Appraising and Evaluating Your Team

     Niantic Labs created this Appraisal feature to find out approximate CP and IV values within Pokémon Go so players don't need to leave the game to open a third-party app.  Personally, I think this is fantastic!  Each Team Leader will have their own set of phrases, which fall into four categories: Great, Good, Decent, and Poor. 

     Appraisals tell you which of its HP, Attack, and Defense stat the Pokémon performs well...of four categories. Remember that IVs each rank out of 15. Although a Pokémon could rank 'Great' overall, it could then suffer in one of the three stats or move sets that make a Pokémon IV% drop.

     The Appraisal is a very handy way to know at a glance whether you have a 'Great' Pokémon on your hands.  Once you learn the Appraisal for your team, you'll notice these phrases are specific enough to give you a good feel for the Pokémon's strengths.  If it is vague to you, then you should do more research before investing your Stardust and Candy.  Remember, the overall 'Great' phrase means it's between 82% and 100% of its potential!

     Generally, most Trainers evolve the high-IV Pokémon before spending Stardust to Power Up and increase its Level.  EACH time a Pokémon evolves its move set IS randomized, although IVs stay the same.  Consider that you may have a perfect Snorlax, but it is possibly for it to have crappy move sets that spoil all the time and work you put into it.

Reformulate Your Game Strategy

Don't worry about Combat Power (CP).  Don't worry about only catching what you consider uninteresting Pokémon.  Don't worry those players who live near Poké Stops and always have more resources than you.  Take your time playing and read up on game strategies.  It takes skill and lots of preparation to compete.  Become familiar with the different types of Pokémon and learn what their strengths and weaknesses are.  Assimilate move sets combinations and discover how they make your Pokémon special.  Combine your knowledge with a Pokémon that has fair CP and good Individual Values (IVs) to win in gyms.  Don't worry so much about losing because you need team effort to hold these gyms.  

Think about the things you gain from the game itself.  Find your joy in playing!  You're out more, exercising, exploring new places, and meeting new people!  Pokémon GO (PoGO) is like Life...and your perspective on how to approach it affect outcomes.  Robert H. Schuler noted, "Problems are not stop signs, they're guidelines."

In the real Pokémon anime, Ash Ketchum and all the other Pokémon Trainers, never caught them all.  In all honesty, the creators of the game did not intend for us to do so either, especially not within the first year.  It is like anything and everything else, we don't have to keep winning.  Keep the fun in the game and don't stop learning.

So, You Think You Can Beat a Gym Rat? [Part I]

  

Comprehending the fundamentals of Gym Training and Battles in Pokémon GO (PoGO) involves a long path of trial and error…seriously.  Like anything else in this world, a person will devote hours and hundred of thousands of Experience Points (XP) to learn a skill.  To be a great chef, stunning rock star, bold athlete, talented graphic designer, top chess player…to succeed at anything requires commitment, along with much patience and a bag full of rejuvenation supplies to keep on going.

In the Pokémon anime, individuals go out into the world to become Trainers at the age of ten.  Each one start out the same way, catch Pokémon and fighting battles with them.  During the journey, each Trainer travels to different regions developing their own strategies to be successful according to their own goals, specialties, and passions in mind.

For us, PoGO is our augmented reality (AR) game of strategy.  The key to winning is simply managing our resources.  Niantic Labs provided a basic starter guide to help familiarize players with the app, but it still lacks Beginner’s instructions.  To some, this may come as a surprise; however, I presume the reason is that PoGO has a huge social factor which means more engaging elements, challenges, and interaction with others.

PoGO is all about exploring and building.  At Level 25 and an incomplete Pokédex, I see this game has much more potential than just "collecting them all".  Creating a diverse team of Pokémon, powering them up, training, and capturing gyms requires so much of a true Pokémon Trainer. 

I hope this gives a little more perspective on PoGO.  Do you want to be a Pokémon collector?  Do you want to be a Pokémon Trainer?  Alternatively, do you just want to explore and study Pokémon?  It is something to think about because as Professor Oak states in mentorships, “Being a good trainer is a long and complicated process which involves working with each individual Pokémon.”  

Not all Pokémon are created equal; in order to win Battles, Trainers need to learn everything there is about each species.  If it sounds overwhelming and complex, it really is.  PoGO allows Trainers to work towards goals that are compelling, let your Pokémon inspire you to take it further and not quit when things get hard.

Level UP...and Pure Chill

Nine and a half weeks since my very first Poké Diary entry, I finally acquired 710,000 Experience Points (XP).  Everything happened right at that moment – my bag reached its limit at the last Poké Stop, "Kadabra found a candy", my 10-km egg hatched, my Avatar hit the next "Level UP!"…and then I realized at that moment…contentment.

