Some of the changes made Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket compared to the original TCG it can make players very cautious when taking the first turn in battles. The battle system featured in the mobile game is notably different from the original tabletop game, which allows for much faster matches. However, some of the changes made to the rules seem designed specifically to make people fear what would otherwise appear to be an advantageous position.
In contrast to Pokémon TCG livewhich is a much more faithful digital adaptation of the TCG, Pokémon TCG Pocket both offer a streamlined battle experience and place a heavy emphasis on card collection. It is not surprising that the game has proven extremely popular, with Pokémon TCG Pocket already earning millions in just a few days. However, the new mobile game isn’t perfect; not only failed to fix a long-running problem Pokemon CTG is a problem with its battle system, but it has also introduced problems of its own with changes to its mechanics.
Pokémon TCGP makes the first game unlucky
Winning at coin flip can feel more like losing
Regardless of format, each Pokémon TCG The game starts with a coin toss to determine which player goes first. However, unlike the original TCG, Pokémon TCG Pocket does not allow a player who wins this move to choose whether to play first or second. Instead, winning guarantees that one person plays first, something that now comes with a significant disadvantage. Not only is the opportunity to determine the order of play a strategic advantage now lost to the player, but also the gameplay changes made to Pokémon TCG PocketGonzalez’s struggles undoubtedly make being first a major disadvantage.
In Pokémon TCG Pocket, going first typically prevents a player from taking several important actions on their initial turn. This is all due to the fact that this player will not be able to attach an Energy from the Energy Zone this turn, while his opponent will not have such a problem. Naturally, the consequences of losing this Energy on the first turn can pose a significant problem in battles, even when playing with some of the Genetic Apexthe strongest cards.
Going first leaves people behind in the game
Potentially game-winning energy becomes unavailable
Being unable to attach an Energy on the first turn is potentially disastrous for any player, as it can mean the difference between winning and losing. The restriction means that the player who goes first starts behind their opponent in terms of available energy to fuel attacks, and there’s a strong possibility that this will remain true for the rest of the game. Of course, various card effects can help fill this gap, but regardless, a player who ‘loses’ the draw will always have extra Energy available.
This energy imbalance can affect play in several ways. For example, if both players have an Active Pokémon that needs two Energy to attack, then leaving the Energy Zone means the player who missed the coin toss will be able to attack first on the second turn. Meanwhile, the player who goes first will only receive their second Energy on the third turn for a counterattack, assuming that this first confrontation was not enough to Knock Out their own Pokémon.
This rule can naturally make it extremely disappointing for any player to win the initial coin toss. Whether in Solo or Online play, This single moment can have a huge impact on the pacing and difficulty of the entire match. Not only is there little you can do on a first turn without Energy, including attacking, but it also gives the opponent an obvious advantage from the start. The fact that all of this is completely out of the player’s control only makes the experience worse.
The first few turns are better in the original TCG
Winning the opening coin toss is much more advantageous
The original rules of the Pokémon Trading Card Game puts those who win the coin toss in a much better position than Pokémon TCG Pocket he does. Choosing to go first in the first case can allow a person to begin taking significant steps towards victory, including increasing their chances of striking first. Of course, going second can have its own advantages depending on the deck’s strategy, and the TCG allows players to choose that as well. The rules of PTCGPhowever, they have a strong weight in eliminating any advantage in winning this draw.
A new advantage of being the first in Pokémon TCG Pocket offers is the ability to play Supporter cards. However, relatively few Supporters have any significant benefit in the first round. Misty, crucially, can subvert the rule of energy attachment and opens up the possibility of attack, but only for Water-type Pokémon. More generally, Sabrina can be used to delay matchups with a powerful opposing Active Pokémon, and Professor’s Research card draw is universally appealing, but beyond that, the current Supporter cards lack broad appeal.
Although playing Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket may be simpler when compared to the original TCG, the changes to its rules have also introduced their own complications. Winning the coin toss in this version of the game dramatically affects available energy, which can leave someone a step behind for the rest of the game. As a result, being first in the mobile game version of the TCG can easily be something to fear rather than celebrate, especially with the choice being taken out of players’ hands.
- Released
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October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
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DeNA, Criaturas Inc.
- Editor(s)
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The Pokémon Company
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer