Actually, aside from with the dream that I had the other day, I seemingly have not been getting a good amount of sleep. And yet, it's something so essential for any person. Come to think of it, it's also an essential part of Pokémon too, at least in the main series games or those that have interactions like them. Though I do not know the mechanics inside and out, I can at least highlight some of the important points.
Sleep can be induced through attacks or abilities, and this becomes a useful aversion for the combatants that induce it. It offers a moment or an opportunity to restrategize or launch a greater assault. However, sleep can also be self-induced through the move Rest, although in this state it only lasts for two turns. The interesting thing is that done this way, it "overrides" other status conditions and essentially eliminates them. Any way that it is caused, it becomes a slight advantage for either side.
Sleep also opens up new avenues for attacks. A sleeping Pokémon may become inflicted with a Nightmare or become hit with Dream Eater, losing HP in the process (and having it "stolen" by the opponent in the latter). On the other hand, a sleeping Pokémon may also peruse the moves Snore or Sleep Talk when available, inflicting damage directly or through a different move. Sleep presents a certain vulnerability that may be exploited or covered up on both sides of the battle.
Sleep can be used to keep wild Pokémon at bay for capture, though this is a temporary solution that may not work as well as other status conditions due to the Pokémon waking up from sleep intermittently. But in a pinch, it seems like a workable solution. Outside of battle, sleep is remanent, like any other status condition, and has to be healed accordingly; only in battle is sleep non-persistent. This may seem like basic knowledge, but every so often one has to be reminded about these.
Like any other game mechanic (and in particular status conditions), sleep is a vital part of any Pokémon battle, even if rarely executed or encountered. It means Trainers have to understand it even at a basic level to know how to deal with it and possibly leverage it. It's just something that has to be done.
And now, this Trainer has to get some sleep of his own. 💤💤
One year ago: Elite Four: "Courses" vs. "Selections"
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
A Merchandise Dream
It seems it's been a while since I had a Pokémon-related dream. When I dream, I do so vividly, whether for a realistic setting (as in a particular cosplay dream) or an animated one (as in one that involved Ash). Last night, I had a Pokémon dream which happened to be of the first kind. And true to the title of this post, it did involve some kind of Pokémon merchandise.
In the dream, I was going around my neighborhood, and as I did so, I received a Pokémon container as a gift. This would have been great, if it weren't for one thing: the container was badly smashed, but somehow it still held up well. I tried to exchange the container for one that wasn't (as badly) smashed, but I couldn't. I simply ended up with the container for the rest of the dream, after which I awoke and immediately noted the dream so that I could write about it on this blog.
I have to say, the container in the dream didn't seem too special; it seemed like a typical plastic container with Pokémon graphics placed on it, which I'd be happy to create myself given the resources. Perhaps what is important is the symbolism of the container. Given that it is "badly smashed", it indicates how much has gone on with Pokémon, but the fact that it held up well means the same for Pokémon. On the other hand, it could mean that the container wasn't smashed at all - it was just made to look that way. It might represent an illusion some people have about Pokémon.
This dream seems fascinating enough. Compared to the other dreams I've covered here, it's not just entertaining. It seems to be offering a fairly symbolic statement about Pokémon, which admittedly does involve some interpretation, but it's a statement nonetheless. In regard to it, I'm sure that I will continue to like Pokémon no matter what going into the future. And as long as I do that, I'm positive I will keep dreaming dreams just like this one.
One year ago: Unified Centers and Marts
In the dream, I was going around my neighborhood, and as I did so, I received a Pokémon container as a gift. This would have been great, if it weren't for one thing: the container was badly smashed, but somehow it still held up well. I tried to exchange the container for one that wasn't (as badly) smashed, but I couldn't. I simply ended up with the container for the rest of the dream, after which I awoke and immediately noted the dream so that I could write about it on this blog.
I have to say, the container in the dream didn't seem too special; it seemed like a typical plastic container with Pokémon graphics placed on it, which I'd be happy to create myself given the resources. Perhaps what is important is the symbolism of the container. Given that it is "badly smashed", it indicates how much has gone on with Pokémon, but the fact that it held up well means the same for Pokémon. On the other hand, it could mean that the container wasn't smashed at all - it was just made to look that way. It might represent an illusion some people have about Pokémon.
