy of a discussion with that relevance and on this blog.

The song is by a rock band and consists of a soft part and a hard part, which could be construed as the "verse" and "chorus" respectively. It brings up the virtues of sailing on the open sea... and sky, if the "chorus" is of any suggestion. It's slightly melancholic yet optimistic, which may explain its association by some people to memories of both qualities. And then there's the association with some facets of pop culture - Pokémon for this purpose.

Even if they don't actually sail on the sea, every Trainer can be considered to "sail" on their Pokémon journey - to meet Pokémon of the land, sea, and sky, all of which can be made to fit the premises of the song in some way. Certainly, not all of the memories may be happy, but as the "captains" of their journey, the Trainers will deal with them in the best ways possible, and they'll go wherever they go for the experience - something familiar to many.

Meanwhile, the song is similar in spirit but somewhat different in message and radically so in genre to another song I brought up some years ago, which has an alternate (but commonly mentioned and recognized) title of... "Sail Away". Yet for Pokémon Trainers specifically and fans of the franchise in general, they'll certainly take all that in however it's possible for them to do so, and the message of being able to go places remains relevant in that way.

As a footnote, this song may have something to do with, erm... some actual (new) "seafaring" business that also happens to coincide on this particular day, albeit one of the imagination and one that last year had forged a link to Pokémon (in an alternate form). But that's not really for me to deal with on this blog; that's for myself to enjoy later. Regardless, it's another pop culture facet that can now be an "adjunct" to Pokémon in some ways.

"Sailing away" is a common prospect where boats, ships, and other vessels of their kind are of concern, and this can apply very much for Pokémon and other realistic realms as much as it does for real life. Much is to be found in the effort of doing so, even if the vessels and the media they're on are only figurative. There's a "song of hope" in all of those cases, and there's always the call and the answer to go through it as much as possible.

One year ago: You, Me, and All People (and Pokémon)

Two years ago: The "Reject" Terms

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

Four years ago: "Plus Moves" in Pokémon Games

Five years ago: Thundering into the Vortex

Six years ago: A Taste of the Poison Paradise

Seven years ago: Everybody, Polkamon

Eight years ago: Action or Strategy?

Nine years ago: Thank Heaven for Little Boys

The Pearls of My Experience

And so I've made up my mind

I'm gonna be yours this time

I'm gonna give all I've got

And get your love in return

And so I've made up my mind

I'm gonna be yours this time

I'm gonna teach you to trust

And learn how to burn

Experience pearls (pearls of experience)...

-- "Experience Pearls", Ace of Base

Since the "hidden theme" of this year's Pokémon anniversary is the "pearl anniversary", I thought I'd give out some additional "pearls of wisdom", specifically by a song that has the precious item of concern in its title. Many of the songs I bring up in this way are specifically related to (my) Pokémon experience, which in a way explains the category label that I give to the posts - but this one seems to be as relevant since it has that word in the title.

For that, the song is a lesser-known one of this once-popular pop group. The lyrics of the song itself tell of a person who wishes to become a (romantic) partner of someone who is down, even to the point of shedding tears - perhaps because of heartbreak from a previous partner. The allegory is that those tears can be converted into "pearls" that show the value of that person as a new partner, or maybe even a "true" partner, after all that's happened.

Then comes the interpretation with Pokémon. Though the species themselves do not really connect through romantic attraction to people (except in one very specific case and in light of certain facts - not to be discussed here), they can connect through social relations, and those social relations may just have the power to convert tears into "pearls" as much as romantic attraction can, in all the same ways that the song lyrics suggest.

With that in mind, it seems the recently released Pokémon Pokopia game (a few days ago, which I haven't covered) might be a venue where things are converted into "pearls" in a figurative sense. Its "dystopic" initial setting and its premises of interacting with Pokémon to build a better world both align with that sense, which makes this song able to cover that game interpretatively. It's a fascinating thought at the very least.

In general, Pokémon makes many people (including me) happy and content, no matter what goes on in the world around them, so that becomes a "pearl" in itself. That has been true for me in my long history with Pokémon and what I've observed with other fans and what they do with Pokémon, so the song's message still holds in that regard.

Experience is a strong shaper of the things that people do, in and out of Pokémon. If this song has anything to say about that, it is that the good and not-so-good ones alike can be turned into wonderful things ("pearls") later on, whether that applies to romance or otherwise. That's a "pearl of wisdom" for Pokémon experience and beyond.

One year ago: Cosplay: Weeb's Break Party

Two years ago: Winds of Changing Unite Teams

Three years ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - "Camping Series", Selections

Four years ago: The Support of Fans

Five years ago: Tags and Tagged Search in Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Toxic People and Fans

Seven years ago: Interpretative Soundtracks

Eight years ago: Father Figure?

Nine years ago: Tonight, We Honor the Hero

New Takes in Pokémon Unite

Recently, Pokémon Unite has introduced a few new elements in the game that change up existing ways of doing things in the game. Consequently, for the purpose of this post, I'm referring to them as new "takes" for all their ways of offering novelties - and of course, the post serves to discuss them to allow players like me to take advantage of them. The new "takes" may also be considered significant in their regard.

One of those is the addition of a "Solo Mode". This is essentially an expansion of the previous iteration of Solo Challenge, and now it consists of many challenges arranged in paths and stages. Each challenge has a battle with one player and the rest CPU players, to be played like a regular five-on-five battle; each challenge also has tasks to be completed and might even restrict the selection of Pokémon. This new mode becomes a diversion from the regular all-human battles while also presenting players something to grind.

Because of the addition of Solo Mode, battle selection has been changed up. Now there is a mode selection screen with six buttons, for which Ranked play and Solo Mode are made front and center. The rest of the battle modes (Quick, Custom, Standard, and Practice) are all half-size buttons beside the two buttons for Ranked play and Solo Mode, the former also showing the current rank of the player and the season deadline. The new battle selection process now becomes a way of showing the game's diversity of play modes.

As well, move selection in battle has been changed. Now most Pokémon with branched move selections (often two at certain levels) will need to have their moves pre-selected from the available options prior to the start of the battle. This gets rid of the chance that a move may be wrongly selected - even if the other is already pre-selected - and may even allow for making considerations in the selection, although this means more effort in setting up the Pokémon. It may just be something welcomed with the way the game is now.

These new "takes" do have their ways of changing things up for the game, with some benefits to be had while keeping a lot of things relevant. While other efforts still need to be made in order to set one up for playing the game, the new "takes" can help the setup in other ways, and that may be the most important thing right now - aside from making sure that the players can still play the game as intended in all of their ways.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/8/2025

Two years ago: Taking Pokémon "Sabbaticals"

Three years ago: Pokémon Tidbits from Different Places

Four years ago: On the Planning of Posts

Five years ago: At (and Beyond) the Beginning

Six years ago: Pokémon Conferences?

Seven years ago: Add Hope and Tears...

Eight years ago: Cultivate or Gather Berries?

Nine years ago: Pokémon and Music Games

What Would I Spend for in Café Remix?

It is known (or at the least could be understood) that Café Remix can and does demand some monetary payment for great(er) success, especially with some recent facets. With that in mind, spending for some of the paid aspects may be desired or in order, and perhaps that could also apply to me personally. I've decided to take up that discussion topic as such and to put forth the possibilities of what I'd spend for in this game with money.

One likely possibility is the monthly Premium Pass, which as I've mentioned does have an exclusive Pokémon in many of its editions. Since I enjoy having additional Pokémon to play with, this becomes a sensible spend; moreover, the additional score bonus that it affords for the events in the period is also lucrative, particularly with regular play. Therefore, for me and others with the same situation, the Premium Pass may just be a go-to spend.  

Besides the Monthly Pass, some paid pass tracks have additional Pokémon and/or associated outfits, so these could also be potential spending targets - again, to satisfy my inclinations for additional Pokémon as above. They also often come along with additional bonuses, but the primary bonus will remain the additional Pokémon and/or outfits. The spending may be justified regardless, if that is the primary thing to be obtained.

Recent game events have included paid elements in the form of the Mighty Menu and/or High Score Skip, and they are of lower priority for me to spend on, but their usefulness may be warranted in some cases. For example, the cheapest Mighty Menu to unlock its benefits and an occasional paid High Score Skip might just help to earn other bonuses associated with an event. As such, they also become potential yet occasional spending targets.

