#PokémonPresents 2-27-26 Reaction and Thoughts #Pokémon30

Hey everyone- now that there's been a full day and change since the livestream; I am duty-bound to address it. Here are my reaction and thoughts to this month's Pokémon Presents, celebrating 30 years of fun.

As always, the stream was presided over by a number of key figures in the franchise. Tsunekazu Ishihira led things off, with Junichi Masuda introducing a very interesting collectible- the Red and Blue Game Music Collection. By placing replicas of the original cartridges inside a miniature Game Boy, all 45 of the games' songs can be played. Honestly a neat link to Nintendo's history as a toymaker.

After Chris Brown introduces both the PWC and Pokémon XP events in San Francisco, we are given a look at the 30th anniversary TCG set, which features both reissues of old favorites and newer generations. Hopefully these supply issues can be ironed out soon, even common cards are selling as quick as they did back in the day.

The 10th anniversary event for Pokémon Go is currently in progress- I caught a bunch of encore Hat Pikachu already; and completed the limited Kalos Tour event for a Mega Lucario boost. That also answers the who's your favorite question (totally makes sense for Lady Gaga for hers to Jigglypuff, and Trevor Noah for his as Psyduck). Of course, plenty more will be coming starting by time you see this.

Getting the other mobile events out in one go- there is a new event in Pokémon Sleep where you help find Mew with each night of rest. There's a commemorative event going on in Pokémon Cafe Remix, and both the Kanto Legendary Birds and Johto stage 2 starters are coming to Pokémon UNITE. I will be upgrading my device in April, so I am eager to try to get the 1996 variant of Red in Pokémon Masters EX and finally try TCG Pocket with the Paldean Wonders expansion. 

One of the worst-kept secrets of the Gamecube Classics lineup on Switch 2 is coming in March- Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness. Yes, it used to be something other than shorthand for laughter online. I imagine we might just get a stealth drop with Colosseum, any day now.

Now, onto the remaining reveals from Takato Utsunomiya; looking like the most consummate professional ever to sit in front of a bunch of plush toys. As you know, Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green are out now on the Switch family eShop. The price point of $20 each didn't bother me between other rereleases/remakes/remasters I've bought and seeing sealed copies go for $350 online. Home support is coming soon, though I am still patiently waiting for Z-A Home compatibility too. Strong early sales also suggest the question of more legacy games is more "when" than "if."

Pokémon Champions, a competition focused spinoff that will be like the Stadium 3 I never got; will release on Switch family in April and mobile later this year. I certainly like the new promotion for it.

There is also a new event for Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension (reviews are coming along nicely between making rank E online and prepping to get Rayquaza) via Mystery Gift. Completing it gets you a new Garchomp Z-Mega Stone. As they say on Pasaana, "they fly now!"

There's also new details on Pokopia, the upcoming life sim spinoff from Koei Tecmo. I'm actually thinking about getting it right away- the new Stereo Rotom is amusing to me. I am still conflicted about the Game Keycard, though.

Saving the best for last, the rumors and leaks were true this time. Pokémon Winds and Waves is indeed the title for Pokémon Generation X; set on an island archipelago and exclusive to Switch 2. On top of revealing new Pikachu variants, the starters have been revealed (starting with Pombur in Winds and Gecqua in Waves; though Browt does look cute). Even at this early stage, it looks impressive as the first pure titles on the new system (looking at the Z-A dual release as a test run). Most of all, though I was expecting a holiday 2026 release; I am somewhat relieved it's getting an extra full year of development. Even with how much I like SV and its improvements (especially on the new console); I can tell Game Freak is doing everything they can to avoid a repeat of the infamously rough launch. That, and it's looking to be another banner year of games; trade shenanigans and live-service hubris aside.

That is all for now- I will be back in March, one idea I had for a post has gone cold and I need to redirect that energy. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Pokémon Horizons: The Departure of Liko and Roy (EN) Review

The time has come at last- I have been trying to determine for a very long time how to approach this anime; and I have concluded that I will have to review each story arc in one go. There are ideas that sound interesting on paper, but they don’t all work in execution; at least on a personal level. Here is my full look at Pokémon Horizons: The Departure of Liko and Roy. 

