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