While spending on paid aspects in Café Remix might still be something that's not yet in my future, I can still identify some of the paid aspects that I will likely spend on if the opportunity might present itself. Those paid aspects, which comprise the above, are the ones that are the most relevant to my needs with my continued playing of Café Remix, and therefore paying for them might just be justified, especially if it becomes possible.

One year ago: Rotations in Pokémon Games

Two years ago: Quickies: One Day on a Pokémon Ranch

Three years ago: Factions Battlefields, Season 2 Cycle 4

Four years ago: Working for Pokémon?

Five years ago: Outsourcing Pokémon Development

Six years ago: Cosplay: Robotto no Sekai + SUCOFEST 2020

Seven years ago: The Marketing of Expectations

Eight years ago: How Many to a Raid?

Nine years ago: To Be Continued... maimai ORANGE (PLUS)

Days (and Weeks) Full of Pokémon Go Activities

I had already said in my Pokémon Go season opener post that it would have some dynamicity, one way of which is through the restructuring of some things. One of those things is the daily goings-on of Pokémon Go, which has in fact been restructured to fill all days of the week, thereby manifesting the scenario that I had posited approximately a year prior. However, the manifestation is slightly different than what I had posited, and therefore I have to explain them all, certainly in one post for convenience.

For starters, they've all been rounded up as a part of a cohesive whole that is called "Daily Discoveries". By the name, it's evident that they'd be available each day of the week, and that would be true for most common days. Yet it's been given with the caveat that they won't be available in the weeks of big-time paid events (Go Tour, Go Fest, Go Wild Area), which in the past have been made evident to have weekly goings-on of their own. So, at least there would be a regularity for when regular days are concerned.

As for the goings-on, starting on Monday, it would be a "Fast-Track Monday" with double Go Pass task points, along with the regular Max Monday. Tuesday would be a "Showcase Tuesday" with many kinds of Showcases in one day, although Spotlight Hour is no more - which needs to be discussed separately. Wednesdays remain with Raid Hour, which means that it's still entrenched and necessary among Trainers. Apart from the one major change above, these three days are lively and might be even more so.

Then there are new things for Thursday and Friday. They would be "Go Battle Thursday" (with more Stardust from winning battles and being able to go through twice as many battle sets) and "Friendship Friday" (featuring slightly discounted trades, increased Lucky chance in them, an extra Candy XL in each one, and an extra Special Trade). It's remarkable that the former somewhat aligned with my posited idea of battle bonuses, but at least having it for just GBL is better than nothing at all.

Ending the week is "Community Saturday". It's not called that actually (nor is it really a part), but that's because of a good reason: all Raid Days, Max Battle Days, even Community Days (of course, involving local communities wherever) will now take place on this day. It's then followed by "Double-Time Sunday" with double lengths of Incense and Lure Modules. For those who are only free Sundays, this might be a bit of a burden, but it's a burden that is paid for the standardization of weekly goings-on. 

"Daily" is a word that would describe how many Pokémon Go players play the game, so it makes sense to fill all those days with some goings-on as I had posited earlier. For that, it seems evident that someone took note of this and has finally manifested that for all days of the week starting this season, albeit with some twists and turns. Yet those twists and turns are still representative of how dynamic things can actually be in Pokémon Go, and so it is that a new dynamic is presented now.

One year ago: Everyone's Battle Client??

Two years ago: Let's Go and Activate Adventure Effects

Three years ago: Ionic Bondings in the Silph Arena

Four years ago: Need Some Help, Game Freak?

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/6/2021

Six years ago: Tell Me Why, My Brother

Seven years ago: (Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019

Eight years ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds

Nine years ago: Ride the Pokémon

New Mega Evolution Elements in Pokémon Go

As mentioned in my coverage of Pokémon Go Tour this year, the Mega Raids that became a part of the festivities were not of the regular sort. They're somewhat different than those regular raids, and for good reasons to be detailed shortly. They're also a part of a "wave" of new elements related to Mega Evolution that have been introduced in the game, and for that reason, I thought I'd round them all up for a single discussion to elucidate how they are all interrelated for the implementation of the concept. 

