As a child of the late 90’s/early 2000’s, I have witnessed a great many fads. Pogs. Beanie Babies. The Macarena. Few have enjoyed the enduring success that Pokémon has benefitted from. Though I was rather more partial to the Gameboy games, the most ubiquitous subset of this franchise was the trading cards. Break time in the playground was teething with the collectors, hunched over, inspecting other decks for potential rarities they could trade. Perhaps even that one lucky individual that had somehow manifested an illusive Charizard shiny that, to this day, still eludes my collection. Many of my formative years were spent in the exasperating pursuit of completing these sets, to no avail. Now much of these corrugated trinkets are secured in protective binders, awaiting the day these lottery tickets can be cashed in, and I can retire on my own private beach, earning 20%. But like so many tangible collectibles, people have to find a way of monetising hobbies.

Introducing “Pokémon: The Trading Card Game Pocket”. A game that invokes the same nostalgic thrill you used to get from opening physical packs as a kid. Just in a digital, slightly dubious virtual environment. I mean look, with a “free to play” mobile game, there is an inherent dependency on consumer engagement, to generate profit. If you are someone that possesses enough restraint, then you shouldn’t have to worry. Every 12 hours, you can open a pack from 3 different variants. As you begin to accumulate more cards to fill out your Pokédex. Resources, such as wonder packs, a system in which you can randomly pick one card from a 5 card assortment, previously opened by another player, and “hourglasses” which reduce the time it takes for these standard packs to be opened. But they are limited, encouraging players to either complete the finite amount of missions available to gain more, or purchase gold, the games premium currency. By increasing the number of cards for your respective decks, you can also increase their efficiency in battles.

Having dedicated my youth to the accumulation of these cards, rather than the intended usage of battling, I was sceptical that I would find any enjoyment. But was surprised by how inclusive it is for new players. Albeit a rather streamlined equivalent of the game, battles are compulsive, if largely dictated by the strength and type advantage of your opponents, as well as the luck of the cards you pull. They are surprisingly dynamic too, really conveying a sense of trepidation for what your opponent might attack with next. Having assembled a formidable team with almost every type, I feel relatively confident in my ability to win perhaps 50% of my encounters. And it’s very reassuring when you do.

Pokémon TCG is a satisfying delve into my childhood, but also exposes those of us that simply ignore the battling, to just how intricate, tactical and diverting it can be. There is the ever looming compulsion to spend real money in pursuit of that one elusive card you need. But if you can refrain from the temptation to spend more than you should, then this is a fun little distraction between mainline titles.

What do you think of the Pokémon TCG Pocket? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks.