Thursday, September 24, 2026

Defining My Physical-Live TCG Future

Since I've brought up the Pokémon TCG for a discussion, I thought I'd also discuss some personal aspects (that is, of my own) in relation to this realm, specifically with relation to its physical and Live version. I haven't written much about it, more so in recent times, because... well, there really hasn't been much to write about personally. However, there have been a couple of developments on this front, and with the lack of writing as a prompt, I thought I'd cover where I'm heading based on the things that have happened.

For that, while I've attempted to procure a deck in order to play with my local TCG fellows, I've been struggling with finding a time when I can play properly, and just when I think I'm close to finding that time, something always comes up. As such, a unilateral agreement was made to part with them; this is in a way regrettable, for now even if I want to play with them, they may treat me as an "outsider" given my infrequent play. It may be considered an additional struggle alongside the one for the effort of procuring a deck.

The above certainly applies to the physical side of things. For the Live side (as in TCGL, its virtual implementation), I've had other struggles with availability - including ones of a technical nature - that keep me from playing as much as I would like to. Consequently, I'm starting to miss out on quite a few of its offerings, and I'm not sure how I'd go about reclaiming them if and when I can ensure the stable availability of the game and my playing it once again. Much may still have to be considered if this is to occur.

Considering the above, it seems that in defining my future for this specific realm and version(s) of the TCG, it may be tending toward the bleak side of things. In particular, it seems that it's proving that the physical and Live TCG version is less of a fit for me... if it isn't already is with the local state of things. This is in comparison to the mobile TCGP, which has worked out somewhat nicely with what I already have - and perhaps what I don't have as well. Of course, futures can change, and this definition may only apply currently.

Generally, I aim to apply as many Pokémon things as possible, or even have them apply to me. Yet in some cases, that can fail to happen in either direction. The case of the physical and Live TCG seems to be an apparent one in that regard, with particular attention to the case of my current situation and its directed future. Pokémon is always in my future, but some things may just be (or continue to be) out of reach of that future; it's something I need to contend with, as with my physical and Live TCG future and whatever plays into its definition.

Two years ago: PIJ Drone Show Narrative
Four years ago: The Desire to Refresh
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Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Making the Pokémon TCG Language-Independent?

Previously, I had brought up a discussion about the Pokémon TCG with regard to the possible use of symbols in order to represent the actions on the cards. I had also noted that it could be a step towards achieving what I call "language independence" for the realm, and that I would be discussing it later. Well, later is now, so I thought I'd get that discussion going for all it's worth and what those other steps may be, along with the associated challenges for the effort.

To make the TCG "language independent", it would mean making it be able to be played regardless of language, which has been both a source of convenience and a limiting factor for the present state of the TCG. Specifically, it can supplement currently playable TCG sets in whatever language they may be, and it might also help to bridge understanding between the players who might possess and use sets in different languages in their TCG gameplay.

With that, given a regular TCG card, aside from the actions as described in the previous post, the next prime target for "language independence" would be the Pokémon name, which could opt for the English name as a way to generalize things internationally, even though certain regions have their own names. That may just go for the special (Trainer) cards, even though it may also be possible to leave their titles blank as the cards can be recognized by the art.

Still, the TCG cards also have non-gameplay elements that are different in different language versions as well. The only apparent answer to deal with these seemingly would be the same as the above: leaving the elements blank. Then there are the move names, which might adopt the approach of representing them with uniquely distinct symbols, which could be vaguely similar to the approach for the actions. Yet this could be more difficult in contrast to that approach.

Given the above, perhaps true "language independence" may not be completely achievable for the cards, at least not without extreme modifications to the cards. Yet it is still fanciful to try to think about it, moreover because the Pokémon TCG is globally diverse nowadays and players from different parts of the world interact with each other. The effort and challenge to make "language independence" happen could still be considered to (help) facilitate that further.

Five years ago: Unite Uptake
Seven years ago: Doubleheaders and Such
Eight years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 2nd
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Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The Changing Mega Landscape in Pokémon Go

While the Mewtwo controversy is changing perceptions of Trainers, a few other things are changing with respect to Mega Evolution in Pokémon Go, affecting that very species as well as others. These forms, with regard to the Pokémon species that possess them, are certainly super-powered in their own way, but recent additions to Pokémon Go are making (or perhaps also about to make) that fact even more evident and bringing changes to its landscape.

For starters, more and more Pokémon are becoming able to access Mega Level 4 (dubbed the Super Max level, vis-a-vis Level 3 as the Max level), and a couple of these have been recently introduced for older Pokémon - more details on them soon. This affirms what I had written up earlier, in that the possibility of other Pokémon with Mega Evolution forms accessing these levels has become a reality. Particularly, its reach for the "first batch" of Mega Evolution species will take time to manifest, but now it can be assured that everything will move in this path.

