New Pokémon Snap (Switch)- One Year Later

Hello everyone: today marks one year since the release of New Pokémon Snap on Nintendo Switch; so I thought I might give my take on the game and my experience with it since then; so let’s get started.

Courtesy: The Pokémon Company/Bandai Namco

Having spent just over 200 hours with the game since it launched, I can definitely say that it’s a worthy successor to the original Nintendo 64 game (which is also coming to N64 Online in the near future); and one of my favorite games of 2021 on its own merit. 

While Bandai Namco definitely made quality-of-life changes and updates where they had to after taking the reins from HAL Laboratories (the leaderboards in particular remind me of the GSP system in Smash Bros.), I am very glad that they took the “not broken, don’t fix it” approach to the core gameplay. Even when I’m not trying to fill in the blank spaces in my photo album or complete research missions, sometimes it’s the simple joy of taking pictures on a whim. Much like Animal Crossing: New Horizons the year before; it helped provide a sense of stability and serenity in a time where there’s admittedly not much of a supply of either. 

Of course, it’s a graphically gorgeous title either way. I am definitely liking the variety of visual styles in this era of the franchise; and this is no exception. I don’t know about Bandai Namco taking over the main series; but I could see them as a partner going forward. The developer has a good working relationship with The Pokémon Company, and with Generation IX coming later this year; I can definitely see the artistic influence in even the early build of Scarlet and Violet. 

I know this isn’t the most in-depth content I’ve made; but I wanted to end this month on a positive note. Also, consider this a bit of a preview of how I will approach the Sinnoh remakes in May and Pokémon Legends Arceus in July. I’ve beaten the main quest on the former, getting close to beating the main quest on the latter and will get as close as I can to 100% completion on both by the time you see my full reviews. I’ve got a solid idea of what I want to say; just need to figure out how I’m going to say it. That will be all for now, and I will see you all in May. Take care.

Review- A Family that Battles Together, Stays Together (Pokémon Chronicles)

Flint (In Disguise): "His good-for-nothing father left the family to become a Pokémon Trainer and they never heard from him again. Brock's heartbroken mother tried her best to hold things together, but sadly, she passed away."

I have been waiting a long time to address this, and to use that Mr. Freeze line. I have made no secret of my dislike for Pokémon Chronicles; and how out of all the anime adaptations in its quarter-century run; I can now say it's my least favorite. Some people like it, I get it; and maybe you should all sit this out, since this is definitely going to be the start of maybe the biggest examination of an entire series I've done since Code Geass R2. I may kind of like this one, but even I will admit it's got issues. Let's open up "A Family that Battles Together, Stays Together" and address them.

Taking place roughly in between the events of the original series and Advanced Generation; Brock has briefly returned home to Pewter City, as narrated by my good friend Mike Pollock while Rodger Parsons is away. I also kind of like the callback to "Showdown in Pewter City" as Flint (no relation to the later Sinnoh Elite Four member with the fiery afro) tries to warn Brock the city is cursed; to no avail. I will address this as we go; but Legend of Thunder notwithstanding; it seems like more effort was being made with this spinoff near the beginning. That said, we still have issues right off, as Flint comes clean that Brock's mother, Lola "happened to the gym."

This element has been a contentious one; with many explanations for what's transpired since the original series about her coming back. Some say it was a mistranslation from the Japanese dub. Others claim that her character simply hadn't been written yet (like those novels suggesting that Flint wasn't Lola's first husband). I will go with Occam's razor, where the simplest explanation is probably the correct one. Essentially, 4Kids lied, and by proxy; so did Flint.

So, we are introduced to a very much alive Lola formally; and she is not Kath Soucie or Zendaya, or even Amy Poehler. She is however, very much into extreme remodeling for both the gym and their home. More on that in a few moments; since all of Brock's siblings come to greet him, including the eldest, Forrest. Let's just say that I think Flint's traits were dominant.

She's also into outsider art, hanging a picture of a "Smeargle masterpiece," though she refers to the monster as "Smeagol" instead. It's like confusing Golem with Gollum. (sighs) To think some people are still huffy about the rice ball jelly donuts. 

