Cosplay: Weeb's Break Party

Me: By the way, I forgot to mention...

Goh: You seem to forget to mention a lot of things these days.

Me: Um... I guess that could be true. I'm sorry about that.

Ash: You can get through this!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Of course!"]

Me: I hope so. Anyway, the thing I forgot to mention is that we're in that certain annual "break" period for festivals and conventions... and this party or "gathering" reflects that.

Goh: Oh, of course. So, we won't expect big stuff during this month.

Me: More or less. And there might be one or two other gatherings, to tie in with the "break" in particular.

Ash: I hope I can get to them as easy as this one!

Me: Sure! This one perfectly lined up with the Community Day meetup in time and place, so it was a no-brainer.

Goh: And right next door, as you said.

Ash: Yup! It rained earlier, but it stopped when I moved to go there. And I was a bit late to the party because of Community Day.

Goh: Hmm? Let me see the schedule - oh, it's by Bocchi Noizu, so there's games, performance, and a character parade. 

Ash: And the "break" in between.

Pikachu: Pika. ["Yup."]

Goh: Well, as our friend said. But I'm sure we know what the games were all about, so we may not miss much.

Me: And Community Day is (was) the real "game" for us anyhow.

Ash: OK, so we had the "break", and then we had performers - singers and dancers.

Goh: But you didn't perform in this one.

Me: No, but if the offer was made, then we would have taken it.

Goh: Why not. And after all that... the character parade.

Ash: It was free, so why not.

Goh: Nothing to lose.

Ash: But I didn't win anyway, even with something I made up on the spot.

Goh: That's OK. I think the point was to have fun anyway, this being a "break" party and all.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Sure enough."]

Me: So, you get the gist of this "annual" break period: going light on activities, or at least trying to. 

Ash: But we'll still have Pokémon things too.

Goh: That's never a break for you two.

Me: At least that's one thing I don't have to forget to mention.

One year ago: Winds of Changing Unite Teams

Two years ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - "Camping Series", Selections

Three years ago: The Support of Fans

Four years ago: Tags and Tagged Search in Pokémon Go

Five years ago: Toxic People and Fans

Six years ago: Interpretative Soundtracks

Seven years ago: Father Figure?

Eight years ago: Tonight, We Honor the Hero

Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/8/2025

Well, I've yet to explain the multitudes of events this season in Pokémon Go, but one can bet that the monthly Community Day is part of that fabric, and it's an entangling fabric. And this year, part of that entanglement would be expected to be the starters or first partners of the Paldea region, if the very first edition of this year is of any indication. That indication has been proven true, and this month becomes the manifestation of that entanglement, in much of the same ways as that first edition.

The next starter type in line after Grass is Fire, and that means this month's featured Pokémon is Fuecoco. It also means that it gets the special move of Blast Burn as a Charged move when it evolves all the way to Skeledirge, with an option for it to have its signature move of Torch Song instead, which could have its uses for PvP. Regardless, just like for the previous edition, triple Stardust from captures is the main bonus, and it's always good news for those who are always hungry for Stardust.

Something I neglected to mention from last month's edition is that the paid Special Research had been slightly revised to have a page of six catching tasks between the first and second page, making it three pages in total; this continued to apply for this edition. Also, the special background for this one is quite different, which should apply to the forthcoming editions this season. Also, since the very first edition this year, the move window is extended for a week due to the special background tasks lasting one week as well.

Besides what I've mentioned above, the usual cohort of bonuses continue to apply: double Candy and Candy XL chance, extended Lure Modules and Incense, extra Special Trade and discounted trades, photo bombs, showcases, in-game shop and Web Store item bundles, and new and old Field Research tasks. I might just say for later editions that these will remain standard for those editions, and I won't touch on them too much unless something major (like the above) were to happen to them.

Now, for this edition, I have to entangle two friends - character friends - for the rest of the discussion, and that's for a good reason to be explained later...

Me: ...but for now, we deal with this.

Goh: OK, there must have been something else going on, on the same day.

Ash: There was! Something that would usually be in the mall next door.

Goh: Mall next door??

Me: Oh yes, I forgot. The meetup location for this one (and last month, in fact) is in the "other mall" to where I often send you to festivals and such.

Ash: I like this change!

Me: I know you would. And I think we may have some of the meetups here along with the previous place.

Goh: That's pretty nice. And Fuecoco is a pretty neat Pokémon too!

Ash: It reminds me a little of Tepig.

Me: And I'm aware that a Trainer who has it started with it almost started off like you did with Tepig.

Ash: Neat!

