Pokémon Video Games
Welcome to the wonderful world of Pokémon, where fantastical beasts are at your command to do battle against other trainers with their own teams of Pokémon.
My Gaming Experience Playing Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky.
In 2009, I was introduced to the captivating world of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon with the release of Explorers of Sky on the Nintendo DS. This was my second play-through into the mystery dungeon series, the first being Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time. However, it was Sky that truly captured my heart, being an upgraded version of Time. What’s more, I was thrilled to be able to play as my beloved Vulpix, a six-tailed fire-type fox.
When first booting up Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky, the game will ask you a series of questions to try and figure out your personality. When you finish answering the questions, the game will choose the Pokémon that best matches your personality. Suppose the personality quiz deems you to be a naive nature. In that case, you become a Skitty, a hasty nature is Shinx, a sassy nature is Riolu, or a relaxed nature is Vulpix. Whenever I did the personality quiz, I would always end up as either Charmander or Cyndaquil. However, those weren’t the Pokémon I wanted to be; I wanted to be Vulpix, so every time I reset my copy of Explorers of Sky video game, I would have to look up the answers online to be able to get Vulpix every playthrough. After taking the personality quiz to determine the Pokémon you’ll be playing, you get to decide your partner Pokémon that will be your best friend and stay by your side the entirety of the game and postgame. I always chose Shinx or Riolu.
After choosing to be Vulpix and my partner Pokémon Riolu, I’m immediately thrust into the Pokémon World, transformed into a Vulpix with no memories of my past, other than being that I used to be a human, and my name. When Riolu comes across Vulpix’s unconscious form on the beach, awakens her, and learns of her amnesia and being a human. Riolu dreams of being on an exploration team that explores mystery dungeons, rescue Pokémon from said dungeons, arrests outlaws, and so much more. So, he asks Vulpix to form one with him. Together, Riolu and Vulpix form an exploration team at the Wigglytuff Guild, where they become apprentices.
The narrative of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky is not just about completing tasks. It’s a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and sacrifice. As Vulpix and Riolu navigate their way through life, the plot thickens with the mysteries of time gears, Primal Dialga, and the daunting task of preventing the planet’s paralysis.
In the postgame, Vulpix and Riolu graduate from the Wigglytuff Guild, raise a baby Manaphy, fight Palkia, unlock the secrets of Darkrai, and explore the mountain where Shaymin came from.
The gameplay of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky is a delightful mix of dungeon crawling, puzzle-solving, and strategic combat. Each dungeon is a unique labyrinth, filled with traps, enemy Pokemon, and hidden treasures. This variety keeps the game fresh and engaging, making every playthrough a unique experience.
Explorers of Sky also has five episodes where you play as side characters such as Wigglytuff, the leader of the guild; Bidoof and Sunflora, both apprentices of Wigglytuf Guild; Team Charm, and the fate of the fan-favorite Grovyle. In each of these episodes, you’re playing from the side characters’ perspective on one event that happened in their lives and the history and relationships they have with other characters in the game.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sky is my favorite Pokémon video game because while I love the gameplay, what really sells the experience for me are the characters and stories and the relationship you have and build with your partner Pokémon. The characters in this game don’t feel like made-up characters. They feel like real-life people you get attached to and form bonds with. When these characters cry, you cry when they’re happy; you’re so glad; when they’re upset, you’re upset. Every single time Grovyle sacrifices himself to push Dusknoir back to the future, or when Vulpix has to say goodbye to Riolu, I burst out into tears regardless of how many times they played this game.
Pokémon Favorites
Everyone that is a fan of Pokémon has one that is their all-time favorite and will most likely have a Pokémon battle with anyone that disagrees of their choice.
My Favorite Pokémon
Back in 2008, I believe, I saw my two younger brothers messing around with these blue cards with a ball cut in half, the red on top and the white on the bottom, and Pokémon slapped across the card in their room. I asked my brothers what they were playing, and they said Pokémon. My brother showed me their collection of Pokémon cards and how I could buy and collect my own cards from the store.
My favorite Pokémon is Salamence. Salamence is a dragon-flying type. It first starts out as Bagon evolves into Shelgon, then finally evolves into Salamence. Salamence evolved to have wings so it could fulfill its dream to fly. I was first introduced to the Pokémon (The original card is the one shown up top) back in 2008. It was A card from a Pokémon trading card booster pack. The cards usually have 12 to 16 cards per pack, and Salamence was one of the cards in the first booster pack I opened. In fact, it was the most powerful card of that booster pack. This 2008 Salamence card holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first Pokémon card I ever owned and the one that sparked my love for the game. I used that card every time I played the Pokémon trading card game, mostly with my brothers, because no one else in our neighborhood played with Pokémon cards. I still have that same 2008 Salamence. Today, my Pokémon card is still sitting in my music box. In fact, it’s the only Pokémon card I have left because I’m too attached to it to give it up.
