TCG, Order and Chaos

The Pokémon TCG, as a phenomenon, has been around for a long time, but I've only gotten into it only early this year. Meanwhile, in the rest of my local area, the phenomenon in its localized version has only caught on for a few weeks or so, albeit massively in a way. My interactions with the two sides of the phenomenon, the general side and the localized side, have been quite eventful, though also unpredictable, in particular through what has transpired lately with me personally and everything else TCG. It could be described as "order and chaos".

First up, the competitions are in full swing. One such competition takes place in a faraway locale, and interest was so great that the competition - or actually competitions, since it's both today and tomorrow - involve two sessions instead of one, with plenty of Trainers in each. I'm not competing in them, as my resources necessitate other struggles, but a friend whom I know very well is competing in the second session of tomorrow's competition. And he should, because he spent an amount that I wouldn't exactly spend with the things I've got going on right now. I hope it goes well.

Meanwhile, in my local area, there is actually a competition that's scheduled for the very next week, but by reports, it is already full, and it essentially entails buying a new deck, which I'm utterly divided about. As well, today there was a competition, but an informal one, and one that I only heard about moments after it had started. There was also one that is not as far away as the other one above, also continuing until tomorrow, but alas, I'm troubled by transportation, more so than I would be normally. And yet, some of my Pokémon figure friends who possess decks are already in it. I find myself struggling with all of these - part of the "chaos".

Even with all the "chaos", I find myself still enjoying the gameplay of the TCG, and what helps to accomplish that is the electronic TCGO implementation. Everything is neat and orderly - more so than I can ever hope to accomplish with real cards, especially in my current situation - and the challenge features are nice. So is one of my friends who play, even though my friend's network connection isn't always great; that friend helped with playing a few matches today, and while the results were mixed, they kept myself in line. All in all, there was much order with a slight bit of chaos.

Thanks to playing the TCGO briefly beforehand, I was also able to keep myself in check when I finally was able to use the deck I received last week against someone else in physical battle. That person also described a few terms that I could use to help with order in the match. The result was that I finally won a physical battle, though due to a bit of technicality; I lost the rest (two out of three), but that was primarily because I was up against a full constructed deck, while my deck is still purely my starter deck. Further, some of the chaos that occurred with the TCGO also happened with the physical TCG; sometimes I'd get too few Pokémon, not enough Trainer cards, too many Energy cards, and so on and so forth. I'm sure I also haven't thoroughly explored the potential of my starter deck in its pure state. This may be order, or this may be chaos.

All told, everything that has happened with the (localized) TCG has been rather frenzied, with so much going on here, there, and everywhere. That is indeed a realization of "chaos", if nothing else. But even with all that, it seems I've managed to find a semblance of "order" by playing more effectively with the help of others as well as the TCGO. It's practically up to me to continue to find this "order" with all that I need to do for the TCG in all its forms. By then, I hope that I'll have made total sense of this particular Pokémon phenomenon through everything that it has to offer.

One year ago: Artistic Routine
Two years ago: Pokémon Song, Indonesian Flavor

Local Tailors and My Cosplay Costumes

All my cosplay costumes - in particular, my Pokémon cosplay costumes - are great, of course. But I also have to appreciate the additional hands that went into the assistance of making those costumes. I speak of the local tailors in my area, whose knowledge and know-how of making clothing definitely contribute to those costumes. I provide the fabric, and they work their magic. It's a neat relationship, albeit also an up-and-down one that I've had over the years.

Very early on in my cosplay adventures, I had a tailor whose skills in making clothing was great, as well as for fabric selection. That tailor was the one who made the fourth-generation (DP) costume, which I already detailed way back during my fifth cosplay anniversary. It of course turned out great with no flaws, major ones at least. However, when the tailor made the third-generation (AG) costume, a lot of things went awry - it definitely did not look like the perfection it is now. The tailor has since moved on, and I've moved on from the tailor. A similar story happened for the fifth-generation (BW) costume with a different tailor, but it was more like the former than the latter; I've since moved on from that one as well.

Currently, I peruse the services of two tailors. One of them works magic on less sensitive parts of my costumes - that is, the clothing parts that don't show the true intent or origin of my costumes. As such, they tend to be the simpler parts, like the pants. And that has worked out well; I've never been queried about the origin of the clothing parts, nor have the intents been discovered, as most likely the tailor has not found out. I will likely continue to peruse the services for as long as I have the intent to cosplay.

