Hitting the Big Time: Pokémon Unite at the Asian Games

For the uninitiated, some regions of the world have their own smaller but no less grand version of the Olympics... er, actually, I did go over that very many years ago for when my local place played host to it. Now, in fact, it's the same event (Asian Games) but with a different host this year: Japan itself. Their sporting events can and do change over time, more so for the latter, and for that, the latter added eSports with various game divisions - and one of them is indeed the team game of Pokémon Unite, which becomes something very notable.

With its inclusion of in the sports competition as above, it can be said that the game is "hitting the big time" insofar as major sports competitions are concerned, and Asian Games can be considered just a step away from the Olympics by the above fact. While eSports may or may not eventually make its way into the Olympics, the "big time" that is the Asian Games is big because, well... Asia (as the continent of said Games) is big. That makes it big enough for a consideration, especially for its competitive aspect that the above duly demonstrates.

Certainly, for that matter, Pokémon is big too. It is obviously big enough to generate the movement that led to the inclusion of this game in the Asian Games, and its following in the countries who sent their teams to compete in this event is also big enough for that purpose. Though the in-game commemoration was minimal (with a free and no-frills Unite License for Toxtricity, and a watch party), the effect was still surely maximal for those who kept up with the happenings of the game and especially for this purpose.

Now, as for how the national teams fared, Japan took home the gold medal - no surprise for that, since Pokémon hails from the country. But the strongest showing other than Japan - that is, for the silver medal - came from Indonesia, becoming Japan's opponent in the final. That too came after fending off other Southeast Asian countries, also effectively putting Indonesia as the best from and for this sub-region. Much may still be on the table if Pokémon Unite can be ensured to survive for this and other eSports competitions, especially those with countries.

Pokémon Unite being in a major tournament outside of the competitive Pokémon vernacular is still a pretty big thing, especially if national pride is at stake like at the Asian Games, this year becoming a "big time" for it. That "big time" should become an inspiration for everyone - the players who keep the game going, the developers who keep the game fresh for them, and the supporters who keep things lively whether on the playing or non-playing side - that they too can hit the "big time" as this game has, with this or even other Pokémon games.

One year ago: How Hard Is It to Unite Pokémon Fans?

Two years ago: The Metronome of My (Pokémon) Life

Three years ago: Updated Emblems in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: Enjoyment at the Mercy of...

Five years ago: The Little Jungle Cup of GBL

Six years ago: Gotcha Good, Like I Should

Seven years ago: Preparing for Sword and Shield

Eight years ago: The Items of Shuffle's Special Shop

Nine years ago: When an Iris Blooms: Episode 669 - "The Bloom Is on Axew!"

"You Little Ingrates" - The Ungratefulness of Pokémon Fans (and Gamers)

Previously, in my continued Mewtwo discussion, I had also brought up the observation that certain Pokémon fans and specifically gamers may not actually be angry at the situations that unfold in Pokémon gaming and beyond (in particular, that one), but may in fact be ungrateful about them. It's a profound impression that has important implications for the people that represent this state of affairs, and I had said that I would discuss that separately; as such, it needs to be done when it becomes possible to be done, and that time is now. 

Quite a lot of the outcomes in Pokémon games (for example, Pokémon with very good IVs as captured from raids, or having all the cards necessary to build certain decks) are favorable, so why players are (still) unhappy or angry about them is the big question - one also posed by a certain BT91. The answer would be that they're not satisfied with the efforts that have been taken and the results that have been gotten. It is known that dissatisfaction and discontent in life is a marker of not appreciating what one has, and thus ingratitude becomes obvious.

More generally, making comments or critiques about some Pokémon things in certain realms with reference to another realm when they're not expected to work in necessarily the same way (by way of lore or associated principle) may also constitute ingratitude. And then there have been the "doomscroll" of comments in past Pokémon Presents (originally Direct) that may in part have been caused by fans expressing their dissatisfaction or discontent... which then goes back to the above as other fans use the forum as an "echo chamber".

The state of affairs for Pokémon mirrors the state of affairs for other game realms, which also may have fans that are as equally disgruntled and ungrateful about their goings-on. They may be frustrated with the states of their games as well as their outcomes in them to the point that they can't enjoy them as the "art form" that they're supposed to be. While some things can and may be fixed to help the states and outcomes a little (just as with Pokémon games), if the fans still can't enjoy them for whatever they're worth, then ingratitude still persists for them.

Whatever the situation, ingratitude is a "disease", for which the "cure" is to be able to find the good in them and to work with that for the best life. Even now and with circumstances that call for gratitude, some people in certain fandoms (including Pokémon) are apparently still quite ungrateful about what's going on in them. It's a hard thing to fix - even if the fix seems to be the best possible solution like for Mewtwo - and the only hope after that is for the people to be able to fix themselves, realize their ingratitude, and keep their (Pokémon) spirit.

One year ago: Type Matchup Guides: Fast and Stress-Free Aids

Two years ago: Finding Loving People for Playing Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Brighter Days of Pokémon Youth

Four years ago: Leveling Up Pokémon in Café Remix

Five years ago: Having Pokémon Friends Over for the Night

Six years ago: I'm Gonna "GOTCHA!" Good

Seven years ago: The Singapore Pokémon Center

Eight years ago: (Welcome Back to) Local EX Raid, 10/2/2018

Nine years ago: Preparing for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

New Legendary Raid Battle Music

One of the most interesting (yet also perhaps lesser noticed) recent additions to Pokémon Go is new battle music for certain raids. The lesser noticed part certainly comes from the fact that most players (Trainers) have sound and music either turned off in the settings for the game or completely silenced - as in, the device muted in volume. As with most posts on this blog explaining gameplay aspects, the point becomes to elucidate the aspect and in this case make "lesser noticed" become "more noticed".

With that, the new battle music concerns raids of the Legendary kind. Specifically, the new battle music is for the supreme kind of Legendary Pokémon, among which are the "box Legendaries" (like Kyogre and Groudon, which do indeed have the music as taken from their generation's games) as well as Mewtwo (the most recent addition to the lineup). Meanwhile, other or less supreme Legendary Pokémon (like the Titans, "Regi") have the universal raid background music instead of a unique one.

Having a different background music for raids is nothing new; the first kind of raids to have different music was Mega raids, with a unique background music piece. Later on, there were the Shadow raids, which have Team Go Rocket battle music instead. In a way, the former kind established that the idea of having unique music for some raids is feasible, which was then ultimately manifested for the Legendary raids.

That said, further expansion of raid music in the scope of this post may be limited, with only a minor potential identified for the future for Pokémon that have yet to be added to Pokémon Go... or even discovered. That means it may or may not even happen, but if it does happen, that would become a testament that the possibility of having more raids with unique music is truly expansible with consideration of the situation.

Expanding the coverage of raids in Pokémon Go is one thing, but expanding it and applying unique music pieces to certain raids is quite the effort, one that has wonderful results that deserve to be known more broadly. And in particular for Legendary Pokémon, that is a further affirmation of their commanding presence and battle power.

One year ago: The Local Card Game Shop, One Year Later

Two years ago: What Do You See?

