Brother, my brother
Tell me, what are we fighting for?
We've got to end this war
We should love one another
Oh, can't we just pretend
This war never began
We can try,
Brother, my brother
-- "Brother My Brother", Blessid Union of Souls
Among the three problems I discussed in yesterday's post, the last of them is probably the most harrowing. It brings to mind the conflict from the very first Pokémon feature film or movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back, which in recent times has been remade (with the tag of "Evolution") as well as released on streaming media. In the original English dub of the movie, there was a song that was played near the middle of the main conflict, seemingly placed in an attempt to "quell" the conflict. That would be the song I've quoted above.
This song has a very simple structure. The chorus actually plays first, for which the first chorus is as quoted above. There is a second chorus that plays after each of the two verses that play after the first chorus, as well as an outro. In the movie, however, owing to scene considerations, only the first chorus, first verse, and second chorus are played. The rest of the song can be listened to on the ("alternative") soundtrack that accompanied the movie's English release.
The message of the song is one of peace. It asks two parties that are at odds with each other to put an end to the conflict between them, as it does nothing for either party, even if either one prevails; it only leads to chaos between the two. The song also asks the parties to settle differences and embrace each other in order to focus on the more important things in life that aren't the conflict. There is the hope that the resolution of the conflict will allow the two parties to harmonize.
That last problem I previously discussed has a conflict between the "misled" and "straight" parties, and this almost smacks of the original-versus-clone conflict in the movie. Even so, that conflict seems to run deeper than the one in the movie, more than I can say in a couple of posts. It will surely take time for this conflict to be resolved, and that may be at best. The resolution may also not necessarily take the same form as the movie, but peace is certainly expected.
No one wishes for problems to occur, let alone with conflict seemingly as major as that of the movie. And yet, based on my experiences, it has actually happened. That makes it all the more appropriate to bring up this song, which ties together the two matters. Now if only the two parties of the conflict by the problem can settle it and make peace like brothers among men (or in general, siblings among mankind).
One year ago: (Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019
Two years ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds
Three years ago: Ride the Pokémon
Friday, March 6, 2020
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Hope For Problematic Pokémon Fans
In the most recent times, I've discovered that some Pokémon fans have been experiencing some problems of their own. We - I speaking on behalf of others - are a diverse lot aside from our interest in Pokémon, and that can mean different things for different people. Unfortunately, that can mean diverse and different problems as well, and seems to be the case for the problems I've observed recently for a number of fans, even including myself. It's a difficult thing, yet there may be a single form of relief for it.
Some fans have indicated that they are in an underfunded state for Pokémon goods, including things that support the playing of the games. I have to admit that I myself could be said to be in this case as I still haven't procured a Nintendo Switch, let alone the games necessary for play on it. Meanwhile, a few of my Go fellows are wracking their brains whether to save vital items for the events this month (more to come later) or to go for anything convenient, especially with not a lot of hard-earned coins that may or may not have been purchased. Either case could be said to be a state of being underfunded.
In a different case, some fans seem to be rather overconfident or boastful - they seem to like being pompous about their successes without regard of who else might be exposed to this, affecting them negatively. Worse yet, they seem to enjoy the good company of others who have the same nature, which only amplifies the negativity. Readers of this blog might find this nothing new, as this is one of the factors that played a part in a certain happening just over a month ago, and it also became something that I've been a reluctant witness to in further occasions in the past month. It does not seem to be a good thing in any way.
If the first is bad and the second is worse, there seems to be an even worse (or even, the worst) problem. It may be that some fans are "lost among others" in that they became misled by happenings, which leads to others being misled as well. Meanwhile, others who do not want to be misled instead find it hard to get a hold of those who can speak wisely and objectively about things. It becomes regrettable that those in the former group become closed to discussion, almost becoming an extension of the second problem above. And though I'm rather distanced from the actual happenings of the problem, it becomes my concern, as this involves my fellow fans.
The relief for all of these problems appears to be hope. There should be the hope that for the first problem, financial woes can be resolved so that fans can get right to playing as needed. For the second, the hope is that the fans who are pompous can realize that their position may not be all it's cracked up to be, especially considering others in different positions. The third problem may be the most difficult because the hope is scarce, but there is still a couple regardless: for those who are misled to find their way back and for those who are lost in thought to find peace through good advice from good Pokémon fans. These are all hopes that ought to be realized somehow through good actions.
