The Eevee Festival in Pokémon Unite

I've made a few posts lately on matters related to Pokémon Go, so now I'd like to make a post on a matter that is not as such - and how about something that's festive in Pokémon Unite. More specifically, it's the celebration of "Eeveelutions" - the evolved forms of Eevee - in something called the Eevee Festival. It's a currently ongoing event that may be considered a lead-up to its anniversary next month, but that may be getting ahead in some ways. What matters right now is the prompt to celebrate some of the members of this species family in Pokémon Unite.

The event is primarily focused on the successive recent additions of two more of the evolved forms: Umbreon (as a Defender) just a while ago and Leafeon (as a Speedster) the other day. They come with their "entry celebrations" as with some others, but for the purpose of this event, there is a special selection of tasks to be completed, as seen in the Events section. The addition of Leafeon also adds another part to this event, which is a "daily walk" event that is completed by logging in and playing Ranked matches. As seen in the loading screen, all the evolved forms get matching Holowear - the Checkered Style - and that adds more festiveness to the event.

A special event like this is comparable to Pika Party from last year, meaning that it has to have a map of its own, and it does, called Eevee Appeal-o-Rama. It takes a base of Shivre City but decorated to look more Eevee-festive, and as such it is a 4-on-4 battle. Trainers are able to choose from the four and then five evolved forms available (with repetition allowed - a first in general) to battle the others; throughout the battle, they are also then able to complete special missions for their team for scoring advantages, execute Appeals to gain more points for scoring, and even battle Gigantamax Eevee - analogous to Pika Party - to show their supremacy. Overall, it's a unique and chaotic map.

Expansion in the future is surely a natural matter of consideration, given that only five out of the eight (existing) "Eeveelutions" are present in Unite. It is obvious that the remaining ones - Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon - may stand to make it in at some point, and if they do, they'll surely force a rerun of the event with much of the same features, or perhaps there will be unique ones, considering that they are the "original" evolved forms. By then, there ought to be a good number of forms that the repetition in the special map above may no longer be deemed necessary. Still, that's for the future to consider, and the celebration of the current forms is at hand.

Being multitudinous in nature, Eevee and its evolved forms always present a reason to make things festive, and this new event - with possibility of future expansion - does just that. It takes what is (was) currently available and integrates them with new additions, presenting them with a celebratory wrapper with a special event and a map to boot. I'd say that's still all the more reason to celebrate any time but even now (again, heeding that the game's actual anniversary will be at hand soon enough), and it's a boost to get things going in Unite again while other Pokémon things go on.

One year ago: For Elemental and Pokémon Periodicity

Two years ago: Birdkeepers, the Real and the Imagined

Three years ago: Pokémon Hanafuda

Four years ago: Limited Research Methodology

Five years ago: The Spirit of Giving

Six years ago: A Faraway Tournament and a Charitable Spirit

The Scramble for King of the Hill

So, well... the reason why I had to cover (and mention) King of the Hill is that my Faction, SWEEP JR, officially made it as one of the participants in this second-level postseason tournament (and one of two final ones) for Silph Arena Factions. It's a bit of a prestige, yet it also is (and will be) quite a challenge, and more importantly it is and has been a "scramble" in some ways. This is true not just for me, my Faction, and all the other Factions that made it, but also for the organizers - the Arena Staff and Referees. As the tournament has started, I thought I'd discuss how that "scramble" has and had manifested.

That scramble began with the registration, or "RSVP" in common Silph Arena parlance. The process took place from Saturday (my time) last week up to Tuesday morning as is the traditional start of a Factions Bout, after which the first one for the tournament immediately began. By the end of the registration, 276 Factions had registered, but 5 had not completed the process and was therefore cut, while the other 15 were non-priority Factions that were cut due to others registering earlier and/or taking priority. My Faction (and its senior, SWEEP ID) fortunately registered as early as possible, so it was no surprise we made it past the scramble. Along with the 32 teams for the Worlds Championships, these 256 teams (288 altogether) are now the final representatives of the competition, approximately just over half of the 515 teams that were present in the previous and effectively final Cycle, a very good representation.