Those Pokémon that can access the Mega level as above now also have the privilege of accessing an additional Charged move while in the Mega Evolved state, making them the first ones in Pokémon Go to reach the traditional four-move limit (if they also have an unlocked regular Charged move). The new moves are "plus moves" of some familiar attacks, and in the case of both Mega Evolution forms for Mewtwo, they also come with Adventure Effects that are very useful in both raids and the overworld. The usefulness applies for others regardless.

Not only that, the Mega Evolution forms can be used not only in raid battles (but not yet for Gym battles) with their new Charged moves but also in PvP battling in certain leagues when they warrant their possible usage. In the latter case, the Pokémon will have their CP decreased ("nerfed") when they are out of range of a specific league in which they are to be used - also making it the first time a sort of "level adjustment for battle" situation is put in place in the game. The Mega forms are already big, but this is definitely the biggest forward step yet.

Mega Evolution could be said to have had an unassuming landscape in Pokémon Go, in particular given its "shaky start" many years ago. Now, though, the landscape is changing (and has changed) massively, and Trainers will have to take into account the above changes as well as previous ones in order for them to take advantage of Mega Evolution by themselves and what others and the game itself brings forth... hopefully for a change for the better.

Four years ago: Teams in Café Remix
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Monday, September 21, 2026

Mewtwo Hundo For All Time?

Back in July, I brought up the Times Square Mewtwo that became a nicety (for those who were able to participate in the event and to obtain it) and a source of furor (for those whom neither applied). Since then, there had been a development with particular regard to its perfect IV or "hundo" quality that could be considered either to appease the qualms of certain Trainers or to perpetuate its controversy ("for all time"), both the good and bad sides.

That development would be another "hundo" Mewtwo, dubbed as an "anniversary special", which all Trainers could get over the past month (through a Timed Research set) with all the same conditions of the one from the Times Square event but with a different background; those who partook in said event get one with random IVs instead. Its potential to quell certain controversies is also offset by its potential to continue generating them.

For instance, some Trainers became angry that they got it after they had used a Bottle Cap to max out a recently or previously caught Mewtwo. A certain Trainer has even shown themselves transferring said Mewtwo with the pretext of defending the ideal of needing to work for it. Even so, this may be less of a controversy and more of an evidence that these Trainers are in fact an ungrateful lot, something that should be discussed separately. 

Meanwhile, some have also postulated that as a result of both "hundo" offerings, the value of Mewtwo has been reduced, and what may be expected "for all time" is a way to obtain such a Mewtwo, especially for Trainers who missed either offering above due to their quite inherent limitations. Of course, they all will still need to raid for resources to power up the Pokémon, so the reduction in value may be offset by the continuous resource need. 

With that, continued offering seems to be the way things will go. The developers have said that the Times Square Mewtwo might just return in the future, and the "anniversary special" thus might not be far behind. Whether or not they'll come as "hundo" for those who don't already have them (and with random IVs for those who do) as in their original cases above is not certain, but if the will is the continued offering, there may be ways.

"Legendary" is the moniker that applies for some Pokémon species because of their in-game properties. Yet it seems that for Mewtwo, that moniker might be considered applicable in another way - particularly with regard to Pokémon Go - for its awe-inspiring and controversy-generating capabilities. The latter shouldn't be "for all time", but the former definitely should be, as is the application of the moniker that is rightfully applicable to it. 

Five years ago: Pikachu Fidget Spinner
Seven years ago: Remember, Remember
Eight years ago: Community Raid Days?
Nine years ago: Pokémon and Party Games
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Sunday, September 20, 2026

Cosplay: Wibufest Community Market

Goh: Wait! Isn't this one a "red flag"? 

Me: Well, um... If I had my way (or things had their way), I wouldn't even be discussing this one with you two.

Goh: There must be a story behind it.

Me: Uh-huh. So, I was told that there would be three happenings today (including this one), but I couldn't confirm two of them...

Ash: So you had me check out all of them.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["An adventure!"] 

Goh: And what did you find?

Ash: Well, the first one was a festival that had good food, but it had nothing for us. (I think it follows this one.)

Me: OK, so the report about this one was unwarranted.

Ash: Yeah. After that, I went to the second one you told me about...

Goh: ...and there was nothing too.

Ash: Yup. It wasn't for anything for us at all.

Me: That makes two unwarranted reports. So...

Goh: You (we) ended up with the "red flag".

Ash: Uh-huh. So it turns out this is the only thing for us today.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu... ["Just that..."] 

Me: [sigh] Let's get the discussion out of the way, then. Now, I sent you throughout today with your Hoenn outfit...

Ash: ...like the first time earlier this year!

Goh: Was this on purpose or just because it's convenient?

Me: The latter. I heard there's no singing competition, so it really was "anything goes".

Goh: But there was a character parade, yes?

Ash: Yeah. I didn't want to get in for you, but your friends suggested that I get in... so I did.

