Appmon (species)

(Redirected from Appli Monster)

Appmon (アプモン, Apumon; Dub: Appmon/Apmon), short for Appli Monster (アプリモンスター, Apuri Monsutā; Dub: App Monster), are artificial intelligence-based digital lifeforms that embody the functions of the smartphone apps used by humans. Capable of thinking and acting independently, they are "app lifeforms" born within the boundary between the Real World and digital space. They inhabit the "Common Network", commonly known as the Net, which exists between the human physical world and the "Deeper Network" of Digimon, and lurk within the Net Ocean.[1]

Appmon inherited the lineage[N 1] of Digimon,[2] although they followed a different evolutionary path.[3] They developed in a different layer of the Network, in connection with applications and the contemporary software environment, and have been described as high-performance, multi-fighter Digimon from another world.[3] While they share several characteristics with conventional Digimon, they also possess features exclusive to them. Just as numerous species of Digimon exist, there are potentially as many Appmon species as there are apps.

Characteristics

Origin

The concept and setting of Appmon appear to reflect the application layer of the OSI model. Just as the application layer acts as an interface through which users interact with network services, Appmon are depicted as existing closer to the human-facing side of the Network than conventional Digimon.

Nature and habitat

Appmon are "app lifeforms" (アプリ生命体 Apuri Seimeitai) born within the boundary between the Real World and digital space. Whereas conventional Digimon primarily inhabit the deeper layers of the Network, including the Digital World, Appmon inhabit the middle ground between the physical world and the deeper Network, known as the Common Network, where they take the form of the "mobile apps" used by humans every day.[1]

Each Appmon embodies the function of a particular type of application and possesses abilities derived from that function. For example, Gatchmon embodies a search application, Navimon a navigation application, and Cameramon a camera application. Appmon also possess artificial intelligence and are capable of independent thought and action. Although their functions originate from applications used by humans, they are sentient beings with individual personalities, desires, and motivations.

Physiology

Both Digimon and Appmon are digital lifeforms composed of data. Whereas many conventional Digimon designs employ visual motifs traditionally associated with cyberspace, such as wireframes, grids, and binary-like patterns, Appmon are more specifically associated with contemporary applications, software interfaces, and networked systems. Their designs commonly incorporate elements such as app-function motifs, interface-like markings, and symbols resembling programming or structured data notation.

Higher-grade Appmon frequently display more extensive programming-like patterns, including braces, parentheses, operators, pseudo-code fragments, and structured data notation. These markings do not necessarily represent complete or executable code written in any particular programming language. Rather, they draw upon a broad range of recognisable computing conventions and reinforce the concept of Appmon as digital beings derived from contemporary software culture.[N 2]

Appmon possess two retractable Plugs, which allow them to connect with other Appmon through a process known as AppLink. These Plugs are one of the principal physical characteristics distinguishing Appmon from conventional Digimon.

In the Real World, Appmon can be stored within Appmon Chips and materialized from them through a process known as Appliarise, using devices such as the Appli Drive and Appli Drive DUO.

Abilities

An Appmon's abilities are determined primarily by the function of the application that it embodies. These functions can be applied directly to data and networked systems, but may also manifest as combat techniques or produce corresponding effects in the Real World. Consequently, even Appmon whose applications were not designed for combat can use their functions offensively, defensively or as forms of support.

Appmon are capable of accessing and manipulating data related to their respective functions. Their influence may extend beyond a single device, allowing them to interfere with multiple instances of the corresponding application through the Network. Depending on the Appmon and its intentions, this can either provide a useful service or cause widespread disruption to the application's human users.

The scope and effectiveness of these abilities generally increase with an Appmon's Grade. Higher-grade Appmon develop more advanced versions of their underlying functions, enabling them to process greater quantities of data, affect larger areas or overcome the abilities of lower-grade Appmon. However, the precise nature of their powers remains connected to the application function represented by their species.

