Let's forget for now about a certain magical series with something that has a similar title to the above and discuss something related to Pokémon. Now, some readers might recall the Sinister Cup tournament I participated in late last month. The organization of that tournament follows the format of the Silph League Arena, and the Sinister theme actually opens the second season of competitions under this banner. As usual, the theme rotates each month, and November has its own theme already determined as well, being a "wild" one as previously noted.
The theme for November is "Ferocious", and true to its name, the theme has some wild stipulations to it. The reason is because some of the requirements of this theme are rather abstract. The inclusion criteria (contents of the "approval list") are Pokémon with four legs, or Pokémon with two legs and tails, which may be seen as quite abstract - "beasts" of some sort. The exclusion criteria (contents of the "ban list") are Flying-, Bug-, and Grass-types along with Bastiodon and starter Pokémon, which are clear, but then there are the exclusion criteria of humanoids and monkeys, which could also be construed to be abstract. As a result of some of the abstract criteria, there exists an actual or concrete "approval list" consisting of the allowed species, which number to 130 in all. The playing field is therefore somewhat restricted.
Even with that restriction, some Pokémon have been noted for possibly becoming viable contenders. Among them are Eevee and its evolutions, particularly if they have the Charged Move of Last Resort from last year's Community Day. Some overlooked Pokémon such as Linoone, Bibarel, and Skuntank may also take the stage. Overall, the field seems to have its share of Normal-, Dark-, and Electric-type Pokémon with a handful of the other types (save those in the ban list) represented. Still, picking Pokémon and creating teams from the setlist of species may still prove to be quite a chore, and the same may be true for preparing them to be battle-ready.
This theme is definitely something new; with all the abstract restrictions, it may sound rather challenging to anyone who has only heard about it for the first time. But when one looks into it deeper, a host of possibilities make themselves present, with some appearing to be quite strange yet quite viable. As the second theme of the second season of the Silph League Arena, it does seem like it would be useful to try something somewhat different while still friendly and yet challenging. The challenge is definitely not to get magical with the "fantastic beasts" of the theme, but to show one's might.
One year ago: A Raid Dream
Two years ago: Too Much Information, Too Much Excitement?
Friday, November 8, 2019
Thursday, November 7, 2019
(Out of) the Mainstream
There are a few things that I still want to discuss about my recent musical undertaking with a band, but I'd like to hold off on discussing them for now because I'm not quite ready yet. In lieu of that, I'd like to discuss about other nagging topics. One of them concerns what I brought up in my "farewell to Psyduck" post, regarding the mainstream-ness of Pokémon. Pokémon is well-known and popular in many places, but its mainstream quality is another thing. It's something that seems to really depend on the place and the people who are attracted to it.
In the U.S., as an example, Pokémon is definitely mainstream. The games are popular and well-known across gamers there, and the anime can be readily watched, if one knows where to look for it. The latter even has its own English dub to cater to as many audiences as possible. It's so well-known that some enterprising people had integrated it in a jocular fashion, but then realized the potential of this, which then led to what is known today as Pokémon Go. In conventions all around the country, Pokémon cosplay is also highly prevalent, with possibly many characters cosplayed at a single event. Barring Japan as its place of origin, it's undoubtedly at home among its fans here (perhaps, even too at home at times), so the mainstream quality is established.
In Indonesia, as another example, Pokémon doesn't quite seem to be as mainstream. Based on observations, barring the recent example of Pokémon Go and the localized TCG, the games seem to be popular only among a select group of people, almost like a "cult game" of sorts. The airing of its anime with its local language dub has also been off and on, as I've detailed in a different post. In many conventions, I've also often found out that if it weren't for me, I would pretty much be the only one (or one of a very few) who cosplays a Pokémon character, confirming its non-mainstream status as described by the Psyduck cosplayer herself. Yet on the other hand, the two aforementioned things have elevated Pokémon to a sub-mainstream status, and with that, it enters a gray area of sorts. The situation in Europe may have some similarities, including the gray area.
Supposedly, it may be hard to determine the mainstream status of Pokémon. Even in both of the places I've spent major time in, Pokémon remains something that select groups of people know rather than most everyone knowing. Yet it does seem that even people beyond gamers and fans of Japanese things do show some understanding, while a good amount of those gamers and fans may understand a bit more. In that regard, the mainstream-ness of Pokémon may really just be in the eyes of the beholder.
One year ago: Local EX Raid (vs. Rain), 11/7/2018
Two years ago: Closer and Farther PokéStops
In the U.S., as an example, Pokémon is definitely mainstream. The games are popular and well-known across gamers there, and the anime can be readily watched, if one knows where to look for it. The latter even has its own English dub to cater to as many audiences as possible. It's so well-known that some enterprising people had integrated it in a jocular fashion, but then realized the potential of this, which then led to what is known today as Pokémon Go. In conventions all around the country, Pokémon cosplay is also highly prevalent, with possibly many characters cosplayed at a single event. Barring Japan as its place of origin, it's undoubtedly at home among its fans here (perhaps, even too at home at times), so the mainstream quality is established.