Goh: Still, you got nothing.

Ash: Nope. And the winners still had to sign something.

Me: On that note, I did hear that the community resolved the dealings of previous winners, but I don't want to trust in that too quickly.

Goh: I understand that.

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["I guess?"] 

Ash: Other than that, everything was more or less the same.

Goh: Everything??

Ash: Same place, same communities, same friends of yours, same entertainment (dance groups), and even same schedule.

Goh: And does that mean "The Forbidden One" was also there?

Ash: I saw. He was at a booth. But I didn't get close to him.

Me: See, I'm sure something is still up with him.

Goh: You two had no (better) choice anyway.

Me: But still. I'd rather have it be different...

Ash: Well, your friend held a spinning top tournament and I got to see it live. And I got a card reader to read something about you.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["That's different."] 

Me: OK, sure. Well, at least today's different in different ways.

Ash: Yeah, at least visiting many places on the same day isn't bad.

Goh: You got off easy this time - almost. I hope things work out in whatever happening you two plan for next. 

Me: With luck, no "forbidden" people should be involved.

Ash: And make sure to look out for dodgy reports!

Me: That, and making sure the happenings themselves aren't "dodgy".

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

Pokémon with Special Battle Forms in Pokémon Go

In recent times, Pokémon Go has started to add a twist to some of its battle systems (PvP in particular) by changing up how certain Pokémon behave in them. Specifically, that meant the addition of certain forms that are relevant to them, which then accordingly changes up the dynamic of the battle, at least as far as the species are concerned. In fact, there have been three of those Pokémon, so that is perfect for starting a discussion about them.

The first to receive the treatment was Morpeko, even before the recent PvP reform. Its regular form is called the "Full Belly Mode", and its alternate is the "Hangry Mode"; the Pokémon switches between the two forms after each Charged attack (regardless of move) and its type also switches from Electric (Full Belly) to Dark (Hangry) and back. Certainly, this makes full use of its Aura Wheel charged move - also its signature - and it presents a challenge for Trainers on both sides of Morpeko to deal with.

Next is the unique Ghost-type wonder of Mimikyu. Its regular form can be allowed to negate a Charged attack hit, after which it becomes its Busted form with reduced Defense. In this way, the form change can act as an additional shield with all its consequences, and that has other implications for its inclusion in PvP - including the fact that it skirted the recent PvP reform and became included in the new system instead of the old. In any case, there is a technique to be learned about its use, as well as if it can be used.

Cramorant is the most recent species with special battle forms - two of them, aside from the regular form. They can be accessed if the Pokémon knows either Surf or Dive (both Charged moves). If its HP is high, the Gulping Form is accessed, and it throws back an ensnared object to decrease the opponent's Defense; low HP accesses the Gorging Form instead, doing the same to decrease the opponent's Attack, and in both cases returning to normal afterwards. Its strategy is versatile, and so is its learning curve in a way.

All of these Pokémon are admittedly quirky in their own ways, and so too are their alternate or special forms, especially as they make their way into Pokémon Go to change up its (PvP) battle system. With the new system at hand, Trainers will have to contend with their appearances if and when they are warranted; when they do appear, it can then be guaranteed that they will need ways of countering them among other twists that may be present.

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Friday, September 18, 2026

These Guys Are Good

There is a saying that applies to a certain realm, and that saying describes the best of the best people who are involved in that realm. Naturally, that saying is placed as the title of this post, which then serves as a guide to the discussion to come. That discussion most certainly involves Pokémon as the core topic of this blog, and with the nature of the presented saying, some relations are to be had with Pokémon and other aspects of real life.

With that, when applied to Pokémon, the saying then describes the best of the best people who deal with all kinds of Pokémon matters. Many of them would be the fierce competitors of the World Championships (like the most recent one), and especially those who can get to the later tournament stages or come out as the winner. In that sense, they're quite capable people who truly exemplify that saying of the certain other realm.

Meanwhile, other people involved with Pokémon may not be as competitive, but they can bring out the best of themselves and Pokémon in other ways. They can be artistic, influential, relatable, or any or all of the above. Their inherent capabilities with regard and relation to Pokémon would be quite different from the competitive people as above, but the fact remains that they would be considered "good" in whatever they can do with it.

Speaking of which, the saying has "guys" in it... since its original context does pertain to men in some way. But Pokémon fascinates people of all genders - including "esoteric" ones - so the saying above may need to be changed to suit. That could mean addition of or replacement by "gals" to represent the women as well as certain terms for the "esoteric" ones. Whatever happens, they can all share the spirit of the saying.

Certain people are good at certain things, and that applies well to Pokémon fans with all the things they can do that involve this great franchise. With that, the given saying in the title can and should become applicable to any and every one of those fans with their capabilities. The result would be a wonderful thing to show off; in a way that could perhaps be like the original intent of the saying that applied in the realm of its concern.

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