Expanding the World of Pokopia

I'm sure many Pokémon fans are still enjoying the Pokopia spinoff game for building worlds, making creations, and fulfilling pleasures in general. There are going to be more of those actions, for an Expansion Pass (certainly, as DLC) has been announced for the game. As with any kind of DLC, it would add content and value - in a way, also burden - to the game, but it's also particularly interesting for this new spinoff game with it being somewhat popular recently. With that, even without me (potentially) playing the game, it's still fascinating to cover it on a post here, according to the information I've received.

The DLC content will come in parts, the first of which will be a free update for everyone (which makes it technically not a part of the DLC, but it's regardless relevant to the DLC content and mentioned in the bulletin for it) coming this August. Then, the content of the DLC proceeds with Part 1 just shortly after that, Part 2 sometime later this year, and Part 3 next year. As for purchasing the DLC, that can already be done now - making it like a "preorder", and in fact there is actually a bonus for purchasing now before the end of August - and all of the parts will come with the purchase as they are released.

As for what the parts will contain, the free update will introduce a necessary move for that purpose (Dive), and the player will have to complete prerequisites for learning that move. Part 1 will then extend that with an underwater town (Bubbly Basin) and related niceties, while Part 2 will have new features but no new towns, and Part 3 will have a new town and even more new things. It'll be a long wait for all of these niceties as per the above schedule, but there's also plenty of time to prepare for them (hopefully).

Even with me not playing the game, I can say that the planned content for the DLC is already looking like a truly great expansion for the game. I'm sure that many players have been wanting the first feature of interest - the ability to go underwater and develop things in that environment - for many Pokémon do make the water their home, after all. The rest of the content is not yet known to anyone, but the spirits of the game have to carry on in them and become as good as it is in the main game. 

With all that the game has offered, fans are still reaping pleasure and enjoyment from this game - something that I'd also like to take part in even briefly as a Pokémon fan - and making the most out of the substance. The incoming DLC will (and should) provide yet even more substance for that purpose and becomes a testament to the power and popularity of the game for offering a world that can truly build up (and down).

One year ago: Descending Species on the Upper Hand

Two years ago: Quickies: Smells Like Pokémon

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

Four years ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Promo

Five years ago: The Floating City Awaits

Six years ago: As In As All...

Seven years ago: Nationally Challenged

Eight years ago: Before Gold and Silver

Nine years ago: Red on a Bike

Changing Daily Discoveries in Pokémon Go

Last season, Pokémon Go introduced "Daily Discoveries" as a way of filling up the days of the week with great activities and special bonuses. After a round of those activities and bonuses, which constitutes one season, they are now prime for some changes... and that's exactly what this season offers for them. As such, now I'd like to discuss what has changed, both majorly and minorly, and what other changes I'd like to see for them.

For the changes, there are a couple of important and major ones. "Fast-Track Monday" has been changed to just a regular Max Monday, with no doubling of Go Pass progression on that day. "Double-Time Sunday" has been changed to "Scenic Sunday" with bonuses pertaining to Routes - being able to encounter more Pokémon on them, including by Incense, and meeting Mateo up to three times on that day. All other parts of Daily Discoveries remain the same as they are, but a few things also need to be noted for them...

...which are essentially the minor changes. Max Monday has actually since last season featured many more Power Spots as well, which continues to this day and is a welcome one. "Showcase Tuesday" now allows Trainers to put Pokémon in five of them, more than ever before, and more of them also show up. "Friendship Friday" now also has greater rewards and community check-in for even more of them. As for the "unofficial" one of "Community Saturdays", that may remain as such and be susceptible to other changes.

These changes are great in some ways and not in others, so now I want to bring up my own, personal takes on them. Even with changed Showcases and more of them, they may still be far and few between, so I'd like to see still more of them - and perhaps bring back Spotlight Hour in earnest rather than as a one-off like in March and April. The truly new "Scenic Sunday" of this season may be useful for those who venture out on that day and less so for those who don't, but the triple Mateo meeting can and should be useful.

Change is inevitable for Daily Discoveries, particularly given the dynamic nature of Pokémon Go itself, and they have presented themselves exactly one season after the implementation of the group of features. Though not wide-reaching, Trainers may still need to adapt their ways of playing to some of these changes and keep the "discoveries" going while still hoping that others could be made as future "discoveries" even later on.

One year ago: The Wonder of Repdigit Species

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/9/2024

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

Four years ago: Bots in Pokémon Unite

Five years ago: Arena Factions, Assemble

Six years ago: The Persistence of Pokémon Spotlight Hours

Seven years ago: To Hold or Not to Hold?

Eight years ago: Variegated Pokédexes

Nine years ago: Pokémon and Sports

Quickies: On the Pokémon World Stage

Sometimes, I'm reminded that as said by a certain figure, the world is all but a "stage", and everyone plays something on that. Since Pokémon exists in a world all its own, it would also represent (or be represented by) a "stage" of its own, by extension and consideration of the quote; that would then also go for the people in it and conceivably the Pokémon, since the latter can and have been proven to be quite sentient. As a respite from the objective posts that I've written up lately - and as partially indicated by the title - I thought I'd write up something that would consider that quote and do so in a (relatively, evidently) speedy manner.

With that, further according to the quote, the roles of everyone can be quite different. There would be leaders and followers (Captain Pikachu and the Rising Volt Tacklers come to mind - although they may also rotate among the roles at times), bosses and lackeys (Team Rocket and the other villainous teams), and even those with supreme power (Legendary Pokémon and others of similar kind). All of them play out on the world stage... and then there would be me and others as Trainers, breeders, and connectors (and even chefs at times) to try to relate to them all and mix things up every now and then, or even all of the time with daily interaction.

The way that the world is, it always needs the contribution of everyone to shape it (which would seem to be the case back when the quote was expressed and remains true in the present time). For that, both the real world and the Pokémon world have a great deal of "actors" on their "stages" who are ready to deliver life-changing performances for themselves and others who watch them. Further, the sights may not always be beautiful - as attested by an interpretative extension to that quote - but then that's how performances are, especially with the stories of Pokémon. Regardless, the "acts" on the stage continue to dazzle. 

(...perhaps hopefully in a quicker manner too?)

One year ago: Going through the 00s

Two years ago: Cosplay: Akazora Fest 2024

Three years ago: The Eevee Festival in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: For Elemental and Pokémon Periodicity

Five years ago: Birdkeepers, the Real and the Imagined

Six years ago: Pokémon Hanafuda

Seven years ago: Limited Research Methodology

Eight years ago: The Spirit of Giving

Nine years ago: A Faraway Tournament and a Charitable Spirit

Implementing Energy Cards in TCGP?

Over the past year, it has become evident that despite several important differences that still persist, TCGP as a mobile implementation of the Pokémon TCG is on track to achieving "feature parity" (in development terms) with the regular or physical TCG. First, Pokémon Tool cards were introduced, then Stadium cards followed later. It seems that almost every kind of card you can regularly find in the physical TCG have made it in... except the Energy cards. The question then lies on the possibility of implementing them; this post then serves to discuss that possibility as well as complications that are interrelated with that possibility.