In Indonesia, as another example, Pokémon doesn't quite seem to be as mainstream. Based on observations, barring the recent example of Pokémon Go and the localized TCG, the games seem to be popular only among a select group of people, almost like a "cult game" of sorts. The airing of its anime with its local language dub has also been off and on, as I've detailed in a different post. In many conventions, I've also often found out that if it weren't for me, I would pretty much be the only one (or one of a very few) who cosplays a Pokémon character, confirming its non-mainstream status as described by the Psyduck cosplayer herself. Yet on the other hand, the two aforementioned things have elevated Pokémon to a sub-mainstream status, and with that, it enters a gray area of sorts. The situation in Europe may have some similarities, including the gray area.
Supposedly, it may be hard to determine the mainstream status of Pokémon. Even in both of the places I've spent major time in, Pokémon remains something that select groups of people know rather than most everyone knowing. Yet it does seem that even people beyond gamers and fans of Japanese things do show some understanding, while a good amount of those gamers and fans may understand a bit more. In that regard, the mainstream-ness of Pokémon may really just be in the eyes of the beholder.
One year ago: Local EX Raid (vs. Rain), 11/7/2018
Two years ago: Closer and Farther PokéStops
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Performance Critique: Project "Untitled" J-Karaoke
Speaking of musical performances, I can't forget that there was that other musical performance from the theme event on Sunday. That would of course be my participation in the singing competition, known here with the name "J-Karaoke". Indeed, it would only be my musical performance there, had the collaboration fallen out; originally, due to my participation here, it was not to happen, but since the band also had a participating colleague in the competition, the collaboration ended up happening. It's a strange turnout, which seems to apply here as well.
The song I chose to sing this time was "Chiisaki Mono", which is a fascinating song in itself, but that deserves a discussion in its own post. What's important now is that there are two versions of this song in Japanese and English, and I opted to sing the Japanese version with one change: the last chorus takes the English version's chorus instead, which is a nod to my attraction to Pokémon on "both sides of the pond". One reason why I chose this song was that there was a chance to perform it; this song is five and a half minutes long, and most of these competitions have a limit of five minutes. Because this one had a limit of eight, it was quite possible. Another reason why I chose this song is because it's by a distinctly female vocalist, not a female-emulating-a-male vocalist as the opening themes by Rica Matsumoto can be construed to be. It poses a real challenge for me as a male singer.
I had intended to write up this critique at a somewhat later time, but I decided to do it now. The initial reason for delaying was because of the recording of the performance. I had asked a friend to assist me in recording this what-could-be-once-in-a-blue-moon performance, but that friend of mine became preoccupied at the time my performance was supposed to start; as a result, my friend failed to record almost half of the first verse, though the remainder of the performance was recorded; the critique is based on this recording, which I received in time. The only other recording of the performance I know of is the one recorded by a "master camera" by the event organizers, but as of today, that one has not been disclosed to me even by my own request. One intent of recording is certainly to sidestep this issue, but when what happened happens, it does become a bit unfortunate.
Unfortunately, I can also readily identify some minuses regarding this performance. One of them is that I mistimed (or rather, lost track of the timing) of two parts: near the beginning of the second chorus and midway through the final chorus, before the shift to the English portion. In both places, they were somewhat early; still, I more or less recovered from them. Another minus is that some transitions to higher notes sounded slightly strained, as in the first verse and the very final chorus, the latter of which should have served as the perfected finale.
There were also some pluses as well. Aside from the transition issues as above, my singing seems to be more or less on key. The audience seems to recognize this too, and I received quite audible cheers twice: after the first chorus and as the song came to a close. I also did something unique: while I stood for most of the performance, just before the bridge, I sat down to sing it, having realized what it meant beforehand regarding Ash and Pikachu. I seem to have done a pretty good job sitting down and singing that part.
In the end, though, and as I've noted, I didn't win. Despite having performed this on point and with deep characterization, as the judges noted, they also said that the performance lacked technique. In these competitions, they say, technique matters as well as performance, not just plainly singing. For a guy who only had about three or so years of being in choir as the only form of vocal training, maybe in a sense they're right; one of the judges is very well-known in singing competitions and has been "through the paces", so to speak, additionally being very good friends with me and some of my other friends of mine.
As I've noted, this performance has started to make me question competing in these competitions again. But even if the performance may not be stellar, it should still be superb thanks to what I can do with my singing; more to the fact, I can make them involve what I like most - Pokémon - and it has been given one accolade and resulted in a very amazing breakthrough. That said, they should continue. Likewise, this song should also be performed again if ever the chance should come; I've already thought of ways to augment this and wish to implement them at that point, whenever that will be and hopefully not once in a blue moon.
