In the realm of card games, Pokemon TCG Pocket tries to echo the charm of its physical predecessor while introducing its own unique twists. A variety of familiar monsters make appearances, maintaining the thread that ties it to the physical Pokemon TCG. However, some changes stand out, especially the omission of Energy cards, making the gameplay experience distinctly different.
Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket are capped at precisely 20 cards—neither more nor less. This rule represents a significant departure from the traditional game. Adding another layer of complexity is the game’s approach to Energy. Instead of traditional Energy cards, the game randomly generates Energy based on the types present in your deck or those chosen during its creation. This system works well for decks focused on a single type but poses challenges when multiple Energy types are required, especially for Dragon-type Pokemon. These majestic creatures often need multiple Energy types, which isn’t easy to manage under Pocket’s random generation system.
Currently, seven Dragon-type cards are available in the game, not including the illustration rare versions of Dragonite and Garchomp. With the exception of Gible, all Dragon cards require at least two different kinds of Energy for attacks. Dragonite, for instance, demands both Water and Electric Energy, whereas Druddigon needs Water and Fire. Gabite and Garchomp further complicate matters by requiring Water and Fighting.
The lack of specific Energy cards results in a dilemma: players could potentially never draw the right combo of Energy when it matters most. Imagine a scenario with a Garchomp deck also integrating Greninja or similar cards. The unfortunate player might find themselves flooded with Water Energy but lacking that crucial Fighting Energy to unleash Garchomp’s full power. To address this, there are several potential improvements to consider.
One option could be for the Energy Zone to generate Energy based on the proportion of Pokemon types present in a deck. For instance, if a deck has three Water Pokemon and one Dragon Pokemon needing both Water and Fighting Energy, it might guarantee one Fighting Energy for every three Water Energy generated. Another approach could involve introducing a special Trainer card, inspired perhaps by a legendary Dragon trainer like Lance. This card could enable Dragon-type Pokemon to attack regardless of the specific Energy types attached. Alternatively, a card could let players pick and change the generated Energy type in the Energy Zone.
Energy manipulation or control is essential for bringing Dragon-type decks into the spotlight. Currently, the meta favors decks like Darkrai Ex and Magnezone, which utilize multiple Energies but can stay consistent with one type. The random nature of Energy generation benefits single-type decks disproportionately. A change to support multi-type decks would not only enhance the gameplay for Dragon Pokemon fans but would also encourage more strategic deckbuilding across the board. It’s an opportunity for players to embrace two or more Pokemon types within a single deck, enriching the overall gaming experience.