It is important to make the reminder that Energy works differently in TCGP, and quite so at that. Here, Energy depends on the Energy Zone, and it generates specific ones tied to a deck and even some different ones if certain cards are played. Therefore, the possibility of making the implementation work seems to have to consider keeping this system included rather than leaving it out. Meanwhile, the deck building screen shows that potentially more cards could be included in a deck, up to 30 instead of the usual 20, which may indicate that these extra 10 cards could be used to accommodate Energy cards if they do appear.

As for how things might work out, it seems that the Energy cards could be loaded into the Energy Zone, and at the first opportunity players are able to attach Energy as would normally occur in a TCG match, an Energy card is drawn to be attached to a Pokémon. Supposing that a Pokémon is Knocked Out, an Energy card could also be brought back into play by a card that interacts with Energy in the discard pile; this is also in line with the fact that the game keeps track of discarded Energy after a KO in addition to cards.

Meanwhile, other complications would involve the kinds of Energy cards that could or would be included. Cards of the commonly used types would be a given, of course, but the possibility of having unique cards for them might not be out of the question. Then there are Special Energy cards, which in regular TCG exist to provide certain Energy in possibly larger amounts but under certain restrictions; implementing them in TCGP might require a bit of "finagling", yet it could be done, given the appearance of other special cards.

With the way that things are developing in TCGP, "feature parity" - even if not complete and/or thorough - with the regular TCG looks to be a set goal for it, albeit one that most players may not perceive. The next step for that might just be implementing Energy cards in some way, even if the possibility is either outlandish or superfluous (or both) by the state of the game. After that, TCGP might very well be considered a really good implementation. 

One year ago: Cosplay: Akiba Fest 2025

Two years ago: My Pokémon Communities on WhatsApp

Three years ago: The Scramble for King of the Hill

Four years ago: Classes and Classification of Pokémon

Five years ago: Battle Box for Pokémon Go?

Six years ago: Game Freak with Mario on the Side

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

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

Nine years ago: Poor Zygarde

TCGP: Getting into the Paradox (Over) Drive

Having (finally) explained what Paradox Pokémon are in a long overdue post, I am now more comfortable in writing up this post with its topic. As mentioned in that long overdue post, said class of Pokémon is to make an(other) appearance in the TCG realm, and that would be for the mobile implementation of TCGP. They become the focus of this month's new expansion, which is a Themed Booster Pack entitled "Paradox Drive" - aptly containing the keyword of the Pokémon class.

Being a Themed Booster Pack, it's a minor expansion with relatively fewer cards to offer. Yet it does have a good number of Pokémon from the mentioned class, which encompass both domains of Ancient and Future. It also has a number of other species from prior generations, some from the respective generation (including Koraidon and Miraidon), as well as Terapagos, the highlight species of Area Zero - here also being highlighted in Immersive form. They're to be found among the expansion's 74 numbered and 35 overnumbered cards, 109 in total.

Within the numbered section, 68 of them are Pokémon cards containing the species as described above. The remaining six are composed of 2 Pokémon Tool cards (also one of the "new terms" I mentioned in the previous post), 3 Supporter cards, and 1 Stadium card. The former two also have cards with Ancient and Future tags (one each), and the third has a representation of Area Zero itself. The overnumbered section has the usual full art and Shiny cards of some featured Pokémon to pique players' interests.

The content of this Themed Booster Pack is roughly comparable to Extradimensional Crisis, the one for the different class of Ultra Beasts from about one year ago, for which its 69 numbered cards have 2 Item cards, 2 Pokémon Tool cards, and 3 Supporter cards. Its 34 overnumbered cards are also of the usual sort with selected full art and Shiny cards to vary things up, bringing its total to 103 cards - again, not too shabby or dissimilar in amount and content. Both also deal with specific Pokémon classes, further establishing a comparative basis.

Now, as for the "overdrive" portion of this program as suggested by the title of this post, that may depend on the willingness of players to get all the cards (that they need) from this minor expansion or Themed Booster Pack. But with the presence of the Pokémon species from the class that is enigmatic in the scheme of things for Paldea and the ninth generation, there is also the sense that players may want to put a few things into "overdrive" and then drive the potentials of these Pokémon to a great extent.

One year ago: Ties or Draws in Pokémon Games

Two years ago: LINE App in a "Downturn"?

Three years ago: Silph Arena Factions S2 Postseason Metas

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

Five years ago: Mastering Balls of Hands and Feet

Six years ago: It's a-Mario Time

Seven years ago: Going Big in Galar

Eight years ago: Pokémon Archetypes

Nine years ago: New Paradigms

New Terms Involving Pokémon

Before I get into the main content of this post, I'd like to say that I had been planning to make this post for over four years, but I have never dealt with some of the elements that are to be mentioned in this post - at least, not in their actual first-hand implementation. For that, I will mention the reasons why and developments since then, after the respective elements are mentioned in parentheses (). Now, on with the actual post.

People in many fields of discipline will eventually grapple with new terms for elements that are introduced with increased knowledge or improved states of affairs in those fields. While not exactly a "field of discipline", Pokémon has a lot of things that are tantamount to that, and fans, players (Trainers), and so on have to grapple with new terms as well. Most recently (or in the most recent past), a few of these new terms have come to light for them - certainly, including me - so I thought I'd go over those new terms, three of them in fact.

The first of these new terms is "Paradox Pokémon". These are Pokémon species that look like some other Pokémon that are already known, but they're not that; they stand alone much like Legendary Pokémon or Ultra Beasts. They also come from the two times of "Ancient" (which represents the past) and "Future". Their English names are also natural words (for example, "Great Tusk" and "Iron Treads" respectively that look like Donphan superficially) rather than contrived words, and they lend themselves to the dynamics of the ninth generation.

(I still do not have the main series games of the ninth generation, which is what I was hoping to deal with before I actually cover this term. However, I did mention it briefly in an older post about "historical Pokémon", which was a necessity given the topic; the intent was still to make the first or at least formal mention in this post. Since then, as I've witnessed, they've also been present in the TCG - one way of which is to be explained soon - and there's even one example in Café Remix.)

Next comes the term of "Alpha Pokémon". Making themselves present in the Legends games, these Pokémon are of a bigger size than what is mostly expected, and they're also stronger in battle - which also becomes evident with their high IV values when taken out of those games. In those games, when present in the wild, their eyes (if they have them) are also glowing red, the nearly universal sign of something angry and fierce. At least, they can become a fierce part of one's collection as well.

(I also still do not have either of the existing Legends games, for which this term is evidently so associated with them. Yet a couple of years after the release of the first Legends game - Arceus - Pokémon Go hosted the first Go Wild Area, which featured Mighty Pokémon that essentially becomes the implementation of this concept in much the same way, pretty much minus the angry red eyes. Mighty Pokémon then stayed for the next one, and with Alpha Pokémon staying in Legends: Z-A as well, they're here to stay.)

Meanwhile, in the TCG realm, there is the new term of "Pokémon Tool". This term represents a sub-class of cards that can be attached (equipped) to Pokémon with useful effects for them. They used to be in the Item sub-class of Trainer cards before they were differentiated (in a way, expanded), and given what they do, it's not hard to see why - they can be defined, delimited, and regulated in this way. The differentiation has since occurred for cards in different sub-realms of the TCG, both past and present.

