I'm in the middle of creating something Pokémon-related which is (or should be) spectacular, but I've found that I need to take a step back, and it's a big one that undoes efforts that I've put in over several hours. Such an occurrence can happen in the main series games as well should one forget to save before an important event and the irreversible happens, though mitigated if the save happened. So it seems that resets and redos are part of Pokémon as well.
In the main series of games, before a soft-reset function was implemented, if the irreversible happened, one needed to turn off the console and turn it back on to reset. From at least the sixth generation games, a soft-reset function was implemented: to soft-reset the game, press the L + R + Start buttons at the same time. This takes players back to the title sequence and the main menu as if the console had been turned off and on again, without the hassle of doing so; all unsaved progress is lost and need to be redone. This is incredibly useful when attempting to catch Legendary Pokémon and/or ones with certain attributes, where the irreversible (no longer being able to catch them) is a real possibility.
I've used this to my advantage in the first situation as every now and then I lapse and make a mistake, resulting in the irreversible. Some of my friends have used this to catch Shiny Legendaries, though this is a hard proposition with its low chances, or battle-ready ones, which is more practical but still hard. Recently, though, I've used this function for a different purpose, but not far off from its intent; I use it to "exit to the main menu" to make sure that I don't fiddle after I save the game with the intent of finishing play. In a way, I'm anticipating a reset that could happen if I continued playing and something happened that required one.
Resetting and redoing are thus inevitable for the main series of Pokémon games. The finicky nature of catching Pokémon may present a few challenges of its own, and sometimes the best course is to just reset and redo the catch until properly done; it is fortunate that this has been made easier with a distinct function. And now I've got to execute this function in real life for something else Pokémon until I'm satisfied with my efforts.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Pokémon Exclusivity
I've just opened the drawer where I keep all my 3DS game cartridge cases and realized that all of the game cartridge cases are of Pokémon games. It seems that once again, cartridge-wise, I've become a Pokémon-exclusive player on my 3DS. This is not a bad thing if you're a big fan of Pokémon like me, but it does make it look like that is the only thing I play. The truth is, I'm interested in many games (with some reservations), but for the purposes of playing on my 3DS, I just focus on Pokémon rather than any other game.
As I've said, this Pokémon exclusivity is not limited to my time with the 3DS, but has also occurred several times in the past. On the Game Boy, I wasn't Pokémon-exclusive; there were many games I played other than and prior to knowing Pokémon, though once I knew, I did spent most of my time on Pokémon. On the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, I was Pokémon-exclusive, as I only had cartridges for Pokémon games, much as I do now. On the DS, I wasn't Pokémon-exclusive, as I played many games in addition to Pokémon. Whether I was or was not exclusive seemed to depend on the situation.
As for the current situation, the current prospect is that save for the situational mini-games outside of the Pokémon games, I foresee still being a Pokémon-exclusive player as these games are the only ones I can muster up to get at the moment. As well, I (always) have some unfinished business with these games, which becomes all the more reason to stay Pokémon-exclusive. If the situation and time warrants it, then I wouldn't hesitate to get and play a few other games which I have desired to play. Otherwise, only Pokémon games remain on the table.
It is natural for any major Pokémon fan to get as many Pokémon games as possible and play them, so it is welcome for them to stay playing those games. But at the same time it is foreseeable that many Pokémon fans are also fans of other games, so they're as welcome to branch out to those other games. In the end, though, everything is situational, and any player is welcome to do what is appropriate with their state of conditions. And for me, that would be to continue delving into Pokémon games at the moment.
As I've said, this Pokémon exclusivity is not limited to my time with the 3DS, but has also occurred several times in the past. On the Game Boy, I wasn't Pokémon-exclusive; there were many games I played other than and prior to knowing Pokémon, though once I knew, I did spent most of my time on Pokémon. On the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, I was Pokémon-exclusive, as I only had cartridges for Pokémon games, much as I do now. On the DS, I wasn't Pokémon-exclusive, as I played many games in addition to Pokémon. Whether I was or was not exclusive seemed to depend on the situation.
