A new TCG
Pokémon is more than just the games. Over the years, the brand starring Pikachu and hundreds of other pocket-sized creatures has expanded into different entertainment mediums, each one as profitable as the past. Today, there are anime, plush toys, special figures, merchandise that fans would kill to have, and of course, cards. Since 1996, the Pokémon TCG has positioned itself as one of the pillars of this multi-million dollar company. Thus, it should not be a big surprise to hear that this concept is trying to reach more people. This goes beyond bringing together all the possible variants, since there is also a competitive aspect that can be intimidating for more than one. Thus, in its quest to reach more people, The Pokémon Company has taken on the task of creating an experience that is easy to understand, maintains the element of collecting, all this and more in our pocket.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is the next big mobile adventure for Pikachu and company. In the past, the company has tried to expand the trading card concept into a digital format through Pokémon TCG Live. While this experience has enjoyed a positive reception, its focus is on the competitive aspect, so not many have given it the opportunity. This is where Pocket enters the scene. Being available on iOS and Android, not only does this experience become accessible to a wide audience, but it aims to reach the hands of all those who have been intimidated by the complexity of physical play. However, since its reveal, not enough information has been shared to resolve our general doubts.
Fortunately, a couple of days ago I had the opportunity to visit The Pokémon Company offices in Mexico, where I spent several hours playing Pokémon TCG Pocketand where I also spoke with some of the developers behind this experience, a conversation that you can check out here. What does it offer us? Pokémon TCG Pocket? Is this the gateway that all fans have been waiting for? Find out the answers to these and more questions in our Hands On.
Digital collecting
Pokémon TCG Pocket is described as the traditional Pokémon TCG experience, but reimagined for a digital format. Not only does this include online battles, but DeNA and Creatures, the developers, have made sure that collecting is a core part of this title. Rather than making an exact transition from the physical card game to the virtual world, the developers have taken care to offer an experience similar to titles like Marvel Snap and Hearthstonesomething that we see not only in its aesthetic section, but also in its mechanics.
But let’s take it step by step. Pokémon TCG Pocket is built to offer the closest possible experience to the physical game. One of the most captivating elements of this title is its collecting section. One of the focuses of the experience is opening envelopes, but this goes beyond simply clicking on an image and that’s it. DeNA and Creatures have taken the task of replicating everything that involves these packs, since you can move them, open them from the top, and it is quite a satisfying feeling when you uncover several in an instant. Likewise, the cards show great attention to detail, since you can appreciate different animations, visual effects, and the same feeling of satisfaction when you find a rare card, or disappointment when you discover several duplicates, are part of the application.
One of the most striking sections of Pokémon TCG Pocket These are the cards. Each card features a design similar to the one found in the physical game, but with special effects exclusive to the app. The digital format allowed developers and artists to create holograms and 3D effects that you can’t find anywhere else. Of these, the immersive cards are the crown jewel. Here you can witness animations that immerse us in the art. Every detail looks spectacular, and the team clearly took care of offering a special experience that all fans will love, since they allow us to enter the world where a Mewtwo lives. In this regard, Ryo Tsujikawa, creative director of Creatures, told us about the way in which this digital element can influence the design of the physical section in the future:
“We’re focused on making Pokémon TCG Pocket the best it can be. Working on Creates, both Pocket and physical, we’ll share ideas, and if there’s an interesting way to make a card the way we learned in TCG Pocket, maybe we’ll apply it to physical cards and vice versa.”
Along with this, Pocket Bulbasaur also offers multiple ways to organize your card collection, such as an album, display cases, or a fairly traditional selection. Even duplicate cards you have can be used to give the Bulbasaur you want to show off some additional effect. At launch, only 226 cards will be available, but this number will grow substantially with future expansions. At the same time, it is also possible to customize the tokens, sleeves, and mats with different elements that you collect by completing missions, or by spending your real money.
