Four days ago, in my post about sort-of preparations for the Sword and Shield games, I noted that the day after that post, there would be a sort of a "livestream" from a certain place in Galar, the region of the games. That livestream did indeed happen, and it resulted in a few nifty finds. The livestream itself is a rather unique idea with some ups and downs, so I'd like to take this post to discuss it to glean the insights from this rather new promotional method, for the games and otherwise.
The impact of this new method seems to be quite mixed. Some fans seem to have gained quite a bit of excitement from it, while others did not gain as much. It may be related to how long those fans tuned in; the ones who tuned in for longer may have seen a few more things than the ones that didn't tune in for as long. I can see why - in the moments I tuned in, I did not see much other than a somewhat dark scenery with not many things going on, and I couldn't continue to tune in because of other things I had to do. However, a certain fan, one who also updates a certain other site for Pokémon, has indicated that the fan stayed up for all the 24 hours of the livestream in order to be able to update about the livestream. If that is the case, then that's a real dedicated effort, on the scale of my own effort to post every day on this blog. Ultimately, what was seen seemed to determine the excitement.
It was great that at least one person was dedicated enough to go through the entire livestream for information. But as evidenced by my personal case and perhaps the case of others, not everyone is able to go through 24 hours of a livestream that may show things only intermittently. If something like this ever happens again, it may be worth it for some viewers to cooperate with several other people and arrange shifts as to who will watch the livestream when, and record the findings as they appear. In doing so, it lightens the burden for everyone involved - but again, only if it occurs in similar fashion with the same length at some other time. Given the reactions to this really long livestream, it may be that one that is half as long (12 hours) or one-third as long (8 hours) may be sufficient to keep viewers engaged and allow others to take part. Both the execution of the livestream itself as well as the way of watching the livestream may be improved upon.
As for the findings from the livestream regarding the games, there is quite a bit. Most of those findings deal with Pokémon that will appear in the Sword and Shield games. The camera is set in a forest place called "Glimwood Tangle" in Galar, and as expected, most of the Pokémon are dwellers of the forest due to the nature of the setting. Some Pokémon that were predicted to appear such as Morelull and Phantump did appear, thereby confirming their and their families' presence in the games. Cottonee and Impidimp also appeared, though they could be considered to be less expected. The biggest discovery of all during this livestream is a new Pokémon that looks strangely like infant horses from "the fandom next door" and yet has similar characteristics to a Ponyta, which could therefore only be described as Galarian Ponyta. These are all quite significant in some ways.
As a promotional method, the livestream can be described to be successful in certain aspects, while being less successful in others. The idea is novel enough in that it lets one find out about things by direct observation, as if one was actually there or at the least doing remote research work, which is the intent. The only real problem is those who may or may not be able or willing to watch for the entire length of the livestream. That said, some fans will be expected remain up (literally) for it, which at least may benefit others; with some adjustments, that may still be incentive enough to "livestream and let livestream".
One year ago: Cosplay: SJF - Tomodachi 3
Two years ago: Iron Trainers?
Monday, October 7, 2019
Sunday, October 6, 2019
(Not) Sparkling Names
As a linguist, I have to pay attention to different phenomena concerning languages so that I can understand them based on their language properties and what they imply beyond that. Pokémon is included in some of these phenomena, as evidenced by several posts I've made about them. One kind of language phenomena related to Pokémon is their names, which I've written to a certain extent regarding their existence across languages. Predictably, there are multiple facets to any phenomena, and I'd like to take this post to write about another one of those facets.
In the previous post, I also mentioned that every language has different senses and sensibilities. They dictate what can and can't be done, especially regarding meanings. Names of people and things are also included, which is why many Pokémon names are different across a few languages. But even within one language, those senses and sensibilities may govern other things related to names. In the case of the Japanese language, there is a certain phenomenon that becomes a testament to this.
That phenomenon is called "kirakira" names, as in people names. According to a certain YouTube video, the term means "sparkling", but the group of names that are as such are really anything but. Of those names, at least the ones explained in the video, they include two very well-known Pokémon: Pikachu and Mewtwo. Japanese names for Japanese people are necessarily rendered in kanji (Chinese-derived characters), but forcing the names of both Pokémon to be rendered in those characters results in strange combinations meaning-wise. In the example, though, the "Mewtwo" name does include the character for "two", yet it would be considered a nonstandard reading in a way.