Brock initially thought it was his sibling Toko's crayon drawings; and also reveals Lola is into astrological signs (haven't checked mine in ages beyond finding out which Gym Leader, One Piece or MHA character I am). Additionally, I'm not certain what "Yu-Yu sticks" are (every attempt at a Google search just returned people asking the same question as me); but if I had to guess, they'd be juggling sticks; which got referenced in Craig of the Creek as well as the Robot Chicken sketch on GI Joe Extreme. Here's a listing of some.

After mentioning how he missed her yodeling phase, Brock tries to justify Lola's behavior as being her "usual bubbly self" (interesting sentiment as this is the first time we've seen her onscreen). Flint responds by showing him the gym renovations, and it's a bit of a garish mess. Time to pull out that Doctor Who clip again.

"Oh, you've redecorated! I don't like it."

The whole thing looks like an outsider art project; and Brock calls out Lola for turning the rock-type gym into a water-type gym. Wait till next time- I have some choice words for then too. This also is a bit of wasted potential for her character and his: more on this later, but instead of wacky art projects; they could have detailed how her absence affected Brock and his siblings, which it clearly has. Not saying we need to go to levels of a YA drama on the CW, but it is something that this spinoff could have delved into and chose not to. At most, Forrest mentions he, Flint and the other children tried to talk Lola out of it; to no avail. As previously mentioned, her art projects and other quirks are basically treated as little more than a joke and not much else.

After that, the two attempt to battle their differences out; also to no avail. The family then has a meal together; and this also highlights one of my major issues with this spinoff: it plays less like an actual part of the Pokémon franchise and more like a campy sitcom. The fact you could put a laugh track in between the scene where Brock and Forrest are helping do the dishes and it wouldn't be out of place proves this. When another sibling asks Forrest if he likes every girl in class as opposed to one; I seriously have to resist the urge to say that's "more of a Chandler question."

Likewise, the scene where Flint and Lola are talking in the gym is one scene that could have worked- instead of focusing on the wackiness of her hobbies; they could have confronted how their absence affected their children, and how Brock had to grow up much quicker than anticipated. Conversely, instead of just feeding into their cycle; Brock should call them out for acting so childish instead of caring for their actual children.

Yet, the episode doesn't seem interested in that; more into them making moon-eyes at each other at dessert. Not sure whether the drama or the meringue is richer. Brock then decides he's had enough, and challenges Lola for control of the gym on the grounds that it's not a water gym. That's a matter to discuss next time.

Flint proposes merging the two types together, an idea that Brock is opposed to; and a motion seconded by Forrest. Moreover, the latter seeks to make a play for the gym in his parents' stead; which honestly should have been a bigger focus than Lola's outsider art obsession. Instead, it's just splashed into the last few minutes of runtime. I reiterate that a focus on different characters should not come at the expense at telling a story that's coherent on its own. It would be like trying to force a subplot about the War on Terror into Turning Red.

Brock sends out Onix against Lola's Mantine, and uses Dig to drain the pool that was made. Somehow, that makes even less sense than being defeated by the fire sprinklers and his own ego. That aside, this episode somehow has worse editing and less dynamic animation than "Showdown in Pewter City;" despite airing years later on both sides of the pacific.

Brock wins the battle, Lola finally agrees to hand control of the gym back to him and Forrest; and we close on Brock putting on his AG outfit before heading to meet up with Ash in Hoenn. A bit of a mess, but at least it wasn't a complete disaster.

"A Family that Battles Together, Stays Together" may not be the worst episode ever, especially in comparison to others I've done; but it's still a key example of how even the more decent episodes are riddled with issues. It's kind of like how Bethesda's games can be rough from a technical standpoint, but can make up for it with engaging story and world-building. On that note, while it is nice to see what happened with Brock in between the end of Johto and the beginning of Advanced; it's marred by how the episode handles his parents (and not just because of how the dub lied about Lola's death). Excluding the Christmas specials, this is actually one of the episodes of Chronicles I found somewhat decent; and if the spinoff had improved over time instead of getting worse, maybe I'd feel differently about it now. 