I'm certain that I and others as Pokémon fans seek an outlet for fun, perhaps in addition to a way to express creativity and to get something out of life. And I'm sure that none of that means having more (of the same) problems from life with it. Yet all of the above problems have happened, which is truly a cause for concern and especially for this fan. The next course of action seems to be to have and realize hopes for relief of the problems so that one may be rid of them and can enjoy Pokémon as intended: free of problems.
One year ago: A Gold and Silver Postcard
Two years ago: Being a Pokétaku
Three years ago: I'm Swept Away
Some fans have indicated that they are in an underfunded state for Pokémon goods, including things that support the playing of the games. I have to admit that I myself could be said to be in this case as I still haven't procured a Nintendo Switch, let alone the games necessary for play on it. Meanwhile, a few of my Go fellows are wracking their brains whether to save vital items for the events this month (more to come later) or to go for anything convenient, especially with not a lot of hard-earned coins that may or may not have been purchased. Either case could be said to be a state of being underfunded.
In a different case, some fans seem to be rather overconfident or boastful - they seem to like being pompous about their successes without regard of who else might be exposed to this, affecting them negatively. Worse yet, they seem to enjoy the good company of others who have the same nature, which only amplifies the negativity. Readers of this blog might find this nothing new, as this is one of the factors that played a part in a certain happening just over a month ago, and it also became something that I've been a reluctant witness to in further occasions in the past month. It does not seem to be a good thing in any way.
If the first is bad and the second is worse, there seems to be an even worse (or even, the worst) problem. It may be that some fans are "lost among others" in that they became misled by happenings, which leads to others being misled as well. Meanwhile, others who do not want to be misled instead find it hard to get a hold of those who can speak wisely and objectively about things. It becomes regrettable that those in the former group become closed to discussion, almost becoming an extension of the second problem above. And though I'm rather distanced from the actual happenings of the problem, it becomes my concern, as this involves my fellow fans.
The relief for all of these problems appears to be hope. There should be the hope that for the first problem, financial woes can be resolved so that fans can get right to playing as needed. For the second, the hope is that the fans who are pompous can realize that their position may not be all it's cracked up to be, especially considering others in different positions. The third problem may be the most difficult because the hope is scarce, but there is still a couple regardless: for those who are misled to find their way back and for those who are lost in thought to find peace through good advice from good Pokémon fans. These are all hopes that ought to be realized somehow through good actions.
I'm certain that I and others as Pokémon fans seek an outlet for fun, perhaps in addition to a way to express creativity and to get something out of life. And I'm sure that none of that means having more (of the same) problems from life with it. Yet all of the above problems have happened, which is truly a cause for concern and especially for this fan. The next course of action seems to be to have and realize hopes for relief of the problems so that one may be rid of them and can enjoy Pokémon as intended: free of problems.
One year ago: A Gold and Silver Postcard
Two years ago: Being a Pokétaku
Three years ago: I'm Swept Away
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
The Ups and Downs of Showdown
This is actually a nearly two-year old topic that I wanted to discuss back then, but I didn't have much reason to discuss it then as I did now. The reason is the post I wrote up yesterday, which came out of another post I wrote two days ago. In the former post, I discussed "battle client" games that could be used as a "proxy" or even "simulation" of actual Pokémon battles in the main series games, and I mentioned the existence of an unofficial one. That one is called Pokémon Showdown, which I've already alluded in the title of this post.
This "battle client" or "simulator" runs over the Internet in a Web browser, in contrast to similar others that run as standalone programs, though what applies to this is similar to what applies to others of the kind. It is possible to select Pokémon and create teams to battle others through different formats, including the one popularly used for VGC. Pokémon are customizable right down to their particular facets - moves, stats, items, and so on and so forth. It becomes a highly versatile way of battling with a great deal of convenience. But in my view, it seems to also have some relevant issues.
The great thing about this convenience is that one is able to possess a team of prepared Pokémon with perfectly set facets as above. One can then opt to battle them against another ready opponent and immediately find out how a team fares against another possible one. The referencing is also well-established and can be used to change facets at will and almost instantly. The ease of archival and freedom of use only adds to the convenience, something that seems to be of utmost importance for a "battle client" or "simulator" such as this one. It's no wonder that this has actually been used in some (very) casual tournaments, even of the VGC nature.
