The Tasks of Go Passes

In order to increase the rank of a Go Pass (for monthly editions, regular events, and special happenings), Trainers earn points by completing certain actions, as I noted in my Go Pass tips about a month ago. Those actions are not the only way to increase the rank, however, as many editions of a Go Pass also have tasks that essentially do the same thing. Having mentioned the actions previously, now it seems important to go over the tasks to see how they are helpful as well as to consider how to deal with them in the best way.

The tasks are periodic and appear at certain frequencies. The most common ones with the current editions are Daily and Weekly Tasks, which appear on each day and in the current week of an active Go Pass respectively. Then there are Hourly Tasks that appear mostly during the special happenings like Go Fest and Go Tour while within the specified event hours, as well as Bonus Tasks that once appear are attached to an active Go Pass until either or both the tasks are completed and the Go Pass ends its run.

Essentially, these tasks are Timed Research tasks that solely reward points for the Go Pass they are attached to, as the points themselves are in fact items (which can also be evident when completing raids and seeing the points awarded like them). Hourly Tasks award only meager amounts of points since they are designed to be completed successively in multitude to earn many points that way, while other tasks award hundreds of points for immediate rank boosts - as in fact, it takes 100 points to go up each rank for any Go Pass.

Given the various circumstances of Go Passes, the tasks can also be quite varied yet remain thematic to that particular Go Pass. For example, the Go Pass for the Steeled Resolve event that started a few days ago demands catching Steel-type Pokémon as Daily Tasks, while the monthly Go Pass has "common" Weekly Tasks that any Trainer should be familiar with when dealing with Pokémon Go from day to day. The Bonus Tasks, reflecting their nature, can also be demanding yet rewarding for their purposes.

While the pass tasks are only a small element of Go Passes, their importance in awarding points for the Go Passes in question is not to be overlooked, and they can be the key to attaining the best possible rewards for each Go Pass by increasing the rank. They also can keep Trainers engaged within the time of an active event and/or the associated Go Pass and get all that they can get out of both. With all of these objectives, the pass tasks can indeed become a moving element for Pokémon Go in more ways than one.

One year ago: Quickies: There and Back Again...

Two years ago: The (Local) Pikachu Special Edition Oreo

Three years ago: Country Compositions for Factions Teams

Four years ago: Impulsive Conscience

Five years ago: New Pokémon Snap Unleashed

Six years ago: Pervasive Pokémon

Seven years ago: Hit in the KOR

Eight years ago: Keeping the Demo Versions

Nine years ago: Cosplay Laundry

Plans for Remixing the Remix

Dedicated players know that Pokémon Café Remix is a rehash of the game's earlier incarnation as Pokémon Café Mix, and it's a "remix" in a very true sense. Yet after the fact, it seems that more rehashing or remixing of the game is in order, and in fact, plans for that to happen have been set into motion. I'm actually somewhat late to becoming aware on this, but after gaining that awareness, I've decided to make a discussion out of it - here on this blog, of course.

According to the in-game news bulletin, which was published on April 9, the "remix-remix plan" is intended to make the game more easily grasped by more people playing the game within a more extensive time. For that, the plan has three points: merging disparate game modes into something more cohesive, making it simpler to hire Pokémon as part of the staff ("befriend", in game terms), and keeping Pokémon that are already as such by players - not to mention raised and refined ones - relevant in puzzle play wherever they're appropriate.

In order to do that, as of April 20, the events in the game are "reruns" or "replays" of older events, which also implies that no new Pokémon are to be added. Players can, of course, use the opportunity to hire or "befriend" Pokémon that they haven't done so, or raise and refine them if they already have. This then gives the development team time to work on the "remix-remix plan" and to release it as a major update... which will be sometime in the latter part of the year. As such, it may be something that players will have to look forward to very soon.

Considering the current state of the game, the "remix-remix plan" is something that is perhaps desperately needed. I had earlier discussed the game's apparent "irrelevance" a few years ago, and I also pointed out that some remaking would have to be carried out in order to resolve what is apparent in that regard. Undertaking this "remix-remix plan" then provides a perfect opportunity to do just that, and the things I mentioned in that post (as well as others that I didn't) can stand to be improved to make things relevant again, which will have to be seen.

Even in cooking, things are not perfect the first time around that something is made, and a rehash or "remix" is in order. The same has been true of this Pokémon puzzle game some years ago with its first transition from "Mix" to "Remix", and that seems to be a testament to the "cooking" theme that the game so prominently features. The next plan for a rehash or "remix" of the game will have to show that the game still has what it takes to mix things up.

One year ago: Presents in Café Remix

Two years ago: Labors of Love

Three years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Majestic Tiger Elite (SA Factions)

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Mega Evolution Rework

Five years ago: Like a Slowking Without the Shell

Six years ago: Seek and Ye Shall...

Seven years ago: Transcending to a Beautiful Harmony

Eight years ago: Old Memories, New Memories

Nine years ago: Indie Pokémon Stickers

The State of Champions

At the beginning of this month, Pokémon Champions was released ("unleashed", in my terms), bringing about a completely new way of enjoying main series-like battles, including VGC - at least for now on the Switch. With the passage of time since its release, I thought that now I'd recap a few interesting points since that release and discuss what it means for the game, not to mention its mobile version that is still in the pipeline to allow broader enjoyment of the battles as mentioned above. 

Being that the game epitomizes main series and VGC battles, it has to conform to their many specifications... and it does. But because of its independence from the adventure aspect by virtue of it being a "battle client", it can then start to diverge (or more appropriately, vary) with regard to certain aspects, like changing some moves for older Pokémon and introducing elements for new ones - particularly brought about by Legends Z-A. Like VGC occasionally changing its format, it's a real possibility.

Meanwhile, like recent Pokémon games (and owing to the fact that Eterna City wasn't built in a day), the game has also received updates and fixes, which is inevitable since the main series aspects are complex. It's also expected since the game itself is expected to update to the changing dynamics of tournaments and competitions, and likely the entry of species from future generations... of which one is to come soon. Since this is happening for the Switch version, the mobile version is expected to be polished.

For the actual reception of the game, it looks to be pretty good - especially if recently held tournaments with thousands of participants can be considered an affirmation of that. Players (Trainers) have also come up with a myriad of strategies and team compositions, some familiar and others new, and they've been successful or attractive (or both) to different extents, appealing to different people. It is certain that once the mobile version gets rolling, the appeal will become more widespread to others.

If the above situations - taken to represent the current state of the game - are indicative of anything, it is that Pokémon Champions is already looking good as the current face of main series and VGC battling. The future will certainly be shaped by how players (Trainers) continue to strategize in the game, what will be added to and changed within it, and of course when the mobile version will manifest. It's a state that will demand improvement over time by those in this Pokémon battle path.