It makes sense. Typically, Pokémon names in Japanese are rendered in katakana script, which is often used to phonetically indicate expressions that are foreign (like English words) or otherwise may not fit in standard Japanese. While it is interesting to make them out with kanji for the purpose of naming people, it is as equally dubious, especially when standard names are already the norm. As well, pop culture-related expressions like names of Pokémon are not immune to criticism, often in verbal - and unfortunately sometimes physical - form; it is fairly easy to imagine what would happen if they are used for actual people names. It's no wonder that these "kirakira" names can be considered "bad", in a sense.
Evidently, names for people or otherwise - Pokémon - are as much part of language as anything else. They can be explained through it, and they are governed by its workings. The case of these "kirakira" names involving Pokémon particularly highlights deeper connections with language, here being Japanese, and why it just doesn't sensibly work out based on meaning and communication. It remains a "sparkly" phenomena for both language and Pokémon, even if underneath it all the sparkle just doesn't light up - if you get my drift.
One year ago: My Town, Pokémon Town
Two years ago: What's in a Name?
In the previous post, I also mentioned that every language has different senses and sensibilities. They dictate what can and can't be done, especially regarding meanings. Names of people and things are also included, which is why many Pokémon names are different across a few languages. But even within one language, those senses and sensibilities may govern other things related to names. In the case of the Japanese language, there is a certain phenomenon that becomes a testament to this.
That phenomenon is called "kirakira" names, as in people names. According to a certain YouTube video, the term means "sparkling", but the group of names that are as such are really anything but. Of those names, at least the ones explained in the video, they include two very well-known Pokémon: Pikachu and Mewtwo. Japanese names for Japanese people are necessarily rendered in kanji (Chinese-derived characters), but forcing the names of both Pokémon to be rendered in those characters results in strange combinations meaning-wise. In the example, though, the "Mewtwo" name does include the character for "two", yet it would be considered a nonstandard reading in a way.
It makes sense. Typically, Pokémon names in Japanese are rendered in katakana script, which is often used to phonetically indicate expressions that are foreign (like English words) or otherwise may not fit in standard Japanese. While it is interesting to make them out with kanji for the purpose of naming people, it is as equally dubious, especially when standard names are already the norm. As well, pop culture-related expressions like names of Pokémon are not immune to criticism, often in verbal - and unfortunately sometimes physical - form; it is fairly easy to imagine what would happen if they are used for actual people names. It's no wonder that these "kirakira" names can be considered "bad", in a sense.
Evidently, names for people or otherwise - Pokémon - are as much part of language as anything else. They can be explained through it, and they are governed by its workings. The case of these "kirakira" names involving Pokémon particularly highlights deeper connections with language, here being Japanese, and why it just doesn't sensibly work out based on meaning and communication. It remains a "sparkly" phenomena for both language and Pokémon, even if underneath it all the sparkle just doesn't light up - if you get my drift.
One year ago: My Town, Pokémon Town
Two years ago: What's in a Name?
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Gym Progression in Pokémon Go
In the post about how this year some things seem to be at an end, I mentioned that I had turned a group of Gyms - one that I now rarely have access to - into a gold state. That state, also as I've mentioned, deals with their progression. It's a bit of a valuable thing in Pokémon Go, so it deserves some discussion regarding how things run in order to make the best or most effective use of the system.
Each Gym confers a Gym Badge upon the first interaction, and the list of acquired Badges may be seen in the Trainer profile. The diamond-shaped Gym Badge, which contains the Photo Disc image of the Gym, indicates the progression of the Gym: basic (no border), bronze, silver, and gold from lowest to highest. To reach the highest level of gold, one has to be diligent, patient, or fortunate, or any combination of the above.
The progression of Gyms is measured by something called Gym Points; to reach the gold level, it takes a minimum of 30,000. These points are obtained each time a Trainer interacts with the Gym, save for spinning its Photo Disc. A raid, for example, rewards 1,000 points, so it takes a minimum of 30 raids (only) to turn a Gym Badge to gold. Each minute of defending a Gym rewards one point, so it takes a minimum of 20 days and 20 hours (again, only) to earn a gold Gym Badge. Beyond that, anything may be possible.