(I have no cards of this kind, at least ones that are in both English and physical form, yet I've seen them in action physically by way of my TCG fellows. More importantly, I've dealt with them electronically in some way, including in the most recent realm of TCGP, where they were introduced a little over a year ago. As with Paradox Pokémon above, that post was also waiting on this long overdue post for its first formal blurb, which was desperately necessary but now is more or less fulfilled for that.)

Fields of discipline and Pokémon have one thing in common (at the very least) in that both of them are in constant development. That process also means that new terms are very much possible for the realms of concern - and in the case of Pokémon as above, that has in fact happened. Grappling with the ones above in particular becomes - or has become, given their time presence - the concern of fans for the franchise, and doing so might just become the prompt for future (and great) developments that they can muster.

With that, this long overdue post has been written up and covered all the details that it is (was) intended to cover. Hopefully, future developments won't take so long to be covered as with these, and I would eventually be able to deal with them as intended.

One year ago: The Light and Shade of the Moon Islands

Two years ago: A Pokémon Performance Dream

Three years ago: Notes on Development Notes

Four years ago: Prankster Possibilities

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

Six years ago: Repetition for Reputation

Seven years ago: Be with You, Always with You

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

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

The Appeal of the "Sugimori Style"

Nowadays, Pokémon can be depicted in a variety of art styles, whether as dictated by the limitations of the games or media they're present on, or as applied by the artist(s) involved with the artistic creations. Yet one style that has persisted for the artistic depiction of Pokémon species is one with a certain recognition as well as appeal for its style. Predictably, that would be the "Sugimori style" as indicated by the title of this post, and the particulars of that style as well as its appeal are apt to be discussed.

Here, "Sugimori" refers to the one and only Ken Sugimori, who drew the color illustrations for Pokémon species in its early days, which were not only used in main series-related media but also the TCG. As a co-founder of Game Freak along with Satoshi Tajiri, that means he has substantial influence on the art for the series, then and now - as well as for some other games that the company developed. The influence remains with Ken Sugimori being an art director and among those who enjoy Pokémon.

The "Sugimori style" is noticeably characterized - at least in part - by its use of lines and colors, particularly the shading for the latter. In the early days, the shading might also have involved gradients, which can be seen in the art for Weedle and Pikachu, the latter at least to some effect. Later illustrations, especially for things other than Pokémon, tend to have sharper and more distinct lines and colorations, but their designs have distinct elements, like a standard appearance for people's faces and items.

With that, it becomes not surprising that fans appreciate and even want to emulate that art style. In Threads, someone posted illustrations that depict Pokémon species in their original sprite appearances but blending that with the "Sugimori style". Meanwhile, other enterprising fans are developing things unrelated to Pokémon but incorporating the "Sugimori style" into the art for the development. Many other avenues can be explored as well, and the art style can be incorporated into the resulting artwork.

Given the above, it can be said that the "Sugimori style" for art - as applied to Pokémon and conceivably beyond that - is a hallmark for the franchise yet can also stand alone as its own "thing". It's a "thing" that is quite influential for a good amount of the art for the franchise, whether early on for its start or later on as illustrator fans try to (re)work it in other ways into the franchise and even outside it. The appeal of the art style is thus established and becomes a wonder of itself as far as art styles go. 

One year ago: Quickies: Weather Institute Interests

Two years ago: Flying Pokémon Flags High

Three years ago: Come to Me, Hidden Gems

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

Five years ago: Venture Past Cliffs and Old Paths

Six years ago: The Pokémon Battlefields

Seven years ago: Holding Hands

Eight years ago: Raid Preferences

Nine years ago: Sympathy for Villains

Beta Testing Idea: Pokémon Go "Insider Program"?

Players (Trainers) of Pokémon Go - at least some of them - may have noticed, even recently, that some of the graphics or interfaces in the game are a little "wonky" or different among the players themselves. In part, that may be due to beta testing and the way the game frequently does it, which is to select certain players - perhaps in certain regions as well - to try out the new features before everyone else can deal with them. It's a fine approach, but if the game continues to be "wonky" as a result of that approach, then perhaps a new approach might be better suited, which becomes the point of this post to (try to) address and explain.

For that, the proposed idea or approach would be to have an "insider program" for beta testing of new features to be added to Pokémon Go. It would be similar to a certain program of the same name for a different kind of system, and it would be with a separate testing app, much like how Pokémon Unite has one to connect to a test server. In this case, though, the testing app would still connect to the global server to allow for normal gameplay to keep occurring, but there would be the added features for beta testing.

Some players could then as usual be marked to test certain new features for the game, at which point they would be invited to download the "insider" testing app with the new features and test them there. The features and their code would theoretically be safely sequestered there, and once they're stable, they can then be ported to the non-"insider" game. Since the approach is used by many games and apps, testers and non-testers alike may be able to afford main game stability by not having extraneous beta features on top.

Yet of course, this approach would pose some difficulties and challenges. Some players may be opposed to keeping a "second copy" of Pokémon Go on their device, but others (especially those with certain duplicity) might not mind and in fact welcome the approach. Meanwhile, on the developer side, there would be the extra task of maintaining separate builds for the main game and beta game, although if they're professional about it like for those other games and apps, they would take on the challenge to improve things in this way.

With all its glitches, Pokémon Go is still a great Pokémon game and fulfills the mission of truly manifesting real-world Pokémon. Still, many could stand to deal with those glitches less and enjoy gameplay more, especially if they concern beta testing with the current approach. The "insider" approach could be promising in this regard even with its implementation challenges, and that could be the key to make the game less "wonky".

One year ago: Pokémon Spin on Art

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2024: Chasing Brightness and Darkness

Three years ago: Cosplay: ChibiCon 2023

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

Five years ago: Quickies: Getting Acculturated with Pokémon

Six years ago: Legendaries and "Pseudo-Legendaries"

Seven years ago: A Noble Mission

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

Nine years ago: Ball Redesign?

Forever, As It Will Be

'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always

We will be together all of our days

Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face

Always...

-- "Forever and For Always", Shania Twain

The title of this new Pokémon Go season is "Forever Forward". It is (or may shape up to be) a festively profound season specifically for the game itself and its anniversary, though like the previous season, general ties to the big Pokémon anniversary may still be at hand. Because of its "forever" nature, I thought I'd bring up this song, by an artist I occasionally mention on this blog, that also speak of the nature of some things being "forever". It becomes another musical inspiration for discussion, much like for "Hidden Gems" literally nearly three years prior.

By all accounts, the song quoted above is a love song; as can be discerned by its title, it deals with love that can become seemingly eternal, carried from childhood to adulthood and onwards to old age. In fact, the music video for the very song depicts just that: a boy and a girl who are attracted to each other grow older yet still maintain feelings for each other. It can be considered one of the most beautiful things in this world, and it may just happen in Pokémon settings too, whether in actual reality or the reality of that world.