As I have stated before, there's no point in having a spinoff outside the main series if you can't justify its existence. My plan is to go over every single episode I haven't previously made a post on; finishing on the one Christmas episode I haven't addressed yet. I like that one, so you can be sure of that at least. Also, as you will see from the next paragraph, the influence SF Debris and the Agony Booth (going to carry that torch especially since the latter went dark earlier this year) have had on this blog shall be especially evident in this series.

Post-review follow-up: most annoying characters of the episode go to Flint and Lola. The former gets it for how skittish he acts around his wife being back in town, the latter for acting so inattentive and childish when she should care more for the children she has. 

The next Chronicles review will be "Cerulean Blues," the other early episode I found somewhat decent (if uneven) before I get into the real mess of things. Not right away, though: I have something else in mind. That will be all for now.

Digimon Survive has a new release date, but will it stick?

Well, this is interesting; though not for the reasons I initially imagined I'd be writing about. Earlier this year; I talked about the curious case of Digimon Survive. I also stated that I'd be bringing new information as I get it; and now it's here.

Courtesy: Namco Bandai

The game, which has seen quite the upheaval in development; is now slated for release July 28 in Japan; with the release outside Japan slated for the following day on July 29. While this would not be a problem on its own; it would honestly not surprise me if the game was delayed again at this time.

However, there's another concern now: competition. Though summer may not typically be the most lucrative time of year for games, this year looks to be an exception. Despite divided reception to its preorder bonuses, Sonic Origins still looks to be a highly anticipated remaster on June 23. The biggest surprise would be the reveal of its NA launch overlapping with a game that was previously scheduled for September of this year: Xenoblade Chronicles 3. I may not be the biggest Xenoblade fan; but even I know how big that game can potentially be.

This begs the question: will the newest release date for Digimon Survive stick? Though the developers claim the July date is "fixed," I'm not certain. Between the delays already experienced by the game and the competitors I've mentioned (along with others I haven't); it honestly wouldn't surprise me if the game's release changed again. I also will recommend that everyone reading this try to temper their expectations about the game; and don't go after anyone who's excited for Xenoblade in case the release date is upheld. That will be all for now, take care everyone.

"The Dealer of Destruction" Review (Pokémon Sun and Moon: Ultra Legends)

Alola everyone, and welcome to a look at one of my favorite episodes of “Pokémon Sun and Moon: Ultra Legends!” I have waited a long time to address this, and now that time is upon me; so let’s open up “The Dealer of Destruction!” 

We open on the Pokémon Academy, where Ash is testing Pikachu’s “Corkscrew Crash” Z-Move with the Steelium-Z Crystal he picked up on his visit to Poni Island. The other classmates are impressed how the attack tore through the boards like paper! As Mallow and Sophocles express interest in learning a Z-Move; Principal Oak comes in and says it’s time to go to Aether Paradise for announcement from Professor Kukui.

At Aether Paradise, a press conference is taking place with Professor Kukui, Professor Burnet and the four Island Kahunas! Its purpose- to unveil the Alola Pokémon League! I totally called it about this aspect; the parallels are not with Unova; but with the Orange Islands instead. Furthering this is a scene which details the history of the league in Alola is shown, which; much like in the games, took place at the peak of Mt. Lanakila in ages’ past.

In this case, a new facility is being built for the occasion! I also like the idea that much like in the games; that anyone can enter, but only the best can truly succeed in the competition. Either way, the prospect makes waves across the Alola Region; though Kukui just stops short of outing himself as the Masked Royal. One by one, everyone makes a pact to compete in the League!

However, not all is well in Po Town; and not everyone is happy with the news. One such individual has a history with Kukui, who I’ve been eager to talk about ever since I started this anime: Guzma!

Entering their hideout in the Shady House, one of the grunts turns on their TV by giving it a good tap a la the Fonz or Spike Spiegel, Guzma sees the announcement and decides to pay his old associate a visit. I also note his dub voice is a deliciously devilish blend of Seto Kaiba and the Jack Nicholson Joker; so close to how I imagined.

"Decent people shouldn't live here, they'd be happier someplace else."

After Ash watches a recap of the days’ events with Kukui and Burrnet, he decides to train while Guzma makes plans to go for the League himself. This is the first part of his plan throughout the story: to eliminate Kukui’s legacy before it even starts.

