As many Pokémon fans know, the eighth-generation main series games have been revealed, along with the starter Pokémon that will initially accompany Trainers on their journey. But that's about all that has been revealed; things like the final evolved forms of those starters have not, and they have been left up to the imagination of fans, at least for the time being. The thing about this is that this may be considered a marketing ploy, and a lot of expectations may ride on it.
The "marketing ploy" part is that by letting the imaginations of fans run rampant, free, and wild about the final evolved forms before the actual reveal of those forms, they're actually communicating about the games. They are letting other fans (and other players) know that Pokémon will have a new game out soon with specific things, and they're also putting in their two cents about what they think of it. It's kind of like what I do with the posts on this blog, except in a more visual form, and viral thanks to the social media of today. And so far, this has resulted in some nifty things, whether serious-hypothetical or humorous-jocular.
The "expectation" part naturally arises out of these imaginative speculations (or speculative imaginations, if one prefers). The creation of the fan art involving the final evolved forms creates not only thoughts about what they might be, but also what they should be, according to the minds of the players. This is of course part of the "hype" of things prior to the release of the games, although in my mind, this could become unnecessarily too much, especially if left unchecked. I seem to be seeing indications that this might be happening to a number of fans.
I personally try to "keep a level head"; I try not to let all these speculations take over my sentiments when they aren't even official to begin with. I don't mind having and seeing all these speculations, and I'll admit they achieve the marketing goal in a unique way. Yet I also feel that it's hard to justify being too worked up over something that may or may not end up becoming true, and therefore I play down the expectations. Once the real thing comes about, then I may get quite worked up about it.
Even with my personal sentiments about "the marketing of expectations", what happens with the imagination of fans is surely a testament to creativity. They satisfy their sentiments as well as those of others with their conceptions. It's almost as great as the creative forces behind what makes the game possible to be realized. And in that process, this realizes a kind of marketing tactic, which could be said to be impressive. For now, that may just be OK, as the fans wait for the actual games with their own impressions.
One year ago: How Many to a Raid?
Two years ago: To Be Continued... maimai ORANGE (PLUS)
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
(Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019
It's actually been over a week (actually, nearly two weeks) since I've participated in an EX Raid. I'm not sure why, but when I received the EX Raid Pass, the other EX Raid Gym appeared to be available for raids, rather than being "sterile" in preparation for the next EX Raid. This is the first shake-up since December, when the third EX Raid Gym returned from a long hiatus. And then there's the day of the EX Raid itself, which is today.
Today I was a bit tied up with things. I had to welcome a few special guests that may have something different for me soon. There were a few extra things I had to do because of that, as well as other specific agenda. The latter even included tasks that test my mind, including but not limited to Pokémon. And many of these were unplanned or barely planned. It's plainly obvious how the tag for today's EX Raid came about: the EX Raid just had to make way even with all of these things.
And there was also rain, which may be why the area around the EX Raid Gym at the scheduled time looked quite sparse today. There were a few others that came to the place, and it becomes obvious that they had to make way for the EX Raid as well. But that was no problem, because it meant we could raid together, and so we did. With the EX Raid still being Deoxys in its Attack Form, there was no need for formalities either - just raid and go.
If you've read about my previous EX Raids, you might notice that this one is kind of a flashback, by having the EX Raid at the first-ever place in my area. It could be considered a "making way" as well, because I had somewhat hoped for this to happen, and it did. It certainly made way for taking the above picture with the Attack Form, something I hadn't done here since December, when the Attack Form came out.
As for making way for a future EX Raid, the next one has already been scheduled a week from now for a different Gym, and I won't be a part of it, unless I happen to receive an EX Raid Pass by invitation before then. And there has been no word of Deoxys changing Forms any time soon, something that may be somewhat overdue. After these two things occur, there will surely be headway for more EX Raids, at least if I don't make way now.
One year ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds
Two years ago: Ride the Pokémon
Today I was a bit tied up with things. I had to welcome a few special guests that may have something different for me soon. There were a few extra things I had to do because of that, as well as other specific agenda. The latter even included tasks that test my mind, including but not limited to Pokémon. And many of these were unplanned or barely planned. It's plainly obvious how the tag for today's EX Raid came about: the EX Raid just had to make way even with all of these things.
