PokémonXP: From Tournament to Convention

The end of August is drawing near, and so is in fact the Pokémon World Championships, which will in fact be discussed soon. Along with that, I also want to discuss something that very much pertains to the grand event, at least as far as this year's edition is concerned. It is known that the tournament has attracted the appeal of non-competing fans to come and visit (yours truly would be one of them), so along with the tournament this year, something new is (was) introduced that can be said to take it from a tournament to a convention.

For that purpose, that something is a special event called PokémonXP, for which the name might evoke some memories of (by now) a popular but eventually deprecated operating system. It's not that, of course, but both are certainly based on the same root of "experience", which this something new is intended to deliver, especially for those who aren't competing. While the competitors are duking it out as they are expected to in the World Championships, visiting fans can check this out instead to get their Pokémon enjoyment in other ways.

Now, the event is composed of happenings on two stages, one named for the event itself as well as another one as a "garden stage". As a brief summary, the latter is composed of more fun and involved activities with Pokémon, while the former is composed primarily of many panels, each running about one and a half hours long, with some other fun stuff interspersed. I'll have more on these happenings in a separate post, which I had intended to make much sooner, but now is appropriate and relevant anyhow since I've explained the background.

With the schedule, it can be seen that it's very much a convention, as it's structured in similar ways and has similar content to what one would expect at pop culture conventions - especially ones in the United States, for those familiar with them. Being a convention person myself (obviously with some detailed on this blog through my Pokémon cosplay), it also drives my interest to go to it - although evidently it's too late at this point in time. And while it may or may not be present next year, the World Championships are surely so even then.

PokémonXP is certainly not a replacement, but rather a complement to the grand tournament that has persisted for many years now. Depending on its chance of persistence or appearance in later years, it may also become its own thing, if its content as above doesn't already suggest that it could in fact be considered its own thing. Whether together or separate, its potential to draw Pokémon fans without needing them to be competitive is a wonderful thing, just like any pop culture convention in its most exacting form should be.

One year ago: Seeking Salvation for Me and Others

Two years ago: Network Connections

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2023 (Global), Day 1

Four years ago: Pre-Puzzle and Mid-Puzzle Items in Café Remix

Five years ago: Go Battle Night Burnout

Six years ago: Continuous Inspiration

Seven years ago: Making Others (and Myself) Happy

Eight years ago: Figure Gathering, Again

Nine years ago: Cosplay: B-Bunkasai 2017 - Yume no Tobira

Cosplay: "Independence Cosplay"

Ash and Goh have gone back out into the world. But there's a little something going on today, and I still need someone to fill that in. So...

Me: For the first time ever, please welcome Roy.

Roy: Hi!

Me: You, of course, are the "flame child" that I referred to in my previous post, and I've grown to identify with you in some ways.

Roy: Thank you! I'm honored.

Me: Which is why now I'd like to take the privilege to send you to a happening in my world [OOC: cosplay as you] as the first Pokémon character not tied to my previous ones [Ash or his basis].

Roy: Sure! But... isn't today a day where you might need to be doing something else?

Me: Don't worry, today's an off day, which is why it can happen for me and my friends.

Roy: I can see that. I went to the mall that you told me to go to for it, and I met some of them right away. And one of them helped me get set up!

Me: See? And I'm glad you got the help. I was thinking someone might have to do that.

Roy: Oh, and you sent me along with Fuecoco, my first partner. That's very nice.

Fuecoco: Fuecoco! ["Greetings!"]

Roy: OK, so this festival - I guess you could call it that - has... "independence" in it? What's the deal?

Me: Well, last week there were celebrations for that, so this one can be considered a delayed version of that.

Roy: Oh, yeah - I gotcha. People set up shops too, some goodies, some food...

Me: Sure, even if it's a little one in a mall.

Roy: And then more of your friends came. And we talked off and on...

Me: It's a good time. Speaking of good times, the festival also has some entertainment. How'd that go for you?

Roy: I like the singers! The dancing was OK too. And there were games!

Me: Oh, they're probably like the games for last week's common celebration.

Roy: Yeah, they look interesting, but maybe I'm not cut out for them.

Me: I'm not sure either. But for characters, there should be something for them to express themselves.

Roy: It's... a little competition!

Fuecoco: Fueco! ["Neat!"]

Me: It's a little something I call a "character parade" [OOC: cosplay walk] where you also show off what you can do briefly.

Roy: You'd like me in it, wouldn't you?

Me: Of course, even though it's your first time out.

Roy: OK, I can do that with Fuecoco. It could be like the first time we met.

Me: That could work. Others might have something similar.

Roy: Yeah, that's the vibe I got from them.

Me: Well, all right. So you ate (for me), took in the sights, and participated in the character parade. How'd that last one go?

Roy: I got nothing. But the others that got something were great too.

Me: Yeah, that happens. So no "rookie miracle" this time around.

Roy: It was fun, though, on stage!

Fuecoco: Fueco fueco. ["Pretty nice."]

Me: So, after all that, how do you feel about me sending you?

Roy: That's great! It's a different experience from my journey.

Me: I thought so. And you could see a bit of my world.

Roy: And I could help you out with other Pokémon things too.

Me: That's a real possibility. Now, I currently don't have a future plan yet for you, and I might want to change up a couple of things to make it better for you.

Roy: That's fine with me! Take your time to make it the best.

Me: With that, you can go back to your journey, and I can go back to mine.

Roy: OK! I'll see you whenever I see you.

Me: Got it. And I'll see you then.

As I say, this is not "moving on", but "embracing the future". It's an "independence" in and of itself, which seems to be appropriate.

One year ago: Cook and Collect, Wherefore Art Thou?

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Temples in Our Lives

Three years ago: My "Project Mew" (Or, Why I'm Not Cut Out for It)

Four years ago: More Strides for the Daily Adventure Incense

Five years ago: The Magical Wonder of PokéToon

Six years ago: The Principle of Life

Seven years ago: Expecting the Cards

Eight years ago: PokéMusicians

Nine years ago: Wallpaper: Ash XY Tribute Style

Ode to a Flame Child

OK, this post will be a bit cryptic for many of the uninitiated, but for others, it should be rather obvious what I'm talking about - even the title might be already so for some people in both camps. It's modeled after an ode, which is a kind of text that praises someone and is normally formed in poetic style, but for this post it's written in regular prose. And the subject is a certain "flame child" who has gained a certain prominence, which when linked to Pokémon becomes a given - and for that reason some praise for the person becomes deserved.

Now, the "flame child" can be considered a serendipitous find due to the way that the child's most trusted allies happened upon the child, and it's a find that will simultaneously define both the child and the allies. Their development, especially from a Pokémon standpoint, is stunning to cover and track, and I'm sure other fans would agree on this point. That point is certainly deserving of praise all its own, particularly when I can get to it myself.

The "flame child" is called as such - at least by my own terms - by the Pokémon that is very much identified with the child and furthermore develops along with the child. It is truly one of flames - even being slightly "spiritual" in its appearance and nature. For that, it also has to be praised for what it can do alongside the child and even further beyond that.