This dream seems fascinating enough. Compared to the other dreams I've covered here, it's not just entertaining. It seems to be offering a fairly symbolic statement about Pokémon, which admittedly does involve some interpretation, but it's a statement nonetheless. In regard to it, I'm sure that I will continue to like Pokémon no matter what going into the future. And as long as I do that, I'm positive I will keep dreaming dreams just like this one.
One year ago: Unified Centers and Marts
Friday, September 28, 2018
A New Age of EX Raids
Good news for Pokémon Go Trainers: EX Raids have returned. Today, I got my EX Raid Pass for one that is due to happen in four days. After nearly four weeks of waiting, this may indeed be a pleasant news for many. Of course, with that pleasant news, there have been quite a bit of changes to EX Raids. It's enough to say that with these changes, it becomes a "new age" for them, enough that I've started to refer them differently for more consistency from this post onwards.
As I've divulged a little over a week ago, part of that change involves the EX Raid boss. It's no longer Mewtwo, which has "stepped down" and is available to just about everyone up until the middle of next month as a (regular) Level 5 raid boss. The new boss is Deoxys, which is famous for its extraterrestrial origins... as well as its four forms. Currently, it has been advertised that the Normal Form is up for grabs, so for the other three forms, it has to be seen how they will all play out.
A slight change, but one that seems a bit more significant, is in the Gyms that can host EX Raids. Previously, there was no way to tell if a Gym was a possible EX Raid contender, other than specific indications of sponsorship or being located in a park space. Now, Gyms that can host EX Raids will clearly say so with an "EX Raid Gym" tag on the upper right corner when viewing its Pokémon or Photo Disc. This should lead to a lot less guess-and-checking and may open up new possibilities for Trainers in certain locations.
The biggest change so far is that Trainers who earned an EX Raid Pass may then share that pass with (actually, use it to invite) an Ultra or Best Friend of choice. This means that Trainers don't have to come to the specific Gym to "qualify" for the EX Raid Pass, so long as the Trainer has Ultra or Best Friends that can earn the Pass before sharing it to the Trainer. The catch is that this sharing (or invitation) can only be done once, so careful decision is required before inviting. This has the side effect of stepping up the "friend game" of everyone so that more Trainers can join EX Raids.
It seems that this time around EX Raids have gotten slightly easier to obtain, but also more exciting as well. The same sensibilities of previous EX Raids are still likely to apply, with some slight alterations due to these changes. That said, it really does represent a new age for these EX Raids, and with that, I say to let it begin.
One year ago: To Teach and To Delight
As I've divulged a little over a week ago, part of that change involves the EX Raid boss. It's no longer Mewtwo, which has "stepped down" and is available to just about everyone up until the middle of next month as a (regular) Level 5 raid boss. The new boss is Deoxys, which is famous for its extraterrestrial origins... as well as its four forms. Currently, it has been advertised that the Normal Form is up for grabs, so for the other three forms, it has to be seen how they will all play out.
A slight change, but one that seems a bit more significant, is in the Gyms that can host EX Raids. Previously, there was no way to tell if a Gym was a possible EX Raid contender, other than specific indications of sponsorship or being located in a park space. Now, Gyms that can host EX Raids will clearly say so with an "EX Raid Gym" tag on the upper right corner when viewing its Pokémon or Photo Disc. This should lead to a lot less guess-and-checking and may open up new possibilities for Trainers in certain locations.
The biggest change so far is that Trainers who earned an EX Raid Pass may then share that pass with (actually, use it to invite) an Ultra or Best Friend of choice. This means that Trainers don't have to come to the specific Gym to "qualify" for the EX Raid Pass, so long as the Trainer has Ultra or Best Friends that can earn the Pass before sharing it to the Trainer. The catch is that this sharing (or invitation) can only be done once, so careful decision is required before inviting. This has the side effect of stepping up the "friend game" of everyone so that more Trainers can join EX Raids.
It seems that this time around EX Raids have gotten slightly easier to obtain, but also more exciting as well. The same sensibilities of previous EX Raids are still likely to apply, with some slight alterations due to these changes. That said, it really does represent a new age for these EX Raids, and with that, I say to let it begin.
One year ago: To Teach and To Delight
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Meet Meltan
Remember the little creature that suddenly came out in Pokémon Go and which I discussed a few posts earlier? Well, it turns out that that creature has a name, and its name is Meltan. And because it was introduced in Pokémon Go, it has officially become the newest member to grace the franchise. Its official-ness came with some notable exchanges on its own.