One year ago: A Pokémon Lanyard and ID Holder

Two years ago: Hobby vs. Responsibility

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/30/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon and Virtual Pets

Five years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Shaping for Success

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/30/2020

Seven years ago: A New(?) Pikachu Doll

Eight years ago: A Sun & Moon Doujin Manga

Nine years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 2

"Longer Than You Think": Some Long(?) Pokémon Waits

Earlier in January, I had discussed ways that Pokémon could be stated, expressed, or conveyed within a short time - 60 seconds. It seems like a short amount of time, but it can be quite long, which is why I also included the blurb about how it can actually feel as such according to a particular someone. For convenience, I've included the actual quote in the title of this post, and that's for a good reason: I've decided to bring up the quote again for a discussion of its essence in relation to some Pokémon "waits" that can in fact exemplify that essence.

One of those long waits is the PvP switch timer in Pokémon Go, which has a history of being somewhat long (60 seconds, like the time above) before it was shortened to the most recent 45 seconds. Still, these are somewhat greater than even a time of 30 seconds, which is incidentally the time referenced for the quote above, and it can seem like forever to wait for that switch timer to reset and thus be able to switch Pokémon - even with Fast and Charged moves still being thrown. The short time yet seemingly long wait is evocative of the quote.

Then, there is the One-Minute Cooking countdown clock in Café Remix, which starts out at 60 seconds but can and does regenerate by sidekick Pokémon effects and going into Fever Frenzy. Yet just like the Pokémon Go PvP situation above, it can be like an eternity in trying to do as much as possible within that time, even going into and out of Fever Frenzy. While it is true that players may not actually want to let the time just pass by, doing all the actions in the play can seem extended and makes things seem longer than they should be, like the time.

Meanwhile, Pokémon Unite has the move timers for playable Pokémon, and even though they are far shorter than most of the above durations, they too can seem like a long time. It is also possible to show milliseconds when they get down to the final second, but the wait to get there is still significant... which also makes the final second also significant even with the display. Likewise, there are also a lot of things going on in battle, and all of those things have a way of making time perceptions seem longer (mostly) or shorter than they seem to be.

Now, it's a given that some things, even Pokémon things, require a sense of waiting in their progressions. Yet given the above, what appears to be short timeframe can and still do take time that may be perceived as long, and that is pretty much an affirmation of the mentioned quote by that particular someone. Getting on with that wait and the processes involved in the wait will surely make the time pass by - in particular to be able to do other things - but it is necessary to keep in mind that some stretches of time are just that long, no two ways about it.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/29/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/29/2024

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 4/29/2023

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/29/2022

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/29/2021

Six years ago: The State of Cosplay

Seven years ago: Cosplay Team Projects, Revisited

Eight years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 13

Nine years ago: Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 1

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/28/2026

The second month of a Pokémon Go season entitled "Memories in Motion" goes (or perhaps more appropriately, had gone) into motion, so now it's time to roll up the events and evaluate what has transpired in that time. Based on their content, I would say that the events this month are of the "strong movement" kind, and that may be saying something for the things that go into motion, as the season's moniker suggests. In turn, that presents strong memories as well with the way that the season is.

The first event, A Shockingly Good Time, actually began on March 31, but I consider it an April event for soon-to-be evident reasons. The main event was all about Electric-type Pokémon, with Pikachu, Chinchou, and Dedenne having Shiny boosts, and others joining them in the wild and Field Research encounters. It also saw the temporary return of Spotlight Hour... or Hours, one for each day of the event (up to April 6) with different species on each day. Now, along with Pikachu as the Spotlight Hour feature on April 1, a hooded species also accompanied it from that point onwards - and that would be Mimikyu, making its debut in the game as the "shade of difference" for April Fool's. This event also came with a Go Pass of 60 ranks with encounters, catch and Incense bonuses, and lots of items (including some for Mimikyu) plus two avatar items, one inside (by the paid Deluxe track) and one outside the Go Pass. There was both a time of shock and tomfoolery for this particular event.

April 14 saw the return of Sustainability Week, which proceeded until April 20. This edition saw the debuts of the Silicobra family, a costumed Galarian Corsola, and Shiny Toedscool - the first of which had a bit of a "habitat kerfuffle". Meanwhile, the second could be encountered on Routes along with a few other species in two-day periods, all with Shiny boosts; it too might appear in 7 km Eggs and Field Research along with yet other species. The third along with natural Pokémon species and the dynamic-by-weather Castform (with a Shiny boost) appeared in the wild wherever they are found. This event's 60-rank Go Pass had bonuses of PokéStop XP and hatch distance, along with the usual encounters and unusually luxe items, including a paid pose in the Deluxe track - all for a strongly sustainable time.

Finishing off this month is the return of the Steeled Resolve event, from April 28 (today) until May 4. New this time is the species Orthworm (and its Shiny form), which appears in raids along with other species of the Steel type, not to mention in the wild and Field Research. Meltan is also a given for this one, with a Shiny chance and more opportunities to open the Mystery Box. Then there's the event's Go Pass with its 60 ranks containing encounters and other items... but this one holds a dark secret for the event's tail end that is best discussed separately - as in next month's rollup with a different "finish".

As with last month, there were the "Community Saturdays" that took place in the month, aside from this month's Community Day on April 11. On April 4, there was a Fashion Raid Day that featured many species with costumes as found in past Fashion Week events. Then, April 18 saw a Hatch Day event featuring Lucario, a "replay" of the first one some three years ago. Finally, there was also a Max Battle Day on April 25 featuring the first four Pokémon (the three Kanto first partners plus Gengar) in the game that received the Gigantamax treatment as part of the "Go Bigger" event a couple of years ago. These are not just strong but also big in some respects - in particular the last one of these for its significance.

Facets of strength and nostalgia really seemed to make themselves apparent this month with all the events, and there were some motions too from the related Pokémon, if not also for the Trainers pursuing them. It may be the most representative month for the season, although its finale next month is not far away. 

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/27/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon on a Budget

Three years ago: Attraction to Poké Balls

Four years ago: Employing a Loudred "Speaker"

Five years ago: The Mysticism of Pokémon in Caves

Six years ago: The Allure and Wonder of "Shundo"

Seven years ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 4 - Hibana no Utopia

Eight years ago: Other Pokémon Competitions

Nine years ago: Pokémon Floor Mat

Regional Festival Maps in Pokémon Unite

This year's Pokémon anniversary has to bring out the best of and from Pokémon, including as they are identified by the regions they hail from. Pokémon Unite has embraced this idea, and with that, the game created special maps for celebrating the anniversary by bringing out the Pokémon from specific regions. Accordingly, the special maps are called "festival" maps with regard to their celebratory nature of Pokémon in general and the species that are already featured in the game specifically - something that should now be discussed.

Earlier, around the time of the first introduction of the "Legendary Flight" as full-fledged Unite Licenses, the game had the "Kanto Festival" map, which allowed Unite Licenses for Pokémon that hail from that region. Similarly, with the current approaching introduction of the first partner trio from Johto as Unite Licenses, the game now has the "Johto Festival" map, which by implication thus allows Unite Licenses for Pokémon of that very region. Both also come with respective events. The idea is simple, but there's quite a bit more to it than the above.

