Pokémon Legends Z-A Final Trailer Thoughts+ My Funny Gamestop Story.

Hello everyone- with 10 days left to the release of Pokémon Legends Z-A, I thought I would give my thoughts on the final trailer to the game. Let's get to it.

I will mainly focus on what stands out at me. No matter which version I look at, I think the presentation looks solid. Graphics don't bother me at all on the base Switch or Switch 2 as someone who plays a lot of retro and retro-reimagined games (likely upgrade before the release of Generation X next year). I will also reiterate I do not need or want voice acting in the game simply for the sake of having it; I will accept it if it's good quality, it suits the story and actually adds to the experience.

The Lumiose City map looks way larger than it does in X and Y; and there are benefits to having the setting take place in one map. Hub world looks great, I don't think it looks empty at all.

I cannot verify the Xenoblade comparisons to the game (I have not played Xenoblade and do not plan to), but I can say the combat system reminds me of ones from SMT/Persona and the Ryu Ga Gotoku catalog. That is a very good thing as a big fan of those.

As for Mega Dimensions, I am personally waiting for a proper release date before I opt in; and that will likely be after beating the main quest. I am intrigued by the idea as Kalos never got a third main game before now, with its ideas being used in OR/AS and Alola instead. 

Leaks aside (don't send me any), I have finally decided on starting with Totodile; and I will be competing online for the Kalos starter mega stones. I do like the day one perk of a Ralts with Gardevoirite. I still consider it my most anticipated game of the year; which is saying something given how this has been another surprisingly great year for video games.

Finally, I would like to you a funny story about when I went to get my shiny Koraidon and Miraidon. I did manage to get one of the codes I was after at Gamestop late last month, but apart from the obvious furor of being the same day as the new TCG set (attempts to joke about both on X/Twitter got them community noted multiple times); two people tried to accuse me of line-jumping, I pointed out the lack of staff to handle two dozen customers and the line turned into mush. A third accused me of livestreaming him when I was actually texting about a grocery pickup; even had to show him the text to show I wasn't lying. I was lucky enough to get a code, but the whole state from my closest location in Linn County to Portland, OR ran out in 3 hours. ... Needless to say, the second go-round went much smoother. That is all for now, take care.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Continues its Hinokami Hot Streak!

As they say, records are made to be broken. Hey everyone- even as competition is starting to heat up, Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle is continuing to break box office records around the world. It's safe to say that the age of the Mayberry RFD is over, and the age of the Demon Slayer Corps is here.

Though the movie has ceded to a $3.5 million amount in its fourth weekend, the overall domestic box office is now standing at well over $124 million domestically. If any movie had to break the records long-held by 1999's Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, I'm glad it was this one. One spoke to the boy I once was, the other speaks to the man I am now.

Not only did the film indeed cross $600 million worldwide, I am seeing figures that are crossing well over $757 million worldwide. Given the current state of the theatrical animation landscape, it's good to take your wins where you can. 

As someone who saw and enjoyed the movie, this is very good news to hear for the next two chapters of the trilogy; currently in production. I will see you all again soon, take care.

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle (2025) Thoughts

All right- as I acclimate to a number of factors (chief among them recovering from my recent oral surgery), I thought I would give my thoughts on an anime film that I am pleased to have finally seen as it continues to smash records (some reports I have post the worldwide take at over $600 million worldwide, trade shenanigans be danged). So, here are my thoughts on Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle.

Poster for the EN dub release.

The movie is the first in a planned trilogy, adapting the manga storyline of the same name. With director Sotozaki Haruo at the helm, the film sees the cast from the TV anime reprise their roles; and the EN dub even includes notable names Channing Tatum and Rebecca Wang in small but significant supporting roles.

The story begins right where the Hashira Training arc ends, with the Demon Slayer Corps taking the battle to the titular Infinity Castle for one final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. As the castle contains his upper ranked demon followers and can fold space in on itself with changes of size and shape; the challenge is at its highest.

Much of what I said about previous outings also applies here- the pacing did not bother me at all; as it does a great job of adhering to the structure of the manga. Ufotable has crafted a masterwork of traditional animation; and seeing the story on the page come to life on screen is spectacular. Once again, it definitely helps if you're caught up with the anime and manga (just finished binging the Hashira Training arc's TV anime right before I saw this); and you will definitely be rewarded as a fan. 

Though I see the "factory movie" and "just add demons and you're good" lines of thinking as oversimplifications for my taste, I can say that there are layers of enjoyment for all manner of viewers: martial arts action, offbeat humor, and in my case; Taisho-era Japanese period drama. Horror fans are a demographic I can especially credit with helping the movie take in $122 million to date in the US alone. 