The next day, Team Rocket even wants to enter the tournament; and James’ Mareanie tries to eat him; and this has to be one of my favorite takes on that running gag, as the poison makes him look like a purple-faced rocker.

This of course doesn’t sit well with Team Skull; who approach them with their leader Guzma and his lover Plumeria! Safe bet their rap singles are pretty explicit.

Team Rocket won’t take this lying down, busting out their own rap arrangement of their motto; which definitely seems like they picked up a bit from the Aqua Teen Hunger Force. 

Guzma has a very low tolerance for these shenanigans, and the group is sent blasting off without even breaking a sweat by the self-proclaimed “Emperor of Destruction.” Though distinctly different from the games, this does a very good job establishing Guzma as a character and what he’s willing to do.

The Skull Grunts call out Kukui in front of the Pokémon academy, and as the students rush out front; Guzma comes right out to confront Kukui! This makes quite the impression, and on top of establishing a personal history with Kukui; it marks a clear aim to what he has planned: to eliminate Kukui’s legacy before it even starts.

"When I tell you to do something, I mean that shit: BURN IT ALL!"

Ash responds by challenging Guzma to a battle, and Guzma sends out his Golisopod to counter Ash’s Pikachu! Guzma wastes no time in showing his style of battle; with Golisopod lashing out at Pikachu with First Impression!

Golisopod follows up with Pin Missile, and Pikachu counters with Electro Web! Golisopod uses its scales to shield itself, and Pikachu and Ash try their Corkscrew Crash Z-Move! Golisopod takes the attack, and counters with Liquidation! The two trade blows with Quick Attack and Poison Jab, then Iron Tail and Pin Missile! Pikachu lands one Quick Attack square on Golisopod’s vulnerable underbelly, forcing it to escape via its Emergency Exit ability!

Though Guzma tries to dismiss the affair as not worth the effort; Kukui naturally isn’t fooled! Their full history hasn’t yet come to light in this episode; but as Kiawe gives Ash a Pecha Berry for Pikachu’s poison, we close on Guzma back in the Shady House, plotting his next move. Now THAT is how you introduce an antagonistic rival: Alain, take note.

“The Dealer of Destruction” makes a great play while still not tipping its hand too early. Though the rendition of Guzma is different from the games; it works in a different way that I’m eager to get into more in the near future, much as how Jack Nicholson’s aforementioned Joker is different from the one in the Arkham series; or how the 1990 live-action Shredder is different from the various animated versions. His arc being directly intertwined with the League storyline is one of the many reasons what’s about to transpire surpasses the Kalos League; but that’s a matter for another day. I will be back with more content planned for this month, and I will see you again soon. Alola.

Review- "Hoenn Alone/Get the Show on the Road" (Pokémon Master Quest/Advanced)

Hey everyone- seeing as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon anime and the 10th anniversary of this blog; been working out how I want to commemorate both. One of these would be to examine episodes I haven't yet; as well as seasons I have in new ways. 

In the past, I have made no secret of my feelings for Advanced Generation. I have numerous reasons for not sharing others' praise of it; with me feeling it didn't really come into its own until later. This is in contrast to the original series, which I still have much enthusiasm for. So; I think the best way to start would be to talk about the beginning of AG. However, at the same time; I can try out an idea that I've been contemplating. 

As I've mentioned before; I consider "Gotta Catch Ya Later" the true finale of the original series, and that the episode that followed would work better to help lead off AG. Even though I just mentioned my mixed feelings towards AG, I will at least concede the series didn't start on the worst note. So, let's get this started.

Might as well begin this with the last episode of Master Quest and the last episode of the original series by proxy, so let's open up "Hoenn Alone." The episode actually could work fine as a prologue to AG, as it opens on Ash and Pikachu on their ferry from the Seafoam Islands to Littleroot Town in Hoenn. It seems fine enough, with them playing in the pool and relaxing before the next phase in their journey.

His first objective is of course, to make good on his promise to Oak as well as Harrison; to see Professor Birch. I've made no secret of the fact the professors have always been my favorite characters; and while Generation III may not be my favorite iteration; Birch is easily my favorite character of that.

