#between this and Legends Arceus i think Pokemon writing is at it's best when its bittersweet

[saccharinescorpion]

i found these tweets the other day and they made me really (frantically nodding my head) so i wanted to share them (with a few little tweaks to the translation to make it more readable lol)

if you would allow me to indulge in the self-humbling act of rambling about being touched by a Pokemon game... lol...

i think reading these made me realize exactly why i liked all the Arven stuff in Scarlet and Violet so much. every once in a while i've seen people say that the last scene of the Area Zero plot was way too abrupt and cheerful after the final confrontation with the professor, but i never really agreed with that. i guess that i didn't think that the hopeful tone of the ending overshadowed the sadder parts- they just kind of coexisted

and i believe the epilogue really proved that-- as the Twitter user said, "there's no way anything can be done in a short amount of time," causing him to still have issues like jealousy and possessiveness in spite of his "happy ending." it's true that the epilogue plays it mostly for comedy, but i don't think that changes the fact that Arven's anxiety over the protagonist having a new friend was extremely realistic, and made a ton of sense considering his backstory- again, "sincerity about the seriousness of the problem"

there's still a lot of sorrow there, but it doesn't mean Arven can never find happiness. i think that's a pretty sweet message, and an especially important one to impart to children (who are, yes, still the target audience of Pokemon lol)

[seeker-for-arts]

Raincode Pokemon headcannons

Although I’d never thought I would return to writing for this fandom, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy writing this.

This is something that has been done for many fandoms, including Raincode, despite the smaller fanbase. It’s been a while since I had written anything for this game, but reading Raincode NG+ by MHJoker4Ever, which had recently been continued after a hiatus, quickly got me inspired. Their fic series expands on many minor characters and gives them more characterization, which you’ll see me adapting here. For each character, I have included a Pokedex entry that can best show why I chose those Pokemon for them. Some have an in character blurb showing how they coexist with their partner, and some others have a direct explanation from yours truly. Without further ado…

Nocturnal Detective Agency

Yuma - Reuniclus

“When Reuniclus shake hands, a network forms between their brains, increasing their psychic power.” - Reuniclus Black Pokedex entry

Halara - Hisuian Lilligant, Tsareena, Lucario

“I suspect that its well-developed legs are the result of a life spent on mountains covered in deep snow. The scent it exudes from its flower crown heartens those in proximity.” - Hisuian Lilligant Legends Arceus Pokedex entry

“A kick from the hardened tips of this Pokémon's legs leaves a wound in the opponent's body and soul that will never heal.” - Tsareena Shield Pokedex entry

“It can tell what people are thinking. Only Trainers who have justice in their hearts can earn this Pokémon's trust.” Lucario Shield Pokedex entry

A commonality amongst Halara’s Pokemon is their Fighting typing, and how they attack with kicks, much like themselves. Tsareena matches Halara’s disposition almost uncannily well, having become cold and merciless in order to protect itself, and draws a comparison between Halara and Fubuki, who is in possession of the more innocent and naive first form, Bounsweet. However, Halara still values justice and doesn’t tolerate wrongdoing, which was why Lucario found commonality with them and eventually pledged to stay by their side.

Desuhiko - Ditto, Zoroark

“When it spots an enemy, its body transfigures into an almost perfect copy of its opponent.” - Ditto Yellow Pokedex entry

“Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.” - Zoroark White Pokedex entry

Sometimes, when extra hands are needed for an investigation, Ditto and Zoroark act as invaluable helpers for Desuhiko, also being able to disguise themselves. However, a limitation of their disguises that Desuhiko himself doesn’t have is their inability to mimic human speech. A person being strangely silent can be a giveaway to the superstar detective’s Pokemon mimicking someone.

Fubuki - Bounsweet, Gholdengo

“Because of its sweet, delicious aroma, bird Pokémon are always after it, but it's not intelligent enough to care.” - Bounsweet Ultra Sun Pokedex entry

“Its body seems to be made up of 1,000 coins. This Pokémon gets along well with others and is quick to make friends with anybody.” - Gholdengo Scarlet Pokedex entry

Bounsweet is immediately recognizable by the innocent and somewhat dimwitted smile on its face, which it maintains even in danger. It resembles its trainer more than the other detectives in the agency would like to admit, although they keep silent in order to spare Fubuki’s ego.

