A New Series of Legendary Pokémon

Those who have played the Sword and Shield games with the Expansion Pass, up to the Crown Tundra where many old Legendary Pokémon join or rejoin the fray, will have noticed a few new Legendary Pokémon that may not be exactly new due to having relations to a few older Legendary Pokémon from other regions. More so to the point, the new Legendary Pokémon complement or supplement the old Legendary Pokémon they are connected with. Based on that fact, they could be construed as a "new Legendary Pokémon series".

The series of new Legendary Pokémon involves a series of three birds that are familiar to many Pokémon fans: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, but in their Galarian forms. Their types are also quite different: Articuno is Psychic and Flying instead of Ice and Flying, Zapdos is Fighting and Flying instead of Electric and Flying, and Moltres is Dark and Flying instead of Fire and Flying. Overall, the three birds also have a much "darker" appearance compared to their Kanto counterparts. It is a significantly wilder flavor of Legendary Pokémon than the original three birds - if their types don't already suggest as such - though there are still traces of their original characteristics.

Along with the new take on the three birds of Kanto, there is also a new take on the well-known "Titans" or "Regi" series; more specifically, it's an expansion of them with two new "members": Regieleki and Regidraco. As can be expected from their names, they are respectively of the Electric and Dragon types. Appearance-wise, the two seem to take after the spherical body of Registeel, only with appendages of electric arcs and dragon parts respectively. The expansion of the series makes them - the new ones from Galar as well as the previous ones from Hoenn and Sinnoh - more akin to a family such as that of Eevee and its evolutions, and as such they may be expected to develop further at some point in time.

Both of these had been known since the early days that the Expansion Pass had been known, but I chose to discuss them at this point in time after the second part, the Crown Tundra, became relevant. As above, thanks to the Crown Tundra, old Legendary Pokémon become available for play, and that's significant for the Sword and Shield games. Yet even with that, I suppose that they may not be so much "new" as much as they are a "renewal". The birds have been known for ages as part of the initial batch of Legendary Pokémon, and the titans have been known for their cryptic enormity, not to mention their type representation. The new forms lend something different but still lively to the body of Legendary Pokémon.

The Crown Tundra added something new-though-not-so-new in the form of the inclusion of old Legendary Pokémon, and that new-though-not-so-new thing also applies for the three Kanto birds in Galarian form and two new titans in its group. In that way, they're emblematic of the Expansion Pass (being that it itself is "expansive", after all) and particularly this part of that Expansion Pass as something both old and new. Plus, their designs are wilder than their previous associates which they relate to and/or follow up from. For a "new Legendary Pokémon series", their additive quality is dazzling.

One year ago: (Out of) the Mainstream

Two years ago: Local EX Raid (vs. Rain), 11/7/2018

Three years ago: Closer and Farther PokéStops

The Flying Cup of GBL

Since the development of the PvP feature in Pokémon Go, the community (through Silph Road and Silph Arena) has taken to develop it into something that would provide an outlet for structured competition. With the Go Battle League today, a similar thing can be said to be occurring internally within Pokémon Go. I've already detailed two of its developments, the Premier Cup and Halloween (Cup), and now I'd like to detail a third one. As the title of this post suggests, it's called the Flying Cup.

Like the other two above, it has its own restrictions, and they're dead simple. The primary restriction is that only Pokémon with the Flying type as one of their types are allowed. The secondary restriction is that the Great League limit of CP 1500 applies. Other than that, it's up to each individual Trainer to make what they will based on these two restrictions, in order to try to go against other Trainers who do exactly the same thing. But as with similar developments, there are more beneath the surface.

While there are lots of potential contenders, the meta boils down to certain combinations of the Flying type with other types: Rock (Aerodactyl), Steel (Skarmory), Water (Mantine), Electric (Zapdos, Emolga), Ice (Articuno), and Dragon (Altaria). Since the Flying type is centrally involved, the Rock, Electric, and Ice types play against each other, and the other types on the list act as support against the first three types. As with any meta, a Trainer may elect not to use these, but best practices will demand them.

The Flying Cup is available as part of Go Battle Night... which happened to occur yesterday after having been postponed two months ago. Because of its special nature, it became the preferred battle mode for many, including me. I'll spare the event details for later, but what's important is that I got to test out how things worked out with the Flying Cup. As expected, many Trainers like me used different selections from the "big six" above, including myself. The above interactions played out as expected, but what seemed to be more important was suppressing or activating these interactions as necessary, which I may or may not have done. The result was that I won and lost a fairly even number of battles. In the limited time I battled with the mode, I found it sometimes thrilling and other times disappointing. Should the Flying Cup return at some point, and I very much hope so, it may be time to try new things.