As for the current situation, the current prospect is that save for the situational mini-games outside of the Pokémon games, I foresee still being a Pokémon-exclusive player as these games are the only ones I can muster up to get at the moment. As well, I (always) have some unfinished business with these games, which becomes all the more reason to stay Pokémon-exclusive. If the situation and time warrants it, then I wouldn't hesitate to get and play a few other games which I have desired to play. Otherwise, only Pokémon games remain on the table.
It is natural for any major Pokémon fan to get as many Pokémon games as possible and play them, so it is welcome for them to stay playing those games. But at the same time it is foreseeable that many Pokémon fans are also fans of other games, so they're as welcome to branch out to those other games. In the end, though, everything is situational, and any player is welcome to do what is appropriate with their state of conditions. And for me, that would be to continue delving into Pokémon games at the moment.
Monday, June 19, 2017
The Badge Arcade Hit Its Limits
I've discussed about the 3DS Pokémon badges on the Home screen and where they originate, which is the Nintendo Badge Arcade game/app. Every app or game on the 3DS, however, has limits, and unfortunately the Badge Arcade has just hit that limit. Coincidentally, the Badge Arcade now has 8800 badges - or rather will have that many in three days, on June 22nd. That will also be when the effective final update on badges for the Arcade will be delivered.
What does this mean for Pokémon badges? It means there won't be anything new past this point, which is a given, and a bit regrettable, since Pokémon that haven't received badges now never will, and those that already have badges can't be taken in new directions. Even so, there's the realization that not all Pokémon can have a badge and certainly not in all art styles. If that happened, then of those 8800 badges, at least a third would be Pokémon badges, as a rough estimate considering the hundreds upon hundreds of Pokémon species and stuff, including objects like the Poké Ball, and a myriad of art styles. All that would make an incentive to create a "Pokémon Badge Arcade", but this would be a pipe dream as well, given the limitations.
As for the Badge Arcade itself, the effort by Nintendo is certainly laudable. We get to rake in badges, and Nintendo gets to rake in some cash - remember, if you want more badges quickly, you'll really have to pay for them by your eShop balance. The only problem is that "Nintendo" as a whole is broad, so everything including Pokémon has to have a fair share, and the result is those 8800 badges for everything. Again, a subset like "Pokémon Badge Arcade" would be simple to conceive to deal with this but hard to execute and manage, so it's not a really desirable solution. What does exist is pretty good, though, and that is at least what matters.
All that's left is to say "thank you" to the Badge Arcade for providing us with the seeds of inspiration to help to make our Home screens totally unique, totally pretty, and totally who we are. And who I am is Pokémon, which has been quite accommodated with the badges from the Badge Arcade. The glory of the Badge Arcade lives on in the badges we collect and the Home screens we decorate.
What does this mean for Pokémon badges? It means there won't be anything new past this point, which is a given, and a bit regrettable, since Pokémon that haven't received badges now never will, and those that already have badges can't be taken in new directions. Even so, there's the realization that not all Pokémon can have a badge and certainly not in all art styles. If that happened, then of those 8800 badges, at least a third would be Pokémon badges, as a rough estimate considering the hundreds upon hundreds of Pokémon species and stuff, including objects like the Poké Ball, and a myriad of art styles. All that would make an incentive to create a "Pokémon Badge Arcade", but this would be a pipe dream as well, given the limitations.
As for the Badge Arcade itself, the effort by Nintendo is certainly laudable. We get to rake in badges, and Nintendo gets to rake in some cash - remember, if you want more badges quickly, you'll really have to pay for them by your eShop balance. The only problem is that "Nintendo" as a whole is broad, so everything including Pokémon has to have a fair share, and the result is those 8800 badges for everything. Again, a subset like "Pokémon Badge Arcade" would be simple to conceive to deal with this but hard to execute and manage, so it's not a really desirable solution. What does exist is pretty good, though, and that is at least what matters.
All that's left is to say "thank you" to the Badge Arcade for providing us with the seeds of inspiration to help to make our Home screens totally unique, totally pretty, and totally who we are. And who I am is Pokémon, which has been quite accommodated with the badges from the Badge Arcade. The glory of the Badge Arcade lives on in the badges we collect and the Home screens we decorate.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
There Is Only One Ball
In many Pokémon games, there are a multitude of Poké Balls that can be used to catch Pokémon. Each one is tailored to some aspect of the Pokémon that is targeted to be caught. However, despite this fact, other games and the anime (most of the time) only exhibit one ball, the very ball for which this class of tools is named. Thus I propose that in some understanding that the classic red-and-white Poké Ball is really the only thing that is needed for the purpose of catching and keeping Pokémon.