The first of these elements is an item called Link Charge. The item can be used to enter Mega Raids of all kinds in lieu of the Premium Battle Pass (since if there are free passes, they take precedence), although if entering them remotely, they are required along with the requisite Remote Raid Pass; in that respect, they are a lot like Max Particles for Max Battles. They can be earned through opening Gifts and from Weekly Challenges, and in the case of special events like Pokémon Go Tour in bunch amounts as well, further showing their similarity. They do not take up item space in the bag and are held collectively with a Link Holder. Of course, they may also be purchased... which in a way would reflect further monetization of the game.

Now for the raids: the Mega Raids for Victreebel, Malamar, and Dragonite in said event are called Super Mega Raids. The mechanisms are a little like a Shadow Raid, in which at the midpoint, the raid boss becomes enraged and puts up a shield. This shield requires a number (seen in the shield icon prior to the lobby) of unique Trainers bringing Mega-Evolved Pokémon to break with their Charged moves, after which it is subdued and the raid proceeds as normal. If this cannot happen, the raid is essentially "dead". The requirement of Mega Evolution becomes a spur for Trainers to possess viable Pokémon for this purpose, especially since this kind of raid is here to stay and might be the precursor for even more formidable raid bosses.

Meanwhile, a new Mega Level (Level 4) has been introduced, but this is not attained by repeatedly Mega Evolving a Pokémon; it is instead attained by first getting to Level 3 (which requires carrying out Mega Evolution 30 times) and then paying Mega Energy as the cost - which is not little either, 5000 for a species. Further, it's currently only available for the species above as the subjects of Go Tour, though it's not hard to expect that it'll be available soon for other species. It also means that prospective Trainers will have to walk long and hard with their Mega Evolved Buddy Pokémon, if they don't already have the requisite Mega Energy by earning them from raids - and the implications for this in spending are evident.

If these elements have anything in common besides their current interrelation, it is that the landscape of Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go is slowly transforming, especially with the first entries of the "second batch" of species that were first introduced in Legends: Z-A before their appearances here. Whether that means more money to be spent and/or more adventures to be had, that may be up to Trainers to determine; at least the concept is staying put, and they'll have to deal with even more new intricacies for them.

One year ago: "Back to Basics" for Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Continuity: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2024

Three years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2023

Four years ago: Made (Deep) in Obsidian

Five years ago: Pokémon First-Generation Drink Bottle

Six years ago: Hope For Problematic Pokémon Fans

Seven years ago: A Gold and Silver Postcard

Eight years ago: Being a Pokétaku

Nine years ago: I'm Swept Away

Cosplay: Weeb's Break Party 2026

Goh: Oh, did we miss something?

Me: More like, we couldn't deal with it until now.

Ash: It's a "break party" like last year!

Me: Indeed, with almost all circumstances the same... except this time it was with Go Tour instead of Community Day. 

Goh: So that means Ash handled a few things for Pokémon Go Tour that day.

Ash: Yup, but just in the base for my Unova outfit.

Goh: But it's Kalos this year!

Pikachu: Pika pika? ["So, how?"]

Me: Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. It's the only outfit I have that isn't broken out for Ash at the moment.

Ash: I see. You didn't want to make it too hard on yourself.

Me: Right.

Ash: Yeah, so after what I could do that day, I went to the party. They were really separated this time.

Me: Oh, yes. I hear that's by the whims of the others. So there's not much I can do about that.

Goh: Well, if you said this one is almost all the same as last year, then Bocchi Noizu has a hand in it.

Ash: They did!

Goh: So, the games, performances, and a character parade.

Ash: Plus the "break" in the middle!

Goh: You saw all that.

Ash: Yeah, pretty much.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Like you say."]

Ash: The games were neat, the same and different.

Me: I hear they do want to try some things, like at the anniversary.

Goh: That makes sense.

Ash: The performances were great.

Goh: Even if you weren't in it.

Me: If that happened, I'd still try to juggle it in somehow.

Goh: And... there's the character parade.

Ash: It was free, so nothing to lose.

Me: And that went...

Ash: No dice.

Goh: Well, yeah. It can't always work out.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Well, yeah. (shrug)"]

Ash: After that, I went back with a friend, but we got soaked in the rain.

Me: No kidding. At least it's not the first time that happened.

Goh: Hmm?

Me: It was a long time ago.

Goh: Oh, OK. So it's an experience thing.

Me: Yeah, pretty much.

Goh: So, are there going to be more of these in the short term?

Me: There was one the next day... but I handled Go Tour myself instead.

