Friday, November 6, 2026

Pokémon Unite: What Could Have Been - Licenses

The announcement of end of service for Pokémon Unite is something that I have a hard time getting over - and in fact, so is the case for playing the game. As such, I want to discuss a few things that the game could stand to have included if it's able to survive, which a certain circle would call it "what could have been". Actually, there are many such things, but for the current instance, I want to keep the discussion to one topic, which would be Unite Licenses, perhaps the most essential part of the game that is equivalent to "heroes" in other MOBA games.

For that, it's clear that many Pokémon didn't make it as one: different forms (like the Kanto form of Raichu, in contrast to the Alolan form, which did make it), many first partners from generations in the "middle" (Serperior, Infernape, and Swampert come to light), and species of certain kinds (Zekrom - Legendary, Jirachi - Mythical, Nihilego - Ultra Beast) are several examples among others. If the game survived a little longer, they might have stood a chance at being added, but then they'll also increase the game's size... which poses other problems for later discussion.

As of the end of service announcement, the total number of Unite Licenses in the game comes to 102, which is a pretty great number already, but it's still a little low. Another MOBA game has around 120 heroes, and if that is taken as the minimum baseline, then Pokémon Unite somewhat falls short of that. It may or may not have had any hope of achieving 150 or so, and 170 and up would have been a wild thing going for it. Parity of selection with other games of the genre is not necessarily achievable, but it is helpful as a benchmark for what is in and what isn't.

It is also necessary to discuss how the Unite Licenses can and should be obtained. If it's insisted that players pay for Unite Licenses, then a "tiered pricing" structure could have been developed with common Pokémon priced less and rarer ones priced more, as an example. As a partial consequence, the previous Aeos Coin system could also have been kept for other exchanges that don't merit real money payment, at least in significant amounts, and the License Journey system wouldn't have become a forced necessity with its quirks that became evident in different ways.

Now that end of service has been planned for Pokémon Unite, there is a clear call for making a retrospective of its various aspects, of which Unite Licenses are one of those aspects, and a vital one at that since it's a MOBA game. Though the composition of the aspect has been good up to the game's eventual demise, it is clear that some things are and have been lacking in that regard, for which improvements should have been made while things were going well. At this point, only conjectures remain as the challenging game heads to a challenging demise.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026

Conceiving a "PokéStyle"

One of the other game series I play - or perhaps more specifically, that series and some related ones from the company that develops it - brands itself as having a "style" that pertains to it, which is also reflected in how the game series are marketed. This presents a powerful idea, in that the particular game series as well as others by that company gives a vibe that becomes applicable to the gamers that play them. Certainly, if I'm bringing it up on this blog, that also means that I'm also going to bring up its applicability to Pokémon (games) and more.

The evoked "style" of the games has a representation of "the greater whole", which for the case of the game series from the other company reflects, well... that very company. Applying the concept to Pokémon would then probably result in something like what is mentioned in the title of this post: "PokéStyle". It would then become a reflection of Pokémon itself rather than of specific companies, and like the "style" of the other mentioned company, it would encompass the great variety of physical and digital items of the franchise that make it what it is.

While the "PokéStyle" concept as presented seems attractive, there is also a problem in that a lot of Pokémon things are disparate in terms of both the form that they take and the channels in which they are sold, unlike the other company "style", which obviously is centralized. So, the "style" concept won't (or doesn't) really work in this regard. Yet at least for non-game merchandise, the online form of Pokémon Center has a very close correspondence to the other company "style" approach, and that's as good as it's going to get - at least with this approach considered.

Still, it may also be considered that the idea is already applicable, in that Pokémon games and their associated goodies appeal to lifestyles, if my post from so many years ago is of any indication with specific regard to the games. Beyond and including the application to the games, a style in "lifestyle" can be quite attractive for those who enjoy Pokémon not only as pop culture products but also as facets of daily life, integrating it into everything they do (like here on this blog). That may just be what the other "style" aspires to be, but it's not quite there yet.

A franchise like Pokémon appeals to many people because arguably, it works as a kind of "life", which may not have been evident with the initial games but became as such with the later games. Even now, games are still the primary appeal for it, but many of its fans also enjoy it (additionally) in non-game form. Either way, there is a "style", a vibe imbued in and implied by that appeal and enjoyment. The other game company with the "style" of its own can be said to have sensed that appropriately, and that's a good thing, especially in trying to apply the idea to Pokémon.

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Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Other Recent Additions to TCGP

Along with the newest expansion (and series) to hit the game, TCGP has also added several other features, some of which I had already covered in a previous prospective post. But then, there are also a few that go beyond that, so it becomes worth it to look at and discuss those other additions that I didn't cover, and in a way expand a little on some of the ones that I did note earlier. It is useful and can be considered necessary to do so.

First up, the game has an extra mini special pack called First Partners, which was added along with the new expansion. True to its name, it has all current Pokémon of this class in the form of one Star full art cards - one each, which means only 27 cards. There is also only one card in its pack, and the pack can only be opened on a weekly basis. Therefore, it will take some time for any player to get all the cards in the pack, but all of them should be spectacular enough that the patience becomes well worth it to open each new pack as it comes.

Then, last month the game had the "Pika Pika! Pikachu" event, which featured special packs that contained three cards each, all certainly related to Pikachu. They had to be earned by logging into the game daily and opened afterwards. The event itself pertained to the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon TCG in general (beyond the Pocket realm), which makes it a special event; even the promotion for the event involved Pikachu in special guises similar to a certain music game. Though limited, it was quite relatable to the above.

Meanwhile, the new deck features are (were made) live alongside the new expansion. Rental decks are now available for the expansion up until the transition to the next one, and each can be used indefinitely. After a hiccup, Community Decks can now be viewed and built reliably, also showing just what cards are needed for them. There is also an new Theme Deck List for an Elite Deck featuring Mega Rayquaza that can be built if a player has space for it, which should be the case as they can now have 30 stored decks, a slight improvement.

It may be said that the recent additions above, which have the common theme of pertaining to decks and cards, are bringing a "new flavor" - as is the case with the recently added expansion and its cards with the new aspects. The next course of usefulness is then for the players of this game to determine, given the above explanations and discussion... which will also partially be determined by whatever further plans (cards) are in line for the game.

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Tuesday, November 3, 2026

TCGP: The Fusion of Two (and Two Together)

Moving forward, as I've noted, TCGP is to start a new series of expansions or packs, and that has already come a short time ago with the addition of the first of these. The addition, in fact, evokes one of the "yearly themes" I brought up several years ago that pertains to a spirit of dual presence, dual existence, and dual entity. That would be appropriate, since the title of the first new expansion is "Dual Fusion", and it takes on the concept of duality and twos very much literally in many of its aspects.

For instance, it is divided into two sub-expansions, one represented by Mega Mewtwo X and the other represented by the de facto series mascot Pikachu. It has 131 numbered cards and 86 overnumbered cards, which totals 217 cards in all. Compared to last year's Mega Rising expansion, which similarly started a new series and was released at about the same time, it has much fewer cards and one fewer sub-expansion, which is a bit of a "break from tradition" but does what it needs to do now.

Now, the reason why this expansion is called "Dual Fusion" besides by the virtue of the above division is because the highlight card of Mega Mewtwo X ex is composed of two types (Psychic and Fighting), which is the first of its kind in this game. It also reflects the species form's actual characteristic, and it adds another mechanism for players to deal with, as they collect cards both for this Pokémon and to use with it, and for developing a counter strategy should it come up in usage by other enterprising players.

Regardless, there are other cards to deal with in the expansion. Of the numbered cards, 118 of them are Pokémon cards with selected species from the first (mainly) to the ninth generations (which also contains Mega Greninja ex as another dual-type card). The rest of the cards are made up of 4 Item cards, 2 Pokémon Tool cards, 6 Supporter cards, and 1 Stadium card, all of which represent familiar things that also add some new twists to the card battles. Innovation thusly becomes present for these aspects. 