In contrast to all other ball types, the Poké Ball is only a basic ball. It makes no regard of the size of the Pokémon being caught nor does it regard the location. It doesn't enhance the happiness of the Pokémon upon a successful catch, and it doesn't restore their vitals either. Finally, it pales in catching probability compared to its Great Ball and Ultra Ball brethren. Given all this, it would appear that the Poké Ball is made out to be a weak ball, akin to a "Magikarp of balls", so to speak. Yet it still works for catching and holding just about any Pokémon.
So then, this mediocrity is not really a liability for the Poké Ball. Instead, it becomes an asset that plays into its ubiquity. By not making distinctions based on the characteristics of the Pokémon to be caught, it affirms its universality in that all Pokémon are simply caught and held in the same manner, and there is no reason that this can't happen. All other balls then only serve as backup varieties. The Poké Ball is therefore the equalizing platform for catching any Pokémon.
In the end, the Poké Ball is a simple yet elegant solution to catching and keeping any Pokémon. While its basic qualities don't ensure that catches happen quickly and efficiently, it doesn't mean that it doesn't work either. It just means that this is the typical and universal solution which works even if other balls can do a better job, a good thing when this doesn't matter much as in the anime and certain games. The Poké Ball just works, and just that is already a good thing.
In contrast to all other ball types, the Poké Ball is only a basic ball. It makes no regard of the size of the Pokémon being caught nor does it regard the location. It doesn't enhance the happiness of the Pokémon upon a successful catch, and it doesn't restore their vitals either. Finally, it pales in catching probability compared to its Great Ball and Ultra Ball brethren. Given all this, it would appear that the Poké Ball is made out to be a weak ball, akin to a "Magikarp of balls", so to speak. Yet it still works for catching and holding just about any Pokémon.
So then, this mediocrity is not really a liability for the Poké Ball. Instead, it becomes an asset that plays into its ubiquity. By not making distinctions based on the characteristics of the Pokémon to be caught, it affirms its universality in that all Pokémon are simply caught and held in the same manner, and there is no reason that this can't happen. All other balls then only serve as backup varieties. The Poké Ball is therefore the equalizing platform for catching any Pokémon.
In the end, the Poké Ball is a simple yet elegant solution to catching and keeping any Pokémon. While its basic qualities don't ensure that catches happen quickly and efficiently, it doesn't mean that it doesn't work either. It just means that this is the typical and universal solution which works even if other balls can do a better job, a good thing when this doesn't matter much as in the anime and certain games. The Poké Ball just works, and just that is already a good thing.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Hounds and Hyenas, Canines of the Dark
My friends and I are gathering to eat, drink, and have fun. For the last point, we're also playing a game that involves canines and the dark of night. Pokémon has those too, as one embodiment, in the form of two two-stage Pokémon that look fierce as the first stage and even fiercer as the second stage. To my observation, we look as fierce as those Pokémon when we assume those roles.
The first of these Pokémon are Houndour and Houndoom. The two Pokémon are known for being a hybrid of Fire and Dark types. The latter even received a Mega Evolution in the sixth generation. This is understandable given that Mega Evolution seems to be given to the most popular Pokémon, and they're definitely popular given they're the first to appear along with the rest of the second generation. They almost look like they set the standard for the other two Pokémon, with their looks and capabilities.
Those other two Pokémon are Poochyena and Mightyena. Unlike their second-generation predecessors above, these two are purely Dark types. While I feel that they look just as fierce and powerful as the predecessors, to everyone else these two don't appear as popular. It may be because Poochyena is popularly known as the Pokémon that gave trouble to Professor Birch at the start of the third-generation games, setting the stage for the course of the games. On one hand they could have been what Houndour and Houndoom have been, but on the other hand they don't seem to measure up to the predecessor's standard.