I have also used Salamence in the Pokémon video games. The first time was Pokémon Emerald. I caught a female Bagon at Meteor Falls, put her on the front of my team, and leveled her up to level 50 as fast as possible to finally get Salamence. It was a challenging but rewarding process, and it made me appreciate Salamence even more. I would transfer her game to game as I continually played the Pokémon mainline games throughout the years. I believe she’s in my Pokémon Sword game currently. Every time I played a new Pokémon game, I always made sure I had Salamence on my team.
I haven’t played any Pokémon games with Salamence recently, but that still doesn’t mean I don’t like her anymore. During my free time, I draw, color, or make fan art of Salamence. I’ve created several pieces of fan art that depict Salamence in different scenarios, showcasing my love for the Pokémon. Salamence will always be my favorite Pokémon.
Pokémon Anime
Pokémon the TV series and Pokémon movies have been airing since 1997 with 27 seasons that’s around 1,300 episodes. There is also 23 animated movies and 1 live-action movie.
My Weird Obsession with Watching Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2008) Over and Over Again.
So, when I was living in Louisiana in 2008, I believe I was 11 or 12 years old; I saw the movie Pokémon The Rise of Darkrai. I don't remember if I saw it in theaters or on cable or youtube, or some other platform. No, it was on the Cartoon Network Channel on TV, and I also watched it on www.pokemon.com with my account. I don't know how I made it when you needed the email address. Anyway, I remember that I was excited to see it because, at that point, I'd already seen the previous nine Pokémon anime movies and was an avid watcher of the Pokémon anime TV series of Ash Ketchum's Pokémon journey with Pikachu.
Pokémon The Rise of Darkrai takes place in Alamos Town in the Sinnoh region, not the Alamo town in Texas. A hundred years ago, an architect named Godey built massive musical instruments called the Space-Time Towers in Alamos. He built the towers because of a nightmare he had, which he wrote inside his diary. In the nightmare, it foretold two beings that should never have met would cross paths in the space-time rift. Their wrath from this meeting will envelop the town and cause its collapse. Later, Godey would build a garden where the Pokemon Darkrai would eventually reside. Darkrai is a mythological or legendary Pokemon that is purely dark type and has the power to trap anyone in an unending nightmare. Because of this power, Darkrai is always an outcast and is deemed dangerous by other Pokemon and people. However, a girl named Alicia invited Darkrai to stay in the garden with her as her friend. Godey realized the nightmare was telling him to make a music disc for Orácion, a song with the power to soothe the fiercest rage, for future use. Years later, Darkrai saved the life of Alicia's granddaughter, Alice, after she tripped and fell from a cliff.
In the present, Godey's nightmare comes true when the deity of space, Palkia, a dual-type water/dragon, and the deity of time, Dialga, a dual-type steel/dragon, brawl one another in the space between dimensions, causing space-time disturbances in the air across Alamos Town. At the same time, Ash, Dawn, and Brock arrive at Alamos Town for Dawn's next Pokemon contest at the Space-Time Towers. The clash of deities causes damage to the garden, and Baron Alberto believes this is Darkrai's work. While battling Alberto's Lickilicky, Darkrai makes Ash fall asleep and creates a nightmare where Palkia attacks Ash. Darkrai is trying to tell Ash about Palkia's and Dialga's fight.
The next day, Palkia arrives in Alamos Town to heal from the injuries he suffered in his fight against Dialga. Darkrai shows himself in the town square in an attempt to warn the town's folk of the inevitable clash of the two dragons. Instead the town's folk, including Baron Alberto and Ash and his friends battle Darkrai which in turn enrages Darkrai to trap all nearby Pokemon and humans in nightmares. In an effort to attack the resting Palkia, Darkrai tries to strike. Ash realizes that Palkia was the one Darkrai had been warning to go away and that the nightmare Darkrai made him experience was a warning for him about Palkia.
Just as Palkia is about to attack Darkrai, Dialga arrives and opens fire on both of them, colliding directly with Palkia. As Palkia and Dialga engage in a fierce battle, the entire town begins to collapse around them. Meanwhile, Alice discovers the Oración music disc, prompting Ash and Dawn to bravely climb to the music disc player located on the sky bridge of the Space-Time Towers. At the same time, Brock assists in evacuating the townspeople. Tonio reveals that if Palkia and Dialga collide again, the resulting backlash could destroy their entire dimension.
When Palkia and Dialga unleash their attacks, Darkrai crosses the line of fire and forms a protective sphere around himself, blocking their attacks and simultaneously trapping Palkia and Dialga. After breaking free, Palkia and Dialga retaliate by attacking Darkrai, which results in his disintegration.