Anyway, Ash speaks with the captain; and should things stay on schedule, the ship will arrive the following night. Ha! Never heard that one before.

Team Rocket, having stowed away in a dinghy on the ship; attempt to abscond with Pikachu one last time before the series underwent its first major rebrand. They slip into his bunk that night; and end up damaging the ship in their escape attempt; forcing it to dock for repairs and requiring Ash to search the docks for his friend. (sighs)

While not a bad concept on paper, it suggests that even at this stage that there was opportunity to change up the status quo with new characters- other than the protagonist. Say if it was a spy from Magma or Aqua in the common room that tried to make a move on him? I'll have more to say in the second half, so let's continue for now.

Docking the ship, Ash gives chase with two trucks; inadvertently turning this into a shell game. Conveniently, Officer Jenny shows up to intervene as if it were someone tagging into a game of Final Fight.

Elsewhere, the jar holding Pikachu gets knocked off the truck; freeing him and forcing another enemy mine with Meowth to escape the docks. 

Jenny sends out Pidgeot as a sentry to search from the sky; and the captain has repaired the ship, meaning Ash must find Pikachu before that night's departure. Again, this could have worked fine as a prologue to Advanced rather than the end of the original series. Also, I am seriously trying to resist the urge to make a joke about Ryo asking where sailors hang out. Think I'll save that for when I finish and talk about Shenmue the Animation.

I do like how this episode reaffirms Ash and Pikachu's bond; which is one advantage this series has over others of its ilk and still does. Depending on what happens with these in-development live-action spinoffs (in theaters, Netflix and HBO Max); I can see that working as a bond beyond words like Han Solo and Chewbacca or C3P0 and R2D2.

Back with Pikachu and Meowth, the two fend off some Haunter and are asked to stay with some strays at the docks. As Jessie and James activate an Electromagnet to take Pikachu; it's dawned on me watching this again that this episode is a bit overstuffed in terms of story. Even as someone who's known to be an avid defender of the Johto arc; it feels like they had plots for a bunch of different episodes merged into this one. 

Pidgeot burst the balloon, and Jenny has found them out like someone going after Mr. Big's followers in a game of NARC.

Jenny reprimands Jessie for their slights; saying this won't stand. This aggression will not stand, man! Jessie's response is actually kind of funny; and not that different than any other discourse I've seen over the 10 years I've been writing here.

Jessie: "You know how much I care about what you stand for?! About this much, officer."

Entertaining villainous quip aside, Team Rocket doubles down on the magnets; to the point of attracting all the metal debris in the area and drawing the ire of all the other Pokémon at the docks; including some Haunter that were causing trouble earlier. The Rattata break through the magnetic clamps; and the Haunter sends them blasting off by destroying the magnet! I am so glad Michael Bay didn't direct Detective Pikachu in hindsight.

After making peace with the Rattata and Haunter, Ash and Pikachu get back on the ship, reaching Littleroot Town the following day. However, because of the events that have transpired; Pikachu has been overcharged by the electromagnetism! Next time, a new beginning, right now.

The second half of this review begins with the first proper episode of Advanced- "Get the Show on the Road." The cold open does an OK job of introducing May as the new female lead, and even as someone who's had mixed feelings toward her in the past (I've always preferred Sapphire from the games and manga); she's admittedly not too bad here, bicycle wipeout aside.

Making landfall in Littleroot Town, Ash makes contact with Professor Birch; and they speed to his lab with Pikachu wrapped in a cloth bundle. Basically, they have to bleed off the excess power discharge; which is kind of like what I have to do with my PS4 sometimes.

However, the machine itself gets overloaded; and Ash has to follow a disoriented Pikachu outside while Birch waits for a new trainer to get their first Pokémon! This part of Pikachu's POV as he's delirious from electric fever is actually pretty well-done; especially as his eyes glow red and he bolts off.