For these maps, they are played as Casual matches using the latest iteration of Theia Sky Ruins as their base. The wild Pokémon that are present in that map are the same as for the regular version of that map, so they remain as generational "outliers", in a way only "supporting" the actual celebration by what players play. As well, they allow multiple players to choose the same Pokémon, which is evidently currently needed as there are very few Pokémon to use for the Johto Festival map, at least until the first partners fully show up.

Since not all Pokémon from these featured regions have shown up in the game, these maps can definitely stand a chance to be repeated at some point in time, when more of them do show up as Unite Licenses. Furthermore, the two maps as introduced above also provide a base framework for future regional "festival" maps - a Hoenn map comes to mind and may be scintillating to think about, especially since a few Pokémon from the region has shown up. Yet that's only for the future to consider.

It's only natural to consider the regions of particular Pokémon species in featuring them, as that is a non-removable part of their identity. Considering that, Pokémon Unite has a good thing going with the regional "festival" maps to celebrate and play with the Pokémon of select regions, even if the celebration only exists in this specific form. Still, that should be a good thing for this Pokémon anniversary and beyond, as great Pokémon hail from great regions, and both deserve a rightful celebration in their play.

One year ago: Cosplay: Nakama Fest

Two years ago: Cosplay: Community Alliance Meeting

Three years ago: Other Trainers for Legacy Trainer Challenge?

Four years ago: TCG, My Past and Future

Five years ago: Quickies: Trainers as Independent Learners

Six years ago: Resolving Differences

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 4/27/2019

Eight years ago: Groups and Sub-Groups

Nine years ago: Out of This World: Episode 690 - "A UFO for Elgyem!"

Let's Talk About Our Favorite Snacks

Goh: Oh, just a plain talk today?

Ash: Well, we did talk on Sundays all this month for conventions...

Me: That's one way of looking at it. Another is me just wanting to get my (and our) ideas out there.

Goh: Yeah, I guess that's not too bad. 

Ash: So, I heard we're going to talk about food today!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Good stuff!"]

Me: Yes - we're talking about food, specifically snacks, the stuff we eat between meals and the like.

Goh: I'm sure you have your own for that.

Me: Certainly. Potato chips are a big thing for me. I can hardly resist a bag of them.

Ash: You must like chip-type snacks a lot too.

Me: Depends on the chip, but yeah. I'm big on chips. How about you two?

Ash: I guess sometimes we see it and have it, but other than that...

Goh: ...we don't see it all that often. Isn't that right?

Ash: When we're out on the wild and stuff, we just snack on what's there.

Goh: Right - it's when we get to cities and towns that we get "people food".

Ash: Oh, like the snacks from the different regions. Lava Cookies, Castelia Cones, Malasadas...

Pikachu: Pi pika pika... ["Hey, hold on there..."]

Goh: All the stuff from the regions! Now those are snacks we could really get our hands on when we're there.

Ash: Yeah!

Goh: But then again, we like Berries and Apples from the wild...

Ash: Sure. We all need to eat fruits every so often.

Goh: Don't you (our friend) eat fruits too?

Ash: Well, I heard he ate Pinap Berries in juice form (or drank it, it seems)...

Me: Good ear. I like Pinap Berries - not just to give to Pokémon to get more Candy for them. And then there are others too.

Goh: I guess you're selective about them.

Me: I guess I am. Even for things like the previous ones above, I'm a bit selective of those too - but I'll give some things a try on the first go.

Ash: But we can all say that there's so many different kinds of snacks.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["So many."]

Goh: The question is having the patience to try them.

Me: I'll say. Like this one chip snack that's sort of like a waffle, which is good but also a little "oily".

Ash: Wow.

Me: And recently, that's been pushing Pokémon stuff too.

Goh: Interesting. Aren't you going to get some?

Me: Actually, I have gotten some - but I'll need to deal with them later. And today...

Goh: Oh, I see it now. I think?

Ash: Hmm.

Me: Maybe we don't have to bring it up too much.

Goh: OK... 

Pikachu: Pi... ka? [in a curious sound]

Me: As Ash said, we make our point - lots of snacks out there, even Pokémon ones.

Ash: Something we could try every now and then.

Goh: And sometimes makes us happy.

Me: What would life be like without food - even little bites - to keep our spirits up?

One year ago: The Evolution of Community Day Times and Scheduling

Two years ago: Animation Settings for Café Remix?

Three years ago: Slow Living with Pokémon

Four years ago: Forced Updates to Pokémon Games

Five years ago: (Re-)Join for Good

Six years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Voyager Cup

Seven years ago: Raising the Pokémon Go Level Cap

Eight years ago: Working with Shuffle's Item Limits

Nine years ago: In Pursuit of Collections

The Intricate Art (?) of Excited Buddy Pokémon

A real long time has apparently passed since I made any significant discussion about Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon Go, and for that, I thought I'd make a post on that very topic. Now, at this point, many Trainers should be familiar with the Excited mood of Buddy Pokémon, even if that has only happened occasionally and/or through a familiar "shortcut". Perhaps it may very well be considered an "art" - and perhaps it may also be an "intricate" one - which then becomes the prompt for this discussion. 

The "art" may just lie in knowing when to try to get a Buddy Pokémon to be Excited. Those who truly intend as such will surely have to swap out their Buddy Pokémon, periodically feed and play with it, and battle whenever possible - and doing all of this can indeed get one there. Yet there's also a tell-tale sign that one is close: if the Buddy Pokémon has "line" eyes and an open mouth, then one can keep playing and battling as well as feeding and walking, and the Buddy Pokémon will be in the Excited mood eventually. Even though there are discovered specifics for how to get that to happen, it seems that one can also do as much as possible ("crank things up to 11") with not too much regard, and that's where the "art" lies.

In fact, that's what I've done at times, getting my Buddy Pokémon in the Excited mood just by doing every possible action as much as possible yet regularly while my Buddy Pokémon is active (plus an initial swap, if I remember or happen to do it). What does seem to help out is having a Buddy Pokémon that complements the activities of the day, like raids or Max Battles, and perhaps a good deal of Gyms with many Pokémon that can be battled down. That way, a lot of battles could be gotten in for the Buddy Pokémon, and without thinking too much, the mood can be attained. That seems to be "artistic" in some respects.

Of course, the "shortcut" remains feeding the Buddy Pokémon a Poffin, the no-nonsense and hands-off approach - but some effort is still needed for earning hearts even in that state. As a result, there too is an "art" of saving Poffins whenever possible to go along with the actual "art" for attaining the Excited mood as above. The decision of Poffin usage or non-usage can also get "intricate" depending on the kind of Buddy Pokémon in question.

Whether it's considered an "art" or "intricate" (or not), getting a Buddy Pokémon to be Excited in Pokémon Go is both a utility and necessity in gameplay for making the most out of that Buddy Pokémon for various reasons. Given what happens above, the imagery is complex yet needs to be appreciated, like for any great piece of art.

One year ago: Reserved Loudness

Two years ago: Trainers' Longing on the Road

Three years ago: Prefixes in Pokémon Unite?