One year ago: Let's Rule the World, Together
Two years ago: Triplets and Pairs
The song I chose to sing this time was "Chiisaki Mono", which is a fascinating song in itself, but that deserves a discussion in its own post. What's important now is that there are two versions of this song in Japanese and English, and I opted to sing the Japanese version with one change: the last chorus takes the English version's chorus instead, which is a nod to my attraction to Pokémon on "both sides of the pond". One reason why I chose this song was that there was a chance to perform it; this song is five and a half minutes long, and most of these competitions have a limit of five minutes. Because this one had a limit of eight, it was quite possible. Another reason why I chose this song is because it's by a distinctly female vocalist, not a female-emulating-a-male vocalist as the opening themes by Rica Matsumoto can be construed to be. It poses a real challenge for me as a male singer.
 |
| "koe GA kikoeru..." (capitals for high note emphasis) |
I had intended to write up this critique at a somewhat later time, but I decided to do it now. The initial reason for delaying was because of the recording of the performance. I had asked a friend to assist me in recording this what-could-be-once-in-a-blue-moon performance, but that friend of mine became preoccupied at the time my performance was supposed to start; as a result, my friend failed to record almost half of the first verse, though the remainder of the performance was recorded; the critique is based on this recording, which I received in time. The only other recording of the performance I know of is the one recorded by a "master camera" by the event organizers, but as of today, that one has not been disclosed to me even by my own request. One intent of recording is certainly to sidestep this issue, but when what happened happens, it does become a bit unfortunate.
 |
| First place where timing was off: "sora o -ao geba-" |
Unfortunately, I can also readily identify some minuses regarding this performance. One of them is that I mistimed (or rather, lost track of the timing) of two parts: near the beginning of the second chorus and midway through the final chorus, before the shift to the English portion. In both places, they were somewhat early; still, I more or less recovered from them. Another minus is that some transitions to higher notes sounded slightly strained, as in the first verse and the very final chorus, the latter of which should have served as the perfected finale.
There were also some pluses as well. Aside from the transition issues as above, my singing seems to be more or less on key. The audience seems to recognize this too, and I received quite audible cheers twice: after the first chorus and as the song came to a close. I also did something unique: while I stood for most of the performance, just before the bridge, I sat down to sing it, having realized what it meant beforehand regarding Ash and Pikachu. I seem to have done a pretty good job sitting down and singing that part.
 |
| "taisetsu na mono wa sugusoba ni aru sono koto ni kidzuita..." Meaning: "I've realized the one most precious to me is beside me." |
In the end, though, and as I've noted, I didn't win. Despite having performed this on point and with deep characterization, as the judges noted, they also said that the performance lacked technique. In these competitions, they say, technique matters as well as performance, not just plainly singing. For a guy who only had about three or so years of being in choir as the only form of vocal training, maybe in a sense they're right; one of the judges is very well-known in singing competitions and has been "through the paces", so to speak, additionally being very good friends with me and some of my other friends of mine.
 |
| And then, the audience cheered for the final time. |
As I've noted, this performance has started to make me question competing in these competitions again. But even if the performance may not be stellar, it should still be superb thanks to what I can do with my singing; more to the fact, I can make them involve what I like most - Pokémon - and it has been given one accolade and resulted in a very amazing breakthrough. That said, they should continue. Likewise, this song should also be performed again if ever the chance should come; I've already thought of ways to augment this and wish to implement them at that point, whenever that will be and hopefully not once in a blue moon.
One year ago: Let's Rule the World, Together
Two years ago: Triplets and Pairs
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Where My Voice Gets Heard
Last year, during a certain theme event, I was asked to become a cosplay judge for the first time ever in my years of cosplaying. This could be considered quite a breakthrough of sorts. This year, during the sequel to said event, I collaborated with a local band to sing one of my favorite Pokémon songs, if not the most emblematic one of all. This too could be considered another kind of breakthrough, specifically of the musical kind. It became a way for my voice to be able to be heard, in the most literal of senses.
As with some things of a major nature, there is a history behind it. Much of the details I will save for another post, since it involves a crucial musical element: the band, of course - four of them, in fact. What I can detail right now is that diving into singing/J-Song competitions is what most likely helped seal the deal, as they helped make my voice heard. It was partially the suggestion of a friend, so I have to thank that friend as well. I made my mark in them just a little over a year ago with the same song, coincidentally or not; since then, I've had mixed successes (actually, mostly failures with one notable exception) much like my cosplay efforts. But even that one success seems rather instrumental - no pun intended - in the collaboration that eventually transpired and became realized.
