Poké-Cartomancy?

Cartomancy is the act of divining fates from cards - in other words, fortune-telling using those cards. In the world, the most common cards that are used for this purpose are tarot cards containing some novel cards that complement that very purpose, although regular playing card decks can also be used with particular methods. This then leads to the pondering that other cards could be used to do so, and within the scope of this blog, that would mean the cards of the Pokémon TCG.

What would be conceivable is that a player who possesses the usual 60-card deck used for TCG matches would go to a "cartomancer" who can also deal with Pokémon cards as well as the usual purposed cards. The deck would be shuffled and cards would be drawn from it, and then divinations would be made according to the cards that are turned up, much like the process with the other purposed cards. Something that would also be conceivable is that the elements on the cards - like the moves on Pokémon cards or the descriptions of Trainer cards - would be part of the divinations, with other elements possibly contributing to them.

Yet challenges are certainly abound. A big and obvious one is that there are many, many more Pokémon cards than there are for the other purposed cards, and more and more of the former are being made all the time, as veteran players can attest. The divinations may have to have (or be based on) certain ground rules that pertain to most of these cards, and perhaps more importantly can be proactively applied to cards that will be developed in the future. In that respect, card descriptions are consistent (and standard) in this regard even if the cards themselves are different, and like the purposed cards, they'll have certain interpretations.

Divining fates or the future, with cartomancy as the specific form based on cards of some kind, is an activity that may only be loosely grounded by what's on the cards, but could still be thought of as a fun interpretative exercise. The cards of the Pokémon TCG would be an unusual basis for performing the activity in comparison to the purposed cards that are more established, but then that may go back to the "fun" part, and the rest of that future may be determined through other means.

One year ago: Quickies: Color Neighborhoods, Pokémon Style

Two years ago: Kecleon Role Wonders

Three years ago: Pokémon Mascots for Existing Sports Teams

Four years ago: The Music of Unite

Five years ago: How Simple Is Pokémon Really?

Six years ago: Illusions of Success?

Seven years ago: People-Adventure or Pokémon-Adventure?

Eight years ago: Kanto Starter Keychains

Café Remix Event Structure, Revisited

It was only about a year ago that I discussed the newly reworked (at that time) structure of in-game events for Café Remix, which in a way was to (somewhat) alleviate the malady of efforts that had been previously needed for them. Since then, further changes have been made for it, rendering my earlier post obsolete. Given what has transpired, I've decided to take out a post to revisit the topic, review the changes, and extract its implications.

The first change to that structure was having just either one of the mini-events with Audino or Eevee as previously discussed, which was then followed by a longer event in individual or team formats, featuring an old Pokémon that revisits the café. These would remain concurrent with a prime event with the usual given formats plus the Cook and Collect event with Gholdengo and Gimmighoul, and of course Mission Bingo with all that it offers.

Eventually, the old mini-events were retired, the prime events were slightly reduced in length, and the only concurrent ones were the longer "return" event to the end of the prime event as well as Cook and Collect. A further recent change removed the event play requirement for Cook and Collect, and the Gimmighoul Coins can be obtained by regular stage play instead. Then there was the addition of Café Pop-Up, for which less is better said.

With these changes, there is admittedly a process of implementing simplification and added workability to the events. The "return" event in particular brings hope to all players to get the Pokémon they may have missed before or to augment their outfit grade if they already did. On the other hand, shorter prime events will mean more of them and more work to do for them, so that may be the most dire consequence of this arrangement.

Of course, there is always the potential for the event structure to change further since the game is continuously updated, but the changes over time since that specific discussion on the topic merits to be discussed as well. The most puzzling thing about Café Remix, aside from its stage play, may just be structuring the events for the best form, and its current form with the changes may be the best one yet, if not at least for the current time.

One year ago: Fonts in Pokémon Presentations

Two years ago: Getting United with Unite Squads

Three years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru (for KJR)

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/9/2021

Five years ago: On the Buying and Selling of Gameplay Elements

Six years ago: Hunting for Physical References

Seven years ago: What Pokémon Eat

Eight years ago: Pokémon Jigsaw Puzzle

TCGP: Luxuriously Deluxe (...Pack ex)

A little less than a month ago, I noted about "pack fatigue" in Pokémon TCGP, its implications, and what could be done about the situation. It seems the developers of the game may have listened and have now brought forth a somewhat unique solution for that situation. That solution could be said to be a new expansion - slightly ironically - but in some respects it may not qualify to be called that, and it further offers a bit of a "luxury" for the same efforts of opening packs to collect the cards that are contained within them.