Four years ago: Pokémon Audiobooks and Audio Dramas

Five years ago: Pokémon Airplanes

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/25/2020

Seven years ago: The World Is All Here

Eight years ago: I'll Be... The One

Nine years ago: Shuffling in Alola

The Treatment of HM Slaves

It was a very long time ago that I mentioned the concept of "HM slaves" in relation to the eventual deprecation of the skill machines that gave rise to the concept, as well as one example of a Pokémon species that could become an example for this concept. This time, I want to bring up the concept again for discussion, but now the focus is on the treatment of Pokémon that become manifestations of the concept. For that, the matter might be obvious, but some other intricacies could also apply for the Pokémon.

Most obviously, these Pokémon are likely to have secondary treatment, since their HM moves are not likely to be used in battle, or alternatively not as effective as other moves of their own or the opponent. The Pokémon themselves are also for the most part not quite capable of high-level battle - or more precisely, not able to hold their own against more capable opponents. Thus, they're likely either stored until they're needed for an adventure, or they sit on the sidelines when a battle is taking place with other Pokémon. 

Even so, if a certain Pokémon animation - featuring a very well-known "god" that can become the above - is of any indication, HM slaves can have a niche role: that of a "pinch hitter". If they happen to be part of a team and they happen to be the very last available Pokémon - again, as that animation would suggest, miracles can happen much like that one Pachirisu that saved a certain battle (though it's not one and the same). This is in part rather theoretical and imaginative, but not completely impossible in real battles.

By now, HM slaves are perhaps almost never unheard of again, except in the case of someone who is replaying games from older generations where they are relevant in the adventure. That relevance then leads into the consideration of their treatment, particularly when a battle is involved. Even if they may never have a primary treatment regardless of the situation, they may still be vital somehow in the situations, just as vital as the concept of HMs are to the early Pokémon games and their adventures.

One year ago: Overworld Items in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Let's Go Rediscover and Renew

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

Four years ago: The Flame of Cyndaquil

Five years ago: Days of Friendships Persisting

Six years ago: The Signature Electric Type Species

Seven years ago: Partners in Crime, Partners in Time

Eight years ago: Pokémon Craft Figures - Mewtwo

Nine years ago: Crossovers!

Presents (and Items) Piling Up in Café Remix

Close to a year ago, I had discussed the Presents feature in Café Remix, what the feature serves to do, and possibly some helpful aspects and tips that pertain to it. Since then, I've personally made use of the feature... and perhaps a little too extensively at that, because now I have many such Presents piling up in the feature, which is also an effect of items in general also piling up, given that they have collection limits in the game. It's a situation that merits a discussion for its present applicability to me and generally to other (longtime) players.

As expected, most of the Presents that pile up for me are composed of Tarts XL for each type as they are earned from Daily Training, becoming as such due to having maxed out the counts for them. Yet I also have Stamina Crystals from Monthly Goals that I chose not to use (yet) due to already having a ready supply and being not ready to use them. Skip Tickets are now also becoming an occasional problem due to them easily "regenerating" by way of the daily login and missions, even when I use them to the fullest each and every day.

Though I'm nowhere near the limit of 200 Presents (currently, I have about 30 or so at any one time), continued play will surely see some of the items above continuing to accumulate as Presents, meaning that I'd eventually have to use them somehow... if I can. The problem is that most of my Pokémon are already maxed out to either Level 20 or Level 25, and my "working section" (the ones between those levels) has already become small. And then there's the problem as mentioned above for the Stamina Crystals. 

Other longtime players, if they log in and play as frequently as I do - which would be every day - will likely experience the same situation and problems, which suggests that there could be a "universal" quality to them. Equally "universal" solutions could be conceived (by the game itself), but the application could be the dicey part when fairness for players is considered in all kinds of ways. It seems that all players will have to wrestle for some time with what might be an overload of Presents (and items) in their collection. 

Now, after several years of the game's presence (and a few of me playing it), the problem of having too many items in one's possession - and a lack of opportunities for using them - seem to be apparent, at least for me personally. Still, I'm likely not to be alone in this regard if the ways of playing the game are "universal" for others, or at the least similar. With such a pileup of Presents and items, there may be a pileup of things to do as well to attack the "pile" and use them as best as possible.

One year ago: Surrounded by Bots in Pokémon Games?

Two years ago: Needing a Time Distortion

Three years ago: Keeping It Simple with Pokémon

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/23/2022

Five years ago: The (Post-"General") Longest Journey

Six years ago: Touching and Caring for Pokémon

Seven years ago: Pokémon for a Puzzle Professor

Eight years ago: (A Late) Local Ex-Raid, 4/23/2018

Nine years ago: Luffy and Infernape

Pokémon Night Out: An Electronic Celebration

As part of this year's anniversary celebrations for Pokémon, some special events are being held for that purpose to please fans of all ages, both the young and familial and the old and hip. For the latter, the celebration is to go in a very electronic direction and a wild one at that, one that is familiar to music fans who really like to jam, and especially so during the later hours of the day. Appropriately, the celebratory event is to be carried out in such a manner, and thus it's called "Pokémon Night Out" for all that it offers.

Essentially, the event boils down to an EDM concert (two of them, in fact), but it will be combined with a lot of Pokémon visuals - especially if the e-mail newsletter bulletin is of any indication - that complement the music and make use of advanced technology. The musical acts planned for these concerts are of the extraordinary level as well, with Marshmello as the main act and Alison Wonderland as the secondary act. It seems to promise an amazing time for fans of these artists, their genre, and Pokémon.

Now, the two concerts are slated for later this year - specifically on October 24 and November 16. The former will take place in Los Angeles in Intuit Dome, and the latter will take place in London in London in O2 Arena... which should please the American and European fans while those in Asia will have to make an effort to go to them. In fact, tickets began to be offered for sale close to a week ago, so they'll all have to reserve the money for it and the plans to go there starting right now before the concerts happen.

For the initial impressions, the concerts are definitely a stunning collaboration, more so with the artists that will be featured in them. The execution remains to be seen, and especially so with the technology, and the Pokémon element as the visuals will certainly be the key to make things alive, given that it is a Pokémon project after all. EDM may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a respectable current music genre that even many older Pokémon fans enjoy, so the "Night Out" moniker makes complete sense here.

The Pokémon anniversary celebration, as stated, is a special one with Pokémon having gone through three decades. A lot has also happened within that time, including the development of the music genre that becomes the focus of the special event as above. It is inevitable for the two to cross over in big ways, and the special event represents what may be the biggest yet, at least for the old and hip fans of this franchise. That may just be the key to keeping Pokémon hip as it continues to last into a truly wild future.

One year ago: Like a Dragon (...Or Not)

Two years ago: Cosplay: Biznet Festival

Three years ago: Keeping Relationships Real with Pokémon

Four years ago: Let's Talk About The Ways of People and Pokémon

Five years ago: Ideas for Pokémon Vehicles

Six years ago: Reading the Signs

Seven years ago: PokéMania and WhatMania

Eight years ago: Tournament: PTC18 Online Tournament 7

Nine years ago: Costume Issues

Staring to the Sea Like Jasmine

The Gym Leader of Olivine City, Jasmine, has been depicted in some instances to stare out toward the sea - even in certain places beyond her own region of Johto. This act is definitely representative of a contemplative effort by said Gym Leader, not to mention if it's done by everyday people, including yours truly and other Pokémon fans. With that, the matter is also seemingly of interest to be contemplated, at least in brief.