Before that collaboration could be realized, however, there was of course some practice for it, like for any good band effort. As previously hinted, the practice session occurred the Friday before the theme event and after Halloween. This too became a place for hearing my voice, particularly as it jived with the band's arrangement of the song. That practice session lasted for about two hours, and it also helped to shed light on how they should play the song as much as it shed light on my vocals. For the latter, during the session, I found that singing with a band was vastly different than singing to a backing track, as is common in the competitions. A primary concern became how much I can really make it be able to be heard given what I can do, and then how that would translate in the actual performance... but this latter bit is also for a different post. It was a crucial point to be sure, especially for someone new to singing with a band.
As for making my voice be heard further, I still have a lot of things that I want to do for those J-Song competitions. I haven't sung the Pokémon songs I truly want to sing, or perhaps those songs in different ways that they could be sung. Even so, with my performance in the latest competition, I'm starting to question my presence in them once again, especially due to the response of the judges. Yet in any case, I've established through them that I have good singing abilities, enough that a band became willing to collaborate with me in a performance. This will likely also be furthered in the future, making my voice be heard even further. For those reasons, my participation in the competitions will continue not just for myself, but also for singing performances in general.
Back to that event (series), it seems it has produced its share of breakthroughs. The latest breakthrough certainly would have to be involving my vocals complemented with a local band. In general, though, putting forth my vocals at these events or conventions is already a breakthrough in itself, especially with what eventually resulted. At this point, one can only expect future breakthroughs, which hopefully may include some more from that series of events, as well as other instances of making my voice be heard, wherever they may be.
One year ago: Dexterity, Pokémon Games, and Me
Two years ago: Team Harmony
As with some things of a major nature, there is a history behind it. Much of the details I will save for another post, since it involves a crucial musical element: the band, of course - four of them, in fact. What I can detail right now is that diving into singing/J-Song competitions is what most likely helped seal the deal, as they helped make my voice heard. It was partially the suggestion of a friend, so I have to thank that friend as well. I made my mark in them just a little over a year ago with the same song, coincidentally or not; since then, I've had mixed successes (actually, mostly failures with one notable exception) much like my cosplay efforts. But even that one success seems rather instrumental - no pun intended - in the collaboration that eventually transpired and became realized.
Before that collaboration could be realized, however, there was of course some practice for it, like for any good band effort. As previously hinted, the practice session occurred the Friday before the theme event and after Halloween. This too became a place for hearing my voice, particularly as it jived with the band's arrangement of the song. That practice session lasted for about two hours, and it also helped to shed light on how they should play the song as much as it shed light on my vocals. For the latter, during the session, I found that singing with a band was vastly different than singing to a backing track, as is common in the competitions. A primary concern became how much I can really make it be able to be heard given what I can do, and then how that would translate in the actual performance... but this latter bit is also for a different post. It was a crucial point to be sure, especially for someone new to singing with a band.
As for making my voice be heard further, I still have a lot of things that I want to do for those J-Song competitions. I haven't sung the Pokémon songs I truly want to sing, or perhaps those songs in different ways that they could be sung. Even so, with my performance in the latest competition, I'm starting to question my presence in them once again, especially due to the response of the judges. Yet in any case, I've established through them that I have good singing abilities, enough that a band became willing to collaborate with me in a performance. This will likely also be furthered in the future, making my voice be heard even further. For those reasons, my participation in the competitions will continue not just for myself, but also for singing performances in general.
Back to that event (series), it seems it has produced its share of breakthroughs. The latest breakthrough certainly would have to be involving my vocals complemented with a local band. In general, though, putting forth my vocals at these events or conventions is already a breakthrough in itself, especially with what eventually resulted. At this point, one can only expect future breakthroughs, which hopefully may include some more from that series of events, as well as other instances of making my voice be heard, wherever they may be.
One year ago: Dexterity, Pokémon Games, and Me
Two years ago: Team Harmony
Monday, November 4, 2019
Cosplay: Erafun Cosplay Contest
Me: OK, so I want to take a bit of a different approach to this review. It will be composed of self-reflections by me, while you, Ash, will detail your experience there. Let's start with a bit of history.
Ash: Yeah, so a few days before my friend was to do stuff to capture Regigigas, he'd heard about this competition that was to happen on the same day. I wanted in, of course, but he told me it also depended on whether the Regigigas thing could be done quickly - and it turns out, it could be, so I was all set. I just went there after it was pretty much done.
Me: So this was not even an event, really, but just a simple character parade competition, but one that was held in and by a store, something that you don't typically expect. But even if it's small, I still believe that if I can take part in it - by sending you - I should.
Ash: You may be right. The competition only had 11 characters in it, including myself. The good thing was that they allowed characters to come and take part up until just before the competition really started. I - we're lucky that we got in this way after Regigigas.
