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200th Post Celebration Part 2!
Okay, here is part 2 finally. There may or may not be a part 3 just depending on factors.
Part #1: 200th Post Celebration Part 1!
This took so long because I wanted to go and reread those old post and really put myself in my former shoes. I try to be open and catalogue parts of my life. So, without further ado, let us relive those glory days.
Daily Blog For February 2016- I was not kidding about it taking 4 years to do another 100 post. We followed up the roaring success of the Daily Blog Challenge of January Pokemon Theme with an utter disaster, Legend of Zelda. Now Zelda is not the reason it was a disaster. The reasons were plenty abound. For starters, I was playing Pokemon almost daily back than. So needless to say, daily post about Pokemon were so easy. Zelda, I was really relying on nostalgia. Topics were not easy to come by and memories were not really rolling out either. Secondly, school. School was brutal. I started attending a community college in my home county Spring of 2015. I moved in the Summer of 15 and began taking online classes that summer as well. I did so poorly over that next year (Summer 15, Fall 15 and Spring 16), though dates blur a little. I fell really behind and daily blogs began suffering as a result.
Secondly, I got a job as a substitute teacher. What a weird time in my life, truly. I did not work much for the 4 or so months I was eligible to work. However, I went to bed before midnight every night and woke at 6 am everyday just waiting for a teacher to call out. It rarely happened. I mean, really rare. I subbed maybe 4 times in 4 months. It was probably more than that but I do not remember more than that. Honestly, one day I woke at 6am and waited by the phone. It finally rang (though it was a text, it is more dramatic to say rang). I answered the call (text). I got dressed and was there until about 4pm. When I got off I had to go babysit at Jessica’s grandmother’s house. She worked the night shift and did not get off until midnight. I got home that night around 2am. I got up at 6am waiting for the phone to ring again. That was kind of just what I did until I gave up on getting calls. In April, I moved back to my hometown and got probably 2 calls a day, no joke, asking me to sub. I did not even have a phone at this time (Jessica broke it.). That was one reason I would miss out occasionally. Jessica was at work and before she could respond, they would have already filled the role.
Yeah, I went into a sort of depressing lull during this time. First, Dollar General did not put me in their system to transfer. Than, I got grazed over for subbing (though ultimately they would pick me up). Next there was the Gamestop employment scenario where Gamestop hired me and never worked me once. Boy did that feel like a mirage. My parents were really getting frustrated with me but it was hard finding work at this time. I helped babysit everywhere I could. I helped Jessica’s parents, her grandmother, I even would go 40 minutes back home to help babysit just to try and make money. I also got sick during this time and it took forever to get over what I had.
So, Daily Post took a big L. I also hyped up 3 big projects. Let’s look at those. The first one was a forum. The forum is still active but it is hardly alive. See for yourself, https://dahubbz.proboards.com/ You cannot blame me. I was channeling my inner middle school love for forums. I got comments from several regulars. I’m not sure if any actually followed over there. Needless to say, once blogging took a hit, so did the forum. Plus, kids today love discord. Commenters on my YouTube channel ask for discord, so maybe one day.
Which gets me to my next point, I started a Youtube channel! I kept telling myself I was going to so by gally, I did. It was wild. I was unemployed and could not find work. Jessica and I agreed a Blue Yeti was unreasonable right now. I spent one day watching videos about budget mics and finally picked the Samson Go for 30 bucks and used OBS to screen record. Sony Vegas and Adobe Premier are expensive, we were able to buy a life deal license for AVS video editing. That held us over until my brother got me a code for Vegas 14 for Christmas. Now I am onto Vegas 15. Back than though it was not great but it was enough to get us by. Watch our first video here. Here’s an example of a newer video
Up next was all the update post about Pokemon Sun and Moon. I was working with my dad when this game came out so I had some money. I bought Jessica and myself each a copy of Sun and Moon when they came out. We did not have capture cards so we recorded a make shift episode #1, laying in bed, both of us starting our new adventures. I don’t recall if we ever aired this episode.
