Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - "Expedition Series", Selections

It seems it hasn't been too long since the last time I obtained Pokémon fast food toys, and now there's another set of them. Remarkably, the toys this time are from a chain with which I'm acquainted well, especially since covering a full set of toys the first time on this blog. As with the past few times with fast food toys, though, I can only manage a selection of the toys due to various limitations, including that of current conditions. But that's better than nothing, and it also means another post on this blog for those who keep up with me.

Ignore the dates - those are for a different area.

So, this current set of toys is what could be called the "adventure" or "expedition" series. In addition to bearing the label of toys, some of these are useful trinkets for a possible "adventure" or "expedition". The Compass is to find one's way, the Digging Tools are to unearth things, and the Whistle is to call attention to oneself or others, as examples of what these toys can do. This time, the toys also feature only a single Pokémon species - Pikachu - so there's no concern of missing out on other species. In my local area, these toys come in two waves: the top four for one week from April 23, and then the bottom four for one week from April 30. Now with the toys fading into rarity and having been fortunate to obtain two of them, it's a good time to review them.

Of the eight toys, I obtained the Periscope and Camping Lamp Cup. The Periscope is reminiscent of tree trunks, though the green sections do recall an object of tubular nature that isn't related to Pokémon so much as it is related to something else very different. It is nevertheless a working periscope that can also be rearranged, not necessarily in the same arrangement as depicted above. The Camping Lamp Cup is also as expected: it can function as a lamp - more likely, a lantern with a light source carefully positioned under it - or as a cup that one can drink liquids out of. These are still part of my collection, though, so it might be a little too precious for their intended functions, and they'll have to stay as pristine as possible.

The lamp, the cup, and the periscope in an alternative arrangement.

This "adventure" or "expedition" series is extremely neat. A few of these objects live up to their intended functions and are useful in that regard. They are still toys, but they're also more than toys in some sense. I don't foresee going out on an adventure or expedition any time soon, much less with actual usage of what I got, but getting these toys-and-trinkets is already an adventure in itself, and that also continues the adventure of me scouting out Pokémon things for myself and the world.

One year ago: Hanging by a Cliff

Two years ago: Folding Paper for Pokémon

Three years ago: Pokémon in Poké Balls Stickers

Four years ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 2 - Utsukushii Hana

On "Digital Talents" and Pokémon

Pokémon is and always will be renowned for its games in all their forms. Many of those games are in electronic and thusly digital in some way; therefore, they require people of specific skills - that pertain to this realm, certainly - to be able to develop them. Those skills would have to be coupled with good and developed talents in order to result in good things, as it always has. That would, in effect, demand "digital talents" to be able to join the development effort and make the things that Pokémon are renowned for. "Digital talents" is also a key term around my local area, and a case can be made for linking this term to Pokémon.

The term primarily refers to a government initiative and program to scout people who possess capabilities of digital things, develop them to the best of their abilities, and prepare them to work in industries that demand their capabilities. The creative industry and gaming industry are certainly possible lead-ins, to which Pokémon is  related. While it may not be expected that the participants and graduates of the program will work on a Pokémon project directly, they may still work on projects of the relevant industries, and just perhaps in the future, they might get picked up for something connected to Pokémon, which would be the most wonderful case.

One of my very good friends has actually been a part of this program, and that friend of mine has connections to Pokémon that are just as unbelievable as mine. The output of my friend for the program is quite laudable and my friend is totally deserving to be a participant of this program. Beyond that, my friend is also quite tech-savvy with the possessed understanding of technology; because of that, my friend also understands the ins and outs (mostly, at least) of what's going on with Pokémon games and their related technology. Everything thus works out in the favor of my friend.

As for myself, I'm honestly not sure whether I'm cut out to participate in this program. I do have some understanding of technology that predates what I know now, but overall, my educational and knowledge background isn't of technology or the related sciences, despite possessing good grades and some interest for them. Now I'm fully entrenched in language and linguistics, and that is my "daily bread" when it comes to scrutinizing things like Pokémon, which I'm certainly doing right now with this post. But at least some of what I know then and now helps with my current state of affairs. It has been said that the program is open to all, so I may just be open.

For something that is very much related to technology, at least in the vein of its various electronic games, Pokémon demands the availability of "digital talents" to continue endeavors within it and beyond. Much can be said for the people who possess capabilities as such, whether or not they participate in the related development program and whether or not they go on to participate in the development of something related to Pokémon. At least fans that are less tech-savvy for me can support their efforts, especially if related to Pokémon, and then we can all reap the fruits of their labor.

One year ago: Play Pokémon on a Plane

Two years ago: A Tropius Keychain

Three years ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 3 - Saikou no Yorokobi

Four years ago: Shuffling Stages

Once Upon a Special

In the main series of Pokémon games, there is a fascinating history about characteristics that in modern Pokémon parlance is pitted in contrast against characteristics that are considered as "physical". That would be the "special" characteristic, specifically regarding Pokémon stats and moves. Both of these have underwent changes since their initial implementation to become more complex, thereby becoming a challenge for Trainers in these games. It also becomes neat to detail how those changes had progressed.