A normal Gym Badge might be elevated to gold through a mix of takeovers, defenses, and raids. But some Gyms, especially in periphery areas, are rarely attacked, allowing Pokémon put in there to stay for the 20 days and 20 hours needed, without further manipulation. Because it takes only 30 raids to turn a Gym Badge to gold, it is possible to do so by only raiding a Gym, resulting in the phenomenon of "zero Gyms" that are never defended yet are gold. It requires some diligence to undertake, but it's totally possible.
A good reason for elevating a Gym Badge to gold status is that a Trainer will get bonus items when the Photo Disc of the Gym is spun like a PokéStop, which may be helpful during certain occasions. The Gym progression status of other Trainers are also visible in examining Trainer profiles while undertaking raids. Another reason for elevating the status would be for a different type of progression that is not in-game, but remains important for a certain group of people and deserves further discussion sometime else. Thus, it is an objective worth pursuing to a certain extent.
It does seem like this achievement has a lot of (or mostly) prestige value associated with it. Yet at the same time, it may also be indicative of quite a bit of work put in by a certain Trainer. The fact remains that Gyms are where many of the struggles in Pokémon Go take place, so there has to be a way to quantify and present how that plays out. This progression system quite allows for that to occur.
One year ago: Starters and "Pseudo-Starters"
Two years ago: The Old New Thing: Second-Generation Games
Each Gym confers a Gym Badge upon the first interaction, and the list of acquired Badges may be seen in the Trainer profile. The diamond-shaped Gym Badge, which contains the Photo Disc image of the Gym, indicates the progression of the Gym: basic (no border), bronze, silver, and gold from lowest to highest. To reach the highest level of gold, one has to be diligent, patient, or fortunate, or any combination of the above.
The progression of Gyms is measured by something called Gym Points; to reach the gold level, it takes a minimum of 30,000. These points are obtained each time a Trainer interacts with the Gym, save for spinning its Photo Disc. A raid, for example, rewards 1,000 points, so it takes a minimum of 30 raids (only) to turn a Gym Badge to gold. Each minute of defending a Gym rewards one point, so it takes a minimum of 20 days and 20 hours (again, only) to earn a gold Gym Badge. Beyond that, anything may be possible.
A normal Gym Badge might be elevated to gold through a mix of takeovers, defenses, and raids. But some Gyms, especially in periphery areas, are rarely attacked, allowing Pokémon put in there to stay for the 20 days and 20 hours needed, without further manipulation. Because it takes only 30 raids to turn a Gym Badge to gold, it is possible to do so by only raiding a Gym, resulting in the phenomenon of "zero Gyms" that are never defended yet are gold. It requires some diligence to undertake, but it's totally possible.
A good reason for elevating a Gym Badge to gold status is that a Trainer will get bonus items when the Photo Disc of the Gym is spun like a PokéStop, which may be helpful during certain occasions. The Gym progression status of other Trainers are also visible in examining Trainer profiles while undertaking raids. Another reason for elevating the status would be for a different type of progression that is not in-game, but remains important for a certain group of people and deserves further discussion sometime else. Thus, it is an objective worth pursuing to a certain extent.
It does seem like this achievement has a lot of (or mostly) prestige value associated with it. Yet at the same time, it may also be indicative of quite a bit of work put in by a certain Trainer. The fact remains that Gyms are where many of the struggles in Pokémon Go take place, so there has to be a way to quantify and present how that plays out. This progression system quite allows for that to occur.
One year ago: Starters and "Pseudo-Starters"
Two years ago: The Old New Thing: Second-Generation Games
Friday, October 4, 2019
Dub Reunion, Dub History
Three weeks ago, something momentous happened for the Pokémon anime, at least in the local scene - that is, in my locale of Indonesia. After a long time, the Pokémon anime returned to Indonesian airwaves, this time bearing the Alola saga, otherwise called the Sun & Moon series. It, of course, has a dub to accommodate younger viewers and in general those who don't generally understand Japanese. It can be described as a fascinating "reunion", especially considering its history.
The presence of the Pokémon anime on Indonesian airwaves is an extended one. Up to today, it has spanned four national TV channels, with some differences each time; it has also pretty much covered all generations. Despite its extended presence, however, it also has a reputation for being spotty, or in other words incomplete; episodes are missing in part or in whole, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Even so, many episodes did manage to receive the dub treatment and were aired at least once, satisfying at least a good number of Pokémon fans, including me.