However, the downsides seem to be as many. For those who are serious about VGC on the actual main series games, which is the only approved manner, the information gained may not be directly translatable to the games; in other words, one still has to "work" for it to realize it. As well, since it is unofficial, there is a concern that some things may not exactly work out as the actual main series games, even if for the most part things are reasonably accurate. Then there may be the concern of disclosing good teams, since after all some things are recorded, including matches with said teams. This last point was in fact a consideration for writing this post back then.
"Battle clients" or "simulators" like Pokémon Showdown remain an interesting matter because they are highly intertwined to the main series games, allowing them to almost be used in place of one. "Almost" seems to be also quite the keyword based on my two earlier posts, which definitely affirm that the actual main series games is the way to go no matter what. It is still neat to think of this as the "maker game" and "different experience" for Pokémon, though there may still be ways to go before much can be truly affirmed, even officially.
One year ago: A Mew Pouch
Two years ago: How Do I Live, Without You?
Three years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks
This "battle client" or "simulator" runs over the Internet in a Web browser, in contrast to similar others that run as standalone programs, though what applies to this is similar to what applies to others of the kind. It is possible to select Pokémon and create teams to battle others through different formats, including the one popularly used for VGC. Pokémon are customizable right down to their particular facets - moves, stats, items, and so on and so forth. It becomes a highly versatile way of battling with a great deal of convenience. But in my view, it seems to also have some relevant issues.
The great thing about this convenience is that one is able to possess a team of prepared Pokémon with perfectly set facets as above. One can then opt to battle them against another ready opponent and immediately find out how a team fares against another possible one. The referencing is also well-established and can be used to change facets at will and almost instantly. The ease of archival and freedom of use only adds to the convenience, something that seems to be of utmost importance for a "battle client" or "simulator" such as this one. It's no wonder that this has actually been used in some (very) casual tournaments, even of the VGC nature.
However, the downsides seem to be as many. For those who are serious about VGC on the actual main series games, which is the only approved manner, the information gained may not be directly translatable to the games; in other words, one still has to "work" for it to realize it. As well, since it is unofficial, there is a concern that some things may not exactly work out as the actual main series games, even if for the most part things are reasonably accurate. Then there may be the concern of disclosing good teams, since after all some things are recorded, including matches with said teams. This last point was in fact a consideration for writing this post back then.
"Battle clients" or "simulators" like Pokémon Showdown remain an interesting matter because they are highly intertwined to the main series games, allowing them to almost be used in place of one. "Almost" seems to be also quite the keyword based on my two earlier posts, which definitely affirm that the actual main series games is the way to go no matter what. It is still neat to think of this as the "maker game" and "different experience" for Pokémon, though there may still be ways to go before much can be truly affirmed, even officially.
One year ago: A Mew Pouch
Two years ago: How Do I Live, Without You?
Three years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Re-Experiencing Main Series Battles
The discussion of a possible maker game for Pokémon the other day led me to another course of thinking. The main series games of Pokémon are great and popular, certainly, and that's how most people who are into Pokémon got into Pokémon. But perhaps there could be a way to have the same battling experience but in a different package, as a completely different game package but with battles still equivalent to how they work in the main series. It could be neat if this were to happen somehow.
Just to be clear, what I have in mind is a game that would fully replicate Pokémon battles as they happen in the main series games, almost like it could be a "VGC proxy" of sorts. It wouldn't something that is a semblance of it as with Mystery Dungeon, and it wouldn't be something radically different like Pokémon Go. The battle element would be through and through like the main series games, but the content around it would be completely different. That's a tall order, but it just might be doable.
One way that I'm thinking by which this might be realized is having an official "battle client" game that is just purely focused on battling Pokémon rather than having adventures alongside the battles. Restrictions of past versions could also be realized for changes of pace. The only problems I would see with this is that there is an already popular "battle client" game, unofficial though it may be (and needs a separate discussion), and an official one has the potential to make players "jump ship" from the actual main series. A way to resolve this is that in order to battle, the Pokémon involved must also be linked somehow to the main series games, and there must be many checks or a significant unlocking system for everything. This game would be convenient but also needs restraint as well.