Some praise also has to be directed toward the child's vocal abilities, which is also helped by the accompaniment of the Pokémon that I just mentioned, again with regard to development. For someone interested in vocals such as myself, that's also a partial inspiration.

It's amazing how a child can exemplify so much, especially given the descriptor that applies to the child and how that relates to other things. All of those truly deserve praise somehow.

And after all that, I can say that the "flame child" will become important in the next post.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2025 (Global), Max Finale

Two years ago: Cosplay: Community Alliance Gathering 3

Three years ago: Ready System Not Yet "Ready"?

Four years ago: The Fighting Cup of GBL

Five years ago: Flashback to a "Voice Chaos"

Six years ago: Real Fights Over Imaginary Battles?

Seven years ago: Cosplay: B-Bunkasai 2019 - Orihime to Hikoboshi no Monogatari

Eight years ago: Trainers and Musicians Alike

Nine years ago: Pokkén Downturn?

Cosplay: Wibufest Cosplay Competition Vol. 9.3

Ash: Hey, they're busy again.

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Again?"]

Me: Yup, this one's about them again.

Goh: I can see that. Um... "Vol 9.3"?

Me: I think they wanted to indicate that they've been around and about. But this one is local to my area.

Ash: Just like last time.

Goh: So, I guess that would apply to the place, the competitions, and the rest.

Ash: Yeah! I thought they wouldn't have a singing competition again, but they did.

Me: Oh, huh. I don't have anything fresh in my mind for you... so, will "Chiisaki Mono" again be fine with your world outfit?

Ash: OK. I guess that will make up for last time.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika. ["Again, I guess."]

Ash: But I did make it different. I went full Japanese this time.

Goh: Nice. Not your usual mixture self.

Me: Well, I guess it would be nice sometimes. What else is different, other than your outfit?

Ash: The communities were also different. A little bit.

Goh: There's got to be something different for the competitions.

Ash: Some of our usually in-character friends tried the singing competition. A few were OK.

Goh: OK, and then for the character competitions...

Ash: They made the registration simple this time. I went for both.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Simple!"]

Me: That just leaves how you did in all of them.

Ash: I got nothing.

Goh: Not even for singing?

Ash: Only two winners for that one - and they're both girls, the only two in it.

Goh: That sounds a little fishy.

Ash: How about a lot? I saw... uh... "The Forbidden One", to borrow what some of your outside friends say.

Me: Oh no. The person is still trying. How'd you know it was him?

Ash: Your other friends confirmed it. And we did address each other.

Goh: A little like that time.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Oh dear..."]

Ash: He might have been in it even before. All the winners had to sign something this time like last time, and I don't think they all got their prizes.

Goh: That's the "something they dealt with"!

Ash: Yeah, that.

Me: [sigh] I guess we'll need to mark this one as a red flag for now.

Goh: And I hope they can resolve things pretty soon. Otherwise they'll be "very busy".

Me: Maybe not in a good way. Anyhow, thanks to you two for helping to make this busy weekend more bearable. You can go back on your outing.

Ash, Goh: Sure!

Me: And I've got other business to attend to... literally.

One year ago: One Last Dance, with Darkness...

Two years ago: "Spending Better" vs. "Better to Spend"

Three years ago: Quickies: "Toward the Light" with Pokémon

Four years ago: The Dream Archivist/Historian

Five years ago: Survival Mode in Pokémon Shuffle

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Datamining Moments

Seven years ago: It's Gonna Be...

Eight years ago: A Mascot Reinterpretation

Nine years ago: Local Hangouts and Pokémon

Cosplay: Sportainment at "Wonderful Festival"

Me: Well, the next few days seem like it's going to be a busy stretch of sending characters, so with that, I'm going to need your help after all.

Ash: No prob! Good thing we're still here. And I'll put in my world outfit just like at Community Day.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["That's right!"] 

Goh: And while I may or may not be sent, I can still offer my views.

Me: Sure. Anyway, this one happens locally in the town where I live.

Goh: OK, so it's sports, entertainment, and a festival. I think I see culture too.

Ash: I saw that, actually. It was at the local stadium, and I read up on how it got built.

Goh: Very interesting. I'd love to know how that came about.

Me: I can fill you in later. So, apparently this is a celebration for the wonderful things about where I live.

Ash: And they want characters - us - to make it lively!

Goh: Sounds familiar to all of us.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Uncanny..."] 

Ash: Well, yeah. The people holding the character part were the ones usually from the mall rooftop.

Goh: There you go.

Me: You didn't have to pay to get in, did you?

Ash: Luckily, no. The sport entertainment thing is on a stage outside, not inside with the concert.

Goh: I seem to remember a concert and character going on... wait, this one. It wasn't that, was it?

Me: No, this is different.

Ash: Yeah! It's way different than that.

Me: And I know there's a character parade. Did you get in?

Ash: I did! I thought I'd have to pay for that, but it was totally free.

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["Fortunately."] 

Goh: How about actual entertainment - for us?

Ash: Just dance groups and the final for a game we don't play.

Me: Mm-hmm. Did you actually see the festival, though?

Ash: I did stop by, but I didn't get anything from there.

Goh: Well, I guess we might have reasons for that.

Me: By the way, how did the actual character parade go? I heard there was a different system for that.

Ash: Oh, there was the usual stage perform, but we also went out to get "likes" or votes from other people.

Goh: Wait, also like that one time at the mall!

Ash: By the same people!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu? ["Coincidence?"] 

Goh: OK, so...

Ash: Yeah, the stage perform was OK, but I forgot that I needed to stay on stage for a bit.

Goh: Oof.

Ash: Yeah. And the voting was fine. I got 12 from people.

Me: That doesn't sound like much.

Ash: But it got me... THIRD IN VOTING!!

Goh: Wow!!

Me: Hey, and just like that time too.

Ash: Yeah! I thought it wouldn't work out, but it did.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["It works!"] 

Me: It worked out nicely for us.

Ash: And many of your friends. They also came here with their communities.

Goh: That works out for sport-entertainment.

Ash: But... I peeked inside the stadium and it was mostly empty. And I guess the main festival part wasn't too popular either.

Me: I'm hearing reports that there were controversies the day before, when there weren't characters.

Goh: The day before? You mean this is a multi-day festival?

Me: Yes - it's from Friday to Sunday (tomorrow). But characters are only relevant today.

Goh: Like Ash said, it's to make things popular.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika... ["To make it work..."] 

Me: Well, I think they at least recovered and kept us and characters busy.

Ash: I hope they can make it more wonderful next time.

Goh: Sure enough. Speaking of busy things... what else is in store for us?

Me: Well, that comes tomorrow. But at least today really was busy in other ways.

One year ago: Narrowing Down Pokémon Types

Two years ago: Remembering Past and Present Sponsored Locations

Three years ago: Holowear of Interest, Revisited

Four years ago: The Summer Cup of GBL

Five years ago: My Personal TCG Equipment Wishlist

Six years ago: On the Mining of Data

Seven years ago: Mementos of...

Eight years ago: Cosplay Events, Wherefore Art Thou?

Nine years ago: Connection Issues?