Three years ago: Cosplay: "My Town" Food Festival

Four years ago: Three September Wonders in the GBL

Five years ago: Everyone's MOBA?

Six years ago: The Road Ahead: More Pokémon Game News

Seven years ago: Renewing the Anime

Eight years ago: I Wanna Be a Pokémon (_____)

Nine years ago: Playhouses, Children, and Pokémon

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/30/2026

Since the rollup of events in Pokémon Go have all occurred on this day somehow in the past few years (see below), I thought I'd continue the pattern and do the same for September of this year, which I've managed to schedule conveniently - also a "somehow". The schedule calls on this month to start traversing the "path of least brightness" that becomes the title for the new Pokémon Go season, and the event offerings have to be understood in this context... or at least try to be somehow (there's that word again).

But first, it is necessary to backtrack to the previous season for one of its events, which despite being in this month is part of the last season since the new one started later - or was made to start later. The event was called Mega Ascension, with proper dates of August 31 to September 4; it was, in fact, the accompanying event to Go Fest Mega Finale, which also furnished the Go Pass for them both. As a "lead-up" event, each day featured different Mega Raids (mostly) of those that were featured in earlier Super Mega Raid events in quick succession, while the wild had encounters with the basic and/or unevolved versions of the Pokémon species that became the featured raid bosses. Aside from increased remote raids and chances of captures having backgrounds, the rest essentially transitioned to the big event ending the previous season.

Meanwhile, as the new season kicked off, the Mega Squads event from September 8 to 14 led the way with debuts of the Maschiff species family and Shiny Flamigo, particularly from 5 km Eggs. It also unlocked the Super Max Mega level for Beedrill and Houndoom (plus their additional Charged attacks), who also appeared in Mega raids and whose basic unevolved forms were the subject of two Spotlight Hours, one on Thursday (for Weedle) and another on Sunday (for Houndour). Naturally, the latter were also present in the wild - as well as Field Research - along with Flamigo and a few other relevant Pokémon. The event came with a Go Pass (60 ranks) that had bonuses relevant to Mega Energy and Egg hatching, along with other niceties that might have prompted Trainers to take a bite out of their lives for this event.

Yet another edition of the Pokémon Horizons Celebration event appeared from September 16 to 22. This edition brought about the Charmander species family wearing Friede's goggles, which appear in the wild, Field Research, and a Timed Research set by a code. Its fully evolved version of Charizard appeared in raids along with the evolved ninth generation first partners and the earlier Cap's Pikachu. Other species from the series complemented the event in many places, even Kecleon. Its other features were daily showcases, photo bombs with Liko, Roy, and Cap's Pikachu, and the Go Pass of 60 ranks featuring bonuses of capture aids. Coinciding with it was the Staraptor Super Mega Raid Day on September 19, which had a "fly high" aspect to it as well as for this edition of the event in general.

Capping of the month is the Harvest Festival from September 29 to October 5. The focus this time is on Applin with a Shiny debut and its related apples from Mossy Lure Modules, though other "delicious" Pokémon (including Smoliv) also appear in the wild and Field Research. Timed Research, meanwhile, furnished those same apples and some encounters, and the 60-rank Go Pass have Applin-related bonuses. That's pretty much the "core" (ahem) of the event, but it also has something "rotten" about it... to be detailed as it pertains to the next month. 

The path of the events in Pokémon Go this month is somehow (ahem, again) rather bright in contrast to the given title of the season which the month kicks off. But as anyone who is familiar with the goings-on of the next month, the real situation of "least brightness" will be upon then, and that would present the real test of contextually understanding the season's title along with the events that will take place in the month. For now, at least the starting point of the path and some of its course are already set.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/30/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/30/2024

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/30/2023

Four years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 18

Five years ago: Pokémon Shuffle Personal Feature Wishlist

Six years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 6

Seven years ago: Standing Pikachu Keychain

Eight years ago: The Merits of Sleep

Nine years ago: Elite Four: "Courses" vs. "Selections"

Card Flair in TCGP

Cards in TCGP, as noted when I explained about the game's currencies close to a year ago, may have special effects that are called "flair". Aside from the "immersive" cards, this is one feature that sets the game apart, although it is arguably lesser-known than the other feature that has just been mentioned. Given that apparent fact, I thought I'd bring up the feature for a little bit of a discussion - and perhaps to make it less of a lesser-known aspect.

Generally, and as noted, flair is obtained by exchanging Shinedust for an instance of flair to be applied to specific cards. Different cards also have different flair that can be applied to them depending on the Pokémon and their types, and they can be downright cheap or somewhat more pricey to obtain. For those who have lots of Shinedust to spare, they can certainly obtain whatever flair they may desire to make their cards look attractive.

Flair also has two main types: cosmetic and battle. The former type applies to the cards themselves, while the latter type applies to when they are used in battle, particularly when they are placed in specific positions over the course of a battle. Before exchanging Shinedust to obtain them, the flair is also demonstrated with the specific card a player uses to obtain the flair, so they can see how the flair looks like before they make the exchange.

Somewhat related, though not completely, is the gold frame for cards, which do appear right next to flair. In the past, these (for individual cards) were obtained by exchanging 10 duplicate cards, but now they are obtained when 10 duplicate cards are collected in any way, including card point exchanges and Wonder Picks - which seems to be a fairer trade. Though it's not flair exactly, the fact of its appearance and enhancement makes it a worthwhile mention.

TCGP could be said to be keen on the visual aspect and using it in various ways for making itself different from the regular physical (and Live) TCG, as well as emphasizing its electronic nature. The feature of "flair" makes all of that evident; it takes a little bit to understand - hopefully so with the help of some of the pointers above - but once understood, the visual appeal of this implementation can be brightly seen.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 36

Two years ago: Cosplay: Card Game Shop Opening

Three years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 24

Four years ago: On Death and Pokémon Species

Five years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 12

Six years ago: The Leek and Pokémon

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Isekai

Eight years ago: A Merchandise Dream

Nine years ago: Unified Centers and Marts

The State of Nominations, Part 42

The number 42 is well-known in some circles to be a number with certain "answers". Those "answers" don't really apply to Pokémon, although some might also argue that Pokémon could be the "answer" to those "answers". In any case, that's not the focus of this post; rather, that would be on updating the progress of my PokéStop nominations, for which this edition is also coincidentally the 42nd. Still, a lot of it might involve divulging "answers" related to that.

Regardless, there are still other numbers to deal with. From last time, the number of my Accepted nominations increased by one to 196, and that for my Not Accepted nominations also increased by one to 72. Granted, I've been focusing on other things, so nominations for PokéStops were not quite on my mind in the past two months, but I can make up the slack whenever in the time of the next two months - an answer in itself.

Meanwhile, there are the monthly impact numbers for July (32591 visits by 1791 players) as well as August (30362 visits by 1882 players), which are always for the preceding months since those are the numbers I get for particular months. July was a happening month since it was the main Go Fest month, and August kept up the momentum. They're the big answers to the big numbers in those two months, and quite acceptable ones at that.