Episodes 1 and 2: “The Pendant that Starts it All, Parts 1 and 2”

I’m reviewing the first couple episodes at once, as they’re part of the same story. Before I get too into this, I will establish right away I will do my best to avoid comparisons to previous anime unless it’s otherwise relevant. Comparisons to the video games, though- those are doable.

First, I might as well address the EN theme song, “Becoming Me.” I still think Haven Paschall is a good singer and voice actress; but the song itself isn’t doing a whole lot for me. Not into the JP theme, “Dokidoki Memory” either; so we’re already off to a rocky start. Not even Steve Blum as narrator is making an impact on me.

The first two episodes introduce a lot of characters and concepts, so let’s just start with the basics. Our female lead is Liko- on a surface level; she’s not the worst ever. That aside, the inner monologue is not the approach I would have gone with; especially not the degree it gets used to in this first storyline. It gets better over time, but I found it borderline insufferable at the start.

The title comes from a mysterious pendant left to Liko by her grandmother, Diana. We’ll touch on that again later. For now, in short order; she takes her first classes at Indigo Academy; meets her roommate Ann, and they get their respective partners- Oshawott and Sprigatito. I’m also intentionally not mentioning who their favorite streamer, “Nidothing” is yet. We’ll get to that when the time comes- just mentioning I typically watch different content creators; if not different livestreams entirely.

Though Sprigatito is initially none too pleased at having Liko as partner, the two do bond as time passes. All is not well at the school, though- a trio of spies posing as students after the pendant; and we will touch on why later. Their names are Amethio, Zir, and Conia. They are mercenaries under the banner of the Explorers.

Thankfully, a group of allies get to her first- they are the Rising Volt Tacklers; led by Captain Pikachu and the roguish Friede. Other crew members of their airship; the “Brave Olivine” are their medic Molly, their chief engineer Orla and their head chef Murdoch. Apart from one other character we’ll mention later; they also have an elderly spiritual advisor named Ludlow.

No matter how many times I see it, I still end up slapping my forehead in disbelief the moment I hear Liko realize she’s the main character. Sprigatito is thrown from the ship, and ends up being held hostage by the Explorers, bringing us to the third episode.

Many people found this hour-long pilot to be one of the strongest starts to a new adaptation in ages. I didn’t- I found it was trying to do too much at once while simultaneously feeling like it was needlessly withholding basic details about the story, world and characters. Example: While I do like the concept of the Brave Olivine on a surface level, I honestly think it would have been better to have something happen to the propulsion rather than the electrical systems. The show never explains how the ship stays airborne with a power loss, since they seem more interested in Sprigatito getting lost and her pendant acting as a mystery box. Regrettably, this is going to persist throughout HZ- bloating plot points that really don’t need it and rushing through the ones that really matter. I’m not even the only one that’s made that observation; as others have made that critique- including its fans.

Episode 3: “For Sure- Because Sprigatito is With Me”

Picking up where we left off, everyone is tracking Sprigatito after the storm; and working on restoring power to the Brave Olivine. Still not sure how it was even able to remain airborne (and yes, I am aware of the steam power; but that doesn’t do enough for me), but that’s not the biggest concern right now. What is a concern is trying to recover Sprigatito.

Even with what we find out later, this bit with the Pokémon Center doesn’t make much sense to me. Nor does Amethio telling Conia they’re not taking Sprigatito as a hostage- then why even keep her fed?

No matter- with the aid of Friede and Cap, Liko is able to rescue Sprigatito. So, the Pokémon and partner are reunited and on their way. However, their ship’s pennant floats to a nearby island, which leads to the next episode.

Episode 4: “The Treasure after the Storm”

The next part of the story starts here, as the Brave Olivine sets down for repairs on a nearby island. Here is where we formally meet the deuteragonist, Roy and his grandfather. There’s also a   Fuecoco that’s been wandering around as well, more on that in a moment. Elsewhere, the Explorers (under the guidance of Hamber) are tailing them via submarine.