Just before its "reveal", so to speak, the English-language Twitter accounts for Pokémon and Nintendo agreed to let Trainers in on the new stuff, and so they did... but on the Japanese side first. Of course, it wasn't too long before everyone else got to know who the little creature that ambushed everyone was, and that was helped by an exchange with two professors.
Those professors are namely Professor Oak from Kanto and Professor Willow from Go. In a recorded exchange, they definitively identified the Pokémon as Meltan, based on what they know. After this exchange, the new Pokémon also received a species designation (Hex Nut Pokémon), which also came with the tag of "Mythical", which makes this Pokémon something beyond the ordinary.
Even way before the reveal, someone posted a Japanese-language fanmade "reveal" of the new Pokémon. In it, however, the Pokémon is named "Metalmon", which alludes to the "metal" aspect and the Japanese name for Ditto, "Metamon". It wasn't too far off from the official name, which is the interesting part. The insights for the approximated name are appropriate as well.
As for meeting the little creature again, it's almost definite that the Pokémon is coming to the Let's Go games, which is due out in about one and a half months. Meanwhile in Go, its traces are still visible; I almost re-encountered one today, but I didn't get close enough before it fled. But because it got its start in Go, it will likely reappear in the game again, though things are still up in the air at this point.
After these exchanges, the mystery of the past few days has become clear, as every Pokémon fan got a glimpse of what is the newest Pokémon to date and understood its background as well. The next challenge - one that will likely be elucidated in a matter of months - is how to definitively meet the Pokémon again. For now, I say that it's nice to meet you, Meltan, and we hope to see some more of you real soon.
One year ago: Pokémon Stuff at a Neighborhood Store
Just before its "reveal", so to speak, the English-language Twitter accounts for Pokémon and Nintendo agreed to let Trainers in on the new stuff, and so they did... but on the Japanese side first. Of course, it wasn't too long before everyone else got to know who the little creature that ambushed everyone was, and that was helped by an exchange with two professors.
Those professors are namely Professor Oak from Kanto and Professor Willow from Go. In a recorded exchange, they definitively identified the Pokémon as Meltan, based on what they know. After this exchange, the new Pokémon also received a species designation (Hex Nut Pokémon), which also came with the tag of "Mythical", which makes this Pokémon something beyond the ordinary.
Even way before the reveal, someone posted a Japanese-language fanmade "reveal" of the new Pokémon. In it, however, the Pokémon is named "Metalmon", which alludes to the "metal" aspect and the Japanese name for Ditto, "Metamon". It wasn't too far off from the official name, which is the interesting part. The insights for the approximated name are appropriate as well.
As for meeting the little creature again, it's almost definite that the Pokémon is coming to the Let's Go games, which is due out in about one and a half months. Meanwhile in Go, its traces are still visible; I almost re-encountered one today, but I didn't get close enough before it fled. But because it got its start in Go, it will likely reappear in the game again, though things are still up in the air at this point.
After these exchanges, the mystery of the past few days has become clear, as every Pokémon fan got a glimpse of what is the newest Pokémon to date and understood its background as well. The next challenge - one that will likely be elucidated in a matter of months - is how to definitively meet the Pokémon again. For now, I say that it's nice to meet you, Meltan, and we hope to see some more of you real soon.
One year ago: Pokémon Stuff at a Neighborhood Store
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
The First English Anime Opening Theme
I've discussed about the first Japanese opening theme for the Pokémon anime, so I can't leave well enough alone without discussing the English counterpart. It's something I grew up with and listened to a lot as I watched the Pokémon anime with its English dub. For that, it's a bit "legendary" as well.
The song is titled simply "Pokémon Theme" and is also sometimes subtitled "Gotta Catch 'Em All", being the franchise slogan and part of the song's lyrics. Its original singer is Jason Paige, though it was sung by Billy Crawford for the first feature film. Most recently, it has made a reappearance in the English dub of last year's movie, which is nice but also surprising.
The song itself is electronic pop with some rock influences. Structure-wise, it's almost like any modern pop song. The most well-known lyrics have to be the first few lines: "I wanna be the very best/like no one ever was/to catch them is my real test/to train them is my cause". Anyone who grew up with this song should be able to recite these lines by heart or automatically think up of the lyrics after just a few words.
Theme-wise, the song is about journeys, togetherness and friendship, battling and challenges, and being one with each other (people and Pokémon). All things considered, this is not too far of an offshoot from the other opening song "across the pond". Perhaps the opening was created with the spirit of the other in mind.