And there was also rain, which may be why the area around the EX Raid Gym at the scheduled time looked quite sparse today. There were a few others that came to the place, and it becomes obvious that they had to make way for the EX Raid as well. But that was no problem, because it meant we could raid together, and so we did. With the EX Raid still being Deoxys in its Attack Form, there was no need for formalities either - just raid and go.
If you've read about my previous EX Raids, you might notice that this one is kind of a flashback, by having the EX Raid at the first-ever place in my area. It could be considered a "making way" as well, because I had somewhat hoped for this to happen, and it did. It certainly made way for taking the above picture with the Attack Form, something I hadn't done here since December, when the Attack Form came out.
As for making way for a future EX Raid, the next one has already been scheduled a week from now for a different Gym, and I won't be a part of it, unless I happen to receive an EX Raid Pass by invitation before then. And there has been no word of Deoxys changing Forms any time soon, something that may be somewhat overdue. After these two things occur, there will surely be headway for more EX Raids, at least if I don't make way now.
One year ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds
Two years ago: Ride the Pokémon
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
A Gold and Silver Postcard
Along with the Mew pouch that I obtained from Sunday's convention, I had the liberty - a small liberty, but one nonetheless - to obtain another piece of merchandise, and I chose a certain one that is rather simple but effective in communicating Pokémon sentiments. It's a postcard, which might seem like a piece of merchandise that is too simple and not so spectacular, and yet, it's not as simple as that.
This postcard depicts the three main Trainers of the second-generation games, in particular Gold and Silver. From left to right are the rival, the male protagonist, and the female protagonist. They're also accompanied by evolved versions of their starter Pokémon, being Croconaw, Quilava, and Bayleef respectively. They're set against a background of the sea and the sky, with grass in the foreground. Further, the three Trainers appear to be moving or running towards the left side. This is very well done for a fan art, and it's quite detailed too.
The combination of all these elements creates a very dynamic and lively image, which I rather like. This is especially true if I can get only one, which happened to be the case. There were some very neat images on all of the other postcards that were offered, but some of them are complementary, which might have necessitated me getting more than one. But since that wasn't the case, I chose this one as something representative of all those postcards. That said, perhaps this postcard is best not used as one, and may be better used to display the image.
Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded the postcard when I obtained it, this remains an exceptional piece of Pokémon merchandise. The postcard by itself is simple and detailed. And by that alone, it seems quite representative enough for this kind of merchandise as offered. I exercised my liberty to get this one, and it's certainly something I will do again with similar Pokémon merchandise.
One year ago: Being a Pokétaku
Two years ago: I'm Swept Away
This postcard depicts the three main Trainers of the second-generation games, in particular Gold and Silver. From left to right are the rival, the male protagonist, and the female protagonist. They're also accompanied by evolved versions of their starter Pokémon, being Croconaw, Quilava, and Bayleef respectively. They're set against a background of the sea and the sky, with grass in the foreground. Further, the three Trainers appear to be moving or running towards the left side. This is very well done for a fan art, and it's quite detailed too.
The combination of all these elements creates a very dynamic and lively image, which I rather like. This is especially true if I can get only one, which happened to be the case. There were some very neat images on all of the other postcards that were offered, but some of them are complementary, which might have necessitated me getting more than one. But since that wasn't the case, I chose this one as something representative of all those postcards. That said, perhaps this postcard is best not used as one, and may be better used to display the image.
Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded the postcard when I obtained it, this remains an exceptional piece of Pokémon merchandise. The postcard by itself is simple and detailed. And by that alone, it seems quite representative enough for this kind of merchandise as offered. I exercised my liberty to get this one, and it's certainly something I will do again with similar Pokémon merchandise.
One year ago: Being a Pokétaku
Two years ago: I'm Swept Away
Monday, March 4, 2019
A Mew Pouch
It wouldn't be a great convention yesterday without some great (Pokémon) merchandise, and here's one. When it comes to this kind of merchandise, I'm not overly picky about what I can or can't get, so yesterday I got this Pokémon pouch featuring Mew. There are quite a bit of good things about it, which is why I got it so I can discuss it in a post on this blog.
