posted April 10, 2002 08:50 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Skywolf1:
There has been much speculation about the upcoming next set for the Pokemon TCG. Like any of the previous expansions that have been released, I am excited about getting some "new blood" into the game.

But with all the speculation, is this set a wise business move on the part of WotC, or could this set be a mistake, working on the assumpion that the cards introduced are going to be mere reprints of older cards, that are not legal in the current "Mofified" format?

Here is my take on the "Champions" situation:

1. Expansion Size: Rumoured to be about 113 cards, and as Pokemon expansions go, this is a decent size. But, what matters is QUALITY here not QUANITY. WotC, I really don't think, are going to release cards, that are so overly powerful, SER, OAK, GOW, etc., that the game is going to be thrown into a even BIGGER state of imbalance than it already is. Because it was as a result of these "BROKEN" cards, that the "modified" format was put into place to begin with.

Draw Power - I think that most people here will agree that the current environment leaves the card pool very limited in respect to what can be put into a deck, as far as cards go. Do I think the card pool is limited? To an extent, yes I do. However, I am STILL able to build original decks that are quite effective against most competition. I would like to see some old school cards re-introduced sure. But what I DON'T want to see is the "Haymaker" and "Raindance" days re-visited. Come on folks, we have twice as many cards now, as we did then, I really don't think that "re-inventing the wheel" is necessary here.

Randomization - Now THIS area, is what needs some DRASTIC improvement, and I do mean QUICKLY! Pokemon is supposed to be a game more of SKILL than of CHANCE, and NOT the other way around. What would I like to see? Cards, with costs placed on them, and attacks that are not so reliant on the "flip of a coin" and such. This will accomplish wonders in my opinion, and bring back players who are on the verge of leaving the game because of this, or ones who have already left.

I agree drafting is WONDERFUL, I am a huge supporter of the draft, and always will be, but more still needs to be done, the playing field here needs to be leveled, this means, a balance between old-school cards getting reintroduced that will balance out the environment, and cards less reliant on the current randomization method, if this is what is introduced in the next set, this will definately be a BREAKTHOUGH for the Pokemon TCG, however, just "re-inventing the wheel" as some have speculated that this set will merely do, could prove to spell disaster for the game.

What are YOUR thoughts? Could "Champions be a BREATHROUGH or a BUST?"

Please remember to cite reasons for your position, and also remember that everyone on WizPOG has their own opinion, so I would like this to be a debate of sorts as to why, and NOT a flamefest.

I look forward to hearing your comments.

Take Care,

Skywolf1

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