And then came the scramble to get the first Bout going. There was a brief time where the pairings were also in a scramble - not what they were supposed to be, a little like one moment in the previous Cycle - so that had to be fixed, and that came in due time. What seemingly didn't come in due time was the programming of the battle formats into the system, which was practically only able to be completed at the last minute as the player lineups were revealed and had come with a warning for players not to set lineups before then, a convenience that was forced to be absent. At least a few teams also ran into errors due to this quandary, and though the fix was not that complex, it was still a scramble to apply the workaround... and in general, it seemed to be as such for the organizers.

What may be the next scramble is actually proceeding through the tournament, as the competition may be any registered Faction from any region, even beyond one's origin. It's something that the organizers had stressed, in that Factions incapable of this should not have registered. But if they are, like my fellow teammates and I believe we do, then it's of course fair game. Our first opponents have already been set, and they come from somewhere over yonder and our work is cut out for that. But that'll have to wait for a Bout summary as I've done with other Bouts to find out how we did with the initial scramble and see if we can move on to the further scrambles ahead.

In any case, chaos was the order of the day as the first of the last great tournaments of Silph Arena Factions scrambled into existence. It is (and has to be) a profoundly different experience for many who have experienced its more previous orderly organization, although the closure of Silph Arena as one of its prompts is admittedly the prompt for such a scramble. Yet it is that scramble that has to be appreciated, as well as my Faction's timely entry into it - hopefully for a convenient length of time before all our scrambles are put to rest.

One year ago: Classes and Classification of Pokémon

Two years ago: Battle Box for Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Game Freak with Mario on the Side

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/8/2019

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/8/2018

Six years ago: Poor Zygarde

Silph Arena Factions S2 Postseason Metas

I've already discussed the structure of the last postseason ever for Silph Arena Factions, but I haven't discussed its framework, which would mean the metas or formats. The reason they hadn't been divulged back then is because they were still in development, and since these are to be the ones to end all others in Factions, they had to be perfected... even up to this very day, the final day for entry of Pokémon teams for King of the Hill (more on this personally very soon). In any case, at this point, they do deserve discussion.

Great League and Ultra League are vastly different for both. In the Worlds Championships (which will start next week), they are "bring 8, ban 2" affairs that were teased earlier, but they also have a "block 2" element that can be used to prevent certain selections from being banned; this has the potential to be very dynamic because of its novelty. In King of the Hill, they are 6-a-side points-based formats with quotas of 19 and 17 for Great League and Ultra League respectively. The viable species are divided into four tiers with four point values (S with 7, A with 5, B with 2, and C with 1) from which Trainers as usual are demanded to build the best teams possible without "breaking the bank", for the best this competition now has to offer in its final stage.

Then there are the unique Battlefields for both. For the Worlds Championships, that would be called "Pandamonium", and this is the teased "novelty changing format". The format - which is standard 6-a-side - starts with a small selection of 17 species, and each week (Bout), new species are added, and some old species may be removed as well based on trends; it has a similar dynamic energy to the league formats above. For King of the Hill, the unique Battlefield is called "Ragnar" and is structured like a standard Silph Arena theme with allowed types (Water, Bug, Poison, Psychic, Ice, Dragon), "curated" species (Snorlax, Miltank, Greedent), and bans (Electric, Rock, and Dark types, Shadow Pokémon and 17 species) but using the "bring 8, ban 2" system for a little spice in this final competition.

Both Worlds Championships and King of the Hill also have two points of commonality, one of them being Master League, still 6-a-side. Its tiers and points still remain the same as they have been from Cycle 3 (S with 4, A with 3, B with 2, C with 1, and D with 0) plus the necessary ban list, still comprising Mega Evolution - at least, the forms that are absolutely not allowed, as other Mega Evolved forms are present in other tiers - and Primal Reversion. The only differences, as with Cycle 4, are the new species and forms that have been introduced since then, which have been assigned accordingly to the tiers. At the least, those who deal with this might find that the experience is essentially unchanged.