This pouch is actually one of a series of Pokémon pouches that feature a few different Pokémon. The other featured Pokémon include the seventh-generation starters and a couple of the fourth-generation starters. I got Mew because... OK, it was a bit late when I got it, and there was only it and Chimchar remaining. But honestly, I already had my heart set on Mew since I saw it for the first time, so it wasn't quite a loss. And it wasn't because it's "pretty in pink" either, but I'm sure that's a selling point for this particular pouch.
The pouch is closed and opened by manipulating the upper part and the rope loop. For a pouch, it's rather roomy; the base is 20 cm and the height is 24 cm. I could conceivably put my 3DS case in there, but I won't. However, I can already think up of a few usage scenarios for the pouch, which may or may not involve Pokémon. As for Mew itself, it's really expressive the way that it's depicted with an extreme close-up of its upper body. Its stare really affirms the presence of Mew for whoever sees or uses the pouch.
The vendors of the pouch said that the pouch was (or is) actually available for pre-order to feature other Pokémon than the ones seen at the convention. However, the process of creation would be uncertain and the fee for shipping would be as expensive as the pouch. After some consideration, I thought it wasn't wise - at least for now - to follow through on this offer, and I got the Mew pouch as planned. Someday I may decide to follow through that offer, but for now Mew suffices.
As I've said, I'm not too picky on Pokémon merchandise - I take whatever can be gotten. This one is rather satisfactory, looks really great, and can be used in different ways. I'd say that's good enough, maybe until the other Pokémon featured on pouches look at me in the eye and say they're good enough for me to have as well.
One year ago: How Do I Live, Without You?
Two years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks
This pouch is actually one of a series of Pokémon pouches that feature a few different Pokémon. The other featured Pokémon include the seventh-generation starters and a couple of the fourth-generation starters. I got Mew because... OK, it was a bit late when I got it, and there was only it and Chimchar remaining. But honestly, I already had my heart set on Mew since I saw it for the first time, so it wasn't quite a loss. And it wasn't because it's "pretty in pink" either, but I'm sure that's a selling point for this particular pouch.
The pouch is closed and opened by manipulating the upper part and the rope loop. For a pouch, it's rather roomy; the base is 20 cm and the height is 24 cm. I could conceivably put my 3DS case in there, but I won't. However, I can already think up of a few usage scenarios for the pouch, which may or may not involve Pokémon. As for Mew itself, it's really expressive the way that it's depicted with an extreme close-up of its upper body. Its stare really affirms the presence of Mew for whoever sees or uses the pouch.
The vendors of the pouch said that the pouch was (or is) actually available for pre-order to feature other Pokémon than the ones seen at the convention. However, the process of creation would be uncertain and the fee for shipping would be as expensive as the pouch. After some consideration, I thought it wasn't wise - at least for now - to follow through on this offer, and I got the Mew pouch as planned. Someday I may decide to follow through that offer, but for now Mew suffices.
As I've said, I'm not too picky on Pokémon merchandise - I take whatever can be gotten. This one is rather satisfactory, looks really great, and can be used in different ways. I'd say that's good enough, maybe until the other Pokémon featured on pouches look at me in the eye and say they're good enough for me to have as well.
One year ago: How Do I Live, Without You?
Two years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019
Me: This is it - this is the biggest convention or theme event in my area. It's something no one wants to miss, including me. That's why I send you here year after year.
Ash: I can see that! Last year and two years ago were really great and really exciting. But I think there's something a little different this year...?
Pikachu: Pi! Pika pi! [noticing]
Me: You're right! This year they partnered with ICGP, which as I explained two years ago, is designed to find characters who really can do what they can do and then send them to compete overseas. It's hard for us to qualify for this, but I suppose we can always cheer them on.
Ash: Yeah, I guess that's great too. You know what, though, the convention today isn't too much different from last year. It's always crowded from the start, and then there are food stands, and goodies stands, and the communities, and the performers, and...
May: Hi!