The (not-)expansion is called the "Deluxe Pack ex", and its packs work a bit differently than those of prior expansions. Only four cards (instead of the usual five) are contained within each pack, but at least one of the cards will have a rarity of four Diamonds or higher. What makes it a "not-expansion" is that most of the cards in the packs are ones that have been featured in prior expansions, so it affords a good deal of "second chances" to collect them, especially the rare cards. In that case, the cards will be indexed in both the earlier expansion and this new one, even if the expansion may not be as such.

Because of the pack structure, a few things related to it work a little differently. One of them is Wonder Picks: by nature, they always cost three Wonder Stamina (at least), and they have an additional two Pack Hourglasses to make up for the missing card... which some might stumble upon if they're really unlucky. Furthermore, the (not-)expansion and its packs will only be available for a limited time, which would be the span of this month, after which things might just return to regularity. Speaking of regularity, even with fewer cards but a guaranteed higher-rarity card, the packs of this (not-)expansion still cost the regular 12 Pack Hourglass if more are desired to be opened beyond the limits of free openings.

For the cards that are unique to the expansion, a number of Pokémon have received cards with different art on them - including quite a few with full art - and some Legendary Pokémon also have their Shiny cards here as well. Several old cards also have new art that are of the Crown rarity, which are obviously even harder to get due to the massive number of cards in the numbered section here (over 350). Like previous expansions, there is a new three-Star card of the "immersive" variety, and it celebrates the first and all previous expansions with its art. At least in this respect, it really is one.

If the contents of this "not-expansion" are to be considered, the potential for catching up is quite high, but then there is also a good possibility of getting the extras that are included with it. As a solution to the "pack fatigue", it may very well be imperfect (including by its limited availability timeframe and other associated quirks), but it can still make for some headway while being entertained alongside the new content. That in itself could be said to be the "luxury" that is afforded by continuing to deal with this and other aspects of the game.

One year ago: The New Event Structure of Café Remix

Two years ago: Latest Pokémon Fun on Social Media

Three years ago: Surrendering in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: Record-Keeping in Pokémon Games

Five years ago: Countermeasures for Pokémon Go: Taking Stands, Taking Chances

Six years ago: Someone Else's Points

Seven years ago: A Poké Ball Keychain

Eight years ago: Cosplay: Kisetsu no Matsuri

The Charjabug Scuffle in Pokémon Unite

Though the anniversary celebrations for Pokémon Go for this year have already somewhat passed, that doesn't mean that the game can't experiment with new play modes as it had done for that very occasion, moreover ones that are similar to that. Recently, such a new mode has been implemented, and the dynamics of it are as similar as they are different to the previously implemented play mode, forcing players to enter a struggle to charge up their sides all the way to attain victory over the opposing side.

With that, the new mode is called "Charjabug Scuffle". This too is a 3-on-3 Quick Match, set in a "city garden" map. The Pokémon have to pick up the two Charjabug on the map in order to  charge their side's meter and earn points, with greater charging for those in the middle circular "terminal". There is no time limit; instead, the victory condition is whichever side charges up 300 points first. Obviously, teams will attack one another to knock off Charjabug and claim it to charge up their side, which will also demand some defending.

Further like the previous play mode, the Pokémon will have leveled up and need to have their moves chosen. Smart attacking and defending is then required for the Pokémon to keep the Charjabug close to the middle if possible and charging up their side. The "final stretch" moment occurs when a team has scored 250 points from picking up Charjabug, and it has a similar urgency. Of course, they also can and do have to take advantage of the entire map to try to retain possession of Charjabug and keep the scoring going.

Something that I didn't mention for Electrode Volleyball is that it also had a mini-event for earning points by completing daily battle tasks with the play mode and exchanging the awarded points for different and unique items. Charjabug Scuffle has a similar mini-event with similar tasks and a similar selection of items. Players will be challenged for these each day in order to earn the points and then the items.

Meanwhile, I have to say that my experience with the play mode has been hit-or-miss. When I play, it seems that either my team is doing really well and crushing it, or the other team is doing really well and crushing me and my team. This situation may also have something to do with certain team members that may be erratic in their movements or may not have a full understanding of the challenges of the map.

