The Appeal of the TCG

As I discussed in my post about the TCG and my ups and downs with it last week, today is the day of the local tournament, but because it's full and I am not a participant in it, I can't exactly cover it, though I did stop by to see how it progressed and to get in touch with a few of my Pokémon fellows. However, I can discuss other things that may pertain to it. One of those things is considering the appeal of the game for different people, including some of my fellows. It's a fascinating topic with several different outcomes for different people.

For some of my fellows, particularly some of those in my figure group, they appear to be taken with the TCG, so much so that they're putting on hold figures for the latter, and Pokémon Go as an example for the former. They themselves have invested more money for the cards than I'd like to invest in one sitting (confer last week's similar case), and as a result, now some of them are pursuing as many competitions as possible, including today, which happens to be their faraway competition. It's kind of like what has transpired with me and my Pokémon cosplay, only it has taken them far quicker compared to my cosplay efforts. It's obviously quite appealing to them, to a certain degree greater than mine. The game remains quite appealing to me as much as some of us.

Even so, for some people, the appeal for the cards may remain low. An example is one of my good friends, whom I've already discussed in another post on this blog. We met again when I dropped by to check out the TCG tournament, as another friend of his served as part of the tournament staff. He said he's not quite a trading card game player, and I'll accept that. I myself could be considered such a person, only that I've welcomed the Pokémon TCG into my heart and mind. He has done the same, with a deck of his own. We may or may not be able to play anytime soon, but perhaps the opportunity may present itself sometime. Who knows, our penchant might grow at least a little bigger with time.

And then there are the youth, the ones whom the Pokémon TCG are really destined for. With that being the case, it has been observed that many players are in fact adults, and young players are hard to come by... at least, locally. By my observation of today's tournament, only one player appeared to be well below the age of others. It may be that the youth of today have a hard time with reading the details on the cards, or it may be that they're just interested in other things. A kind of "affirmative action" may be necessary. Regardless, it's still rather early to make this conclusion as the local TCG is relatively new, so it remains to be seen.

The appeal of the TCG seems to be varied, even among full and partial fans, at least in my local case. Despite the situation, the cards themselves have appealed to quite a number of people, enough to fill out this tournament way ahead of time, for example. It will likely be that way for at least the next few tournaments ahead. In that case, it would serve me well to be able to serve the appeal of others in an upcoming tournament, seeing as how Pokémon in general and its TCG in particular have appealed to me.

One year ago: A Pokémon Watch
Two years ago: Three's Demise

Personal Branding

A few weeks ago, I was involved in a discussion with a few people who are acquaintances of my family. One of the topics that was discussed then was the concept of "personal branding", which on the whole deals with how other people might or do perceive someone, especially for significant links. To some of them, it is regarded as an important concept. I've had time to think about it, and in some sense, it is important for me too as a Pokémon fan, cosplayer, and blogger - as well as for just about everything else.

Those perceptions that people have about other people are based on reputations and impressions. If they're good, then certainly people will be receptive to other people. This will then lead to good connections, especially professional ones. In general, good is good and begets goodness. It's something I have to and do realize to find success. In my case, if at all possible, I'd like it to involve Pokémon as well, something that has been instrumental and motivating all throughout my life.

One way that a personal brand could be discovered is through a simple Internet search. In order to discover mine, I put in my own name (the one you see here) into the search box; it's something I haven't done in a very long time. What came up the first were a handful of photographs of me in cosplay, as well as the link to my Cure WorldCosplay profile, which I haven't managed in a real long time as well. The rest of the first page is composed of other links to cosplay and a few things related to academics and other odd things. Interestingly, this blog didn't come up until the third page of results - linking to a post made rather early this year - which could indicate that it hasn't reached prominence, despite that I've posted for over two and a half years.

And so, at least based on this search, I've established that I have links to cosplay and Pokémon. But it could be a lot more Pokémon-oriented, in my view. This blog is already significant by itself; it could be one of the first few results. If I do start a YouTube channel to complement this blog, I'm rather certain it would be one of the first things that appear for the results; it also might help to propel this blog among those results. If this can lead to greater involvement of myself with Pokémon, then I'm certainly all for it.

Personal branding is a thing for anyone; it's about how people see other people. In that respect, it does seem very much apply to me as my social presence expands and becomes perceived by many people. Along with that presence, there is also the sense that I ought to tailor it a bit to reflect who I am. And who I am, among other things, is a great Pokémon fan. I believe it's one of the aspects of my "personal brand" that I need to show off and make it a part of my greater success.

One year ago: To Judge and Be Judged
Two years ago: Catering to Old and New Players

And Intelligence

Someone said that love and intelligence go together. Each of the two improves the rough edges, so to speak, of the other. What I love is Pokémon, and I've demonstrated my intelligence through other means. The two are united to some extent in the posts on this blog. In that way, they seem to go together. And yet, that seems to be one of those ways. Pokémon and intelligence may be considered to go together in other ways.