Returning to Pokémon Circumstances

A certain song out there with pop and folk characteristics - perhaps the title of this post could become a hint for that song, but I don't feel like "borrowing" it for this discussion - speaks of some "circumstances" that one could return to in a life that continues to pass by. It's a rather fond song with regard to the memories that it evokes for those who listen to the song, and as expected, this post takes (some) inspiration from that song for applicable Pokémon dealings.

Some Pokémon dealings involve journeys, particularly if they pertain to Trainers, for which that can be an extended or long one. Returning, in this case, can take some time (especially if one ends up far away) and may not necessarily line up with a schedule. But for closer distances, one could potentially return in time for whatever that lies in wait at the place of return. It is certain that any Pokémon along the way might just (want to) help to make that happen.

Then there are those things that lie in wait at the place. They could involve maintenance of elements that are already present - in particular, some Pokémon species - and enjoyment of simple pleasures from those same present elements. The possibilities for this are extensive (including taking stock of Combee and watching Swablu fly) given how Pokémon species are, so people are free to interpret this in any way they like while still involving Pokémon somehow.

Meanwhile, it is likely that people who like Pokémon - that is, its fans - will pass on their liking to others and especially further generations. In that case, when it manifests, it may become a sentimental moment for the ones involved. It's a "return to circumstance" in some ways, and that's something to be believed for the possibility of it being able to happen. In fact, much of the above can also be believed as implied in another "returning" song from many years ago.

Even without the pertinent details of the song being discussed, it becomes rather evident that the song promotes certain sentiments through those details, and if one looks hard enough, one can find ways to make them reflect Pokémon or relate to it in some way. The "return" to those "circumstances" may be something that every person for whom Pokémon has meaning looks forward to happen within their current and future lives to bring about some fondness.

One year ago: #YesToPokemon

Two years ago: Mountains of Faith: Mt. Coronet

Three years ago: How Essential Are Holowear for Unite?

Four years ago: Cosplay: 77th Independence Celebration

Five years ago: Quickies: Officer Jenny, the Keeper of Order

Six years ago: Pokémon and Plant Eaters

Seven years ago: The Price of Cosplay Costumes

Eight years ago: Do Unusual Things

Nine years ago: Futureproofing Transfers

Getting Poké-Happy with Happy Asmara

The artist of a certain "happy" Pokémon collaboration was not mentioned in the post, and that was for a specific reason: I wanted to deal with the artist as a person in a separate post, and that would obviously be this one. Fittingly, said artist is just as happy as the collaboration itself, for the name of the artist contains the word in question. As well, the artist is dealing with Pokémon in more ways than one, which makes a separate discussion quite appropriate.

Happy Asmara is the artist; the name is a stage name, but her real name nevertheless starts with "Heppy". As mentioned, she is a recognizable artist of the dangdut genre in contemporary times, and she got her career started a couple of decades ago while in her teens. There have been a few ups and downs along that journey, but she has gained a great prominence with all that's happened - and now especially as she becomes intertwined to deal with Pokémon. 

With that, her other Pokémon dealing - or in fact, it can be said to be the one that spurred the Pokémon collaboration as previously detailed - is providing a voice in the Indonesian dub of the continuation of the current Pokémon anime (Horizons). She provides the voice of Emma, which in any case is a fitting character for her. That also makes her another high-profile name to contribute to the local Pokémon anime scene after Isyana Sarasvati as noted last year.

Still, it can be said that there needs to be something to recognize her musical prowess, and that obviously becomes realized in the previously mentioned musical endeavor. It is certainly a way of honoring her musical background, but more to the point, it becomes another "entry point" for Pokémon to mingle with local flavors. No doubt, even a lot of the locals have been surprised with the collaboration, but it is regardless an effective one for the two sides.

For the relatively young artist, her "happy" name very much lends herself to being able to make moves in the local music scene with the dangdut genre, given how "moving" the genre itself is. Making the move toward Pokémon then becomes another approach of "spreading the happiness", whether it's brought by she herself, the music, or Pokémon itself. It's wonderful and quite reflective of all the pleasant elements that every party above can stand to offer.

One year ago: The Divide between Official and Fan Art

Two years ago: The (Blinding) Light of Evolution

Three years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 8

Four years ago: Deliveries in Café Remix

Five years ago: Furthering Eevee's "Eeveelutions"

Six years ago: More on Pokémon Go Gift Stickers

Seven years ago: Red and Riley Keychains

Eight years ago: The Apple and Pokémon

Nine years ago: Cosplay: Nimatsuri 2017

Moving Happily with Pikachu

There's nothing quite like music to get one going and moving. In fact, just as a certain song for a realm that is very much far away from Pokémon suggests, once someone does so, they can become quite happy after that. Bringing things back to Pokémon, an answer to or for this situation may just have been provided, and it comes out of an unexpected (or perhaps, highly expected) place for that situation and circumstance.

Now, Indonesia has a variety of musical forms or genres, one of which is "dangdut", a folksy blend of Hindustan, Arab, and local sounds. It's arguably the most popular one of the country, and many people are fans of it. Likewise, its artists are quite plentiful and have their legions of fans, and they can really make people move - there are even set names for the moves. In fact, they can make things happy (or even happier)...

...which brings me to the point of this post. One of the currently most renowned artists of this genre took one of the genre's classic songs and gave it a Pokémon twist in its performance - mostly the dance, but a little in the lyrics as well. "Kopi Dangdut" ("Dangdut Coffee") is the song, and it's given the "goyang Hepika" ("happy Pika move") to tie the song with Pokémon and to please Pokémon fans with the music.

The once-burning flames of romance

Are warming up like a first kiss

The beating of my heart seems to fall into a rhythm

It is charmed by the attractive melody of Kopi Dangdut...

-- "Kopi Dangdut" (free translation)

Further, in the song's official music video, Pikachu - as well as the singer, which I still haven't mentioned - are clad in golden clothing, and that Pikachu is also available in plush form for collectors to obtain, at least when special events are offering it for purchase. This also makes the collaboration that results in the song an officially sanctioned one, which makes it an impressive one for fans of both where it's given.

With that, it can be said to be fairly easy for music to get people moving and especially in a happy manner. Further, when Pokémon is involved, it can make things that much more special, like in the case of the above collaboration, as surprising it may be for fans of the two elements (Pokémon and dangdut). Perhaps that outsider song may have been right after all, and movement becomes relative to what one really likes.

One year ago: "Bunnelby Holes" with Pokémon

Two years ago: Observing (and Playing) an Evening with TCG Friends

Three years ago: 3DS eShop Winds Down - Pokémon Games Too

Four years ago: The Old (City) for the New Championships

Five years ago: In the Mix: Pokémon Presents, 8/18/2021

Six years ago: Too Many Items from Raids?

Seven years ago: This Is My House

Eight years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Changes), 8/19/2018

Nine years ago: Pikachu Image Pillow

Finding My "Triangle" (with Pokémon)

In a recent seminar I attended - yes, I attend seminars if at all possible for my life other than Pokémon - one of the speakers suggested to find a "triangle", as three things that define oneself, which can then be shaped to make a successful life, professional or otherwise. Of course, if it's going to be on this blog, it's got to be related back to Pokémon somehow... and that's certainly the intent of it all, as well as to see how it can be applied in that manner.