The other tailor works on the more sensitive parts, as the ones that are characteristic of the origin and intent of the parts. One of the marks in my hall of fame of this tailor is for salvaging my third-generation costume, making it more perfect (and prize-winning). The tailor has also delivered for other parts of different costumes, which makes me inclined to come back. Recently, for a part of a new costume project, the tailor even immediately recognized that it was for a Pokémon costume from references that I had already prepared beforehand, and we even researched the part together after my request. I'll explain more on this when it gets done, but I can already tell that this could look very good, given the previously demonstrated caliber.

With this assistance, I do have to say that it's impossible for me to take full credit of my costumes, though in most cases I provided the fabric, making a collaboration of sorts. Still, this won't let me participate in super-competitive cosplay competitions requiring clear personal attribution. On the other hand, their magic with working fabric lets me have costumes that last for a real long time - my DP costume after seven and a half years is still pretty neat, for example, and I may be using it soon again. I'll take the longevity over attribution.

Even with all that has gone on with the tailors who are involved in realizing my Pokémon cosplay fantasies, I still appreciate and trust a few of them to do so and continue to do so for as long as there are Pokémon characters to be cosplayed. The results may be as surprising as they are long-lasting, and that means a lot for this long-running Pokémon fan whose cosplay adventures are also long and extensive - and great as well.

One year ago: A New 3DS Story: A Second Monster Home
Two years ago: Personalities

Return, Return, Return, Return...

I wanted to discuss a different topic for today's post, but then I saw that there was a significant event as evidenced in the posts from prior years (see below), specifically one that happened two years ago and covered again the next year. That would, of course, be my return to playing Pokémon Go, and the results of that return one year later. Two years later, it seems worthwhile to discuss this event and topic once again.

Lots of changes have taken place within the game since that point; I'm not going into detail about that, since the substance of most of the changes have been discussed elsewhere on this blog. What's important is that those changes are indeed quite substantial, so much so that the game is almost a different game today. This does prompt the question of whether returning to the game - for those who have played and left - is plausible and worth it. The answer is on the whole a resounding "yes".

Just today, I also read an article on the web site of a well-known news magazine that more or less brings up the same matter, with pretty much the same answer. The point of the article brings up how exciting the game has gotten ever since the changes that had been made had appeared in the game, and it has given rise to different social phenomena, including through events like Community Day. I personally couldn't agree more, as I've bore witness to pretty much the same thing, including a really important one that happened three months ago. It's a spectacle I rarely see even with Pokémon in general.

Even so, personally, it's kind of hard to bring up this topic, particularly considering what it involved in previous years. The photos that are in the posts from previous years below are of the phone I used to return to playing Pokémon Go, which sadly can be said to no longer exist due to a certain calamity. Further, the location depicted in the overworld map in those photos is actually of my previous house, from which I've somewhat reluctantly moved; it too is practically non-existent at this point. I've since moved on with a new phone and a new house, but thanks to those photos, the previous memories are preserved.

Yet, I can say that having returned to Pokémon Go is pretty much a blessing, regardless of what it involved. I can perhaps speak for myself and the writer of that article. It's also why I've titled this post the way it is, being a line from an obscure chant. It may or may not make people return to the game, but if they consider what they're in for when they return, they might just actually do it, and join the fortunate and happy players who have done exactly that.

One year ago: A Happy Return
Two years ago: Here I Go (Again)

The New PvP Charged Move Mechanism

If you're an active player of Pokémon Go, I trust that you've used the PvP feature in different ways, whether it's to battle another Trainer for glory, a team leader for practice, or the lately introduced Team GO Rocket Grunts for keeping things under control. Some time ago, though, there had been an important change in how Charge Moves work. Instead of tapping a button in order for it to gain power, one instead swipes past icons on the screen to collect them and add to the move's power. It's a fundamentally important change.

Before evaluating the change for what it is, it's important to understand how the new mechanism works. Upon activating a Charged Move during a PvP battle, the words "Get Ready!" will appear briefly before a "Swipe!" command replaces it, prompting one to do so for a flurry of icons that appear in certain ways. The power of the Charged Move depends on how many icons were swiped, which also carries a qualitative evaluation of Nice/Great/Excellent, the same qualifiers as Poké Ball throws. After that, the Charged Move is executed, and the rest of the battle proceeds.