A long time ago, in a discussion with some of my Pokémon fellows, we talked about the nature of the complexity of the main series. One of them stated that the complexity is almost like a game of chess, with many moves to be considered and many still to be made. I can see how that is so. The core battles of the main series games involve making moves based on turns, but a lot of factors actually govern those turns, and the dynamics may change at the drop of a hat. It's no wonder that the games attract many intelligent people from various backgrounds, though that doesn't always guarantee great success - as in my case, for example.

For other Pokémon things, intelligence is surely demanded to various degrees. The TCG has workings that rival the main series, though they are substantially different. One needs to consider just as many things in order to succeed in battle. Other Pokémon things may considerably involve more than intelligence, for example speed, but there's no doubt that at least some intelligence is involved to influence further success. The player still needs to control at least a few things, and that can only happen with intelligence.

All the posts that I've made evidently show indications of intelligence. It takes quite a bit to scrutinize many things, let alone Pokémon things, day in and day out. To make them coherent is an even bigger thing, for I've seen and read many even non-Pokémon writings that don't seem to make sense. I believe that I've done my best in this regard, to present as many Pokémon things as possible in writings and to make them at least sensible.

As for that love-and-intelligence thing, I'm sure it makes sense. I would be nowhere if I couldn't think about Pokémon wisely nor show appreciation and care for all its facets. Intelligence, however, does manifest itself as an important element for what I do, whether it's here on this blog or outside, and whether it involves Pokémon or not. It is apparently the case for Pokémon in general as well with many people. To be able to think wisely is something I'm grateful for, especially if it can involve something I truly love such as Pokémon; I'm sure people like me can say the same.

One year ago: Proud to Be a Clean Cosplayer
Two years ago: Poké-Mobile Devices

This Is It

Over a year ago, I stated that in a certain cosplay teaser that I conceive a little something called "yearly themes" that encapsulate happenings in a year, whether they have occurred or have yet to occur. This year, the theme is (set to be) as in the title of this post, "This Is It". Aside from partially referencing the series of what-could-have-been final set of concerts by the "King of Pop", this year has been or looks to be a conclusion of several things. And for those who know me and this blog, Pokémon would certainly be included, much as I wish it wasn't... and yet, it is.

One of those things regards the progression of VGC. The World Championships this year have concluded, and now it's preparing for a transition. For the rest of this year, VGC continues on the 3DS with the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games, but starting in January, the competitive scene will shift to the Sword and Shield games on the Nintendo Switch. Of course, those games have yet to be released - they're only due in two months or so - so at least that may give time to iron out the faults that occur before the shift. What's clear is that the transition will occur regardless, and the 3DS era is ending. It's a finalization.

On a more personal front, because of the move I've made, I've had to part with a group of Gyms in Pokémon Go that I've referred to as the "golden triangle", because there are three of them and they were the first Gyms that I were able to turn gold in their progression (which I should explain about). Sure, at times I may still interact with them if I happen to be in the area, but for the most part, I've essentially parted with them as this does not frequently occur. Meanwhile, in another area and one that is frequently worked on by some members of my raid group, a certain Gym has disappeared, despite its popularity and accessibility (or perhaps not for the very last one). Whatever happens, this is an ending.

And just recently, groups of people have experienced the end of some significant things in one form or another. It seems that the ends of many things seem to be due out this year, regardless of other progressions. Like it or not, Pokémon seems to be part of this as well in some respects, whether wide-ranging or personal in effect - though this blog is not one of those, and I don't expect it to be so for an indefinite time. And like the series of concerts that never had been and could be, this year just seems to be the end mark for those certain things; for this year, "this is it".

One year ago: Cosplay: Club Cosplay Party
Two years ago: Pokkén BanaPassports

Gym Tours

A year ago, I mentioned that another use of Pokémon Go is as a tour guide, whether of present or non-present things. Of course, even with the game being used as a tour guide, players would probably can't help but play through the things presented on the tour. The case is true for something I've been doing lately with (the help of) a friend, where we take a trip to certain Gyms and take them down and over, and/or put something in them. As a special case of the above, I call it a "Gym Tour".

When I and that friend go on a Gym Tour, we sometimes decide on a particular area beforehand, though at other times and even after having decided on an area, we go straight to whichever Gyms we can find and deal with them. What often happens is that we end up distributing our load, as we're both of different teams; I take down Gyms of my friend's team and my friend takes my team's Gyms down, while we negotiate the Gyms not of our teams' colors. It can get complicated considering that we have different Gyms with different progressions, and that some of the Gyms we desire for one person instead go to the other.

Due to the nature of the streets in my local area, sometimes we make our way past one Gym only to return to that Gym later on; it means that we often make our way in a non-linear, even irregular fashion. Sometimes, there are also the unexpected things that we encounter, like traffic jams in the morning (which prevents a more timely approach), and someone else attacking a Gym that either one of us desires to take over. At the least, what happens is that we should end up with a bevy of Gyms that we advanced the progressions of and are ready to furnish coins at a later time, if not on the same day.