According to the speaker, the "triangle" consists of what one can do, can deal with, and/or is interested in, forming the three corners of a triangle. The "can do" or "can deal with" part is rather obvious as everyone should have something they can do to make a living, but the "interest" part can be rather different and may just define one's position. Or, in different terms, it can be said to be the "added value" that makes the triangle unique for every person. Of course, the other two corners can be unique in their own ways, which adds to that.

Now, I certainly have Pokémon going for me, so that is placed in one corner - but more specifically, it's an element of pop culture, so it and the rest of pop culture make up that corner. Then, I have the expertise of languages and its science (linguistics) in another corner, which becomes mostly what I do as well as a major interest. As for the third corner, I have my other interests as well as what I can do with them, for example a partial interest in technology and its innovations, which allow me to take care of things in the other two corners.

Using this "triangle", I can then define and seek out opportunities to support myself and allow growth that no one else may be interested to take up. In fact, I've already started to seek a particular example, though I can't say what it is just yet nor discuss how successful I'd be in taking it up. It would be a further way of dealing with Pokémon and pop culture, and one that would allow me to peruse aspects from the other two corners of the triangle. If it were to be successful... then it would surely be a vouch for this particular "triangle" approach.

This approach is also somewhat reminiscent of a different one that shares the same number of sides, though that is more reserved for gathering and dealing with information, to make sure that is as intended. Still, the approach in this post does deal with information in a way, only more about oneself - and in my specific case, how to involve Pokémon.

Much of what I have discussed above can and should be applied differently by different people, but the core principles of the approach will remain the same. There would also be the same spirit of making a living with the tools that one has or will have, and if one of those tools happen to be Pokémon somehow, then it might surely be a good life. 

One year ago: Simplest Pokémon Games Today

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 8/18/2024

Three years ago: My Current Woes with Café Remix

Four years ago: Hard Times, Fun Times in New Unite Battle Arenas

Five years ago: Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: Selections

Six years ago: The Power of Stories

Seven years ago: Cosplay: STARNIFEST 2019

Eight years ago: Cosplay: B-Bunkasai 2018 - Subarashii Maboroshii no Sekai

Nine years ago: Battle of the Masters

Flowers of Freedom

Like all posts in past years, this one will address the special day linked to my experiences, in particular Pokémon. Yet also like last year's post (see below), I'm still not comfortable to address it directly. Therefore, I'm addressing Pokémon directly again instead but with influences from that special day. I don't know how long it might persist, but that may just be the case for some time. 

Last year, I addressed fauna or animal life - specifically birds of the kind that might be pertinent to national symbolism. Now I want to address its conceptual kin, flora or plant life - specifically flowers as a part of their anatomy, and a beautiful one at that. Some Pokémon also have bodies made up of flower-like anatomy, and while they may not constitute flowers themselves, they could be construed as the flowers they resemble.

Many nations likewise have flowers as part of their national symbology, and where I am is no different. One of the pertinent flowers for the current place is a large, reddish, and speckled flower, much like the head of a Vileplume - or in fact the reverse is true, as the Pokémon takes inspiration from this very flower. Both of these flowers, though pretty, also have detracting qualities, which people of both worlds have discovered.

Meganium, meanwhile, has a showy collar that very much resembles a flower in and of itself. The same is true of the Phalaenopsis orchid (aka the moon orchid) that is also very showy, and it happens that the collar of said Pokémon can be considered to resemble this flower's shape to some extent. As for color, that may be another matter, though the orchid may have color variants that are reasonably close in shade.

Not all flowers are big and showy, certainly. The jasmine is small and elegant for its stature... and so is Floette, particularly in its White Flower form, which may be considered to bear resemblance to that very flower. Though Floette and especially this form are rare, compared to the more common jasmine, they might just become common at some undiscovered place, showing off their existence elegantly much like the jasmine.

Now, flowers are also associated with some "withering spirits", which could be said to be the case for my discussion of the special day on this blog along with Pokémon. Yet it may also be necessary to bring flowers at times to bring liveliness to periods of "withering" and "rising" spirits. This post can thus be construed to do just that, bringing real and Pokémon flowers to keep some special things lively.

One year ago: I Want to Be Free (...as a Bird)

Two years ago: Seeking the Unity of All Aspects

Three years ago: My Land, Never Gone

Four years ago: Independence Numerology, Pokémon Style

Five years ago: Sparkling, Shining for the World

Six years ago: Rise Up and Live, with Body and Soul

Seven years ago: ...And Social Justice for All

Eight years ago: United in Diversity

Nine years ago: Red and White Philosophy

Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/16/2026

Community Day time for this month is at hand, and it's a tricky one for several reasons. First up, it's on a Sunday, which hasn't happened since prior to the season when Daily Discoveries were introduced; it was actually initially scheduled for Saturday before being rescheduled to today. Then, the featured Pokémon species of this edition was determined by voting a couple of months ago, with the candidates also being tricky. That's a lot of tricks for an edition - and it's not even October 31 yet - and they have to be made clear with a post that covers it.

With that, the featured Pokémon is Nickit, a Dark type Pokémon that evolves only once to Thievul; it beat out three other species that also evolve once, making them all "tricky" as it is an unusual pattern for Community Day - in fact, it is unprecedented for a Pokémon species without an alternate or related form of some kind. Nevertheless, the latter Pokémon gets the special move of Icy Wind, which has an effect in PvP and effectively setting the destiny of species usage. As well, its appeal may also be reduced for that reason as well as its relative unpopularity.

But things carry on, and the edition still has its particulars. The main bonus is triple catch Stardust, which may be the only part that "salvages" this edition. The usual series of bonuses - double catch Candy, double Candy XL chance, 3-hour Incense, 1-hour Lure Modules, photo bombs, trade discount, and an extra Special Trade - still makes the event what it is. Of course, Research is also still there with Field tasks, Timed tasks for communities, and a paid Special set titled "Wily Whiskers", which affirms that Trainers need to be as tricky as the featured Pokémon.

Meanwhile, Ash and Goh are back from their soiree - temporarily - and they (mostly the former) are given to deal with this edition:

Goh: Nickit, huh?

Ash: Just like the ones we saw in Galar!

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["Exactly that."]

Goh: Right, and then there's the leader that evolved to Thievul.

Me: Obviously you two are familiar with them.

Ash: But as usual, you want me with your faraway friends.

Me: Well, of course. There's always January 2025 to consider. 

Goh: Anyway, how'd the Nickit hunting go? 

Ash: I really got a lot! But I only found two Shiny ones...

Goh: Huh. You'd usually find at least a few. 

Ash: Some of the others also didn't find a lot.

Me: OK, it might be an anomaly, or it might not.

Ash: As usual, I really was with them - with my world outfit, of course. 

Goh: Well, all right. That's rising to the occasion.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Pretty good!"]

Ash: Hey, it just had to happen.

Goh: But I also can't help to think that our friend also wanted you somewhere.