Some answers have also been given by Scopely Explore, which has also replaced the Niantic name appended to Wayfarer, made the nomination process completely separate from the games (redirecting the in-game process to the web site), and added even more nomination possibilities, more than what may perhaps be reasonable for my needs. All of these may affect the answers that I provide with the actual nominations to come.

Whatever answers may be given by my PokéStop nomination progress, the final answer is still to try to expand the overworld of Pokémon Go - not to mention other Scopely Explore games - so that other players (Trainers and so on) can then provide their own "answers" according to what they do in the games with them. For this edition of my nomination progress update, it seems then that I'm reminded that all the answers are around me to collect and present.

One year ago: Cosplay: Nihon Carnival

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 30

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Problems and Solutions

Four years ago: Inventiveness vs. Misunderstanding

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/28/2021

Six years ago: The Future of LINE Pokémon Stickers

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/28/2019

Eight years ago: A New Age of EX Raids

Nine years ago: To Teach and To Delight

Pokémon Caricatures?

People (or even things) that have gained significant repute may be memorialized in illustration form through caricatures, as fanciful drawings depicting their personality with the things that are typically associated with them. Certainly, it's not hard to stretch the process to involve Pokémon, and that makes for a fascinating discussion. Since the art form involves specific subjects, I thought I'd center the discussion on the subjects that can apply to it.

Trainers specifically can of course be the subjects of the art form, since they're people after all. It goes without saying that I'm interested in a caricature of Ash in some form, but others may like Cilan, Clemont, or Misty; and then there are other Trainers like Red, Ethan, Lance... the list goes on and on. All of these can have their most significant Pokémon and objects alongside them to enrich the caricature aspect as well as the Pokémon aspect.

Speaking of, certain Pokémon species can also get the treatment. The "unforgettable classics" of Pikachu, Charizard, Snorlax, and more are great candidates, but so are "new favorites" such as Incineroar, Sirfetch'd, and Meowscarada. They would also be most enhanced by particular settings from their regions of concern... and maybe a little bit of the people who are in close association with them. Their caricatures are expected to be quite whimsical.

Meanwhile, there is me with all of my Pokémon dealings, the species I fancy, the things I appreciate, and so on and so forth. All of that could potentially be represented in a caricature by whoever is fond of me and chooses to represent me in drawing with any or all of the above elements. It would be a bit of a challenge for the artist, yet it could be a fun one with Pokémon involved - and certainly the results would be as well for the both of us.

Caricatures can be said to be "involved" pieces of art; they can "involve" a lot of elements in the pieces and the effort to make them is also "involved", for both the subject and creator alike. Quite possibly, Pokémon can be "involved" in the creation process, which would be a neat thing for those who are concerned with it. The resulting piece would also further affirm or increase the repute of the subject, which may just be well-deserved with the art itself.

One year ago: Concentrate and Contemplate

Two years ago: Fascinated by TCG Art Varieties

Three years ago: Quickies: Finding My "Mime" and "Rime"

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/27/2022

Five years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Two for the Show

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/27/2020

Seven years ago: 1000 Posts!!!

Eight years ago: Meet Meltan

Nine years ago: Pokémon Stuff at a Neighborhood Store

Cosplay: Toys & Hobbies Week 2026

Ash: Hey, it's Toys & Hobbies again!

Me: Indeed it is. That makes it four years in a row.

Goh: But I can't help but sense this year is a bit odd. Like today, for starters. 

Ash: Yeah. Today is a Saturday. 

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["Right you are."]

Me: Well... actually, I was going to send Ash tomorrow, but I want to make time for certain friends, so today is it. And maybe you could also deal with a Phantump capture challenge.

Goh: How does that go?

Me: It's just doing a lot of things to try to get it to appear - and to catch it, of course.

Ash: Er... Yeah, it was a lot all right, but I got through it all over the entire day I was there.

Me: OK, great. That might have been better than if I did it myself where I was.

Goh: So, as for the festival... how'd it go this year?

Ash: It was a lot smaller this year - just the main stage and market, and a small game stage.

Goh: Yeah, that does sound like it's really scaled down. Did you find anything interesting at the market?

Ash: Not much for me - just the usual Pokémon cards and gadgets, but I'm sure our friend doesn't need all of that now.

Pikachu: Chu, pika pika chu. ["But they are interesting."]

Me: Very true. So you didn't need to bother with that. But you had to bother with meeting my friends today... right?

Ash: Right! I did meet a few of them even up until the end. But I didn't meet one who you might be thinking of from past years...

Me: Oh. That friend messaged me, and that friend plans to come tomorrow - but then it goes back to the above.

Goh: That's a bummer.

Ash: Yeah, and I just saw all dance groups today - and few other characters, plus a fighting game tournament at the other stage.

Goh: So, I'm thinking all the character stuff is for tomorrow, the Sunday.

Me: And... I just got the word that it is - which is the last day too. Rats.

Goh: Hmm. Well, at least you kept your streak of going to this one somehow.

Ash: And I tried to get you something interesting too - one you've been looking for.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Sounds good to me!"]

Me: Thanks. Well, it is (and was) still fine day for a little outing - moreover for the above.

Ash: Let's make it great next time!

Goh: And make sure it's not in conflict with anything.

Me: When Pokémon is involved, hopefully few things are, especially for this special festival.

One year ago: You Only Live Once (YOLO)... for Pokémon

Two years ago: Only Here, Only Now

Three years ago: Creating Unity and Oneness

Four years ago: The Original Dance Mix

Five years ago: The Challenge of Uniting Myself

Six years ago: More and Yet More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Seven years ago: The Name of the Game

Eight years ago: The First English Anime Opening Theme

Nine years ago: Strong Opinions

Legendary Things Like Legendary Pokémon

Recently, despite being intensely promoted, I've found that a particular thing is in fact rather hard to come by and that I've had to resort to special means in order to deal with that thing. Because of the way that thing appears to be, it seems that I'm apt to ascribe a "legendary" quality to the thing. Of course, that brings to mind that some Pokémon species are of a class with the same moniker (except with the first letter capitalized), and that prompts a discussion of how some things might be similar in quality that makes Legendary Pokémon what they are.

Many past Pokémon games limit a Legendary Pokémon to just one per game, so it follows that some "legendary" things might be the only one of its kind. That would mean unique pieces of art, only objects in existence, and/or custom-made items (the list goes on and on) all might qualify to have the "legendary" quality. The thing I'd mentioned is not the only one of its kind - or at least by its representation - but its production process may be "legendary" enough by this description for it to be regarded as "legendary".

The thing would, however, qualify as "legendary" by virtue of it being very rare, much like certain antiques, parts, and collectibles nowadays. Meanwhile, Legendary Pokémon today aren't as rare as they were in the past due to enterprising Trainers in both the main series and Pokémon Go (thanks to its Home connection), but they could still be a rarity in some ways if they're hard to obtain... which goes back to the thing I mentioned. The quality and class conceivably still apply, albeit in a more specialized manner.

Speaking of "special", there are many more Legendary Pokémon today than in the past, yet it can be argued that many of them have the class not so much because of their capabilities but because they are novelties in their own right (take the "three titans" or "Regis" that Trainers hardly use today). With that, some "legendary" things in this world might just be the same, being novelties or special things more than anything else. Likewise, this can have a broad application much like how the class-moniker for Pokémon species applies.

