My Bidoof Week Review

Bidoof Week had its ups and downs. There are elements I would like to keep and elements that I would like to get rid of…

Good: Bidoof Day on July 1. The complete take over for one day was fun. Seeing Bidoof everywhere, even in the raids was actually quite fun. I will admit that I thought going in that the Bidoof take over of all raids (including 5* and no megas) was going to be a negative. Turns out that the one day break from Megas was actually nice and having the somewhat easier 5*s than normal made for a refreshing change. This also helped many with the Rising Star badge, as most probably never fought Bidoof in a raid. The mini research was fun and not taxing. This was great since many people do not have a weekday off regularly and it was easily finished with one incense. (Side note: this is also a special event where incenses should not be nerfed, especially as a weekday event.) I liked the choose your own adventure style research in the middle. The rewards were nice and the hat is funny. That and the introduction of the shiny was nice (though more during the week, the day itself was a focus to maybe get the shiny).

I would like to see something like this happen again. Like on the 1st of the month or the 1st non-Wednesday weekday of the month where we get a random weaker Pokemon that is the center of attention for the day (10 AM-8 PM). I would like to see Pokemon that even when they are evolved are weak regardless if they are liked (Caterpie) or get no love (Wailmer). This would also be a great day for the Starters to get out unless they are the ones that turn into Megas. This could also be a nice way to introduce shinies for some of the weaker Pokemon as well and/or get more shinies out for those that are not seen very often. Overall, I think this was a great idea that can use a little tweaking to make it a great monthly event.

Good, but needs improvement: It would have been nice for the game to state exactly what the choices entailed as to what you are choosing in game. Granted, it did not matter so much this time. The biggest difference was what kind of berries and if you wanted red balls or mega potions. There was no difficulty difference. Also, if Trainers go to content creators like Leek Duck, Trainers could find out the details of the choices and what the consequences are. Not a big deal this time, but if the choices are of greater consequence, there should be in game clickable explanations of what the choices entail.

Meh: The Bidoof Breakout event was way too long. The different charged attacks thing didn’t do it for me at all. The increased Bidoof was boring after a day, especially since Bidoof is one of the weaker Pokemon. By the time the 4x XP was going on, I was tired of this event. I enjoy diversity amongst the catching pool, and this was lacking. I was fatigued with the spotlight on Bidoof for way too long. Just felt like it was too much on only one Pokemon. The rewards were nice with the extra XP, but just wasn’t as much of a motivation for me. At least the new shiny was nice, and having a focus on the new shiny was nice, but I would have appreciated a more concentrated effort. The shiny odds could have also been lowered some more. I am not thinking CD rates or the Snubbull special day, but at least much better than normal. I’ll give A for effort though… they are trying something different. Just compact it.

Nothing was truly bad. Even the negatives were counterbalanced by some good positives. Good job, Niantic.