Ash: Oh wow! May is here! That's great! And I'm wearing my Hoenn outfit, so this is perfect!
Me: Well, what do you know. Looks like my friend decided to send her in. And she's got Eevee with her - that's fantastic!
Ash: Yeah, you're right. By the way, I don't see any way to sign in for character competitions.
Me: What I'm told is that any character that people send in can be chosen as a winner by character judges that walk around. It seems interesting, but you'll have to be wary and watch for them.
Ash: OK. Now the problem is that like two years ago, it really rained like two years ago, so the food stands and goodies stands had to go through that again, and... where's May?
Pikachu: Pi! Pika pika pi! [pointing out]
Ash: Oh wait, there she is! Where were you?
May: Sorry about that. I was just eating over here.
Me: Well, that happens sometimes at a big convention like this, especially with many people around. Don't fret.
Ash: Yeah, I see what you mean. Oh yeah, there were so many performers, they had to have two stages, but one was outside, so I think the rain got to it.
Me: Yes, a few years ago it was like this too, with multiple stages and at least one being affected by the rain. It was a mess. You were there.
Ash: Now that you say it, yeah, I remember. I don't think many people liked it either that time.
May: I need to go. I'll see you at another event later.
Ash: So soon? But it's not even the end yet.
Pikachu: Pika, pi pika. [concerned, letting go]
Me: It can't be helped. I mean, my friend has another agenda that needs to be done. How was ICGP, by the way?
Ash: I like the 11 teams that performed. They said it was the most that ever competed. So the people decided that there should be two big winners than just one.
Me: Wow, that's excellent! I've never heard of this happening before. How was the other character competition?
Ash: I didn't win. It seems like the judges award the winners in secret. I saw a couple of them award a couple of characters, but I didn't see the others. And there were only five winners, one for each judge.
Me: Well, that's fine. Maybe next time. It seems like this is one of those times that it's just mediocre. It wasn't too good, but it wasn't too bad either. The ICGP is the main draw, I think, and looking at the success, it may just be back next year.
Ash: You know, I'm sure you're right. And maybe we can get something big next time?
Pikachu: Pi? [intrigued]
Me: Maybe. Who knows.
One year ago: Investing for PokéCoins
Two years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?
Ash: I can see that! Last year and two years ago were really great and really exciting. But I think there's something a little different this year...?
Pikachu: Pi! Pika pi! [noticing]
Me: You're right! This year they partnered with ICGP, which as I explained two years ago, is designed to find characters who really can do what they can do and then send them to compete overseas. It's hard for us to qualify for this, but I suppose we can always cheer them on.
Ash: Yeah, I guess that's great too. You know what, though, the convention today isn't too much different from last year. It's always crowded from the start, and then there are food stands, and goodies stands, and the communities, and the performers, and...
May: Hi!
Ash: Oh wow! May is here! That's great! And I'm wearing my Hoenn outfit, so this is perfect!
Me: Well, what do you know. Looks like my friend decided to send her in. And she's got Eevee with her - that's fantastic!
Ash: Yeah, you're right. By the way, I don't see any way to sign in for character competitions.
Me: What I'm told is that any character that people send in can be chosen as a winner by character judges that walk around. It seems interesting, but you'll have to be wary and watch for them.
Ash: OK. Now the problem is that like two years ago, it really rained like two years ago, so the food stands and goodies stands had to go through that again, and... where's May?
Pikachu: Pi! Pika pika pi! [pointing out]
Ash: Oh wait, there she is! Where were you?
May: Sorry about that. I was just eating over here.
Me: Well, that happens sometimes at a big convention like this, especially with many people around. Don't fret.
Ash: Yeah, I see what you mean. Oh yeah, there were so many performers, they had to have two stages, but one was outside, so I think the rain got to it.
Me: Yes, a few years ago it was like this too, with multiple stages and at least one being affected by the rain. It was a mess. You were there.
Ash: Now that you say it, yeah, I remember. I don't think many people liked it either that time.
May: I need to go. I'll see you at another event later.
Ash: So soon? But it's not even the end yet.
