We had the unique opportunity from The Pokémon Company to exclusively test its new mobile video game, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket. This new installment of the franchise brings all the essence and excitement of the collectible card game (TCG) to the digital world, allowing players to enjoy an immersive experience that combines the best of the physical format with the advantages of technology.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket offers an accessible experience for new players
During our test session, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket proved to be a perfect experience to attract new players to the TCG world. The video game offers a simple and intuitive experience, with clear tutorials that guide beginners step-by-step in learning the rules and strategies of the card game.
For Latin American audiences, the full Spanish localization adds extra accessibility. From the very first games, players can enjoy the exciting ritual of opening virtual card packs, maintaining the essence of the physical game on a digital platform.
TCG cards look amazing
There is no doubt that the fever for opening Pokémon booster packs and collecting rare cards has reached sky-high levels, both among the most passionate TCG players and those who are not so familiar with the franchise. The Pokémon Company has captured this excitement perfectly and brought it into the digital realm, replicating their vast collection of physical cards with an impressive level of detail.
What really stands out is the treatment given to the rarer cards. These have not only been digitally recreated with great precision, but are also accompanied by visual effects that make them look phenomenal. By selecting one of these cards, players are transported into an immersive experience that consists of an animated sequence that expands the original artwork on the card, transforming the art into a dynamic landscape.
Depending on the card, this sequence can range from a serene and beautiful setting to a fast-paced action scene, adding an additional layer of excitement and value to the digital collection. It is a clear example of how technology has made it possible to take the card collecting experience to a new level, offering something beyond the physical and enveloping players in a visually spectacular world.
Playing TCG has never been easier
From the very first moment, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket immerses us in a clear and concise tutorial that explains the basics of the game in an accessible way, virtually eliminating any barriers to entry for new players. This intuitive approach helps those who, on other platforms, might feel overwhelmed or frustrated when trying to learn the TCG rules, making the experience much more user-friendly and fluid from the start.
As for combat, the game offers a wide range of options that are perfectly suited to different skill levels. Players can choose to face the artificial intelligence to practice and improve their strategies, or challenge opponents in online matches, allowing for a more competitive experience. This flexibility ensures that TCG beginners and veterans alike can enjoy the game at their own pace, without feeling out of place.
Opening card envelopes is very rewarding
In Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, players have the opportunity to open envelopes from the various collections available every few hours. In addition, completing daily quests and progressing through the game unlocks special items that allow players to reduce the waiting time between each envelope opening or even perform massive openings of up to 10 envelopes at a time, similar to the mechanics of gacha video games.
It is important to note that collectible card games (TCGs) are often expensive for many players, and opening multiple booster packs may be out of the financial reach of many enthusiasts. With Pocket, Pokémon has made the card collecting experience much more accessible.
Although there are paid elements, such as game passes, these are considerably more affordable compared to purchasing physical booster packs. With a pass, players can unlock better rewards and new quests that will allow them to open more booster packs, offering an inexpensive and fun alternative to the traditional TCG experience.
Recall that Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a video game developed by Creatures Inc. and DeNA Co., Ltd., scheduled to be released on October 30 for mobile devices with iOS and Android operating systems.