"Post-Shuffle" Activity

I've had a pretty extensive "career" in Pokémon Shuffle. I've played since close to the beginning and now have attained various successes within the game. However, based on activities inside and outside the game, it seems that my time with Pokémon Shuffle may be almost up. Once that happens, I'll have to find some activity that will fill the time that I've used and would use in Shuffle. In other words, I would be searching for a "post-Shuffle" activity.

With the release of Pokémon Cafe Mix, I could of course try my hand at it, especially as it's available on the Switch or on mobile right now. The problem is that I don't have a Switch at the moment and space is at a premium on my current mobile device. I would face the quandary of spending for an advanced mobile device instead of a Switch, or the remote possibility of getting a second mobile device that is purely intended for playing games rather than hosting other apps. Yet, puzzle games (including Pokémon ones) are within my domain, and I would have to explore either of these options in order to get started on the next Pokémon puzzle frenzy.

Then, there is the possibility of me reaching out to other Pokémon games that many people play, such as Pokémon Masters EX or Pokémon Quest. It bears in mind that both are available on mobile and the latter is also available on the Switch; as a result, they incur the same concerns as above. Further, these would constitute side engagements rather than a primary engagement as with the main series games, Pokémon Go, or any Pokémon puzzle game. As I am a big fan of Pokémon, there is a desire for me to explore these games, furthermore for the creation of posts on this blog. But they will certainly have to wait their turn, as with everything else I do for Pokémon and beyond.

Speaking of primary engagements, I do have to say that the first one on the previous list, the main series games, have been quite under neglect in recent times, partially by my own doing and partially by influence of the doings of others. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to spend some time on this primary engagement when the time comes to pass. On the off-chance that Shuffle reaches its end-of-life, I may consider postponing other side Pokémon engagements and resolve the primary one for the main series; after satisfiably doing this, then I can involve other side engagements or bring back the puzzle game engagement. It may be a necessary measure to keep things in check.

The choices I have for a "post-Shuffle activity" are many and varied. I could continue the puzzle game engagement with Cafe Mix, shift to a side engagement with certain games, or prioritize the main series engagement before deciding to do anything else. Whatever I decide to do, I may need to decide it before Shuffle ultimately decides to cease its activities. Though it won't be the same as the "career" in Shuffle, at least I can then say that my Pokémon "career" continues in some way.

One year ago: Fusion without Confusion

Two years ago: Pokémon Theme Park Ideas

Three years ago: Playing the Meta Game

Four years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition, Day 1

The Rain and Pokémon

As the world of Pokémon is situated in one that is not too far off different from the real world, it shares many things characteristic of the real world. Among them is weather, one of which is rain. It's a very characteristic weather in the real world that is affected by the dynamics of the land and the sea. In the Pokémon world, it may be affected by another dynamic, that of the Pokémon in addition to the people to which they are related. As such, there's a certain interest in discussing that weather in a post.

Rain brings down water from above, and therefore rain is very closely associated with Pokémon of the Water type. In fact, some Pokémon can perform the move Rain Dance and bring about a Rain weather. Others don't have to do that - at least initially - and can bring in Rain straight away through the Drizzle ability. Even the Rain weather has a state of increased intensity with effects that are more pronounced on Pokémon. None of these should be surprising given the nature of rain in the real world, but they do show that rain has its place for Pokémon.

Besides having a place for Pokémon (the creatures), rain also has a place in the general environs of this world. It is apparent that for most places, rain is only periodic, coming by itself or by way of Rain Dance et cetera as above. But, for some places like in central Hoenn, it is apparent that the rain can seemingly go on forever, making it a challenge for the people who are situated in the places and the travelers or Trainers who pass through them. Even the reason caused by the Drizzle ability may turn out to be apocalyptic as activated by Kyogre. In this way, rain can and does become a major force in different circumstances.

This last bit is kind of spiritual but still has relevance in a way. Euphemistically, "rain" represents the tears shed by people - in specific cases, this would be of Ash upon experiencing separation from or something harrowing with Pikachu, as has happened in several episodes of the anime. It fulfills the premises of a popular song:

'Cause there'll be no sunlight

If I lose you, baby

There'll be no clear skies

If I lose you, baby

Just like the clouds

My eyes will do the same

If you walk away

Everyday it will rain, rain, rain, rain...