Needless to say, I am very excited to see the other two chapters of the story; which are currently in production. I recommend seeing the movie, just so long as you have a good understanding of the story and characters. That is all for now, and I will see you again soon. Take care.

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle- More New Records in US and Japan!

You know, these last couple weeks have been quite the rollercoaster; so let's talk about a different kind of ride- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- Infinity Castle!

Despite the best efforts of the competition, the Sotozaki Haruo-helmed adaptation of the bestselling manga by Gotouge Koyoharu retained its #1 spot at the domestic box office, grossing $17.3 million in its second weekend. 

In the process, it not only became the first animated film this year to cross the $100 million mark domestically (admittedly been a strange year for it theatrically); it became the first anime film ever to clear that benchmark, finally breaking the 26-year record held by 1999's "Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back."

To date, the movie (which is the first in a trilogy to adapt the manga's final arc) has made over $556 million worldwide; becoming the most successful Japanese-language film ever. It is only a question now of how big it will get from here.

One last thing- though I will take something of a mini-hiatus at the beginning of October; I will seriously consider checking the movie out once I can scrape up the money for it. Whether it's dubbed or subbed, it should be interesting to address (not quite caught up with the anime, but I have read the manga enough to know and understand the plot). That's all for now, take care.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Countdown- 30 Days Remaining

The time is nearly upon us folks- now that I have secured my preorder; I give you one last countdown on Pokémon Legends Z-A, with just 30 days remaining till release.

As someone who claims Legends Arceus as their favorite game of 2022, I am eager to experience this title and all its splendor. My preorder will arrive on launch day, and I have narrowed down my starter to a 50/50 choice between Tepig or Totodile. I also have no strong feelings about the expansion at this time, I'm waiting for an official release date and to clear the main quest of the base game before I opt in as usual.

I also reiterate I do not feel as strongly about the Pokémon Home limits as others; as I tend to catch and breed extras for that reason. Not even the first game where transferring is a one-way street either.

I am eagerly anticipating this game, and this will mark the last countdown I make ahead of release next month and having my molars out. I will see you after launch in October. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle sets new US Anime Opening Weekend Record!

Hey everyone- about to place my preorder for Legends Z-A; so here's another piece of anime news that's been making the rounds.

In the midst of breaking numerous records in Japan and other foreign countries; Demon Slayer- Kimetsu No Yaiba: Infinity Castle (the first of a trilogy adapting the final arc of the manga) has shattered the US anime opening weekend record long held by 1999's Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back; taking in $70.6 million in its release. Handily taking the number one spot, it is a testament to the fanbase of the franchise and the medium.

Japanese release poster for the film.

To date, the film has grossed $353.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Given the strange state of affairs this year; the question is less if the movie will be the first animated work to cross $100 million at the domestic box office this year; but when. That is all for now, take care.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Nintendo Direct Details and More.

Hey everyone- yesterday’s Nintendo Direct certainly had lots to look forward to. The 40th anniversary of Super Mario has plenty, and I'm especially glad to finally have dates for Metroid Prime 4 and the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection. Of course, of all the games shown off; two in particular are ones I am of course duty-bound to write about. So, here are my thoughts on the presentation's details on upcoming Pokémon games.

Let's start with a new title that marks an entry into a genre not previously explored by the franchise: a life sim known as Pokémon Pokopia. Set for release in 2026 (part of the 30th anniversary of the franchise), the game sees you take control of an avatar of Ditto posing as a human to help Pokémon complete tasks. Though not the spinoff I or others were expecting, I will be keeping watch on what their partners at Koei Tecmo will do (certainly is a market for games like this).

There is also a new event DLC for Scarlet and Violet available at Gamestop from September 26 to October 15, which has shiny Koraidon and Miraidon while supplies last.

Now, let's go over the bounty of details on Legends Z-A; which I am eager to experience more than ever with just over a month to release.

The worst-kept secrets of the game have finally been confirmed: Mega Evolutions for the Kalos stage 2 starters. Their new forms further compound their link to classic RPG archetypes- Mega Chesnaught is the knight, Mega Delphox is the mage and Mega Greninja is the thief.

Moreover, a post-launch expansion known as "Mega Dimensions" will debut in the near future. On top of featuring the mischievous Hoopa; it also introduces a Mega Evolution for Raichu in both X and Y variations; which recall the lost Gorochu evolution. I intend to opt in after clearing the main quest, and anyone who does so ahead of the DLC's launch (eShop currently has 2/28/26 as a placeholder date) will receive a set of two in-game cosmetics. 

As for the conditions for Pokémon Home support when that goes live in early 2026- honestly don't feel as strongly about that as others; since I usually catch and breed extra monsters for that purpose just in case.

I will be placing my preorder of the game this Tuesday, and I will see you all again later this month. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.