It's certainly not cheaper, but let's just say in my time working in the game industry I've seen a few dice, and I can think of exactly one example where the 'logo' wasn't on the 1 for a custom d6.
Feedback on the Elite Trainer Box
- Thread starter ExoByte
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It's certainly not cheaper, but let's just say in my time working in the game industry I've seen a few dice, and I can think of exactly one example where the 'logo' wasn't on the 1 for a custom d6.
PokemonTrader
Active Member
I'm all for a great collection of d6's however maybe each ETB released could have a cycle of different "specialty" insides?
I mean, how many people would continuously shell out $30-40 for a handful of specialty dice?
Like, if I saw that in each box, the only perk would be the dice (aside from the booster packs that can't get weighed! :Thumb
, after a while, I'd lose interest in buying them for the sheer accumulation of damage counters, energy and other flimsy products...
A specialty set of counters would be amazing...
Likewise specialty energy would be intriguing...
Just my two cents!
I mean, how many people would continuously shell out $30-40 for a handful of specialty dice?
Like, if I saw that in each box, the only perk would be the dice (aside from the booster packs that can't get weighed! :Thumb
, after a while, I'd lose interest in buying them for the sheer accumulation of damage counters, energy and other flimsy products...A specialty set of counters would be amazing...
Likewise specialty energy would be intriguing...
Just my two cents!
TheDancingPeanut
New Member
I really agree with the above comment about Japanese-style damage counters. I wish I would have remembered that whilie filling out the survey.
This product was long overdue in my opinion.
Was it perfect, no.
Areas in need of improvement:
Deck Box should be a bit sturdier, or just don't bother with it.
Dice are great, but not needed for every set.
Maybe every three sets (if you do this idea every set).
Instead of dice maybe sleeves or a plastic deckbox (again every three sets).
Also a rotation of the energy every three sets as well.
Maybe something like Trainers (the "core" trainers that everybody needs four of), then key Pokemon (for example Eels), and then Energy (maybe something like the energy at leagues).
Also a thought about another product that hasn't happened yet for Pokemon.
A deck carrier like they made for Raw Deal (and there's a generic one from Upper Deck IIRC).
basically it's a bag that has a zip-up area where you can store 6 decks.
It also has pockets to hold singles & a big pocket for magazine/DS storage.
I use my Raw Deal one all the time, and people comment on how cool it is.
The cost for that bag (which included several promo cards) was like $35.
Was it perfect, no.
Areas in need of improvement:
Deck Box should be a bit sturdier, or just don't bother with it.
Dice are great, but not needed for every set.
Maybe every three sets (if you do this idea every set).
Instead of dice maybe sleeves or a plastic deckbox (again every three sets).
Also a rotation of the energy every three sets as well.
Maybe something like Trainers (the "core" trainers that everybody needs four of), then key Pokemon (for example Eels), and then Energy (maybe something like the energy at leagues).
Also a thought about another product that hasn't happened yet for Pokemon.
A deck carrier like they made for Raw Deal (and there's a generic one from Upper Deck IIRC).
basically it's a bag that has a zip-up area where you can store 6 decks.
It also has pockets to hold singles & a big pocket for magazine/DS storage.
I use my Raw Deal one all the time, and people comment on how cool it is.
The cost for that bag (which included several promo cards) was like $35.
EternalSnivy
New Member
It's very hard to look at this product and not draw comparisons to Magic: The Gatherings' Fat Pack line.
I know the Fat Pack has changed a lot throughout the years so I will focus on the most recent variation.
Similarities:
Cardboard box (400 card count)
Deck box (2 for Magic, 1 for Pokemon)
Resource Cards (80 Land for Magic, 40 Energy for Pokemon)
Players guide
Booster Packs (9 for Magic, 7 for Pokemon)
Foldable Mural (outside packaging with inside artwork)
Roughly the same price ($30.00 - $35.00 USD)
Differences:
Elite Trainer has 7 die, 2 status condition markers (1 of the d6 has set symbol on it)
Fat Pack has 1 dice (d20 with set symbol on it)
Fat Pack has a Learn to Play guide
How can we make the Elite Trainer box better? It has all the die we need, the status condition markers and energy.
It almost feels like this product has an identity crisis; as much as I like the idea it looks too similar to its' Magic counterpart and offers less for the same price. Some good suggestions have been made: lower pack count to 6 so this product fits well with release tournament, inclusion of premium energy, Pokemon themed sleeves, plastic deck box, inclusion of good trainer/pokemon cards, plastic dividers for sorting card types.
