dkates said:
Otaku made an interesting suggestion in another thread -- block formats. These are formats like Base to Rocket only, Gym only, Neo only, and E-block only. I think these would make for interesting games, since so many tried-and-true combos would be broken because the cards are from different blocks.
To me, this is our best bet. Locally, I ahve had to stop my league atendance to make time for my school work (and since my only sourse of income is tutoring, it's hard to justify committing my Thrusday nights to Pokemon). Once my classes stabalize and I can find some reliable part time work, I will of course return, and I ahve already asked the local GL (for lack of a better term) and he is interested in the concept.
What are the advantages of block formats? I tried making a list of distinct advatanges, but there is a lot of overlap, or things that need explanations as to why they can be good. One thing is that its usually easier to deal with fewer cards. Yes, that means less chance of "direct" counters existing, but that is offset by less "broken" combos. Now add in that this
forces people who want to play to explore the card pool thoroughly. This really stopped happening by Fossil: we had Haymaker, Wall/Stall, Venucenter and Raindance, and the evo based decks were in decline as is. What happens when we go back to Base-Rocket with what we have learned? Some cards will always be problems, and some cards from that format will probably never be used, but this was also the first of the TCG, so mistakes were expected. However, I know a lot of people who would hate me know, because I know some nice "rogue decks" and other tricks that ruin their plans. Turbo Snorla is somewhere between "gag" and "rogue" decks in Unlimited. In Base Rocket, it becomes a serious opponent. I can run Sychters to counter Hitmonchan, and after that, if you were too Trainer dependent, you're mine! On the other than, if you have a well thought-out deck, you and I will have a good match.
Gym is tricky: I must confess that I am inexperienced with many of these cards. Still, most of the "archetypes" based around these cards that were "over-powered" needed some outside influence, or more often, were the outside incfluence that "broke" a deck.
Neo's main "dilemma" is finding counter-tech for certain archetypes taht were out of control. If these can be dicovered, this could be a very interesting format... though some cards will likely need banning (Sneasel) or "errata-ing" to their original Japanese text (Slowking).
E-Block: this looks to be wonderful, at least if I can get the ruling that I do not understand on the Legendery Dogs of this set over turned (Rainbow has no type in hand; that's why it can't be Raindanced. The e-Dogs Poke-BODIES check the card types in hand, ergo they should not affect Rainbow). Once this happens, we tend to ahve good "counter-tech" for any potential archetype, even Scizor/Furret-the e-Entei can hit for a flat 40 for RCC. If the ruling is chainged, a Rainbow and two of any energy other than Fire shall suffice. If Scyther or Scizor show up, power up, and they shouldn;t have more than 3 Metal attached when you attack, half killing it (40 x 2 - 30=50). Then they have to OHKO you or heal to stay alive. It doesn't "ruin" Scizor/Furret, just makes it less of a bother.
Nintendo: this format is possibly what will be official anyway, and even if we wanted it, it ain't done.
There are more sets from this block coming.
Now, there are issues that must be addressed, like where to stick the Promos and SI, and if the Legendery Collection should be used at all. Playtesting should answer those. Another is whether some banning or errata-ing should be done to cards. Again, play testing should provide it. While I dislike either, some cards were waaaaaaaaaay over-powered. Lastly, should a few cards be allowed outside of their sets for blanace? Base-Rocket has no stadiums, tools, or supporters. Metal Energy won't matter to any pre-Metal sets, but Dark matters to "Dark ______" Pokemon. I really sould start a thread, but it probably won't be soon: three exams next week.