Episode 5: “Found You, Fuecoco”

Here is where Fuecoco officially becomes Roy’s Pokémon partner. Honestly not a bad fit- I started with one in Scarlet (named her Blaze); and the singing parallels between the two make sense. The part where Liko is fleeing from some Scyther is quite familiar; as is Roy’s grandfather being hesitant to let him leave. Before I continue this, I will reiterate the slow pacing at the beginning is a major flaw. Even the timing is slower on the jokes, like when Roy’s grandad gets everyone snacks and tea. Liko’s inner monologues can also be grating at points, especially for new viewers. The battles are admittedly highlights, such as the one that leads us into the next episode with the Explorers.

Episode 6: “The Ancient Poké Ball”

Now is the part where we get the main catalyst for much of HZ’s story: the shiny Rayquaza contained in the titular ancient Poké Ball. To be completely honest, this whole concept is like the “GS Ball 2.0,” and the main embodiment of the “mystery box” aspect of the story. As someone who isn’t a huge fan of the idea in and of itself; I am just going to wrap it up here for now with this- if you’ve figured out where the story is headed now, congratulations. The anime will take another five episodes to progress to the next plot thread, including the next two on the ship now that repairs are complete. After Roy returns their pennant, he is granted his grandfather’s blessing to join the crew on their journey. There’s also a setup with the head of the Explorers, Gibeon.

Episode 7: “Special Training with Cap”

Picking up where we left off, Liko is recalling the events so far in her journal; which honestly is something they should have done instead of all the inner monologues. As Cap is helping Liko and Roy get a feel for their partners, we also are shown who the Nidothing really is- the webmaster of the Brave Olivine; Dot. She is a character who will be key to the rest of the show and this arc in particular. 

Episode 8: “The Door That Never Opens”

Case in point- this episode. Though Dot initially starts out as a fatigued, socially-awkward recluse; she does get better as time goes by. Her uncle Murdoch is especially helpful with this, as he’s the one who convinced her to join the crew. Plus, she loves his cooking- having logged over 60 hours into Mega Dimension (we’ll talk another time); can safely say I prefer donuts covered in chocolate and Pikachu sprinkles over flavorless supplement capsules. Out of all of the new young leads, she’s the one trying to better herself the most. Her costume is a bit musty, so she takes a bit when they land in the next episode to air it out.

Episode 9: “Welcome to Paldea”

Here is where the story starts to pick up- when the ship reaches Paldea. If I were calling the proverbial shots, I would have started here; and leaned into the source material more. Nevertheless, I do like how they rendered Mezagoza, and how Cabo Poco is Liko’s hometown. I also kind of like this bit of Roy almost getting clipped by a Cyclizar. We will talk more later, but I think this anime works best when it embraces its source rather than diverging from it. After exploring the shops, they go to see Liko’s father Alex back home. He certainly painted a nice Rapidash (Happy year of the fire horse to those observing) and Arcanine in their den. Liko continues pondering, which will be a recurrence over both this anime as a whole and the next few episodes. Bottom line- with her father’s blessing, Liko decides to continue her journey. I may have overall mixed feelings to how the adult characters are handled in this anime (more to come on that soon), but this is a nice ending scene.

Episode 10: “Nemona and Brassius”

Now we’re talking- this is the first episode to feature fan favorite Nemona; who I honestly find way more interesting than who’s actually leading this anime. Same with the conceptual artist and Artazon gym leader Brassius. If they had just committed to directly adapting Generation IX, that would have been preferable to the approach they’re taking. Even with the discourse around Scarlet and Violet, most people I talked to really enjoyed the story and characters. That would have suited this anime more than what they actually did. After a mock battle and serving as a collective muse for Brassius; they get their lead to the next Legendary Hero.

Episode 11: “Arboliva’s Forest”

As a nearby forest has been ravaged by a wildfire, cleanup and rescue efforts are underway. Here, we learn Molly is related to the Nurse Joy family; which could be an interesting story… were it not resolved more or less in the second half by her explaining that she became a traveling medic. Besides, the main point is actually a massive Arboliva, which is connected to the Shiny Rayquaza from before. The monster is even caught in another Legend Ball; which actually diminishes the intended wonder of the moment personally.