For those who have done the same as Jasmine, such an act can have the potential to stir up emotions - at least internally - wherever and whenever it's done. Olivine City as the home of Jasmine is indeed next to the sea, and it seems a natural thing (for her) to juxtapose the roiling of her internal emotions with the roiling of the sea. This act taking place in similar settings in other places then transports the associated emotions and movements.

Meanwhile, Jasmine herself specializes in dealing with Steel-type Pokémon, which have a popularly given repute of having a strong ("steely") resolve. After dealing with challengers - possibly several of them, as Gym Leaders are wont to do - even such a resolve might become prone to a weakening. Thus, for Jasmine, the opportunity to stare to the sea is one to "steel" herself, not to mention her Pokémon through a necessary healing.

Staring out to the sea can be quite an experience for people, whether or not they are Pokémon fans or characters within that very world. Of the latter, Jasmine can be said to embody the experience wherever she might be and within the act, especially given her Gym Leader background. In the contemplation of the act and the experience, there may just be a "steely resolve" to be had with how that occurs for Jasmine and others.

One year ago: For Pidove and Peace

Two years ago: Cosplay: ChibiCon 4 x ICGP Regionals 2024

Three years ago: Draft Pick in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: Community Day Meetups (Plus Local)

Five years ago: Quickies: The Pokémon School of Martial Arts

Six years ago: All Rumbled Out

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 14

Eight years ago: Crazy Decisions

Nine years ago: Tropius Fruit and Other Pokémon Edibles

More on Benefits

Several years ago, I wrote a post on benefits as would be applicable to me and the Pokémon things I deal with. However, the focus of that post was economic benefits, as it was written in conjunction with the other themes of "profit" and "loss". I've decided to bring back the topic for discussion - certainly still with Pokémon matters in tow - but this time, it's related to a different context for the discussion, one that I've previously brought up in what could be considered another topic series.

That previous topic is "hobby", which I've previously discussed against "passion" and then before that against "responsibility". One component of the previous discussion (the former) that I seem to have left out is indeed "benefit", so the discussion of this component with relation to the other two components is to explore how that becomes relevant to me and whatever I do with Pokémon. And if the previous discussion about benefits is of any indication, there is quite a bit to be explored.

With concern to benefits, it can be said that a hobby may or may not have evident benefits for the people who possess one and/or others they influence with it. Some of the Pokémon things that I deal with may be like that in that respect, especially if other people are considering them, yet as long as they're done in good faith, I prefer to consider that the benefits are already evident somehow - like the peace of mind after a Café Remix session or a workout after a Pokémon Go activity.

As far as passion goes, it can be said that a passion should have evident benefits already, if not within a short time ahead. Under such a consideration, this blog as a "passion project" should already have its benefit for a lot of the in-game features I choose to explain or events (of any kind) that I feature, in informing and entertaining fellow fans. And then there are my cosplay efforts, which gets me out to public spaces and meet other people, fans, and cosplayers - like at last Sunday's convention.

It's admittedly a bit hard to point out benefits, whether by the previous components as recently discussed or the previous-previous components as discussed way back when. Yet the involvement of Pokémon as something that I am a fan of and that other people are also fans of seems to make that effort a bit easier. Benefits still have to come one way or another with all the things that I and others do, for Pokémon or otherwise, and that should be discernable with other aspects ascribed to it.

One year ago: Matching (and Understanding) TCG Rarities

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/20/2024

Three years ago: Places to Shoot Live-Action Pokémon Movies

Four years ago: Ideal Parks for Playing Pokémon Go

Five years ago: Getting In and Out Of Character with Pokémon Games

Six years ago: Rumble Tumble, and...

Seven years ago: Legends for Lunch and Dinner

Eight years ago: Curveball Wisdom

Nine years ago: The Music of the Poké Flute

Cosplay: Ganbatte Idol Fest 2026

Ash, Goh: We're back!

Me: Good timing. There's this convention I'd like to send Ash to, and it's today.

Goh: I see that. This looks like it's new - for you at least.

Me: It's indeed new for me (us). It's been going on for a couple of years, though; I just never had a chance to do anything about it until now. 

Ash: And now I get to deal with it!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Let's do it!"]

Me: Of course. Now, the place should be familiar...

Ash: Oh, it's the usual big mall for conventions and stuff.

Me: Well, sure. And inside there?

Ash: You said it. Just like the usual. Communities, goodies, and characters. I met the vehicle community and the tile game community.

Me: It's good to spend time with them... which hopefully you did.

Ash: I did spend time with both. I got a picture taken with the first and had a couple of good games with the second.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Good job."]

Me: Well, there you go. Did you find the rest of the booths interesting?

Ash: I got a couple of goodies... and that was it. I just had small talk with the rest.

Me: Uh-huh. Speaking of talking, where has Goh gone?

Goh: Hi!

Ash: Oh! You're actually here!

Me: Well, what do you know. Someone actually sent you in for real this time.

Ash: Maybe I should have had my world outfit instead of my special journey one. 

Me: And then I had been requested to have you with your Kalos outfit, but it wasn't exactly convenient. 

Ash: I guess we did what we can. 

Goh: Hey, doesn't it seem like there aren't a lot of characters around here?

Ash: But it's a big convention! There's still a good number.

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["Quite a bit."]

Goh: That's true, even if it's less than what you'd expect. 

Ash: I guess the ones who came were really serious about this one.

Goh: Well, you know, there's the character parade and the performance competition... but the latter isn't for you, and I think you need to deal with the former.

Ash: Oh, yeah! I need to do that.

Goh: I'll see you back after I do some stuff.

Ash: Sure!

Me: OK, so then there's the two competitions. For the character parade, did you have any trouble getting in?

Ash: Well, the people asked me to sign up for something, but I got around that somehow.

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Tricky?"]

Me: Yeah, usually that's a bit of a sign. But I'm told this on had a lot of prizes?

Ash: Yeah! But a lot of characters wanted it too, so a lot still didn't win anything... and I didn't.

Me: Still a "lottery". Now, based on my research, the performance competition is a regional edition that is a part of Indonesia Cosplay League (ICL) for a global series called GICOF, so a different one but still in a related vein to ICGP for WCS.

Ash: Oh. That does make it hard for us to get in. But all the teams (I saw) really had great performances!

Me: I'm sure they did. OK, and on top of all this, you must have met my other friends.

Ash: A lot of them - even one dressed in black... and... white?

Me: Sounds interesting, that one friend. Oh, and what about other entertainment?

Ash: Dance groups - but they were all in a stage in a separate space.

Me: OK, that's the "fest" part covered.

Goh: I'm back! So, after that person sent me, I guess we can say that the convention is like a smaller version of other conventions that are usually here.

Ash: Like ChibiCon and C4.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Like that!"]

Me: I'm told it's not meant to be this small. I heard that there's another convention some distance away and yet another one in a neighboring town.