The other solution is the MMO game as I've detailed previously. Pokémon would still need to be searched for, captured, traded, raised, and so on and so forth, but it would need to be done within the expanse of the game. All the effort that would be required would be on par with the main series, and that brings up the other problems I've also detailed previously. Main series checks might again help, but everything would seemingly mean double effort. It seems an MMO thus has to be quite different in order not to take away from the main series, in contrast to the "battle client" approach, which might effectively more act as a proxy. There seems to be many considerations involved.
Based on what I've detailed above, the battling experience of the Pokémon main series games seems more proper to stay in the main series. It would be hard to justify an equivalent that would compete for attention from the main series. Yet it's still a fanciful thought for this to be able to be re-experienced in some way in another game. If realized, it would probably still have to have many linkages to the main series in order to keep its greatness and popularity. These also have to be able to increase even with or without the above being realized.
One year ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019
Two years ago: Investing for PokéCoins
Three years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?
Just to be clear, what I have in mind is a game that would fully replicate Pokémon battles as they happen in the main series games, almost like it could be a "VGC proxy" of sorts. It wouldn't something that is a semblance of it as with Mystery Dungeon, and it wouldn't be something radically different like Pokémon Go. The battle element would be through and through like the main series games, but the content around it would be completely different. That's a tall order, but it just might be doable.
One way that I'm thinking by which this might be realized is having an official "battle client" game that is just purely focused on battling Pokémon rather than having adventures alongside the battles. Restrictions of past versions could also be realized for changes of pace. The only problems I would see with this is that there is an already popular "battle client" game, unofficial though it may be (and needs a separate discussion), and an official one has the potential to make players "jump ship" from the actual main series. A way to resolve this is that in order to battle, the Pokémon involved must also be linked somehow to the main series games, and there must be many checks or a significant unlocking system for everything. This game would be convenient but also needs restraint as well.
The other solution is the MMO game as I've detailed previously. Pokémon would still need to be searched for, captured, traded, raised, and so on and so forth, but it would need to be done within the expanse of the game. All the effort that would be required would be on par with the main series, and that brings up the other problems I've also detailed previously. Main series checks might again help, but everything would seemingly mean double effort. It seems an MMO thus has to be quite different in order not to take away from the main series, in contrast to the "battle client" approach, which might effectively more act as a proxy. There seems to be many considerations involved.
Based on what I've detailed above, the battling experience of the Pokémon main series games seems more proper to stay in the main series. It would be hard to justify an equivalent that would compete for attention from the main series. Yet it's still a fanciful thought for this to be able to be re-experienced in some way in another game. If realized, it would probably still have to have many linkages to the main series in order to keep its greatness and popularity. These also have to be able to increase even with or without the above being realized.
One year ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019
Two years ago: Investing for PokéCoins
Three years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?
Monday, March 2, 2020
Making Game Journeys... Literally
I'm currently fascinated by a certain maker game related to games I've once played but have practically given up on that allows one to create "sections" that resemble (or in many cases go beyond) those that are offered by the games that the maker "emulates", in a way. It's a neat way for players to contribute to the body of existing "sections", perhaps even to create an almost entirely new game. In relation to Pokémon, however, the possibility of such a maker game is rather remote... but it may be worth some consideration.
If such a maker game were to be created, then it could be for remaking the integral sections of main series Pokémon games, which would be the routes, cities, and towns. One could design them to look a particular way and to be played according to a certain scenario. Particular natural terrain features or artificial man-made structures could be incorporated in order to force the player to do things in certain ways, while specific Pokémon can also be included in the wild or belonging to others, to be battled, captured, or else interacted with as part of the scenario. The completion of the scenario then depends on certain things to be fulfilled.
It's an easy thing to describe the possible ways of this maker game. Yet such a game would face many challenges, which would make things difficult. One of them is that in a main series Pokémon game, many of these "sections" work together to make the entire game work, and they can't be necessarily split into individually isolated parts. Another is that the creation of these "sections" may effectively entail programming of some sort, though this could arguably be considered for that other game as well. Lastly, the appearances of these "sections" have changed over time, an obvious fact for those who keep up with the main series games. All of these present potential problems for such a maker game.