Realizing that the Space-Time Towers are no longer charged, Ash and Dawn enlist Pikachu, along with Dawn's Pachirisu, to harness their electrical powers to recharge the Towers while the Oración disc plays. The song, embodying their friendship, successfully calms Palkia and Dialga. Dialga then flies away, and Palkia's wounds heal. Ash and Dawn manage to convince Palkia to restore the damaged parts of the town, returning Alamos Town to its original state, much to the joy of the townspeople and Pokémon as they return home.
Later, the group mourns the loss of Darkrai, with Alice expressing her gratitude for his efforts. In a surprising turn of events, they find Darkrai standing atop the Space-Time Tower.
In the end credit montage, Dawn fails to win a ribbon at her Pokémon contest, a bittersweet reminder of the challenges they still face despite their victory.
I revisit this movie mainly because I relate to Darkrai, as we both share the experience of being outcasts during our childhood. I struggled to make friends and socialize because the other kids did not see me as a person; they viewed me as a disease. Now that I am all grown up, things have improved significantly. Although I no longer watch the movie, I still enjoy listening to the song "Oración" as a way to remember the film.
Pokémon Fanfiction
There are probably millions of Pokémon fanfics across multiple websites featuring fanfiction. Its basically stories written by the fans featuring Pokémon as a labor of love.
Why I Constantly Read Pokémon Fanfiction.
Fanfiction is a diverse and inclusive community where individuals, usually fans of specific franchises, write their versions of events. These stories often explore "what if" scenarios, allowing for unique interpretations. For example, what if Ash Ketchum didn't start with Pikachu but chose a different starter Pokémon? Another interesting scenario is when readers imagine being transported to the Pokémon world as a Pokémon trainer. There are also alternative universes, such as the popular concept of transforming into a Pokémon and navigating the world of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series.
One-shots are typically short or long narratives that consist of a single chapter. As long as a story is one chapter long, it is still considered a one-shot, meaning it is a standalone piece with no intention of adding more chapters after the first one has been posted.
I began reading Pokémon fanfiction in 2015 while I was in high school because I had exhausted the fiction books available in my school's library. My favorite genres have always been fantasy and fiction, and they remain my favorites today. I attempted to read nonfiction, autobiographies, and informative books, but I quickly lost interest in them. I've reread most of the fiction and fantasy books from the library's collection. I started exploring fanfiction because, when borrowing books or audiobooks from the library, I sometimes had to wait or place titles on hold for weeks before accessing the next book in a series. In contrast, fanfiction can be read anywhere at any time without the need to borrow it.
The first Pokémon fanfiction that caught my eye was the alternative versions of Ash Ketchum's Pokémon journey. One of the first fanfic series that I've read and reread extensively is the Master Challenge Series by NoSignalBlueScreen. "Join Ash and his friends, from all his adventures, on a journey that will test them like never before. They will grow and learn more about each other and themselves than they thought possible. The Pokémon League has announced a tournament and everyone is excited that someone may get the honor to battle the reclusive Master himself. The tournament will start as soon as the contestants can complete a task, to travel the world and come back to the Indigo League after a year to battle to the top, but something dark stirs beneath the surface as enemies old and new attempt to turn the Pokémon World on its head. Watch as the heroes try their best to accomplish their dreams and goals and conquer all the obstacles in their way, but will any of it come at a cost?" I read the Master Challenge Series because I have watched most of the Pokémon anime episodes and wished that Ash would take his journey as a trainer more seriously.
People often write fan fiction because there are no filters, copyright issues, red tape, or restrictions to navigate when creating these stories. Additionally, fan fiction provides a way for amateur writers to practice their craft without fear of judgment. Writing fan fiction allows them to indulge in their favorite fandoms as a labor of love, free from prejudice.
Pokémon Music
Pokémon music, whether it’s from the anime, movies, or video games it’s almost guaranteed to be a sensational hit. The most iconic and recognizable song is “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” the very first Pokémon theme song of the anime.
Pokémon’s Greatest Music Hits or Just My Opinion That Are the Greatest Music Hits.
If you’re a fan of Pokémon, you probably have numerous playlists filled with Pokémon music. The diversity of Pokémon music is genuinely remarkable, featuring thousands of songs composed and orchestrated by Nintendo, as well as by various artists outside of the company—most of the musicians who have created Pokémon music hail from Japan. From the movies and TV shows to the video games, each piece of music is a unique and delightful addition to the Pokémon universe. In this blog post, I will share some of my top Pokémon songs that I have heard repeatedly over the years.
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver – Suicune Battle Music
My first encounter with the Suicune Battle Music was in my brother’s copy of the video game Pokémon SoulSilver. As you journey through Johto, you’ll come across the legendary Water-type Pokémon, Suicune. The final encounter with Suicune is a memorable moment, especially with the iconic Suicune Battle Music playing in the background. This song holds a special place in my heart—not just because it’s one of my favorite Johto legendaries but also because it’s a part of my personal Pokémon journey, a journey I’m sure many of you can relate to.