Pikachu: Pika pi, pika! [agreement]
Ash: You too, Pikachu.
Me: Hence, a good point for participating. While that day was technically part of the weekend, it's also a day that some people may not be as free to do things like this one. I happen to be, so I can send you to do that.
Ash: The parade was simple. I just had to pose three times when I was called on stage. I had my Alola outfit, so I could do the Z-Move pose and show what it's like to capture a Pokémon. But then the judges said where I fell flat was on appearance.
Me: Hmm, yes. I see where this is going. I'm partly to blame for that, with all the restrictions I face in sending you to stuff like this. I can prepare as much as possible, often by going around the restrictions, but sometimes things just don't satisfy others enough.
Ash: The result was that I didn't win, even with five prizes. But I saw some of the stuff in those five prizes, and I'm not sure if you are interested in any of them or they might be useful for you. They seem a bit random.
Pikachu: Pika pika, pika chu? ["What does he think?"]
Ash: What do you think?
Me: So this was not even an event, really, but just a simple character parade competition, but one that was held in and by a store, something that you don't typically expect. But even if it's small, I still believe that if I can take part in it - by sending you - I should.
Ash: You may be right. The competition only had 11 characters in it, including myself. The good thing was that they allowed characters to come and take part up until just before the competition really started. I - we're lucky that we got in this way after Regigigas.
Pikachu: Pika pi, pika! [agreement]
Ash: You too, Pikachu.
Me: Hence, a good point for participating. While that day was technically part of the weekend, it's also a day that some people may not be as free to do things like this one. I happen to be, so I can send you to do that.
Ash: The parade was simple. I just had to pose three times when I was called on stage. I had my Alola outfit, so I could do the Z-Move pose and show what it's like to capture a Pokémon. But then the judges said where I fell flat was on appearance.
Me: Hmm, yes. I see where this is going. I'm partly to blame for that, with all the restrictions I face in sending you to stuff like this. I can prepare as much as possible, often by going around the restrictions, but sometimes things just don't satisfy others enough.
Ash: The result was that I didn't win, even with five prizes. But I saw some of the stuff in those five prizes, and I'm not sure if you are interested in any of them or they might be useful for you. They seem a bit random.
Pikachu: Pika pika, pika chu? ["What does he think?"]
Ash: What do you think?
Me: It does seem kind of hard to tell. They're things to go for, but sometimes they don't contain what we want or need. I've already discussed this at length in another post. I suppose it shouldn't be ruminated at this point.
Ash: This competition was OK. I got together with other characters and did what I could with what you gave me. Even if it did seem small and there was nothing for me, it was still great. If there is another, maybe I should be able to join.
Me: I agree, but this one also seems to highlight that I may have reached a "point of saturation" regarding what I can do with you just as a character. That's why I seek other ways to expand, like making you sing relevant songs in other competitions in other places.
Ash: But you'll still send me in, right? So you can do your best with what you give me and I can do my best for you likewise?
Me: For as long as I'm a Pokémon fan - which is as long as possible - you still matter very much, along with all other related things. Don't expect that to change.
Ash: OK!
Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Sure!"]
Me: All right, we're done with this. Let's move on.
One year ago: Cosplay: Art and Cosplay Stage "PANSOS"
Two years ago: How Many Is Too Many?
Ash: This competition was OK. I got together with other characters and did what I could with what you gave me. Even if it did seem small and there was nothing for me, it was still great. If there is another, maybe I should be able to join.
Me: I agree, but this one also seems to highlight that I may have reached a "point of saturation" regarding what I can do with you just as a character. That's why I seek other ways to expand, like making you sing relevant songs in other competitions in other places.
Ash: But you'll still send me in, right? So you can do your best with what you give me and I can do my best for you likewise?
Me: For as long as I'm a Pokémon fan - which is as long as possible - you still matter very much, along with all other related things. Don't expect that to change.
Ash: OK!
Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Sure!"]
Me: All right, we're done with this. Let's move on.
One year ago: Cosplay: Art and Cosplay Stage "PANSOS"
Two years ago: How Many Is Too Many?
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Cosplay: Project "Untitled"
Me: OK, today should be somewhat special. You'll no doubt remember a certain theme event last year, right?
Ash: Oh yeah! That was really fun, wasn't it, Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pikachu! ["Really was!"]
Me: This theme event I'm sending you to is pretty much the second edition to that, although the reason why they titled it as such is unknown to me. I thought "Untitled" was going to be a placeholder title - temporary, that is - but then it apparently stuck, so that's why I added "Project" for emphasis.
Ash: Temporary or not, I think this one's here to stay! Last year was so good that they obviously wanted things to go on, and they did. I hope it can continue on and on.
Me: So do I. Now, you'll remember last year that I sent you in a very special position, as a judge for characters; this year I'm sorry to say we weren't selected, so I can only send you as you are.