Initially, there was only a single Special stat as introduced in the first-generation games. This stat had particular relationships to moves that are considered "special" - more on these shortly. It was in the second generation games that the stat was split in a more definitive manner as the Special Attack and Special Defense stats. Obviously, with the differentiation of the stat into two new ones, this became another crucial point in selecting and shaping Pokémon to fit the needs of good teams, as the two new stats now determined the strength and resistance of moves of the "special" characteristic.

And for those moves, initially, the moves that are considered "special" were determined by type, one of the 15-17 at that time. This persisted for three generations until the fourth generation, when moves were assigned labels of "physical", "special", and "neutral" according to what they do and what stats factor into what they do. With the distinction being no longer type-based, the moves now allow certain Pokémon to take advantage of their strengths rather than be held back by the limitations of the types, though it goes without saying that the situation results in greater complexity as well.

Today, in the parlance and discourse of the main series games and thereby competitive VGC play, "physical" versus "special" continue to be specific considerations in teambuilding at various levels, especially given the modern dynamics as above. Yet even before then, the initial considerations still had set in motion the dynamics that pertain to the "special" characteristic of different Pokémon. It remains fascinating to look back over those archaic dynamics, perhaps if only to appreciate the modern ones.

One year ago: Introducing Timed Research

Two years ago: Cosplay: Bunkasai 2019 -Tanabata Matsuri-, Day 2

Three years ago: Cosplay Team Projects

Four years ago: The "Me Thing" vs. the "We Thing"

On Pokémon Submarines

When I wrote up the post that brought up the discussion of possible Pokémon vehicles, I wanted to discuss about Pokémon submarines, which was also partially the inspiration for the post. However, at around the same time, there was also an unfolding real tragedy involving a submarine, so out of respect, I avoided bringing up the subtopic despite its total relevance, only hinting about it where appropriate, as in the beginning. By now, though, the mourning period has effectively passed, so it seems viable to be discussed.

Of these, the most iconic are the ones from the anime that belong to Team Rocket, as the Magikarp and Gyarados submarines. These are novel in that one is long and slim while the other is short and fat; not to mention, they are both pedal-powered, making them also environmentally friendly. Even with this in mind, their viability is a little "off the wall" because of their power requirements, if not for the fact that they've also been calamitous. It may still be possible to realize them minus the pedal power.

Other than in the form of these two Pokémon, it doesn't seem that there are many other Pokémon that could be adapted to the form of a submarine. Wailmer and Wailord are known for their expansive size even in their normal appearance, and they can be foreseen to be adapted into one. Among the largest water Pokémon, there is also Kyogre, which has a form that may also be adapted to a submarine form barring a few adjustments. Others will likely need major adjustments that greatly modify their form.

Unlike airplanes, submarines are really a class of special-purpose vehicles, and not many people (or Pokémon fans) are expected to be able to set foot in one, much less create one that is adapted from Pokémon. Yet the idea of a Pokémon submarine may be enticing to even the most dedicated of fans, which may become the consideration for the realization of a particular one, whether original or adapted.

With that, it is also important to respect the recent real tragedy that befell the submarine and to honor those who were directly involved. Their spirits will always live on wherever they go on their "eternal patrol", and it may even be a drive for Pokémon fans to perhaps follow in the inspiration of their footsteps. Be strong (see below).

One year ago: Be Strong

Two years ago: Cosplay: Bunkasai 2019 -Tanabata Matsuri-, Day 1

Three years ago: Evolutionary Items and Their Limits

Four years ago: 3D, 2D, and Everything in Between

Subscribing to Pokémon Home

Pokémon Home is certainly a useful service for those who play (the latest versions of) the main series games. With the link with Pokémon Go, it also opens an inlet from the popular mobile installment that can be utilized by its players for storing Pokémon with potential use in the main series games. But as noted earlier, the expansive features cannot be gotten for free, meaning they have to be paid for; further, they're paid for recurrently, or in other words, with a subscription - it is a service, after all. I've decided that it's worth it to try to delve into taking up a Pokémon Home subscription and what it means for those who play either/or or both the main series games and Pokémon Go.

On the Android version, which is what I (and likely most Switch-less Pokémon Go players) have, the subscription for a Premium plan can be activated and paid for through Google Play. There are three subscriptions: for one month, three months, or twelve months (that is, one year). While the prices of the subscriptions on my end are in my local currency, I can state them in approximate USD equivalents: they are approximately 3, 5, and 16 dollars respectively. It's true that paying for a longer subscription means more money up front, but there are more things to be considered.