This cup is extraordinarily simple in restrictions, but as I've found out - and perhaps others too - it can become extraordinarily complex. However it's regarded in complexity, it should also be regarded as something that provides structure to GBL as well, something that the GBL is really moving into in light of how the community creates a structure for PvP competitions and battling in general. With the Flying Cup, it could be said that everyone's hopes took flight into the sky for GBL and beyond.

One year ago: Performance Critique: Project "Untitled" J-Karaoke

Two years ago: Let's Rule the World, Together

Three years ago: Triplets and Pairs

Spending Afternoons with Eevee(lutions)

Because I discussed the related "A Day with Pikachu" line last year, I figure I should discuss this line as well. Following the release of the previous line, Funko and Pokémon displayed a collaboration on another line, this time for another very well-known Pokémon, which can be said to be its "alternate". Coinciding with the previous line, this one is called "An Afternoon with Eevee & Friends". Unlike the previous line and as evidenced by the title, this one involves not just Eevee itself, but the species family of Eevee, which means that it along with the eight "Eeveelutions" are featured for this line.

Like the previous line, the figures in the line, one for each member of the family, were divulged one at a time each month. The line started off with Eevee (of course) in February, followed by Vaporeon in March, Sylveon in April, Glaceon in May, Flareon in June, Espeon in July, Jolteon in August, Leafeon in September, and finally Umbreon in October (last month). Each member of the figure goes - or went, according to Pokémon Center - for USD 14.99 (likewise for last year's Pikachu line), which in terms of figure pricing is reasonable, though one who pursues all the figures will in the end spend a good amount of money for them.

What's neat about these figures is that for someone who does decide to get them all, they can be arranged into a spectacular scene featuring all the members of the family, which can be seen in some Pokémon Center newsletter e-mails. From left to right, the figures in order are Espeon, Glaceon, Vaporeon, Leafeon, Eevee, Sylveon, Jolteon, Flareon, and Umbreon. Altogether, the scene shows all of them in the place or habitat that they like the most, such as Vaporeon next to a waterfall, Sylveon in a grassy patch, and Umbreon in the shade of a rock face. That fact alone might make it a real incentive to get them all.

Personally, I am taken to the "base" figure of the two Eevee - one male and one female, certainly - as in effect I'm getting two Pokémon for the price of one. Yet, I also like the Jolteon figure for its expressive quality, especially where the figure is supposed to be in the grand scheme of the figure line, as well as the Espeon figure that features it lying nicely next to the water. All the figures are awesome, of course, and the collector in me would desire any or all of them if at all possible, which for me at the current time and place isn't. And yet, a collector can still dream.

This line is nevertheless another awesome collaboration by both Pokémon and Funko, and it became a neat follow-up to the previous line, though in some sense it was also ill-timed because of what also followed it. But that doesn't decrease the awesomeness of the figures, particularly because of the "grand scheme" that they show. And that "grand scheme" is one of enjoyment for all the members of the species family of Eevee wherever they are and however they do it best. For an afternoon with them, as the figure series title indicates, it's a totally grand outing for any Pokémon fan and figure collector.

One year ago: Where My Voice Gets Heard

Two years ago: Dexterity, Pokémon Games, and Me

Three years ago: Team Harmony

Hype and Habit and Pokémon

As is typical of many of my discussions involving Pokémon things, they are based on other things that I also pick up. This time, I picked up yet another topic from something shown on TV. A speaker on TV had been talking about how in dealing with certain initiatives, one may start an initiative with the "hype", but then the challenge is maintaining the initiative as a "habit". The initiatives in question are only very distantly related to Pokémon, but after considering what had been said by the speaker, I considered the topic to be somewhat relevant to Pokémon affairs, and that's what led me to write this post.

"Hype" is something that many gamers are familiar with, not just those that deal with Pokémon. When a new game comes about, especially a revolutionary new game, then there's likely to be "hype" or excitement for that new game. It's a neat thing to jump onto the "hype" to expect and/or play the game as it's released. But the next stage would be to make that "hype" into a "habit", meaning something that's sustainable to be continuously done and beneficial in doing so. I've discussed Gartner's "hype cycle" before, and that may be considered to tie into this topic, as the second part of that "cycle" may be considered the "habit" part after the initial "hype". Therein lies the challenge and something fascinating related to Pokémon.

For me personally, I've gotten past the point where anything Pokémon, not just games, is something that is a "hype", and they therefore become a "habit" in this case. I'm inclined to consider those things as something that I'm not just excited about, but also something to look forward to getting into whenever possible. This includes the Pokémon games on the Switch, for which I still do not have the means to play. But because of being compelled by "habit", I do wish to get into them as well. For all other Pokémon things, they'll have to wait their turn when my "habit" gets to them. The force of "habit" also explains why I've kept this blog going for a long time now; it has become more than the "hype" that I had when starting it.