Ash: Aw, too bad. Maybe I can be a judge at some other place.
Me: Maybe so. But that does leave the door open for us to compete in the character parade and the singing competition, which I've signed you up for.
Ash: Cool! I know you want me to go with the Hoenn outfit, which you like and I like. But what do you want me to sing today?
Me: It's a really, really special song. But it will also push us to the limits of our abilities. You'll no doubt be inspired to wish.
Ash: Oh, I see! This is amazing!
Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Really amazing!"]
Me: It should be. The character parade should be standard with what you can do.
Ash: Sure! That's always a great thing.
Me: OK, so how did it go there? How was it organized, and were there improvements from last year?
Ash: It seems a lot better this year! The weather is OK, the layout is nice, and the communities are balanced - a bit less on the "idol group", but some still perform. The entertainment is pretty much the same, but I enjoy it. The food stands are in the same place, but they're fine.
Brock: Yeah, I see that.
Ash: Hi! Glad to see you here. Can you help out with a few things?
Brock: I'll help you out as much as I can.
Ash: OK. So overall things are looking good - I even found myself from last year.
Me: Oh wow! That's a real point of interest, and I'd agree that things are looking up. Speaking of which... how are the results of the competitions?
Ash: They weren't too great. I didn't win either one.
Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Really sad..."]
Me: Ouch. I guess things have not been going great for us recently.
Brock: I did what you asked, but there might be a problem with your second task for me. Really sorry.
Ash: Oh no! And I was hoping for this one to be the best possible.
Me: Uh-oh. I hate when this happens. As if things couldn't get any worse.
Ash: Yeah, me too. But, want to know the best part?
Me: Yeah?
Ash: Want to know the BEST part??
Me: Yeah??
Ash: I GOT TO SING WITH A LIVE BAND!!!
Pikachu: Pi pika pika chuu!!! ["Really incredible!!!"]
Me: EXCELLENT!!! This has been a somewhat protracted dream of yours and mine, and it finally came true today. I also hinted at this on Halloween: the preparations the next day were for this. This is indeed the best part of today, bar none. I think this also makes up for not winning anything, don't you think?
Ash: Yeah! I have to agree with that!
Brock: I have to go early. I'm going to take a rest - you enjoy the rest of this.
Ash: Oh, so soon? I guess it's fine. You did most of what you needed to do.
Me: Maybe it's time to wrap this up with some final thoughts.
Ash: This theme event has a good thing going with everything, so like I said, I hope it goes on.
Pikachu: Pika pika pika! ["Really really!"]
Ash: Anything else you want to say besides "really"?
Pikachu: Pika, pika pika chu. ["Really, I wish for the best."]
Me: I'm with you on that one. And for as long as the competitions are like this, I'm sure I'll continue to send you to participate. On that note, it may be time to "make a wish", like the song you sang suggests.
Ash: Maybe so.
One year ago: The Joys and Sorrows of Raid Marathons
Two years ago: Late-Night Lure Party
Ash: Oh yeah! That was really fun, wasn't it, Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pikachu! ["Really was!"]
Me: This theme event I'm sending you to is pretty much the second edition to that, although the reason why they titled it as such is unknown to me. I thought "Untitled" was going to be a placeholder title - temporary, that is - but then it apparently stuck, so that's why I added "Project" for emphasis.
Ash: Temporary or not, I think this one's here to stay! Last year was so good that they obviously wanted things to go on, and they did. I hope it can continue on and on.
Me: So do I. Now, you'll remember last year that I sent you in a very special position, as a judge for characters; this year I'm sorry to say we weren't selected, so I can only send you as you are.
Ash: Aw, too bad. Maybe I can be a judge at some other place.
Me: Maybe so. But that does leave the door open for us to compete in the character parade and the singing competition, which I've signed you up for.
Ash: Cool! I know you want me to go with the Hoenn outfit, which you like and I like. But what do you want me to sing today?
Me: It's a really, really special song. But it will also push us to the limits of our abilities. You'll no doubt be inspired to wish.
Ash: Oh, I see! This is amazing!
Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Really amazing!"]
Me: It should be. The character parade should be standard with what you can do.
Ash: Sure! That's always a great thing.
Me: OK, so how did it go there? How was it organized, and were there improvements from last year?
Ash: It seems a lot better this year! The weather is OK, the layout is nice, and the communities are balanced - a bit less on the "idol group", but some still perform. The entertainment is pretty much the same, but I enjoy it. The food stands are in the same place, but they're fine.
Brock: Yeah, I see that.
Ash: Hi! Glad to see you here. Can you help out with a few things?
Brock: I'll help you out as much as I can.
