Rising Heroes in the GBL, First Half

I'll have to admit that I've been "out of the loop" with the Go Battle League due to other things I've got going on, but because it's still related to Pokémon Go PvP, some attention to it occasionally comes. Specifically, some of that attention has been for the new themed formats that the GBL has introduced over the course of this season, the Season of Rising Heroes. Since the season is at this point approximately mid-way through, I thought I'd make a recap of the new ones that have been introduced up to now.

Early on, the season truly lived up to its name with a themed format called the Fantasy Cup. In this case, it takes a base of the Ultra League and restricts types to Dragon, Steel, and Fairy. Further, in an act of early anticipation, the species of Galarian Stunfisk and Cobalion are banned, and it is easy to see why: the latter's Fighting type and the former's Ground type are sweeping strengths in even a regular Ultra League, and thus they are banned. As this is also the debut of the cup, it may be that a Great League edition could follow later on, but this Ultra League start is a fine one.

A week later, the Color Cup came into being. Going to a Great League base, the format restricts the types to Grass, Fire, Water, and Electric. If this sounds all too familiar, that's because it may be described as the "Summer Cup" with two less types or Silph Arena's Rainbow theme with one less type included. It seems that a lot of tangents can be made with  a format with just these types, this new format being one of them. It may be worth it to imagine what may come next.

Last month, there was something called the Mountain Cup, and it had a fascinating set of restrictions. The allowed types were Rock, Ground, Ice, and Steel, all things one may expect to find on a mountain. There was also a species ban: Swampert, the ever-popular "mud boy", though one may wonder why others of the same type are also not banned - likely because they don't pose as much a threat as this one. The restrictions still allowed for some earthly dynamics to occur.

Just last week, the Spring Cup made itself present. Its types were restricted to Grass, Water, and Fairy, and Toxapex (a Water and Poison combo, and a current "rising star" in PvP) was banned. With just three types, team selection had to make sense, and the Poison type - which may be found with the first two types - makes itself appear to be necessary. Regardless, it was a rather apropos themed format.

Overall, "apropos" seems to be an appropriate descriptor just for this first half of the GBL season, which is part of the overall Season of Rising Heroes. Four new themed formats - a big number for such a time - became present, each with their own complexities and twists, surfacing just like the heroes that would rise in this season. Even with me being "out of the loop" recently, I can vouch for all these in their qualities and deem them part of a dynamic start to the season.

One year ago: Keeping a Balance for the World Championships

Two years ago: Whence I Am, Whence We Are

Three years ago: Levels and Half-Levels in Pokémon Go

Four years ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2019 - Sengoku Jidai

Five years ago: Shiny Here, Shiny There

Six years ago: Friendly Plays

The Minuscule and Enormous Qualities of Pokémon Species

Something that may or may not be obvious to some Pokémon fans is the size of the species, specifically the finer details regarding this quality and how small or large they can be. Like the creatures of the real world, they come in various sizes as well, which is in part a certainty due to the workings of biology. But by those same workings as well, even a single species may have certain size variations as well, on both ends of the spectrum. It's one of the kinds of variations that Pokémon species can have in appearance, and there has been a need to discuss that in more depth.

Those who are well-versed in individual species will already be able to pick out outstanding individuals from the two spectrum ends, for example Cutiefly and Joltik on the minuscule end and Rhyperior and Wailord on the enormous end. And that's just the way they are by nature; they are most biologically feasible in the sizes they are - give or take a few variations - and it's practically impossible for them to come in a size that is extremely larger or smaller than that. So in this case, nature remains able to work its "magic".

Of course, the world of Pokémon has other things that can measure up to "magic", and one of them would be transforming Pokémon like Ditto and Zorua. In regard to Pokémon sizes, that may be considered a slightly iffy thing for them, as they may or may not be able to accomplish that perfectly. In fact, if a Pokémon appears to be smaller than expected, that may be a sign of an imperfect transformation by either of these Pokémon, such as in the case of "mini Ditto" and possibly a good number of Zorua transformations, which are more illusory than physical in nature. The "magic" is in part telltale in this way.