Me: Let me give you a hint: if this was on Saturday as it was initially intended, then that would have happened.

Goh: I see. That's pretty tricky. 

Ash: Not as tricky as the Nickit!

Me: If anything, the Nickit may have more tricks than they seem to appear to have.

Tricky or not, every Community Day edition offers unique potentials that every Trainer can stand to take advantage of. For this one, that would be having an interesting and unique species for PvP battle, and that is a trick in and of itself. Whatever other tricks that this edition and future ones might have may or may not be fully known, but the final trick for these tricks is to participate in them with a community and to have a good time.

One year ago: Everywhere and Nowhere

Two years ago: Aloha (Alola)! To World-Class Trainers

Three years ago: Aligning Chess and Pokémon

Four years ago: Myst Pillars, Pokémon Pillars

Five years ago: Thoughts of Cards, Again

Six years ago: The Age of Post-EX Raids?

Seven years ago: Capital Convergence

Eight years ago: Getting Lucky with It

Nine years ago: I Want to Splurge

I'm Already There (and You're Always There)

I'm already there

Take a look around

I'm the sunshine in your hair

I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind

And I'll be there until the end

Can you feel the love that we share

Oh I'm already there

Oh I'm already there...

-- "I'm Already There", Lonestar

When I bring up a song that has no apparent relation to Pokémon on this blog, it can be reasoned that the song ties into my thoughts or experiences involving Pokémon things. The song quoted above speaks to the second of these two realms, and rather strongly at that. It used to be a song that I wouldn't have second thoughts over, but I now truly have those second thoughts with subsequent listening of the song - specifically for Pokémon experience.

Now, the song is about a man reassuring a child and significant other, being separated by a great distance from them, that he is always present wherever they are and they will remain together, at least spiritually. It became popular over two decades ago likely because it spoke to the experiences of people separated in this way due to a certain conflict - not for discussion here. The quoted part above is the final chorus, a blending of the first two that preceded it. As such, the strength of feelings that pertain to this song becomes somewhat evident.

Since the parting of Ash in the anime, it could be regarded that even if he's not around in it anymore, he's still somewhere just like how it's a certain time of day in some place. With that, the spirit of the choruses - and maybe a little bit of the verses - apply for those who still appreciate him for who he is, like me. The new anime won't erase the legacy of the old, and that would apply to the presence as well. Surely, Ash will be present in some way at some place, and that would be felt through the elements that are mentioned in the chorus.

Then... there is a sense that the song could be understood to apply to those who have departed - as in, forever. I've had to experience one of those departures several months ago with my "Delia", who in many ways is also relevant to my Pokémon appreciation. This day, in fact, happens to be related to her as it's her "special day", even if in the past I've struggled to remember and not remember it because of how things have been even with her presence. And now, that presence only becomes "spiritual", again thanks to the chorus as mentioned.

For those who are always there, the assurance and perception that they will be as such may be difficult to establish. Yet this song presents some of the ways that can be realized, even for specific Pokémon matters and others that are only adjacent to it. Once assured and perceived, the hope is that people will understand that they've always been there all along, even if not physically. At that point, (Pokémon) life goes on however the presence may be.

One year ago: It's Everywhere Competitors Want to Be

Two years ago: Respect for Rachael Lillis... in Memoriam

Three years ago: The Matter of Mega Evolution in Unite

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies, Round 4

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/14/2021 and 8/15/2021

Six years ago: Matters of Shadow and Light (Purification)

Seven years ago: The Subtle Generational Spoiler

Eight years ago: Don't Look Back... in Anger

Nine years ago: Pokémon Desktop Wallpapers

Introducing the Explorer Gadget

Trainers of Pokémon Go will no doubt be familiar with "accessory devices" (or what I in the past called "Go Plus peripheral"), which are used to help them catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops. Since they're "devices" or "peripherals", they're necessarily physical. However, now the game has a virtual or in-game equivalent that is now available to most Trainers after having been tested with a smaller number of them. Per the title of this post, that would be the feature called the Explorer Gadget, and it is worthwhile to discuss its specifics.

Essentially, the Explorer Gadget is a virtual version of the Pokémon Go++ device, which catches Pokémon and spins PokéStops automatically, the former of which doesn't happen with other accessory devices. Like said device, though, one will need to have a ready supply of Poké Balls and ample bag and storage space, lest it won't function optimally. Furthermore, this feature as it is implemented is only active when the game is running but in the background (closed). This is unlike a device that runs as long as the game is running.

Now, the game also places a daily limit on how many captures and spins that can be made, which at present is 76 each. It also needs to be started manually each day, but it can be paused and resumed as needed until the limit is reached. It is also quite possible that later on, the limits will be changed and the feature can be activated several times a day... but at a cost, which would make sense as another way to rake in profits and with the fact that the physical devices are likewise purchased for use. Yet at least some freebies are retained for it.

As for best practices, it is certainly a good idea to turn on the feature when one can't be bothered to have Pokémon Go open and needs to do other things, keeping it in the background. It also should work well with the screen turned off while one is venturing, although this seems to be iffy at certain moments and especially now for Android users, while Apple users seem to have a better experience. It seems that further tweaks to the feature are needed to make it work in all kinds of probable situations.

Why the feature was implemented could be answered to a certain extent as well. It is known that the world is currently facing a "semiconductor crisis" that makes devices of all kinds more expensive, including Pokémon Go accessory devices. Even without the "crisis", it seems that the specific device in question (Pokémon Go++) is being rather finicky for existing users, and an alternative implementation is needed. Therefore, the virtual implementation of the Explorer Gadget serves that very purpose and is to try to resolve both issues.

If the Explorer Gadget can be described in terms of its facilitation, then it makes an accessory device experience (albeit a limited one) available to all Trainers of Pokémon Go while solving a few problems for them as well as itself in the physical form. Though the feature may not yet be free from issues and it is still in its infancy, its potential for future development may be great to an extent, and Trainers can still take advantage of it in different ways presently to add on or improve their Pokémon Go experience, if only with a virtual accessory device implementation.

One year ago: More on the New PokéPark

Two years ago: Looking at Myself as a Pokémon Fan

Three years ago: The Matter of Playable Legendaries in Unite

Four years ago: Cosplay: Japan Overdrive 2022

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Cards for Humanity

Six years ago: Localized TCG: After One Year

Seven years ago: Who's That...

Eight years ago: Worldly Reverence

Nine years ago: All in Good (Life)Time

Quickies: The Land of Miltank and Combee

There are many ways to express places that could be considered as a "paradise". One of those ways is by describing what such a fitting place might contain, like in the popular expression of "the land of milk and honey" - which I won't go into the origins of, but for those who know, well... they know. And for me, what I know is that such a description can have some Pokémon correspondence, so I thought about taking that description and bringing it into Pokémon - more specifically, using Pokémon terms within and for the description.

Certainly, the title of this post would be the fitting correspondence for that expression, if the Pokémon species themselves are considered and not their related substances - more on this shortly. That would mean they can exist in any place that fits them, perhaps the regions of either Johto or Sinnoh, as the regions where each respective species hails from. There may or may not be hard evidence of both of these coexisting together in the same region, but them coexisting in their respective region's games may be sufficient to consider them "paradise".