Whether they are things in the real world or Pokémon species that make up a class of their own, having the "legendary" idea applied to them becomes a fascinating aspect, one that might just involve any or all of the ideals as presented above. The same goes for the thing that became the inception point for this post, whose nature has at least some of all of the above ideals. It may still be a challenge to deal with the thing outside of the special means, but it's nice to understand that it too can be "legendary" in some respects.

One year ago: Meet Me (Us) at Pokopia

Two years ago: Completing the Stylistic Stickers

Three years ago: More on Unite Surrendering: New Developments

Four years ago: Cosplay: Mini "Cyber" Gathering

Five years ago: The "Evolution" of Pokémon Go Special Research

Six years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: Expectations

Seven years ago: A Raid Split?

Eight years ago: The First Japanese Anime Opening Theme

Nine years ago: Enhancements in Shuffle

Defining My Physical-Live TCG Future

Since I've brought up the Pokémon TCG for a discussion, I thought I'd also discuss some personal aspects (that is, of my own) in relation to this realm, specifically with relation to its physical and Live version. I haven't written much about it, more so in recent times, because... well, there really hasn't been much to write about personally. However, there have been a couple of developments on this front, and with the lack of writing as a prompt, I thought I'd cover where I'm heading based on the things that have happened.

For that, while I've attempted to procure a deck in order to play with my local TCG fellows, I've been struggling with finding a time when I can play properly, and just when I think I'm close to finding that time, something always comes up. As such, a unilateral agreement was made to part with them; this is in a way regrettable, for now even if I want to play with them, they may treat me as an "outsider" given my infrequent play. It may be considered an additional struggle alongside the one for the effort of procuring a deck.

The above certainly applies to the physical side of things. For the Live side (as in TCGL, its virtual implementation), I've had other struggles with availability - including ones of a technical nature - that keep me from playing as much as I would like to. Consequently, I'm starting to miss out on quite a few of its offerings, and I'm not sure how I'd go about reclaiming them if and when I can ensure the stable availability of the game and my playing it once again. Much may still have to be considered if this is to occur.

Considering the above, it seems that in defining my future for this specific realm and version(s) of the TCG, it may be tending toward the bleak side of things. In particular, it seems that it's proving that the physical and Live TCG version is less of a fit for me... if it isn't already is with the local state of things. This is in comparison to the mobile TCGP, which has worked out somewhat nicely with what I already have - and perhaps what I don't have as well. Of course, futures can change, and this definition may only apply currently.

Generally, I aim to apply as many Pokémon things as possible, or even have them apply to me. Yet in some cases, that can fail to happen in either direction. The case of the physical and Live TCG seems to be an apparent one in that regard, with particular attention to the case of my current situation and its directed future. Pokémon is always in my future, but some things may just be (or continue to be) out of reach of that future; it's something I need to contend with, as with my physical and Live TCG future and whatever plays into its definition.

One year ago: The Café Pop-Up in Café Remix

Two years ago: PIJ Drone Show Narrative

Three years ago: Cosplay: Bunka no Tenkai - Wonderful Japan

Four years ago: The Desire to Refresh

Five years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Sparring Halloween Cup

Six years ago: The HIStory of the Future (and Now, with Pokémon)

Seven years ago: Performance Critique: GACOS LEVELUP J-Song

Eight years ago: New Pokémon, New World?

Nine years ago: Pikachu with Regional Caps

Making the Pokémon TCG Language-Independent?

Previously, I had brought up a discussion about the Pokémon TCG with regard to the possible use of symbols in order to represent the actions on the cards. I had also noted that it could be a step towards achieving what I call "language independence" for the realm, and that I would be discussing it later. Well, later is now, so I thought I'd get that discussion going for all it's worth and what those other steps may be, along with the associated challenges for the effort.

To make the TCG "language independent", it would mean making it be able to be played regardless of language, which has been both a source of convenience and a limiting factor for the present state of the TCG. Specifically, it can supplement currently playable TCG sets in whatever language they may be, and it might also help to bridge understanding between the players who might possess and use sets in different languages in their TCG gameplay.

With that, given a regular TCG card, aside from the actions as described in the previous post, the next prime target for "language independence" would be the Pokémon name, which could opt for the English name as a way to generalize things internationally, even though certain regions have their own names. That may just go for the special (Trainer) cards, even though it may also be possible to leave their titles blank as the cards can be recognized by the art.

Still, the TCG cards also have non-gameplay elements that are different in different language versions as well. The only apparent answer to deal with these seemingly would be the same as the above: leaving the elements blank. Then there are the move names, which might adopt the approach of representing them with uniquely distinct symbols, which could be vaguely similar to the approach for the actions. Yet this could be more difficult in contrast to that approach.

Given the above, perhaps true "language independence" may not be completely achievable for the cards, at least not without extreme modifications to the cards. Yet it is still fanciful to try to think about it, moreover because the Pokémon TCG is globally diverse nowadays and players from different parts of the world interact with each other. The effort and challenge to make "language independence" happen could still be considered to (help) facilitate that further.

One year ago: Quickies: In Puffs of Smoke

Two years ago: The Batik Motifs of Pikachu's Journey

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/23/2023

Four years ago: New Factions Battlefields Plus

Five years ago: Unite Uptake

Six years ago: Making Time, Taking Time

Seven years ago: Doubleheaders and Such

Eight years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 2nd

Nine years ago: Pikachu and Poké Ball New 2DS XL

The Changing Mega Landscape in Pokémon Go

While the Mewtwo controversy is changing perceptions of Trainers, a few other things are changing with respect to Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go, affecting that very species as well as others. These forms, with regard to the Pokémon species that possess them, are certainly super-powered in their own way, but recent additions to Pokémon Go are making (or perhaps also about to make) that fact even more evident and bringing changes to its landscape.

For starters, more and more Pokémon are becoming able to access Mega Level 4 (dubbed the Super Max level, vis-a-vis Level 3 as the Max level), and a couple of these have been recently introduced for older Pokémon - more details on them soon. This affirms what I had written up earlier, in that the possibility of other Pokémon with Mega Evolution forms accessing these levels has become a reality. Particularly, its reach for the "first batch" of Mega Evolution species will take time to manifest, but now it can be assured that everything will move in this path.

Those Pokémon that can access the Mega level as above now also have the privilege of accessing an additional Charged move while in the Mega Evolved state, making them the first ones in Pokémon Go to reach the traditional four-move limit (if they also have an unlocked regular Charged move). The new moves are "plus moves" of some familiar attacks, and in the case of both Mega Evolution forms for Mewtwo, they also come with Adventure Effects that are very useful in both raids and the overworld. The usefulness applies for others regardless.

Not only that, the Mega Evolution forms can be used not only in raid battles (but not yet for Gym battles) with their new Charged moves but also in PvP battling in certain leagues when they warrant their possible usage. In the latter case, the Pokémon will have their CP decreased ("nerfed") when they are out of range of a specific league in which they are to be used - also making it the first time a sort of "level adjustment for battle" situation is put in place in the game. The Mega forms are already big, but this is definitely the biggest forward step yet.