Goh: We might not see the Trainer, but that's neat too. 

Me: Sure! Overall, what did you do for me?

Ash: I caught a lot of Fuecoco and really built up your stock - with six Shiny ones. That should be enough for you to decide what you need to evolve.

Me: That's a good thing about the extended move window - we don't have to decide everything today.

Ash: But I only got through the first two task groups, and I didn't battle for G-Max Pokémon...

Goh: That's wild.

Me: You did what you can, and I'm sorry I'm not able to get you to do more - especially with the way my local "community" now regards me. But let's not discuss too much about that.

Goh: So, what about that "something else"?

Ash: I went over next door for that. It was an easy walk.

Goh: And I guess that's for tomorrow. 

Me: You bet - with the details.

The Fuecoco species family is known to be a musical one, which explains this month's Special Research title of "Crocapella". On that note (ahem), this month's edition should have turned out musically harmonious for most people and not off-key, in particular with the traits of the species family - a fiery crocodile with a ghostly aspect and an (entangling) song of valor.

One year ago: Taking Pokémon "Sabbaticals"

Two years ago: Pokémon Tidbits from Different Places

Three years ago: On the Planning of Posts

Four years ago: At (and Beyond) the Beginning

Five years ago: Pokémon Conferences?

Six years ago: Add Hope and Tears...

Seven years ago: Cultivate or Gather Berries?

Eight years ago: Pokémon and Music Games

Rotations in Pokémon Games

A song in an obscure source - perhaps linked to the would-be dealings of certain Pokémon, if it were that way - states that everything changes, and everyone knows that. So too do things change in Pokémon affairs, and one way that happens is with "rotations" of some kind from one facet to another. Through my observations, now seems to be a fascinating time to discuss them and how they're realized in certain areas of Pokémon.

In Pokémon Go, its players (Trainers) will surely recognize the rotation of formats, cups, or leagues in the Go Battle League. This rotation keeps things fresh and interesting, though it does present challenges for those whose format specialties are limited to a few select ones. Regardless, it's the way things have been done, and it has its own whimsy to evaluating the skills of those who battle, making it viable to be kept even all this time.

Then, the realm of the physical TCG has implemented "regulation marks" on each card that determine when a card is (no longer) playable - officially at least - which shifts every so often and forces players to swap out older cards for newer cards. It can become hectic (and likely also expensive) to keep up with cards in this manner, but that may be considered as being part of the challenge and interfacing with the cards in some way.

Similar to the above, contemporary VGC also implements what are called rotating Regulations that specifically outline which Pokémon can and can't be played, quite a bit of which pertain to Legendary Pokémon. This too dictates some specific preparations, some of which might involve going back to versions as old as Sword and Shield for certain Pokémon (and even Shiny ones) and then conforming teams to the specifics - never an easy matter.

Rotations like the above are definitely examples of change, particularly reflecting the current state of Pokémon affairs in different games and forms of play, which also have changed in their own ways. How these rotations will change up next time could be (in part) anyone's guess, also much like the song I referenced earlier, but that's also further affirmation of the song's premise - and Pokémon premises in general.

One year ago: Quickies: One Day on a Pokémon Ranch

Two years ago: Factions Battlefields, Season 2 Cycle 4

Three years ago: Working for Pokémon?

Four years ago: Outsourcing Pokémon Development

Five years ago: Cosplay: Robotto no Sekai + SUCOFEST 2020

Six years ago: The Marketing of Expectations

Seven years ago: How Many to a Raid?

Eight years ago: To Be Continued... maimai ORANGE (PLUS)

Everyone's Battle Client??

Perhaps the most fascinating announcement from Pokémon Presents a week ago is not the upcoming Legends: Z-A game but the new "new" game called Pokémon Champions that promises Pokémon battles like the main series games, meaning that battles in the style of the Stadium or Colosseum games and ultimately VGC appear to be fair game. With that, it seems that the game might be an "everyone" game, just like how Pokémon Go is "catching" for everyone, Pokémon Unite is MOBA for everyone, and even the latest TCGP is TCG for everyone. It's a point that merits to be fleshed out along with the relevant particulars that make it so.

The game is planned to be playable not only on the Nintendo Switch but also on mobile platforms. By that fact alone, it's clear that the point is to draw as many players as possible to the experience, that of classic style Pokémon battles. Of course, some people might have their platform preferences once the game actually comes out, but that's for much later. For now, the assurance of multiple platforms is enough to clarify that fans of the games can and should be involved in this to make it as successful as possible.