The artwork on the outside packaging is amazing with the picture of Lugia and black background. It catches my eye: it is simple and it works. The foldable mural under the outside packaging is awesome too, keep with the same formula showing the Pokemon from the booster pack artwork. If possible, the inclusion of 2 cardboard boxes (200 count) would unique. The boosters should still be able to fit (I don't have a 200 count box to test this theory though).
Overall this is a great product, there's lots of room for improvement though. I can't wait to see what the next one looks like!
I know the Fat Pack has changed a lot throughout the years so I will focus on the most recent variation.
Similarities:
Cardboard box (400 card count)
Deck box (2 for Magic, 1 for Pokemon)
Resource Cards (80 Land for Magic, 40 Energy for Pokemon)
Players guide
Booster Packs (9 for Magic, 7 for Pokemon)
Foldable Mural (outside packaging with inside artwork)
Roughly the same price ($30.00 - $35.00 USD)
Differences:
Elite Trainer has 7 die, 2 status condition markers (1 of the d6 has set symbol on it)
Fat Pack has 1 dice (d20 with set symbol on it)
Fat Pack has a Learn to Play guide
How can we make the Elite Trainer box better? It has all the die we need, the status condition markers and energy.
It almost feels like this product has an identity crisis; as much as I like the idea it looks too similar to its' Magic counterpart and offers less for the same price. Some good suggestions have been made: lower pack count to 6 so this product fits well with release tournament, inclusion of premium energy, Pokemon themed sleeves, plastic deck box, inclusion of good trainer/pokemon cards, plastic dividers for sorting card types.
The artwork on the outside packaging is amazing with the picture of Lugia and black background. It catches my eye: it is simple and it works. The foldable mural under the outside packaging is awesome too, keep with the same formula showing the Pokemon from the booster pack artwork. If possible, the inclusion of 2 cardboard boxes (200 count) would unique. The boosters should still be able to fit (I don't have a 200 count box to test this theory though).
Overall this is a great product, there's lots of room for improvement though. I can't wait to see what the next one looks like!
What I wouldn't mind seeing is no deckbox and maybe two more dice. Six regular and a legal randomizer just didn't seem to be enough, it would be cool to have more. Even if you have to take out a Booster Pack to give us two more dice.
As a lot of people have said, make the deckbox better, perhaps thick plastic with Velcro to keep it shut. I would not mind having to give up a booster pack to have a better deckbox.
Possibly make the energy have some sort of design to go along with the set or something? Maybe have some of the set symbols in the background or something? I don't know, but some design is better than none.
Overall, the only thing that was really disappointing was the deckbox IMO. Over all, I really enjoyed this box quite a bit, and can't wait to see more in the future.
As a lot of people have said, make the deckbox better, perhaps thick plastic with Velcro to keep it shut. I would not mind having to give up a booster pack to have a better deckbox.
Possibly make the energy have some sort of design to go along with the set or something? Maybe have some of the set symbols in the background or something? I don't know, but some design is better than none.
Overall, the only thing that was really disappointing was the deckbox IMO. Over all, I really enjoyed this box quite a bit, and can't wait to see more in the future.
Mainejuggalo
New Member
The only reason I didn't feel completely duped by this product is because of the booster packs. The deck box is cheesy, the status markers are cheesy, and you only get a half set of dice. Why couldn't we at least get black and white style energy? This box should be called the "Brand new to the game trainer box". Why would an elite player need an instruction manual? My suggestions:
Exclusive energy
None Bio-degradable Deck box
Usable amount of dice (12 and 2)
I really do appreciate the idea behind this product, but I was very let down...
Exclusive energy
None Bio-degradable Deck box
Usable amount of dice (12 and 2)
I really do appreciate the idea behind this product, but I was very let down...
signofzeta
New Member
Maybe it is named that way because the person who buys it becomes elite?
Who is the ETB being marketed to?
It seems to be marketed towards the core player but it really isn't if you think about it the contents aren't for the core player but for a beginning player ready to advance and become a more serious player and instead of buying theme decks he'll buy this and start creating his own decks with energy found here, the boosters, a deck boxand damage dice that players have. If this is who it's aimed at and it's purpose then it does a decent job right now, but in this case it can't be more expensive, don't add a booster pack, instead remove one and include more energy which they'll need. And the "deckbox" should definitely be a little higher quality, that thing is just pathetic. But if this is the target audience then you had a similar product years ago with the EX Battle Stadium, which also had pros and cons but in this case adding a decent theme deck like the ones found in EX Battle Stadium would be a better idea than maybe booster packs and energy.