Regardless, it's those challenges that players can face right now in another fast play mode for the game that is different from the usual norms, yet still requiring the same skillset for those challenges. That skillset will demand players to charge things up to succeed with others while keeping the other side from doing the same; the results may be a jolt or a burst of energy that is as fresh as any development that has been made for the game.

One year ago: Two Festival and Pokémon Dreams

Two years ago: The Happy Bonus in Café Remix

Three years ago: Filling a Trainer's Home with Pokémon

Four years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Master League Classic

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Phones and Gadgetry

Six years ago: Livestream and Let Livestream

Seven years ago: Cosplay: SJF - Tomodachi 3

Eight years ago: Iron Trainers?

Catering Multiple Characters

I often get ideas for posts on this blog from the things that are being discussed around me. One of them happens to be the central theme of this post, which deals with how different franchises, universes, what-have-you can be said to "cater" multiple characters to fans, as those who enjoy them. The source of this theme was a recent discussion that I became an indirect participant of, which regarded books, media, and their content. According to the discussion, the different fandoms can be said to be clearly designed to present multiple characters for different fans, not just have everyone follow a designated character, or just a few in some cases. Obviously, this has implications, including some that are related to Pokémon.

The implications are that people have different interests, even those who are involved in the same fandom; in turn, this would mean that they can be attracted to different fandoms in different ways, even given the same fandom. Further, it takes greater and different efforts to keep those fans engaged in those fandoms, and what would be ideal and can play into this is all those different characters that are "catered" to them as such. Even though they would be following (or be engaged to) different things in the same fandom, they would still be - and rightly so - considered fans of that fandom, which is a great thing for all that is concerned.

For Pokémon, it is clear that all the species that have appeared from the past to present all have their fan segments, from the competitive kind to the ones who simply adore them. They are then "catered" in the regular ways that Pokémon offers - game, media, merchandise, and much more -  and evidently all kinds of fans snap them up, even crossing over segments if need be. For example, there will always be Pikachu and all its derivatives for those who are its fans, but then those fans in turn could also be fans of other species in specific ways, and they'll enjoy all of that. And then there are many more other elements that I can't all mention.

All kinds of media - not just limited to books by way of the discussion above - will certainly do their "catering" of different characters in all kinds of ways. The most important insight, given this blog's focus on Pokémon, is that Pokémon can do (and in fact does do) the same as well with all the elements that has been offered by it throughout the years. The "catering" idea is a powerful idea that may or may not have needed that discussion above to raise awareness of it, but it may just take this post to present the case for and its applicability to Pokémon.

One year ago: Cosplay: Tanoshii Matsuri - Axis Cup (Local)

Two years ago: Improving on Routes (...Maybe?)

Three years ago: Means of Venturing for Trainers

Four years ago: One Girl Is Company, Two Girls Are...

Five years ago: Official Representative Pokémon for Regions

Six years ago: (Not) Sparkling Names

Seven years ago: My Town, Pokémon Town

Eight years ago: What's in a Name?

Cosplay: Ohayou Sekai Vol. 2 x AITI

Me: So, last week we ended the month; this time, we kick it off.

Ash: This looks neat. 

Goh: Uh-huh. But... "Vol. 2"? When was the first?

Me: Good question. That one actually happened when this happened.

Goh: Oh, the day when there were two at the same time.

Ash: Oh, that's the one!

Me: Yeah, so now like this year's edition of that, there's nothing holding back. 

Goh: Other than other Pokémon things like Community Day.

Me: Pretty much. But my radar says there's nothing going on today... just yesterday, and I already took care of that myself.

Goh: Well, so Ash only needs to enjoy the festival.

Ash: Almost. I, uh...

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Hmm?"]

Ash: Is it something that our friend needs to deal with?

Me: Oh, um... How's the "vibe" of the festival, from what you can see and hear from the outside?

Ash: I think it's OK.

Me: Then you can get in. Here.

Goh: I see. But then you'd have Ash in regardless if you signed him up for competitions.

Me: Sure. There's a singing competition... but it turns out it was already full when I wanted to sign him up. And then it turns out I was really busy the week before, so no way it was going to happen for Ash.

Goh: I think your business is really going to make up for that.

Me: I think it should. Then there's a character parade...

Ash: I got you in for that after I got in. 

Goh: There you go. 

Ash: I think there's only going to be three winners for that.