And than, oh boy. Nintendo would unveil to the whole world The Nintendo NX! It amazes me we even had these questions (pulled directly from my blog in 2016) “What do you guys think of this new console? Will it reinvent the home console? Do you believe it is just a gimmick? Will this revitalize Nintendo or officially run them out of business.” However, the Wii U was considered the dark days but I braved it better than almost anyone and was rewarded with one of my favorite consoles ever, The Nintendo Switch.
Let’s back up and revisit the drought as I dubbed it. Daily blogs wrapped up on Feb. 20. 4 post would dribble out between than and March 14th. An update post. On March 14th I was still complaining about being sick. That sickness stuck with me and kicked my butt. Once this took me out and sub spots never existed I would sleep half the day. I also blame being unmotivated. I said I waited to the last minute and the quality was bad. This is still sort of true. Now, instead of it being almost entirely from a place of almost depression (though I will hesitate to use that word.), it comes from craving being productive in my real life. I take 6 classes and work 20-30 hours. Trust me, I am not bragging. It is more so to do with the fact I am a bad college student and balancing 6 classes during Covid is crazy hard for someone like me. I kick myself when I go to write a post, read a book, or play a game when I could be doing school. As a result, I don’t always have something to talk about.
Than I moved! April 6th I believe (maybe the 5th). That day changed my life. Things were getting bad for our mood and overall mental health. We had to move. We needed new work opportunities, no more online classes, more space, and, most importantly, a change in scenery. I already had a room picked out for an office and I was so excited for the new energy and what that would mean for the blog and channel.
Was I right or wrong about that energy? Find out in part 3. I never meant for this to be a multipart series but I have been enjoying reliving everything and reflecting. It is kind of the point of the blog now. Tomorrow I have class at 10:50 and than work until 9pm most likely. So, maybe I’ll make a post Thursday when I am off again? Really not sure.
Have a great day guys and thanks for reading!
Let’s Talk: Pokemon Trailer.
The latest trailer of Pokemon Sun and Moon came out today, so check it out.
The question of the day is: Which starter had the craziest super move? I, personally, am team water, but turning the area into a WWE match and dropping a hundred arrows on your foe’s corpses is pretty sweet as well.
Bonus question: What is Dugtrio’s band name?
Lets Talk: New Nintendo Console!
So, the Nintendo Switch or NX or whatever you would like to call it has been revealed. Be sure to go check out the release trailer if you have not already.
This is definitely something worth talking about. I give Nintendo the benefit of the doubt, so until the actual release, I will be waiting with great excitement. I only just watched the video and there was a lot to digest. I, in no way, have all the details, nor have been following it very attentively. With that in mind, I am going to turn the discussion over to you guys.
What do you guys think of this new console? Will it reinvent the home console? Do you believe it is just a gimmick? Will this revitalize Nintendo or officially run them out of business. I’ll do a follow up blog once I’ve viewed more of the games and understand the features better.
I’ll leave you with some of my early thoughts to generate discussions.
Games Showcased: Obviously, Breath of the Wild is the money maker. Nintendo, in my opinion, was smart holding onto this big boy. It can help get the Switch off on the right leg. Remakes of great Wii U games seem plentiful. Mario Kart and Splatoon to headlined this. I missed Splatoon on the Wii U so this might be a good chance for me to pick it up. I typically do not do remakes unless it is of games I love. However, I know remakes helped carry Xbox One and PS4 early on with the Last of Us remake as well as the Master Chief Collection. I do not know if that was Mario remake showcased or a new title. They also showed an NBA game as well as 1st person mid evil looking game.
Mechanics/Portability: This has been a highly debated topic sense the Wii tried to reinvent gaming back in the day. However, this one looks like it makes sense. The “On the go” gaming looks like a good selling point. I mean, who doesnt want to play video games in cars? I think it is great and they have a traditional controller if this does not interest you. The real question is will this hurt the 3DS? I dont know because Pokemon should keep the 3DS alive.