Ash: Aw.

Me: But you never know. At least I don't know yet.

Pikachu: Pi pi pika? ["Maybe soon?"]

Ash: But today was still great - Go Tour and all.

Goh: Seems like it from the sound of things.

Ash: A good break for a "good break"!

Me: And yet there's never rest for the weary... but that's for me in it. 

One year ago: Realizing the Ninth Generation "Motorcycles"

Two years ago: Am I Communicatively Challenged?

Three years ago: Matters of Cosplay Teasers

Four years ago: Recent New Unite Facets

Five years ago: Pokémon, Anatomy, and Books

Six years ago: The Ups and Downs of Showdown

Seven years ago: A Mew Pouch

Eight years ago: How Do I Live, Without You?

Nine years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks

One by Air, Two by Sea: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2026

Where February's Go Tour follows, Pokémon Presents does too - although that's more of a consequence of Pokémon Day rather than the mentioned game event. My discussion on the matter, as in many of the past years, has been tied to a certain theme that may or may not directly pertain to the contents of the feature, but it's still useful anyway as a guide to some of those contents at the very least. This time, the theme may be construed as means that some things may be delivered, but it's also relevant to a very important part of the feature.

That important part can be saved for later, so as usual, the discussion starts with updates to some current games. Pokémon Go had the festivities for Go Tour as well as on the road ahead, which promises to be exciting. Pokémon Unite had the three Legendary birds of Kanto as well as the first partners of Johto coming as Unite Licenses, which will surely fill up the field further. Physical TCG has something special on tap given this Pokémon anniversary, but that is a matter that will take more time to deliver and determine. 

For lesser games, Café Remix is on a celebration of first partners, TCGP has a new Themed Booster Pack (like clockwork, and for a few days now - something that I may need to get on soon), Masters EX is going back in time to deliver Trainer characters from bygone eras, and Pokémon Sleep is bringing in a famed Mythical Pokémon of origin and two Legendary Pokémon of sibling attachment - something that should be very clear. They're all delivering in drops and rounds, almost as if by the above means.

Next up was some news on the rather expected "battle client" game of Pokémon Champions. The game is shaping up, and in fact its release on Nintendo Switch has been set for April this year, with the mobile version to come later. Furthermore, once it's released, it's also set for use in the World Championships... which will also be the case this year (the World Championship preview itself, as usual, will come when it comes close at the end of August). This has many, many implications that can't all be covered here.

Meanwhile, this coverage continues with some upcoming content, both partial to an existing game and for a new game itself. Mega Garchomp Z is coming to the Legends: Z-A game by way of the DLC and Mystery Gift, another exciting addition to the main series "alternate". Then, Pokémon Pokopia is set for release on March 5, and more of its content continues to be divulged, including DJ Rotom and a Greedent chef named "Dente". Its "timesink" quality seems to be shaping up even shortly before its release.

Lastly, it's time to make the "delivery means" clear and to fill in the blanks I left in Pokémon Day. "Blowing air" refers to the winds and "riding sea" refers to the waves... and they'll be the subtitles of the next main series games, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which are due out next year. The "first look" or teaser shows an island region (name coming later) with vibrant islands and seas, and the first partners of the region and games have also been revealed alongside to start the hype for them.

Delivering new content updates is definitely the role of an edition of Pokémon Presents, and this particular edition for the 30th anniversary of Pokémon delivers (ahem) on that with what is set to be a fun-filled time with current and future Pokémon games and experiences. With that, the delivery means may not be all that important so much as it is the (essence of the) content that is important; whether they come by air or by sea, the best Pokémon happenings are those that will stoke and delight fans, and those from this edition may be some of the best yet.

One year ago: Ever Onward: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2025

Two years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 8.5

Three years ago: It's All Relative: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2023

Four years ago: Newfound Glory: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2022

Five years ago: More PokéStops in Specific Areas?

Six years ago: Re-Experiencing Main Series Battles

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019

Eight years ago: Investing for PokéCoins

Nine years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?

Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos

With the usual late February and early March highlights out of the way, now I can cover the major Pokémon Go happening of the previous season... which in fact is actually still the current season for today, at which point tomorrow becomes the next - but I digress. Going back to that happening, as previewed, the happening involves the Kalos region, which has the claim to fame as the homeland of Mega Evolution. That makes it a big (Mega) time happening, so now it's time to unfold how big those happenings really were in their overall light.