Evolution

Main article: AppLink

Appmon can evolve via AppGattai (アプ合体, Apugattai; lit. "App Fusion"). This occurs when two Appmon perform an AppLink in a specific combination, allowing them to fuse into a single Appmon of a higher Grade. Unlike traditional Digimon Evolution, which is typically achieved through the growth and development of a single individual, AppGattai is based on the combination of two compatible Appmon and the interaction between their respective functions and data.

The resulting Appmon is not formed arbitrarily, but according to a specific fusion formula that reflects the relationship between the applications represented by its components. As a result, AppGattai often produces an Appmon whose abilities represent a more advanced or specialized version of the functions performed by its constituent Appmon. For example, Offmon and Hackmon can appgattai into Logamon, whose concept is based on forcing a system log out through hacking. This theme is further developed through subsequent AppGattai, which progressively expand upon the idea of terminating system activity: Timemon introduces the concept of time as a limited resource, placing additional pressure on the system, while Shutmon ultimately embodies the complete shutdown and termination of operations. In this way, each stage represents a logical extension of the concepts inherited from its component Appmon.

This process reflects one of the central concepts associated with Appmon: digital optimization. By combining their abilities, data, and utility, two Appmon can create a more robust and efficient "program" capable of solving increasingly complex tasks.

AppGattai can sometimes result in failure; the failed AppGattai of two Standard-grade Appmon will result in forming Sukasimon, while the failed AppGattai of two Super-grade Appmon will result in Damedamon.

In the Digimon Card Game, Appmon can also evolve through standard methods akin to Digimon, from and to other Appmon or Digimon. Appmon are classified as either Digitama or Digimon cards, and have unique Form Characteristics. AppGattai is accomplished using the Link effect to allow a linked card to evolve by adding the link card to the evolution sources.

Classification

Like conventional Digimon, Appmon species are classified according to several parameters. However, Appmon use App, Grade and Attribute in place of the Type, Level and Attribute systems ordinarily associated with Digimon.

App

Every Appmon is associated with a particular App (アプリ Apuri), representing the application function on which the species is based. This determines the general nature of the Appmon's abilities and is represented by its unique Appli Icon (アプリアイコン Apuri Aikon).

Appli Icons resemble the icons used to identify applications on smartphones. An Appmon's icon is displayed on the reverse of its Appmon Chip and is also used throughout Appmon-related interfaces and devices.

Grade

Main article: Evolution Stage

Appmon are classified by Grade (グレード Gurēdo), a system broadly equivalent to a Digimon's Level. There are four principal Grades:

Grade Japanese Equivalent Example
Standard 並 Child Gatchmon
Super 超 Adult DoGatchmon
Ultimate 極 Perfect Globemon
God 神 Ultimate Gaiamon

An Appmon's Grade represents the scale and sophistication of its abilities. Appmon of progressively higher Grades generally possess much greater power, although Grade does not by itself determine the outcome of every confrontation.

Some exceptional Appmon, such as Dantemon, are not assigned one of the four standard Grades.

Attribute

Analogous to a Digimon's Attribute, Appmon species are classified into eight Attributes (属性, Zokusei), each of which represents the genre of the app that they are based on:

Name Icon Represents Strong Against Weak Against Example
DUAM AMPTW
Social
「ソーシャル」

(Dub: Social)

Communication and relationships Navi Life
Gatchmon
Navi
「ナビ」

(Dub: Navi)

Knowledge and guidance Tool Social
Navimon
Tool
「ツール」

(Dub: Tool)

Utility and functionality System Navi
Cameramon
System
「システム」

(Dub: System)

Order and structure Game Tool
Hackmon
Game
「ゲーム」

(Dub: Game)

Competition and challenge Entertainment System
Dokamon
Entertainment
「エンタメ」

(Dub: Entertainment)

Enjoyment and expression Life Game
Musimon
Life
「ライフ」

(Dub: Life)

Lifestyle and well-being Social Entertainment
Virusmon
God
「ゴッド」

(Dub: God)