"core" players don't really need anything in the ETB, they already have a decent deck box, plenty of damage dice and a ton of energy from years of playing. They also prefer buying booster boxes and don't care about 8 single packs usually. 'Core' players would prefer something they don't have, make the dice more Pokemon themed, have pokeballs instead of dots or whatever. Card sleeves might be more expensive but "core" players love them if they have an awesome design, A simple "pokeball" sleeve design will sell the sets. People like coins even if they don't really use them. A good deck box would also make this set worth it. Focus on these things and then whatever costs allow throw in a few boosterpacks even if it's not the original 7 it had and only 3 because of the added content and 'core' players would appreciate this more even if it's slightly more expensive.
In both cases throwing in a promo card you can only get here is only going to help it be more appealing to collectors.
So that's my opinion on what the ETB should have if it's aimed at 'core' players or if it's aimed at a beginners wanting to become more competitive.
It seems to be marketed towards the core player but it really isn't if you think about it the contents aren't for the core player but for a beginning player ready to advance and become a more serious player and instead of buying theme decks he'll buy this and start creating his own decks with energy found here, the boosters, a deck boxand damage dice that players have. If this is who it's aimed at and it's purpose then it does a decent job right now, but in this case it can't be more expensive, don't add a booster pack, instead remove one and include more energy which they'll need. And the "deckbox" should definitely be a little higher quality, that thing is just pathetic. But if this is the target audience then you had a similar product years ago with the EX Battle Stadium, which also had pros and cons but in this case adding a decent theme deck like the ones found in EX Battle Stadium would be a better idea than maybe booster packs and energy.
"core" players don't really need anything in the ETB, they already have a decent deck box, plenty of damage dice and a ton of energy from years of playing. They also prefer buying booster boxes and don't care about 8 single packs usually. 'Core' players would prefer something they don't have, make the dice more Pokemon themed, have pokeballs instead of dots or whatever. Card sleeves might be more expensive but "core" players love them if they have an awesome design, A simple "pokeball" sleeve design will sell the sets. People like coins even if they don't really use them. A good deck box would also make this set worth it. Focus on these things and then whatever costs allow throw in a few boosterpacks even if it's not the original 7 it had and only 3 because of the added content and 'core' players would appreciate this more even if it's slightly more expensive.
In both cases throwing in a promo card you can only get here is only going to help it be more appealing to collectors.
So that's my opinion on what the ETB should have if it's aimed at 'core' players or if it's aimed at a beginners wanting to become more competitive.
Pokepower22
New Member
Zarmakuizz
New Member
Would you complain about that after 3 different ETB? "Oh stop having dices in your ETB I have 36 dices already that's too much!"
EternalSnivy
New Member
At least the ETB came with die instead of damage counters. Maybe they could have used mini D20's instead to represent damage better? Then the 6 would be more than enough; it would cover the bench and active Pokemon if all had damage on them. The "coin flip" dice was a good inclusion. The markers would be better if they didn't have such generic artwork on them. Whenever I see them I get this uneasy feeling like a bandaid and skull image was searched and pasted. The quality of the markers is great, maybe different artwork?
I also like the promo idea, make this product desired by more players! Maybe include a random promo card out of a pool of cards (playable ones in current tournaments). It doesn't have to be the best ones people are after, just playable cards that are unique to this box!
I also like the promo idea, make this product desired by more players! Maybe include a random promo card out of a pool of cards (playable ones in current tournaments). It doesn't have to be the best ones people are after, just playable cards that are unique to this box!
MegaVelocibot
<a href="http://pokegym.net/gallery/browseimages.p
From experience, you can never have too many dice.
MegaVelocibot
<a href="http://pokegym.net/gallery/browseimages.p
... when you continue to think of Pokemon-ex instead of Pokemon EX.
PKM4
Compendium Publishing Assistant
I was one of the people that didn’t purchase the box. I like the idea of the product and it had some cool items but for some reason it didn’t appeal to me. I guess in my case I didn’t care for the packs because I’m not someone who usually buys random packs or blisters for the packs. I loved the idea of including dice and condition markers because a lot of players go crazy for dice which is why we’ve seen an increase in the amount of dice being given away at States and Regionals. The energy I wasn’t big on and the deck box didn’t look great from what I’ve seen. So here are a few suggestions that might attract more buyers.