It is perhaps for the above considerations that Pokémon Go just a short while ago introduced Pokémon with XXS and XXL sizes (indicated on the encounter screen with "It's tiny!" or "It's HUGE!" popups), with noticeable variations for Pokémon that possess these sizes. They even get their own set of achievement medals and are practically possible for a great deal of Pokémon, even possibly having increased chances at certain times. It's a further testament to the biological "magic" that the species may have.

Magic or not, having fantastic creatures like Pokémon in all sorts of sizes is just an expected matter. This is more so the case if some of those creatures can transform themselves to others, with or without the size implications that might be carried. Though size may be a less relevant characteristic compared to abilities and skills, it does put into perspective of how they fit in their world and life. And that's something relevant for the fans who may consider Pokémon as truly vivacious.

One year ago: The Type Icons, A New Standard

Two years ago: Differing Amounts of Pokémon Knowledge

Three years ago: Pokémon Helmet Covers?

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/13/2019

Five years ago: Go at Home

Six years ago: Paint It, Picross

SA Factions: My First Four Weeks

As noted a few times, this week is the break week for Silph Arena Factions, so there is no Bout this week, and things will recommence next week. It's also the perfect time for me to make a recap of what has transpired this Cycle so far, as my debut (along with my Faction, SWEEP JR) in the competition, and reflect on what has happened. I've also got a few revelations on tap regarding how my Faction fared and what it means for the future - but that's for slightly later. The main recap and reflection is at hand.

It is evident by my last Bout recap that my Faction hasn't been doing well, with 1 win and 3 losses, all of them by a margin of one (not so) sweet point. In all the losses, at least one of my teammates got undone (swept 0-3) by the opponent, and in the last two Bouts, they happened to be in the very last match, which only needed just one win. It's extremely painful to say the least, and the two who are involved may have been kicking themselves, figuratively if not literally. The same may be said to be true of me as the Captain.

So far, one of my teammates has done a stellar job, having played in all four Bouts and racked up 10 wins (thus, only dropping 2) in the four matches. That would be Kucingimutt as an Arcana Field Specialist, who is truly an MVP in that regard. On the opposite end of the spectrum, RaymondHrtwn has almost completely bombed as the Justicar Field for Ultra League Specialist, with only 2 wins in the four matches of all currently played Bouts. Therefore, the former needs to be kept (in good shape furthermore), while the latter can stand to be changed. It is the least that I as the Captain can do.

Unfortunately, some challenges also have in one case, or had in another, befallen my Faction. DwiXsa had played in the first Bout, lost 0-3, was substituted for the next, and was promptly never seen again; the reason is that the Trainer is currently undergoing medical treatment and is unable to play at all, most likely for an extended time. As such, my Faction is now essentially "limping" on nine Trainers, since I cannot replace them in the middle of a Cycle, let alone after a "career-ending" situation like the above that just happened to occur early on. A replacement will have to be discussed, and my manager may already have a good idea.

For the challenge that had befallen, that is actually relevant to the previous bout. Back then, Orioo16 only took a 2-1 win, and that was because... the Trainer had failed to report the results of some matches in previous Bouts (even, on a prior Faction) and had been given a one-loss penalty if the Trainer played, which in fact happened. The implication, of course, is if this wasn't the case, then my team could have won instead - yet the Trainer was absolutely needed, per the above and by the necessity of substitutions at that time. It's an example of how some basic things (reporting results) can lead to major disasters if ignored.

With all the things that had happened in my Factions career thus far, I'm rather glad that I didn't choose to start a Faction from scratch as I originally wanted to; not only would I have trouble to get it going, if it did, it would be overwhelming for me as both Captain and manager. Thanks to my manager, who has been around the block, there is a lot less burden on me (but still a lot due to my being the Captain). Plus, I'm also aligned under a good Faction name, even if my Faction hasn't lived up to that name - perhaps eventually.