-- "It Will Rain", Bruno Mars

While the song is better known for its usage in something that is universal in nature among people and perhaps Pokémon too in one way. And this allows the imagery to still be satisfied by the song.

For a world that seems almost completely different from the real world, some of it has quite the parallels, like for rain. It's the spiritual source for a type of Pokémon based off its substance, and it displays certain unique characteristics in location and strength, and even human impression. All kinds of dynamics factor into these relationships and circumstances related to rain, and that's more than can be said for how things work out in this world when the water(works) start to pour.

One year ago: Premier Ball Hanging Ornament

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day + Local EX Raid, 1/13/2019

Three years ago: My Pokémon Show

Four years ago: Pokémon and Cosplay

To Spotlight or Not to Spotlight?

Today is a Tuesday, which means that it's time for Spotlight Hour in Pokémon Go, still persisting after all this time. With that persistence, one is bound to have come upon some familiar sights - in other words, some Pokémon that have been featured before in a certain capacity, whether in the same event or a different one. To that end, the question to be asked is the question in the title of this post. Specifically, though, the question can be broken down into three sub-questions that help to answer the main question.

Participate or not? - This question regards whether one wishes to open up Pokémon Go at the specified time and catch the featured Pokémon. One could, of course, opt out if there is a specific business going on at that time that prevents participation, but it would be just as well if one is free that one should open up Pokémon Go and participate even for just a short time to capture all the featured Pokémon within reach. At least something may be gained no matter how short the participation may be, but if one cannot at all, that may be fine too.

Incense or not? - This question regards whether one will or will not use an Incense in participating in the event. In these times especially, one is welcome to use an Incense if one happens to be unable to go out and walk as intended - which I'm aware is the case in certain regions. But if one can go out and walk safely while still following restrictions, then it may be possible to save an Incense and just catch while walking. This would be especially attractive for those who tend to save Incense only for when it is appropriate or due to a low number of them, like me in certain cases.

Shiny or not? - This question regards whether one will participate for the sake of obtaining the Shiny form of the featured Pokémon if it is available. Most would say that a Shiny Pokémon during Spotlight Hour is kind of hit-or-miss: it appears when one is not looking for it and vice versa. As with any Shiny Pokémon, my recommendation is not to get too worked up over them, which means that this shouldn't be a concern in the first place. Yet, one is welcome to go hunting intensively if the Shiny form in concern hasn't been captured.

Considering the three questions above as well as the primary question to which they are related, Spotlight Hour may be a subjective thing for some. But if the goal is clear and it is definitely viable, then it may be objectively well worth doing. Given that it has persisted for quite a long time, (non-)participation is inevitable and/or expected, especially during certain times or with certain featured Pokémon. The question in the title of this post will likely remain a contention due to the specific circumstances.

One year ago: Cosplay: Nihon Matsuri 2020

Two years ago: These Sides of Paradise

Three years ago: Another Big Shuffle Update

Four years ago: In-Game Trainer Name Inspirations

Getting Measured for Costumes

The art (and activity) of cosplay demands that one be measured for the costumes that are about to be worn. This applies for any kind of costume, including the ones I have for Pokémon cosplay. Being that I've cosplayed for almost nine years now, I've been through the measurement process more times than I can remember. However, while the process itself may be easy, the results may be complicated, and that's what I would like to deal with in this post.

Most of the time, the measurements for my costumes have been appropriate. A good sign that this is so is that for those costumes, I've been able to wear them with no major problems ever since the time they were created. Even my fourth-generation (DP) costume that was created nine years ago still fits me this day, which indicates good measurements by the tailor, and perhaps to a lesser extent, good maintenance of my own body for the most part. I would have to keep up the latter, and to praise the former. In either case, I'm glad that they are so.

In some isolated cases, though, some measurements have been off, and that resulted in costume parts with somewhat undesirable fits. A few pants for my costumes fit a little loosely at my waist, and thus they cannot take to be worn without a belt; this is no problem for active cosplay as the pants can be tightened with a belt, but for "casual" cosplay, this may not work as well (I'm actually of the sans-a-belt type of person). Meanwhile, there are also some articles of clothing that were meant to fit tight but after development became a bit too tight, and understandably more so over time. These will have to be fixed somehow to ensure continued usage of the costumes in question.