Ash: Oh, so some people might have gone there instead of to this one.

Goh: That seems to explain things. But hey, I'm sure you still had a great a time - I know I also did.

Ash: And it's the first time for this one too!

Me: It's a first time (for us), and a bit of a "strange" time, but it made for a great time. This one is definitely in the books - and spirits, as the spirit of "ganbatte".

One year ago: Overnumbered Cards in TCG

Two years ago: My Favorite Pokémon Outfits in Café Remix So Far

Three years ago: One-Minute Cooking: A New Standard?

Four years ago: Scoring in Pokémon Unite

Five years ago: Friendships Like Pokémon

Six years ago: Everyday Discoveries

Seven years ago: Local EX Raid (and a Whirlwind), 4/19/2019

Eight years ago: Cracking the Case

Nine years ago: Oddest Things with Pikachu

Remote Trading in Pokémon Go

Alongside the new and "ultimate" friendship level that was introduced in Pokémon Go a few months ago, I had noted that there is another feature that comes with it, and that I would discuss it later because it's significant - and that time is now. For those who have friends from faraway places and have attained high friendship levels with them, they may have the desire to trade with them beyond the limits of the regular trading feature, and this new feature allows them to do just that. Accordingly, it's called the Remote Trade feature.

In order to be able to make use of Remote Trade (in contrast to regular trading, now called "Local Trade" to differentiate), two friends in Pokémon Go have to attain the Forever Friends level, which will unlock the first Remote Trade opportunity. After performing a Remote Trade, the two friends then need to interact again for 90 days to re-attain the Forever Friends bonus and the next Remote Trade opportunity. So, the opportunity might not come very often, but it is significant just as the new Friendship level is significant.

Of course, they also need to be able to see what Pokémon that the other can offer, so the feature also comes with a special Pokémon tag for a Remote Trade. Within a few days of one's first Forever Friend, one can start labeling Pokémon with the tag for that purpose. It also goes without saying that one should make use of the feature as much as possible by labeling as many Pokémon as possible, especially once more Forever Friends come about who may just make the request for a Remote Trade at any time.

Then, there is the process. One of the Trainers starts the process by reviewing the other's tagged Pokémon (including moves) and selects up to three from the set to make the Remote Trade request. The other Trainer then reviews the request and makes selections to confirm the request, and then the originating Trainer makes the final confirmation. The trade is then made, and the two Trainers receive the Pokémon. It's a little similar to the process in the distantly related game of TCGP, only somewhat more involved.

Some other notes also apply to the process. Obviously, if the two friends are Lucky Friends, the Remote Trade will be a Lucky Trade as well. As for Special Trades, a Remote Trade can allow for an extra Special Trade to be made for that purpose, separate from ones for a Local Trade. In light of the above, it is also advisable that two friends who have attained an opportunity for a Remote Trade to take advantage of the opportunity, considering that it is gained from the continued dedication to interact as friends.

Remote Trade in Pokémon Go is regardless a very useful addition to Pokémon Go, especially for Trainers who are friends with others from all around the world and even those who are separated by great distances. Although it does require that they maintain friendship and increase that level to the "ultimate" degree, once that happens, a lot of things can become fair game through a Remote Trade opportunity. That might allow for just-as-lasting mementos to result, in a way affirming the "forever" quality of the friendship.

One year ago: Pokémon Concierge: The Resort of Fun

Two years ago: Cleaning Up Like Poison Types

Three years ago: Hunting for "Smurfers" in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: On the Two Sweepers and Cleaners

Five years ago: Cosplay: "Pass-the-Time" Contest

Six years ago: Love and All

Seven years ago: Performance Critique: INOCHI 2019 Sing Cover

Eight years ago: Getting Social with Cosplay

Nine years ago: Console Renewal?

Chasing After and Catching Up with Suicune

If there's a Pokémon that could embody the spirit of a pursuit somewhat well enough, it could perhaps be one of the Legendary beasts of the Johto region, being Suicune. As most Trainers recognize, in the original games it appeared, a literal pursuit had to be made across the region for the purpose of encountering them - never mind getting a chance to capture them. This pursuing effort is definitely one that gets Trainers to chase after it and make it possible to develop a bond somehow with the Pokémon.

Of course, in the "third version" of Crystal, Trainers didn't need to chase after said Pokémon and could simply encounter it in one of the towers in Ecruteak City. This allows the "bond development" to take place sooner, especially with a capturing process involved, without the complications of the pursuit as above. In this way, one could be considered to have "caught up" with the Pokémon for all its relation, even if the relation is only specific to that one game. Yet it's still important in this case somehow.

Now, as for why this post brings up the topic and ideas above, there might be a few personal aspects that are to a certain extent related to the ideas, which brings about the topic. In particular, there is the relation to this very medium, for which some might have noticed a certain peculiarity even if the consistency remains... which I won't discuss too much in obvious terms. As for its relation to the topic at hand, perhaps Suicune itself might know - but that'll demand an actual chase-after and catch-up.

The games where it becomes pertinent to chase after and/or to catch up with Suicune may be considered to have their own points about meaningful pursuits, specifically for the Pokémon that is mentioned as such. Trainers may make interpretations of that in ways that are relevant to them - and that includes yours truly for certain pertinent affairs - but the "blue streak" that is the Legendary beast as mentioned above will likely have its own interpretations of the pursuit that truly embody situations at hand.

One year ago: Dreaming of Pokémon Friends?

Two years ago: Musical Emotion, Place, and Event

Three years ago: Going for (Real) Pokémon Cookies

Four years ago: Rotating to Objectives

Five years ago: Longing for Team Go Rocket

Six years ago: Impressions of Chef Mallow

Seven years ago: Choosing Pathways

Eight years ago: And Again, I Dream

Nine years ago: We're All Tied to Pokémon

Paper Crafters, Wherefore Art Thou?

Way back in the first year of this blog, I covered papercraft involving Pokémon as an outlet of artistic Pokémon expression - one that has some personal ties to me - with particular focus on a specific site that furnishes the patterns for the art form. Many years later, I've decided to bring up the topic again, but this time the focus is on the art form seemingly having gone into obscurity, which is why the "wherefore art thou?" title tag is involved. And when that becomes involved, the associated matter can become rather weighty.

For this specific matter, I was made aware of it by one of my Pokémon figure fellows who I hadn't seen in a long time. We had the chance to meet each other a couple of weeks ago, and among the Pokémon topics we discussed, this topic became one of them as we practically introduced each other to it and mutually delved into it even in the time that we were mostly apart. As such, I thought about discussing that topic on this blog, and now its time has come; others brought up during that time may just be discussed in time.

Now, for the aforementioned site, it has apparently not been updated since 2022 (four years ago), with the last pattern that was posted being the one for Liepard on February 4. Prior to that, there was a "Halloween special" with the Gothita species family just a little over three months earlier. It goes without saying that the site itself hasn't been updated to include the ninth generation, although there have been a few sparse patterns for Pokémon of the eighth generation - and that's about it. Their fates and others are up in the air.

