Pokémon Made Another Gacha Game... | TCG Pocket First Impressions
Gaming
Introduction
In a year without any main series Pokémon game releases, the Pokémon Company has provided a significant debut with their latest mobile app, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (TCG Pocket). After closely following the game leading up to its worldwide launch, I wanted to share my thoughts after playing over the weekend.
Overview of TCG Pocket
Pokémon TCG Pocket aims to offer a fresh take on the trading card game concept, focusing on quick battles lasting about five minutes. It provides players with an entirely new card pool to experience, alongside a collectible aspect that allows for opening packs of cards. Developed by DeNA, the team behind Pokémon Masters, in collaboration with Creatures Inc., the initial signs were quite promising.
The presentation of TCG Pocket is clean, with a lot of white space that can sometimes feel overly sterile. However, the game shines with beautiful effects and visuals, especially with the integration of 3D elements and immersive animations for rare cards, making it visually appealing.
Gameplay Mechanics
The monetization system is based on a progress bar that fills up every 12 hours, allowing players to open at least two packs daily. Additionally, players can obtain hourglasses to accelerate pack openings, use Wonder Coins to acquire random cards, and complete daily missions for rewards.
Battles are structured similarly to the traditional trading card game, featuring 20-card decks and competitive gameplay. Player matchmaking is a welcome addition, though winning battles only provides experience and doesn’t offer immediate tangible rewards like card packs. While the game encourages social interaction through a "thanks" feature post-battle, it feels somewhat misplaced as some may opt not to engage in this aspect. The absence of a ranked matchmaking system at launch is also a notable omission, impacting the competitive nature of TCG Pocket.
Issues and Suggestions
While TCG Pocket offers a fun experience, it heavily resembles a gacha game rather than a full-fledged trading card game. The overall system means players are more likely to wait for the right cards instead of actively grinding for them. The game is designed for short bursts of play, which seems counterintuitive to the deeper engagement typically found in digital trading card games.
Additionally, the crafting system rewards seem underwhelming, and the game's free-to-play model may deter seasoned players who are accustomed to more rewarding systems seen in other digital card games.
Conclusion
In summary, Pokémon TCG Pocket is an intriguing entry into the world of mobile trading card games, featuring beautiful visuals and quicker battles. However, it will likely appeal more to casual players who enjoy short sessions rather than those seeking depth and competitive structure. If you're longing for a more traditional and rewarding trading card game experience, Pokémon TCG Live still serves as a strong alternative. I look forward to exploring TCG Pocket further and seeing how it evolves.
Keywords
Pokémon, TCG Pocket, trading card game, mobile game, gacha game, quick battles, monetization, crafting system, matchmaking, competitive play.
FAQ
**What is Pokémon TCG Pocket?** Pokémon TCG Pocket is a mobile trading card game that emphasizes shorter battles and a unique card pool.
How does the monetization work in TCG Pocket? The game features a progress bar that allows players to open a limited number of packs daily and includes currency systems for additional pack openings.
Are battles in TCG Pocket competitive? Yes, players can engage in matchmaking for online battles, but rewards for winning are primarily experience points rather than direct in-game rewards.
Is there a ranked system in TCG Pocket? Currently, there is no ranked ladder available, which may limit the competitive aspects of the game.
How does TCG Pocket compare to other trading card games? TCG Pocket is more casual and resembles a gacha game, while traditional trading card games like Pokémon TCG Live offer deeper, competitive experiences.