Friday, June 5, 2026

The Appeal of the "Sugimori Style"

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

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

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

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

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

Three years ago: Come to Me, Hidden Gems
Seven years ago: Holding Hands
Eight years ago: Raid Preferences
Nine years ago: Sympathy for Villains
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Thursday, June 4, 2026

Beta Testing Idea: Pokémon Go "Insider Program"?

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

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

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

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

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

One year ago: Pokémon Spin on Art
Three years ago: Cosplay: ChibiCon 2023
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Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Forever, As It Will Be

'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
Always...
-- "Forever and For Always", Shania Twain

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Cosplay: Kawaii Harmony Festival

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

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

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

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Two days?"]

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

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

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

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

Ash: Two of them!

Goh: Two??

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

Goh: Did you... sign up for both? 

Ash: Yeah!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Double!"]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Me: Yup. Full on about the music.

Ash: It was different for sure!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goh: Huh. What about nearer ones?

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

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

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

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

Ash: Maybe so!

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

Goh: There you go. 

Ash: It works out for us - even musically. 

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

Seven years ago: A Daily Pokémon Routine
Eight years ago: Missing Ranger
Nine years ago: 3DS Pokémon Badges
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Monday, June 1, 2026

The Season of Forever Forward

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

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

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

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

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

Three years ago: The Season of Hidden Gems
Four years ago: The Season of Go
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Sunday, May 31, 2026

The Peak of Memories in Motion

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

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

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

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

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

Three years ago: The Peak of Rising Heroes
Four years ago: The Peak of Alola
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Saturday, May 30, 2026

The State of Nominations, Part 40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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