The time to move forward is always at hand when a new expansion is released in TCGP, and the first one of the latest card series for the game has established itself with a new concept in gameplay as well. The concept adds together types for certain cards, and that also compels players to add up their strategies for obtaining cards and structuring decks to make use of the cards in question. That might mean adding more effort to go through the packs, but that will lend credence for the duality of those actions and more.

Three years ago: From Apricorn to Balls
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Monday, November 2, 2026

Pop Mie x Pokémon: Spicy and Sparky

Earlier, I had mentioned the Pokémon collaboration with Pop Mie as another one within the sphere of Indonesia, and that it could stand to be written up as a post on its own. Now I can stand to do exactly that and bring in more details and perspectives about the collaboration. Now, Pop Mie is a brand of instant noodles in a cup, so I'm obviously going to have to bring in the discussion of flavors, naturally, and those flavors can be described as "spicy" and "sparky" per this post's title, and that has interesting implications as well.

The flavors of this collaboration are "Spicy Torimen", which is represented by Charmander, and "Chicken Yuzu", which is represented by Pikachu. The latter is dry (the noodles are softened in hot water first, drained, and then given seasonings) while the former is soup (water and seasonings are added as usual). What makes the flavors "pop" are the garnish toppings; the soup noodles have a "fiery burst" topping - I liken them as "dragon balls" - and the dry ones have a "pop spark" topping, essentially "pop rocks" to be sprinkled on the noodles.

Personally, from a noodle (connoisseur) standpoint, the spicy soup noodles are standard-tasting but delightful, especially with the "dragon balls" as above - though by experience they may or may not burst. The dry noodles have to be the most unique of the two with their refreshing citrus note and the "pop rocks" sprinkle, which could be a little weird even for many people, but may still be pleasant as an occasional treat. Of course, I love to have either one regardless for as long as these flavors are available.

What may be the most attractive may not be the noodles themselves, but the sticker bonuses contained within - if one is lucky to get them. They're identified for the three Kanto starters as well as Pikachu, with all of them having their respective evolution lines on the stickers. So far, I've obtained all of them except for Charmander, which may be indicative of how many packs of the noodles I've consumed. Of course, I can always trade stickers with others who have gotten them, given that trading is a "pillar" of Pokémon.

If this collaboration is of any indication, Indonesia and brands from the country can have a way of serving up hospitality, which in this case would be some "spicy" and "sparky" noodles for Pokémon fans who are fiery and electrifying, and love species of those qualities. Both kinds of noodles are emblematic of the species and their types, and even with their eclectic quality, they're pretty neat and can satisfy a noodle craving in a pinch - which is indeed the intent of this brand. Having Pokémon along with that just makes it all the more fun.

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Sunday, November 1, 2026

Cosplay: Dreams in Harmony

Goh: Hey, something going on today.

Me: Yup, it's a festival. Actually, it seems it's a little more than that, but that's for later.

Ash: The title is really neat! 

Goh: "Dreams in Harmony", huh. Makes me think of the Munna family. 

Ash: Oh, right! They're the dream time Pokémon.

Pikachu: Pika pi-ka! ["Very dreamy!"]

Me: That's a very good point. Another good point is where it's being held.

Ash: The creative center!

Goh: Well, I suppose the people holding it must be really creative. 

Ash: Yeah! After I signed in to get in, it was all about art.

Me: So, there you go. It's an art exhibition with a little festival. 

Goh: Like that one time that Ash didn't get in.

Me: But not this time.

Ash: Everything was so neat! Someone told me I could vote for one that I liked with a flower, and I did.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Nice work."]

Goh: What else was there besides art?

Ash: A few communities - a local game maker was there and I tried one of their games. I think our friend might just like that one. It's just click and go.

Me: I'm sure I will. Hey, um... by any chance, was this on the floor with the two big rooms?

Ash: Yeah, with the little food stands and all. They did get a little blocked off.

Goh: Either the people holding it will have to compensate, or the visitors bought enough.

Ash: Could be both. I met a lot of our friend's friends.

Goh: And I'm sure there were way more beyond that.

Ash: Sure!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Always the case!"]

Me: Also, just prior to this happening, I sent Ash to get spiffed up a bit.

