Quickies: One Day on a Pokémon Ranch

A sight that might be romantic for many people is a ranch (or farm), where many animals can be seen and furthermore worked day in and day out. To go there and spend one day might be on people's minds, especially if they're surrounded by them as I might be considered to be. Of course, for Pokémon fans like me, they probably can't help but think that they too could spend one day in one, with a Pokémon orientation.

In a Pokémon ranch or farm, the species most likely to be present are Miltank and Tauros, the former of which begets the all-important Moomoo Milk, the world's form of dairy. Other species that could be present are of the species families of Ducklett, Torchic, Skiddo, Wooloo, and even "outliers" like Spoink and Doduo. At least, they're close to a realistic ranch or farm; an actual Pokémon farm can be more esoteric.

Regardless of the possible esoteric quality, spending a day on a Pokémon ranch or farm will likely entail much of the same activities and responsibilities as with its more realistic counterpart. There are critters to take care and maintain while exploited and utilized, though if anything, both people and Pokémon can and will work together in this regard. It still might be anything but leisure, but things can and do work out.

Yet it's the vision itself that still remains important and romantic. Ranches and farms have a role to play in this world and likewise in the Pokémon world, with all the things that go on in one and all the wonderful products that they beget. Spending one day in them may just help to get those things going and provide an experience like no other, hopefully one that will stick out in the mind just as Pokémon sticks out for its fans.

One year ago: Factions Battlefields, Season 2 Cycle 4

Two years ago: Working for Pokémon?

Three years ago: Outsourcing Pokémon Development

Four years ago: Cosplay: Robotto no Sekai + SUCOFEST 2020

Five years ago: The Marketing of Expectations

Six years ago: How Many to a Raid?

Seven years ago: To Be Continued... maimai ORANGE (PLUS)

Let's Go and Activate Adventure Effects

Pokémon Go Tour this year (and the lead-up to it) has been significant for different reasons, yet one of the most significant would be a feature introduced at that time. That feature is called "Adventure Effects", and as can be discerned, the feature does affect one's Pokémon Go adventure in vastly different and even radical ways. Those are also the reasons why they need to be covered in a separate post, moreover because they have intricacies of their own, and this post serves to explain and cover that.

In its current iteration, the Adventure Effects pertain to the "signature moves" of Dialga and Palkia, being Roar of Time and Spacial Rend respectively, also introduced in Pokémon Go at the same time. The former creates a time distortion and halts the timers of common "boost" items while activated, while the latter creates a space distortion and increases the encounter distance for Pokémon in the wild. Both of these are significant as they can allow more Pokémon to be encountered and caught, even under the constraints of items and freedom of movement.

To activate an Adventure Effect, one brings up a Pokémon that knows either move as mentioned, goes to the Adventure Effects section, and taps the "Use" button, setting a multiplier for how long the Adventure Effect should be active before confirming its use. The action consumes the indicated amount of Stardust and Candy of the respective Pokémon and activates the Adventure Effect for the indicated length of time. Only one Adventure Effect may be active at a time, so one must be wise in using it, never mind how much Stardust and how many Candies to be spent on it.

As for usage scenarios, Roar of Time obviously works best when any or even all of the common "boost" items are active and something is needed due to certain circumstances - particularly time-based activations like a friend opening a Gift - to hold the timers before they expire. Spacial Rend might be more commonly used since it doesn't implicate "boost" items to be active, and could be used to seek out hard-to-find Pokémon or check them out from a greater distance away. Since both have their uses, one should have both of them from Go Tour earlier this year.

Could other Pokémon (and by implication, other moves) have Adventure Effects, at least at a later time? If the "Pledge" moves ever come into being in Pokémon Go, there could be a chance that they may have a minor Adventure Effect, changing Pokémon appearances to suit the type of the "Pledge" moves for however long it would take. There might be a minor issue of (determining) exclusivity for the Pokémon species that would be able to learn these moves, but that should be resolved prior to the selected species being able to learn the moves and gain the effect powers.

Undeniably, there's a certain great significance that Adventure Effects have, which would be the realization of the "field move" concept in a certain way. It's also significant that the initial realization involves two of the most unique moves, also powerful in their own ways, for two very unique Pokémon. Like the first step to a great adventure, the concept has a great pioneering effect, and the effects (that may just expand later on) will continue to be felt throughout Pokémon Go and the adventures Trainers will have.