So it is that some fans (including me) may think up of Ash from the old Pokémon anime as a figure of attraction - especially given the "floating timeline" characteristic - inwardly to the Pokémon that he's ever had and outwardly to the fans who admire him. In all cases, there may be the wish that the chorus of the song as the part quoted above is realized (inwardly) and could be realized (outwardly) for all the admiration and attraction that goes on involving him. The feelings and imagery are rather profound in this case.

Meanwhile, taking things back to a more general state of Pokémon affairs, this Pokémon Go season that occurs in the vein of a major Pokémon anniversary may suggest that Pokémon fans can have Pokémon with them for as long as they wish - even if not eternally, at least close to that - if the fans and supporters of this franchise wills it as such. That, combined with the spirit of eternally moving in the forward direction as suggested by the season title, makes for a state of affairs that is evocative of the feelings of the quoted song.

People will always have the desire of being with whatever it is they like, love, and/or appreciate for as long as possible - maybe even close to eternally if the fates can have such a will for them. The current Pokémon Go season and the major Pokémon anniversary is seemingly bringing out that impression for their fans, even if it may already be apparent through certain (character) aspects. With that, as Pokémon continues to color everyone's days onwards to the future, a persistent and seemingly eternal presence may just always be the case.

One year ago: TCGP: A Crisis of Extradimensional Proportions

Two years ago: You and Me, In Our Life Struggle

Three years ago: Rising Troubles, Falling Embers

Four years ago: The Forge of the Trainers

Five years ago: Nights of Raging Battles

Six years ago: Trainers of Might and Sorcery

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

Eight years ago: Classical and New HP Heal Amounts

Nine years ago: 3DS Pokémon Themes

Cosplay: Kawaii Harmony Festival

Goh: Oh, something came up in the season transition, like last year.

Me: Very observant (see below). This one happened to be on Sunday, although...

Ash: This one was for two days, wasn't it? With Saturday?

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Two days?"]

Me: Indeed it was. But only the second day (Sunday) was important for us.

Goh: OK, so... "Kawaii Harmony" - cute harmony - I sense a sound thing going on here.

Ash: Yeah! It was all about sound and music.

Goh: Kinda figured it out. Well, I think we all expected a singing competition, then.

Ash: Two of them!

Goh: Two??

Me: Let me explain. So, there was actually one for the so-called "rookie" (novice) competitors and another for the "idol" (expert) competitors. But anyone was free to sign up for either one or both - including Ash (for me, of course).

Goh: Did you... sign up for both? 

Ash: Yeah!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Double!"]

Goh: I hope you two had a good plan for that.

Me: Pokémon songs, of course. This time, it was "Hitoribocchi Ja Nai" for the Rookie competition and our staple "Mezase Pokémon Master" for the Idol one.

Goh: The first one's new for you. Makes sense to put it there.

Ash: And they're both from my adventures in the water city!

Me: Yeah, you know. So you get your Kanto and Johto outfit for that.

Goh: So... I have the schedule for both days, and... wow, yes, no character competitions. Looks like it was full of music acts and the singing competitions.

Me: Yup. Full on about the music.

Ash: It was different for sure!

Goh: And how'd you do with that different new song?

Ash: Um... It came out a little too high for me!

Pikachu: Pi pi pika...! ["So high...!"]

Me: Oh, huh. I thought it would have been just fine.

Ash: And... I messed up the second-to-last line - but I tried to make up for it...

Me: You know, a lot of the parts of this song sound similar to one another. Somehow I kept getting confused myself when I sing it.

Goh: Well, there you go. That must have been it.

Me: But, uh... this high thing needs a bit more investigation - and it could be troublesome.

Ash: Our usual song was fine, though! Well, almost fine. The judge gave a few expert pointers for us. Think you're up for the challenge?

Me: Well... That might be a difficult commitment, but I'll see what I can do. It's all the pro things that maybe you and I hardly think about.

Goh: Maybe you'd want to think about that some more. Well, after all that, I think something definitely happened.

Ash: Yeah! I got "Runner Up" for the Rookie competition but nothing for the Idol one. A friend of us did for that.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Very nice!"]

Goh: What do you know. That's pretty nice.

Me: Yeah... but then I'm told that everyone wins something for Rookie. So yeah, it was a given.

Goh: "Runner Up" is pretty good, even with that flub.

Me: Yeah, that. Again, I'll look into it.

Goh: Also, were there not any character festivals, conventions, or such?

Ash: Another friend told me there was one in the same faraway town... but it was more like a wedding reception with a dress code and all!

Goh: Huh. What about nearer ones?

Ash: There was one closer to our friend, but it was also just as far...

Me: I'm shaking my fist at that one. I wish I'd found out about it sooner, so we didn't have to commit to this one.

Pikachu: Chu... pika? ["Maybe... not?"]

Goh: Maybe fate wanted you two to win an award for singing, at least.

Ash: Maybe so!

Me: Even though singing may not be our strong suit (as it was said, it could be stronger), an award is pretty nice, especially with our Pokémon dealings. 

Goh: There you go. 

Ash: It works out for us - even musically. 

Me: That may just be a "cute harmony" in itself.

One year ago: Cosplay: Uchiwa no Michi + DakFest Photo Shoot

Two years ago: Never Too Late for Pokémon

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

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

Five years ago: Display Case Ideas for Pokémon Fans

Six years ago: Pokémon and Sign Language

Seven years ago: A Daily Pokémon Routine

Eight years ago: Missing Ranger

Nine years ago: 3DS Pokémon Badges

The Season of Forever Forward

The forward movement that I mentioned in the end-of-season post yesterday is definitely (as usual) a hint to what the next Pokémon Go season will involve. As stated, time by its nature moves forward and only moves forward, and that's a certainty for all of it - in other words, meaning "forever". Accordingly, the new season is called "Forever Forward", and by that fact alone, the season is up for all sorts of fascinating things.

By its course, this mid-year season always has the usual happenings of Pokémon Go Fest and said game's anniversary, both of which continue to move on throughout time and develop with all the novelties that they bring. The latter is also special this time around, as it is its 10th - a round number - but that's to be discussed when it's time (ahem) for that, while Go Fest's preview remains a delectable now and as it develops here.

For other Pokémon things not related to Pokémon Go yet have only a semblance of relation, they can be said to be preparing to move on from this year's anniversary and into the next, which would fit in with the season. But before they can do that, it seems necessary for them to present a few special things given that anniversary, and that can stand to be remembered forever (well, almost) as things continue to move forward.

Now is also a good time to discuss the seasonal emblem or logo. It has the season's name emblazoned in big, bold letters, with a pale blue scheme and some celebratory elements in the background of the oval. So, it may be a bit of a carryover from the logo of the previous season and the vibes that it gives off, but that's perfectly fine as it is still representative of a carryover spirit as well, given what has transpired and will transpire. 

With this new season, things in Pokémon Go (and to some extent, Pokémon in general) are seemingly answering to and from time, the aspect that is truly "forever forward" in this case. It has allowed the beginnings of what make Pokémon so great to continue contributing to all present aspects. From there, the things continue to move as time allows them to in whatever direction they may need and the necessary forward one.