Since most (human) Pokémon characters have typical human attires, I can go with (and do prefer) slightly loose-fitting clothing. Even so, for characters that have tight or seemingly tight clothing, I would prefer that for my cosplay purposes that they are measured slightly more loose. Apart from the fact that I actually don't like clothes that fit tightly in normal wear - yes, I do consider cosplay as "normal" - I do prefer a greater "wiggle room" in case the unexpected happens, like the current situation that has forced cosplay events to take a backseat. That, and I expect that my costumes to last for as long as possible, since I intend to use them intermittently.

If there is anything that the above demonstrates, it is that taking measurements is important for cosplay as it is for fashion in general, for which cosplay is partially that. The right measurements will likely lead to a costume that one can wear happily, comfortably, and even extensively. The wrong measurements will likely lead to discomfort and/or displeasure sooner if not later. I'm sure that I as a Pokémon cosplayer as well as those involved with different aspects of cosplay will make sure to heed this aspect in different ways as necessary.

One year ago: Faults in Some Stars

Two years ago: Pokédex Texts and Information

Three years ago: A Song for the Lonely, et Cetera

Four years ago: My Path Through the Main Series

Pokémon SM KFC Family Meal Toy: Mimikyu & Ultra Ball

Typically, I don't review Pokémon merchandise the very day I get them for one reason or another, one of them being that I'd like to take in the experience with them. However, I'm somewhat under a time crunch now, so I can't be bothered to save it for a later time. And indeed, I got the very merchandise I'm about to discuss in this very post today due to just-in-time circumstances. It's part of a new series of fast food toys, although the involved depictions are nothing new.

Recently, the fast food chain indicated in the title of this post introduced that new series of Pokémon toys, though it is based on the anime series (Sun & Moon) that became locally popular around a year ago. As with fast food chains in general, toys are usually included as part of the "kids meal", but this one was offered as part of the "family meal", or rather a special offer as such. I first learned of their existence thanks to my raid (sub-)groups a couple of days ago but didn't think much of it, considering that it required spending for quite a bit of food. Today, however, I had a few people over, and therefore it was the perfect circumstance to spend for this "family meal" and get a toy.

By random selection, I received the Mimikyu & Ultra Ball toy. For some odd reason, I seem to be attracted to Mimikyu and keep getting merchandise based on it - not that I'm complaining, but it's OK nonetheless, ideally wanting the others as well. In another coincidence, it's also (supposed) to be a "spinning top" toy, much like two of a different series of toys for a different chain from last year. Much as I've tried, though, even following the instructions, I could not get the toy to spin. It still looks good as a Pokémon in a Poké Ball toy, and that's the thing that matters.

Furthermore, this "family meal" is a "weekend special", with this being possibly the only weekend that features it, as tomorrow, greater social restrictions will be in place. While I'd love to get more of them like I did for the other series of toys, it would be prohibitively expensive, and therefore only one suffices. If I had my choice, I would of course go for Pikachu & Poké Ball, though I'm also partial to Togedemaru & Quick Ball or Rockruff & Premier Ball. The fact that I only knew about this a couple of days ago also throws me for a loop, and there is not much that I can do, except for this fortuitous circumstance in ordering.

Altogether, it's not half bad. The people I were with (and me) got a bit of food, I got myself on Pokémon merchandise, and that led to content for this blog. The toy ultimately left something to be desired, but again, I'm not unhappy - a Pokémon toy is a toy for its fan, and I appreciate it regardless. And I suppose that as a fan, it's appropriate enough to take appropriate action to get one's hands on something loved and appreciated for it to be able to be appreciated by others.

One year ago: Renewed Oaths: Pokémon Direct, 1/9/2020

Two years ago: Custom Pokémon Merchandise

Three years ago: A Pokémon-Pikachu Balloon

Four years ago: Where It All Started

Introducing Collection Challenges

The expansible nature of Pokémon Go makes it possible to add features that elaborate existing features with unique characteristics. One of them in the past had been Timed Research, which coupled a Special Research with a time-based Today View card to put time pressure on Trainers. This time, there is another feature that is added in a similar fashion, which by the title of this post can be discerned as Collection Challenge. Like Timed Research, it has some complexity of its own that deserves to be explained in a post.