Gholdengo, on the other hand, was gifted to the young heiress by Mr. Clockford as her protection during her detective ventures. Its silly appearance and amiable personality belie a highly capable Pokemon in combat, much like the reality-bending time powers that Fubuki possesses by virtue of her bloodline, despite her childlike naivety.

Vivia - N/A

The near-death detective often looked like a pile of rotten food being swarmed by flies, only in this case, the flies were various Ghost type Pokemon lingering around him. With one foot already on the "other side", he couldn't blame these wayward souls for taking an interest in him, but as for claiming one of them for his own, Vivia did not have the energy. To him, a trainer's bond with their Pokemon was merely temporary, no matter how strong. However, he appreciated the Ghost types for not assaulting his every senses with wails and whispers of regrets, like the souls of humans did. He wanted nothing more than some peace and quiet, after all.

Yakou - Inteleon, Tandemaus

“It may present itself as being well-mannered, but deep down, it still has a lazy side. It will slack off when its Trainer isn’t looking.” - Inteleon Violet Pokedex entry

“The pair sticks together no matter what. They split any food they find exactly in half and then eat it together.” - Tandemaus Violet Pokedex entry

Although it is registered under Yakou’s name in present time, Tandemaus was not originally his; instead, it was his wife’s Pokemon, whom Yakou ended up taking in after her death. Sometimes, when he looks at it, bittersweet memories of his time with her rush back.

Inteleon was recruited by Yakou upon receiving orders to rendezvous with Master Detectives bound for Kanai Ward, but in truth, the Water type sniper was recruited to assist in brainstorming his revenge on Dr Huesca.

Chapter 0 Master Detectives

Zilch - Chandelure

“It absorbs a spirit, which it then burns. By waving the flames on its arms, it puts its foes into a hypnotic trance.” - Chandelure Black Pokedex entry

The old wives’ tales surrounding the Litwick line are embodied by this Chandelure, who acts as the assassin’s partner-in-crime and incinerates whatever - and whoever - its trainer commands it to. It especially loves to capture and burn the souls of its trainer’s targets to fuel its flame after a successful hit.

Melami - Hisuian Typhlosion

“Said to purify lost, forsaken souls with its flames and guide them to the afterlife. I believe its form has been influenced by the energy of the sacred mountain towering at Hisui's center.” - Hisuian Typhlosion Legends Arceus Pokedex entry

Having been with Melami since its formative years and exposed to her affinity with the realm of spirits, her Fire type partner grew up to have mastery over communing with wayward souls and seeing the life energies of those around it, much like its ancestors from an era of the past. Whenever Melami is channeling, Typhlosion keeps watch by her side to ensure that the soul is calm and does not lash out.

Aphex - Pangoro, Yungoos, Primeape

“Although it possesses a violent temperament, it won't put up with bullying. It uses the leaf in its mouth to sense the movements of its enemies.” - Pangoro X Pokedex entry

“It wanders around in a never-ending search for food. At dusk, it collapses from exhaustion and falls asleep on the spot.” - Yungoos Moon Pokedex entry

“It becomes wildly furious if it even senses someone looking at it. It chases anyone that meets its glare.” - Primeape Silver Pokedex entry

Despite his rough life, Aphex does not regret meeting his three partners. They protected him from the less savory residents of the slums he grew up in, and prove to be powerful comrades when he comes into scuffles with criminal brutes, but Aphex’s natural keenness for talking with his fists leads to him allowing his Pokemon to run wild and them going out of control at times.