Meanwhile, those related substances would be the Moomoo Milk and Honey, which could be considered a bit awkward to say (as in, "rolling off the tongue") and "not uniquely Pokémon enough", plus there might be a couple of "relational problems" in its structure. So, "Miltank and Combee" still seems the best way of expressing the expression, showing the Pokémon influence in it, and most certainly evoking the "paradise" theme. Like the real substances they relate to, there is the sense that they might just be consumed in that place.

Paradise can be hard to find, especially with the state of the world nowadays. In fact, it seems much easier to find it in writing or speaking, like with the use of the expression that I initially mentioned in this post, than it is to find it actually manifested. For Pokémon fans like me, though, they might just have a way of interpreting that expression within a context that is very much related to its world, and that context would involve the two species as mentioned, along with their substances that still maintain ties to the original expression and conception.

One year ago: Isyana and the World of Pokémon

Two years ago: Mountains of Faith: Mt. Silver

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/13/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/13/2022

Five years ago: NGOCO Podcast: What's Up with Pokémon?

Six years ago: Get Sporty for Sports, Pokémon Style

Seven years ago: The Changing of Boxes

Eight years ago: Toy Block Pokémon?

Nine years ago: Cosplay Briefings

"Breaking" the (Pokémon) Bank

Ever since the 3DS eShop closed down, Pokémon Bank - for those who had been fortunate enough to download it before then - became free to use, allowing all Trainers to transfer Pokémon from the main series games on that console as well as from a few prior games with some additional tools. However, I also said then that such a state of affairs might not last indefinitely... and I was right, for Pokémon Bank is now due to shutter its services, which means that I have to bring up the topic for discussion once more - specifically for that fact.

The closure will certainly "break the bank" in a figurative sense, and it means that it won't be possible to transfer Pokémon from the games as mentioned. They would cover the third through the seventh generations - the first three with the "additional tools" and the last two on the 3DS itself, plus the third by their remakes. If and when the Pokémon Bank is shuttered, these generations will become "inert" just like the first two, the only difference being that those first two generations never had much in the way of transfer mechanisms.

With the impending closure, there is the initiative to transfer necessary Pokémon as soon as possible. Even so, with the current main series games on the Switch, most older Pokémon can be obtained from them, and the exceptions aren't too great in number as some people have discovered. Those exceptions would then become imperative to be transferred through the current protocols that ultimately end up with usage of Pokémon Bank, while the rest can be found through the Switch games - unless, of course, one doesn't have them.

Some players (Trainers) have called for an extension to the active period of Pokémon Bank, and this may be understandable given some of their needs. Whether that extension can or cannot be granted, it is necessary to bear in mind that the 3DS is long in the tooth by now and its online infrastructure will eventually need to be taken down so that the ones for the Switch (2) can carry on its functions. The eShop has evidently done just that, so then that leaves the ones for games or apps themselves - in this case, Pokémon Bank as an "app".

After the Bank is "broken", players (Trainers) will then need to carry on with what has been transferred from it to Pokémon Home - certainly, a reminder for the final step of transfers - for use in the modern main series game ecosystem. Given the course of time, that's certainly where things are headed, past the shadow of prior Nintendo consoles (including the 3DS) and the Pokémon games that are on them. The "breaking of the bank" could thus be considered a turning point for that, with the brighter main series future ahead of it.

One year ago: Shonen Jump Meets Pokémon

Two years ago: Absurdly Heavy Pokémon Matters

Three years ago: Rarest Pokémon Merchandise

Four years ago: Dream Pokémon Food from Café Remix

Five years ago: On Pokémon Who Talk and Speak

Six years ago: The Fate of (Monthly) Go Fest and Safari Zones

Seven years ago: Localized TCG (Not Quite) Taking Off

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/11/2018 and 8/12/2018

Nine years ago: Cosplay: DANOBU 4

Am I Relationally Challenged?

As a Pokémon fan, I'm not without problems, which can be evidenced by two posts with similarly structured titles from past years. Now I'm about to write up a third one, which could be considered a follow-up to the second of the two posts above, but it also has some separate concerns. The earlier post dealt with communication, as in interacting with other people or entities; this one addresses relation, as in how I make sense of things - not necessarily with communication involved, but it could be. And then there's the necessary Pokémon aspect.

Making sense of (understanding) things to determine their relations is important in daily life, never mind doing so for all kinds of Pokémon games. Yet for all I've done well in this regard, it seems that there are still plenty of circumstances where I've had problems in determining relations. In the specific case of Pokémon games, this would involve how I make sense of their elements and then applying them, for example like moves in a battle. Sometimes they don't turn out how I'd expect them to be and I only find out about them after the fact.

Then there is the issue of putting out my thoughts on those relations in words - particularly on this blog. In doing so, I have to make sense of the relations Pokémon things first before I then go on to put them in writing on a post, and in either case, it seems sometimes that as I build those relations, I also have problems in doing so, like they don't make sense (to me) even as I've tried to make them make sense - if you get my drift. After having done so in the past ten years or so, it seems odd that it does happen, but the fact of the matter is... it does happen.

Like with the communication challenges discussed earlier, there may be a chance that the problems I have with relating things in and outside of Pokémon may be explained by a certain (mental) condition, even if that could only be explained later on and somehow. Whether that is or isn't true, probable, or resolvable - if it happens to be so - in some way, I want to say that I'm doing the best I can in any case. And of course, that won't change the fact that I'll always be attracted to Pokémon and be doing something with it in some form for everyone.

I've had many years of being able to make relations and make sense of them for all kinds of things, including but not limited to Pokémon. Many of them have turned out sensibly and in the best manner, but quite a few didn't or haven't seem to, which then became the prompt for this post and the question that its title entails. Even so, it just seems to be a part of the many "challenges" that I seem to possess when it comes to dealing with life and all the elements that are present in it, and with Pokémon included, that makes for a challenging life as well.

One year ago: (More on) Pokémon and Quiz Shows

Two years ago: Cosplay: Dalbo Fest Japan Market

Three years ago: The Championships Come Home

Four years ago: The Currencies and Shops of Café Remix

Five years ago: Great League and Ultra League, Newly Remixed

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Feature Wishlist Realizations

Seven years ago: Monthly GO Fest/Safari Zones?

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Personal Feature Wishlist

Nine years ago: Cosplay Scrapbooking

Making a Late Start in TCGP

One of my friends has recently indicated an interest in the mobile Pokémon TCG platform that is TCGP, and has in fact started playing the game. Subsequently, that friend has also asked me for recommendations of where to start playing - specifically what packs to open and what decks to build. It's a fascinating question and one that I don't give much thought, since I've been playing practically from the very beginning. As such, now I'd like to consider the query and providing an answer to that query, for both the time that it was posed and the general consideration for when future expansions become released for the game.