It is the middle of the fall semester.  There is an overload of studying, college projects, full-time work, and familial responsibilities.  I am nowhere near completing my Pokédex or close to Level 30, and Hawai'i still has no access to any regional-locked Pokémon.  However, as the messaged hovered on my screen, “Level up! 25!”  I just stood there, calm, controlled, and at total peace.  Fifteen hours later, I still am not upset about hatching a Pinsir from a 10-km with an Individual Value (IV) of 77.8%.

I shared the news with my close network of Pokémon GO (PoGO) Buddies and we celebrated each of our Trainer accomplishments for the day.  My biggest reward since I began my PoGO adventure is not receiving an overflowing bag full of goodies: 25 Ultra Balls, 20 Max Potions, 15 Revives, 15 Razz Berries, an Incense, a Lucky Egg, another Egg Incubator, and Lure Module; but having such a diverse group of Buddies to share real-life adventures through our virtual fun.

As I continue counting down: T-minus seven weeks until the last final exam for the fall, I am confident all will be well as I continue to work the Black Hole in American society.   Staying afloat in Life’s Abyss comes not from my own resistance, perseverance, or accomplishments, but experiencing moments of positive interaction and growing relationships of people who continue give support and inspire one another each day.  Collaborating and working through conflicts leads to positive experiences for everyone.  There is something to gamified learning and applying to real-life situations.  We benefit greatly and develop into the very best of ourselves by combining ideas and insights from one another.  

Lost City of Waikiki

Pokémon GO (PoGO) players in the Aloha State finally received the latest app update this weekend.  This version includes the “Capture Location” of each Pokémon, however, it is a statistical-related feature would probably benefit those players interested in seeing if Tauros can truly be found in Paradise.  

The United States government approved statehood for Hawaii on August 21, 1959.  Does this mean Hawaii is included on the North American server for Niantic Labs’ PoGO app?  I know players in the 50^th State would rather be a part of Asia’s region-exclusive and catch Farfetch’d.  John Hanke, for the love of all that is Pokémon GO, please let your fans what region-exclusive Pokémon can be caught in Hawaii.

When the app first launched, some players could pull up a map which exhibited the exact location of each Pokémon catch.  I cannot say that I would ever miss it because I never had that feature.  I still do not think it is necessary because it does not alter the mechanics of gameplay.  However, the developers insist on trying to adding this feature that continue to fail.  Of all the places in Hawaii, Waikiki does not show up!  Atlantis…Cambodia…El Dorado…these are a few fabled places that enticed generations of explorers around the world.  These lost cities led many on a fruitless trek.

 

I caught a handful of Pokémon in the Lost City of Waikiki on September 23^rd.  Apparently, the PoGO GPS is unable to locate this district!  It is supposed to say: "Honolulu, Hawaii, United States."  As you can see in the screenshots of the information statistic screens, the city and state are missing for these Pokémon caught in Wakiki.  

Will people say that the Augmented Reality (AR) photos of these Pokémon be considered inconclusive?  Hopefully, the ambitious developers at Niantic Labs will get this app working right so that I can prove my catches are real.  Until then, the rest of Hawaii will continue to wait impatiently for the enhanced “Sightings” feature [that was released back in August for a trial-run in San Francisco] so that we may find that mythical North American Tauros.

*Pokémon GO updated to version 0.39.0 for Android and 1.9.0 for iOS

Gym Besties for Life

               

Last semester, I wrote a paper on Priority Dilution; it is a term coined by motivational speaker, Rory Vaden.  It is purely…genius.  What is more exciting about the concept is that I learn to incorporate it into my daily adventures as a Pokémon Enthusiast and future Project Manager professional.  I humbly thank everyone for inspiration and support, from my readers, cohorts, friends, and loved ones.  As I strive to stay afloat in the abyss of readings, projects, and homework assignments, I look forward to moments of brief interaction.  It is the relationships in life that make expended energy and effort worthwhile.

Today is exactly two weeks into fall semester.  I did not reach Level 30 just yet, however, I am especially thrilled with my current Pokédex collection!  A friend and I chatted this morning about our current stats.  Although I sense the Mystic Force is strong within, [he has not picked a team as of yet] I will still call him friend.  Like other team events, we may be rivals, but we are not enemies.

I observe the many social affects of Pokémon Go (PoGO) on players and how diversity is embraced amongst people.  I love seeing how the very young to the young at heart come together to share in the real-life of this virtual Pokémon hunt! 

As we near the end of summer and celebrate Labor Day weekend, let us forge more PoGO relationships and long-lasting friendships.  Thank you, Mother America and Father of Labor Day, for providing us many new opportunities.  "The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy."  If it were not for the accomplishments and perseverance of our forefathers, there would be Pokémon NO.