The new mechanism is admittedly quite dynamic. With it, the Charged Moves seem like they are more "alive" and represent their true nature. What's more, it's difficult for a move to come out weaker as long as one tries; once an icon has been swiped, it contributes to the power. This is unlike the previous simple repeat tapping mechanism, where - by my experience - sometimes does seem to come out weaker even though I've tried. The qualifier labels, being the same as Poké Ball throws, also seem to present a sense of "unity". So, on one hand this is an improvement.

On the other hand, the new mechanism may have some nags. It certainly adds a learning curve and dexterity to Charged Moves, given that the technique is different for each move type; even now, I've still not seen how some types work in this system, and sometimes I still have problems with the types I already do know. One would have to practice quite a bit to get the hang of how the new Charged Moves work to execute them with the best power possible, and the hope is that one eventually will, sooner or later.

Pokémon Go is a "living" game, being that it's constantly updated with new features over time, unlike other Pokémon games that tend to remain mostly the same or "inert". The change in the workings of Charged Moves in PvP is just one part of that, something done to keep the game fresh among its players. It also has its own positives and negatives that affect its execution. Beyond that, it just becomes another dynamic to the game, one that is just as dynamic and active as the players that play the game.

One year ago: AFA ID in Memoriam
Two years ago: Cold as the Winds

Pokémon and Music Games, Revisited

Over two years ago, I wrote about a particular link of a certain music game with a certain facet of Pokémon, followed by a discussion about the linkage of both in general. Today, I feel the need to revisit this linkage, given some particular things about them that have happened recently, as well as some things that could be worthy of consideration for integrating the two areas even further. They're areas that by my experience (and some research) have been quite disparate, except for some tidbits.

The music game that I discussed in the first post is of course maimai, a music game that belongs to Sega and could be considered its first mainstream hit, being that it's playable - even online - not just in Japan, but in many game centers around Asia, including where I am (Indonesia). Unfortunately, there's a bittersweet news about it: as of today, the online service for its FiNALE version, named as such because it "ends" the classic series, has been terminated in Japan, having been succeeded by a new series called maimai DX. Its online service for other regions has been spared for the time being, likely because maimai DX is still being prepared for the international release. In all the time I've played the game, no Pokémon songs have ever been included, though it has been a personal hope of mine; since the game survives with the DX series, there may still be some hope.

In the meantime, there are many other music games to be enjoyed. One of them is called Taiko no Tatsujin (also known as Taiko Drum Master), which belongs to Bandai Namco. Bandai Namco of course is known for having collaborated with Pokémon to conceive Pokkén, an actual fighting game with Pokémon in it, resulting in things like a game ID card tie-in. I had the chance to drop by one of the Taiko game machines the other day in a distant game center and was surprised to see it playable online; at that moment, I had to play it. I knew by a report from a friend that Pokémon is linked to the game somehow, and I had my confirmation.

Though my knowledge of the Japanese language is minimal (let alone with highly stylized Japanese script), I and a friend can tell for a fact that this song - in the Anime category - is "Alola!! from Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon", which confirms that a Pokémon song is actually in the game, from its anime, no less. A little research shows that this link has been well-standing, with different versions having different songs, including "Best Wishes!" at one point in time. I can't exactly hope to explore as far back as that, but "Alola!!" is satisfying. I've played the song on both "futtsu" ("Normal") and "muzukashii" ("Hard") difficulties above, and I've only managed to do well on the former. At the least, I now have a new music game that I appreciate, thanks to this.

On the whole, Pokémon and music games still lack an established linkage, being that few songs of the former are included in the latter and there is not quite a game of the former with the concept of the latter. This is something that demands further exploration by all parties concerned. As many gamers are fans of both, including me, developing the linkage further could be in our best interests. Until then, the "hidden gems" such as above may still be just as great.

One year ago: (Late and Great) Local Ex-Raid, 9/3/2018
Two years ago: Bandai Pokémon XY Swing - Pikachu

Two Flavors of Pokémon Stickers

Sometimes, it may be possible to talk about things in terms of "flavors", not as something to be tasted, but a style to be appreciated. The same goes for some pieces of Pokémon merchandise, which come in a variety of styles and appearances, and therefore "flavors". From the convention with its own "flavor" from the other day, I obtained two sets of stickers with two different "flavors", both inside and out. And like certain foods, those "flavors" develop in complexity.