One year ago: Ionic Bondings in the Silph Arena

Two years ago: Need Some Help, Game Freak?

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/6/2021

Four years ago: Tell Me Why, My Brother

Five years ago: (Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019

Six years ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds

Seven years ago: Ride the Pokémon

Continuity: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2024

Before proceeding (continuing) with other Pokémon matters, it is necessary to address something from the recent past that I haven't addressed, moreover as usual. That would be the edition of Pokémon Presents from this year's Pokémon Day. And for this year's "anniversary edition", "continuity" seems to be an appropriate descriptor for the things contained therein, as they make progressions from existing Pokémon things. Perhaps for that reason, this edition is one of the shorter ones at only about 15 minutes or so, as it's "back to business" afterwards; it's that continued business that demands to be outlined.

The first order of continued business was commemorative additions for current games. The main series games had (or are getting) some supremely familiar additions, while Pokémon Go received facets based on the latest in the Pokémon anime. Pokémon Unite will be (or already is) due for some intense Pokémon additions from the most recent generations, and Pokémon Café Remix got celebratory outfits and a new way of getting the most-coveted things. Then, Pokémon Masters EX is due for some intense new heroics from certain characters, and Pokémon Sleep will be due for some Legendary visits for a "sleepover". They're all just as commemorative as they are "business as usual", so the continuity is evident to certain extents in them.

Next, there was continued business in the form of two new games that further certain realms. The first pertained to the TCG, with a new game called Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket; it itself is a continued collaboration with DeNA as the developer of Pokémon Masters (EX). As expected, it's a virtual and mobile implementation of the physical game much like the TCGL. What sets it apart, however, is trimmed gameplay and "immersive" cards - with artwork that literally comes to life; other than that, one will find oneself opening packs, building decks, and battling as expected by the TCG. The continued (ahem) playable fate of this game remains to be seen, but it appears to be a compact alternative for continuing one's dealings in the Pokémon TCG.

Saved for last, the second of the new games continue a recent innovative twist, and it's called Pokémon Legends Z-A. The preview for it as shown in this edition of Pokémon Presents detailed an "Urban Development Plan" for the future of a certain city in the round with branched and circular pathways as well as dense settlements, complete with a gleaming tower in the middle. This city is of course Lumiose City, and the region of concern is certainly Kalos... though if the first Legends game is of any indication, it will likely involve different designations for the same areas in a different time. As well, because of the "Z" in the title, it seems that Zygarde may be set for redemption with this game, but that too will have to be seen, especially with the "-A" suffix.

Continuity remains important in some aspects, and all aspects featured in the latest edition of Pokémon Presents as its "anniversary edition" demonstrated that in some way or another. Though there wasn't much in the way of duration in this edition, it was still solid as a no-frills edition for celebrating the Pokémon anniversary and then getting on - thus, continuing - with the businesses and things that the games of the franchise present, as the current ones featured here, while expecting the ones to come. That seems all well and good for any Pokémon fan who expects no less than to (continue to) make progress.

One year ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2023

Two years ago: Made (Deep) in Obsidian

Three years ago: Pokémon First-Generation Drink Bottle

Four years ago: Hope For Problematic Pokémon Fans

Five years ago: A Gold and Silver Postcard

Six years ago: Being a Pokétaku

Seven years ago: I'm Swept Away

Am I Communicatively Challenged?

In the first year of this blog, something caused me to question whether I can actually write (particularly for the purpose of this Pokémon blog). Now, a string of happenings has caused me to question whether I can actually communicate, which would include writing on here, and I'm prompted to write about that in a post. This post is effectively a "sequel" to that earlier post, only a little broader in scope; specifically, it deals with any form of communication - including but not limited to writing - and how that relates to the Pokémon things I deal with.

Even going further back, I've always had some trouble with communication, with or without involvement of Pokémon. I've misinterpreted certain things when I bring them back out, I've struggled with words to the point that some people seem to feel the need to "put words in my mouth", and I've said wrong things without intent or by oversight. It can be imagined that some of these involve vital things or relations, which makes the trouble mount. The worst thing that could happen is if this occurs with communication regarding Pokémon.