May drops by the lab, but since Birch left with the Poké Balls; she disregards advice to wait and heads into the forest, where he's conveniently also doing field work before getting attacked by a Poochyena. The liberties it takes with the games are... interesting to put it mildly. May misaiming Mudkip might not be the biggest change (sure makes more sense than turning the Meowscular Chef into the unholy spawn of Gordon Ramsay and a Jellicle cat); but my easiest "what if" scenario for her is May studying under Birch like in the games. I could also tell Hidaka's comment was made in jest, and I can definitely understand given my own experiences at that age (I am sincerely going to miss him).

After that scrap is taken care of, Birch heads off after Pikachu; saying that if they don't properly discharge the excess electricity, he could explode; and I don't mean like after having the Taco Bell breakfast box. (Sorry.)

Birch tries to warn Ash, but Pikachu heads off a cliff and Ash dives after him! OK, I know this is a serious scene and one of the better ones of the episode; but even I can't resist putting in this Speed Racer clip.

Grabbing Pikachu in one hand and a branch in the other, Ash grasps Pikachu as electricity continues to erupt from him! Birch and May lower them a rope, and they start rappelling back up the cliff. They reach the top, and though Pikachu has discharged more of the excess power; it's still not enough. I also may have had mixed feelings to his AG outfit in the past; but it's grown on me over time. Even to this day, every one of his outfits has used the primary colors to some degree; and it's an easy way to draw attention visually. Mario, Superman, Optimus, Sailor Moon- I can do this all day; even if the Hoenn costumes still look they were borrowed from Jet Set Radio Future.

Team Rocket, who had been chasing them all day; come in with their latest mecha, which conveniently is able to finish bleeding off the excess electric discharge and send them blasting off! It also fries May's bike, which is a gag that does end up getting gradually phased out over time; and we'll talk more another day.

Staying the night at Birch's lab; May decides to choose Torchic as her starter. I personally don't have any take on Ash thinking Treecko is water rather than grass-type; since it's kind of like when Walter thought his ex's terrier was a Pomeranian. He didn't get it running shoes, he's not buying it a bucking root beer; he's not letting it take your clucking turn, dude.

As for May herself- she does get better over time; but I never knew what to make of her character's initial indecisive tendencies. Like I've stated before, I feel Serena is the character I wanted her to be at the time; and Chloe Cerise in Journeys has that feeling too.

The next day, the two are pointed in the direction of Oldale Town; and we close on the two traveling together. That certainly was an interesting experiment.

As a transition from the original series to the Advanced Generation; these two episodes actually do an okay job all things considered. Though I've made no secret of episodes I've disliked in the past (believe me when I say this tenth anniversary party's just getting started); these episodes actually mark a good representation of my true feelings toward AG at the time: it wasn't anything personal against the show or anything majorly wrong with it, I guess my mind just needed a break from it for a while. Though the story is not my favorite by any means; there are some decent battles and reasonably smooth animation. 

I have much more planned throughout this year; including something I have been wanting to do for a while. You should see it soon, let's say it's destruction in human form. That will be all for now- end of line.

Fujiko A. Fujio dies at age 88.

It is with great sadness I report the death of Fujiko A. Fujio, who passed away this past Thursday at age 88. Born Abiko Motoo, he took up this pen name alongside his parter Fujiko F. Fujio; who was born Fujimoto Hiroshi. Along with his partner, notable creations include numerous influential manga such as "The Laughing Salesman" and "Ninja Hattori-Kun." 

Most notably, the pair were responsible for creating "Doraemon," a character that is easily as well-known and beloved in Japan as Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny are in the West.

I wish the best for Fujio's friends, loved ones and colleagues at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: The First 48 Hours.

Well, this was not the exact plan I had for this (and not just because of stuff going on offline that shall remain undisclosed here); but what the heck- Here are my first 48 hours of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

First off- I did claim the bonuses as soon as I could before they went dark; I just need to complete my Sinnoh Dex before I can access some of them. It’s Wormadam that’s been somewhat elusive; but hopefully I can encounter/catch one soon.

I have managed to clear the Sinnoh League: it took two attempts in Brilliant Diamond, one in Shining Pearl. My main plan now is to not only work on 100% completion, but also gathering details for my full review. Same thing with Legends: Arceus, which I already mentioned previously.

Lastly, I once again apologize for how quiet it’s been lately; but I will do my best to work more through my backlog over the rest of the year. That will be all for now, take care everyone.