Ash: OK. So overall things are looking good - I even found myself from last year.
 |
| Note: Caption below says "SASUGA MY IDOL". |
Me: Oh wow! That's a real point of interest, and I'd agree that things are looking up. Speaking of which... how are the results of the competitions?
Ash: They weren't too great. I didn't win either one.
Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Really sad..."]
Me: Ouch. I guess things have not been going great for us recently.
Brock: I did what you asked, but there might be a problem with your second task for me. Really sorry.
Ash: Oh no! And I was hoping for this one to be the best possible.
Me: Uh-oh. I hate when this happens. As if things couldn't get any worse.
Ash: Yeah, me too. But, want to know the best part?
Me: Yeah?
Ash: Want to know the BEST part??
Me: Yeah??
Ash: I GOT TO SING WITH A LIVE BAND!!!
Pikachu: Pi pika pika chuu!!! ["Really incredible!!!"]
Me: EXCELLENT!!! This has been a somewhat protracted dream of yours and mine, and it finally came true today. I also hinted at this on Halloween: the preparations the next day were for this. This is indeed the best part of today, bar none. I think this also makes up for not winning anything, don't you think?
Ash: Yeah! I have to agree with that!
Brock: I have to go early. I'm going to take a rest - you enjoy the rest of this.
Ash: Oh, so soon? I guess it's fine. You did most of what you needed to do.
Me: Maybe it's time to wrap this up with some final thoughts.
Ash: This theme event has a good thing going with everything, so like I said, I hope it goes on.
Pikachu: Pika pika pika! ["Really really!"]
Ash: Anything else you want to say besides "really"?
Pikachu: Pika, pika pika chu. ["Really, I wish for the best."]
Me: I'm with you on that one. And for as long as the competitions are like this, I'm sure I'll continue to send you to participate. On that note, it may be time to "make a wish", like the song you sang suggests.
Ash: Maybe so.
One year ago: The Joys and Sorrows of Raid Marathons
Two years ago: Late-Night Lure Party
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Pokémon Go: A Colossal Discovery
So, this is the day of the event that has aroused mixed emotions and divided some Trainers regarding its approach. It is, of course, the event called "A Colossal Discovery" for Pokémon Go. Rightfully, I should discuss it in a post of its own because it's so important that one had to expend money for it, and I did. That became the imperative, and now that the event's special time frame has finished, I can give my take on it.
Some have billed this special event as a "Go Fest anywhere" event due to the inclusion of some elements that make up prior editions of said event. While I've never been to a Go Fest event, this description might seem to be accurate to some degree. If one purchased the ticket well beforehand, one should have received one of the perks of this event, which is a medal to mark participation in it, starting from yesterday up until 5 PM today, the last possible time to purchase the event ticket. There is also a Special Research with some nifty rewards, which will be explained in a bit. As well, there were a few Field Research Tasks that added flavor to the event. These are also things that are gotten from Go Fest events, so it makes sense.
As for that Special Research, it is a relatively short four-page bundle of 12 tasks, but those tasks may be considered significant. In the first three pages, a Trainer is asked to catch and evolve 7 Pokémon related to the types of the Three Titans (Regirock, Regice, and Registeel) as well as capture any of those three from a raid, regardless of species. The catching part is easy; the evolution part may be a bit difficult. The rewards of the tasks are some neat Pokémon and XP. The last page of the Special Research only asks to take pictures of the Three Titans, which should be a snap (no pun intended) if all three have been caught. To aid in all of these, a Trainer is given 10 free raid passes in addition to the daily free pass to raid them. The final rewards include an encounter with the "king" of the Three Titans, Regigigas. It may very well be worth it.
The actual execution was somewhat neat. The Three Titans appeared intermittently and predominantly in raids, with raid boss eggs appearing only for a short time, and sometimes the raid bosses themselves directly appearing with no warning. It was even possible to walk a short distance and find that a different or new raid boss had appeared where there was none. This seems stranger than usual, but it's also incredibly helpful for the Special Research Tasks that require raids. The most difficult part would have to be evolving Pokémon when one is scant on resources, or more accurately does not want to relinquish resources to do so; fortunately, the appearances of Pokémon of the types related to the Three Titans helped in this regard, allowing some to be caught immediately, evolved, and then transferred. Any additional lost resources could then be made up at a later time. It was this that allowed the pages of the Special Research to be filled out in a timely manner within the true event period from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Some credits also go to a few of my raid fellows, who appeared in time just when raids were needed, to complete the Special Research Tasks or else just to use up the provided free raid passes. It wasn't all bad; there was also the opportunity to catch a Shiny Regice and Registeel, while others caught a Shiny Regirock from a raid or a Shiny Skarmory from a Field Research, as this was their debuts as well. All the same, I and them kind of wished that there were prior planning with my raid group, but fortunately the same usual place for Community Day also allowed for the event to be completed due to the many Gyms in the area. As well, I didn't exactly complete the Special Research by myself, for I had a little assistance with them.