And this time, there is the Sun & Moon dub. It was actually promised or advertised as far back as August to air in the same month, and even previewed at the local TCG launch event. However, nothing came out of it, at least at that time. Local fans only received confirmation some weeks later of the premiere, which was exactly as I described, being three weeks ago. In a further twist, not one, but two episodes were aired... although in subsequent weeks this became last week's episode plus a new episode. It is also this that became part of the impetus for my "doubleheaders" post. This broadcast schedule seems odd, though it does benefit those who cannot stay up to watch, as the episodes air at around 9 PM, another significant change for those who are used to watching on Sunday mornings.
Content-wise, there is yet another significant change. Instead of being based on the Japanese original, it is instead based on the English dub, including its theme. My reasoning is that this is to fully coordinate with the English names, which are retained or used in the localized TCG. Ash is also referred to as "Ash" and not as "Satoshi", which is quite a novelty for the dub. Another novelty is the use of "annotations" for characters and Pokémon that viewers may not be familiar with, at least upon the very first introduction. The dub itself appears to be good enough, and yet a bit literally translated in some parts. All the same, the cutting of the episodes seem a bit dubious at times, even in the transition to breaks. Things seem to remain the same as much as they change.
With this airing, fans in Indonesia have officially been "reunited" with the dub for the Pokémon anime. Despite the changes, fans should find that the qualities of the current dub should be similar to that of previous dubs, if they have already watched. For newer fans, this is still something to enjoy regardless. The history of the dub therefore continues with the saga of a region with good vibes - which hopefully should carry on to and with this dub.
One year ago: A Strongly Brilliant Thing
Two years ago: Feelings for Female Trainers
The presence of the Pokémon anime on Indonesian airwaves is an extended one. Up to today, it has spanned four national TV channels, with some differences each time; it has also pretty much covered all generations. Despite its extended presence, however, it also has a reputation for being spotty, or in other words incomplete; episodes are missing in part or in whole, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Even so, many episodes did manage to receive the dub treatment and were aired at least once, satisfying at least a good number of Pokémon fans, including me.
And this time, there is the Sun & Moon dub. It was actually promised or advertised as far back as August to air in the same month, and even previewed at the local TCG launch event. However, nothing came out of it, at least at that time. Local fans only received confirmation some weeks later of the premiere, which was exactly as I described, being three weeks ago. In a further twist, not one, but two episodes were aired... although in subsequent weeks this became last week's episode plus a new episode. It is also this that became part of the impetus for my "doubleheaders" post. This broadcast schedule seems odd, though it does benefit those who cannot stay up to watch, as the episodes air at around 9 PM, another significant change for those who are used to watching on Sunday mornings.
Content-wise, there is yet another significant change. Instead of being based on the Japanese original, it is instead based on the English dub, including its theme. My reasoning is that this is to fully coordinate with the English names, which are retained or used in the localized TCG. Ash is also referred to as "Ash" and not as "Satoshi", which is quite a novelty for the dub. Another novelty is the use of "annotations" for characters and Pokémon that viewers may not be familiar with, at least upon the very first introduction. The dub itself appears to be good enough, and yet a bit literally translated in some parts. All the same, the cutting of the episodes seem a bit dubious at times, even in the transition to breaks. Things seem to remain the same as much as they change.
With this airing, fans in Indonesia have officially been "reunited" with the dub for the Pokémon anime. Despite the changes, fans should find that the qualities of the current dub should be similar to that of previous dubs, if they have already watched. For newer fans, this is still something to enjoy regardless. The history of the dub therefore continues with the saga of a region with good vibes - which hopefully should carry on to and with this dub.
One year ago: A Strongly Brilliant Thing
Two years ago: Feelings for Female Trainers
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Preparing for Sword and Shield
Two years ago, I wrote a post on the preparations for the then-upcoming new main series Pokémon games, which were Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. It was timed several weeks before its release - to be more exact, about one and a half months. Today, it's more or less the same amount of time before the newest members, Sword and Shield, are released, so I figure it's time to create this post for those new games. The only real difference is that this post may not reflect my "preparations", so much as "concerns" that may keep me from playing the games for some time. Nevertheless, some preparation considerations are in order.