Goh: And you can bet there'll be a lot of characters.

Me: So, have fun and don't stress out. You have the Alola outfit for that. 

Ash: Great!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Seconded!"]

Goh: What about the rest of the festival?

Ash: Communities, food, and a lot of dance groups.

Me: Oh, yes. I almost forgot. The rest of this festival is somewhat focused on dance groups. Have a look.

Goh: So it is. Two stages, and most everything are for dance groups. I guess Ash didn't look at them too much.

Ash: I think they're just OK. They're still fun to watch sometimes.

Goh: And after all that, there were the winners. 

Ash: Uh... yeah. All of the characters had all won before somehow. And a couple are good friends of our friend.

Goh: Didn't happen after all.

Ash: And the ones for the singing competition were all male!

Goh: That's neat. So you might have gotten a chance.

Me: Depends on a lot of things, though. Maybe we'll see what next time holds.

Ash: After all that, the festival wasn't too bad!

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Just great."]

Goh: That's neat. So it makes sense why a lot of people went to here instead of the other one.

Me: Yeah, that. Some lessons were learned that day, I think.

Ash: Even everyone else can't win 'em all.

Me: Well, sure. By the way, the festival's title means "good morning, world".

Goh: It's a bright name for a bright happening. 

Me: You can say that. So on that note, good morning - and if don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.

Ash: Who are you talking to?

Me: Um... nobody.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 10/5/2024

Two years ago: Warring for "Pokémon" Tickets?

Three years ago: Possible Future Unite Licenses? (Take Two)

Four years ago: Quickies: Nurse Joy, the Maintainer of Health

Five years ago: Circus You Create

Six years ago: Gym Progression in Pokémon Go

Seven years ago: Starters and "Pseudo-Starters"

Eight years ago: The Old New Thing: Second-Generation Games

My Pokémon Music Remix Artist Picks

Today's music scene is a varied lot. That also goes for electronic music, a lot of which is now lumped under the umbrella they call "EDM", short for "Electronic Dance Music", also suiting the styles for remixing music from other genres and sources. I'm no stranger to this, and I (and other) Pokémon fans would certainly love to see - and hear - artists that especially deal with this area of music also remix Pokémon music. To that end, I also offer my picks for artists who might just remix Pokémon music and especially in the referenced electronic style.

One of my picks would still be Ryutaro Nakahara or Ryu☆, whom I also referenced in last year's post about a possible Pokémon concert (as well as my meeting two years ago). A lot of his music can be considered as the "bright and happy" sort, like of the "happy hardcore" kind; this is certainly applicable to a number of Pokémon music pieces that are already happy and could be made (remixed) to reflect this genre. When I talked to him, he had said that he might just be open to it, and I would fully support it if it ever can happen somehow.

Not far removed from the above is Kosuke Saito or kors k. In his early days, he was a co-winner of a musician contest with Ryutaro, and to this day they're still associated together, especially through their "The 4th" collaborative unit. His music (in my view) is a little more darker and more intense, but this conceivably could be applied to Pokémon music as well, certainly fitting the various battle music. Given the above, they might just collaborate as well, but individual Pokémon music pieces remixed by him would also be essential and of (my) interest.

Still close to the two is my third pick, Masaya Oya or (familiarly) Camellia. He's a more recent artist, also achieving similar popularity in the same ways as with the two mentioned above, though not necessarily through contests. I would consider his style to be a "happy medium" of the two, possibly even "all-purpose", and there would certainly be a way to fit this into the framework of Pokémon music and especially for the purpose of remixing them. Yet he does seem a little "secretive", and that may lead to wonders about his possible involvement.

It may be inevitable that Pokémon music (and remixes of it) could be realized in different ways, including as illustrated by more recent ones. EDM-style remixes - or perhaps more correctly, even more of them - could be the ticket, and if they are, then the three artists above might just fit the bill for that. They're also my personal picks regardless for the possible remixers, and their varied styles lend themselves for that purpose. The broader world of Pokémon music and music in general surely might appreciate their presence for the variety they bring.

One year ago: Asset Downloading in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Item Drops in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: Quickies: Needing a Speed Boost

Four years ago: Possible Future Unite Licenses?

Five years ago: The Sun Also Rises... on SLA

Six years ago: Dub Reunion, Dub History

Seven years ago: A Strongly Brilliant Thing

Eight years ago: Feelings for Female Trainers