Recap: Kanga Games

After much deliberation and delay, I now present my look at Pikachu's Winter Vacation: Kanga Games!

My 22nd birthday went quite well; even though the term has been much harder than I thought. Given how 2013 threw me a lot of curveballs that I wasn't expecting; I honestly have no idea what to expect in 2014. I know I certainly wasn't expecting to put this recap out after the Sochi Olympics had come and passed; and I also wasn't expecting Space Dandy to be such a pleasant surprise from the people behind Cowboy Bebop. So, let's get started.

 We see a bunch of newly-fallen snow that the Pokémon decide to play in. Once again, this is a very dialogue-free short, and I chose it to ease back into writing recaps before I tackle the first episode of Eyeshield 21, The Man With the Lightspeed Legs. There is material; and I would like to see more, as while I'm not a sports fan; it's got enough shonen clichés to make it entertaining for the anime side; as well as lots of '90s sports movie tropes and colorful characters that could easily pass in a game of Tecmo Bowl or Mutant League Football.

 I personally find this very soothing and relaxing. While many of the other shorts are attached to the movies, the newer ones are now streamed separately on Pokémon.com. They are generally less intense than the show proper or the movies they open; much like a Pixar short or certain skits on Azumanga Daioh or Nichijou. I may consider recapping some episodes of those; given there is plenty to work with, and a few episodes do have the sports theme I wanted to branch out into. One of the goals I set for myself was to branch out further and further into territory that I might not immediately be familiar with; but still enjoying much of the works that would be more accessible to western audiences.

Of course, one of our standard Pokémon for comic relief, Psyduck is all over this. I find ducks to be some of the most amusing creatures on earth; and naturally, I gravitate towards Pokémon that resemble ducks for that reason. He also resembles the kappa of Japanese mythology, even more apparent in its evolution, Golduck.

Psy-ay-ay! Translation: Every mention of Pokémon Twitch makes my headache worse!

Of course, Togepi is enjoying himself very much. He was a taste of the then-unreleased Gold and Silver games. Even now, the anime can be used to set up new Pokémon and games. Essentially, when one generation starts and the games once again make the perennial best-seller list of the given year they're out; Game Freak essentially says, "if we want to think about the future, we have to get started now." I especially like how the newer games and seasons have tried very hard to recreate the feeling of playing the original games for the first time; and watching the original series for the first time. Even though they have delved into darker elements, the series still remains largely fun and idealistic; much like fellow Nintendo series such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

Pikachu also shows off his penchant for impressions; which tends to come up now and again, usually in situations one a Pokémon or Ash is in trouble. Here, though, it's just a fun little game.

Togepi then finds a massive footprint. I also saw the trailer for the new Godzilla film. I am a bit more optimistic for this remake. While I was unsure at first because of the last one (which has not aged well as my 6-year-old self would leave me to believe, though a TV show was actually well done); I expressed genuine glee that the design hewed closer to Toho's concept (as in, not a CGI Zilla that was mocked by Godzilla 2000) and the story was closer to the dark tone of the original 1954 Gojira (right down to it being a parable for nuclear war. While it was still popular then, it was panned by critics for making light of a touchy subject; and was in fact worked on by survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I imagine the new film will face a similar challenge given post-Fukushima debates on nuclear energy).

Kanghaskhan arrives, to kick off the festivities.


Naturally, she has her baby in tow. As Kanghaskhan was one of the Pokémon chosen to get a mega evolution in X and Y, now the baby can fight as well. As such, the debate floor is once again open. I welcome any theories, old and new.

 The first event, started by the baby, is a snowball fight. Always good snow fun as anything else.

Bulbasaur and Squirtle are eager to join the fun, and have plenty of snowballs of their own.

Of course, Squirtle ends up frosty.

Squirtle Squirt! Translation: You shut your mouth! How can you say I go about things the wrong way?

The next event is the three-Pokémon bobsled. I tend to enjoy events such as that. Now it just needs appropriate music. 

Naturally, it leads to one of many images in the franchise that looks dirty, but isn't.

Get your mind out of the gutter!

Now, they're riding Onix like a giant snowmobile. This leaves quite the image, doesn't it? And yet, it's the one involving Squirtle and Bulbasaur people take out of context.
If that doesn't sell it, then take a gander at Togepi and Pikachu's reactions.

I bet Kanghaskhan's only regret is that he didn't spend more time at the office.

Then, Kanghaskhan rams Onix in the head to stop. ...That was worded very conveniently, wasn't it? My next choice of song definitely won't help either.

Everyone is safe as Kanghaskhan smiles at their day of fun.

As the sun sets, the Pokémon go running to the waiting arms of their trainers. 

They bond with their trainers as they leap into their coats.

As new snow falls, I look forward to another new year of fun and excitement in this franchise, and the medium I love so well.

"Kanga Games" is an ideal compliment to "Pikachu's Christmas Vacation" in every way possible. It is only natural that I started my coverage of sports-related episodes and series; because my other choices I picked and I'm considering for the coming year are going to be big ones. Next time is my recap of "The Man With the Lightspeed Legs!" Don't miss it!