An important preparation effort for this is obviously the console, which is the Nintendo Switch. The console is indeed lucrative and is now even available in a "budget" or "mini" Lite version, but even with that, the matters are a bit complicated. You see, I still don't have the console at this point, and if I wish to play, at least personally, the console is the priority item. Moreover, recently the Switch Lite, even with its distinct design, has shown that it's not immune to problems; its controller has shown indication of "drifting" with some users. Such a problem could prove to be grave for certain games, including Sword and Shield. The choice then becomes to shell out for a regular Switch, or to buy the Switch Lite and deal with the problem somehow, if and when it occurs. It becomes a major decision.
If the console itself is quite expensive, the game itself is somewhat expensive, at least compared to previous experiences of buying the main series games. It will be the most I've ever spent to play a main series Pokémon game, and it's a significant spend. I'm up for it, but only as soon it becomes viable for me to do so. And it won't be the first time; my experience with the 3DS was as such, with me coming late into playing the games as intended. That is also a segue into the issue of time for playing the games, something that will have to justify my becoming able to do so. Those are quite the considerations.
Even with all that, there is still one thing I've prepared. I've somewhat firmly decided on Sword, since my last main series game was Ultra Moon, continuing the pattern of my path. A friend of mine had said that the decision has been made on Shield, which could mean that we could become trading partners later on down the line. Meanwhile, the games themselves are being prepared - they're being "amped up" or "hyped" prior to release. One such effort was announced last week and will be underway tomorrow, as a "livestream" will be held in a certain place from the game's region, with the expectation that there will be discoveries that will further the understanding of the game.
There's a lot of things to be prepared for these two new games. They're totally new games on a totally new console, necessitating totally new paradigms as well. Those who want to play, like me, will have to make sure that things are totally suitable for this to happen. They may also have to alleviate a few (or perhaps many) concerns before playability can happen, as part of those preparations. A Pokémon fan at heart should be able to make this happen one way or another and in due time... maybe, whenever "due time" is.
One year ago: The Items of Shuffle's Special Shop
Two years ago: When an Iris Blooms: Episode 669 - "The Bloom Is on Axew!"
An important preparation effort for this is obviously the console, which is the Nintendo Switch. The console is indeed lucrative and is now even available in a "budget" or "mini" Lite version, but even with that, the matters are a bit complicated. You see, I still don't have the console at this point, and if I wish to play, at least personally, the console is the priority item. Moreover, recently the Switch Lite, even with its distinct design, has shown that it's not immune to problems; its controller has shown indication of "drifting" with some users. Such a problem could prove to be grave for certain games, including Sword and Shield. The choice then becomes to shell out for a regular Switch, or to buy the Switch Lite and deal with the problem somehow, if and when it occurs. It becomes a major decision.
If the console itself is quite expensive, the game itself is somewhat expensive, at least compared to previous experiences of buying the main series games. It will be the most I've ever spent to play a main series Pokémon game, and it's a significant spend. I'm up for it, but only as soon it becomes viable for me to do so. And it won't be the first time; my experience with the 3DS was as such, with me coming late into playing the games as intended. That is also a segue into the issue of time for playing the games, something that will have to justify my becoming able to do so. Those are quite the considerations.
Even with all that, there is still one thing I've prepared. I've somewhat firmly decided on Sword, since my last main series game was Ultra Moon, continuing the pattern of my path. A friend of mine had said that the decision has been made on Shield, which could mean that we could become trading partners later on down the line. Meanwhile, the games themselves are being prepared - they're being "amped up" or "hyped" prior to release. One such effort was announced last week and will be underway tomorrow, as a "livestream" will be held in a certain place from the game's region, with the expectation that there will be discoveries that will further the understanding of the game.
There's a lot of things to be prepared for these two new games. They're totally new games on a totally new console, necessitating totally new paradigms as well. Those who want to play, like me, will have to make sure that things are totally suitable for this to happen. They may also have to alleviate a few (or perhaps many) concerns before playability can happen, as part of those preparations. A Pokémon fan at heart should be able to make this happen one way or another and in due time... maybe, whenever "due time" is.
One year ago: The Items of Shuffle's Special Shop
Two years ago: When an Iris Blooms: Episode 669 - "The Bloom Is on Axew!"