There's still much more to come in the remaining five Bouts of this, our first Cycle, for the Faction and me. But before that can happen, it is plain to see that much has already happened in the course of the first four weeks (and Bouts) of this Cycle. And that's already something above and beyond what I expected a long time ago if and when I would join Factions, not just observe it. Now that I've joined, and part of the decision-making lies with me, my Faction and I are in it for all that can be experienced, including as above.

One year ago: How Many Pokémon for Each Role?

Two years ago: Pikachu and Bulbasaur Donuts

Three years ago: I Believe, in Love

Four years ago: (Wet and Wild) Local EX Raid, 4/12/2019

Five years ago: Wallpaper: Pokémon 20th Anniversary

Six years ago: Pokémon Couriers?

Cosplay: Pokémon Exhibition and TCG Regionals

Me: As expected, something did come up after all. Only it's not exactly "little" and it may turn out to be quite familiar.

Goh: Wow, a Pokémon exhibition! But judging by how you got Ash to go here, it must be nearer than the one from three months ago.

Me: It was, but at the same time, well...

Goh: It was within the "rest" thing we talked about.

Me: Yeah, so you get the point. And it is (or was) somewhat far away, so I was hesitant to send Ash.

Ash: Hey, but you got me there! And speedy too, in about an hour!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Very, very fast!"]

Me: It's amazing how that can happen. A few years ago, it would still have taken two hours at the minimum. Still, technically it's not new for us, as we did it once before in a slightly different way - but don't expect this way to be a regular thing.

Ash: I thought you'd say that.

Goh: OK, so this happened on...

Me: Sunday, the very last day. So this happened from Sunday last week to two days ago. Before that, I also sent you on a Regieleki agenda; I hope you got that.

Ash: I got two!

Me: Great, that's all we need at the moment. Then you went through the speedy transport to get there. How was it?

Ash: It felt like the faraway event moved closer! You could battle, watch, and shop just like I did there. But the skating rink wasn't there. 

Me: No, that's probably because it belongs to the venue rather than the event. But that seems nice.

Ash: I got there just in time to watch the Pikachu dance, the very last one.

Goh: Was it any different?

Ash: There was just five this time - but they seemed to be all over the place when they came.

Goh: You might say... It was chaotic?

Ash: I guess so!

Me: Who else did you meet?

Ash: I met your special friend and very important friend! I thought I wouldn't, but I guess things worked out.

Goh: Did you take a picture?

Ash: Yeah!

Me: So let me guess, our important friend took the picture with you and our special friend.

Ash: That's what happened!

Pikachu: Chu, pi pika. ["Nice, that was."]

Goh: So how did you two get a picture with Pikachu, the big ones?

Ash: People lined up after the dance for that. It was the same as three months ago. Our friend and I just happened to get the last place in the line, so we just took one together.

Goh: I can see how that works out.

Me: OK, so part of the point of this event was to act as a regional championship for the Trainers who deal with the cards, so there had to have been something for that.

Ash: They had something to try out the cards just like last time... but I think the lessons would have been the same.

Goh: I would think so, if the process for that was exactly the same.

Me: I got a report from a different friend, and it seems that was the case. So you probably did not miss much.

Goh: But where was the championship, then?

Ash: It was a few floors upstairs, and it was over by the time I got to check.

Me: Sorry about that. If Regieleki had been earlier, you might have been able to peek because you'd also have arrived somewhat earlier.

Goh: Well, what can we do if that happens.

Me: It was already scheduled, so not much. Speaking of, I couldn't spare much for you to get goodies, so I have to apologize for that.

Ash: That's OK! I got you something neat and free.

Me: Nice - I'll deal with that later, as always. So, it seems safe to say that you had some fun, and that means I had some fun.

Ash: I want to come back next time! Maybe... not during a big "rest"?

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Can that work?"]

Me: Hopefully, but if this situation happens again, we might have to make do like this time.

Goh: Why not? Now you know you can make it work with Ash.

Me: You have a point. In any case, Pokémon works out for us and there's always a way to do that.

Ash: It's like in battle - when it goes wham, bam!

Me: That's an interesting way of putting things, especially for Pokémon things.