More to the point, while the "game" aspect is lacking as of yet, it seems the "maker" aspect has been established through other means, one of which is somewhat "dicey" and directly involves the existing games. This is best discussed as indirectly as possible, so I won't touch on its details too deeply. What I can say is that the particular way I'm thinking of allows for this to happen, though one has to know the means full well in order to make things happen, and even then it is still rudimentary in a way. A real maker game should enable things to happen beyond a rudimentary state and in a less "dicey" and more convenient manner.
The creation of "sections" by way of the maker game would in a way allow for the bits and pieces of a new Pokémon journey to be created, which if pieced together, would allow a kind of proto-MMO for Pokémon to be conceived. This seems to be yet another missing piece of the official games, with the exception that Pokémon Go would virtually work as an MMO, but in a more realistic setting. To have a more main-series based MMO would in a way take away from this and the actual main series games themselves, which are already thriving, even if their experiences are rooted.
Still, the maker game is a neat concept to simply think about. For those still interested in the mechanisms of main series games of yore, it might still be interesting to be able to make something that seemingly belongs with those mechanisms and by consequence create an extended Pokémon journey. And if many people do the same, some interconnect may be possible to occur. While the prospects of such a maker game is a pipe dream at the moment, one can only wonder if beyond all the related technical issues, this might just lead to the makings of greater Pokémon journeys beyond the norm.
One year ago: Winds of Changing Teams
Two years ago: Pikachu Cable Holder
Three years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too
If such a maker game were to be created, then it could be for remaking the integral sections of main series Pokémon games, which would be the routes, cities, and towns. One could design them to look a particular way and to be played according to a certain scenario. Particular natural terrain features or artificial man-made structures could be incorporated in order to force the player to do things in certain ways, while specific Pokémon can also be included in the wild or belonging to others, to be battled, captured, or else interacted with as part of the scenario. The completion of the scenario then depends on certain things to be fulfilled.
It's an easy thing to describe the possible ways of this maker game. Yet such a game would face many challenges, which would make things difficult. One of them is that in a main series Pokémon game, many of these "sections" work together to make the entire game work, and they can't be necessarily split into individually isolated parts. Another is that the creation of these "sections" may effectively entail programming of some sort, though this could arguably be considered for that other game as well. Lastly, the appearances of these "sections" have changed over time, an obvious fact for those who keep up with the main series games. All of these present potential problems for such a maker game.
More to the point, while the "game" aspect is lacking as of yet, it seems the "maker" aspect has been established through other means, one of which is somewhat "dicey" and directly involves the existing games. This is best discussed as indirectly as possible, so I won't touch on its details too deeply. What I can say is that the particular way I'm thinking of allows for this to happen, though one has to know the means full well in order to make things happen, and even then it is still rudimentary in a way. A real maker game should enable things to happen beyond a rudimentary state and in a less "dicey" and more convenient manner.
The creation of "sections" by way of the maker game would in a way allow for the bits and pieces of a new Pokémon journey to be created, which if pieced together, would allow a kind of proto-MMO for Pokémon to be conceived. This seems to be yet another missing piece of the official games, with the exception that Pokémon Go would virtually work as an MMO, but in a more realistic setting. To have a more main-series based MMO would in a way take away from this and the actual main series games themselves, which are already thriving, even if their experiences are rooted.
Still, the maker game is a neat concept to simply think about. For those still interested in the mechanisms of main series games of yore, it might still be interesting to be able to make something that seemingly belongs with those mechanisms and by consequence create an extended Pokémon journey. And if many people do the same, some interconnect may be possible to occur. While the prospects of such a maker game is a pipe dream at the moment, one can only wonder if beyond all the related technical issues, this might just lead to the makings of greater Pokémon journeys beyond the norm.
One year ago: Winds of Changing Teams
Two years ago: Pikachu Cable Holder
Three years ago: Love My Life - Pokémon Too
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Cosplay: March Funtastico
Me: Remember a certain theme event - one of two - with a certain suggestion of "love"?
Ash: That was OK. I had some fun?
Me: Then you won't mind being sent to this one, right? It's a follow-up to that.
Ash: Awesome!
Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Looks neat!"]
Me: But first, I need you to pay a visit to my figure fellows. They happen to be in my area for the usual meeting today, and it's worth it since I missed the last one.
Ash: That was after you sent me to sing with a great band, right?