Furthermore, linking with Pokémon Home is planned for the game, which itself already has links to several main series games as well as Pokémon Go. This means players (Trainers) will probably be able to use virtually any Pokémon they have, including ones ready for VGC purposes. While it's not yet known how else Pokémon may be brought about for play, particularly in the game itself, having the facility to use these Pokémon looks to be a way of diversifying battles and the Pokémon that may be used within those battles.

Now, I say "battle client" because the game also looks to be a way of having a separate means of organized battles, and again, including for VGC. This would mean something like Pokémon Showdown but in an official capacity, and it would also allow entry to VGC where Nintendo consoles are not prevalent and furthermore are reputed to have problems getting in, likewise for Pokémon main series games and VGC in general. That would make the game rather lucrative, although this has to be seen once it's released.

Considering the above, the "everyone" factor of Pokémon Champions seems to be high for all its relevance to main series battles, including those in the style of Stadium or Colosseum as well as VGC. It too seems to be able to take up the position as a "battle client" accessible to those who may just have the means. With that, the fascination for the new "new" game is well deserved and may have to be maintained up to and beyond the game's eventual release.

One year ago: Let's Go and Activate Adventure Effects

Two years ago: Ionic Bondings in the Silph Arena

Three years ago: Need Some Help, Game Freak?

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/6/2021

Five years ago: Tell Me Why, My Brother

Six years ago: (Make Way for a) Local EX Raid, 3/6/2019

Seven years ago: Bipeds and Quadrupeds

Eight years ago: Ride the Pokémon

"Back to Basics" for Pokémon Unite

Along with the announcement on Pokémon Day of the new Unite Licenses to come, Pokémon Unite also was the subject of announcements pertaining to a few other additions and changes to the way things are played. This includes the way that a player (or a team) would evaluate themselves against others as well as things themselves are evaluated on a battle map. Taking into account what goes into them, it could be said that the game is going "back to basics" for veteran and new players alike.

First up, as of the season change some days ago, Remoat Stadium is back as the map of choice for Ranked matches, after the longest time with Theia Sky Ruins. Of course, the latter will still be playable as a map for Standard play, but for Ranked match purposes, the old convention is now the new convention. Much has happened (and many Pokémon have been added) since the previous change, so it would be fascinating to see how things would play out on the old map. It is admittedly a "basic" map, which to some extent may explain the change years ago, but it also makes sense to go back to that so players can grasp more of the applicable principles.

Meanwhile, the same map has been taken, modified with a few additional elements, and made into a new Standard play mode called "First to 500". The gist, evidently, is to have either team score 500 points first to claim victory. But that won't be easy, for the changed elements, the other team, and even extra skills will challenge players to score the necessary points. I'll have more on this map and play mode in a separate post, but in general, what I can presently say is that the play mode is quite different from the usual norms of the game, and as such, players have to draw on basic skills once again for it.

In other areas, there is now a tracker for collected Holowear, which will furnish bonuses if all the Holowear for a Pokémon are collected. It's a small thing for some players - particularly those who aren't active in this effort - but it still establishes that Holowear itself is a basic thing if nothing else and there may be something to be gained for it.

Having appeared for close to four years now, Pokémon Unite has had many new things added to it within that time. They're all fine and great for players to take advantage of, but it seems there is also a need for them to recall the "basics" of what makes the game good in the first place. The recent changes or additions above may just help to do that, to focus on grasping the "basics" and then to take them to the next level.

One year ago: Continuity: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2024

Two years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2023

Three years ago: Made (Deep) in Obsidian

Four years ago: Pokémon First-Generation Drink Bottle

Five years ago: Hope For Problematic Pokémon Fans

Six years ago: A Gold and Silver Postcard

Seven years ago: Being a Pokétaku

Eight years ago: I'm Swept Away

Realizing the Ninth Generation "Motorcycles"

It is known that a few Pokémon species of the ninth generation are able to convert themselves into a form that looks like a motorcycle... and can in fact be ridden like one. The Trainers with them would then use them in these forms to get around the region of Paldea. Such a fantasy would capture the hearts and imaginations of people who fancy motorcycles (one of them being yours truly), and they might try to manifest them into reality. This has in fact happened, and it becomes something fascinating to discuss.

The first one to be realized was Miraidon through a collaboration with Toyota some time ago, and this resulted in a vehicle that truly resembles the Pokémon in that form. It is even electrified - it has headlights that can be turned on - and kids can sit on it, albeit carefully (especially for a specific reason to be explained shortly). For a company that is better known for making cars, their creation of the "Project Miraidon" motorcycle is an impressive wonder that is as real as it gets - or at least, close enough to be ridden.