 

For the current consideration, specifically at around the time of this post, the most recent expansions are of the B series that feature Mega Evolution. With that in mind, new and prospective players should try to make use of those specific expansions in order to build decks and battle. Depending on the deck and cards to play (or be played), however, one may need to utilize expansions from the A series in order to obtain possibly useful older cards that can still complement what is normally possible - even if it would become a matter of novelty and consideration for what decks could be manifested for current play of all kinds.

 

As for the general consideration, the current series is then always a good place to start looking for cards and building decks based off of them. This is especially true as the newer expansions always offer some refreshed mechanics in terms of the Trainer cards and some of the moves in the Pokémon cards, so going through them for deck-building inspiration makes for a good priority. After that, players should then feel free to look into the older expansions for cards that could change up the ways that they play, particularly ways that have been established by the prior experimentation of other players with those cards. 

 

Still, there is also absolutely no harm in looking into all the existing pre-built decks across all the expansions, many of which can be said to remain relevant even in current times. This would also include the "Elite Decks" and their composition, even if it may not be possible to recreate that fully with currently present and obtainable cards. After that, then comes the challenge of making and implementing variations to them as any player of the TCG should do, whether the cards are virtual as in this game or its sibling TCGL, or of course with possession of the physical cards, however many or few there may be. 

 

It's always a challenge for new players to start out in an already established game, even if that game has only been around for a year or so. That is (was) very much the case for my friend as above and the game of TCGP, who looked for guidance on the matter to me. With that, I thought I'd give my takes on the matter as I had presented them to my friend and now subsequently in a post on this blog. Whether that may or be helpful for others is up to them to determine, but based on my experience, at least a good deal of it should be. If so, then that achieves its purpose, and it'll be helpful for late players in making achievements in this game.

One year ago: Seeking for (My) Pokémon Unite Friends

Two years ago: The Values of Posts, Again

Three years ago: By Experience or By Information?

Four years ago: The Importance of Training in Café Remix

Five years ago: Realized Personal Social Media Experiments with Pokémon

Six years ago: Let's Talk About Events, Conventions, and Beyond

Seven years ago: A Tale of Two (OK?) Performances

Eight years ago: Ode to Magikarp

Nine years ago: Snorlax's Awakening

Cosplay: SB Urban Fest 3

Ash (and Goh) are still away. But Red is still here. In fact...

Red: Hey, this festival is quite a long ways away from you. I haven't been to one of these in years.

Me: I know. But I thought we might give this one a shot since I have no commitments today.

Red: OK, I got you. So this is the third - where's the second and the first?

Me: I didn't send Ash to the second, but I did to the first.

Red: Ah, gotcha. But unlike Ash that time, you're sending me for the full day today.

 

Me: Like I said, no commitments. Well, except for this one.

 

Red: Looks like everyone had to commit to the heat in the city square. It was kind of hot.

 

Me: Sorry about that. It does get hot in that place this time of year.

 

Red: But it's pretty good the festival started later in the afternoon.

 

Me: I'd have to agree. How did you feel about the entertainment?

 

Red: Hmm, a couple of dance groups and a guitar and violin duo. I like that last one more than the other.

 

Me: I do too. Just in case you're wondering, the entertainment might not seem like much, but...

 

Red: The people seem to like it - including the ones who appear to organize it.

 

Me: Yes - the latter is kind of unique, but you don't need to hear about that too much.

 

Red: But I'm sure you want to hear about the character parade.

 

Me: Of course. That's one of the things I wanted you to set us up for.

 

Red: Well, I tried to do a little thing with Pikachu and Charmander just like a few months ago.

 

Me: But I guess it didn't work - for a win, that is.

 

Red: Nah. The other characters were really good. But there was a bald one, and he was, um...

 

Me: Hold on - I'm reading reports of a controversy involving this guy with another one.

 

Red: I didn't feel all that great with him too. Very demanding.

 

Me: Let's not address it too much, then. Other than that, I'm sure the festival was great.

 

Red: There was good food and many good people - yeah, except that one - and the urban theme fits well enough.

 

Me: After the third time, it may be a charm for a lot of things. Mostly, I guess.

 

Red: Don't forget us and Pokémon.

 

Me: Sure enough.

One year ago: Tournament: Local Gym Battle, 8/1/2025

Two years ago: Eagerly Expected Pokémon Things

Three years ago: Holding Back: Pokémon Presents, 8/8/2023

Four years ago: Transitioning from Shuffle to Café Remix

Five years ago: Trainer Green and Ash XY Pikachu Figures

Six years ago: Into the Myst

Seven years ago: Raid Stories

Eight years ago: Evolution Is a Change

Nine years ago: Historical Pokémon

The Function of Shiny Pokémon in the Puzzle Games

Shiny Pokémon have pervaded many Pokémon gaming areas beyond their main series origins and subsequently have gotten more popular and recognizable among players of the various games. They also have pervaded the puzzle spinoff games, and in those games, they actually do serve some interesting functions. I thought it would be neat to discuss how those functions manifest, in particular using two games they have appeared in - Café Remix and Shuffle.

One of those functions is simply becoming another Pokémon to be raised, separate from the regular color counterpart - although this makes sense by the main series games since the colors don't transition. While this does mean more effort by the player to raise them to useful and acceptable levels, it means that they can use up their surplus of items for doing just that... as has become evident recently in Café Remix with a lot of powerup items that are perfect to be used for raising any hired staff member, including the Shiny ones as they come.

Then, if the Shiny Pokémon are separate from the regular color ones, they can then harbor skills and/or abilities that are different from the Pokémon of regular color. This is (was) in fact the case for Shiny Pokémon in Shuffle, whose skills and abilities are in fact different from those of regular color. The advantage of this approach, certainly, is having two separate Pokémon of the same species that behave differently in the puzzle stages and can be used in different ways to adapt to the challenges of those stages; the usefulness of this becomes evident.

As the Shiny Pokémon are different in color, given the same skills and/or abilities, they can be swapped for the regular ones and not clash with Pokémon of similar colors when used in a puzzle stage. This has occurred in Café Remix, where a puzzle stage can demand two Pokémon of similar (regular) colors, which can lead to confusion when they appear together. However, if one of them can be Shiny, the Shiny one can be swapped in for the regular one, and they can thus be differentiated. This can be rather advantageous, especially under time pressure.

Functions of Shiny Pokémon in the puzzle spinoff games might not be too different from the regular ones at a glance, but looking at them in depth through gameplay usage and factors as above, they can be quite essential and of interest for players as they keep playing the games and looking for an edge to improve their gameplay. Here, then, Shiny Pokémon being popular and recognizable is not just another look or instance but also an extra gameplay leverage.

One year ago: Album: Pocket Monsters Sound Anime Collection

Two years ago: Forgotten Music from Pokémon Go

Three years ago: I'm Spellbound, Wanting Tomorrow

Four years ago: The Old New Addiction: Pokémon Café Remix

Five years ago: Quickies: More Alton-Pokémon Quirks

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/8/2020

Seven years ago: The Other Side of "Childhood"

Eight years ago: Making Decisions in Magikarp Jump

Nine years ago: Pokémon Wrapping Paper

TCGP: Descent of the Sky Ruler

At the end of July, I had written up about how Rayquaza has a certain lasting appeal; it was actually well-timed with a few in-game things Pokémon has got going on. It was made the day before the Ozone Ascent event started in Pokémon Go, and it heralded two goings-on in TCG, both physical-Live and TCGP. The former is something that I may or may not be able to cover later on (as in, not now), but the latter is definitely something that I can cover right now... and I'm doing just that for its Rayquaza happening.