One year ago: Mega Evolution Fates, Again

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/11/2021

Three years ago: Three Simple Rules for a Great Adventure

Four years ago: The Songs of the Detective Pikachu Trailers

Five years ago: O Charizard

Six years ago: Romanticism of Tall Grasses

Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Kingsman (SA Factions)

After the stinging loss in the last Bout, my SA Factions team, SWEEP JR, can't rest on our laurels yet, for the next Bout came soon enough. This time, our opponents were an Indian Faction called Kingsman. Now, some teams from the subcontinent tend to have a bad rap - and one team has effectively been banned because its members were causing a great deal of trouble - so this matchup was somewhat leery for that reason. Yet it turns out we had to be leery for other reasons.

For this Bout, I had to change the player lineup in a slightly deviating manner, at least according to the notes I have made regarding the skills of the Trainers in my team. This turned out to be not the least of my worries, however, as a few challenges (one of them - or two if counted separately - being two Trainers that had to take time off for various reasons) made themselves apparent, and I had to work with them. It was also a rather make-do moment for me and my Faction.

Those make-do efforts began on Saturday with a series of five matches. From midday to afternoon, there were the matches of riman12 vs. Hasnain2804 in the Open Great League, Kucingimutt vs. Casszeuss in the Arcana Field, and bakalikur vs. FABULOUSMANN in the Catacomb Field; in order, their results were 1-2, 2-1, and 2-1, an OK but shaky start - though the last was surprising, given that my teammate had originally played with Arcana in a previous Bout (but terribly). Later in the evening were the matches of Orioo16 vs. AJ23899 in the Open Master League (notably, involving the opposite team's Captain) and Almujha vs. Gagan27chabra in the Arcana Field, both of which resulted in 2-1 wins and a minor lead of 9-6 at the end of the day.

With that, my team only needed two more battle wins to win, just like the previous Bout. The Catacomb Field match of Wina1403 vs. fluffybigbunny accomplished half that goal (1-2 loss), but regrettably, the Justicar Field for Ultra League match involving RaymondHrtwn vs. Naman090 turned out "cursed", also just like the previous Bout's Open Master League match (0-3 loss). Ultimately, it was another 10-11 loss, the second in a row, third this Cycle, and fourth (along with an 11-10 win) result with a similar margin. Though it may not be a surprise that it can happen, it remains regrettable that it does.

It may be because of those "make-do" efforts that the Bout turned out the way that it did. It was also partially attributable to my own judgment (as the team Captain) as it was due to the necessity of things. Worse yet, it also almost led to a dispute due to a minor internal mishap, though ultimately none was filed (as the matter was resolved) and it became another dispute-free Bout, perhaps the only saving grace for it.

Regardless, the next Bout will come next week, as tomorrow is the start of the eagerly expected break week. That will be the time to reflect on what has taken place this Cycle, the very first for my Faction and me, and I've already got a post lined up for that - though the content remains to be realized then. Whatever opportunity for regroup that exists may just need to be used at that point.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 4/10/2022

Two years ago: Harkening Back to "Versus Guides"

Three years ago: Let's Get Going Today

Four years ago: Expecting the Detective

Five years ago: Bandai Pokémon Sun & Moon Pokémon Lover Mascot 6 - Wobbuffet

Six years ago: Evolution Revolutions?

Remote Raids: The Saga Continues

Remote raids have colored the raid scene in Pokémon Go since they were introduced nearly three years ago. Just about any Trainer who has used one (or more) can testify. Recently, though, this feature of Pokémon Go may be considered to have transitioned into a new but continuing saga, and it's not necessarily a delightful one. In fact, a good number of Trainers have made an uproar about it, and while I'm more soft-spoken about it, I still have my impressions about it too. Therefore, I find it necessary to make a discussion about it.

And... their next saga involves them becoming more expensive and more limited. The Remote Raid Passes, which are necessary for this purpose, are now priced at 190 coins, nearly double what they were before. A bundle of three of them now also costs 525 coins, which is discounted but not by much (that comes out to 175 coins apiece). Furthermore, one can now only use them a limited number of times each day, with 5 being the norm. The only consolation thus far is that the limit can be raised for certain events, a similarly discounted bundle for three regular non-remote Premium passes is available, and in-person raids can now reward more Candy XL. All these changes took effect earlier this weekend.