Episode 12: “The Future I Choose”

This is where the first major idea for Liko as a character comes through. After tending to the fire damage from before; she decides that she wants to understand how Pokémon feel. Her father Alex being a children’s book author and illustrator compounds that decision, as does her more adventurous mother Lucca. 

Admittedly, both she and the show are fine enough as basic concepts- despite claims otherwise; Pokémon has reached the point where it’s a more all-ages and all demographics brand; where multiple generations of fans exist, many of which now have children of their own. Both a different anchor character and direction for storytelling are worth exploring as other branches of the franchise have done successfully in the past. Even the video game source material, for all some may give it; has in a way evolved beyond the original ideas of when it melded the creator’s love for insect collecting and video games and into all manner of twists on the stories and characters.

It’s in the execution that, while many hailed HZ as a breath of fresh air for the franchise after a quarter of a century; other fans such as myself had a much more muted response. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I was among those who legitimately gave the show a fair shake- my reaction was not of immense anger or joy; but of mere disappointment. At the very least, the new status quo has established a relatively consistent identity on its own merit; without being entirely beholden to the source. All I will say is- enjoy that while it lasts.

Episode 13: “An Unexpected Picnic”

This episode is one that didn’t exactly get a warm response from fans; but it’s actually all right to me. When this anime actually attempts to adapt the games (might try recreating the sandwiches in SV sometime, especially Friede’s); it’s not that bad as opposed to the other storylines. Roy even catches a Wattrel in all this, so overall pretty decent.

Episode 14: “Fly, Wattrel”

While Roy sets about training his new catch to fly, something sinister is brewing from another one of the Explorers. His name is Spinel, whose objective may be to take the pendant, but he clearly has his own agenda. His methods aren’t really that unique to me (blocking cell signals and hypnotizing the lead have been done before, as has the “smug backstabber” archetype); but his actions do lead directly into the next episode. 

Episode 15: “Someone We Can’t See- Who’s A What’s It?”

Picking up roughly where the previous episode left off, an amnesiac Liko and her pendant must be found at all costs. Even with my overall mixed feelings towards this anime, I do concede the way they rendered Levincia is great. The inclusion of Iono and her infectious energy is also welcome. As Liko regains her memory; it’s time to find the one who did this to her: Spinel.

Episode 16: “We Can Do It, Quaxly”

As the pendant is reclaimed (as part of a shell game that takes up almost the whole episode), it’s also revealed to be the mythical Terapagos. Quaxly officially becomes Dot’s partner. Dot also comes clean about who she really is to Liko; but it’s not the end for her story. (Sighs)

A sizable amount of people found this approach to story and antagonists refreshing. I didn’t- I considered it unnecessarily convoluted and underwhelming, and this will come up again. Though Spinel may have malice on a surface level, they didn’t really establish much identity for him beyond a stock archetype. Let’s just say I will have some choice words for him in later reviews. Ironically, I found the games’ conflict between the squads of Team Star way more engaging and carried more personal weight. Also not a great sign when now more than one episode has tried to use the “bad cell signal” plot point when I have had to clear out space on my devices just to update the firmware. Long story short- the pendant is recovered, and we’re off to the next destination.

Episode 17: “Special Training Time”

After the incident in Levincia, the Brave Olivine heads to Galar to meet with Liko’s grandmother about the pendant. While they’re in transit, Roy wants to help quash a feud between his Fuecoco and Wattrel. The solution lies in a training session with Friede. This is a recurring thread for Roy’s character, which is both good and bad; as I will explain over the course of these reviews. Admittedly, the bit of Fuecoco wearing Roy’s hat is also kind of cute.

Episode 18: “Flying Pikachu, Rising Higher and Higher”

With some prompting from the children and crewmates, Friede tells the story of how he met Captain Pikachu. He’s also a professor, who have typically been my favorite characters in the franchise. This is probably the most effective episode of this arc, at least personally. Though I try not to actively compare this anime and its predecessors like others have; I think it would have been more effective if they showed this episode first, kind of like how the preview of Indigo League led with “Battle Aboard the St. Anne” instead of  “I Choose You.” At the end, the ship reaches Galar.