One year ago: The Season of Delightful Days

Two years ago: The Season of Shared Skies

Three years ago: The Season of Hidden Gems

Four years ago: The Season of Go

Five years ago: The Season of Discovery

Six years ago: Taiko Adventures with Pokémon Songs

Seven years ago: Techno-Poké-Captain

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

Nine years ago: (Self) References

The Peak of Memories in Motion

Like in past years, I write up the end-of-season post (for Pokémon Go) on this day, regardless of whether the season ends exactly on the day or not. (This one incidentally has two more days to go.) And as always, it's a "peak" rather than an "end", which has to be discussed with the dynamics of the season, in and out of the game as mentioned. "Dynamics" is a perfect word that describes the season given its title, along with "commemoration" and "commotion" as suggested at the beginning of the season, and now they're up for a discussion as well in order to complete the season's progression.

Pokémon Go definitely brought back a few happenings from the past (the "memories") and put them into motion alongside newer happenings throughout the past three months. That becomes a reflection of how the game's content has developed from then to now, and that also could be construed to be a bit of "commotion" in the lead-up to the game's actual anniversary, which will be in the next season. The further dynamics and motion that proceed then will be a testament to the ones here.

Meanwhile, other areas of Pokémon have had their own dynamics and "commotion" that on one hand may be considered as "business as usual" but on the other hand have their own ways of reflecting this year's special Pokémon anniversary, like the novelties in Unite, more packs in TCGP, the development pause for Café Remix, and of course the introduction of Pokémon Champions. The commemoration may only be spiritual (given the above season's ties) but can still be perceived somehow.

There are many memories present among these and other Pokémon games, and the ways that they move are as different as the memories themselves. It could be like Pokémon Go this year with some of them resurging by the special quality, like Café Remix with them coming around by necessity, or like the other games with them manifesting for a good time. They can all be part of the same good Pokémon celebration.

Whatever happens, the way to go for memories - then and now - is forward, by alignment with time itself, and that's how things will always be when time is involved. Time certainly comes and goes with all of these Pokémon games, including Pokémon Go as the one that brings the seasonal idea for this purpose, and time brings the end of this particular one, ready to move into the next season soon with its own ideas.

One year ago: The Peak of Might & Mastery

Two years ago: The Peak of World of Wonders

Three years ago: The Peak of Rising Heroes

Four years ago: The Peak of Alola

Five years ago: The Peak of Legends

Six years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Forest Cup

Seven years ago: A New Pokémon "Wave"

Eight years ago: Off We Go... to Alola!

Nine years ago: I Need More Rumble World Players

The State of Nominations, Part 40

After having been subjective in the past few installments (this is two months ago) of updating the progress on the process of nominating PokéStops for Pokémon Go (as well as Wayspots in general for Niantic Games), for this, the 40th installment, it seems that I need to go back to a more objective manner for doing it. For that, I have a few updates lined up regarding that specific process and a little bit on my progress for that undertaking.

First up, the Wayfarer web client has been updated quite a bit, and it is now possible to submit nominations through the web client. It means that I can submit the nominations without having Pokémon Go open, which can be kind of clunky and arduous at times - and now, even taking a toll on battery power. I've already used it to make a couple of recent nominations (to be explained shortly), and this is definitely a welcome change.

Wayfarer statuses have also been revamped to factor in all past and present nominations as well as reviewing and editing activities, calculated with a points system. They also come with new titles on a five-point scale, for which as of the update, I'm a Wayfarer Expert - one tier below Champion but still a long way to go for that. It's fairly reflective of my progress over time, even if I'm still subject to the system's whims for my progress.

Now for my own progresses aside from the system's. I've been still somewhat very cautious since Part 38 in January, and for that, I've only put in a couple of nominations just within a few days to "test the waters" and see if it's reliable for me to submit once again. Even if the results are positive, I may still want to keep things as conservative as possible and not submit any nominations that are out of the ordinary or stretch their limits.

The monthly impact numbers also still continue. For March, there were 27439 visits by 1611 players, and for April, there were 27720 visits by 1482 players. The averages of both continue to increase, even if they tend to fluctuate between the months like they did two months ago. Aside from my tracking progress, which I'm not updating now, this may be the most objective metric of my progress to this day, and I'll always try to report on it.

Even with all the objectivity above, some things remain subjective, like my cautiousness and the conclusions I derive from the "official" metrics as above. What remains objective is that the nomination process remains necessary for many places, including my local one, which always could use some more. Perhaps "some more" is also needed in the affirmation department for all that I've ever done and will keep trying to do for the process.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/30/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/30/2024

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 22

Four years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 16

Five years ago: Quickies: Ice, Pokémon, and Chilling Out

Six years ago: Team Rocket, Minus Motto

Seven years ago: Woodblock Art with a Pokémon Twist

Eight years ago: Old Adventure, New Sensibilities

Nine years ago: Ad Astra per Aspera... and the Third Games

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2026

A Pokémon Go season that is dubbed as "moving alongside memories" is coming to an end, and before that happens, it's got to be finished with one more event rollup for the last month of the season, being this one. With that being the case, it has to be said that the events in it are evocative of a "last dash", and as usual, that has to be made evident in what the events are (or were) and the content they offer, which is also the usual essence of the rollup.

Going back to last month, there was the Steeled Resolve event, which I had mentioned also held a dark secret... or not so secret, actually, since that would be a "Taken Over" portion by Team Go Rocket as its latter half, from April 31 to May 4. Much of the latter half of the original event and its Go Pass are dedicated to this portion, which also replaces the previously standard Special Research with the inclusion of a Super Rocket Radar. Meanwhile, this edition brings about Shadow Landorus (Incarnate) as Giovanni's target and Shiny Varoom in 12 km Eggs, as well as new Shadow Pokémon from the sixth and seventh generations. Then, there's the usual bonuses of more Grunts, changing out Frustration, leader rotations, and varied Shadow Pokémon IVs, plus Field Research tasks. Last month's "strong movement" thus also has a strong "last dash" to it.

In the middle of the month, Trainers had to really "dash", for the Spring Marathon event was at hand from May 12 to 18. The event featured the debut of the Flittle species family, as well as a Pikachu in a marathon costume... for those who can complete a task of exploring 42 km in a Timed Research set, the same as a real marathon. Flittle, meanwhile, is caught from Go Pass encounters and hatched from 5 km Eggs - alongside other Pokémon with flower crowns, also found in Field Research encounters. Speaking of, the Go Pass has 60 ranks and bonuses of more XP for spinning PokéStops and halved Egg hatch distance, along with premium items for all and ultra-premium items for those who pay for Deluxe.

Now, this month actually has one more event, but like for last month, I'm going to shove it into next month's rollup due to its thematic connotations and in a way to make writing the rollup much easier for it and other events. So, this is a "last dash" that isn't, in some way.

Of course, there are the Community Saturdays of this month, as with the previous two months, other than for the two Community Day editions on May 9 (regular) and May 16 (Classic). Those were for a Raid Day for Shadow Entei on May 2 in line with the "Taken Over" event as above, and then a Super Mega Raid Day for Mega Falinks on May 23. These had their usual bonuses (more free passes, extra paid ticket for premium bonuses, and so on) as well as an opportunity to use Link Charges in the latter - and hopefully to meet good people.