A Collection Challenge demands a Trainer to be able to catch a certain assortment of Pokémon within a certain amount of time. The list of Pokémon are indicated on the card containing the Collection Challenge. Only one of each Pokémon needs to be caught, at which point the Pokémon will be marked with a check mark. When all the Pokémon have been marked with check marks, the Collection Challenge is complete and its rewards can be claimed. Naturally, this needs to happen within the set time.

Essentially, the Collection Challenge utilizes the framework of a Timed Research in order to provide a single page of catch-a-Pokémon tasks, but they're all counted as a single, massive task, meaning no individual rewards for catching each one. The rewards for completing one, though, should be sufficiently swell. Furthermore, a special medal has now been added that keeps track of the Collection Challenges that are completed, which should and does imply that there will be more, with details to follow.

Currently, there is one Collection Challenge, and it's called the Unova Collection Challenge. As expected, it directs Trainers to catch Pokémon that hail from the Unova region, or the fifth-generation Pokémon. The current Collection Challenge demands one to catch Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott (the starters), plus Lillipup, Herdier, Blitzle, Solosis, Roggenrola, and Ferroseed. It may be considered relatively simple for a start, as quite a few (including me) have completed it within a few days. Further ones are likely to be more demanding.

This new Collection Challenge feature is quite elaborative of the Research feature. Now Trainers can be challenged to catch a selection of certain Pokémon in order to succeed and gain some things. As with Timed Research, the urgency is there, but now so is the drive for collecting as a key part of any Pokémon adventure. In that way, it becomes very unique and rewarding while at the same time complex. And it keeps Trainers going as the game keeps on expanding through its means.

One year ago: (Finally, Another) Local EX Raid, 1/9/2020

Two years ago: Pokémon Ceramics

Three years ago: Hitching a Raid Ride

Four years ago: A Tale of Two Shirts

The Syntax of Pokémon Names

Being a linguist, I'm observant of many kinds of language phenomena, including those related to Pokémon. One of the phenomena I've observed is regarding Pokémon names and their intended usage in language, specifically how it fits in expressions (syntax) for the English context. This might seem like something trivial, insignificant, and/or obvious, but it does have some linguistic complexity that many may not realize. Therefore, I've chosen to elucidate that complexity in a post.

First of all, it would help to establish the nature of Pokémon names. These names as well as "Pokémon" as a hypernym in general are clearly nouns, but there's quite a bit more than that. They are proper nouns when they are used in their trademark sense, as all Pokémon names are actually trademarks. They can also be common nouns when they are used in discourse related to the world of Pokémon. Furthermore, they can act as modifiers in a noun phrase, as in the case of "Slowpoke tail" (confer "shuffle dance"). Thus, the names can serve some different yet neat functions accordingly.

Perhaps the most important part of their complexity is regarding the representation of number, as how many there are of a Pokémon. The names of Pokémon are not declinable, meaning that they don't take an ending (like the -s ending for plurals in English). The indication of plurals is by context, for example "a Pikachu" for one or "many Pikachu" for lots. The same is true of the "Pokémon" hypernym itself; it does not take endings and number is a contextual matter for its reference.

The above information is specific to English, but is very much applicable in other languages as well. The name becoming a modifying noun does work in other languages, though it may occur in different places. As well, in other languages, indications of plurality remain contextual, in that the names don't take the usual plural constructions in, whatever they may be (for example, they're not repeated to indicate plurals). It may make sense considering the English.

After seeing how the names of Pokémon are used on various media, especially official ones, I've been able to deduce the usage and syntax of these names as they are meant to be. While there is no official word regarding this, the way that the usage and syntax is so consistent becomes something to be realized, and there is an established complexity about it. Since I'm both a linguist and a Pokémon fan, it's just something that I naturally come to notice and deem worthy to explain for understanding, including to any fan.

One year ago: Locks on Shiny Forms

Two years ago: A Pokémon Case Analytic Scenario

Three years ago: The Three-Count

Four years ago: On the Subject of Go