Omnipotence and supremacy All None
Gaiamon

Properties

In Digimon Universe Appli Monsters (3DS), each Attribute is associated with a distinct battle role and playstyle:

  • Social: Specializes in synergy with other Attributes, often featuring stronger AppLink effects and abilities that benefit from cooperating with different types of Appmon. Social Appmon typically reward the use of multi-Attribute decks, making them particularly effective when paired with a diverse team composition.
  • Navi: Focuses on speed and physical combat, with effects related to action order, accuracy, and evasion. Navi Appmon frequently gain priority in battle through first-strike effects or guaranteed-hit attacks, allowing them to act before opponents and reliably land their blows.
  • Tool: Emphasizes utility and disruption, including counter-based abilities, status effects, and increased damage against specific enemy types. Tool Appmon commonly inflict conditions such as flinching or skill-sealing, while possessing high Crack values at the expense of HP, Defense, and Security, making them effective offensive specialists.
  • System: Centers on defense and support, utilizing barriers, damage reduction, stat-enhancing effects, and abilities that assist in charging the Signature Skill gauge. System Appmon generally prioritize Defense and are particularly resilient in prolonged battles, although they tend to possess lower Security than other Attributes.
  • Game: Performs best in monotype decks, with abilities that strengthen other Game-type Appmon and reward team-wide synergy. Their effects often become more powerful as the number of Game Appmon in the party increases, or when linked with another Game-type Appmon through AppLink, allowing them to capitalize on their synergy-based effects with increased offensive power.
  • Entertainment: Excels in special damage output, stat enhancement, and status recovery. Entertainment Appmon frequently act as support-oriented attackers capable of boosting allies' parameters while dealing significant special damage. They also possess high Security, granting increased resistance to special attacks.
  • Life: Focuses on healing, recovery, and status-related abilities. Life Appmon are capable of restoring HP, enhancing allies' parameters, removing ailments, and providing various forms of support. They generally possess high HP and are also a common source of Overclock-related effects.
  • God: Functions as an all-encompassing Attribute. This is reflected in the seven coloured segments featured on its symbol, each corresponding to one of the standard Attributes, as well as its association with the colour white in decks and the white visual effects displayed when God Appmon are used in AppLink. These characteristics suggest that it embodies aspects of all seven regular Attributes rather than a single one.

Certain Parameters share a colour scheme with the Attribute they are associated with, a relationship reflected in the visual effects displayed when Parameters are increased or decreased during battle. Navi and Speed are represented in green, Tool and Crack in purple, System and Defense in yellow, Game and Attack in orange, and Entertainment and Security in red.

Relationships

The Appmon Attribute system appears to reflect the relationships between different categories of applications and information within the digital ecosystem. Each Attribute represents a specific type of app, and its strengths and weaknesses can be interpreted as the ways in which those app categories influence, depend on, or control one another. For example, Social apps shape the information used by Navi apps, Navi apps help users access Tools, Tools can modify Systems, Systems govern Games, Games compete with other forms of Entertainment, Entertainment influences daily Life, and Life experiences in turn fuel Social interaction. The God Attribute stands outside this cycle, with its emblem containing the colors of all seven regular Attributes and God Appmon being effective against each of them.

As with Digimon Attributes, these relationships form a cyclical advantage system rather than an absolute measure of power.

The power chart illustrates the Attribute hierarchy used in battle, showing which Appmon Attributes are strong or weak against one another:

  • Social is strong against Navi because information shared by people can influence decisions more effectively than navigation data alone.
  • Navi is strong against Tool because guidance and information determine how and when tools are used.
  • Tool is strong against System because tools are capable of modifying, maintaining, or manipulating systems.
  • System is strong against Game because games operate within the rules and limitations established by underlying systems.
  • Game is strong against Entertainment because interactive experiences often engage users more directly than passive forms of entertainment.
  • Entertainment is strong against Life because media and entertainment can significantly influence everyday behaviour and lifestyles.
  • Life is strong against Social because real-world experiences and relationships form the basis of social interaction.