Pikachu: Pika, pi pika. [concerned, letting go]
Me: It can't be helped. I mean, my friend has another agenda that needs to be done. How was ICGP, by the way?
Ash: I like the 11 teams that performed. They said it was the most that ever competed. So the people decided that there should be two big winners than just one.
Me: Wow, that's excellent! I've never heard of this happening before. How was the other character competition?
Ash: I didn't win. It seems like the judges award the winners in secret. I saw a couple of them award a couple of characters, but I didn't see the others. And there were only five winners, one for each judge.
Me: Well, that's fine. Maybe next time. It seems like this is one of those times that it's just mediocre. It wasn't too good, but it wasn't too bad either. The ICGP is the main draw, I think, and looking at the success, it may just be back next year.
Ash: You know, I'm sure you're right. And maybe we can get something big next time?
Pikachu: Pi? [intrigued]
Me: Maybe. Who knows.
One year ago: Investing for PokéCoins
Two years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Winds of Changing Teams
Besides the "Team Harmony" discourse that I posed over a year ago, there is another interesting discourse that involves the teams in Pokémon Go. That is, of course, the prospect of changing teams, as noted in the title of this post. Because there are three teams, it's something natural to consider, especially if the way to do so becomes available. It also much depends on the will of the players themselves in deciding to undergo this process.
Regarding the way to do it, it has, in fact, been made available. Earlier this week, a new item was introduced to the shop, called the "Team Medallion". By purchasing and using this item, a player can elect to switch allegiances and change to a new team. The catch is that the Team Medallion costs 1000 coins to purchase, and one purchase is allowed every 365 days; that means once a player is set on changing teams, the player cannot change again for one year, in addition to whatever costs this purchase entails. That certainly will affect the decision, as much as other things.
Some time ago, a poll was conducted regarding this prospect. The results of this poll indicated that most players were happy with the team that they had chosen and there was no intent to change to another team. Not very many players indicated that they wanted to change to another team. This means the status quo is more or less acceptable to the majority of players, and for those players, there are not many initiatives to go through the team change process. Perhaps it would be different, if say for example, a totally new team was added to the mix, which could make for a strong initiative.
As for actual experiences with my raid group, so far I've noticed that two players had changed teams. One was originally a Mystic player and the other was originally an Instinct player, and both of them switched allegiances to Valor. Now this means they could defend the same Gym, after having been on opposing teams since the beginning... and they have, for I've seen them defend some nearby Gyms together. It's a minor change to the status quo of the Gyms around my area, but it's one that has proven to be usefully interesting.
Changing teams remains a remarkable discourse, whether or not players choose to do it. With the means now available, it is now very much a possibility. All the same, it is a decision that requires careful consideration and is not quickly reversible. But if it does happen, it may lead to advantageous situations for all parties of concern. And it may even be the precursor for further winds of change to blow in.
One year ago: Pikachu Cable Holder
Two years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too
Regarding the way to do it, it has, in fact, been made available. Earlier this week, a new item was introduced to the shop, called the "Team Medallion". By purchasing and using this item, a player can elect to switch allegiances and change to a new team. The catch is that the Team Medallion costs 1000 coins to purchase, and one purchase is allowed every 365 days; that means once a player is set on changing teams, the player cannot change again for one year, in addition to whatever costs this purchase entails. That certainly will affect the decision, as much as other things.
Some time ago, a poll was conducted regarding this prospect. The results of this poll indicated that most players were happy with the team that they had chosen and there was no intent to change to another team. Not very many players indicated that they wanted to change to another team. This means the status quo is more or less acceptable to the majority of players, and for those players, there are not many initiatives to go through the team change process. Perhaps it would be different, if say for example, a totally new team was added to the mix, which could make for a strong initiative.
As for actual experiences with my raid group, so far I've noticed that two players had changed teams. One was originally a Mystic player and the other was originally an Instinct player, and both of them switched allegiances to Valor. Now this means they could defend the same Gym, after having been on opposing teams since the beginning... and they have, for I've seen them defend some nearby Gyms together. It's a minor change to the status quo of the Gyms around my area, but it's one that has proven to be usefully interesting.