Honestly, Friede is legitimately the character that is the best-realized here; and Captain Pikachu is one element I unconditionally like about this anime. I will definitely keep this in mind as I continue to address this anime. One last thing before the ship reaches Galar- it’s actually a clever way of tying into the games’ event DLC; to make him a Flying-Tera Type.

Episode 19: “The Bittersweet Truth”

I know lots of people like this episode, but I couldn’t get into it at all. This whole “relationship” Murdoch had with a former partner named Mitchell just felt like a business divorce more than anything. A conflict centered around Alcremie variants is just too pedestrian for my taste.

As for Motostoke Gym Leader Kabu finally being featured after the previous anime, I will address that next. While many were satisfied with the portrayal, I am among those who wasn’t entirely pleased. Let’s get into why.

Episode 20: “Kabu’s Battle Training”

So, after the creative license the last anime took with Galar, lots of people were eager to see how this one would handle Kabu. Though they had the material to make it work and ended up winning lots of others over; I wasn’t one of them, and not just because of the ending. Personally, I think the “Twilight Wings” web series had a more lore-accurate version of Kabu. Better voice acting too- no disrespect to Clyde Kusatsu, but I feel he was miscast. Not sure whether it’s the direction or recording; but I had to turn on CC because the voice-over sounds like John Cleese with a chest cold.

On top of only featuring Litwick in the challenge (with Sizzlipede and Vulpix absent); the first part of the challenge was changed from capture or battle to snuffing out their flames. Of course the most infamous part is this- despite having the upper hand, Liko surrenders her gym challenge. This didn’t just upset Wakaba, it justifiably angered a sizable portion of the fan base. This isn’t like Surge or Sabrina being overpowered, and Kabu rightfully tells Liko that not every opponent will return the kindness she offers others. Though Liko does apologize to Wakaba before leaving; this honestly didn’t do this anime any favors. This will be another recurring issue with her character I will expand upon in these reviews. They do at least get word of a sighting near the Galar Mine, and there’s only a few episodes left in this arc, thankfully.

Episode 21: “The Lonely Hatenna”

It took a full 21 episodes, but Liko finally made another catch- the Hatenna in this episode’s title. As for the appearance of the Ingredient Seller from the games and Nidothing making a video with 2/3 of the Masters’ Eight Champion roster- this seems to hint about the placement in the franchise’s canon; but not say anything outright. I would honestly be more inclined to invest in this anime’s story if it made up its mind about which continuity it was in.

Episode 22: “Charge- Galar Mine”

After the events in Motostoke, there’s a lead on another one of the legendary heroes in the Galar Mine: Galarian Moltres. Interesting choice, as that’s usually on the Isle of Armor in the games; and it’s Galarian Zapdos on the mainland Wild Area.

There is a Multi Battle between the Explorers and our heroes, if briefly. The episode ends on some of the characters being trapped in a mine collapse. What happens next is one of the more infamous ways this anime undermined its presumed change in story format.

Episode 23: “Fiery Galarian Moltres”

This episode opens on Cap being treated at the Pokémon Center; and Friede having escaped without any explanation. I would invoke Annie Wilkes in Misery, but in this case, I think Tom Servo will suffice: “If they'd shown us that last time, I wouldn't have spent all week worrying about him.” I mean, when characters were trapped in previous anime, at least we were shown how they got out. Likewise, the capture of Galarian Moltres now means half the legendary heroes have essentially caught themselves. Just glad this first arc is almost over.

Episode 24: “Reunion at the Ancient Castle”

The Brave Olivine crew reaches the castle in Hammerlocke where Liko’s grandmother is waiting. Her name is Diana, and she honestly seems like a more interesting character than her grandchild.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the other Explorers. Their names are Coral and Sidian, and as mercenaries go; they don’t really offer much I haven’t seen from other anime or franchise entries in looks or personality. 