Buddy

Main article: Buddy Appmon

An Appmon may form a partnership with a human known as its Buddy (バディ Badi). An Appmon that has entered such a relationship is known as a Buddy Appmon. The bond is comparable to that between a human and a Partner Digimon, although it is specifically recognized through Appmon-related devices and systems.

A Buddy Appmon ordinarily operates alongside its chosen human, who can use an Appli Drive to appliarise it, perform AppLink and initiate AppGattai. The relationship is reciprocal rather than one of ownership, as the Appmon independently chooses whether to recognize and cooperate with its Buddy.

Power

Each Appmon species is assigned a numerical Power value. This provides a general measure of its strength and rises substantially with each Grade, although Appmon of the same Grade can have markedly different values.

When an Appmon is appliarised with the Appli Drive DUO, the device combines the Appmon's data with the life energy of its Appli Driver, increasing its Power to 1.5 times its normal value. The DUO's Overdrive function can further draw upon the bond between the Appmon and its Buddy to temporarily maximize its power.

List of Appmon

Appmon Icon App Grade Attribute Power Power (DUO)
Addmon Address Book (アドレス帳) Standard Social 320 480
Aidmon Rescue (救命) Standard Life 490 735
Auctiomon Auction (オークション) Standard Life 130 195
Batterimon Battery (バッテリー) Standard System 190 285
Beautymon Beauty (美容) Ultimate Life 45000 67500
Biomon Life (ライフ) Ultimate Life 70000 105000
Bookmon eBook (電子書籍) Standard Entertainment 620 930
Bootmon Super Boot (超起動) Ultimate Tool 57000 85500
Bramon Brain Training (脳トレ) Super Game 5000 7500
Calcumon Calculator (電卓) Standard Tool 220 330
Calendamon Calendar (カレンダー) Standard Tool 170 255
Callmon Phone (電話) Standard Social 520 780
Cameramon Camera (カメラ) Standard Tool 1200 1800
Cardmon Card (カード) Standard Game 650 975
Charismon Mind Control (マインドコントロール) Ultimate Social 55000 82500
Coachmon Training (育成) Super Game 6000 9000
Cometmon Astrology (天体) Ultimate Navi 65000 97500
Compassmon Compass (コンパス) Standard Navi 230 345
Consulmon Saving (節約) Super Life 6400 9600
Cookmon Cook (お料理) Standard Entertainment 200 300
Coordemon Coordinate (コーディネート) Super Entertainment 9600 14400
Copipemon Copy & Paste (コピペ) Standard System 710 1065
Craftmon Design (設計) Super Tool 7200 10800
Damedamon Dame Dame (ダメダメ) Ultimate Social 38000 57000
Dancemon Rhythm (リズム) Standard Game 440 660
Dantemon File:Dantemon icon.png Open (開放) 77777
Denpamon Communication (通信) Standard System 680 1020
Deusmon Omnipotence (全能) God God 340000 510000
Dezipmon Zip/Unzip (圧縮解凍) Super System 10500 15750
Diarimon Diary (日記帳) Standard Tool 180 270
Dicemon Dice (サイコロ) Standard Entertainment 120 180
Docmon Doctor (ドクター) Super Life 8800 13200
Dogamon Video (動画) Standard Entertainment 740 1110
DoGatchmon Super Search (超検索) Super Social 7500 11250
Dokamon Action (アクション) Standard Game 900 1350
Dopemon Enhancement (増強) Standard Life 360
Dosukomon Fighting (格闘) Super Game 11000 16500
Drawmon Paint (ペイント) Standard Entertainment 800 1200
Dreammon Dream (夢) Super Entertainment 7800 11700
Dressmon Fashion (ファッション) Standard Entertainment 240 360
Ecomon Energy Saving (省エネ) Standard System 100 150
Effecmon Effect (エフェクト) Super Entertainment 7000 10500
Entermon Entertainment (エンターテイメント) Ultimate Entertainment 42000 63000
Fakemon Camouflage (偽装) Ultimate Tool 50000 75000
Flickmon