Simplification, the name of the game
The second major section of Pokémon TCG Pocket is the competitive aspect. This experience doesn’t offer an exact replica of the physical game, but rather a simplified version that’s perfect for those who have always been intimidated by the complexity of the cards. Many of the core mechanics have been reworked to work in a digital format, where matches end in a couple of minutes. The goal is to win three rounds, where your opponent’s main card runs out of life. One of the biggest changes is the constant generation of energy. Each turn you get a point of some element according to your deck, which you can assign to the four cards you can place on the board.
This is a very important change, and it is something that will force more traditional players to change the way they play. This translates into an experience that is easy to understand, and does not require vast knowledge for you to have fun.. However, for newbies and those who have never played TCG, this is the perfect introduction. While some classic elements have been replaced or changed in major ways, such as the fact that each deck is built from only 20 cards, rather than the 60 that many are used to, it is very easy to understand what is going on. At the same time, the game includes a series of tutorials that do a good job of explaining its mechanics, although the mandatory sessions could be a bit clearer and include lessons that are essential.
If you have played Marvel Snap either Hearthstoneyou will easily understand how to play Pokémon TCG PocketIt’s not a complicated experience. However, the game does offer a series of battles that give you the chance to experiment with different decks and figure out how to become a Pokémon master. In addition to this, it’s also possible to take part in specific challenges against the computer, as well as play online with strangers and friends. In our interview with the developers, Ryo Tsujikawa, Creative Director of Creatures, told us that they plan to expand this element to include ranked matches, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pocket at Pokémon World Championships in the future. Here’s what he said:
“We know that when it comes to Pokémon cards, there will be players who are more interested in the competitive aspect. Depending on the users, we will consider adding things like ranked battles and tournaments.”
Even for those who aren’t entirely convinced, the game offers an auto-battle option and automatic deck creation, both of which work very well. Although simplification is a double-edged sword, in the case of Pokémon TCG Pocket This is the right move to attract a new audience. People like me, who have never shown interest in physical gaming, will surely be captivated by the quick and simple combat and hopefully get into the main experience. It’s a very well-crafted aspect that manages to stand out on its own, rather than being a hindrance. Pokémon TCG Live vertically.
How much are you going to spend?
Now, Pokémon TCG Pocket It’s free-to-play, and that means microtransactions and other monetization elements. To start, the game gives you the chance to open two free packs, each containing five cards, every day. This way, you can build up a decent collection over time, and without spending a cent, although you’re completely dependent on luck being on your side, just like in the physical experience. At the same time, you can complete daily quests that reward you with an hourglass that reduces the wait time to get a pack. Each one is equivalent to one hour, so you need 12 to open a pack.
The big downfall of this experience is the fact that there are four different types of currency, each giving you access to different customization elements. Along with this, you can also pay $9.99 a month to access a premium battle pass with unique missions, an additional pack per day, its own shop, and gold bars that further reduce the wait time to open a pack. This way, there are multiple ways to spend your real money, and considering how addictive it is to get new cards, it’s very likely that more than one person will spend their income quickly without realizing it.
At first, Pokémon TCG Pocket doesn’t feel that aggressive. The initial quests are straightforward and offer enough hourglasses to get you through multiple packs in your first few days. I’m not sure what will happen a week later, though. It’s still too early to see how aggressive the final experience will be, and beyond getting more packs, there’s not a huge incentive to pay for everything here. The only thing that might be interesting is the season pass.
Always in your pocket
Pokémon TCG Pocket is positioned as the next big obsession for many. As a huge fan of Marvel Snap, Pocket is an app that wants my attention, and after trying it out, it makes a good case for toppling the work of Second Dinner Studio, and being my go-to mobile game of choice all time. The collection element is flashy, addictive, and the special effects offer a unique aspect that you can only find here. The competitive aspect is simplified in a major way, but it works very well in its environment, and it’s a great gateway to a new audience. While it remains to be seen how aggressive the monetization will be, The Pokémon Company clearly wants your money, and it’ll be hard to resist breaking out your credit card at least once every fortnight. Pokémon TCG Pocket will arrive on iOS and Android devices as free-to-play on October 30, 2024.
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