Ironically, for all the claims some people have made; I sincerely believe adapting the storyline from the games with Team Star would have been more interesting. There’s even a line from Liko’s inner thoughts that accurately sums up my main issue with that trait and her character- “I have no idea what I’m supposed to do here.” At least using Stonjourner as a door was somewhat creative; just like to see more of that same level of creative thought applied to the story.

Episode 25: “Rivals in the Dark of Night”

As the Explorers clash with the Rising Volt Tacklers and the castle is destroyed, I think it’s as good a time as any to wrap it up. The battle to escape the castle, which takes up most of the episode is at least a highlight. 

I concede that there are plenty of interesting ideas in this anime; but on a personal level; they don’t come together as a unified whole. It was never about having a different “anchor” character for me, I honestly was more disappointed they didn’t just adapt the video games directly. Even with the technical state of Generation IX at launch, the story was met with largely positive response. I was never against the idea of leaning into serialized, character-driven story arcs; but this is not what I was hoping for. I reaffirm that I don’t think it’s bad, but I also don’t hold the same high view of it as others do.

There are admittedly plenty of things to enjoy in this anime, with the animation and voice work being strong points. In a vacuum, this is admittedly a decent show and entry in the franchise. The problem is that I honestly don’t share the more rapturous praise as someone who has openly and largely avoided comparisons to previous seasons (and encouraged others to do the same). In fact, I found the other 2023 animated adaptions way more interesting- Path to the Peak, Paldean Winds and especially Pokémon Concierge. Bringing up 2013’s Origins and 2019’s Detective Pikachu movie would just be overkill.

I can’t help but admire the effort put forth in trying to make this story work, but I’m also not willing to overlook its flaws. As I’ve mentioned before, introducing characters and concepts is not the same as establishing them; and merely changing the lead of a work doesn't automatically mean everything else will change with it. 

As a final thought on this first storyline, I will say this: “Pokémon Horizons” admittedly has potential, but that potential (at least in my eyes) has not been fully realized. Thankfully, there is room to improve. We will touch on this again next time in the “Terapagos’ Shine” storyline. That will be all for now, and I will see you again soon. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Sells 12M, Switch 2 Sells 17M!

Hey everyone- still hard at work on my full review of HZ from the first arc onwards, but I thought I would share the first major update for the franchise and its new main console.

Since its launch this past October, Pokémon Legends Z-A has sold a combined 12.2 million units worldwide across all versions of the Switch family. This certainly bodes well for Generation X on Switch 2. On that subject, the Switch 2 has sold 17 million units worldwide since its launch this past June. Other sales highlights include Mario Kart World at 14 million and Donkey Kong Bonanza at 4 million.

In any case, rumors about this being a fad and another Wii U (a console I rather like) have been greatly exaggerated. I will bring you more information as it becomes available. Have a good weekend, take care.

Pokémon Horizons' Rise Again (JP) Thoughts- The Second Most Conflicted I've Ever Felt About HZ

Hey everyone- been a wild birthday week; and I’m thankful my new Switch 2 is helping through it. I will be ready for the prospective Generation X and a whole new way to experience my existing games. So, I thought I would give my belated thoughts on this story arc based on the first eight episodes I’ve seen of it. Here are my thoughts on Pokémon Horizons’ "Rise Again” arc; and why it’s the second most conflicted I’ve ever felt about this anime.

First and foremost, I will say that it’s better than Mega Voltage; though the change in creative leads has been clearly felt. I’m actually glad the dub is using a variation on this title instead, given how divisive the last arc was and the steps this one is taking to correct it. No disrespect intended to the English VA; but I am not a fan of Ult at all. Fortunately, the episode of him utterly failing Lacey’s trivia challenge was as necessary as it was satisfying.

I also mentioned this about “Terastal Debut” a year ago (have more to tell you another day), and this arc does have a very different issue. With “Terastal Debut,” it was easily the adaptation of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet they should have been doing all along; barring some creative license. Here, it’s reversed- they gloss over so many aspects from Indigo Disk; including reducing Kieran, Crispin and Amarys to cameos with no lines like Arven (despite how useful they could be and how much me and others love their characters). I also don’t buy the claim it would have been a repeat, as the academy in Mesagoza and the Blueberry Academy are different schools by design.