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
The Singapore Pokémon Center
Singapore is actually quite a special place for me. It was the first place abroad that I spent time in, and in the past, it often acted as a "gateway" for me to go to the U.S., the place where I got to know Pokémon for the first time. Nowadays, Singapore is even more special particularly for Pokémon fans, because it is the place of the Singapore Pokémon Center, the first one in East Asia that isn't temporary. While I haven't been there personally, I can still write a few things about it.
The Pokémon Center is located in Jewel Changi Airport, which is essentially the illustrious centerpiece of the airport of the same name. It is, however, located on the landside - the side of an airport connected to non-flight purposes - so I would only be able to visit after clearing the checks for entering, and even then a visit would probably be better under certain scenarios, which I will detail shortly. What is important is that the "Jewel", as it is called, is a spectacle of the airport, so the Pokémon Center being there befits the spectacle.
From what I've seen of the inside through photos, it doesn't seem to be too different from other Pokémon Centers, right down to the merchandise being sold. I can tell, however, that I would be right at home in it, much like for any other Pokémon Center. What I would purchase depends on my own budget, of course, as well as if I'm tasked to purchase anything for my friends, which I will likely be asked to, if I ever disclose that I plan to go. Lots of planning would perhaps be in order for any purchases here, both for my own and for others.
As for those scenarios, if I were to be visiting Singapore, then this would definitely be a top agenda. I could visit the place upon my arrival to Singapore, and then once again just before I'm about to leave through the airport, of course. What would probably be difficult is making a visit during transit, even when given a long transit window. This scenario too might involve some advanced planning. The place remains a must-visit, if at all possible.
Singapore is a "gateway" to many places because its airport is a hub for those places. It is also a destination of its own in many regards. That said, the Pokémon Center being located there effectively becomes its own "gateway" to a host of accessible Pokémon merchandise on this side of Asia, not to mention its own destination inside a destination. It's fair to say that the presence of the Pokémon Center makes things that are already special even more special, especially in the eyes of certain Pokémon fans like me.
One year ago: (Welcome Back to) Local EX Raid, 10/2/2018
Two years ago: Preparing for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
The Pokémon Center is located in Jewel Changi Airport, which is essentially the illustrious centerpiece of the airport of the same name. It is, however, located on the landside - the side of an airport connected to non-flight purposes - so I would only be able to visit after clearing the checks for entering, and even then a visit would probably be better under certain scenarios, which I will detail shortly. What is important is that the "Jewel", as it is called, is a spectacle of the airport, so the Pokémon Center being there befits the spectacle.
From what I've seen of the inside through photos, it doesn't seem to be too different from other Pokémon Centers, right down to the merchandise being sold. I can tell, however, that I would be right at home in it, much like for any other Pokémon Center. What I would purchase depends on my own budget, of course, as well as if I'm tasked to purchase anything for my friends, which I will likely be asked to, if I ever disclose that I plan to go. Lots of planning would perhaps be in order for any purchases here, both for my own and for others.
As for those scenarios, if I were to be visiting Singapore, then this would definitely be a top agenda. I could visit the place upon my arrival to Singapore, and then once again just before I'm about to leave through the airport, of course. What would probably be difficult is making a visit during transit, even when given a long transit window. This scenario too might involve some advanced planning. The place remains a must-visit, if at all possible.
Singapore is a "gateway" to many places because its airport is a hub for those places. It is also a destination of its own in many regards. That said, the Pokémon Center being located there effectively becomes its own "gateway" to a host of accessible Pokémon merchandise on this side of Asia, not to mention its own destination inside a destination. It's fair to say that the presence of the Pokémon Center makes things that are already special even more special, especially in the eyes of certain Pokémon fans like me.
One year ago: (Welcome Back to) Local EX Raid, 10/2/2018
Two years ago: Preparing for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Renewing the Anime
Anyone who's been with Pokémon long enough will certainly be familiar with the anime adaptation. It's been present for quite a long time, almost as old as Pokémon itself. In that time, many things have changed just as much as many things have stayed the same. That has led some to speculate about instituting a "renewal" for the anime. It's a neat idea, but it has many considerations associated with it, and some may also be concerned about the process itself. And yet, that "renewal" may be a worthwhile thing based on the considerations.