Others who wish to conduct similar tours can certainly do better than us. The right time and the right places for Gyms should help out in going through them quickly and efficiently. It's also wise to plan out which Gyms to take, as far as possible, to allow for equal distribution. And if the unexpected does occur, one should have a backup plan or be adept at devising one on the spot. With luck, the Gym Tour should become more successful.

The "Gym Tour" is not quite a "tour" in the usual sense that one may not leisurely make way through a series of Gyms, but it should result in an advancement of gameplay progress. Even so, in making one, it may accomplish some sightseeing purposes, which is another point of a tour, and a more central one at that. Both could be considered the opposite sides of the same coin; accomplishing one accomplishes the other, and that should be a great thing in and of itself.

One year ago: (A Further) Local Ex-Raid, 9/10/2018
Two years ago: Cosplay: BJF - Shizen ni Modoru

The Music of TCGO

As I've stated over a year ago in discussing the music that makes up Pokémon Go, computer/electronic games practically require music for a total immersive experience. Games that are electronic versions of actual physical games are no exception either. For Pokémon, its most well-known physical game incarnation is the Trading Card Game or TCG; its electronic version is, of course, the Trading Card Game Online or TCGO. And it too has music that merits some discussion.

The music for the game is as simple as it is deep. While during login there is no music - unlike Pokémon Go in that regard - once a player enters the primary screens, the player is greeted with the primary "chill" music, which is likely for an important reason: to set the tone while the player is viewing cards, composing decks, or checking simple information related to them. When the player is about to enter matches by way of Trainer Challenge or Versus, however, the music changes to a more lively, richer, and stronger version. The Tournament section has its own music based on the previous piece.

Once in a match, the music starts off mellow, much like the previously described "chill" music. However, as the match proceeds, certain elements start to appear in the music, becoming progressively stronger as one player inches closer to victory and the other nears defeat. The neat thing about this music is therefore the fact that it develops over the course of the match, and it does so more or less "seamlessly"; one only realizes that the music has become more than it was previously as the resolution of the match comes closer. It's something that very few games have in terms of music, and it's quite well done for the TCGO implementation.

The simplicity is apparent: the game doesn't need much in terms of music. Only the preparation environment and the battle environment really needs music for the total immersion of the player. And yet, the music that is there has certain complexities, being similar pieces (with further additions) for the preparation, and instrumentation that grows complex for the battle. It's sophisticated but humbly simple at the same time - a contrast of two aspects that seem to fit in well with how the TCG is played.

I'm now active not just in the electronic side of the TCG through the TCGO, but also on the physical side with real cards. The physical side can work itself out with any kind of music in the environment, but the TCGO has something unique going for it with its musical aspect. Thanks to its immersive nature, I can think of it as I deal with the physical cards as well, even if immersion in this side has not became apparent. At least the thought of immersion by music might just help.

One year ago: Cosplay: Tachiagare
Two years ago: My Book of Days

The New Flavors of Pokémon

Lately, there has been newly released information on the upcoming Sword and Shield games with a particular twist. Quite a bit of that information pertains to culinary aspects, specifically flavors. Food and cuisine is not often linked with Pokémon, but if they become so, the results may be considered neat, especially for a food fan like me. Such is the case with the recently released information, which shed some additional tidbits on the flavors found in the world of Pokémon.

The first tidbit concerns one of the newly discovered species of Pokémon, Alcremie. Alcremie is a new species that vaguely looks like a lump of cake frosted with a very generous amount of whipped cream, and its Gigantamax form (more on this soon enough) indeed simply resembles a multi-tiered birthday cake. According to its lore, Alcremie can produce whipped cream by itself with flavors according to its coloring and decorations, and at least 15 of these have been discovered, including two dubbed as "matcha" and "vanilla". Not only is Alcremie a spiritual successor to Vivillon, it also demonstrates a possibly wide range of flavors as well, and lots of sweet ones at that.

A second tidbit is related to a new feature introduced in the game, called Pokémon Camp. One thing that occurs here is the act of cooking, which involves a selection of ingredients being combined with a selection of Berries in order to cook... curries, and various selections of such based on the ingredients and Berries. It appears to be akin to the Berry blending feature found in a previous generation, and the resulting curry dishes have similar flavor tags. Curry seems to have become an official dish of sorts.

Both tidbits affirm something sweet and savory as part of the greater world of Pokémon. They may be considered one-dimensional (the same species of Pokémon, the same dish), but they can possess different flavors and tastes. It's quite inspiring to discern just what can result out of these elements for whoever would be tasting them. The possibilities of crafted flavors appear to be unique and diverse.

Due to the rare links of food and cuisine with Pokémon, it's often hard to tell about what might people there be tasting. The newly discovered information should shed light on that and inspire lots of Pokémon fans who are food fans to conceive new things based on them (and, needless to say, buy and play the games). I, for one, am as ready to get in the kitchen as I am to get out and train some Pokémon.

One year ago: Other Uses of Pokémon Go
Two years ago: Incubators in Pokémon Go