As for singing this song like I did for the other opening, since most events or conventions I go to are Japan-centric, I wouldn't have the slightest chance of singing this song, no matter how related it is to Pokémon. The one exception would probably something like a certain mixed event last year, but this concept has not been realized again. Yet likewise, I've memorized the lyrics, so I've got it on the ready. Maybe it's time for a collaboration.
Personally, I consider this song a prominent part of Pokémon, as it is the "gateway" for many English-language viewers of the Pokémon anime, so it shouldn't be counted out. This is as much a part of Pokémon as anything else, and that makes me an extremely happy camper - on "both sides of the pond".
One year ago: Strong Opinions
The song is titled simply "Pokémon Theme" and is also sometimes subtitled "Gotta Catch 'Em All", being the franchise slogan and part of the song's lyrics. Its original singer is Jason Paige, though it was sung by Billy Crawford for the first feature film. Most recently, it has made a reappearance in the English dub of last year's movie, which is nice but also surprising.
The song itself is electronic pop with some rock influences. Structure-wise, it's almost like any modern pop song. The most well-known lyrics have to be the first few lines: "I wanna be the very best/like no one ever was/to catch them is my real test/to train them is my cause". Anyone who grew up with this song should be able to recite these lines by heart or automatically think up of the lyrics after just a few words.
Theme-wise, the song is about journeys, togetherness and friendship, battling and challenges, and being one with each other (people and Pokémon). All things considered, this is not too far of an offshoot from the other opening song "across the pond". Perhaps the opening was created with the spirit of the other in mind.
As for singing this song like I did for the other opening, since most events or conventions I go to are Japan-centric, I wouldn't have the slightest chance of singing this song, no matter how related it is to Pokémon. The one exception would probably something like a certain mixed event last year, but this concept has not been realized again. Yet likewise, I've memorized the lyrics, so I've got it on the ready. Maybe it's time for a collaboration.
Personally, I consider this song a prominent part of Pokémon, as it is the "gateway" for many English-language viewers of the Pokémon anime, so it shouldn't be counted out. This is as much a part of Pokémon as anything else, and that makes me an extremely happy camper - on "both sides of the pond".
One year ago: Strong Opinions
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
The First Japanese Anime Opening Theme
I originally wanted to save this post for something more special, but considering I already have done something that may be to that effect, I might as well discuss it. So two days ago at a certain event, I did something out of the ordinary: I participated in the J-Song competition of the event while in cosplay, and the song I chose was the first Japanese opening theme of the Pokémon anime, "Mezase Pokémon Master". As the first opening, it is sung by Rica Matsumoto, who is none other than the voice actor of Ash - or rather, Satoshi - in Japanese. It was later on re-sung by a band as the "2001 version" and reused as a later opening. Either way, it's a total classic for any Pokémon fan.
There are quite a few important themes found in the song. One theme is how Pokémon are found everywhere, and the task is to capture them. The song also refers to the themes of journey (leaving Pallet Town - Masara Town in Japanese), daily experiences (around and about Pokémon battles), and relationships (enemies becoming friends, friends becoming forever friends). The resolution in the song is a statement of wanting to be a Pokémon Master, appropriate to the song's title, which is often translated as "Aim to Be a Pokémon Master".
Musically, it's a pop-rock song that is fairly appropriate for its context as an opening song, being something peppy that starts off an episode. The verses are rapid, catchy, and a little playful in lyrics and music. The "pre-chorus" and chorus is where a lot of the themes come into play, and the second and third choruses are followed up by the coda with the resolution. It's a fairly interesting musical structure that helps make this opening a unique and memorable one.
It was these memorable qualities that I took advantage of in order to be able to sing the song in the competition. Granted, I didn't win anything with my performance, but it's still a special and memorable one nonetheless, just like all the elements of this song. Now I'm attached to this song just like this song is an inseparable part of the Japanese side of Pokémon things. And in the future, I might play further into this attachment, and perhaps make it even more special. 😄
One year ago: Enhancements in Shuffle
There are quite a few important themes found in the song. One theme is how Pokémon are found everywhere, and the task is to capture them. The song also refers to the themes of journey (leaving Pallet Town - Masara Town in Japanese), daily experiences (around and about Pokémon battles), and relationships (enemies becoming friends, friends becoming forever friends). The resolution in the song is a statement of wanting to be a Pokémon Master, appropriate to the song's title, which is often translated as "Aim to Be a Pokémon Master".