Of course, its kin Koraidon doesn't want to lose out, so its vehicle had to be realized as well. Recently, that came with the aid of Honda, who initiated "Project Koraidon" and for which the results were revealed around the time of Pokémon Day; the first public exhibition of that is due in a few days. As the company is well-known for its two-wheeled vehicles, it makes for a perfect fit - moreover as the company is associated with the color red, and the Pokémon species is understandably so as well, a match for their extremes.

Still, as much as these realized motorcycles are crafted excellently and authentically, they're at heart only "concept vehicles" that will never set foot (ahem, wheel) on roads, never mind be legal for that purpose. Even the reveal video for the latter carries a disclaimer stating more or less this fact throughout almost the entirety of the video. They're also quite delicate creations, being limited in their capacity to support a rider's weight unlike an actual motorcycle, which explains why only kids are allowed on the former.

Meanwhile, there is one more species that can also convert forms in the same manner as above, and that would be Cyclizar. It's also one that hasn't been taken up by an automotive company as a "Project", yet perhaps could still have a chance as such. Some have postulated that it can be taken up by either Kawasaki or Suzuki, both companies known for certain high-performance motorcycles, and the results might be as comparably impressive as the two above, even if it also doesn't hit the road (quite literally).

Each of the Pokémon species mentioned above with their alternate forms that not only resemble a motorcycle but also can be ridden on as one are assertive of their inspirations, and that also seems to be the case for companies that have realized these forms in actual motorcycle form (or for one case, may perhaps have such aspirations). The actual riding of them might only still be a figment of imagination, but at least the reality that Pokémon provides this kind of fantasy is still a captivating one for some.

One year ago: Am I Communicatively Challenged?

Two years ago: Matters of Cosplay Teasers

Three years ago: Recent New Unite Facets

Four years ago: Pokémon, Anatomy, and Books

Five years ago: The Ups and Downs of Showdown

Six years ago: A Mew Pouch

Seven years ago: How Do I Live, Without You?

Eight years ago: Two Pokémon Notebooks

Ever Onward: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2025

Following Pokémon Go Tour, the matter of Pokémon Presents from the anniversary day for the franchise also needs to be dealt with, in similar fashion as a couple of the past years (see below). Last year - which was discussed on a different date - I brought up the theme of "continuity" for how the things brought up in the presentation at that time followed on for certain Pokémon things. This time, it may be said that those things kept following on to the future, which is why I've settled on the descriptor and theme as in the title of this post.

"Onward" truly describes the situation of existing games. Pokémon Go had Go Tour as its announcement (of course) with another early twist, while Café Remix had an announcement of a very apple-y festival. Pokémon Unite is getting three new Unite Licenses, two within the next two months, and TCGP has a new Themed Booster Pack. For other games, Sleep is getting the tale of the "moon islands", Masters EX is getting two new supreme Sync Pairs, physical TCG is getting Mega Evolution, and current main series games (Scarlet, Violet) are preparing the fully evolved starters for gleaming things. The games are all moving forward in some way.

Then, other areas are also moving forward. For Latin America, certain games and the physical TCG will be localized in Latin American Spanish, which ought to allow more of its speakers to enjoy Pokémon in that language. Pokémon Concierge, the stop-motion animation series on Netflix announced two years ago, will also receive new episodes, while its first four will be available on YouTube for a limited time. They're steps that hopefully will please many fans.

Last on the discussion agenda is new games on tap. A new game has been announced, which will be called Pokémon Champions; it looks to be in the style of the Stadium or Colosseum games, which also might mean a possible entry of VGC-style battles, and is therefore a way of experiencing them in a different manner, something that I had postulated several years ago, on this very day (also see below). Then, there was also a "first look" at Legends: Z-A, showing that the game too is really moving forward, including with regard to its time setting.

It might seem that fans have needed some reassurance that some Pokémon things - especially the very last one I brought up - are moving forward somehow. The things announced in the "anniversary edition" for Pokémon Presents may provide that reassurance, as well as show that they're proceeding "ever onward" for the next things to serve the enjoyment of the fans. In that way, the fans should be able to make much of the same moves in the same direction.

One year ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 8.5

Two years ago: It's All Relative: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2023

Three years ago: Newfound Glory: Pokémon Presents, 2/27/2022

Four years ago: More PokéStops in Specific Areas?

Five years ago: Re-Experiencing Main Series Battles

Six years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest x ICGP Regionals 2019

Seven years ago: Investing for PokéCoins

Eight years ago: To Pre-Order or Not to Pre-Order?