When divided per month, the 3-month and 12-month plans have monthly costs that are not too far different, but it becomes clear that in comparison to the 1-month plan, that one is far more expensive and should be avoided at all costs (ahem). Therefore, the most optimal choice is between the two plans I've just mentioned. With that, the right choice depends on the player making the choice and for the purpose that Pokémon Home is being utilized.

It becomes clear that Pokémon Home is a storage extension for the main series games and not so much for Pokémon Go, as any Pokémon transfer to the former from the latter is one-way. Therefore, anyone intending to subscribe to Pokémon Home ideally ought to have the main series games in mind to be played. It may be suggested that those who only play intermittently get the 3-month subscription and those who play constantly get the 12-month subscription, which should allow them to get the most out of what they spend.

The matter of deciding whether to subscribe or not to Pokémon Home may be one of significant wonder. But for those whose hearts lie in the main series games as well - and I know this is true for the most intense of fans - the purchase of a subscription is the way to go. It would prove most beneficial for those efforts and complement progress they have if they play Pokémon Go as well.

One year ago: The Call of the Forest

Two years ago: Localizing the TCG

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/3/2018

Four years ago: Gender Mismatch Detected

New Pokémon Snap Unleashed

Typically, I don't make an "Unleashed" post for a Pokémon game other than the main series games, but given that the game in the title of this post (New Pokémon Snap) has some significance, I've decided to cover it as such. It also happens to come a couple of days late than the actual release date, which is April 30, but that may be OK for some added perspectives on the release of the game. And so, it was a couple of days ago that the "refresh" of the Pokémon photography game was released to faithful fans, and a few things can be noted about the release.

The game is a full-fledged Pokémon game almost on par with a main series game, including its price tag. In these times, that may make some fans pause before getting the game, unless they have plenty of resources and the means to make things happen, which may be the case for one of my fellow fans, who has demonstrated possession of the game within a mere single day of the release. As for actual gameplay, that may still take time as that particular fellow seems to be absorbed into a lot of things and have also demonstrated the qualities of being a "seasonal" gamer; regardless, some things may just come up from the fellow in question.

Meanwhile, there are no signs that any of my other fellows (who certainly possess the means to play it - the Switch) have obtained the game, but all the same, it may be an information that I'm not privy to. Likewise, it's highly likely they'll show off some things as well if they do have the game, as the game is meant to show off all kinds of things. As noted way back in the anniversary edition of Pokémon Presents, the game is for the taking of pictures, but it also contains features for embellishing pictures, which are ultimately geared for presenting them - that is, showing them off.

It's been years since the original Pokémon Snap was released, and Pokémon has come a long, long way since then. New Pokémon Snap marries the core concept of the game with the latest and greatest in Pokémon for something that not only individual players can enjoy but also everyone in different communities. That's rather significant, as significant as the moment of its current release, which dedicated fans will likely take advantage of given the necessary resources. With luck, there should be now a great potential of Pokémon pictures waiting to be made through the means of the game.

One year ago: Pervasive Pokémon

Two years ago: Hit in the KOR

Three years ago: Keeping the Demo Versions

Four years ago: Cosplay Laundry

Like a Slowking Without the Shell

According to the lore, Slowking is actually a very smart Pokémon. In order to know about and uncover the mysteries of the world, it goes about to research them. As anyone who has to do as such can attest, including myself, that takes a certain amount of mental power. Also according to the lore, the shell (of a Shellder, reputedly) that rests upon its head plays a key role in this, as if the shell is removed, Slowking would forget all that it has learned and researched. That seems to be significant in more ways than one.

For someone to feel like they're a "Slowking without a shell", then, would be for that person to be in a constant state of forgetfulness, in line with what happens (or would happen) to Slowking as above. The person would feel as if the person is forgetting things all the time, whether before or as things happen. It may be that the person has planned things out beforehand (or stumbled upon a semblance of how things should go) but then proceeds to lose them before they could be retained somehow, or it may be that they were retained but then somehow the general idea was lost.

If this sounds like something that describes some situations that the author of this post - namely, me - has experienced, then one is not too far off. With the way that things have been going recently, I've had ideas for future posts tumbling around in my head but then fail to get a grip on them (that is, record them somehow) before they get realized, or worse, to lose my grip on them after I've somehow recorded them as an idea for a future post. It feels as though I have failed to become rewarded after my initial conception of them, similar to having Slowking's shell removed after it has researched things.

The lowdown is that Slowking has a great mental power, but all of that power becomes meaningless if the fruits of that mental power are lost due to having its shell "crown" removed. As the author of posts on this blog, I have some pride in my mental capacities to process Pokémon things for those posts, but then it becomes harrowing when I somehow lose my grip on the things that I process for them in what could be the same manner as Slowking above. The only hope is that Slowking and I can regain composure when that happens.

One year ago: Seek and Ye Shall...

Two years ago: Transcending to a Beautiful Harmony

Three years ago: Old Memories, New Memories

Four years ago: Indie Pokémon Stickers