Even when they’re trying to portray the Explorer admin Chalce (Agate in JP) as a threat, the worst thing she does in the museum heist (data collection aside) is try to take Dot’s mobile. That’s something a schoolmarm would do, not a supervillain. At the very least, it does make the curb-stomp battle from Gholdengo that much more satisfying. Penny does also strike me as someone who would develop countermeasures with her team as well, don’t even mind their “I’m just a civilian” disguises.

As for Friede’s return- though I’m not a fan of things done in relation to it, I am glad he’s back and has more intel to bring down Exceed. They also finally addressed the Great Tusk in the room of the tribe that was living at the base of the mountain when it got wrecked at the end of Rayquaza Rising. Still not a fan of the “I forgot to mention” running gag, though I am liking how they’re phasing back in more “out there” aspects of the franchise, especially with the memetic Mega Starmie. Also enjoy how their spiritual advisor Landau used to be in movies, even having a mock kaiju movie with Mega Charizard Y (shock of all shocks- the creatives of the franchise are big kaiju fans).

Now comes a mention of a couple details that floored me- I am not at liberty to confirm or deny these; but there are rumblings that this anime could end as soon as this coming April, possibly having been canceled altogether. Though I will personally need more information to know how to feel, neither outcome would surprise me if I had to say right now. 

However, even ahead of the persistent talk of the next anime (I don’t expect to hear any details before February 27); it’s clear to me that the HZ cast will not be a part of it. Whether they bring back characters from the video games; the previous anime or create entirely new ones, the show will be very different for Generation X. 

With this, I would like to say that my rough draft of “The Departure of Liko and Roy” review is done, my goal for the final draft is to get it done and out within the next 40 days. That is all for now- take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Akira: The Life and Death of A Live-Action Remake.

Well, as they say, everything comes to an end. Some endings definitely have more satisfying results than others; but this one is honestly not surprising. Earlier this year, the long-troubled plans to adapt Akira into a live-action film came to an end as Warner Bros. (ahead of their upcoming split from Discovery) chose to not pursue the project further after the director's departure. With that, alongside a brief failed attempt from Sony prior to the early 2000s, is a good enough time to go over the last 25 years of trying. Here is a look at Akira: The Life and Death of a live-action remake.

Let's start with the first attempt from Sony- by the late 1990s and early 2000s; the original film Katsuhiro Otomo and the graphic novels had already established themselves as cornerstones of science fiction. Admittedly, there's not much out there about this version; as it never got too far in development before the rights were picked up by Warner Bros. (a future prospective partner of Netflix or Paramount-Skydance), kicking off a long line of attempts that never made it to varying degrees of faithfulness.

Courtesy: Kodansha

The first of WB's attempts to remake the film took shape in the year 2002, which had Stephen Norrington attached to direct. Norrington had a handful of credits to his name before this, notably the 1998 adaptation of Blade. Unfortunately, the experience he had making 2003's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen; coupled with the film's poor reception and box office returns (talk persists of a reboot that's more faithful to the graphic novel) caused him to retire from filmmaking. His most recent credit was special effects work a decade ago on the little-known Harbinger Down.

In the year 2008, they tried again with Ruari Robinson at the helm; with the screenwriter of this version being the prolific Gary Whitta; best known for being the co-writer of Rogue One. Though Robinson had not directed a feature-length project at this point in his career; his visual flair and short films did give him potential. Eventually, Robinson left the project to focus on other ventures, with his lone feature film credit being 2013's The Last Days on Mars.

A year after Robinson left, brothers Allen and Albert Hughes took the reins. The movie was then pushed back from 2009 to 2011; with Whitta's script being retooled by Hawk Otsby and Mark Fergus. Here is where things really started to go awry. This incarnation was infamous for the creative liberties it took with the source material; especially the casting. The Neo-Manhattan aspect in particular was reviled, with not even the claims the story would have the city fall under Japanese moguls saving it (two words: "lost decade").

