Pokémon TCG Pocket

[Slix]

https://tcgpocket.pokemon.com/en-us/

Pokémon TCG Pocket was announced a few months ago, and they finally gave us a release date and a new trailer! The app looks pretty cool. I'm excited to try it out and open some packs. I'm curious how many cards there will be at launch.

[sentientprism]

Now that it's finally out, I have to say I wasn't expecting the simplified battle system, and I'm honestly still a little mixed on it. Of course Live exists for playing the "real" tcg, but it would've been nice if there was at least the option to play with the original rules. I guess they didn't want to create competition between their apps though.

[Slix]

Now that it's finally out, I have to say I wasn't expecting the simplified battle system, and I'm honestly still a little mixed on it. Of course Live exists for playing the "real" tcg, but it would've been nice if there was at least the option to play with the original rules. I guess they didn't want to create competition between their apps though.

I've been enjoying the game so far. I actually think I like the simplified battle mechanics - it feels very similar to how the game felt years back before EX cards and fancy stuff like that. Evolve and put energies on, attack! I don't have a ton of great cards yet, but I have enough hourglasses to open tons of packs this weekend!

[sentientprism]

I have a bad problem with hoarding, I'm probably still gonna have 200 "just in case" months from now XD
The meta does feel very similar to early pokemon TCG, idk if you've played competitive leagues for it but it's very similar to how you described, with big emphasis on basic attackers doing decent damage for cheap. It is a fun meta, but I'm hoping cards don't end up all feeling the same later down the line

[AsThePokeballTurns]

I have a bad problem with hoarding, I'm probably still gonna have 200 "just in case" months from now XD
The meta does feel very similar to early pokemon TCG, idk if you've played competitive leagues for it but it's very similar to how you described, with big emphasis on basic attackers doing decent damage for cheap. It is a fun meta, but I'm hoping cards don't end up all feeling the same later down the line

I imagine it will spread out over time. I think starting simple is best. They basically learn from their history, molded it into a quick game, and have years or art to lean back on. I think it will be a nice niche.

[sentientprism]

I guess I'm just having trouble seeing them keep the game interesting when they're intentionally trying to keep it simple. My favorite format for the pokemon TCG is the EX series, and while its the most complex, its also incredibly difficult to get tired of
Compared to the black and white series, which is one of my least favorites, as there are hardly any mechanics that make you think any deeper than the EX pokemon and maybe some plasma shenanigans. It felt very similar to the way pocket does now, which is why I'm worried. The game is definitely at its healthiest when they allow themselves to add more unique mechanics and don't fall victim to power creep.
I think you're right that it'll carve out a niche for itself though. Even assuming worst case scenario for the metagame (base-rocket type stuff), the game itself has a very different appeal anyway.