Mega Evolution could be said to have had an unassuming landscape in Pokémon Go, in particular given its "shaky start" many years ago. Now, though, the landscape is changing (and has changed) massively, and Trainers will have to take into account the above changes as well as previous ones in order for them to take advantage of Mega Evolution by themselves and what others and the game itself brings forth... hopefully for a change for the better.

One year ago: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey: After One Year

Two years ago: Cosplay+Pokémon Go: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Jakarta - Jakarta City Safari

Three years ago: More on "Shundo"... and Not-So-"Shundo"

Four years ago: Teams in Café Remix

Five years ago: Mallow and Ina, Chef and Contessa

Six years ago: The Place of Pokémon Go in the Pokémon Ecosystem

Seven years ago: Cosplay: GACOS LEVELUP

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/22/2018

Nine years ago: Riot of Pokémon Color

Mewtwo Hundo For All Time?

Back in July, I brought up the Times Square Mewtwo that became a nicety (for those who were able to participate in the event and to obtain it) and a source of furor (for those whom neither applied). Since then, there had been a development with particular regard to its perfect IV or "hundo" quality that could be considered either to appease the qualms of certain Trainers or to perpetuate its controversy ("for all time"), both the good and bad sides.

That development would be another "hundo" Mewtwo, dubbed as an "anniversary special", which all Trainers could get over the past month (through a Timed Research set) with all the same conditions of the one from the Times Square event but with a different background; those who partook in said event get one with random IVs instead. Its potential to quell certain controversies is also offset by its potential to continue generating them.

For instance, some Trainers became angry that they got it after they had used a Bottle Cap to max out a recently or previously caught Mewtwo. A certain Trainer has even shown themselves transferring said Mewtwo with the pretext of defending the ideal of needing to work for it. Even so, this may be less of a controversy and more of an evidence that these Trainers are in fact an ungrateful lot, something that should be discussed separately. 

Meanwhile, some have also postulated that as a result of both "hundo" offerings, the value of Mewtwo has been reduced, and what may be expected "for all time" is a way to obtain such a Mewtwo, especially for Trainers who missed either offering above due to their quite inherent limitations. Of course, they all will still need to raid for resources to power up the Pokémon, so the reduction in value may be offset by the continuous resource need. 

With that, continued offering seems to be the way things will go. The developers have said that the Times Square Mewtwo might just return in the future, and the "anniversary special" thus might not be far behind. Whether or not they'll come as "hundo" for those who don't already have them (and with random IVs for those who do) as in their original cases above is not certain, but if the will is the continued offering, there may be ways.

"Legendary" is the moniker that applies for some Pokémon species because of their in-game properties. Yet it seems that for Mewtwo, that moniker might be considered applicable in another way - particularly with regard to Pokémon Go - for its awe-inspiring and controversy-generating capabilities. The latter shouldn't be "for all time", but the former definitely should be, as is the application of the moniker that is rightfully applicable to it. 

One year ago: The Pains and Gains of the Local TCG Registration System

Two years ago: Cosplay: Cosplay Creator and Community Convention (C4)

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Tour for Other Regions?

Four years ago: The New (Old) Legacy Trainer Challenge

Five years ago: Pikachu Fidget Spinner

Six years ago: Item Runs in Pokémon Shuffle

Seven years ago: Remember, Remember

Eight years ago: Community Raid Days?

Nine years ago: Pokémon and Party Games

Cosplay: Wibufest Community Market

Goh: Wait! Isn't this one a "red flag"? 

Me: Well, um... If I had my way (or things had their way), I wouldn't even be discussing this one with you two.

Goh: There must be a story behind it.

Me: Uh-huh. So, I was told that there would be three happenings today (including this one), but I couldn't confirm two of them...

Ash: So you had me check out all of them.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["An adventure!"] 

Goh: And what did you find?

Ash: Well, the first one was a festival that had good food, but it had nothing for us. (I think it follows this one.)

Me: OK, so the report about this one was unwarranted.

Ash: Yeah. After that, I went to the second one you told me about...

Goh: ...and there was nothing too.

Ash: Yup. It wasn't for anything for us at all.

Me: That makes two unwarranted reports. So...

Goh: You (we) ended up with the "red flag".

Ash: Uh-huh. So it turns out this is the only thing for us today.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu... ["Just that..."] 

Me: [sigh] Let's get the discussion out of the way, then. Now, I sent you throughout today with your Hoenn outfit...

Ash: ...like the first time earlier this year!

Goh: Was this on purpose or just because it's convenient?

Me: The latter. I heard there's no singing competition, so it really was "anything goes".

Goh: But there was a character parade, yes?

Ash: Yeah. I didn't want to get in for you, but your friends suggested that I get in... so I did.

Goh: Still, you got nothing.

Ash: Nope. And the winners still had to sign something.

Me: On that note, I did hear that the community resolved the dealings of previous winners, but I don't want to trust in that too quickly.

Goh: I understand that.

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["I guess?"] 

Ash: Other than that, everything was more or less the same.

Goh: Everything??

Ash: Same place, same communities, same friends of yours, same entertainment (dance groups), and even same schedule.

Goh: And does that mean "The Forbidden One" was also there?

Ash: I saw. He was at a booth. But I didn't get close to him.

Me: See, I'm sure something is still up with him.

Goh: You two had no (better) choice anyway.

Me: But still. I'd rather have it be different...

Ash: Well, your friend held a spinning top tournament and I got to see it live. And I got a card reader to read something about you.

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

Me: OK, sure. Well, at least today's different in different ways.

Ash: Yeah, at least visiting many places on the same day isn't bad.

Goh: You got off easy this time - almost. I hope things work out in whatever happening you two plan for next. 

Me: With luck, no "forbidden" people should be involved.

Ash: And make sure to look out for dodgy reports!

Me: That, and making sure the happenings themselves aren't "dodgy".

One year ago: Am I (Really) Suited for Physical TCG?

Two years ago: Tournament: Championship Expansion Part 6 #3

Three years ago: Pokémon Brand Parodies, Third Take

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies, Round 5

Five years ago: To Be a Snorlax

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/20/2020

Seven years ago: The Friendly Manual

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 9/20/2018

Nine years ago: Meeting, Parting with, and Missing Friends

Pokémon with Special Battle Forms in Pokémon Go

In recent times, Pokémon Go has started to add a twist to some of its battle systems (PvP in particular) by changing up how certain Pokémon behave in them. Specifically, that meant the addition of certain forms that are relevant to them, which then accordingly changes up the dynamic of the battle, at least as far as the species are concerned. In fact, there have been three of those Pokémon, so that is perfect for starting a discussion about them.

The first to receive the treatment was Morpeko, even before the recent PvP reform. Its regular form is called the "Full Belly Mode", and its alternate is the "Hangry Mode"; the Pokémon switches between the two forms after each Charged attack (regardless of move) and its type also switches from Electric (Full Belly) to Dark (Hangry) and back. Certainly, this makes full use of its Aura Wheel charged move - also its signature - and it presents a challenge for Trainers on both sides of Morpeko to deal with.