That Rayquaza happening is a new expansion for this month, which is appropriately called "Ruler of the Skies" since, well, that's who Rayquaza is. It "descends" as regular Diamond cards (in both normal and Mega forms) and one of the two Star and three Star "immersive" cards in this expansion (in its Mega form) along with a selection of other Pokémon, some in their Mega form, that are as equally strong-willed as Rayquaza is. They present great power as well as great challenges, especially with regard to collection.

For the overall composition, the expansion contains 155 cards in the numbered section and 78 cards in the overnumbered section, which makes for 233 cards in total. By all considerations, it's a semi-major expansion, and the cards all have some role to play. The overall composition is also similar to previous semi-major expansions with one major feature Pokémon (Fantastical Parade, Pulsing Aura), which I have to say is not too bad for consistency - although players do still have to work to get at the necessary cards.

Specifically for this expansion, there are 144 Pokémon cards, which make up the bulk of the numbered section. They are complemented by 3 Item cards, 2 Pokémon Tool cards, 4 Supporter cards, and 2 Stadium cards. As such, this expansion introduces many new things across the board, at least in the regular numbered section. Meanwhile, the overnumbered section has familiar tricks, including the other three Star "immersive" card that features Rotom, a tricky Pokémon and a total hoot at that.

It is still Rayquaza that is the focus of this expansion, and its "descent" through this expansion makes it clear who reigns supreme in the wild blue yonder. But as always, players can also reign supreme by collecting all the cards that they want and need (for decks as well as other purposes) from this expansion, of which there is a good number of them. And then there is the "lasting appeal" aspect for the feature Pokémon, for which the new expansion nurtures that as well as future gameplay with it and beyond.

One year ago: Delving into Team Rocket's Motto

Two years ago: From Bali with Love: Two Idol Songs for Pokémon

Three years ago: How to Regard the Orange Islands

Four years ago: The Lingering Places of Toxic Pokémon Fans

Five years ago: Taking It All Home

Six years ago: Sponsored PokéStops and Gyms in Pokémon Go

Seven years ago: The Persistence of Legendary Raid Hours

Eight years ago: Poké Ball Mini Pokémon Figures

Nine years ago: Metal Unova Cap Pikachu Keychain

"Back to Basics" for Indomaret x Pokémon

It's been somewhat of a long time since Indomaret, a local convenience store chain where I am, collaborated with Pokémon and turned out some wonderful merchandise. Perhaps it may be because of that fact that this year, they've gone back to that collaboration; furthermore, the effort has adopted a more "fundamental" approach with the merchandise items, which then becomes a source of intrigue to be discussed along with the merchandise in question.

Earlier this year, the collaboration took the form of special cups featuring five Pokémon species: Pikachu (of course), Eevee, Charizard, Snorlax, and Gengar. The cups were all of a single dominant color with the respective species featured all over. In this way, the approach is simple and no-nonsense yet still collectible for the fans; that is true for me as well, as I obtained the Pikachu and Charizard cups (in part thanks to a friend) and enjoy their presence after having used them to hold some drinks.

A little later on, even around now, the collaboration has a "back to school" theme, in line with school students starting or returning to their places of study. For this, one is able to obtain lunch boxes, tumblers, and a pencil case by paying more for them after shopping a set amount of other items. The lunch boxes and tumblers have proven to be quite popular... which is why I'm only able to obtain the pencil case, the only item left over, often in great amounts. This too shows that the most basic thing is essential.

Of the collaborations that have been made, this one is indeed the most "basic" in many ways. Yet the most "basic" thing is that Pokémon fans, even the local ones in my area, will snap up great merchandise that is neatly designed and simple enough to satisfy their needs, including pertinent ones. So, the items above greatly exemplify this and show that there is intrigue (and a continued one at that) in Pokémon merchandise that simply works and plays well.

One year ago: Measuring Up Costs (and Travel) for Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Mountains of Faith: Mt. Moon

Three years ago: Cosplay: Idoltopia - Cosplayer Rising Star

Four years ago: Cosplay: "Seventeen Fest"

Five years ago: New Normal... and Still Loving

Six years ago: The Look of Pikachu

Seven years ago: There Is Always a Way

Eight years ago: (More) Plastic Poké Balls

Nine years ago: Cosplay: Tomodachi 2

Item Traps in Pokémon Games?

Games have a way of making players do certain things by compulsion or force. Perhaps that could be considered true for Pokémon games as well in certain respects. One way that could happen is by forcing players to use up certain game items in order to make progress in the games at certain points; this is what I would define as "item traps". Now, I'd like to make the argument that the situations in some Pokémon games can also present themselves as "item traps" for their specific cases.

Some of those "item traps" may lie in the puzzle spinoff games: most recently, Café Remix has some stages that practically require certain Pokémon to clear, but even then that's not enough, since the same stages practically require items to enhance the skills of the Pokémon. While some players may chalk up the possible misplay of the stages due to inexperience or not enough time spent, the fact of the matter is that somehow the items present their necessity, thereby realizing them as "item traps".

Meanwhile, in Pokémon Go, if one used a Bottle Cap for a Pokémon, the higher-level tasks of Hyper Training for the IV stat of HP feature tasks of earning Candy for a Buddy Pokémon by walking with them. If the Bottle Cap was used for a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon - and most Trainers are expected to do so - that invariably means walking 20 km for each Candy, unless they get them excited manually (which is possible but time-consuming) or use a Poffin (which is instant but... it's an item, and thus an "item trap" lies in wait). Granted, the usage case is very specific, but the "item trap" can present itself in that case.

For the main series games, if the act of giving a drink to the Saffron City guards is considered an act of compulsion, and so would be the use of items in Trainer battles involving the CPU by both sides, then these could be loosely considered "item traps" by the definition above. They aren't strictly "item traps", but they're sufficiently demanding situations that in some ways do prompt the usage of items in order to continue progress.

There are likely to be more examples of "item traps" in Pokémon games that have escaped my mind, the scope of my Pokémon gameplay experience, and the creation of this write-up, but the situations that prompt them to appear should be quite evident by the above examples. In any case, usage of items is essential for Pokémon games or otherwise, but it cannot be denied that at certain points, the usage becomes not only essential but down right needed so that one's progress doesn't come to a screeching halt.

One year ago: The Little Big Problems of TCGP

Two years ago: Too Many Simultaneous Events in Pokémon Unite?

Three years ago: Brandon's Back in My Town!!!

Four years ago: The Hisui Cup of GBL

Five years ago: Good Game, Poor Communication?

Six years ago: Get Going for School, Pokémon Style

Seven years ago: Increased Limits in Go... Indefinitely?

Eight years ago: Cosplay: YASUMI

Nine years ago: Perfection and Excellence