So, If Nintendo has lost you over the years, what does this console have to do to win you over? The biggest fault I have with Nintendo is not the hardware, but the games. The first party’s are still amazing and the Switch is shaping up to keep that trend alive, but they do need a bigger 3rd party support. I have a One because I too need to branch out at times. Fallout 4 and Witcher are great games Wii U owners will never get to experience.
Show me great 3rd party support and this console should save Nintendo. They have moved past naming everything Wii, so hopefully there is no marketing disasters.
Here’s to hoping March is a great month for gaming!
Pokemon Sun and Moon Latest Update!
Pokemon hit us with it’s latest video. If you have not seen it yet, check it here Pokemon Sun and Moon Video.
Let me just say, I have loved everything Gamefreak is doing with this installment. Some Pokemons are still hit or miss but the ideas and creativeness they are trying with mechanics and style is welcomed.
Here’s some of the takeaways.
#1 Pokemons getting fresh make overs:
Have you been playing 20 years of Pokemon? Well Gamefreak is giving some new life into old pokemons, and I like it, personally. Vulpix and Ninetails are getting ice forms as well as Sandshrew and Sandslash. They retain their design but get new colors and typing.
Exeggutor has an Alola form as well. I’m more or less on the fence but I am sure it will work out.
#2 Region based forms are back:
Much like Shellos in Diamond and Vivillion in X and Y, where you catch a pokemon matters. Shellos would be green or pink depending on where you caught it. Vivillion would have different designs depending on where you caught them. Oricorio will have four different forms depending on which island you catch them on. The four forms are the Baile form (Fire/Flying), the Pom Pom form (Electric/ Flying), Pa’u form (Psychic/Flying) Sensu form (Ghost/Flying).
This is a pretty sweet addition if it works how I think it will, because it will be four Pokemon for the price of one. I don’t know about you, but I am always down for more Pokemon!
Their ability is dancer which I did not realize how powerful it can be the first time I watched it.
Here’s a list of all “Dance Moves”
Quiver Dance- Raise Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed by one stage(Most have special based typing so this my be the most useful to steal)
Dragon Dance- Raise Speed and Attack by a stage
Rain Dance- Summons rain for 5 turns (Seems redundant)
Swords Dance- Raise Attack by two stages (Depends on stats and move pool, but does not seem as good.)
Teeter Dance- Confuses all other active Pokemons (Seems like a funny interaction)
Lunar Dance- KO yourself, heal the next Pokemon up (This could be used against you, be careful)
The rest of the dance moves are all attacking moves, we will have to wait to see how this interaction works out.
It’s an awesome ability that could stop a dragon setting up dragon dance, but it does not stop there. Assuming it works how I think it will, it becomes amazing in double battles. Have Pokemon A use Quiver Dance and your Oricorio will copy it. However, I do not know if this counts as your move. If it does, it becomes worse then I think it is. If it does not count as your turn, it can get pretty broken in double battle.
I wish the wording was “Copy the effects of dance moves”. Also I could see Bellossom getting this ability.
Minior has shields down, which seems to act like a substitute ability (much like disguise), and it has four different cores. Not much has been shown yet.
#3 Island Trials
We now have an Island Trial on the four islands, beating them will unlock the leader of each island. This is how you will gain access to new islands. I’m curious to learn more about this aspect.
#4 Z attacks are a thing:
They look broken. Just look at this
Here’s a couple things that stand our about Z attacks.
Look at the levels. It shows Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio, and Pikachu. All baby forms. So how early do you get access to this broken mechanic?
Also, as the video shows, the trainer is the one doing the dance, so it is possible that any Pokemon can use its corresponding type attack.
With new forms, z moves, and tons of variety, this could shake up competitive play as well as how we play Pokemon in general.
The future is as bright as the Alola regions, and I for one, am super excited for what it hold.