Flick (フリック) Standard 8
Gaiamon Creation (創造) God God 300000 450000
Gashamon Gasha (ガシャ) Standard Entertainment 300 450
Gatchmon Search (検索) Standard Social 1000 1500
Gengomon Translation (翻訳) Standard Social 460 690
Globemon Global (グローバル) Ultimate Social 60000 90000
Gomimon Trashbin (ゴミ箱) Standard Tool 10 15
Gossipmon Gossip (ゴシップ) Super Social 4800 7200
Gugumon File:Gugumon icon.png Search (検索) Standard Social 1100
Hackmon Hacking (ハッキング) Standard System 1400 2100
Hadesmon Variation (変化) God God 315000 472500
Jammingmon Jamming (ジャミング) Standard Tool 930 1395
Jetmon Flight (フライト) Standard Navi 1100 1650
Jishomon Dictionary (辞書) Standard Life 680 1020
Jumpplusmon File:Jumpplusmon icon.png Jumpplus (ジャンプ+) Standard Entertainment 550
Kabemon Wallpaper (壁紙) Standard System 140 210
Kaimon Shopping (ショッピング) Standard Life 330 495
Kakeimon Account Book (家計簿) Standard Life 210 315
Kosomon Gossip Review (裏口コミ) Standard Social 230 345
Libramon Library (図書館) Super Life 5400 8100
Lightmon Light (ライト) Standard Tool 150 225
Logamon Logoff (ログオフ) Super Social 7200 10800
Logimon Login (ログイン) Super Social 7200 10800
Luckmon Slot (スロット) Standard Entertainment 777 1165
Mailmon Mail (メール) Standard Social 510 765
MCmon Broadcasting (実況) Standard Navi 780 1170
Mediamon Media Player (メディアプレーヤー) Super Entertainment 5800 8700
Medicmon Medical (メディカル) Super Life 8000 12000
Messemon Message (メッセージ) Standard Social 500 750
Mienumon Stealth (ステルス) Super System 8400 12600
Mirrormon Mirror (ミラー) Standard Tool 700 1050
Moneymon eMoney (電子マネー) Standard Life 110 165
Musclemon Muscle Training (筋トレ) Standard Life 920 1380
Musimon Music (音楽) Standard Entertainment 880 1320
Navimon Navi (ナビ) Standard Navi 560 840
Newsmon News (ニュース) Standard Navi 390 585
Offmon Offline (オフライン) Standard Game 950 1425
Onmon Online (オンライン) Standard Game 950 1425
Onpamon Ultrasound (超音波) Standard Tool 580 870
Oujamon Battle (戦闘) Ultimate Game 95000 142500
Ouranosmon Arousal (覚醒) God God 290000 435000
Pekomon Compression (圧縮) Standard System 80 120
Perorimon Gourmet (グルメ) Standard Entertainment 690 1035
Pipomon Warning (注意報) Standard System 950 1425
Pokomon Decompression (解凍) Standard System 80 120
Poseidomon Invincible (無敵) God God 270000 405000
Protecmon Security (セキュリティ) Standard System 750 1125
Puzzlemon Puzzle (パズル) Standard Game 350 525
Racemon Race (レース) Standard Game 550 825
Raidramon Super Hacking (超ハッキング) Super System 12500 18750
Rebootmon Reboot (再起動) God God 280000 420000
Recomon Recording (録音) Standard Tool 290 435
Resshamon Transfer (乗換) Standard Navi 720 1080
Reviewmon Review (口コミ) Standard Social 250 375
Revivemon Restoration (復元) Ultimate System 78000 117000
Roamon Voice Change (ボイスチェンジ) Super Tool 4400 6600
Rocketmon Rocket (ロケット) Standard Navi 1600 2400
Ropuremon Ropure (ロープレ) Standard Game 1500 2250
Sakusimon Simulation (シミュレーション) Super Game 14000 21000
Santamon File:Santamon icon.png Christmas (クリスマス) Super Entertainment 12250
Sateramon GPS (GPS) Ultimate Navi 100000 150000
Savemon Backup (バックアップ) Standard System 1100 1650
Scorpmon Monitoring (監視) Super Tool 13000 19500
Setmon Setup (設定) Standard Social 50 75
Shotmon Shooting (シューティング) Standard Game 1300 1950
Shutmon Forced Termination (強制終了) Ultimate Tool 57000 85500
Sleepmon Sleep (睡眠) Standard Life 270 405
Sociamon SNS (SNS) Super Social 6800 10200
Spamon Spa (温泉) Standard Life 260 390
Speciamon File:Speciamon icon.png Secret (機密) Ultimate Navi 100000
Sukasimon Failed (スカ) Super Social 4000 6000
Supermon File:Supermon icon.png Super (スーパー) Super System 10000
Supplemon Supple (サプリ) Standard Life 310 465
Swipemon