Like in past editions, rotating habitats were the norm on both days of the Global edition. There were only three this time: Central Village, Mountain Manor, and Coastal Laboratory, with one more as a superset of these three, occupying hourly spans with one repetition. They contained thematic species of certain types, as well as Pikachu with Trainer caps and Unown forms that are of the region's letters (if one activates an Incense); and of course, all of them can be Shiny, if one is truly lucky. As with past years, no Collection Challenges means no catch pressure. 

Yet there is still pressure to raid, as the main feature was Mega Raids for Mega Victreebel (on Saturday) and Mega Malamar (on Sunday) plus the surprise entry of Mega Dragonite (on both days), the latter itself also having been a surprise entry in the Live editions' Mega Night feature. These Mega Raids were also not ordinary ones as well... but their technical details are best left for a separate post. Other Mega Evolution forms were present in "hourly special" (regular) Mega Raids on both days, while the "box Legendaries" of Xerneas and Yveltal were present as usual on the five-star slot, and one-star raids had the Pikachu with Trainer caps and Honedge, making for a rather massive range of raids.

Research had Field tasks for Bellsprout and Inkay as the evolutionary precursors of the above as well as Unown based on version selection. For that, version selection is accomplished by a Special set for those who paid for the event ticket, to go through tasks characterizing Mega Evolution and the Legendary Pokémon of the region, after which the Masterwork Research for Shiny Diancie follows. In the Timed realm, there is a set (for ticket holders) that deals with changing Furfrou trims by selecting a trim that one doesn't usually get to change toward, plus a free set (by a code revealed through Pokémon Day) featuring selection of a first partner from the region and completing daily tasks to get ones with special backgrounds.

Speaking of which, special backgrounds were also all the rage, with three in play: one based on each of the game versions, and one for Mega Evolution. Obviously, the latter was for all Pokémon caught through Mega Raids of any kind, as well as the Lucario caught from the Go Pass by the prelude Road to Kalos event earlier in the week. The "box Legendaries" get the backgrounds of their respective versions, and all others from raids can have either version background. Like in the prelude event, the stress is on "can", as Trainers may have had to put in effort to get any or all of these Pokémon with the respective special backgrounds.

Then, other bonuses involved Eggs with powerhouse species (2 km), Flabébé of any and all colors (5 km), and regional species (10 km), along with half hatch distance; CP boost for Mega Evolution; six Special Trades and halved Stardust costs for them; more Routes with Mateo and Zygarde Cells; and increased Shiny chances for a bevy of featured species, plus increased Shiny encounter chances in general (and an Eon photo bomb surprise each day) for those who bought tickets. After the main event hours, Hoopa brought back other Legendary Pokémon from earlier in the week (in the prelude event) for a massive "Raid Night" conclusion.

For my experience, I spent Saturday with the local Trainers (actually, not just myself - more on this soon) and Sunday with faraway Trainers (also looking for Special Trades with a few Lucky Friends among them). I got through the raids in order with sizable Mega Energy for the ones that were featured, and I got the most important ones with special backgrounds. Along with some extra Shiny Pokémon, it seems I had a mostly good turnout for all of its offerings.

Given all that happened over the course of the two days of the event, they can be construed to show that Kalos is a big (Mega) region for all the features that it has, even now as reflected in Pokémon Go from the features now included from the main series games, both the regular ones and the latest Legends alternate. The traces of those features and now this Go Tour event will likely remain to accompany the game in big ways.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Unova

Two years ago: Cosplay+Pokémon Go: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Bali

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Hoenn

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Johto

Five years ago: Make It Make...: Pokémon Presents, 2/26/2021

Six years ago: Making Game Journeys... Literally

Seven years ago: Winds of Changing Teams

Eight years ago: Pikachu Cable Holder

Nine years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too

The Season of Memories in Motion

Like in many end-of-season posts, I actually had included a preview of the next one to come, specifically in its closing. With regard to that, the key parts of the preview were the words of "remember" and "progress", which corresponds to the season's title of "Memories in Motion". The title suggests a dynamic season as well as a commemorative one, both points of which I'll get to shortly, and even its seasonal image is composed of mostly blue elements... like the sea where the blue water is constantly in motion with the waves.