Some considerations involve the primary character (that is, protagonist) of the anime. Many people, including myself, have grown attached to the protagonist whose name is Ash or Satoshi, depending on which side of the pond they're partial to, so they can't see the protagonist being anyone else. Or rather, it can be someone else, but it won't be considered the "main" series, as evidenced by the many spinoff episodes. Therefore, the main protagonist has to necessarily be Ash, but thematic variations may be possible, even significant ones as with the Alola saga. Even with certain things happening, it seems many will never tire of Ash as the protagonist. I say that's fine, and that will likely remain the way it should be.
Other considerations involve the setting of the anime. On one hand, the setting has to somehow involve the latest region, as this becomes a single point of renewal if nothing else. Variations may be permissible, of course, as with Battle Frontier taking place in places around Kanto, which essentially entailed a revisit. Revisits like these seem to be something that would be neat if it can be done well, but they haven't occurred since then, save for the 20th movie going back to Kanto for the initial beginnings, but also amounting to a re-conceived original story line. What would be monumental is to try to revisit multiple regions in addition to visiting the most recent one, but that is something that would require massive planning, both in and out of character. The concept could be just as neat as with just a single region.
It appears, though, that some of these considerations have been taken into account. On Sunday, a teaser trailer was released on YouTube for what will be the next chapter of the Pokémon anime. According to the details of the teaser, Ash and Pikachu will remain a protagonist, but they will be joined by a second one: Go and Scorbunny. Moreover, the teaser also indicates that the anime will be set in multiple regions, including the most recently unveiled Galar - a "world tour", essentially, if the messages and visuals are any indication. There is also no subtitle of any kind, unlike for previous regional sagas (which also means that this term may be on the way out). It may be considered a "renewal" in many ways.
For all the times that the Pokémon anime has been around, it has presented many great things, even many of the same things. It's no surprise, then, that there have been calls and concerns about a "renewal" for the anime. Sunday's reveal may have answered some of those calls and alleviated some of those concerns, but much may still have to be seen before anything could be called definitive. Considering the times ahead, fans of the Pokémon anime may just be in for and receptive to some new things and ways, not to mention a new region and a new generation of Pokémon.
One year ago: I Wanna Be a Pokémon (_____)
Two years ago: Playhouses, Children, and Pokémon
Some considerations involve the primary character (that is, protagonist) of the anime. Many people, including myself, have grown attached to the protagonist whose name is Ash or Satoshi, depending on which side of the pond they're partial to, so they can't see the protagonist being anyone else. Or rather, it can be someone else, but it won't be considered the "main" series, as evidenced by the many spinoff episodes. Therefore, the main protagonist has to necessarily be Ash, but thematic variations may be possible, even significant ones as with the Alola saga. Even with certain things happening, it seems many will never tire of Ash as the protagonist. I say that's fine, and that will likely remain the way it should be.
Other considerations involve the setting of the anime. On one hand, the setting has to somehow involve the latest region, as this becomes a single point of renewal if nothing else. Variations may be permissible, of course, as with Battle Frontier taking place in places around Kanto, which essentially entailed a revisit. Revisits like these seem to be something that would be neat if it can be done well, but they haven't occurred since then, save for the 20th movie going back to Kanto for the initial beginnings, but also amounting to a re-conceived original story line. What would be monumental is to try to revisit multiple regions in addition to visiting the most recent one, but that is something that would require massive planning, both in and out of character. The concept could be just as neat as with just a single region.
It appears, though, that some of these considerations have been taken into account. On Sunday, a teaser trailer was released on YouTube for what will be the next chapter of the Pokémon anime. According to the details of the teaser, Ash and Pikachu will remain a protagonist, but they will be joined by a second one: Go and Scorbunny. Moreover, the teaser also indicates that the anime will be set in multiple regions, including the most recently unveiled Galar - a "world tour", essentially, if the messages and visuals are any indication. There is also no subtitle of any kind, unlike for previous regional sagas (which also means that this term may be on the way out). It may be considered a "renewal" in many ways.
For all the times that the Pokémon anime has been around, it has presented many great things, even many of the same things. It's no surprise, then, that there have been calls and concerns about a "renewal" for the anime. Sunday's reveal may have answered some of those calls and alleviated some of those concerns, but much may still have to be seen before anything could be called definitive. Considering the times ahead, fans of the Pokémon anime may just be in for and receptive to some new things and ways, not to mention a new region and a new generation of Pokémon.
One year ago: I Wanna Be a Pokémon (_____)
Two years ago: Playhouses, Children, and Pokémon
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