Swipe (スワイプ) Standard 8
Tapmon





Tap (タップ) Standard 8
Tarotmon Super Fortune Telling (超占い) Super Entertainment 11500 17250
Tellermon Fortune Telling (占い) Standard Entertainment 400 600
Timemon Time Slip (タイムスリップ) Super Tool 10000 15000
Trickmon Trick (手品) Standard Entertainment 530 795
Tripmon Trip (旅行) Super Navi 6200 9300
Tubumon Tweet (つぶやき) Standard Social 480 720
Tutomon Commentary (解説) Standard Navi 200 300
Uratekumon Hints and Tips (攻略) Super Game 9000 13500
Vegasmon Roulette (ルーレット) Super Entertainment 9800 14700
Virusmon Virus (ウィルス) Standard Life 640 960
Vjumpmon File:Vjumpmon icon.png V Jump (Vジャンプ) Super Game 5500
Warpmon Transmission (転送) Super System 12000 18000
Warudamon Strategy (策略) Ultimate System 88000 132000
Watchmon Watch (時計) Standard Tool 160 240
Weatherdramon Climate (天候) Super Navi 15000 22500
Weathermon Weather (天気) Standard Navi 1050 1575
Yadomon Hotel (ホテル) Standard Navi 470 705

Development

During an interview conducted in April 2016, one month before the official announcement of the Appmon Project, producer Seki Hiromi discussed the concept of portraying a new generation of Digimon through smartphone applications. The premise was subsequently confirmed by Yoshiaki Orihara , who instigated the Appmon Project.

During a livestream dedicated to Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hacker's Memory, Habu Kazumasa, Kakudou Hiroyuki, and Watanabe Koji cited Appmon as an example of the Digimon franchise adapting to the contemporary digital environment and the widespread accessibility of online networks.

They also discussed the implications that this changing technological environment had for the definition of Digimon and the Digital World. The new parallel world conceptualized around a different aspect of digital technology was referred to as a "Digital Parallel".

Additional information

References Notes
  1. ↑ The term 「系譜 Keifu」 generally refers to a pedigree, genealogy, or lineage, and can also describe an evolutionary or ancestral tree showing descent.
  2. ↑ The ensemble primarily incorporates syntactic elements resembling those of C-style languages (such as C, C++, and Java) through the use of braces, parentheses, and semicolons, as well as dynamic elements evocative of JavaScript code. More linear sequences conceptually associated with the execution of smartphone applications resemble high-level and scripting languages such as Python or Lua, while compact and cryptic, assembly-like structures evoke low-level languages and core system processes. Other markings resemble JSON data notation, pseudocode, and generic computing terminology, employing keywords such as CORE, APP, PROCESS, and DATA. Additionally, symbols such as *, +, and () may evoke regular expressions or symbolic logic, while the visual organisation of certain elements recalls markup languages such as XML or HTML.