Pokémon Platinum Music – Giratina Battle Theme
The Giratina battle theme plays in the background as you engage in a fight against Giratina and attempt to capture this legendary dragon/ghost-type Pokémon from the Reverse World in the Pokémon Platinum video game. I really enjoy the battle theme because Giratina is my favorite Pokémon from the Creation Dragon Trio, which is responsible for creating the Pokémon Universe.
Pokémon: The First Movie – Tears Of Life
The song “Tears of Life” plays during a poignant scene when all the naturally born and cloned Pokémon weep in sadness because Ash, the Pokémon trainer, has been turned to stone as a result of the colliding attacks from Mew and Mewtwo, both psychic legendaries in the movie. What I appreciate most about this song is not only its beauty but also how it captures Pikachu’s profound sadness over its trainer being petrified. This feeling resonates deeply with many of us.
Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire – Zinnia Battle Music
When you battle Zinnia, a mysterious Draconid woman, and Pokémon Trainer from Hoenn at the top of Sky Pillar, her battle music plays in the background. I particularly enjoy this song because she has a Mega Salamence on her team, which happens to be my favorite Pokémon of all time.
060 – Battle against Dusknoir – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon video game series, the song “Battle Against Dusknoir” plays during your encounter with Dusknoir, a ghost-type Pokémon and his minions, Sableye, who are dark/ghost types. This battle takes place in the Hidden Land as you make your way to Temporal Tower to confront Primal Dialga and prevent the paralysis of the world. I particularly enjoy this song because Dusknoir is my favorite character from the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series and my favorite ghost-type Pokémon. The intense battles and emotional storylines in this series have left a lasting impression on me as a Pokémon fan.
070 – Don’t Ever Forget… – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
“Don’t Ever Forget” starts to play when you, as the player character, a Pokémon, begin to disappear. This happens because you come from the future, a time when the planet was paralyzed, and you have successfully prevented that paralysis or the stopping of time. As you fade away, you must say goodbye to your partner and friend—your companion throughout the game—with whom you have forged an invaluable and unbreakable bond of friendship. I really love this song because whenever I reach this part of the game, I cry every single time, with big fat tears. The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series does an excellent job of connecting players with the characters in the story.
062 – Through the Sea of Time – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
In “Through the Sea of Time,” you play as Grovlye, a Grass-type Pokémon, accompanied by your partner as you ride on Lapras, a Water-type Pokémon. Together, you journey across the sea to reach a passage known as the Sea of Time, leading to the Hidden Land, where the Temporal Tower is located. This song is fantastic because it represents the final leg of your journey to prevent time from stopping across the entire planet.
068 – Dialga’s Fight to the Finish! – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
In “Dialga’s Fight to the Finish!”, you face Dialga in a dramatic final battle. Dialga is determined to prevent you from placing the time gears on the altar in the tower, which would cause time to stop. I find this encounter thrilling because it feels like a climactic showdown with the legendary Pokémon that controls time.
Pokémon the Movie 2000 – Lugia’s Song
Lugia’s Song plays while Lugia, a Legendary psychic/flying type Pokémon, is sinking deeper into the ocean after being attacked by Articuno, a legendary flying/ice type, Moltres, a flying/fire type legendary, and Zapdos, a flying/electric type legendary. I appreciate this song because it features a flute played in a somber, calming manner. I’ve listened to the music so often that I hum it without even realizing it.
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai – Enter Darkrai!!
Enter Darkrai! The music plays when the legendary Dark-type Pokémon, Darkrai, first appears on the screen. He emerges from the shadows of the trees during his debut. I really like the song because Darkrai is my favorite legendary Pokémon.
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai – Oracion
Oracion plays whenever Alice uses a leaf as an instrument to hum the melody. This song also plays when the Space and Time Towers transform into a giant musical instrument to calm Dailga and Palkia during their battle. Oracion is not just my favorite Pokémon song from the vast repertoire of Pokémon music; it has profoundly impacted me. Whenever I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I play Oracion to help calm myself down, which showcases the power of Pokémon music.
- Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver – Suicune Battle Music
- Pokemon Platinum Music – Giratina Battle Theme
- Pokémon: The First Movie – Tears Of Life
- Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire – Zinnia Battle Music
- 060 – Battle against Dusknoir – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
- 070 – Don’t Ever Forget… – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
- 062 – Through the Sea of Time – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
- 068 – Dialga’s Fight to the Finish! – (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon – Explorers of Sky)
- Pokémon the Movie 2000 – Lugia’s Song
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai– Enter Darkrai!!Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai– Oracion
Pokémon Art
They say art is in the eye of the beholder and everyone interprets art differently. They also say don’t tell a Pokémon artist that their art is a waste of time or is for children because you will get slapped.
Mariah Gates 