Ash: It was to get my hair done for you! And for me too, to look more the part.

Goh: Oh, that's different. I don't recall our friend doing this before for you.

Me: Actually, I did this once before, but not when Ash was around.

Goh: Oh, I see. Got it.

Ash: He's an interesting one too. Hey, now we have something else in common.

Goh: I guess you'll now try to be in whatever competition this has.

Ash: There's a character parade!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Perfect!"]

Goh: But I'll bet others wanted in on this too - and that there weren't many prizes to go around.

Ash: Yeah. I talked with a good friend of our friend's about that... and we could predict two out of three winners right away - but then that friend also won.

Goh: Hmm. That happens.

Me: Well, at least we gave this one a try somehow.

Ash: Yup. I just did what I could.

Goh: What about other things on stage?

Ash: Just a couple of dance groups and a dance-off. Not much for five hours.

Goh: That's not much in any case.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Not much..."]

Me: But there was a lot of art to be explored at the exhibition.

Ash: You bet! They all had one of four things as their theme, and when you bring them together, you get this exhibition.

Goh: That's a pretty neat concept - even if it seems like characters were brought in just to make it lively, which I can see for this one by how it went.

Ash: I think Munna would love it! All the people and all the art could be so inspiring for everyone - even the Pokémon.

Goh: That would explain the "harmony", then. I'm right there with you.

Me: Sometimes it takes something like this to see how that could be.

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Saturday, October 31, 2026

Halloween 2026: Light Up the Night

The least "least brightest" part of October, of course, and as suggested by the Pokémon Go event rollup, is Halloween - and always will be, regardless of the season moniker. With that, there may still be some opportunities to make the night portion of that time a little brighter, so that also makes a good talking point that I've decided to adopt for this year's discussion of the occasion. Certainly, Pokémon in general as the overarching topic will provide interesting insights into that.

Pokémon species already have a variety of ways to make things flashy, with or without it being night time or Halloween. Their "spark" and "beam" attacks among others of similar nature, as many fans can attest, do appear very bright, and that is even more so for regular nights, let alone that of Halloween. It may then seem fair to say that Pokémon species have a way of "lighting up" circumstances, which would very likely involve the night time and appropriately Halloween as well.

Still, it may take an ounce of valor - like Candela's team name in Pokémon Go - and some Fire types that are also characteristic of that team, and then to mingle that with what's going on. And what's going on this time of year is the spooky kind of thing with the expected species of the Ghost, Dark, and Psychic types, a few of which can mingle with the Fire type as mentioned to bring light by their constitution. That makes them perfect to be brought out today amidst other "least bright" things.

As usual, this "least bright" day demands a little bit more out of me as a Pokémon fan, and that means involving a few other things, not the least of which is a character that I associate and am associated with now...

Goh: Well, of course Ash will be involved, won't he?

Me: Sure he will.

Ash: Oooh, it's Halloween! OK, so what do we have this time?

Me: Well, we have... raids for Mega Chandelure today!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Spooky bright!"]

Goh: Nice! That really lights up the night (and day), like you suggest.

Ash: Fire and Ghost types. I got a few good ones for you - and three Shiny ones.

Me: Neat! More than I expected. 

Goh: What else was up for you today?

Ash: I met just a few of our friend's friends today.

Goh: And... maybe a little something for the day?

Ash: A little "trick-or-treating" at a few stores... a bit like last year.

Pikachu: Pika... ["Hmm..."]

Me: Hey, why not. It's the spirit and all.

Goh: I guess that's another way of brightening up this night and days to come.

Ash: Our friend can really use it!

Me: Wouldn't you know - that would last beyond today's occasion. Great work.

One final note: Pokéween has taken on a spirit of its own in more recent times, including in a distant place with a celebration in the sky, lighting it up. But of course, I can't be there, so I have to "light up the night" in other, nearer ways.

It's amazing how Pokémon can neatly provide a way to make Halloween even more stark in its counterplay of brightness and darkness. For that, a Happy Halloween 🎃 is in order - and make sure that it's as bright and dark as you like. 

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