For the other point of commonality, that would be the Battlefield called "Echo". It's a slot-based Battlefield that recalls popular (but not too popular) species from previous Faction Battlefields with two picks from each group (four in all) of two or three prior Battlefields that comprises approximately 30-50 species. Accordingly, it uses the "bring 8, ban 2" system, and while some species are found across groups, the "species clause" (only unique picks) remains in effect as is standard for Silph Arena play. Shadow Pokémon is also banned, so this Battlefield becomes just a pure species showcase for Trainers, specifically against those of others once put into battle against others.

After dealing with Factions for however the length of time may be - whether briefly like for my Faction and a number of others, or the entire time as with yet others - once they're involved in these final competitions, the final test is at hand... perhaps also for the people who organize the Arena as well, as in the case of the development for the above. Now that they've been developed, the final battles of Silph Arena Factions can be initiated to see the ones that can come out on top - hopefully perfectly no matter the imperfections.

One year ago: NADWPKMN - The Video Series: Episode #3 - The Games I Play

Two years ago: Mastering Balls of Hands and Feet

Three years ago: It's a-Mario Time

Four years ago: Going Big in Galar

Five years ago: Pokémon Archetypes

Six years ago: New Paradigms

Notes on Development Notes

I may have said this too few or many times, but it bears repeating that Silph Arena is on the verge of going out, even if it's not for another two months. Before that happens, though, it is still pertinent to make other discussions on the things that have shaped Pokémon Go PvP as facilitated through the site. One of those is the themed cups and the development notes that are provided with them. Their insights are unique, which is why since the previous season to this one, I've incorporated a summary of them in my discussions of the themed cups.

These development notes have actually existed for the longest time, even under a previous name, the "Meta Insights". They had been called as such because these notes (and for that matter, the themed cups themselves) are developed by the Silph Arena Meta Team, whether by a certain preeminent member of the team or the team as a whole without individual credit. In more recent cases, that individual is one Matthew Brewer, who had recently been inducted as a part of the team... unfortunately as part of the "final batch", effectively.

Even so, the current and final season of Silph Arena has had some inconsistency in this regard. The themed cup for the previous month, which was Arcana and a derivative from Factions, seems to have no such notes, and this appears to be affirmed by a search of specific sources. The same also had seemed to apply to Ember that kicked off the season, but for this one, this was disproved by a simple URL substitution that revealed that the notes do exist... one month after my discussion of the themed cup. However, it was posted on the site with a timestamp of January 1, 2022, which likely means that many have missed it and didn't realize it.

For that, I feel the need to include the discussion of this errant edition of the development notes. Essentially, the Ember theme was built to spotlight the Fire type and neutral play without certain Pokémon becoming rampant, which is why the types are the way they are, including of the "curated" species. To do that, the bans had to remove threats from other types, "fallback" species (including those that dictate certain ways of battling), and hard-to-access counters. This was thought to be evident by Factions but later became slightly disproved as the individual competition went on.

Because of the impending disestablishment of the Silph Arena, there are no more themed cups from them to speak of, along with the development notes that customarily accompany them. But what does exist remains a fascinating insight into how the Silph Arena and its Meta Team ticked into creating the 40 themed cups that have since become well-known among the community in its PvP journey. It's a journey that has to end in two months, sadly, but at least some of the trails of it still remain - at least for the time being.

One year ago: Prankster Possibilities

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/6/2021

Three years ago: Repetition for Reputation

Four years ago: Be with You, Always with You

Five years ago: (The Least) Local Ex-Raid, 6/6/2018

Six years ago: Pokémon Direct, 6/6/2017

Come to Me, Hidden Gems

Come to me, come to me

Come give me all your colors

I can see the shades of life

With you I'm feeling free

Come to me, come to me

Come give me all your colors

I can see the shades of life

With you I'm feeling free...