The "last dash" evident through the above events might seem like a mixed bag of "dashing" for things, but it also makes it evident that some things need to move, and Trainers also need to move for them. That is perfectly in line with "Memories in Motion" as it wraps up so that Trainers can stride into the next season.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 34

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 28

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2022

Five years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 10

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/29/2020

Seven years ago: Lure Modules Evolve

Eight years ago: The "Attractors"

Nine years ago: A Hero Looks to the Sky

Pokémon Go Fest 2026: All Ace Bosses Awaken

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, so its happenings in that time have to be extra-special. That also goes for Pokémon Go, which would correspond to something special (aside from the one about to be covered in this post) to be covered later on. This time, though, it's about the usual summer happening of Pokémon Go Fest, which also as usual I'm "rounding up" early - or it may be better described as a preview. So it is that I'm making the writeup for that at the same time of the year as last year (see below) for convenience and in some sense also by necessity, for what the happening has to offer this time around.

Par for the course is its scheduling and regional allocation. The settings this time are Tokyo (Asia, May 29-31 - yet again this weekend), Chicago (Americas, June 5-7), and Copenhagen (Europe, June 11-13). Each of these is hosted by a team leader - Blanche, Spark, and Candela respectively - and they come with the Pokémon that are often ascribed or associated with them. They also bring forth the usual gameplay and niceties, for they are truly the "aces" of their respective teams and followers... not to mention Professor Willow as well.

Meanwhile, the Global edition will be somewhat farther off this time, being scheduled for July 11 and 12 - that is, the month after next. It will also feature nine hours of gameplay each day, which means that it'll be intense, a test for the true "aces" of this game. Of course, everyone can and should deal with things however they can, not necessarily as the "aces" would demand them how to do it, but as best as possible following their best advice (hopefully) and the best practices of others so they can be "aces" in their own ways with the caught Pokémon.

Now, as for why I subtitled the post as above - besides inserting it as a theme - it concerns the content of this year's festivities. Among the "aces" this year are a supreme Legendary Pokémon of the Psychic type, a novel Mythical Pokémon of the Electric type, and other raid bosses of similar stature where you'd find them. Then there are the "lesser aces" of wild Pokémon and more, but that's for Trainers to discover in all the "ace" editions of the event as outlined.

With that, all the "aces" are arising or "awakening" in various ways for this year's edition of Pokémon Go Fest. That will then lead to dealing with them in all the usual ways and perhaps a few unusual ones as well depending on the circumstances. In doing so, Trainers will surely be preparing their own "aces" for those purposes and more, and they themselves might measure up to become "Ace Trainers" who will be proven (right) by the ace bosses soon to awaken. 

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2025: Royal Mechanisms

Two years ago: "Pokémon in Concert"?

Three years ago: Master Ball, Now in Pokémon Go

Four years ago: Chasing Competitive Dreams

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/28/2021

Six years ago: Pro Job, Fun Job

Seven years ago: Memories of Sinnoh

Eight years ago: Helix Fossil Understands

Nine years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon XY Pikachu Plush Doll

License Art in Pokémon Unite

In the interface updates to Pokémon Unite that I covered around half a year ago, I mentioned License art as one of the updates in the form of an added customization. As noted, the new customization lets players change the appearance of the Unite License they use in battle, particularly in its display as a battle starts. Yet that only scratches the surface, and now it seems that the topic is worthy of a fuller discussion, which this post serves to do.

Earlier, I addressed the usage of this customization with Holowear, and that still remains true: if players choose to equip a Pokémon with a License art, that art will take precedence over the "art" that applies for the Holowear of choice. So, the choice to use a License art can become a stylistic one, especially when a Holowear is also equipped for the Pokémon. Regardless, it's still a choice that most often will come by way of payment, to be discussed shortly.

Quite a few Pokémon by now actually have a License art of some sort (in fact, some already also have a couple), but others are still without one. That means, like Holowear, many of them will eventually have some sort of selection for License art. Many of the ones that currently have License art are predictably the most popular ones, the likes of Pikachu, Charizard, Lucario, and more - but certainly there will be more to go around for less popular Pokémon.

Obtaining License art is most likely done through the in-game shop through one of the customization sub-sections, which also necessitates exchanging Aeos Gems, which I don't have to say means payment by real cash in proxy. Some special occasions (tournaments and so on) may award License art by participation, but those are far and few between. Then, it's also likely that current and future in-game events may afford the chance for License art.

Now, I'd also like to give my impressions of the License art that are currently present in the game. From what I've seen, the art styles are (or at the least can considered to be) quite different from the art used for Holowear display, yet they still complement the Pokémon nicely - and in the case of special-occasion art, can show off achievements. License art then may be considered a "budget" option to characterize players in lieu of Holowear.

License art in that respect is still a pretty neat addition to the game as another approach or option to customization that can complement existing ones or stand on its own. While its availability is still applicable to only a good number of Pokémon, the ones that are already as such have proven at least some of their effectiveness, and others can benefit later on... and so too can the players for having an artful way of showing off their Pokémon.

One year ago: Sweeping Changes to Pokémon Go Battles

Two years ago: The Dragon Carnival in Pokémon Unite

Three years ago: Introducing Shadow Raids

Four years ago: Living in the "City on the Trees"

Five years ago: Electrify Your Power

Six years ago: Coffee in My Coffers?

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/27/2019

Eight years ago: Long Raid's Journey Into Night

Nine years ago: A Test of My Resolve: I Still...

Meditating on Warm Sands

The course of time may have its effects on some people, whether in the real world or in the Pokémon world. For them, one of the best courses they may take is to meditate, which could bring to mind the Meditite species family by its association. Yet it seems a different approach could be taken for those who are versed with the Unova region and the fifth generation by extension. That different approach could involve a little trip to a recognized sandy area of that region and dealing with a Pokémon that may just be apt for the situation.

Said region features the aptly named Desert Region, a sandy and arid area that has remnants of the past and a few - OK, perhaps more than a few - resilient Pokémon species lurking around. That may make it a little less conducive for meditation, but the sandy parts that are present closer to populated areas may just be warm enough for that purpose and they may also be less affected by the lurking Pokémon species. Of course, the more adventurous might just venture into the inner parts, especially given the Pokémon I mentioned.

Here, the Pokémon that is apt for the situation is Darmanitan, specifically in its Zen form. Compared to the regular or "standard" form that is feisty and indeed very wild, this form is much less so - in fact, it seems almost non-motile as well. In that form, a spiritual sense may be felt from its almost non-motility, and its presence may be welcomed in times of meditation. While it may or may not turn back to its regular or "standard" form - maybe something to be watched over - the meditation scenario may very well work out somehow.

Perhaps it may not be such a stretch that people - and many of them - in the real world also come to what could be considered a part of a desert area (even though it is closer to some populated areas) and do a kind of meditation there, even if it technically can't be called as such. The same might also occur in Unova's Desert Region and with the particular presence of Darmanitan in its Zen form, which may just provide a relevant venue and situation for a meditation to chase off some of the effects that time may have on things.