Looking at those who deal with Pokémon and whom I know personally, "habit" has pretty much taken over them, whether it's for one game or another, or even something non-game as figures or the anime. They may get really excited throughout, but once they deal with the Pokémon thing, then it becomes business as usual. This indicates that they get over the "hype" quickly and fit whatever is their thing into their lives. I recall one of my figure fellows receiving many different shipments of figures, which could be full of "hype", especially to figure fiends, but for the person, it becomes just something normal, a "habit". If anything, they're like me and this blog I have.

Perhaps the takeaway for the above is that the Pokémon affairs above simply fit and work well (or can be made to be as such) for the respective people. The way to make them fit and work well then becomes the way that they become routine as a "habit" beyond the initial excitement that is the "hype". For different things and even Pokémon things, the challenge to make this happen could be a veritable one. But if successful, then one will find oneself with something long-lasting as a "habit" in contrast to a temporary "hype". That seems to be good for the initiatives the person discussed as well as those of a Pokémon nature.

One year ago: Cosplay: Erafun Cosplay Contest

Two years ago: Cosplay: Art and Cosplay Stage "PANSOS"

Three years ago: How Many Is Too Many?

Singing My Hearts Out: After One Year

A year ago, when physical events were still in full swing and as lively as can be, I made the effort to liven up one of them (see below) with the help of a band and sang my hearts out on stage, certainly with Pokémon in tow. I've already discussed the lead-in to the occasion in two different posts, one about the effort and another about the influences, and now that it's one year after that very wonderful occasion, I wish to reminisce it and discuss how it might shape up, especially once physical events return to allow that to happen.

Of course, what happened exactly one year ago wasn't the end of the story. A few short weeks later, I got to do the same thing at a different event with a different band that also influenced this effort. And that was practically it: for the rest of the time up until chaos broke out, there wasn't another chance to collaborate with the same two bands or even others, and by the time chaos broke out, it was too late. However, as consolation, the members of the latter band did occasionally contact me over a video call after that point, and that helps to ease all of our longings... or at least most of them, as the greatest longing is certainly performing and singing on stage. We're all waiting for that.

And for when that happens, I have a few visions in mind. Part of those visions relate to the songs I'd like to sing or even what the band would like me to sing. Obviously, if it concerns me, then Pokémon is of concern. The two songs I've sung with the two bands remain as obvious choices for anything that I want to sing or what the bands want me to sing on stage. Especially, if they know my command of English, they will likely want me to sing "Pokémon Theme" with them. But I'm certainly open to any Pokémon song, even the newly released "Acacia" or "GOTCHA!" song, and this is also a personal target in other ways as well.

Then, there is also the matter of the venue and the timing. The first time I sang, it was during a minor event and in the morning, which cannot exactly be said to be "prime time". The second time, it was in the evening, but the event was still minor; moreover, it happened on the "sleepy day" of the event. In either case, the audience was minimal. I'd love to be able to sing at a major event in front of a larger audience than ever, such as Daisuki! Japan (which could be said to have "missed the boat" of safety earlier this year, sadly); I have to say that I also "missed the boat" on being able to do so earlier, in a way. Next time, we ought not to miss it.

It's been a year since I made it on stage, with Pokémon, and at an event, but in a very different way - one that involves my vocal abilities and a great appreciation for themby others. By the same token, I have to appreciate the fact that this is one of the things that Pokémon has allowed me to do, along with my usual cosplay at those same events. At this point, it's still a waiting game for when the situation can allow both to occur comfortably. When that happens, it will once again be the time to sing my hearts out, perhaps like never before.

One year ago: Cosplay: Project "Untitled"

Two years ago: The Joys and Sorrows of Raid Marathons

Three years ago: Late-Night Lure Party

The Pokémon Evolution (and More) Music

The Pokémon games have many different characteristic pieces of music, though many of them are distinct to or for certain games or certain generations. Only a handful of those pieces are relatively constant in sound over a wide swath of Pokémon games. One of those is the music that accompanies Pokémon evolution (and trades; also starting from Generation 2, Eggs that hatch). It's a distinct piece of music that signals that the events are happening or bound to happen, and that distinction is very much iconic in and out of the games.

The music piece begins with a four-note introduction before it goes into the main portion of the music, which has a repetitive cadence of alternating notes with a few other notes and shifts from time to time. Such a cadence creates a feeling of expectation that builds up as the piece and process continues. When the process concludes, the piece ends with the "success" sound, with the last part of the piece looping if necessary, for however long it takes. It's a distinct structure that has applied for as long as the piece has existed in the main series games.