This blog has been running for a very long time now, much longer than at the point of the previous post, and there's bound to have been more mistakes since that time. I'm also involved in more in-person happenings now, which also increases the potential for mistakes. While some of them may reflect my inadequacies when it comes to Pokémon, others may potentially highlight my inadequacies in general communication. Likewise, I apologize for anything that may have occurred and would like to make amends for them if at all possible.

Yet with all the communicative mishaps that have occurred in some way, the question in the title still stands to be addressed. If I am communicatively challenged, it may be that I possess a mental condition that leaves me in this state as a downside, but left me with my great interest in Pokémon on the upside. It might seem a little wild yet it does not escape the realm of possibilities. If I am discovered to have such a condition, then I would know about it and may have to discuss it here as well for the sake of completeness.

For as long as I deal with Pokémon, which is expected to be for as long as I'm around, I will have to deal with the matter of its communication to others. It's never an easy matter for anyone and it certainly hasn't been easy for this Pokémon fan either, whose problems with communication seem to be more pronounced (ahem). It also seems odd that I seem to have problems with communication yet possess a blog where lots of communication is made. That said, it's something to deal while I continue to deal with Pokémon.

One year ago: Matters of Cosplay Teasers

Two years ago: Recent New Unite Facets

Three years ago: Pokémon, Anatomy, and Books

Four years ago: The Ups and Downs of Showdown

Five years ago: A Mew Pouch

Six years ago: How Do I Live, Without You?

Seven years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks

Cosplay: Utsuru 8.5

Me: Double surprise!!

Goh: Yeah, should've known. How'd you get Ash back so quickly for this?

Me: Oh, well, there's the magic and wonder of transportation. Although it does cost more than what I would like...

Ash: At least it wasn't too shaky!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Very true!"]

Me: That is perhaps the only upside, other than being quick and allowing me and Ash to do something like this.

Goh: OK, anyway, so this is another "one half" edition.

Me: It seems JCD is going to make this annual, so we'll have two of these in a year.

Goh: So why did you send Ash back here instead of staying there, besides what we talked about yesterday?

Me: Well, this convention is kind of special, Ash has always been sent here, and it's always a different experience even if it's all the same.

Goh: I think I see what you mean. Maybe we can start with how the schedule went.

Ash: A lot of it was about music. If it wasn't a band or a dance group, it was a singer or a music show.

Goh: Music show - kind of like the radio show from a few months ago or the karaoke group that sometimes shows up?

Ash: Yeah! Both of them were in today.

Me: How about communities? Was there at least something different?

Ash: I saw a few more for fun things. I think it's because of the new rule they had.

Me: Oh, I should mention that. For this edition, they don't allow any visitors, characters, basically anyone with weapon replicas, let alone real ones.

Goh: OK, that's different.

Me: I think they wanted to avoid possible conflicts, since it's been a really sensitive time recently where I am.

Goh: That's understandable.

Ash: But it did make things nicer!

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["So it was."]

Goh: I'm sure there were competitions too.

Ash: Yeah! They were a song guessing thing, a changing thing, a best community voting, and the character parade.

Me: The last one is always our thing.

Ash: I didn't see the first two too much, and the winning community had friends of our friend, it seems.

Goh: That's nice. But what about you in the character parade?

Ash: Can you guess what happened with over 60 of them and only four winners?

Goh: You didn't make it.

Ash: No - lots of really good characters too that I thought could and would win but didn't. And I had some new twists too from my friend.

Me: I was going for a "modern meets classic" thing with your new Kanto/Johto outfit, but I think we'll have to improve on this some more.

Ash: Let's do that!

Me: So now we've established much of the same old, same old, but did you interact with many people there?

Ash: I did! New people and old people - and I got lots of pictures taken too.

Goh: So a lot of people were interested, not like yesterday.

Ash: You could say that.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["Pretty much."]

Ash: But it did get a little lonely at the end.

Me: Don't worry about that - that seems to happen. 

Ash: Oh! There was also a bit more Pokémon than usual.

Goh: How's that?

Ash: Well, I brought Pikachu, I saw Charizard again, two people brought the three Kanto starters, and someone was going to bring Snorlax but it didn't happen.