Canines and the dark of night are two things that go together in many world folklore, and they also happen to go together in the world of Pokémon. This concept is popular enough elsewhere, so it may as well be welcome with Pokémon - and it is. I don't know if we truly resemble these Pokémon when we play the game, but at least we do show enough resemblance to them as we do.
The first of these Pokémon are Houndour and Houndoom. The two Pokémon are known for being a hybrid of Fire and Dark types. The latter even received a Mega Evolution in the sixth generation. This is understandable given that Mega Evolution seems to be given to the most popular Pokémon, and they're definitely popular given they're the first to appear along with the rest of the second generation. They almost look like they set the standard for the other two Pokémon, with their looks and capabilities.
Those other two Pokémon are Poochyena and Mightyena. Unlike their second-generation predecessors above, these two are purely Dark types. While I feel that they look just as fierce and powerful as the predecessors, to everyone else these two don't appear as popular. It may be because Poochyena is popularly known as the Pokémon that gave trouble to Professor Birch at the start of the third-generation games, setting the stage for the course of the games. On one hand they could have been what Houndour and Houndoom have been, but on the other hand they don't seem to measure up to the predecessor's standard.
Canines and the dark of night are two things that go together in many world folklore, and they also happen to go together in the world of Pokémon. This concept is popular enough elsewhere, so it may as well be welcome with Pokémon - and it is. I don't know if we truly resemble these Pokémon when we play the game, but at least we do show enough resemblance to them as we do.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Limited Editions
I've noticed lately that I've hit a slight issue with my 3DS, which as I've detailed in my story, is the Pikachu Limited Edition. That same friend has suggested that I go see someone in town to look at it, and that is what I will do as soon as I am able. This issue does prompt me to discuss about limited editions of things, of which Pokémon also has. It's kind of a love-hate thing based on specific considerations, although admittedly considering Pokémon, there's a lot more love than hate involved.
When it comes to hardware and devices with Pokémon on them, I'm a bit on the fence. The issue concerns whether I can use them while maintaining their integrity and therefore "limited-ness". If I think I can't, then there is no point. At this point I have to come clean and say that before I decided to grab my friend's 3DS Pikachu LE, I was divided on whether I should get one of the other Pokémon 3DS limited editions (the Xerneas and Yveltal ones) or go with a regular one. If I back then knew all the things that a 3DS could do, I would have gotten a regular one rather than an LE as integrity would be a lesser yet still important concern. As it stands, though, I don't regret grabbing my friend's 3DS Pikachu LE because it has brought me lots of good things rather than bad, but I still feel slightly ashamed that I couldn't keep its integrity as above. In the future I will keep this for consideration.
Now, most games don't have a programmed limited edition, so a game with a limited edition most often means it comes with special things. These I will truly get if things work out, allowing me to get them; the special things can simply become collectibles, which I don't mind. For example, the European limited editions of Pokémon games often come with a metal case, which is intriguing to be able to get as the case makes a nice collectible. However, my 3DS is not European, so it would be a waste of my money getting something that I can't play (without making extra effort). Had I had a European 3DS, then things would be just dandy. Then again, the final determinant would of course be money.
So I have nothing against limited editions, so long as I can make them stay that way and it is not prohibitive to get them. Otherwise, if things don't work out, I'm just fine with the regular editions. This applies equally to Pokémon and elsewhere, but the drive is greater for me in regard to Pokémon stuff, and that's where the love lies. I'm going to need to show that love for my 3DS as well in getting it looked at.
When it comes to hardware and devices with Pokémon on them, I'm a bit on the fence. The issue concerns whether I can use them while maintaining their integrity and therefore "limited-ness". If I think I can't, then there is no point. At this point I have to come clean and say that before I decided to grab my friend's 3DS Pikachu LE, I was divided on whether I should get one of the other Pokémon 3DS limited editions (the Xerneas and Yveltal ones) or go with a regular one. If I back then knew all the things that a 3DS could do, I would have gotten a regular one rather than an LE as integrity would be a lesser yet still important concern. As it stands, though, I don't regret grabbing my friend's 3DS Pikachu LE because it has brought me lots of good things rather than bad, but I still feel slightly ashamed that I couldn't keep its integrity as above. In the future I will keep this for consideration.