Zange - Gumshoos, Annihilape

“Once it finds signs of prey, it will patiently stake out the location, waiting until the sun goes down.” - Gumshoos Scarlet Pokedex entry

“It imbues its fists with the power of the rage that it kept hidden in its heart. Opponents struck by these imbued fists will be shattered to their core.” - Annihilape Violet Pokedex entry

In contrast to the brash newbie Aphex, Zange has no tolerance for any lack of discipline, from the trainee detectives under him and from his Pokemon. Gumshoos commonly helps to stake out investigation suspects, and anyone who tries to flee from the veteran Master Detective rarely gets past Annihilape.

Pucci - Hatterene

“If you're too loud around it, you risk being torn apart by the claws on its tentacle. This Pokémon is also known as the Forest Witch.” - Hatterene Shield Pokedex entry

Aetheria Academy

Kurumi - Rowlet

“Flies noiselessly on delicate wings. It has mastered the art of deftly launching dagger-sharp feathers from those same wings.” - Rowlet Legends Arceus Pokedex entry

Ever since the unending rain in Kanai Ward began, Kurumi’s partner had been unable to fly much at first, but it eventually adapted, and found out that the pittering of the rain helps to silence its flight. This was useful for when Kurumi had to spy on her targets, but when spying on Peacekeepers, she kept Rowlet in its ball, no exceptions. With how trigger-happy the Peacekeepers were, Kurumi simply could not risk Rowlet being on the receiving end of their aggression.

Yoshiko - Leavanny, Ninetales

“This gentle Pokémon has strong protective instincts. The leaves on its arms are sharp enough to slice a thick tree in half with one stroke.” - Leavanny Scarlet Pokedex entry

“Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.” - Ninetales LeafGreen Pokedex entry

Even in the metal metropolis that was Kanai Ward, life finds a way. Yoshiko met her first partner when it was still a wee Sewaddle in one of the few spots of greenery amongst the high-rise apartments in the city. Although the unending rain that started after the Blank Week proved rather troublesome for a Grass-type who was used to bathing in the sunlight, nurturing still proved enough to raise the little bug into a mature Leavanny. The caring Pokemon was more than happy to help in its trainer's solo rehearsals by mimicking other actresses.

Ninetales, however, had a more complicated story. Yoshiko found the little critter hiding from the rain only a few weeks after the Blank Week, but for whatever reason, it was feral and shaky, nearly biting at the girl when she tried to approach it. Yoshiko thought that it might have been the wounds it bore, but even wild Vulpix were usually rather calm (as long as you didn't touch their tails), and to snap at a human like a feral animal was rather unexpected. Although it got comfortable with Yoshiko with time, she still had to warn others, even her close friends, to not surprise the fox, lest they suffer a nasty bite instead of a 1000-year curse.

OOC: While there were some shades of it when I wrote for the Chapter 0 Master Detectives, this section with the girls is where I’m going to be drawing heavily from their expanded characterizations in the fic I had linked.

The two Pokemon chosen by Yoshiko share a common theme: their elegant and benevolent looks belie a vicious side that surfaces when enraged. Leavanny shows no mercy to those that harm its kin, and Ninetales, the ethereal and elegant fox spirit, is known for bearing disproportionate grudges and imbuing curses on travelers over a slight.

Despite being the most outwardly friendly between the three of them, Yoshiko bears a deep darkness within her ever since they committed to their murder plan, which is seen in full force after the deed was done.

Waruna - Incineroar

“Incineroar's rough and aggressive behavior is its most notable trait, but the way it helps out small Pokémon shows that it has a kind side as well.” - Incineroar Shield Pokedex entry

OOC: Let’s talk about one of the most infamous starters of all time. Incineroar is explicitly designed after a heel wrestler; it’s big, muscular, and loves to brag and challenge other Pokemon, but despite its showboating and Dark typing, it actually has a kind heart, and adores the support shown to it.

This pairs amazingly well with Waruna herself, who genuinely cares for her friends despite presenting herself as a demanding, no-nonsense actress.

In addition, Incineroar’s personality is a stealthy reference to how most wrestling matches are scripted, aka kayfabe; there is no real tension between the face and the heel, despite their theatrics and showboating. While Waruna and her friends may keep up the act of a cutthroat rivalry between them, it is precisely that, an act; none of it is real, and they are secretly still friends.