Me: Exactly! I was bummed that I couldn't do something more, and now they're in my area for a change. Plus, I suggested the meeting place for them. How'd it go?
Ash: It was really great to see them! They had some new things to show off. I guess you couldn't get me to bring something else?
Me: No, I wish I could, but most of my Pokémon stuff are still "waiting a destination", so to speak. But I can bring you, and they and I consider us a "living figure".
Ash: Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe it's great that there is an event today, so I can come instead. Haha.
Pikachu: Pi pika! Pika pika! ["Haha! Right you are!"]
Me: Figures aside, there is still this event to deal with. I think you know how to get there.
Ash: I did get there, thanks to the directions you gave me. It was the same, but a little different.
Me: OK, great. Speaking of that, I'm not going to be pretentious. It's the same people, same event, same place, and same competition, only with a different name and different time. How was it?
Ash: Well, it was as you said. It was all like the last time, even if things were different. You sent me with my Kalos outfit today for a change, but many characters were the same. I had a bit of a problem with getting things set up, but it was fine from then out.
Me: And the parade?
Ash: The parade was earlier, but that's good.
Me: Yes, at least that's a good intent. They said they didn't want to keep people for too long.
Ash: But the results were still announced a bit late because of the other competitions.
Me: Huh. Anyway, how were the results?
Ash: There were 20 or so characters, and only eight won. I didn't.
Pikachu: Pika. ["Too bad. "]
Me: Regrets. There must have been a few predictable winners and some unpredictable ones.
Ash: You could say that.
Me: Hmm. By the way, I have to admit, I asked you to go on another little "assignment". How'd that go?
Ash: I got a little bit wet because of that, but it was OK. I got you a few things.
Me: That should be good, aside from you getting wet. I think this was still a good day for this event - even if it wasn't too major - and the other things alongside it.
Ash: I would say I agree. I didn't mind having a bit of fun.
Pikachu: Pika! ["Agreed!"]
Me: That seems to be the utmost importance, as "fantastic" as part of the title of this event.
One year ago: In Living Galar
Two years ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers
Three years ago: Posters
Ash: That was OK. I had some fun?
Me: Then you won't mind being sent to this one, right? It's a follow-up to that.
Ash: Awesome!
Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Looks neat!"]
Me: But first, I need you to pay a visit to my figure fellows. They happen to be in my area for the usual meeting today, and it's worth it since I missed the last one.
Ash: That was after you sent me to sing with a great band, right?
Me: Exactly! I was bummed that I couldn't do something more, and now they're in my area for a change. Plus, I suggested the meeting place for them. How'd it go?
Ash: It was really great to see them! They had some new things to show off. I guess you couldn't get me to bring something else?
Me: No, I wish I could, but most of my Pokémon stuff are still "waiting a destination", so to speak. But I can bring you, and they and I consider us a "living figure".
Ash: Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe it's great that there is an event today, so I can come instead. Haha.
Pikachu: Pi pika! Pika pika! ["Haha! Right you are!"]
Me: Figures aside, there is still this event to deal with. I think you know how to get there.
Ash: I did get there, thanks to the directions you gave me. It was the same, but a little different.
Me: OK, great. Speaking of that, I'm not going to be pretentious. It's the same people, same event, same place, and same competition, only with a different name and different time. How was it?
Ash: Well, it was as you said. It was all like the last time, even if things were different. You sent me with my Kalos outfit today for a change, but many characters were the same. I had a bit of a problem with getting things set up, but it was fine from then out.
Me: And the parade?
Ash: The parade was earlier, but that's good.
Me: Yes, at least that's a good intent. They said they didn't want to keep people for too long.
Ash: But the results were still announced a bit late because of the other competitions.
Me: Huh. Anyway, how were the results?
Ash: There were 20 or so characters, and only eight won. I didn't.
Pikachu: Pika. ["Too bad. "]
Me: Regrets. There must have been a few predictable winners and some unpredictable ones.
Ash: You could say that.
Me: Hmm. By the way, I have to admit, I asked you to go on another little "assignment". How'd that go?
Ash: I got a little bit wet because of that, but it was OK. I got you a few things.
Me: That should be good, aside from you getting wet. I think this was still a good day for this event - even if it wasn't too major - and the other things alongside it.
Ash: I would say I agree. I didn't mind having a bit of fun.
Pikachu: Pika! ["Agreed!"]