Though it has to be admitted that paper models like these do take time to develop - if some of the monthly gaps are of any indication - the lack of updates in the years between that last pattern and now is in a way something of concern. I had e-mailed the authors many, many years ago prior to starting this blog, but I didn't receive a response then... and given the state of the site as it is now, it seems unlikely that I'll ever receive a response if I try to establish contact. There is also no indication that the site may have noticed this blog.

Presently, I have other concerns that keep me from building papercraft models, even Pokémon ones, from this or any other source. However, to hear and see that the site I used to frequent for those purposes has practically gone "defunct" becomes an important concern, sufficient to be addressed on this blog (in a way especially so, since we're on the same Blogger platform). The question tag I posed in the title, as with other posts that have the same tag, thus becomes relevant to ask about and wonder, particularly for this site of Pokémon papercraft.

One year ago: Considering (My) Pokémon Relevance

Two years ago: Historical Pokémon, Revisited

Three years ago: Pikachu and Paldea Starters Headbands and Visors

Four years ago: My Current Holowear of Interest

Five years ago: In Need of Rotom, Right Now

Six years ago: Fanboys and Fangirls

Seven years ago: The First Unova Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/15/2018

Nine years ago: Dialectics

Emblems in TCGP

Many Pokémon games seemingly have elements that players or Trainers can seemingly and easily overlook, and TCGP can fit into that regard. One of its elements is a nicety that serves a representative role for players in showing some of their accomplishments in the game from the past to the present. By the title of this post, that aspect is called "emblems", and it's an element that could deserve a bit of an explanation for posterity.

As stated, accomplishments are the primary things that the emblems represent. Many of them pertain to battle ("PvP") events in the game, from victory-based battle events to Ranked play seasons. They're earned when a player achieves specific milestones in the events (primarily for the former) or completes the season at a certain level (as is true of the latter). These are real accomplishments, and the emblems certify them as such.

Emblems are also obtained by completing the Dex Missions and earning Emblem Points, which can then be exchanged for an emblem of one's choice (or sometimes, the only one) for a particular expansion, through the in-game shop. Then, there are also emblems for special occasions that are given out through associated events. In this way, they're representative of the card collection and game progressions for the player.

Three emblems can be shown at a time in the player's profile by tapping the profile icon, going to the Emblems section, and choosing whichever three one would like to display for others viewing that player's profile. From this selection, then, others might be able to tell if the player is being rather competitive in the game or may just be involved in card collection and thusly less competitive - either of which are surely representative.

Now, another reason this becomes a pertinent topic for discussion is that starting with the next expansion, Dex Missions and Emblem Points are to be deprecated and replaced with a system that allows the same emblems to be earned through card collection. As such, this post also serves to remind players that if there are any emblems that haven't been exchanged by the manner above, it may be of their interest to do so before the system changes.

In any case, the planned system change for "Dex emblems" and the accomplishment-based system for battle emblems may be the indicators that the element seems to be overlooked by some players, even yours truly. For all their posterity and worth, it seems important to take note of them to take advantage of their appreciable benefits, and the discussion regarding the element as presented above can present some of the prompts for doing so.

One year ago: Spiritually Lost

Two years ago: Pokémon Profile Frames and Video Backgrounds

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/15/2023

Four years ago: Love Nature, Find Beauty

Five years ago: Great League, Remixed

Six years ago: On Pokémon and Computing

Seven years ago: The Fullness of the Cup

Eight years ago: Cosplay: GAME - Games Animation Marketplace and Exhibition

Nine years ago: True Colors (...of a Logo)

"I Like Shorts. They're..."

Following up on Bug Catchers as a kind of Pokémon Trainer personality that I addressed a few days ago, now I want to address a different one: Youngsters. Specifically, I'd like to address not the personality itself, but an aspect of that. Those who have played the early main series games (footnote: in English) will surely be able to complete the quote that I've mentioned in the title of this post, which pertains to this Trainer personality. The aspect therefore deals with the object topic that is addressed in the quote, which would be shorts as in the clothing item - one that can pertain to me personally as well as Trainers in general, not necessarily of the kind.

Now, the quote is completed with the phrase "...comfy and easy to wear." I find this true as well in my day-to-day activities, including ones that involve enjoyment of Pokémon. That also applies whether the shorts are intended to be worn around the house or when going out - certainly for some of my Pokémon Go activities, which has been the case for me. With that, I'll surely keep wearing them whenever and wherever they can be worn and it's fine for me to wear them. In this way, I'm also a "Youngster at heart" when it comes to this aspect personally.

Meanwhile, it is also certain that it's not only Youngsters that wear shorts, as other (kinds of) Trainers can and have worn them. Ash is one of them, as in his later appearances prior to "bowing out", he switched from long pants to shorts. It's a bit of an affirmation that even this clothing item is fine for many Pokémon Trainers, notwithstanding the type that has been mentioned above. For "locally confined" Trainers, including the previously mentioned Bug Catchers in some capacity, shorts would work well too for them and in all their activities.

Yet it has to be admitted that even for many Trainers, shorts aren't exactly distinguishing of their personage; many of them wear longer pants or similarly styled clothing items to make them stand out and distinguished. Much as how in some settings shorts aren't exactly warranted as a distinguished clothing item, many Trainers would seem to be aware of this perception and have something that is more their style as perceived by themselves and other people. And for them, that is just as completely fine as those who do choose to wear shorts.

Trainers are certainly free to choose their clothing styles for various reasons, and if they make their choice to wear shorts, then that is definitely their choice, at least as certain environments will dictate as such. Whatever the case, the testament by Youngsters through the quote as mentioned above remains true for many (including me) in many cases, and the clothing item has and will continue to have its impact and influence on the fashions of Pokémon Trainers.

One year ago: Possibility of Pokédogs (+ Cats)?

Two years ago: The Slowest Pokémon Day

Three years ago: Rising Heroes in the GBL, First Half

Four years ago: Keeping a Balance for the World Championships

Five years ago: Whence I Am, Whence We Are

Six years ago: Levels and Half-Levels in Pokémon Go

Seven years ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2019 - Sengoku Jidai

Eight years ago: Shiny Here, Shiny There

Nine years ago: Friendly Plays

TCGP: Mega Forms in Brilliant Shine

About a year ago, TCGP introduced the "Shining Revelry" minor expansion or Themed Booster Pack, which contains the first batch of Shiny Pokémon as separate cards and sets a precedent for future expansions in containing such variants. The new expansion introduced for this month follows up on that and contains cards of similar composition and theme, but this time retaining the "grand theme" thus far of the B Series cards of which it is a part, being Mega Evolution. That is then appropriately reflected in the title of the expansion.

"Mega Shine", as it is called, features the entry of several other Mega Evolution forms with some distinct appearances, two of which are Mega Charizard X and Mega Gengar, who are also prominently featured in the pack image. It too is very similar in appearance to the aforementioned "predecessor" pack, with shades of white and other accent colors. Meanwhile, the pack also features other Shiny Pokémon, one of which is the Mythical Pokémon Mew; it's even there as an "immersive" card, making it unique thus far among expansions.