                                             

*U.S. Department of Labor: History of Labor Day

Forgive My Trespasses...and Let Me Catch That Vulpix!

As you can see from the map, it would be pretty difficult to really catch anything without trespassing.  Therefore, when I want more room to roam, I walk across the street to UH Manoa Campus to practice tracking methods with the Sightings feature on PoGO.

I decided to call it a day when it began raining.  As I headed home, I collected items from the last few PokéStops along the way.  Off campus, there is nothing to do but collect distance for eggs.

Once home, I typically shut my phone off and plug it in for charging.  Nothing interesting ever happens on my street -- except for Zubats, Rattatas, and Pidgeys.  Although, the Sturgeon moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase tonight...and it probably caused  change in Pokémon behaviors, because what popped up on my Sightings was a Vulpix!

It was raining, but it was exciting to witness such a phenomenon.  There, a Vulpix, was approximately within a 200-meter radius from where I was standing!  But...where exactly?!

Okay...breathe...think...there is probably nine minutes left.  I know that this temporary Sightings system works on a much quicker update rate.  Supposedly, it does increase the odds of the Vulpix showing on the screen will actually be in the neighborhood.  Ughhhhhh!

Thinking...200 meters is roughly about 200 yards.  Looking at the map, I only have two options to go -- up and down the street.  If I attempt to look anywhere else, I would probably be explaining to HPD that I was 41 Vulpix away from Ninetails.  I am sure that would go very well -- being on the evening news for trespassing on private property for something other than Dragonite or Aerodactyl.

Without another thought, I grabbed my umbrella and walked out to the garage.  I decided to go left and walk up the street.  I passed two houses and Vulpix disappeared.  "NOOOOOO!!!"

Okay.  Did a 180-turn and started walking back down.  Vulpix reappeared under Sightings within a few steps.  Good.  I kept walking.  **VIBRATE**  Pidgey appears.  "WHAT the...?  Get lost, Pidgey!"

I continued to walk down the street...past my house...past three more houses...  **VIBRATE** "Vulpix! Here! Have a razzberry!"

I noted its CP was only 98.  No problem, I am sure it would make a fine piece of candy and with that, I was comfortable curving a regular Pokéball.  "Now, come on home, Baby Vulpix."

Essential Items for the GO-Pack

It is always great to have a quick review of what items you may want to pack for your next Pokémon GO (PoGO) Adventure.  Be sure to dress accordingly and wear comfortable footwear.  For your GO-pack, I suggest a light messenger bag or backpack.  It must be comfortable to wear for hours at a time.

The following is a list of essential items that I take with me on each venture:

* USB wall charger + Power bank (20000mAh)

Keep your phone charged up.  I like to take advantage of wall outlets whenever I am taking breaks from PoGO, while journaling or eating.

* Wallet + ID / health insurance card + cash

In the real world, LIFE happens.  Carry a State ID or Driver's License and medical insurance card at all times.  Having at least $20 cash on hand is awesome when mobile pay, credit card readers, or ATM machines are not in service.  

* TheBUS app + Bus pass

 

This is the best way to travel, especially around Honolulu and the Kaka‘ako area.  DaBus app, plus a bus pass, equals more time for splendid Pokémon opportunity! 




* Protection from the elements
Have polarized shades, sunscreen, hat, and hoodie available to wear.  Just be prepared.  I always carry a small umbrella in my GO-pack to shade me or keep me dry, when needed.  Do not forget lip balm -- it is part of that first impression when you need it most!


* Water / snacks / breath mints
At the very least, carry a small, reusable water bottle and pack an energy bar or dried fruit.  Carry some kind of breath mint or freshener.  PoGO is an activity which brings people together!


* Small travel journal + pen
You'll never know what kind of tips you may pick up along the way.  I love my handy-dandy, little notebook!


* TP
Yes, definitely!  Toilet tissue is as vital as the rest of the items on the list.  Trust me.

Let us be very real here.  Walking the Kaka‘ako strip during business hours is great.  One would think the establishments there would have better rest stops than Magic Island or Thomas Square Park.  

I have pretty good foresight when I travel.  Most who know me say that I plan well, travel with purpose, and have productive days.  Last night, while hanging out at Kaka‘ako, I decided to take a good break before the last of the café shuts down for the night.  While I chill, the Barista told me he would close the shop in fifteen minutes.  I replied with a thank-you,  packed up, and decided to go to the Ladies' room before leaving.  

As I thought about how nice and smooth my plans went for the evening out, I looked over and...well, whaddaya know?  I stared for a moment, and then reached over to grab my reliable and well-prepared GO-pack.