Three Take Aways from the Latest Pokemons!
I am not reviewing each Pokemon this week because, well, they were mostly bland. Here’s the three big take away though.
#1 Mudsdale looks legit.
Own Tempo can make him a sweeper using moves like thrash or even in a double battle swaggering it. Stamina is a new ability that allows him to raise his defense. I can easily see this guy being a mixed sweeper, for sure.
#2 Substitute is now an ability.
Mimikyu is a terrifying little guy I almost brushed off just by looking at it (This is literally a Pikachu clone). However, he is actually kind of cool. He is a ghost/fairy who made a Pikachu disguise most likely out of bed sheets. Disguise is an ability that nullifies the first hit it takes once per battle. Pretty sweet. People have already mentioned the idea or fear of using substitute on the first move to safely set up. Do not worry. I doubt they would slap this ability on anything relevant.
#3 This generation might just be the scariest one yet.
Just when you thought Mimikyu was going to be the scariest thing on this blog.
The bear and fist in question do not seem to go together, but hey, that’s why we play this wacky game. Take a second to realize how deadly this guy might actually end up being. Plus GameFreak is rolling in the bear puns. Bewear and Beartic. I love it.
My Thoughts: Pokemon Sun and Moon: Salandit!
They did it. They actually did it. I know what you’re thinking. “What did who do?”
Pokemon! Someone at Gamefreak seems to be a fan.
In all seriousness though, back in September I was messing around with ideas for future types, moves, and abilities. Check it out if you haven’t already. If you know anything about me and Pokemon, it’s that I love poison Pokemons and I constantly try to think of ways to make them OP. I tossed out a theme revolving around the word rancor. I came up with a standard 120 base power poison move called Rancorous Blast. It had a 20% chance to poison any type of Pokemon. Obviously, I despise steel Pokemons and this was my way around them. Well earlier today Game Freak gave us Salandit:
(My Hero)
Okay, so before we get carried away, let’s evaluate him for what he is.
He is based clearly on a salamander. Parts of him seem off, but not enough to take away any points. He is Poison/Fire. So right off the bat is a slam dunk in my book. A steel fire Pokemon just feels like a win. This typing would have been amazing in prior generations. Poisons suck against steel, so fire would have been a nice touch… and still is, mind you. Now, though, poison Pokemons have access to the ability corrosion.
Corrosion, a great name for this ability as well, means the user can inflict poison damage on any typing of Pokemon. And yeap, you guessed it, even steel types. But Game Freak did not stop there. Nope. You can even poison poison Pokemons.
This is truly a great day for all us Brotherhood of the Poison Pokemons.
I really do think he is going to be a big deal. They clearly used him to illustrate this new ability (a huge ability at that) for a reason, and they slapped fire on him too. I think he can be a trend setter for awesome Pokemon to continue and shake up the landscape. I am honestly getting super excited for this region.
I’ll hold back from giving him a 10 out of 10 just yet, but now the only question I have is why couldn’t he be a starter over Litten!
Oh, and Pokemon Go came out today. I’ll talk about that tomorrow.
My Thoughts: Brand New Pokemons!
Oh boy, I’m back!
New Pokemons got spoiled today and hey, were all Pokemon nerds one way or the other so lets jump into this!
Anytime we get treated to new Pokemons, it’s a good day… except, when it’s not. Okay, I’m probably being over critical here (after all Game Freak can just kill it off whenever they feel like it). It does feel like GF is just throwing together weird “stuff” and slapping Pokemon on it. If you havent seen them yet, I will be providing pictures of each as well as my thoughts.