Next is the unique Ghost-type wonder of Mimikyu. Its regular form can be allowed to negate a Charged attack hit, after which it becomes its Busted form with reduced Defense. In this way, the form change can act as an additional shield with all its consequences, and that has other implications for its inclusion in PvP - including the fact that it skirted the recent PvP reform and became included in the new system instead of the old. In any case, there is a technique to be learned about its use, as well as if it can be used.

Cramorant is the most recent species with special battle forms - two of them, aside from the regular form. They can be accessed if the Pokémon knows either Surf or Dive (both Charged moves). If its HP is high, the Gulping Form is accessed, and it throws back an ensnared object to decrease the opponent's Defense; low HP accesses the Gorging Form instead, doing the same to decrease the opponent's Attack, and in both cases returning to normal afterwards. Its strategy is versatile, and so is its learning curve in a way.

All of these Pokémon are admittedly quirky in their own ways, and so too are their alternate or special forms, especially as they make their way into Pokémon Go to change up its (PvP) battle system. With the new system at hand, Trainers will have to contend with their appearances if and when they are warranted; when they do appear, it can then be guaranteed that they will need ways of countering them among other twists that may be present.

One year ago: Little Transformations among Big Ones

Two years ago: Major Shakeups in Pokémon Go Battles

Three years ago: Emily Rudd and Her Pokémon Links

Four years ago: Delivering an Authentic Experience

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/19/2021

Six years ago: On the Transcription of Pokémon Things

Seven years ago: Taking Sides on Shiny Pokémon

Eight years ago: Raid Time Length Change

Nine years ago: Competitive Stages in Shuffle

These Guys Are Good

There is a saying that applies to a certain realm, and that saying describes the best of the best people who are involved in that realm. Naturally, that saying is placed as the title of this post, which then serves as a guide to the discussion to come. That discussion most certainly involves Pokémon as the core topic of this blog, and with the nature of the presented saying, some relations are to be had with Pokémon and other aspects of real life.

With that, when applied to Pokémon, the saying then describes the best of the best people who deal with all kinds of Pokémon matters. Many of them would be the fierce competitors of the World Championships (like the most recent one), and especially those who can get to the later tournament stages or come out as the winner. In that sense, they're quite capable people who truly exemplify that saying of the certain other realm.

Meanwhile, other people involved with Pokémon may not be as competitive, but they can bring out the best of themselves and Pokémon in other ways. They can be artistic, influential, relatable, or any or all of the above. Their inherent capabilities with regard and relation to Pokémon would be quite different from the competitive people as above, but the fact remains that they would be considered "good" in whatever they can do with it.

Speaking of which, the saying has "guys" in it... since its original context does pertain to men in some way. But Pokémon fascinates people of all genders - including "esoteric" ones - so the saying above may need to be changed to suit. That could mean addition of or replacement by "gals" to represent the women as well as certain terms for the "esoteric" ones. Whatever happens, they can all share the spirit of the saying.

Certain people are good at certain things, and that applies well to Pokémon fans with all the things they can do that involve this great franchise. With that, the given saying in the title can and should become applicable to any and every one of those fans with their capabilities. The result would be a wonderful thing to show off; in a way that could perhaps be like the original intent of the saying that applied in the realm of its concern.

One year ago: BOGO Offers for Pokémon?

Two years ago: Going Big in Galar Part 2: The Other "Big"

Three years ago: The Shared (International) Journey of One Piece and Pokémon

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/18/2022

Five years ago: To Care and To Protect

Six years ago: GOtcha Podcast Episode 1: Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go

Seven years ago: Raid Failures

Eight years ago: A Restarted Fever?

Nine years ago: What I (Really) Like About You - Pokémon

Common Things Seen in My Other Pokémon Dreams

I've written about my Pokémon dreams from time to time on this blog, at least when they happen and I'm fortunate enough to (have a way to) remember them - and most aren't. That seems to be the case for some of my most recent dreams as well as others from the past. Yet while the dreams are lost to time by now, I can still identify a few things that are apparent features of those dreams along with their relation to Pokémon, though the things themselves may not necessarily be related to Pokémon.

Since I'm a Pokémon cosplayer, it would be conceivable that sometimes a stage would appear in some of those dreams. That stage would obviously be where I'd be performing with my Pokémon cosplay - which more often than not would involve Ash - whether as part of a competition, or if I'm lucky, with a group performing together. Admittedly, the latter has been a rarity in real life, and the same goes for its appearance in my dreams - but they do appear, and so it has to be included in this discussion.

Then, bicycles also make an occasional appearance. I've noted in the past that I enjoy two-wheeled vehicles to some capacity, and Pokémon has those in some form. Naturally, in some of my dreams, they come together, additionally with the Trainers who are known to have used them (Red comes to mind in this case). They make for nice dreams, but at some point I have to be aware that the dream is just a dream, lest other fantasies "take over" and that's when I start a digress from Pokémon, not for discussion here.

Most simply, sometimes a table may appear in my Pokémon dreams. Tables are important in some instances of Pokémon gaming (TCG, obviously), and as such, they've occasionally made an appearance where Pokémon games have been a concern in my dreams. Of course, tables can and do serve as a feature for where people meet, and that becomes the context in my Pokémon dreams when gaming didn't become a concern. Whatever the case, both contexts involve me relating to other people and Pokémon.

A dream can be described as an amalgam of thoughts and experiences that occur while the mind is at rest. For someone whose mind may constantly involve Pokémon matters, that means it can become involved in dreams if the mind lets it, and that is a given fact with all the Pokémon dreams I've had. And if those dreams happen to involve particular things appearing within them, like the things above, they might just be telling of how I regard Pokémon and how different things apply to all my dealings with it.

One year ago: The Problem of Scalpers and Pokémon

Two years ago: More Waypoint Usage in Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Cosplay: Helloweebs on the Road & TM Town Festival

Four years ago: Best Times for Community Day across Times and Places

Five years ago: (Un)finished Business, Again

Six years ago: Progressing Through the Go Battle League

Seven years ago: At a Starry Night Time

Eight years ago: Approaching Field Research Tasks

Nine years ago: Restarting Go Fever Among Players

Symbolic Representation of TCG Actions

Something that players of the Pokémon TCG may or may not realize is that no matter what language the cards are in - given the fact that the cards do in fact have different language versions - they have to perform the same exact actions, which hopefully the different language versions should outline clearly. To that end, I then thought about how the action descriptions in the cards could also be expressed in symbolic form as an alternative to expression by language.

A few reasons play into this thought and interest. One of them is that the card actions as they are described on some cards, in particular with rather stretchy ideations of the card actions, can seem like "walls of text". Using symbols for descriptions might make things less daunting for some players, although decoding the symbols might in turn demand the brunt of the work. Therefore, symbols might be a better fit for players who already have the basic skills down pat.

For example, various "flip a coin" actions can be expressed as the following, using actions denoted by emoji since they're rather ubiquitous by now:

"Flip a coin" = 🪙

"Flip n coins" = 🪙🔢 (where 🔢 is a number n)

"Flip a coin until you get tails" = 🪙➡️🐉 (🐉 can be subbed for the Rhydon face, the archetype of "tails")

Certainly, if this were to be made official, Pokémon would have to make the symbols purposively unique and not just simply use generic emoji.