-- "Come to Me", Ace of Base

The previous Pokémon Go season and all Pokémon happenings therein led me to recall a rather somber song for the occasion of its ending. Now, at the beginning of this new season, I find that it makes me recall a more upbeat song instead, from one of my favorite music groups. Part of the reason is that the song is taken from the first album after they went into "dormancy" composed of previously unreleased songs, titled, ahem... "Hidden Gems", the same moniker as for this new season. So it is yet another musical inspiration.

Like many of the group's songs and pop music in general, it's a love song or one that alludes to it. Its lyrics tell of prospective lovers that might just be able to come together and devote themselves to that love. It almost acts as a proxy for the spirit conveyed by the title of the album it is placed in, as two "hidden gem" lovers who may someday find each other and become the partners of their dreams. Though it's not really a "title track", it could be considered to convey much of the same sentiments as one, if such a track had been commissioned.

In relating this to the Pokémon situation, this Pokémon Go season is called "Hidden Gems", so as I've initially discussed, it has to deal with finding those in all their wonderful forms. With the lyrics of the chorus as quoted above, in the finding of those "hidden gems", there is the sense that it's not just about finding them but also calling them to be found. And once they are found, they can then lend their support ("colors") that make the lives of Trainers all the more worthwhile (and "free") as the song suggests. This may be considered a natural consequence of the process.

As a theme, "hidden gems" implies a lot of prospective matters, from seeking them in their undiscovered state to displaying them as they are discovered. It applied very well for the music group's album - and this particular song from that album - and it may be expected as Pokémon Go adopts a season with such a title, suggesting the prospective matters for both itself and in Pokémon happenings in general. If anything, by both the season and the song, there should be some inspiration for Trainers to make the season all that it can be (found).

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022 (Global), Day 2

Two years ago: Venture Past Cliffs and Old Paths

Three years ago: The Pokémon Battlefields

Four years ago: Holding Hands

Five years ago: Raid Preferences

Six years ago: Sympathy for Villains

Cosplay: ChibiCon 2023

Me: OK, so this convention has returned from last year.

Ash, Goh: Awesome!

Pikachu: Pi! ["Great!"]

Me: So, we've already discussed the specifics then, but there are a few changes this year, one of which I'd like to prefix.

Goh: What's different?

Me: This year, it's actually a two-day affair from yesterday. But of course, since it's far away and I have things to do, I can't get Ash to stay for that.

Ash: That's why we didn't talk about it yesterday!

Me: That. Also, because of that and other matters, that "radical thing" we discussed about will have to wait - possibly not for this convention.

Goh: I think I already know what you're up to with Ash - but we can talk about it when that happens... if it does.

Me: Shhhh - it'll be really nice, when (if) it can really get going. Speaking of getting going, you got there, Ash, so you can tell us what else changed.

Ash: The place changed from where it was last time! But it wasn't a problem getting there.

Me: Good thing I used to go frequently to the place by myself, so you know what to expect. 

Ash: There was a lot of space for the booths - and they were all labeled now!

Pikachu: Pi, pika pika chu. ["Yes, roomy and cozy."]

Me: What do you know? Looks like they did learn a lesson or two.

Goh: I'd like to know about the entertainment.

Ash: Sure! I can tell you about that. They mostly just had special guests and some dance groups.

Goh: No bands?

Ash: I didn't see one today, but I think there was one the day I didn't go.

Goh: Well, you know what, as long as the people are happy, it's great. What about the competitions? There must have been one... right?

Ash: Well, I, uh-

Me: I'll take this one. If I had sent Ash yesterday, I could have gotten him into the character parade. Today, there is (was) a performance competition instead, and I could have gotten Ash into it... if I had someone that could assist him in the performance. It's a team competition, you see.

Goh: Oh. I wish I could have helped out.

Ash: Maybe you can, someday! Think that can happen?