Okay, first up! Togedemaru: Electric/Steel
(I do not own any copyrights to pictures displayed. All credit goes to their owners)
So, I mean cute factor is there I suppose, and I want to lean on the side of liking him, but this type of pokemon seems overplayed. Anyway, not too much to say. Time will tell I suppose. Bonus Points for being part steel
Score: 5 out of 10
Next, Cutiefly: Bug/Fairy
Where do I start. I actually do not mind the design of this pokemon. Nice, early bugish pokemon to get the team going. But this name man. Cutiepie? I do not know if it’s suppose to be a play on words with the type of bug/insect its suppose to be or just cashing in on the cute factor, but I am so blah on the name.
Design score: 5 out of 10
Name Score: 1 out of 10
Overall score: 4 out of 10
Drampa: Normal/Dragon
At first glance, this one was my favorite. Drampa is kind of Dopey and laxed looking, which kind of puts me on the fence. Another Pokemon I really want to like. He is Normal/Dragon and if he wants to be memorable, he will have to be anything but normal. I wanted something fierce, but if he pans out well I will accept him. This does give him poor typing for steels, but oh well.
Drampa Hype: 8 out of 10
Overall Score: 7.5 out of 10
Bruxish: Water/Psychic
Another meh looking Pokemon that has potential at least. Water and Psychic make for some of my favorite types and Dazzle looks exciting. Goodbye sucker punch and quick attack. It’s new move looks interesting as well.
Score: 7 out of 10
Charjabug: Bug/Electric
Well, we were on a roll and now… Char-Ja-Bug (I assume this is how it’s pronounced). Man, a battery Pokemon actually sounds pretty spot on with this tech world we live in, but somehow out of place if the world is suppose to be a tropical getaway. Design wise, just mediocre. Concept is actually cool. Good news to him, he evolves into an extremely cool Pokemon!
Score: 3 out 10
Vikavolt: Bug/Electric
Okay, so Charjabug kind of cramped our style, but he’s back as this nice hulking dude. Pretty excited about this guy. Imma bug kind of guy and this guy is getting me kinda pumped despite a fairly average to slightly above average pool of monsters. Really hoping he pans out into something playable and we finally get a great new bug pokemon.
Bug Hype: Is Real.
Overall score: 8 out of 10
Lastly, Tapu Koko Electric/Fairy
I’m saving prehaps the most intriguing for last. In a day where they showcased so many electric and/or fairy Pokemons (only two of the pokemons did not have some ties to electric or Fairy), this guy may be the best. Out of the seven, Drampa is my pick to actually be useful, while Vikavolt is the one I’m hoping they dont screw up. But Tapu Koko looks to be the one they just straight up nailed. Seriously, I love everything about this guy except his typing. Sure he joins Dedenne as the only other electric fairy but I was rooting for fire. Fire/Bug, Fire/Electric or Fire/Fairy all look sweet in this spot, but alas, oh well. No big deal. I think he will be the best of these 7.
Score: 9 out of 10.
So there you have. Four Pokemons scoring at least a 7. Is this a good sign, or just inflated by lack of real competition? We shall see.
Please, leave a comment or like if you enjoy this style of blogs! I want to do these for each round of spoilers. The hype is real.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Lets Talk: Pokemon Sun and Moon
Pokemon junkies have been making their theories and predictions forever about gen 7. If you’re like me, I had a feeling this year was gonna be the year. It’s Pokemon’s 20 anniversary and it might be the best year for pokemon to date. With new pokemons, new 3ds with red, blue and yellow, the promo packages for the tcg, and pokemon go. Getting gen 7 just seems like icing on the cake.
In the initial trailer, no gameplay footage has been released, but the direction they took is a beyond perfect first glimpse. It recaps the first 20 years of pokemon in a spectacular fashion. It shows people on their original gameboys pulling out link cables to trade, all the way to online battling of today. It captures the impact pokemon has had on a generation. It shows a dad and daughter playing together, it shows friends gathering around their friend as he ascends to victory, and everything in between is enveloped with vintage gameplay from all the retro games.
It’s a great reflection on a franchise that has touched countless amount of people. I am beyond excited for game play footage as well as new pokemon in the coming days. Check their twitter for the new video!
Thanks for taking the time to read this!