It can be seen that if the right symbols are used with proper sequencing of those symbols, it would not be hard to make them mean the same as with any language the Pokémon TCG comes in. As such, the usage of symbols allows the cards to take one closer step of becoming "language independent", although more would still need to be done to achieve this. That's also something good to be saved for a future discussion, but the gist is that the possibility may be achievable.

Having the card actions in Pokémon TCG be described in an abstract yet meaningful manner through symbols is admittedly rather fanciful, yet it could also be regarded as surprisingly workable, depending on the viewpoints of certain parties that might be involved. It would take some development and a little persuasion to get things going, but the results might be off some interest to some players as a succinct and independent way of describing the familiar card actions.

One year ago: Getting Tired of Packs in TCGP?

Two years ago: Dynamax in Pokémon Go: The "Big" Bones

Three years ago: Being a Pokémon... Weeaboo?

Four years ago: New Pokémon Fossil Watches

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Good Drinks and Good Friends

Six years ago: The Firefighters of Pokémon

Seven years ago: Pokémon Cable Bite Accessory - Pikachu

Eight years ago: An End to Jumps

Nine years ago: Pokémon Suits in Cosplay?

More Boost Emblems for Pokémon Unite - Possible?

Although Pokémon Unite at this point could be considered to be in a state of decline, there may be room to discuss what could be added to or improved for the game, with the hope that the decline could perhaps be stalled or reversed somehow. One of those things concerns boost emblems, which in the past I've updated my progress on a couple of times. Now I'm bringing it back, albeit for positing additions or improvements to it.

In my earlier update, I had said that they are currently composed of Pokémon species from the first and second generations, as well as the Eon Pokémon (Latias and Latios), Zacian, the Sprigatito line, and Miraidon. The complete generations are pretty solid, but the "out of band" Pokémon seem like an afterthought - yet it's not completely a bad thing if the emblems could one day be expanded to fill their generations, which obviously hasn't happened.

While there may be several reasons for explaining why these emblems haven't been expanded, a couple of them may be the primary ones. The first would be the apparent decline as I have mentioned; the second would be that the current set of emblems are likely sufficient in all their combinations for boosting the Pokémon that players use. Both of these may hinder a planned expansion, though if it is willed, it may just happen regardless.

For that, the most obvious target for expansion would certainly be filling in the rest of the third generation species so that the Eon Pokémon aren't lonely where they are. That can potentially generate emblems that could work in new combinations. If that seems like it could become a burden for the game, then relevant species to Unite Licenses that are currently present may be an option to do the same but in a more direct manner with relation to them.

The addition of new Pokémon boost emblems to Pokémon Unite may or may not happen at the current pace the game is going, but it's still fanciful to think about and consider, since other additions are still in progress for the game despite its apparent status of decline. In any case, the system itself still has to be dealt with by new and old players alike, so it has to be taken into account by them to make the most (and best) of this continuing Pokémon game.

One year ago: Cosplay: Foodtopia Festival (S4)

Two years ago: In Search of New Posting Styles

Three years ago: The Nonviolent Approach to Pokémon

Four years ago: Pokémon Moe Gijinka: To Love and Be Loved

Five years ago: Reminiscing Stadium and Colosseum

Six years ago: On Public Communication with Pokémon

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/15/2019

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Trading Stickers

Nine years ago: Am I Writing-Challenged?

Mediocre with Niantic, Downgraded with Scopely?

Many of those who play Pokémon Go will recognize that the game has had its highs and lows during the Niantic Games era, which in a way averages out to make a mediocre experience - which some players could attest. After the sale of Niantic Games to Scopely, becoming Scopely Explore under it, there were still the same highs and lows... yet there seems to be some more of the latter by way of the new party's control. As a result, some players have construed the experience as being "downgraded", and I'd like to discuss that.

One way that the "downgrade" has actually happened is the most recent reduction of Team Go Rocket balloons from four a day (every six hours) to just one, forcing Trainers to scout areas for grunts and leaders, which is already hard with their low frequency and can be even harder for those in rural areas with few PokéStops. In any case, it is a "downgrade" because the previous standard of four is, well... a standard, offering a modest experience amidst the mediocrity of still having to scout for Team Go Rocket PokéStops for more battle chances.

Then, the gaffes that occur with Niantic Games still occur under Scopely Explore, similarly even though the circumstances are different. The most recent one is the forced makeup of the second day of Go Fest Global, specifically with regard to raids; raid events needing to be made up has happened before and from time to time, but if they keep happening, there may be something to be said about the game's handling of the feature, then and now. Also, other features may still glitch up occasionally.

If there is something to be gained from the situation, it is that the sale of Niantic Games to Scopely does not necessarily solve all problems that may, have, or will come up. In addition, the changes like the big one mentioned above shows that the "heavy-handedness" of Scopely itself that I had previously mentioned in discussing the sale is starting to creep in, becoming a manifestation of the concerns also previously outlined. That could become a disincentive for those already playing or even coming back to play.

Even with the problems that plague it (at least, from time to time), Pokémon Go is still a good game, just hampered by the arcane developments it had to go through and more recently the sale to another "suitor". That may be what reflects its mediocrity as has been evident all throughout the Niantic Games era. Now that the era has turned over to Scopely, the challenge becomes how to maintain the existing player base and rake in both inactive and new players alike while upgrading profits while not "downgrading" things further.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/14/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/14/2024

Three years ago: Watch What I Say

Four years ago: Into the Deep Blue

Five years ago: Dancing with Pokémon

Six years ago: It's Time for GOtcha... Podcast

Seven years ago: The Appeal of the TCG

Eight years ago: A Pokémon Watch

Nine years ago: Three's Demise

Cosplay: MCP Coshow 2 & Foodtopia Season 5

Goh: Yeah, that's expected. So, another "twofer" this weekend?

Me: Yup, yesterday and today. That was the thing after Community Day yesterday and all day today.

Ash: And both of them with me in my Kalos outfit! ...I guess it's to make things easy for all of us.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Very easy!"]

Me: That would certainly be the point. 

Goh: And we're familiar with both of them because one was earlier this year...

Ash: ...and the other was last year!

Me: Good recall. For that, I also thought of combining both into a single discussion (and since Community Day was yesterday anyhow). So, let's start with the first one. 

Goh: That one was yesterday, I'll bet.

Ash: It was! At the same place, obviously.

Goh: With the same people?

Ash: Sure! But they did bring in a game community - not for us, but you get the drift.

Goh: But beyond that, the entertainment had to be practically the same.

Ash: Dance groups, singers, and games. I saw pretty much the main ones.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika... ["All still the same..."]

Goh: Well, I'm sure the character parade is also still the same, and you got into it.

Ash: No strings attached, so yeah. But I did try to make things different. I started with my cap and gloves off this time and put them on when it happened.

Goh: OK, yeah, that's different all right. Was it enough to get something?

Ash: Yeah! I got Favorite Male Character!

Me: Very nice! The effort can really work out sometimes.

Goh: That is great. And you had a good time at the place with your friends.

Ash: I did.