Goh: That had to have been a sight.

Pikachu: Pika! ["It was!"]

Me: Would you look at that.

Ash: And I ended up finishing the things to do from yesterday with some Electric-type Pokémon that appeared.

Me: Nice - one less work for me. So, I guess dividing our time this weekend was a good call too.

Ash: If this convention wasn't this weekend, I'd have wanted to stay for PIJ... but then there's the getting back that would have been a problem.

Me: That's exactly what I'd do and what my concerns are. But who knows - we got a good weekend out of it wherever you were.

Goh: You two sure did.

Me: One last thing: the promo logo for this one was based on something related to a straw hat character.

Ash: I saw the straw hat character a couple of times, but there wasn't much more of that from the people who held the convention.

Goh: It's themed... but not exactly, I guess?

Me: Maybe so. Who knows if Pokémon can be worked into this somehow, just like we worked it into this weekend.

Goh: It could happen.

Me: And that's where we would be.

One year ago: It's All Relative: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2023

Two years ago: Newfound Glory: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2022

Three years ago: More PokéStops in Specific Areas?

Four years ago: Re-Experiencing Main Series Battles

Five years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019

Six years ago: Investing for PokéCoins

Seven years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?

Cosplay+Pokémon Go: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Bali

Me: Surprise!!

Goh: [gasp] You two actually made it!

Me: We did - but unfortunately not without a problem (more on that soon). Anyway, this is a Pokémon Go paid event, but I've decided to up the ante by sending Ash as well.

Ash: I can tell this is going to be really great!

Pikachu: Pi pika chu! ["Very, very nice!"]

Ash: OK, so what will I be doing today?

Me: Well, you'll be catching, raiding, evolving, all the usual stuff. But there are a few things I want you to look out for today.

Ash: What are they?

Me: So, you'll want to look out for Pikachu with special balloons, Pikachu with a special shirt, and Latias and Latios with a card image behind them.

Goh: Oh, those are neat. They must be only gotten here.

Me: Indeed. Other than that, we might be able to let some stuff slide. For this event, we also have some special appearances in the wild, a few familiar faces in raids, a Collection Challenge, and things to do with Professor Willow.

Ash: Mmm, that's a lot.

Me: If that's a lot, then there are also bonuses of extra Special Trades, eight hour Incense, extra free raid passes, more Team Go Rocket balloons, a special souvenir, and photo bombs by Latias and Latios. But you may or may not get all of them, and that's fine.

Ash: I understand.

Goh: Well, what was the place of the event like?

Ash: It was a really big park in the middle of a city!

Goh: There must have been a lot of people.

Ash: There were - Trainers, visitors, and officials.

Me: At this point, I should say that Pokémon Go was just one part of it. A lot of Pokémon things were involved.

Goh: So... It was PFJ all over again, but this time at a park.

Me: Not completely at the park. Some were at a mall across town... but Ash wouldn't really have time for that.

Ash: I see what you mean.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["It wasn't going to work."]

Goh: Well, how'd you do with the Pokémon Go stuff?

Ash: I got a lot of the Pikachu with special balloons and the shirt. It looks spiffy.

Me: The shirt is made from a fabric called batik. It's made with traditional techniques and it often looks traditional too - but in modern times you can make it look like anything, even Pokémon.

Goh: Oh, I think I see it! There is Pikachu on there, and there's a Poké Ball too.

Ash: I do too. That's neat.

Me: In any case, the Pikachu with the balloons and the shirt will be good gifts for my other friends.

Ash: Then I got three Latios and one Latias with the card image.

Goh: Looking at it, I read about the legend of the Eon Pokémon - these two - and the monument in the card could totally belong there.

Ash: I think we found the Eon Island here.

Me: You know, I think that was the point. 

Ash: Oh, I also got through the Collection Challenge and I just needed to catch three more Pikachu for the stuff that Professor Willow asked me to do.

Me: That's great! Don't worry about what's left - I'll take care of that.

Ash: I left Incense of many hours for you. And let's see - I got to trade something, I didn't get the souvenir, and I got the photo bombs.

Me: Well, I trust you did what you could. That's a pretty good haul.