In Pokémon Go, the piece exists as well for both the cases of evolution and Egg hatch, though the piece is arranged slightly differently, likewise for the accompanying "success" sound. One of the ways that it is so is that it is missing the four-note introduction, though the rest of the piece is quite similar, and there are practically no circumstances where the piece needs to continue to loop at the end. Its arrangement in a trade is also slightly different during Pokémon selection. The existence of the piece in all its similarity shows the intent to maintain some commonality with the main series games, from which much of Pokémon Go is based on.

Beyond games, the piece is applicable in much of the same contexts, particularly evolution. Over three months ago, in a highlight of YouTube videos on Pokémon animation, I highlighted poopooghost and the Pokémon evolution animations of the creator. The music is indeed used in that very context; early on, the utilized form was its original 8-bit rendition in the very first games with some arrangement liberty, while more recently, very different arrangements have been used, including a recorder vs. guitar version for the evolution of both forms of Zigzagoon. In a way, the distinction of the piece is maintained through these creations.

As a distinct piece, it's hard to not argue that the piece for evolution, Egg hatch, and trade is very much indicative of that. It's been kept that way in the main series of Pokémon games, and beyond those games, the piece remains connected to all those situations, preserving the distinction. It wouldn't be a stretch, therefore, that if the piece is heard, even as little as its introduction, one should know that the events are about to happen. It's a testament to how much distinction a particular piece can carry, and this one has much of that.

One year ago: Pokémon Go: A Colossal Discovery

Two years ago: Balance of Topics

Three years ago: Kids (...or Trainers, Fans) These Days

The Halloween Cup of GBL

As I've detailed in my October Pokémon Go event rollup, the mainstay and effectively traditional Halloween event has something new this year for those who are inclined to progress in the Go Battle League. That something is a challenge for it called, appropriately, the Halloween Cup (or just Halloween, seen as a theme). It is something new in the vein of similar challenges by the Silph League Arena in the form of their monthly rotating themes, and therefore it can and should be discussed in the same manner.

Like the Silph League Arena themes, there are a few restrictions. Since Go Battle League can and does utilize the three standard CP-based leagues, it has to narrow down the field: the cup or theme is based on the Great League with its CP restriction of 1500. The types are also restricted; for this, the allowed types are Bug, Poison, Dark, Fairy, and Ghost - all the standard creepy, spooky, and seemingly magical stuff - including associated dual-type Pokémon. Already, it appears much like the SLA. The only big difference is that it only lasts for one week, also as I've detailed earlier: Tuesday is the last full day of it, or half a day in some parts of the world. Therefore, this cup or theme is seasonal and will likely return next year for the festivities, perhaps with a few changes by then.

Based on the experience of myself and fellow Trainers, three Pokémon already come out on top as a frequent meta: Alolan Marowak, Galvantula, and Azumarill. While I'm fortunate to have two out of three of these available thanks to SLA tournaments and GBL battles in general, I also have to be aware that other Trainers will have them too. Luckily, picks for secondary or further teams are available, including Victreebel, Toxicroak, Umbreon, and Wigglytuff. Creation of secondary teams is a good idea in general, especially since the Party feature makes it easy to do so, and then to get going in battle almost immediately. For this cup or theme, good choices are already evident. 

After having battled with this cup or theme for nearly a week, I can deliver my viewpoints. This cup or theme offers a neat SLA like experience within the confines of the GBL, being the only option available to commemorate the occasion. One week seems to be OK for this, though diehards might want (or have wanted) this to stay for longer; this might be an indication that future similar GBL events should be adapted to the schedule. As for my personal progress with it, it has been up and down. Sometimes I can win several battles and then lose a few others; since I'm already Rank 9 in GBL in general, this doesn't fare well for my progression, as I need a mostly constant stream of wins in order to bump my rating to the necessary 3000 for going up to Rank 10. Still, that's a general problem beyond the scope of this cup or theme, but I suppose this cup or theme is still beneficial for progress in some ways.

This special "new" challenge for the GBL - maybe more familiar to those often involved with SLA - is still both refreshing and unique, being effectively the first time something of this kind is in play for the former. It offers something nice to celebrate the occasion by which it is based, and just that seems to be sufficient, other than the fact that it helps with progression with the GBL. Even though the real occasion of Halloween has just passed, this cup or theme is likely to remain fascinating, even next year should it come into play again.

One year ago: Later, Psyduck

Two years ago: Hardcore (Dis)United

Three years ago: Duff Knows Pokémon