Ash: Hi! I completed the Special Research, just like you asked. But I also didn't catch Regigigas because I thought it might hold up your plans.
Me: That is perfectly fine. For those who didn't complete the Special Research in time, they can complete it at their own pace, though I'm not sure how you would go about catching a Titan once they have left raids. For that reason, at least getting to the third page and having captured all the Titans is suggested. At that point, things should relax a bit.
Ash: So can I go on to that little thing you planned for me?
Me: Sure thing. I'd like to discuss that, but that'll have to wait for a different post.
At this point, I can also deliver my final thoughts. For an early access to Regigigas, this "paid event" really delivers. One has to commit to it in order to get to the end, and having helpful resources on hand also helps. Personally, I consider this event also accomplishing multiple purposes in one fell swoop, so that makes it worthwhile. Future "paid events" like these may need further consideration of their worth, but if they are likely as intensive and extensive as this, that may be the incentive to reap the results by paying up for them.
One year ago: Balance of Topics
Two years ago: Kids (...or Trainers, Fans) These Days
Some have billed this special event as a "Go Fest anywhere" event due to the inclusion of some elements that make up prior editions of said event. While I've never been to a Go Fest event, this description might seem to be accurate to some degree. If one purchased the ticket well beforehand, one should have received one of the perks of this event, which is a medal to mark participation in it, starting from yesterday up until 5 PM today, the last possible time to purchase the event ticket. There is also a Special Research with some nifty rewards, which will be explained in a bit. As well, there were a few Field Research Tasks that added flavor to the event. These are also things that are gotten from Go Fest events, so it makes sense.
As for that Special Research, it is a relatively short four-page bundle of 12 tasks, but those tasks may be considered significant. In the first three pages, a Trainer is asked to catch and evolve 7 Pokémon related to the types of the Three Titans (Regirock, Regice, and Registeel) as well as capture any of those three from a raid, regardless of species. The catching part is easy; the evolution part may be a bit difficult. The rewards of the tasks are some neat Pokémon and XP. The last page of the Special Research only asks to take pictures of the Three Titans, which should be a snap (no pun intended) if all three have been caught. To aid in all of these, a Trainer is given 10 free raid passes in addition to the daily free pass to raid them. The final rewards include an encounter with the "king" of the Three Titans, Regigigas. It may very well be worth it.
The actual execution was somewhat neat. The Three Titans appeared intermittently and predominantly in raids, with raid boss eggs appearing only for a short time, and sometimes the raid bosses themselves directly appearing with no warning. It was even possible to walk a short distance and find that a different or new raid boss had appeared where there was none. This seems stranger than usual, but it's also incredibly helpful for the Special Research Tasks that require raids. The most difficult part would have to be evolving Pokémon when one is scant on resources, or more accurately does not want to relinquish resources to do so; fortunately, the appearances of Pokémon of the types related to the Three Titans helped in this regard, allowing some to be caught immediately, evolved, and then transferred. Any additional lost resources could then be made up at a later time. It was this that allowed the pages of the Special Research to be filled out in a timely manner within the true event period from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Some credits also go to a few of my raid fellows, who appeared in time just when raids were needed, to complete the Special Research Tasks or else just to use up the provided free raid passes. It wasn't all bad; there was also the opportunity to catch a Shiny Regice and Registeel, while others caught a Shiny Regirock from a raid or a Shiny Skarmory from a Field Research, as this was their debuts as well. All the same, I and them kind of wished that there were prior planning with my raid group, but fortunately the same usual place for Community Day also allowed for the event to be completed due to the many Gyms in the area. As well, I didn't exactly complete the Special Research by myself, for I had a little assistance with them.
Ash: Hi! I completed the Special Research, just like you asked. But I also didn't catch Regigigas because I thought it might hold up your plans.
Me: That is perfectly fine. For those who didn't complete the Special Research in time, they can complete it at their own pace, though I'm not sure how you would go about catching a Titan once they have left raids. For that reason, at least getting to the third page and having captured all the Titans is suggested. At that point, things should relax a bit.
Ash: So can I go on to that little thing you planned for me?
Me: Sure thing. I'd like to discuss that, but that'll have to wait for a different post.
At this point, I can also deliver my final thoughts. For an early access to Regigigas, this "paid event" really delivers. One has to commit to it in order to get to the end, and having helpful resources on hand also helps. Personally, I consider this event also accomplishing multiple purposes in one fell swoop, so that makes it worthwhile. Future "paid events" like these may need further consideration of their worth, but if they are likely as intensive and extensive as this, that may be the incentive to reap the results by paying up for them.
One year ago: Balance of Topics
Two years ago: Kids (...or Trainers, Fans) These Days
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