Musically, it's a pop-rock song that is fairly appropriate for its context as an opening song, being something peppy that starts off an episode. The verses are rapid, catchy, and a little playful in lyrics and music. The "pre-chorus" and chorus is where a lot of the themes come into play, and the second and third choruses are followed up by the coda with the resolution. It's a fairly interesting musical structure that helps make this opening a unique and memorable one.
It was these memorable qualities that I took advantage of in order to be able to sing the song in the competition. Granted, I didn't win anything with my performance, but it's still a special and memorable one nonetheless, just like all the elements of this song. Now I'm attached to this song just like this song is an inseparable part of the Japanese side of Pokémon things. And in the future, I might play further into this attachment, and perhaps make it even more special. 😄
One year ago: Enhancements in Shuffle
Monday, September 24, 2018
New Pokémon, New World?
When I wrote my recap of last Saturday's Community Day, I noted that it was surprising. While it was true that the day went surprisingly well, the real reason for that is because of what happened after the event ended. Without warning, as soon as the event ended, what were supposed to be the last of the Chikorita spawns were replaced with spawns of a mysterious creature that could only be described as a new Pokémon. Considering the standing of Pokémon Go, this was a total shock to all Pokémon fans.
The creature looks like it has the body of a Ditto, yet its distinguishing feature is a nut-shaped head with a dot in the middle - which could be taken as an eye - not unlike that of an Unown. However, upon encounter in the game, the creature was unidentifiable in both name and CP. While the creature could be captured, a successful capture rewarded not the creature, but a Ditto instead. The Ditto connection seems to be furthered in this way, and also because in the Gold and Silver beta, an evolved Ditto form was present.
In an instant, all my Pokémon groups were abuzz with activity. My raid group wondered just how this came to be, while my main series group started rational discussions. The result was some of the conclusions above, as well as other ideas. In any case, the result was surprises all around. No one really knew what to make of it, though some ideas floated about as a result of the discussions. One theory was that this is a placeholder Pokémon just in case things went wrong, and this was a possible error in the game. Personally, I thought that this was a totally new world of Pokémon things.
It seems, however, that this may not be an error after all. As soon as Community Day wrapped up in Europe, the same occurred, and players got another glimpse of the mysterious creature. Later reports also indicated that this may be intentional, in which case the creature is really a new Pokémon. As of today, I can occasionally spot the new creature in the Nearby popup, though I have not re-encountered the creature as it often spawns far away. This too supports the "new world" situation, what with Let's Go games due for release in about two months.
At this point, the "new world" situation makes sense. This is unlike anything that Pokémon fans have seen, even in a spinoff game such as Go. The fact that it's slated to link up with the Let's Go games further indicates something to this effect. Surprises may still be abound as the new games draw near to release, and by then everyone will be fully immersed in this new world of Pokémon.
One year ago: Pikachu with Regional Caps
The creature looks like it has the body of a Ditto, yet its distinguishing feature is a nut-shaped head with a dot in the middle - which could be taken as an eye - not unlike that of an Unown. However, upon encounter in the game, the creature was unidentifiable in both name and CP. While the creature could be captured, a successful capture rewarded not the creature, but a Ditto instead. The Ditto connection seems to be furthered in this way, and also because in the Gold and Silver beta, an evolved Ditto form was present.
In an instant, all my Pokémon groups were abuzz with activity. My raid group wondered just how this came to be, while my main series group started rational discussions. The result was some of the conclusions above, as well as other ideas. In any case, the result was surprises all around. No one really knew what to make of it, though some ideas floated about as a result of the discussions. One theory was that this is a placeholder Pokémon just in case things went wrong, and this was a possible error in the game. Personally, I thought that this was a totally new world of Pokémon things.
It seems, however, that this may not be an error after all. As soon as Community Day wrapped up in Europe, the same occurred, and players got another glimpse of the mysterious creature. Later reports also indicated that this may be intentional, in which case the creature is really a new Pokémon. As of today, I can occasionally spot the new creature in the Nearby popup, though I have not re-encountered the creature as it often spawns far away. This too supports the "new world" situation, what with Let's Go games due for release in about two months.
At this point, the "new world" situation makes sense. This is unlike anything that Pokémon fans have seen, even in a spinoff game such as Go. The fact that it's slated to link up with the Let's Go games further indicates something to this effect. Surprises may still be abound as the new games draw near to release, and by then everyone will be fully immersed in this new world of Pokémon.
One year ago: Pikachu with Regional Caps
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