One year ago: Sidekick Pokémon in Café Remix

Two years ago: Cosplay: Helloweebs Spotlight Event 2024

Three years ago: Silph Arena Factions Postseason, Season 2

Four years ago: The Advancement of TMs

Five years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: On with the Show

Six years ago: Friendship and Community

Seven years ago: Gatherings for Blessings and Success

Eight years ago: Reconsidering Trade Evolutions

Nine years ago: What's Appenin' (Mobile Games)

Difficult Buddy Pokémon to Play With in Pokémon Go

In Pokémon Go, Trainers will certainly (or hopefully so, with respect to some cases that I've discovered) deal with their Buddy Pokémon, day in and day out. One of the tasks they ought to do in doing that is to play with their Buddy Pokémon - more specifically, "pet" or "rub" them as they are present on the Buddy Pokémon. Yet I've also discovered - perhaps others have too - that some Buddy Pokémon make it a little (or a lot more) difficult for this to happen, so I thought I'd bring it up and discuss how that may be so.

Some Pokémon species are rather small by themselves (like Tynamo or Cutiefly), so when they become (are selected as) Buddy Pokémon, they also occupy a small spot on the screen that some Trainers may have trouble swiping to perform the play action. This could be even more so if the game is played on a tiny screen or something to that effect, like multi-windowing with other apps. In either case, the smallness becomes (a part of) the apparent difficulty.

Then, some Pokémon species have rather wildly shaped bodies, like the serpentine Rayquaza or multi-pronged Kyurem, which sometimes can make it hard to find the spot where one is to "pet" or "rub" these Pokémon by their bodily ambiguity. Though older players will likely become familiar with them over time, newer players might not be immediately familiar with them, and thus the difficulty might present itself in this way.

Mega Evolution can also make things a little difficult for the play action. When the Pokémon that can do so are made to evolve, the spot to invoke the play action may be differently located when compared to the regular form of the Pokémon species, which becomes another thing for a Trainer to become familiar with much like the Pokémon with wild shapes as above. It's apparent that body shape can and does factor into the difficulty of the play action.

Any task that involves a Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon Go might present its own difficulty in different ways and situations, Evidently, this can also apply for the "play with buddy" task by the above circumstances, particularly when different species are involved. It's a difficulty that Trainers will recognize and come to address when they deal with the task.

One year ago: Cosplay: Navastra Cosplay Festival & Shin Edo Matsuri

Two years ago: Cosplay: M-Cell Grand Opening

Three years ago: SA Factions: The First (and the Last) Cycle

Four years ago: Pokémon in 1995?

Five years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 2

Six years ago: Safe, Pleasant, and Beneficial for All

Seven years ago: Best of the Rest: T-Shirt Contest

Eight years ago: Read, Play, and Enjoy

Nine years ago: A Camera and a Pikachu Doll

Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 20

Ash: Hey, wait! Didn't you say this festival was "barred"?

Me: I did in fact say that a couple of years ago, but I also said that it could take some time to really get it going again... and it looks like "some time" has passed.

Goh: Technically our friend is right, if two years counts.

Me: One of the things I heard is that the 19th edition, which would be last year, wasn't a festival, but a job fair (odd as it is with the title). You could say it was "on probation".

Goh: Oh, that's why it skipped a number as a festival. 

Ash: I guess it makes sense.

Pikachu: Pika pika? ["You think?"]

Goh: But now it's back as a festival... so I hoped they changed from last time.

Me: For starters, it's back where it belongs. 

Ash: At your place of study! But it was still ticketed...

Me: Yeah. I don't think they'd be able to get away from that, especially in this day and age.

Goh: Was it still two days?

Me: Good question - yes! But I'm aware that yesterday was student competitions only, and the actual festival is confined to today. I actually passed by the area then and there was nothing (yet), so that supports that.

Ash: Oh, and it was in a different part of the school.

Me: But it's still where I studied, so it still works.

Ash: I think the people who can't (or don't want to) get in could still enjoy it from the benches of the building across. 

Goh: Maybe that was the consideration. 

Ash: Maybe so!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Maybe!"]

Goh: All right, so I guess as usual we have competitions for us - you - today.

Me: We have two: singing and character parade. Unfortunately...

Ash: You entered me in the singing competition, but I didn't get past the qualifier, even with "Mezase Pokémon Master".

Goh: Oh, this is new... or was it like this last time?

Me: It was like this last time, but our straw hat friend got through with a different song, so... ask him.

Goh: Huh. So what did you have to do?

Ash: Our friend recorded a video of me singing, and that was the qualifier a few weeks ago.

Goh: Oh, OK. So if they selected people, then the ones on stage have to be really good. 

Ash: Most were! But one wasn't too good. I wish I made it instead of that person.

Pikachu: Pi pika... ["I think so..."]

Me: So do I.

Ash: But because I didn't make it, I got free entry since our friend paid for the competition.

Goh: Then, what about the other, the character parade?

Ash: I paid a little more and I got in that one. I was the very last one.

Me: I have to say that I had the idea - and we were very fortunate.

Goh: Looks very much like it. So how'd that go?

Ash: I didn't make it. Only two winners - and I guessed which ones right. And I think the judges know me.

Me: Oh. Tough call (or not).

Ash: The festival was still great. The stands were OK, and a good number of people came.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika chu! ["And did things with us!"]

Me: I heard the promotion on this was sudden and not too extensive, so if it was lengthier and more extensive, a lot more would have come.

Goh: Sure. How about the entertainment? A festival has to have that.

Ash: Dance groups and a DJ at the end.

Goh: OK. The current ones and all.

Me: So, you have to give some credit for the students in getting this thing going again, even if it's only a little like the past ones.

Ash: They did great! They can do even better next time.

Goh: I'm with Ash on this one. I'm sure they can make it better - but this is a start.

Me: It's definitely a start to "having fun together"... to make great times again.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 5/24/2025

Two years ago: For the Very Little Ones: monpoké

Three years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Budak_Korporat.ID (SA Factions)

Four years ago: Sensitive Parts of Pokémon

Five years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 1

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/24/2020

Seven years ago: T-Shirts in Distress

Eight years ago: Trading Items?

Nine years ago: Retro Rendezvous

A Life Truly Alive

Allow your dreams to dance

Upon the earth that you walk on

Strike and break the mirror

That shows your hatred in the reflection

Chase after all your dreams

Even though you are not adept

Feel the strength of life

With your entire body and spirit

-- "Alive A Life", Rica Matsumoto (interpretive translation)

After Ash's supposed "special day" this year, I want to cover this actually long overdue topic. A couple of years ago, I brought up a song about "life" as a tribute to the new Pokémon anime, and I titled it in a way that it referenced another song about "life" with closer Pokémon ties yet still quite far off. That referenced song is now the focus of this post, and given the lyrics (the first chorus, specifically) as quoted above, those ties are rather evident.

Several years ago, I also alluded how Rica Matsumoto is well-known beyond Pokémon, and the song above is one of those aspects. It's a song for a tokusatsu series - one that involves heroes in suits and riding motorcycles, I trust fans know which one - and it's the opening theme for an iteration of that series. Given the interpretive translation as above, it can be seen how it might be a little "dark", as I've said before above - particularly with the word "hatred".

Yet after giving the song a listen and following that up with many more since the first one, I remain under the impression that Ash is singing it, and not just because the singer is the voice talent. The timbre of the voice is very close to Ash's and is almost indistinguishable in that regard. Certain other fans familiar with the artist might share the same viewpoint, even if yet others may still dispute that by maintaining that the song belongs in its different realm.

Faithful readers will note that I've performed the song (through Ash himself) on two occasions some two years ago, the former non-competitively and the latter competitively, but I've yet to perform the song again since then. It may be a good time to bring back the song at some point, something that I'll decide at a later time and when the opportunity presents itself as good enough for that purpose - in summary, it'll be a "good point" in life.

It may be considered that any life worth living has its ups and downs, for which this other Rica Matsumoto song seems to suggest, and extremely at that. The same could also be considered for Ash during his time appearing on the Pokémon anime, and this song would then carry over as such by virtue of the voice talent singing it almost with the same mannerisms. That then would make that, as indicated by this post's title, a life that's really and truly alive.

One year ago: Pokémon Things on TV Screens

Two years ago: The New State of Pokémon Go Item Boxes

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/21/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies

Five years ago: The Laissez-Faire Approach to Pokémon

Six years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 4

Seven years ago: A Friend and Fellow Pokétaku

Eight years ago: Favorite LINE Pokémon Stickers, Again

Nine years ago: Becoming a Connoisseur

Let's Talk About Heavens and the Earth

Me: It's that time of year again.

Ash: It's a great day!

Goh: It's "your" day.

Me: As usual, it might be a "guesstimate", but as far as certain things are concerned, it might very well be true in some way.

Goh: Yeah, why not. 

Ash: And we always have something to talk about today.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Right!"]

Goh: So, what's the theme today? 

Me: Well, last year (see below) we talked about wild things, but then there was one wild thing I only mentioned at the end.

Ash: Oh, uh... It was the "blue" thing!

Me: Right. The "wild blue yonder" then refers to... can you guess?

Goh: I'm pretty sure you're talking about the sky.

Ash: Sounds about right.

Me: I am. So that's what we're talking about - and I want to couple that with what we're standing on.

Goh: The earth! Totally makes sense.

Ash: There's a lot of Pokémon in both.

Pikachu: Pika... ["A lot..."]

Goh: When I think of the sky, I think of Rayquaza, the one who lives all the way up there.

Ash: We passed by when we were in a city once.

Goh: Oh, I heard about that. There was a chaos with a Pokémon from out of nowhere.

Ash: I think it came from beyond the sky.

Goh: Well. So you never know.

Me: But closer to the earth, there are more familiar ones... say, two siblings?

Ash: Latias and Latios!

Me: Yeah, you know them all too well.

Goh: Besides the one that you helped, like last year?

Ash: There were two in a watery city, but then... there was one...

Pikachu: Pika, pika! ["Wait, wait!"]

Goh: Oh, um... I think we might have to hold off for this one.

Me: So, let's talk about the earth, then. 

Ash: That's easy. Everyone's right here.

Goh: But then there are the really "earthy" ones, of the Rock and Ground types.

Ash: There's also a lot of that, from the little Geodude...

Goh: ...to the big Regirock, and even bigger Groudon. 

Me: Yeah, you get the gist. Of course, the earth supports plants, water, and so on...

Goh: So, a lot of Pokémon - and people is supported by the earth.

Ash: Where would we be without it? 

Me: Very true. 

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["So true."]

Me: Now, philosophically, those who have left us are said to go into the heavens, while their remains become part of the earth.

Goh: There you go - I guess that's why you picked this theme today (aside from mentioning it last year).

Me: Yeah, and like Ash was about to say, it can pertain to Pokémon too. Latios, right?

Ash: Uh-huh.

Goh: Mm-hmm.

Me: And then... there's the lasting impression of "my Delia" who's gone there, which I think we've talked about.

Ash, Goh: Yeah.

Goh: Don't worry, you have us, and you'll have great things too.

Ash: I second that!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Third for me!"]

Me: So, there's a certain relevance for "heavens and the earth" in our lives, especially our Pokémon lives.

Goh: I can see that. 

Me: And with today being "your" day, I think there's a special sense for it, don't you think? 

Ash: I think that's great.

Goh: It can be special for you too - everyone, in fact.  

Ash: I'm sure it is. We all make it that way.

Me: On that note, there's something to be said about making our glory reach as high as the heavens - even with us still being on the solid ground of the earth.

Ash, Goh: Yeah!

One year ago: Let's Talk About The Wild Yonder

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Remembrance

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Perpetual Connections

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Meaningful Things

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Filling in Things

Six years ago: Let's Talk About Some Moments

Seven years ago: After All These Years

Eight years ago: GiRL (Gyms in Real Life)

Nine years ago: To Japan and Beyond

My Mezastar Tokens and Progress

I had mentioned Pokémon Mezastar in my post about arcade Pokémon games, and that's for a good reason, besides the fact that it exists: I have actually played the game, at least as it is localized for where I am currently present. That means I've also obtained the tokens that are used for playing the game, through the game itself and by other means. This post then serves as a discussion of those tags and my plans for them as I deal with this game.

Currently, I have ten tags, comprised of Pokémon rated two stars (4 species), three stars (1 species), four stars (3 species), and five and six stars (1 species each). The last of these, the ones for Pinsir and Lunala, are extremely fortunate acquisitions - more so for the latter - so they can also be considered quite rare; that also means they'll certainly stay with me for as long as I have the opportunity to play the game (and it remains playable).

Needless to say, those will also be my "workhorses" in future playthroughs, though it too may depend on the Pokémon that come up. For that, the species rated four stars will also fill in the third slot interchangeably and accordingly. I can particularly see Haxorus and Meowscarada becoming the "pinch hitters" depending on the situation, so they'll have to be prepared for whenever I have the chance to play and to make it rather worthwhile. 

Even so, I have to say that not all of these tokens were obtained by purely playing the game. The four-star tokens in particular were the result of me "adopting" the tokens from another player since I had very few workable tokens to play effectively when I first started playing. In theory, I could also "adopt" tokens for higher-rated Pokémon, but that's something I want to avoid unless it's necessary or the situation comes by courtesy. 

Meanwhile, I'm also considering obtaining containers and/or cases to hold and protect these tokens, particularly the six-star Lunala one since it has a glittery and sparkly design. That would also make it a little easier and convenient to carry these tokens around for whenever I think I would have the chance to play the game - though that may become a bit of a guess even in the near future, as does that very consideration itself.

Admittedly, Mezastar is becoming a bit of interest for myself, given in part by its accessibility where I am and the gameplay at least in some part. Collecting its Pokémon tokens then becomes an effort that is on par with collecting Pokémon in other gameplay realms, one that can reflect my progress with the game to an extent. That may just be reflective of the game's status as a (local) Pokémon arcade game wonder.

One year ago: Pokémon Sunrises and Sunsets

Two years ago: A Slowing Down for Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Cosplay: Harusaki no Matsuri - COSMO's 9th Anniversary

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/21/2022

Five years ago: Anime with Mixed Language Content?

Six years ago: More Virulent Impacts

Seven years ago: Respect for Rica Matsumoto

Eight years ago: Throwing Poké Balls

Nine years ago: Cosplay: East and West