1. Replace the energy with Holo/Promo/Alternate design energy.
2. Better quality deck box.
3. More dice for all of the high HP Pokémon.
4. Special PTCGO Codes that unlock some cool stuff.
5. Add a special Promo card based on the set it gets released with.
6. Maybe a discount offer for other Pokémon merchandise.
1. Replace the energy with Holo/Promo/Alternate design energy.
2. Better quality deck box.
3. More dice for all of the high HP Pokémon.
4. Special PTCGO Codes that unlock some cool stuff.
5. Add a special Promo card based on the set it gets released with.
6. Maybe a discount offer for other Pokémon merchandise.
BrianBAM19
New Member
I thought it was a good start into providing some necessary tools for players. Providing a competition legal flip die, damage counter dice, energy cards, etc., is quite handy. Pros and cons from my perspective:
Pros:
- Provided several tools for players, including good quality poison and burn counters, damage counter dice, and a flip die. Providing some of every type of basic energy is a nice touch, too, given the relative difficulty of obtaining energy otherwise.
- I really liked the box design, and the fact that the cover sleeve could unfold into a poster of the Plasma Storm artwork. A nice touch.
- The player's guide was a welcome inclusion. It clearly outlines what a Team Plasma Pokemon is, and how to identify one. It gives a checklist of the set, a page on how to get into leagues, and such.
Cons:
- I felt the number of energy was too low. I would double it for the next installment, to 10 per basic energy. 5 per energy isn't enough to supply a quality deck at all, players would still have to go out and obtain several more. At least with 10, the likelihood of that is cut down significantly.
- Same thing with the damage counters. With EX's typically having 170 or 180 HP, there's a good chance they'll need 3 damage counters for that one EX alone, which is half of your total supply from the box. Not to mention, with bench damage in the game, you could run out of dice pretty quickly. I would also bump this number up to 10.
- I'll echo most others in this thread and say that the deck box either needs to be of a higher quality, or scrapped altogether. Even the deck boxes you get at prereleases are of a higher quality than this one. A plastic box would suffice.
I feel as if the box should be marketed towards those who want to get into the game, but need a good starting point. I thought it was called an elite trainer box because it would include all of the tools necessary to make you an elite trainer. While I think sleeves would be a welcome addition by many, I don't want the price of the upcoming box to be too much.
I would cut down on the number of packs included in the box to help keep the price reasonable, as places that sell this already sell booster packs if they want those on top. Blisters, tins, special boxes, etc., all have their own promo cards; why not this one too? I like the concept of the box, but I feel it would be improved with the following: A promo card/PTCGO code for said card, 10 copies of each basic energy, 10 damage counter dice, a plastic deck box, and maybe a reduction on the number of boosters to keep the price from becoming too much.
Pros:
- Provided several tools for players, including good quality poison and burn counters, damage counter dice, and a flip die. Providing some of every type of basic energy is a nice touch, too, given the relative difficulty of obtaining energy otherwise.
- I really liked the box design, and the fact that the cover sleeve could unfold into a poster of the Plasma Storm artwork. A nice touch.
- The player's guide was a welcome inclusion. It clearly outlines what a Team Plasma Pokemon is, and how to identify one. It gives a checklist of the set, a page on how to get into leagues, and such.
Cons:
- I felt the number of energy was too low. I would double it for the next installment, to 10 per basic energy. 5 per energy isn't enough to supply a quality deck at all, players would still have to go out and obtain several more. At least with 10, the likelihood of that is cut down significantly.
- Same thing with the damage counters. With EX's typically having 170 or 180 HP, there's a good chance they'll need 3 damage counters for that one EX alone, which is half of your total supply from the box. Not to mention, with bench damage in the game, you could run out of dice pretty quickly. I would also bump this number up to 10.
- I'll echo most others in this thread and say that the deck box either needs to be of a higher quality, or scrapped altogether. Even the deck boxes you get at prereleases are of a higher quality than this one. A plastic box would suffice.
I feel as if the box should be marketed towards those who want to get into the game, but need a good starting point. I thought it was called an elite trainer box because it would include all of the tools necessary to make you an elite trainer. While I think sleeves would be a welcome addition by many, I don't want the price of the upcoming box to be too much.
I would cut down on the number of packs included in the box to help keep the price reasonable, as places that sell this already sell booster packs if they want those on top. Blisters, tins, special boxes, etc., all have their own promo cards; why not this one too? I like the concept of the box, but I feel it would be improved with the following: A promo card/PTCGO code for said card, 10 copies of each basic energy, 10 damage counter dice, a plastic deck box, and maybe a reduction on the number of boosters to keep the price from becoming too much.
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