Now, this year marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon (which I've already highlighted), and it also marks the 10th anniversary of the game itself (which I'll highlight later on). Thus, the commemorative aspect still becomes rather evident, with the new season being positioned right after the former. As for the dynamic aspect, a bit of a radical restructuring is about to go on in this season, and there's as much regularity as there is change in it. The commemoration and dynamicity are to be revealed and highlighted as all things progress.

Prior seasons have also been analyzed for their relevance beyond Pokémon Go, and this one will be no different. Per the above, commemoration and dynamicity will be the things to look for in all kinds of Pokémon happenings, especially given the anniversary year. In fact, given what was divulged at Pokémon Presents, which I've still got to get to, this anniversary year might just also present a "commotion" as something beyond just regular "motion", being the obvious dynamic of this season. It even might continue into the next year.

"Commotion" might also represent the happenings outside of Pokémon, which only have a minor bearing but could still affect in major ways if the happenings are big enough, like what happened some years ago. For the present, it seems a certain dynamic is unfolding by itself - and has done so just recently - and if that dynamic continues, it too might be an influencing factor for this season and beyond. But that may be something to ignore for the most part at present, and the winds of change might still be localized to Pokémon (Go).

Based on all of the factors above, both internal and external to Pokémon Go as the relevant realm, this season might be construed as one of the most dynamic yet for Pokémon Go. In addition, as part of the greater Pokémon anniversary, there is surely going to be quite a bit of movement on that front within and outside of Pokémon Go. As for the "memories", all things from the past and present are to be remembered for Pokémon (Go), and it'll be fascinating to see how all of them pass the time of this season and beyond.

One year ago: The Season of Might & Mastery

Two years ago: The Season of World of Wonders

Three years ago: The Season of Rising Heroes

Four years ago: The Season of Alola

Five years ago: The Season of Legends

Six years ago: Cosplay: March Funtastico

Seven years ago: In Living Galar

Eight years ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers

Nine years ago: Posters

The Peak of Precious Paths

Then, as with many of the past years (see below), it's time to send off the Pokémon Go season with the post on the season's end. Actually, the end of this season won't be for another couple of days, but also as usual, I'm covering the season's end on this day just like in previous years to keep that in line. So, the season was dubbed as "Precious Paths", and as I noted at its beginning, it has a bit of a celebratory quality to it, and that became evident in all of its happenings for not only Pokémon Go but also beyond. 

Pokémon Go brought the celebrations in full force from the expected ones in the first and last months of the season, as well as some wild ones in the middle of that. The real celebration, though, has to be Pokémon Go Tour that straddles the anniversary of Pokémon itself (and is actually proceeding today and tomorrow - more details very, very soon). They're all very great moments, and they're all meandering all over the place, so the "Precious Paths" become evident through the happenings.

In other areas of Pokémon, the paths may not have been evident, but their meandering - as with Unite's new licenses and TCGP's new packs - obviously headed to the same anniversary, and that's still something to behold. That also means that every fan, no matter what their game or dealing for Pokémon, expects the anniversary as much as any other of their kind - it's their most "precious path", in a way. The regularity involved with them may or may not have suggested precious things, but what was gained from them may have.

At any rate, for both of them, the most "precious path" would be the development of Pokémon from its other beginnings and the contributions that have shaped that and in turn these specific forms. After 30 years of that development, just about anything from that path can then be considered "precious" even though today's path is actually a branching of multiple paths from the main path. The games above then present the best parts of these paths, conjoining them into their own "precious path" as above.

Now that the paths presented as things in Pokémon Go are at their ultimate point, the things to be taken from them are the things that fans can stand to remember for the better. Certainly, because of the subtitle of the game, the remembered things can progress on their own paths and make new ones that fans will further remember. For that, the same can be regarded as being true for Pokémon itself as three decades have passed and it continues its development for many, many more years to come.

One year ago: The Peak of Dual Destiny

Two years ago: The Peak of Timeless Travels

Three years ago: The Peak of Mythical Wishes

Four years ago: The Peak of Heritage

Five years ago: The Peak of Celebrations

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/28/2020

Seven years ago: The Birthday of a Hero

Eight years ago: Cosplay Poses

Nine years ago: Cosplay: Japanese World 2017