I have a complex love-hate affair with Pokemon TCG Pocket. Without a doubt, it stands as my favorite mobile game released this year. It brilliantly captures the essence of the physical trading card game, transforming it into a delightful virtual collectathon. Yet, it has also awakened a side of me I thought I left behind at 21—a side filled with intense frustration towards strangers worldwide.
Pokemon TCG Pocket keeps me awake until 2 AM, even though staying up late has lost its charm over the years. I go to bed irritated and wake up with remnants of that irritation echoing in my mind. As I sip my coffee on a lovely morning, my thoughts drift to Mewtwo EX decks and the players who thrive on them. Such emotional engagement doesn’t point to a bad game—in fact, quite the contrary. Only a truly remarkable game can evoke such passion.
Sometime ago, we discussed the need for a competitive ranked match in the game, a way to measure your skills against other Pokémon trainers globally. Since then, the game introduced features that, while not exactly what we initially imagined, sparked the competitive spirit just the same. It started with a basic PvP mode that offered rewards for victories. More recently, a similar mode emerged where consecutive wins became the goal. This latter mode really captivated me.
It’s the ideal setup to showcase the highs and lows of the game’s meta. It motivates the whole community to craft superior decks before a fresh influx of cards reshuffles the scene. It’s like a celebration of the game’s 1.0 champions—a time when the infamous Charizard EX deck, the sneaky Mewtwo EX deck, and the cunning Starmie/Articuno EX plus Misty deck reign. Not too long ago, a new basic PvP event coupled with the Mythical Island pack brought these formidable strategies back, alongside the current Deck of the Month: Celebi EX, causing plenty of headaches.
The developers truly merit the praise they’re receiving. Of course, the Pokémon brand and card game’s popularity is a huge draw, but they’ve crafted a game that holds immense allure for all players, regardless of skill level. Plus, they consistently introduce small events that cater to players with more niche interests. I believe this is why so many folks are still eagerly tearing open card packs. It’s addictive.
With a new wave of cards arriving soon, I can confidently say I’m hooked on this game. I tried the premium pass free trial when it first launched (a brilliant move, by the way), and I don’t see myself canceling that subscription any time soon. To me, it’s money well spent. How else am I going to compete against top-tier decks in the dim, early hours of the morning?