Now, most games don't have a programmed limited edition, so a game with a limited edition most often means it comes with special things. These I will truly get if things work out, allowing me to get them; the special things can simply become collectibles, which I don't mind. For example, the European limited editions of Pokémon games often come with a metal case, which is intriguing to be able to get as the case makes a nice collectible. However, my 3DS is not European, so it would be a waste of my money getting something that I can't play (without making extra effort). Had I had a European 3DS, then things would be just dandy. Then again, the final determinant would of course be money.
So I have nothing against limited editions, so long as I can make them stay that way and it is not prohibitive to get them. Otherwise, if things don't work out, I'm just fine with the regular editions. This applies equally to Pokémon and elsewhere, but the drive is greater for me in regard to Pokémon stuff, and that's where the love lies. I'm going to need to show that love for my 3DS as well in getting it looked at.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
15th Feature Film Mini-Figures
When I walk into my room, just before I turn to my bed, I'm greeted by a set of mini-figures. These mini-figures are from the 15th Pokémon feature film, which in English is titled Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice. I have to confess that I haven't yet seen this film, but friends assure me that it is great. I will have to make some time to see this, but in the meantime I'm satisfied with looking at these figures.
The figures are composed of Pikachu, Piplup, Snivy, Oshawott, Meloetta-Aria, Meloetta-Pirouette, Keldeo, and Keldeo. Wait, two Keldeo? Yes - the figures came in a set, and the set happened to have two Keldeo. When I showed off the two Keldeo to one of my Pokéfriends some years ago and he was intrigued because of that fact. If the other Keldeo was of the Resolute Forme, it would be a different world. As for the figures themselves, another one of my Pokéfriends told me they're original figures, and that makes me happy to have them. I still have the wrappers for these figures in case I need them for some odd reason. In any case, they're well-crafted, plus they are cute and pleasing to look at.
If you'll notice, the figures are sitting on a mini table. That's not a wooden table; that's actually a papercraft table from the same place that I got all my papercraft figures. The table is meant to have Poké Doll models to be placed on top of it, so instead I've repurposed it to have these figures on top of it. The table is actually the second one I built, and for a good reason: the first one fell apart because the weight of the table, being made out of lighter paper, couldn't hold the weight of the figures, so I scrapped it. For the second build, I printed the parts on the heaviest art paper possible, and this time it works out pretty well and hasn't fallen apart since.
While I don't advocate quantity over quality, this is one instance where quantity and quality go together. I love having these eight figures as a set that go together with a theme (the feature film) and I especially enjoyed not having to hunt for each one individually. The only thing left is to watch that film. But as long as I have these figures, it's a perfect reminder of what I need to do next.
The figures are composed of Pikachu, Piplup, Snivy, Oshawott, Meloetta-Aria, Meloetta-Pirouette, Keldeo, and Keldeo. Wait, two Keldeo? Yes - the figures came in a set, and the set happened to have two Keldeo. When I showed off the two Keldeo to one of my Pokéfriends some years ago and he was intrigued because of that fact. If the other Keldeo was of the Resolute Forme, it would be a different world. As for the figures themselves, another one of my Pokéfriends told me they're original figures, and that makes me happy to have them. I still have the wrappers for these figures in case I need them for some odd reason. In any case, they're well-crafted, plus they are cute and pleasing to look at.
If you'll notice, the figures are sitting on a mini table. That's not a wooden table; that's actually a papercraft table from the same place that I got all my papercraft figures. The table is meant to have Poké Doll models to be placed on top of it, so instead I've repurposed it to have these figures on top of it. The table is actually the second one I built, and for a good reason: the first one fell apart because the weight of the table, being made out of lighter paper, couldn't hold the weight of the figures, so I scrapped it. For the second build, I printed the parts on the heaviest art paper possible, and this time it works out pretty well and hasn't fallen apart since.
While I don't advocate quantity over quality, this is one instance where quantity and quality go together. I love having these eight figures as a set that go together with a theme (the feature film) and I especially enjoyed not having to hunt for each one individually. The only thing left is to watch that film. But as long as I have these figures, it's a perfect reminder of what I need to do next.
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