Me: It's a tall order, but I wouldn't say it's impossible. Just highly improbable at the moment.

Goh: So you ended up just having fun today.

Ash: Yeah, I guess.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Not just us!"]

Ash: But I think other people had fun with us too. I got to meet your friends - lots of them!

Me: I think that's completely valid. Lots of people know us after all. 

Ash: Oh yeah! You know what else had lots of people? The convention!

Goh: Let me guess: lots of space, but then lots and lots of people came.

Ash: Yeah. It got so bad that they had to break up the people who could go in - or up, because the convention was on the top floor.

Goh: And there were lots more people outside.

Ash: You wouldn't believe it! But it was a mall outside, so everyone still had fun.

Goh: Oh, it was in a mall too. That's why you had a good time.

Ash: Yeah, but... my friend, can I talk to just you for a bit?

Me: Sure, what is it?

Ash: So, I sat in the booth of one of your friends, and I'm not sure how this could work for just us. But then the booth was in a corner, so maybe that's the hard thing. 

Me: Well, I guess we might need to be in the center then, and we'd have to draw attention in a big way. Let me think up of ways, and I'll get back to you.

Ash: OK, so anyway, this chibi convention keeps getting less and less chibi.

Me: But you have to admit it's kind of spectacular that it keeps doing so after two years of rebranding.

Goh: It means people still like what they still like.

Ash: Just like us! You like Pokémon and we're glad to join you.

Me: On top of that, we get to share it with lots and lots of people. So, good job for today.

Ash: Thanks!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Thank you!"]

Me: Let's see if we can one-up this the next time it comes about - that certainly won't be a small (chibi) affair.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022 (Global), Day 1

Two years ago: Quickies: Getting Acculturated with Pokémon

Three years ago: Legendaries and "Pseudo-Legendaries"

Four years ago: A Noble Mission

Five years ago: Keeping It Free... or Augmenting It

Six years ago: Ball Redesign?

Rising Troubles, Falling Embers

Once, as my heart remembers

All the stars were fallen embers

Once, when night seemed forever

I was with you

...

Once, as the night was leaving

Into us, our dreams were weaving

Once, all dreams were worth keeping

I was with you

Once, when our hearts were singing

I was with you

-- "Fallen Embers", Enya

One takeaway from the previous Pokémon Go season, which was titled "Rising Heroes" and as noted in the end-of-season post, may be that as much as things were rising, they were falling as well. More specifically, something negative was on the rise as was something positive. It's a slightly depressing state of things that leads me to reminisce this song that became popular as another one of the artist's song became popular (thus, by the "coattail effect") due to another depressing circumstance.

The quoted lines are of the first verse and the third and final verse. These as well as the second verse and "bridge" (perhaps more appropriately a "chorus") bring up visions of what has been and what could have been, becoming a reminiscence for the positive things and a lament for the negative things. It's not a long song by any means, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in profoundness. And like for all songs by the same artist, the artist encourages those who listen to seek their own meanings for them.

Obviously, here the meaning pertains to that tumultuous season. Though the season was intended to have more positive spirits, some negative spirits - both foreseen and unforeseen - had to appear and mar the season just as much as the positive spirits became the hallmark of the season. And when all was said and done, they left impressions that the season could have been something more, with or without the downturns and no matter how unavoidable the situations were in any case.

That the season has passed is now a certainty, and it has left both distinct marks and gaping holes by what has happened. It achieved a few things but left quite a few more things to be desired, like the "fallen embers" addressed in the song above. It is to be reminisced for what it is and what it might have been, had things turned out for mostly the better. With the new season only just starting, that may be something to hope for, just as the "fallen embers" of certain Pokémon things have become evident.

One year ago: The Forge of the Trainers

Two years ago: Nights of Raging Battles

Three years ago: Trainers of Might and Sorcery

Four years ago: Local EX Raid (Time and Again), 6/3/2019

Five years ago: Classical and New HP Heal Amounts

Six years ago: 3DS Pokémon Themes