With regard to composition, the expansion contains 64 Pokémon cards, 2 Item cards, 2 Supporter cards, and 1 Stadium card for 69 cards in total in the numbered section. The "predecessor" pack, which has 68 Pokémon and 4 Supporter cards (72 total) in its numbered section, can then be considered to be comparable in composition in this regard. As for the overnumbered section, the new pack has 48 cards in it compared to the old pack's 39, and thus its total exceeds the old pack by only a little bit yet still making it comparable.

The target for this pack is certainly the Shiny cards, but that remains a challenge, especially since now (and has been for some time) all Shiny cards are the sixth "bonus" card in a pack, which also means they won't appear in Wonder Pick as well. So, a lot of pack opening is still needed for any pack and in particular this pack, whose Shiny representations may be some of the most coveted. Otherwise, the rest of the Pokémon are rather "stopgap" in nature.

It's plainly obvious that Shiny Pokémon are here to stay in TCGP, so continuing to celebrate their appearance is something great to do. This new minor expansion or Themed Booster Pack does just that, and this time it's also with Mega Evolution, making further inroads with the "grand theme" along with the Shiny theme. Both of these have their own brilliant qualities, and now together, they make for a fascinating part of the current series of cards in this game.

One year ago: Looking Back at Cycling Roads

Two years ago: More on Outfit Grades in Café Remix

Three years ago: The Minuscule and Enormous Qualities of Pokémon Species

Four years ago: The Type Icons, A New Standard

Five years ago: Differing Amounts of Pokémon Knowledge

Six years ago: Pokémon Helmet Covers?

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/13/2019

Eight years ago: Go at Home

Nine years ago: Paint It, Picross

Cosplay: Utsuru 10.5 "and the Conquest of ICGP" (Regionals)

Ash and Goh are out on research duty today. Instead, today there is...

Red: Hi. It's been a long time.

Me: It has indeed. You probably remember the last time I sent you.

Red: Same venue, same place. Interesting they're still doing it.

Me: Well, with it being biannual now, there's always something to go around.

Red: Twice a year? You don't say. You're keeping those two on their toes.

Me: Mostly the former, but... anyway, you're here because not only it's to make things different, but because Pokémon is special this year.

Red: It's been going on a long time for you.

Me: Uh-huh. And the theme of this one suits you too.

Red: I see that. Classic pixel games - suits us both.

Me: True. Aside from that, let's talk about what was different for today compared to that last time since we all know that things stay the same even when they change.

Red: OK, so it got even more crowded than last time. More communities, more people - and I was asked to vote for one of them. Got an idea?

Me: I hear one of my friends is in a spinning top game group and they need my support.

Red: Found it! Done.

Me: Now, I heard that they made everything like a quest game - currency and all. How'd that fare?

Red: I wasn't too interested in the quests, and the currency seemed like a bit of a hassle to me.

Me: Well, pluses and minuses, so not for everyone.

Red: Oh, I noticed almost all of the entertainment was dance groups. Have bands become not that popular anymore?

Me: I think they're still popular, just not here.

Red: Kind of a shame. But at least characters are still popular. The parade was still full of them and only four could win (not me).

Me: Yeah, that's a hard thing for this specific convention. Don't expect miracles.

Red: Outside of that, it was still great.

Me: That's a certainty. Hope you got to hang out with my friends and others.

Red: I think they liked that I had Charmander for most of the day instead of Pikachu - but I had both out for a time.

Me: I did suggest that to you just before you came.

Red: And it worked out. Also, it wasn't really windy like last time, but it did rain for a bit. So not a lot of weather problems.

Me: That's a good thing.

Red: By the way, the ICGP thing was neat too. I saw all five group performances and the winners really deserved it.

Me: Oh, yeah! I forgot to mention - this edition of the convention also acts as the regional ICGP qualifiers for my area.

Red: I think it might be a little hard for me.

Me: It's hard for most people and characters, so don't sweat it.

Red: But I guess it's not hard for the organizers to keep coming up with this and making it look nice and great.

Me: I hope it will always be that way, and I hope to always bring Pokémon into it, whether with you or "those two".

Red: Why not. And you can get me to go more often.

Me: Oh, I have plans. But that might be a "quest" of its own, just like how this edition of the convention brought that out.

One year ago: Before Ruby and Sapphire

Two years ago: Making Road Runs with Pokémon

Three years ago: SA Factions: My First Four Weeks

Four years ago: How Many Pokémon for Each Role?

Five years ago: Pikachu and Bulbasaur Donuts

Six years ago: I Believe, in Love

Seven years ago: (Wet and Wild) Local EX Raid, 4/12/2019

Eight years ago: Wallpaper: Pokémon 20th Anniversary

Nine years ago: Pokémon Couriers?

Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2026

It's time for Community Day for Pokémon Go for this month, and this one has a big thing going for it. Now, a certain song speaks of its artist highly, even making a firm statement that there is "none to equal", in a manner of speaking. It also involves a very specific implement... which is also highly related to the featured species family of this edition and is something with which one can really give a good mashing. So does the species in it, in fact, if they're left to their own implements. 

That implement is the hammer, and thus the featured species family is that of Tinkatink, whose members (along with Tinkatuff and Tinkaton) wield hammers of sizable proportions. The last of these gets the Charged move of Gigaton Hammer to make use of the hammer that it wields to deliver serious damage - 300, the highest thus far for a Charged move. Along with hammering things out, Trainers will also be "mining" today, for the main bonus is triple catch Stardust, always a useful one.

Everything else is quite predictable after that. The species are found by Incense (three hours' length) and Lure Modules (one hour, greatly in the event period and less in the post-event), as well as photo bombs. Some (many) will also be Shiny (a debutant in this case), have special backgrounds, or both. Trainers can trade for less and have an extra Special Trade. Finally, Research involves the Field, Timed (community meetup), and Special (by payment) realms as per the usual norms.

Meanwhile, having known what to expect if I took care of the event locally, I took care of it farther away instead, also standing a chance for cordially linking up with a few other Trainers and winning a neat prize... although the latter didn't happen. What did happen was me being able to catch a Tinkatink with the best stats (and a few that almost were, one of them Shiny and another with a background), which I evolved on the same day along with others to have a slew of Tinkaton.

With "A Ton of Tinkatink" (also the title of the paid Special Research) and the Gigaton Hammer special move for Tinkaton, there is (was) a lot of hammering going on for this edition, making it a "hammer time" of sorts. Going back to that song I mentioned earlier, there's some of that to be had too, and that's something to "touch on" even if the song (and the species family) speak otherwise. Perhaps the "hammers" need to speak for themselves, in and out of battle as well as melody.

One year ago: Themed Collections (and Secret Ones) in TCGP

Two years ago: Leafeon Apple Shampoo for My Needs

Three years ago: Cosplay: Pokémon Exhibition and TCG Regionals

Four years ago: Mega Evolution Fates, Again

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2021

Six years ago: Three Simple Rules for a Great Adventure

Seven years ago: The Songs of the Detective Pikachu Trailers

Eight years ago: O Charizard

Nine years ago: Romanticism of Tall Grasses