Don't let its cute monsters and child-friendly main game fool you. The Pokémon video games are designed for sophisticated and intricate competitive play.
I'm not a Pokemon TCG player, so can't answer fully. But here we go: They are two seperate entities. TCG borrows elements from the video games though.
The card game has a little less complexity to it -- mainly to draw people in. For instance, there's less Pokemon types in TCG than in the video games.
The games have added a lot of complexity over time, and its more of a game of chess and math, understanding the impact of various stats, moves and benefits. Not all of these nuances have made it into the card game -- and that's a good thing!
This is such a good insights. When I tell my older co workers that I play and collect pokemon you can def tell from their reaction it's that "Aint that a kid's game?". Yet most kids that watched pokemon as a kid are in their 30's now. It's such a generational franchise that both 8 yr olds and millenials can have the same conversation about it!
I got that too, when I said I was climbing the online ladder. I wanted to create a piece of content that anyone can point to on this.
But you are 100% correct. It's generational content -- that's perpetually trying to chase the new generation of kids, but has rusted on fans from the 90s onwards.
I’m so bad. I had no idea how in depth this is. Absolutely mind boggling but really cool to see how expansive it is. And expensive :) Love the angle you provide as always.
Yes! I just saw this. Being in Australia, the video game world revolves around announcing things while I'm asleep.
I suspect this is The Pokemon Company's answer to Pokemon Showdown? This app will be just for battling and will likely be the go-to for VGC. My guess, is that it will also allow trainers adjust their Pokemon on the fly, much like Showdown.
If I'm right, it also allows them to experiment more with the main series, and not have to wrap it tightly into VGC play!
Many, many years ago, I stumbled upon a crazy-ass excel sheet detailing Pokemon breeding stats and percentages and numbers and figures and all sorts of other malarky I'd never even heard of. I never looked at Pokemon games the same way again.
Spreadsheets are just the beginning. I can't stress enough how basic I've been here in explaining the mechanics. It's actually bonkers.
Funnily enough, the Junior division of VGC kinda plays how you would expect it to. Pokemon ramming each other with their strongest attacks. The Masters however, is a whole other game.
After Breath of the Wild, I thought that Nintendo will use the engine and approach in everything. So I'm glad that after Pokemon Run&Gun (or was it Sword&Shield) they created Arceus.
I knew Pokemon could get super technical, but I appreciate the breakdown, Harrison.
That said, despite my best efforts, I've never been able to enjoy Pokemon. Not as a kid or adult. A part of me wishes I could, but then again, my indifference means I don't have to invest in them. Wallet saved!
This is incredibly interesting. I'd like to know more about how the video game battles compare to the card game.
Sorry for the slow reply!
I'm not a Pokemon TCG player, so can't answer fully. But here we go: They are two seperate entities. TCG borrows elements from the video games though.
The card game has a little less complexity to it -- mainly to draw people in. For instance, there's less Pokemon types in TCG than in the video games.
The games have added a lot of complexity over time, and its more of a game of chess and math, understanding the impact of various stats, moves and benefits. Not all of these nuances have made it into the card game -- and that's a good thing!
This is such a good insights. When I tell my older co workers that I play and collect pokemon you can def tell from their reaction it's that "Aint that a kid's game?". Yet most kids that watched pokemon as a kid are in their 30's now. It's such a generational franchise that both 8 yr olds and millenials can have the same conversation about it!
I got that too, when I said I was climbing the online ladder. I wanted to create a piece of content that anyone can point to on this.
But you are 100% correct. It's generational content -- that's perpetually trying to chase the new generation of kids, but has rusted on fans from the 90s onwards.
I’m so bad. I had no idea how in depth this is. Absolutely mind boggling but really cool to see how expansive it is. And expensive :) Love the angle you provide as always.
It breaks my brain. And continues to do so.
Thanks mate!
It's going to be fun seeing if the esports scene takes off further with Pokemon Champions
Yes! I just saw this. Being in Australia, the video game world revolves around announcing things while I'm asleep.
I suspect this is The Pokemon Company's answer to Pokemon Showdown? This app will be just for battling and will likely be the go-to for VGC. My guess, is that it will also allow trainers adjust their Pokemon on the fly, much like Showdown.
If I'm right, it also allows them to experiment more with the main series, and not have to wrap it tightly into VGC play!
Many, many years ago, I stumbled upon a crazy-ass excel sheet detailing Pokemon breeding stats and percentages and numbers and figures and all sorts of other malarky I'd never even heard of. I never looked at Pokemon games the same way again.
There's game depth, and then there's Pokemon.
Spreadsheets are just the beginning. I can't stress enough how basic I've been here in explaining the mechanics. It's actually bonkers.
Funnily enough, the Junior division of VGC kinda plays how you would expect it to. Pokemon ramming each other with their strongest attacks. The Masters however, is a whole other game.
Pokemon is definitely a fascinating game by itself.
But I stopped being interested because of the childish-ish single-player. Although, I could give Arceus a try.
I genuinely think it’s constant drive at kids does the series a disservice. Kinda why I wrote this!
But.. Arceus is good though! More action adventure than the classic games.
After Breath of the Wild, I thought that Nintendo will use the engine and approach in everything. So I'm glad that after Pokemon Run&Gun (or was it Sword&Shield) they created Arceus.
This was fascinating!
I knew Pokemon could get super technical, but I appreciate the breakdown, Harrison.
That said, despite my best efforts, I've never been able to enjoy Pokemon. Not as a kid or adult. A part of me wishes I could, but then again, my indifference means I don't have to invest in them. Wallet saved!
Fair enough. It’s an acquired taste for sure. It doesn’t help that the games themselves are so kiddy.
I’ve just always loved the series, so kinda fell into competitive play? But haven’t participated in V&S’ meta.
But for sure, save your $$$!