Me: Then that brings us to the second one, which was today and should be the same old food festival trying to bring in people.

Ash: Same place, same people, and all that. But I did come when there was a cheerleading competition before our stuff began.

Goh: So the festival brings in all kinds of organizers for different things.

Me: Goh is right. This seems to be the methodology for all kinds of festivals here for bringing in people.

Pikachu: Chu! Pika! [imitates cheering]

Goh: Can't blame them for trying. OK, so this time, did you try any of the food? I don't think we talked about that much in any of the past years. 

Ash: Well, back then it was only little bits of things, but this time I got to try quite a bit of things - enough for lunch and dinner. They always have a lot of things going on.

Goh: I would think. But then that also goes for our festival.

Ash: Just some dance groups this time, along with the character parade.

Me: Speaking of which... since you dealt with food, you didn't deal with that.

Ash: No - I thought it could be like three years ago when I came with the same outfit, so I spent the day eating and talking with your friends.

Me: Well, I think that's a good call. I'm sure the winners were "just that".

Ash: Um... yeah. "Just that."

Goh: After eating and talking with friends, then it was back to our friend.

Ash: Yup, just like that.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["All done after that."]

Me: So, after all that, the old saying is true again - the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Ash: But not completely! All your friends are (were) really different for each one.

Goh: I think both of you have your points.

Me: While I'm not sure what or where the next big one will be, there might just be some ways to make it different.

Ash: But Pokémon can always stay the same for us. 

Goh: That's a sure thing.

Me: Absolutely. It's a "go-to" for wherever we go to. You get my drift.

One year ago: Mega Evolution on Parade

Two years ago: On Half Decks and Full Decks

Three years ago: Spoiler Alert

Four years ago: Longing for Pokémon Donuts

Five years ago: The Fate of My Local Pokémon Hangouts

Six years ago: Competitor Ranks of the Silph League Arena

Seven years ago: Personal Branding

Eight years ago: To Judge and Be Judged

Nine years ago: Catering to Old and New Players

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 9/12/2026

Today is Community Day Classic in Pokémon Go, but I'm going to preface it by saying that apparently, it will be the only kind of Community Day that will be present this month - which means that the non-Classic regular edition is absent. Nothing else has been stated (officially) about the plan, and some Trainers have associated the missing regular edition with Go Fest Mega Finale, with it taking a "bite" (and a big one at that) of the regular edition. Nevertheless, there is a "biting" element to this edition of Community Day Classic as well.

Since Totodile has already been done, it's obviously for a different Pokémon that can bite, and that would be for Gible, last seen in June 2021. When it's fully evolved to Garchomp through Gabite, it still learns the special move of Earth Power, and the bonus also remains triple XP for those who still seek it. As usual, there are extensions for Incense and Lure Modules, both with their modern lengths of three hours and and one hour, and photo bombs. Thus, the effort of updating past editions with modern features is still an ongoing one for this edition.

For that, some Gible in the wild as well as encounters from Field Research, Timed Research (community), and Special Research (paid, still with the title of "Just a Nibble") have the modern special background; the last of these also has the modern structure. Of course, those who still want to make the most of it can encounter a few more Gible past the main event hours by putting up Lure Modules up to 9 PM, which is also the cutoff for obtaining the special move as above and represents another added modern feature.

New this time is a Collection Challenge that is completed by catching a Gible and evolving it through its evolution line to earn Garchomp Mega Energy. This makes it the first time that the feature has returned since March this year, which is what I hinted in an earlier post. Certainly, it is well-deserved and becomes a novel implementation for it.

Meanwhile, as for my dealings with this edition, it's not exactly "mine", and there are good reasons for that, which are to be explained with the help of others...

Me: Right then, so it's the Gible line today. You have one, don't you?

Ash: Yeah! And we all know Cynthia has a Garchomp.

Goh: And then there's Mega Evolution and all that jazz.

Ash: You had me take care of this one in your area today. Luckily, I met a couple of your friends who could help out with that.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Good thing."]

Me: Well, don't expect it to happen every time with them. (I don't expect it to happen for myself either.) But at least today worked out somehow.

Ash: Yeah. We met at the mall and walked a little bit past it. I caught as many Gible as possible, completed the challenge, and then... went off for something else.

Goh: Well, if there's a "something else", that means our friend has something in mind - something that happens locally.

Me: Certainly. But that's for a separate discussion soon enough.

Without a regular or non-Classic edition for this month, it might seem that something is afoot with Pokémon Go - perhaps, not in this particular context. But having the ever-popular Gible line return for Community Day might be a satisfactory way to take a bite off the big things.

One year ago: Theia Sky Ruins, Subterranean Edition

Two years ago: No Lies... and Lies

Three years ago: A Win for the Ages

Four years ago: One-Minute Cooking in Café Remix

Five years ago: Hidden Tracked Statistics in Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Let's Talk About Household Creatures

Seven years ago: And Intelligence

Eight years ago: Proud to Be a Clean Cosplayer

Nine years ago: Poké-Mobile Devices

When Pokémon Was 5...

When Pokémon was 5 - that is, five years old - it was in its infancy, and the Internet was about to head into its adolescent years. Back then too, blogging wasn't too much of a thing, social media was still "around the corner", and artificial intelligence was rudimentary - all things that may or may not have contributed to the execution of this blog as you see today. Yet it was also at that time that the franchise was shaping up... and the world effectively shaped up as well. 

When only five years had passed, the franchise was into its second generation and the third was "around the corner". They laid down the foundations for longtime fans like me that are also incidentally very strong in the face of certain hardships - at least for the dedicated ones. Those fans would also develop their potentials for remaining within the vein of the main series games or potentially branching out to others when the time came for them to be present.

When the games were a concern then, there were only really the main series games to deal with, and not much else beyond that or even on other devices, unlike the way things are today. Yet they were (and still are) good for instilling what matters about the namesake species of the franchise, including their associated lore and capabilities, which regardless of their presence in games or otherwise would remain relevant somehow, even if fans may not actually realize it.

When Pokémon was five years old, the world also experienced a big "blot" on a certain day... and that day is today, incidentally this year being "five by five" (that is, 25) years after the fact. It will be the only time I make a reference to it (and rather indirectly at that) since even Darkrai would likely feel inferior to that "blot" - and Darkrai wasn't even around when that happened. In any case, it scars the mind of people as it happened, whether or not they are Pokémon fans.

When Pokémon was in its fifth year, the franchise was effectively "coming to terms" with what can be possible for it in the present and future, while the world was "coming to terms" with the fact that it would effectively never be the same again. Yet that may be important as today is the result of yesterday, and things in life run their course. After 25 years, the world as well as Pokémon continue on their course, and what remains is all the developments up to today.

One year ago: My Pokémon Unite Boost Emblem Progress, Revisited

Two years ago: Why Do I Still Play Pokémon Unite?

Three years ago: Another Pokémon Watch

Four years ago: The Intricacy of Declining Raid Invitations

Five years ago: Greater Friendship Levels in Pokémon Go?

Six years ago: Getting Feline with Pokémon

Seven years ago: This Is It

Eight years ago: Cosplay: Club Cosplay Party

Nine years ago: Pokkén BanaPassports