(And no, I did not give her a feline Pokemon just because she likes cats.)

Kurane - Phantump, Poltchageist

“This Pokémon came to be when the spirit of a deceased child possessed a tree stump. It now wanders the forest searching for friends.” Phantump Violet Pokedex entry

“Supposedly, the regrets of a tea ceremony master who died before perfecting his craft lingered in some matcha and became a Pokémon.” - Poltchageist Scarlet Pokedex entry

OOC: A running gag in the game, and expanded in the fic I had linked, is Kurane's tendency to sink into the background, and then reappear when she wants to and scaring the daylights out of people who hadn't noticed her. As such, what better type to give her than Ghost types? Specifically, two Ghost types: Phantump reflects its trainer in being shy and reclusive, but still yearning for friends.

However, shy is only one half of Kurane; when she is on the stage and performing, the mask changes, displaying a surprisingly competitive streak in her, and a desire to give the best performance she can. This earns her the respect of Poltchageist, who was once a perfectionist tea ceremony master who desired to hone his craft until the very best.

[nijiiropokemame]

ok just reset my p:la save data so wanna do a quick impressions post while it’s still fresh-est in my head

I really liked this game!!

last night I started writing out a much longer review bcs when I’m sleep-deprived I always seem to write more, but I’ll keep that in drafts right now and try to be more concise now.

Pokemon Ultra Moon is my favorite video game second only to Breath of the Wild, so I have a lot of love for the pokemon franchise but also didn’t expect anything to match that experience for me, at least not for a long time. That said, Legends Arceus is probably now my second favorite pokemon game.

I was just playing Brilliant Diamond last night since I never got more than an hour into it last time I picked it up, and that really brought some of the good innovations to the forefront:

While I like 2D graphics for something like Fire Emblem, I think I’ve gotten more out of true 3D in Pokemon, which like Zelda is at its best when it lets you explore. It’s fun to discover things, the mount/ride system works pretty well, and it’s so great to turn a corner and see a 20-ft-tall Steelix glaring you down with murder in its eyes and have to turn and sprint in the other direction.

There’s been every possible joke made about the role-reversal of tall grass in this game, but boy howdy, I think it was a god-tier move. The Youtube channel Design Doc has a good video about how and why random encounters are falling out of favor, but basically, they played an important role in early gaming, but we can do better now. Playing Diamond, I found myself skipping trainer battles and cutting through grass as efficiently as possible, only to discover there was actually a pokemon I wanted in that grass by looking at a guide; I guess just being able to see what you’re about to fight and knowing you can nope at any time are enough to take that layer of frustration off the grind.

I LOVE the implementation of the agile/strong options for moves. I found myself instinctively trying to use it when I went back to Diamond. I guess it turns it into more of a puzzle than with just the 4 moves. Also love that you can now equip any move that your pokemon has ever learned. I think they already had ways to re-learn old moves in the other games, but it was like…going to a guy in one area of the map. There might be some value in trying to make the decision of what moves to keep knowing you won’t be able to change them later, but I think being able to decide which moves you want before every big battle is also a fun process.

OK quickly things I didn’t like:

The button mapping is baffling to me. Dodge should be B, inventory should be X, swapping between items and pokemon should be arrows, there are times when they use triggers when I think it should be arrows and vice versa, why do you use the right trigger to throw a ball AND the right joystick to aim???

…as a direct result of the frustrating aiming controls, the boss fights that involve aiming & throwing are just no fun at all. I do like the idea of getting the trainer involved; that’s not something I thought they’d attempt so soon, and I’m glad if that’s the direction it’s going. It helps with the role playing! But it needs better controls.

…so yeah! I ended up writing a lot anyway, huh. Well, I think the fact that I felt compelled to start over was really telling. I guess I did play through Shield after I played Sword, but those games really dropped off my radar pretty quick. We’ll see what happens with this one. But overall I both enjoyed it on its own, and really like the direction it’s taking.

Also if they release a Legends game set in Alola I will lose my freaking mind. I want one with this exact premise, including ancestors of the Sun/Moon cast.