Goh: So, I read that the event lasts two days. What can Ash do on the second day?

Me: Nothing, except for other Pokémon stuff. It's one Trainer, one day. It's the norm for many of these events.

Goh: I see. What would Ash miss on the second day?

Me: Not much, besides the things he didn't get to do today... and a popular idol group.

Goh: Oh! I'm feeling it's going to be crowded then.

Me: I'm absolutely sure you're right. That's a good reason to not stick around.

Ash: Oh yeah! I didn't get to play the fair games or buy goodies for you because of catching Pokémon and all. But I did get a special card and cap, and got to see the Pikachu parade many times.

Goh: Neat!

Me: Great stuff. Also, Ash needs to rush back for something tomorrow, and I'm making sure it happens as quickly as possible.

Ash: It should turn out all right! ...Unlike yesterday when you got me here.

Me: That was the problem. And let me guess, the way you got there was turbulent.

Ash: Yeah...

Pikachu: Pika pika... ["It was a mess..."]

Me: I'm really sorry about that. Next time something like this happens, I'll try to find a better way.

Goh: At least Ash got through it just fine.

Ash: I did!

Me: Luckily, or I might have needed to answer to certain not so pretty things.

Goh: Phew!

Me: By the way, I sent Ash with his Journeys outfit. It may or may not have been popular.

Ash: One or two people might've been interested! But the rest were just normal.

Goh: It was again just like PFJ, wasn't it?

Ash: You could say that.

Me: Yeah, it seems that Pokémon characters were never meant to be, even if they fit in. That may be more for pop culture conventions than events like this.

Goh: I have a feeling that's what's going on tomorrow.

Ash: Um...

Pikachu: Pi... ["Um..."]

Me: Well, looks like we might have the answer for that then.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Hoenn

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Tour: Johto

Three years ago: Make It Make...: Pokémon Presents, 2/26/2021

Four years ago: Making Game Journeys... Literally

Five years ago: Winds of Changing Teams

Six years ago: Pikachu Cable Holder

Seven years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too

The Season of World of Wonders

OK, now it's really the start of a new season with the start of this month. For this one, the hint in the end of season post is "world" and "wonder". Thus, this season is called "World of Wonders", the first with three words and a joiner since the season system began. It also makes it sound slightly weird as I keep using the "Seasons of" moniker in front of it, but I take it in stride as it's had been the way that things were once conducted. Anyway, with a title like that, this season seems to promise quite a bit in store.

The promotional image for this season contains a blend of vibrant colors, much like those in a series of animated films that also take "wonder", "magic", and similarly related characteristics as their pride. The image also can be likened to a circus - perhaps more figuratively than literally - which often do have a lot going for them, including attractions and colors. Given the above, it seems that the aspects for this season are all set to be visited over its course and revisited later on when the season ends.

As for the game that brings about the titular season, details of its first few events are already at hand, including an "impromptu" one on Sunday, one that literally celebrates some of the things I detailed above, and - for those who keep up with me and can make it - a certain "Island of Paradise" event. As I'm wont to do, I'll be taking part in them as best as I possibly can, and their "wonder" and "magic" might just be self-revealing. And there's surely much more of that over the rest of the three months of this season.

With regard to other Pokémon games, they have their own wonders, and they'll reveal in due time. Even Pokémon Presents a little while ago gave a head start on what they could be, and that still needs to get on to be explained. The "wonders" may or may not correspond to those presented by Pokémon Go this season, but if anything, they ought to be rather similar. Certainly, they also have their own "magic" and "colors", owing to the fact that they are completely different games, yet still one alongside Pokémon.

I previously stated that Pokémon possesses wonder in all its elements and presents them in its games as well as various media, and that is a very nice thing indeed. Now with this new Pokémon Go season - World of Wonders - there are proving grounds for that in Pokémon Go specifically and the broader Pokémon franchise in general. Again, the two don't (or won't) necessarily correlate, but whatever correlation is present, they might just be indicative of any and all wonderment.

One year ago: The Season of Rising Heroes

Two years ago: The Season of Alola

Three years ago: The Season of Legends

Four years ago: Cosplay: March Funtastico

Five years ago: In Living Galar

Six years ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers

Seven years ago: Posters