The first "flavors" are Legendary and abstract. They describe the Bird Trio stickers above, which are all of the same style. Though they look somewhat blocky and to some extent childlike, they are anatomically correct and the illustrations identify them as being the Pokémon they are. The three stickers of course belong as a set, as a complete assortment on a plate if you will, to continue the culinary analogy. That is why I obtained all three without leaving any behind, to get the full range of the taste.

The second "flavors" are candid and typical. These describe the Pikachu and Snorlax stickers below, which show the former hugging a Poké Ball and the latter in a (un)usual sleeping position. They're common Pokémon that most general fans should know about, and they look neat as they are, even somewhat expressive given the backgrounds. I do have to say that these too are part of a single set, but that the set is actually missing one member, which I had opted not to get because I wasn't prepared to stomach it, figuratively speaking. Maybe at some point it will be ready to be "digested".

These two sets of stickers have decidedly different "flavors". One is strong yet playful and the other is mellow yet neat. Regardless, they are the same in that they cater to those who like Pokémon, however much it may be the case. For them, they can appreciate the Pokémon and have a taste of their different styles. And hopefully, the taste of the "flavors" will go down well with them; I sure hope so, given how well-made these stickers are, artistically.

One year ago: Cosplay: Utsuru! -the fifth-
Two years ago: Bandai Pokémon XY&Z Pokémon Lover Mascot - Squirtle

Cosplay: Creators' Super Fest by AFA (Regional)

Ash: Wait, wait, wait, hold up, hold up. Isn't this the thing that you told me last year was no more? Then what's it doing here?

Me: Well, yes and no. It's not actually "the" convention itself, but I'm told it's like a marketplace for lots of custom goodies. This is the first time I've heard of it as well, and the good news is that it's in my (our) neck of the woods, so I've sent you!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Me too!"]

Me: Yeah, we can't forget about you too. So, uh...

Ash: Hey, can you help me out with the entry? I think it needs your help.

Me: Oh, hmm. I've never seen this way of selling tickets before. It might be a pain for those who don't have the stuff. OK, you should be in.

Ash: Thanks! You know what? It does look a lot like the one you sent me a few years ago, but it's in a smaller space, and it's just the marketplace, as you say. But it was really crowded, just as crowded like that time!

Me: I wonder if it's because it carries the "AFA" name. Based on reports, I'm also told a local organizer may have a hand in this, given that it's in the same exact place as a certain convention last year.

Ash: I think so. But it wasn't as crowded as you think it would be, right, Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pi, pika pi. Pika pika! ["Yeah, Ash. It was so open!"]

Ash: Maybe it's just like you said - the ticket is kind of a limit. But those who got in could enjoy the entertainment.

Me: Such as?

Ash: There were a couple of DJs and a few famous character people. There were even a few games that you'd like. They weren't many, but they took some time.

Me: Well, I'm sure you're right. Even if I didn't send you, it would still be fun.

Ash: Oh, and I see a character parade? What's the deal with this one?

Me: Well, first of all, I'm really sorry. I tried to get you registered in the parade, but I couldn't. They have to pre-select the characters that can appear on stage, and you weren't one of them. I was hoping otherwise. Again, my apologies.

Ash: I saw a few of them, and I think their outfits are really complex, not like my Hoenn outfit that you sent me with. Were you hoping to send me in with this?

Me: Yeah, after all, it's the best-looking one I've got. For you at least.

Ash: I guess it's OK. Maybe they weren't in the mood for me.

Pikachu: Pika pi-ka. ["Or me."]

Me: There is always next time. By the way, I should say that this is actually the regional edition of the convention. There's actually a central edition coming up later this year, but I can't send you to that one because of time, money, and a whole host of other reasons.

Ash: OK, that's fine. Maybe you can send me some other time.

Me: So, final thoughts?

Ash: It doesn't replace the convention, but it's nice. And it was closer for you and me, so I think it was worth it.

Pikachu: Pika, pika pika! ["Yeah, it's like that!"]

Me: Hopefully one of these days the real AFA will return, but until then, this may be a suitable holdover.

One year ago: Between Bugs and Features
Two years ago: Takara Tomy Pokémon XY&Z Pikachu Halloween Mascot - Ver. D