The reason behind all this is the "in-person (real-world) play" commitment of Niantic. While they admitted that many changes have taken place in the past few years, they also said that remote raids need to be "de-emphasized"; it currently forms the bulk of raids, and that doesn't mesh with the vision that they have. Their vision is noble in some ways, but the approaches above may be slightly flawed. I had been discussing things with others who play, and while they thought the limiting and price hike makes some sense, the extent may be questioned - particularly for the price, which may be better to be 150 coins or slightly less than that, with my suggestion being 120.

Meanwhile, others have deemed that the approaches above are rather "punishing" for rural, disabled, introverted, or otherwise homebound people, some of whom have been known to play. This too makes sense, especially considering that I may share some commonalities, weak though they may be, with all the kinds of people I mentioned above. While I love going out to meet people and raid together, it's not something that is permitting all the time, especially if I need to be home not because I don't want to go out, but because there is something that absolutely needs to be dealt with at home and only at home. Again, the answer may lie in adjusting the approaches as above.

If the past saga of remote raids is considered to be a disappointing one, it seems that the current continuing saga has the pendulum shifting in the other way yet still resulting in a disappointment. As expected as it may be, the solution still has to involve making that pendulum "meet in the middle". Or, going back to the "color" analogy, the right ones may have to be used in the right ways. If that were to happen, it may be believed that remote raids still have a place in the picture of the raid scene, only more pleasing to look at for everyone of concern.

One year ago: Quickies: Making Friends with Mud Skippers

Two years ago: The Sound of Instant Gratification

Three years ago: Pokémon Upbringings

Four years ago: Benefits

Five years ago: Ex-Raids and Cancellations

Six years ago: The (Current) Fate of the Megas

Pokémon: Hisuian Snow

I have a lot of overdue things that I want to cover in posts on this blog, but I'll have (and need) to deal with them one at a time. One of those is a little feature of the Pokémon anime, another web miniseries, which is titled "Hisuian Snow". As can be expected from the title, the miniseries takes place in and is set at the time of the Hisui region, a time (and region) before the present-day of Sinnoh. It also takes the setting of the cold and snowy Hisuian forest, which becomes somewhat foreboding for this web miniseries.

As for the story, it involves a young man (named Alec in the English dub) with a heartfelt connection to the region; this becomes clear in the first two episodes, which involves a flashback to what happened in Hisui when he was a boy. The third episode then serves to tie things together as the storyline resumes the present-day condition of the young man and the conflict he faces... and of course, its resolution. But of course, that's for viewers to enjoy by actually watching, not so much for me to tell about it.

This particular miniseries consists only of three episodes, the first one six minutes long and the rest 12 minutes long. It's a little more than a half-hour in total length, but that may not be hard to spare - except maybe in my case, with so many things going on that I've essentially been distracted of the intent to watch this from its release nearly a year ago. Still, by now I've spared that half-hour, obviously, and watched it.

Like Twilight Wings and its expansion, the entire miniseries is available online and conveniently for those who know where to look. And that's a good thing, because the story is powerful  from the beginning to the end, and the animation is quite well-done. It's a relatively minor taste of Legends: Arceus as the featured game setting, but it should be inspirational for that game and for the mind in general.

Since I can't leave well enough alone, the tradition of summaries continues even for this miniseries, as two-line ones below; may that be enjoyed along with the miniseries.

1: Onto the Icy Blue

Wandering in the snowy forests of Hisui,

a young lad makes an unexpected find.

2: Fiery Reflections in Snow

That unexpected find turns out to have...

a very much expected reaction?

3: Two Hues

The lad, now a young man, attempts

to reconcile past and present colors!

One year ago: On Trainer Footwear

Two years ago: Doing Well on Pokémon Quizzes, Right Now

Three years ago: Voyager of Glory

Four years ago: You Can, I Can

Five years ago: (Continuing the) Local Ex-Raid, 4/8/2018

Six years ago: On the Road Again