Me: That seems to be the utmost importance, as "fantastic" as part of the title of this event.
One year ago: In Living Galar
Two years ago: Can't Get Enough of Pokémon (and Pikachu) Stickers
Three years ago: Posters
Saturday, February 29, 2020
It's Leap Year Day!
Today is an odd day, but a special one. It is of course Leap Year Day, which is a rare occasion indeed, happening about once in every four years. It's hardly anything special in relation to Pokémon, apart from the fact that it may be two days after its anniversary in the years that contain this day. But add back this blog, and now there is something special to connect them, which is why I've chosen to commemorate the day with this post and to connect it with Pokémon.
Some Pokémon games that contain some kind of mechanism for catching Pokémon may also keep records regarding when certain ones are caught, and that may be considered as an impetus to catch quite a few of them on this day to preserve the date as a record, if nothing else. Notably, it's also the first time for Pokémon Go, as it was launched on a leap year, but somewhat way past it. If one desires, then it's really the time to catch a few Pokémon for the posterity of saving the occasion as a record.
In regard to numerology, the numbers that are important of this date are 2 and 29. Concatenating them in two ways results in the numbers 229 and 292. All these numbers correspond to the Pokémon species of Ivysaur, female Nidoran, Houndoom, and Shedinja, and thus they could be considered the representative species of this day. These are all also quite diverse in terms of abilities, types, and evolution stages. Sure, they might not mean much by way of coincidence, but it's hard to say otherwise even if they aren't. I'd like to think that things are neat the way they are.
And then it's back to this blog. When I started things over three years ago, I had some inkling that I would eventually be able to get to this point, and today I have. It is as neat as it is surreal. It feels like I've attained an interesting achievement in regard to discussions related to Pokémon. And yet, there are still more interesting achievements that I've yet to attain through the posts on this blog, and it would be neat if I would be able to attain them somehow. It seems apt for me to continue posting as I make my way to attain them.
As I've said above, today is both odd and special, as a day that comes along every few years. Even with that odd and special quality, there is a sense that it's still yet another ordinary day. But then again, I've been able to interpret those ordinary days as something more, especially with Pokémon as something that fills those days. And so it goes for this Pokémon fan, who lives each day filling it up with as much Pokémon as possible and seeing what comes out, even on this oddly special day.
Happy Leap Year Day.
Since it's Leap Year Day, there are no posts from previous years. But feel free to check out posts from February 28 (yesterday) or March 1 (tomorrow).
Some Pokémon games that contain some kind of mechanism for catching Pokémon may also keep records regarding when certain ones are caught, and that may be considered as an impetus to catch quite a few of them on this day to preserve the date as a record, if nothing else. Notably, it's also the first time for Pokémon Go, as it was launched on a leap year, but somewhat way past it. If one desires, then it's really the time to catch a few Pokémon for the posterity of saving the occasion as a record.
In regard to numerology, the numbers that are important of this date are 2 and 29. Concatenating them in two ways results in the numbers 229 and 292. All these numbers correspond to the Pokémon species of Ivysaur, female Nidoran, Houndoom, and Shedinja, and thus they could be considered the representative species of this day. These are all also quite diverse in terms of abilities, types, and evolution stages. Sure, they might not mean much by way of coincidence, but it's hard to say otherwise even if they aren't. I'd like to think that things are neat the way they are.
And then it's back to this blog. When I started things over three years ago, I had some inkling that I would eventually be able to get to this point, and today I have. It is as neat as it is surreal. It feels like I've attained an interesting achievement in regard to discussions related to Pokémon. And yet, there are still more interesting achievements that I've yet to attain through the posts on this blog, and it would be neat if I would be able to attain them somehow. It seems apt for me to continue posting as I make my way to attain them.
As I've said above, today is both odd and special, as a day that comes along every few years. Even with that odd and special quality, there is a sense that it's still yet another ordinary day. But then again, I've been able to interpret those ordinary days as something more, especially with Pokémon as something that fills those days. And so it goes for this Pokémon fan, who lives each day filling it up with as much Pokémon as possible and seeing what comes out, even on this oddly special day.
Happy Leap Year Day.
Since it's Leap Year Day, there are no posts from previous years. But feel free to check out posts from February 28 (yesterday) or March 1 (tomorrow).
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