Despite the claims to justify the changes, the response to this version was near-universally negative. Eventually, the Hughes brothers left the project; with the script being retooled yet again by recurring Wizarding World scribe Steve Kloves (just dealing with this event series as it comes, for a number of reasons). For the first few years of the 2010s, this draft had Jaume Collet-Serra attached to direct. Though he had experience with a number of genre films before and since, his dismissive comments about the source material and the entirety of the background that created it were not compelling did not sit well with lots of people. Naturally, not long after this furor; he left the project altogether.

The final attempt came from Taika Waititi, whose mix of both smaller-scale and big-budget productions made him a natural fit. He was also willing to remain faithful to the original manga; even more so than the 1988 animated film (which only covered three of the published volumes). However, between his being in high demand as a filmmaker, the multiple changes in ownership for WB and the industry being rocked by both the pandemic and two strikes in 2023; the rights ultimately lapsed back to Kodansha in June 2025.

That being the case, the impact the original movie had shows that maybe we don't need it (especially given the less-than-stellar results of similar attempts). I'd argue that Stranger Things is likely the best unofficial version in live-action; especially now that it's concluded its five-season run. I will see you all in 2026- Happy New Year everyone.

Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension (Switch) First Impressions

Hey everyone- first, apologies in advance for the lack of updates; been an alarmingly busy month and year. Have a feeling that I might take a hiatus near the beginning of 2026. With that in mind, I present my first impressions on the DLC expansion “Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension!” Let’s open it up and get started.

A word before I get further into this- if you aren’t sure about opting in; please note that you need to have beaten the main story of the base game in order to access this campaign. I typically don’t opt into story expansions until I beat the main quest anyway (I logged at least 150 hours into the game already, so it was an easy move for me). I won’t give any major spoilers at this time, so here we go.

Picking up where the events of the base game left off, you are tasked with investigating a series of bizarre occurrences taking place in Lumiose City. With the aid of Mega Evolution Successor Korrina, an enigmatic young woman named Ansha and the mischievous Mythical Pokémon Hoopa; a new adventure awaits!

Having logged at least six hours into this expansion so far, my experience has been quite positive. Much of what I’ve already said about the base game applies here as well, so I will focus on the new material. A host of new and returning Mega Evolutions join the game with this expansion. On top of the return of the Hoenn stage 2 Mega Evolutions, I am currently training for the next online season to get the stone for Mega Baxcalibur. I am especially eager to try both versions of Mega Raichu, which recall the cut Gorochu evolution.

Entering the parallel version of Lumiose City (known as Hyperspace Lumiose) has a series of timed challenges to contain returning Pokémon and new Rogue Mega Evolutions; both of which can surpass level 100 for the first time in franchise history. I won’t say who all is new to the club, nor will I say all who gets new Mega Evolution Z variants. I will say I’m going to enjoy this new layer of challenge; as with the next new idea to discuss.

In order to gain entry to Hyperspace Lumiose, you must make and feed Hoopa a variety of donuts. This is an idea I really like, as it reminds me of making other goodies in past games (Poké Blocks in Hoenn, Poffins in Sinnoh, and most directly; Poké Puffs in X and Y). How much time you get for each challenge and how much of a buff your Pokémon get of course depends on what ingredients you add, both berries for flavor and butter for the cooking. 

I have every intent to review this expansion after clearing it; but that will not be until after I do my look at the base game. Both of those will be in 2026, so that will be all for now- seasons’ greetings.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road sells 500K at Launch.

Well, this is another pleasant surprise, even if it's not quite the outcome I expected. After the oft-delayed Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time saw release earlier in the year, another title has emerged after nearly a decade of development at Level-5- the soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road.

Despite spreading to multiple consoles and PC (quietly canceling its 3DS port after the official end of support in 2023), the game has actually sold decently across all formats since launching last week; moving 500,000 units to date. Though critical reception remains scarce (once again, Level-5 chose not to send out review codes); most people who have played it seem to enjoy it.  

While I once again reaffirm I am not a fan of the franchise, I am glad that the lengthy development cycle appears to be the only thing it's sharing with Duke Nukem Forever. Maybe I'll check it out after updates arrive (currently training for the next season of the Z-A Royale, and I opted into Mega Dimensions too),  and there's a sale. That's all for now, and I will see you again soon.