Changing teams remains a remarkable discourse, whether or not players choose to do it. With the means now available, it is now very much a possibility. All the same, it is a decision that requires careful consideration and is not quickly reversible. But if it does happen, it may lead to advantageous situations for all parties of concern. And it may even be the precursor for further winds of change to blow in.
One year ago: Pikachu Cable Holder
Two years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too
Friday, March 1, 2019
In Living Galar
I've been putting it off, but now I'm ready. As I mentioned on Pokémon Day two days ago, there was something else really, really important about Pokémon. It was so important that it had to be announced in a Pokémon Direct on that day, and my hints in that post are the points in the Direct. And when there's a Pokémon Direct, it almost assuredly means a new game... and it was about that. This one is rather spectacular.
The new game, or rather games, are Pokémon Sword and Shield. They are new entries in the main series of Pokémon games, representing the eighth generation. And these games are for the Nintendo Switch, which only affirm the "successor" status of the console, if the Let's Go games hadn't already done so. The latter games could in fact be considered the warm-up (or even, "proof of concept") for the main series games. This becomes an impetus for fans who don't already have the Switch - like me at the present - to purchase it so they can get rolling once the games are released. It's something I have to plan, certainly.
Where there is a new generation of games, there is a new region as well. That new region is named Galar (which I've used to title this post), and it is indeed based on the UK - or at least England - confirming the indications from a little over a month ago. Some parts of it, though, may have other European inspirations, which together with the identifiers for the game lend a certain "medieval" quality. So once again European touches are present after they had been present two generations ago with the Kalos region. It seems good enough for everyone, but probably even greater for those who live in or around the region of inspiration.
Last, there are the new eighth-generation starters. They are Grookey (Grass), Scorbunny (Fire), and Sobble (Water). They all look cutesy enough and have resulted in much fan art over the previous two days, and reportedly even a custom figure is being planned. There has also been speculation over the next evolutionary stages of these, particularly involving Scorbunny due to how previous Fire-type starters have manifested. I find the inspirations rather unique and pleasing, though I prefer to keep myself out of the speculations until more things are known.
This is a major step for all fans of Pokémon, and it's all happening later this year. That should be enough time for all interested Pokémon fans to prepare to experience what will be the new colors of the eighth generation. For now, the revealed details from the Direct are tantalizing enough to satisfy the sentiments of fans. It may also be enough to make them excited for and anticipating how things will turn out "in living Galar".
One year ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers
Two years ago: Posters
The new game, or rather games, are Pokémon Sword and Shield. They are new entries in the main series of Pokémon games, representing the eighth generation. And these games are for the Nintendo Switch, which only affirm the "successor" status of the console, if the Let's Go games hadn't already done so. The latter games could in fact be considered the warm-up (or even, "proof of concept") for the main series games. This becomes an impetus for fans who don't already have the Switch - like me at the present - to purchase it so they can get rolling once the games are released. It's something I have to plan, certainly.
Where there is a new generation of games, there is a new region as well. That new region is named Galar (which I've used to title this post), and it is indeed based on the UK - or at least England - confirming the indications from a little over a month ago. Some parts of it, though, may have other European inspirations, which together with the identifiers for the game lend a certain "medieval" quality. So once again European touches are present after they had been present two generations ago with the Kalos region. It seems good enough for everyone, but probably even greater for those who live in or around the region of inspiration.
Last, there are the new eighth-generation starters. They are Grookey (Grass), Scorbunny (Fire), and Sobble (Water). They all look cutesy enough and have resulted in much fan art over the previous two days, and reportedly even a custom figure is being planned. There has also been speculation over the next evolutionary stages of these, particularly involving Scorbunny due to how previous Fire-type starters have manifested. I find the inspirations rather unique and pleasing, though I prefer to keep myself out of the speculations until more things are known.
This is a major step for all fans of Pokémon, and it's all happening later this year. That should be enough time for all interested Pokémon fans to prepare to experience what will be the new colors of the eighth generation. For now, the revealed details from the Direct are tantalizing enough to satisfy the sentiments of fans. It may also be enough to make them excited for and anticipating how things will turn out "in living Galar".
One year ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers
Two years ago: Posters
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