Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

Redshark Update - anyone interested?

M

mai_kingdra

New Member
(former) Redshark Users,

As Redshark's creator, I want to apologize for the lack of program updates over the past several months. There have been several factors involved with this delay, but they mainly relate to a major change in my professional job status and minorly due to new & upgraded computer issues.

Anyway...I'm glad to be working on Redshark again...and I plan to release the XY version by the end of April. Currently, due to technical software development challenges, I plan to only release a Windows version, not a Mac platform version. This may change in the future, but for now, that's where things are.

However, before I sink a lot of time into it, I'm trying to figure out if there is any interest or value in Redshark.

If you're not familiar with Redshark, it's a free computer program that allows players to practice and improve their Pokemon TCG skills by creating and playtesting decks. Redshark can be played in a solitaire mode (single or dual decks), or against an opponent over the internet (using Hamachi or similar VPN app) or local computer network.

"Is there any interest in the program?"
"Is it helpful to TCG players?"
"Are cardscans a must?"

Feel free to reply to this post, PM me, or email me at [email protected] .

Thank you very much for your feedback, it's much appreciated.


Sincerely,

Mike - mai_kingdra
 
From my experience in various TCG communities:

"Is there any interest in the program?" "Is it helpful to TCG players?"

Yes, a little, but mostly to play old formats.

"Are cardscans a must?"

Not for me, but it's a major complaint for people starting out that they can't see card scans, so if you want Redshark to compete with PlaytCG/PTCGO, you pretty much need those. If you're fine with it being a niche program, I'd focus my energy elsewhere.

I think the main deterrent to Redshark as a multiplayer simulator for most people now is the need to combine it with Hamachi and having to go through the whole connecting to each other process. Every other program available right now supports P2P connecting on its own, making them much more user-friendly. It might not seem like a big deal when you're used to it, but it's been a horrible experience for me to get people into the game if they have to jump through these hoops. I also don't believe Hamachi combines well with Macs.

I don't know how difficult it would be to solve that issue for you. If it was easy, you probably already would have done it. The above is not really an answer to any of your questions, but I thought it'd be good for you to know.

Thanks for making Redshark, it's appreciated.
 
Thanks, Mekkah, I appreciate the input. I agree with your opinion regarding Redshark internet play, but the main reason I haven't programmed it that way is that I'd have to pay to host an online server, and I'd prefer to not incur that cost.

-mike
 
I have used Redshark to play solitaire games almost every day for 7 years. I definitely have an interest in an update. Card scans are nice but not a requirement.
 
Just to give my two cents, I love Redshark because I am an unlimited only player. If having the massive modified player basis is what makes it worthwhile (I think the tcgo has a pretty strong hold on this group) then I guess the answer is no, but I know there are other old school players like me, we are just a rare breed. Redshark is absolutely critical for deck testing, I can spend 5 or more hours per day on Redshark perfecting a deck, so yes it's very useful. To me, card scans are unnecessary. I hope for a new version, but understand if it's not worth it. Thanks for all your great work thus far!
 
flaredshadow said:
Just to give my two cents, I love Redshark because I am an unlimited only player. If having the massive modified player basis is what makes it worthwhile (I think the tcgo has a pretty strong hold on this group) then I guess the answer is no, but I know there are other old school players like me, we are just a rare breed. Redshark is absolutely critical for deck testing, I can spend 5 or more hours per day on Redshark perfecting a deck, so yes it's very useful. To me, card scans are unnecessary. I hope for a new version, but understand if it's not worth it. Thanks for all your great work thus far!
Click to expand...

THIS ^

That's my EXACT thoughts. I am interested :)
 
flaredshadow said:
Just to give my two cents, I love Redshark because I am an unlimited only player. If having the massive modified player basis is what makes it worthwhile (I think the tcgo has a pretty strong hold on this group) then I guess the answer is no, but I know there are other old school players like me, we are just a rare breed. Redshark is absolutely critical for deck testing, I can spend 5 or more hours per day on Redshark perfecting a deck, so yes it's very useful. To me, card scans are unnecessary. I hope for a new version, but understand if it's not worth it. Thanks for all your great work thus far!
Click to expand...

Seconding this guy. I love Redshark simply because of how easily I can screw around with Unlimited cards in it. Card scans are always good, but not mandatory by any means. I can't comment on online play, because I've never used it(I'm only a casual player).
 
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Another Vote for Redshark XY

Destiny Warrior said:
Seconding this guy. I love Redshark simply because of how easily I can screw around with Unlimited cards in it. Card scans are always good, but not mandatory by any means. I can't comment on online play, because I've never used it(I'm only a casual player).
Click to expand...

I would definitely use an updated Redshark. I don't need card scans, just accurate card text. I don't play the online versions of TCG that make it difficult to get and use certain high value cards. I generally play unlimited (I find the modified rules produce too small a set of cards, although I realize the reasons Pokemon Inc. does this, forcing serious players to regularly replace their decks.) Redshark allows me to play modified format and test play more expensive or rare cards, as well as test unlimited decks.

I should say I'm a 50 year old, former AD&D (and similar more complicated games) player with an 11 year old daughter who I primarily play Pokemon TCG with. (teaching her strategy and competitiveness)
 
I love red shark, and for a long time it was a must for me when I was trying to work on my builds. Since is stopped updated new sets it hasn't been the same, so I would love to see it come back.
 
I was not aware this was a thing... But I for one would love it if it was updated for XY. Card scans would be nice, but being aware of the amount of work that would be, they are something that I can take or leave...

I'd love this to be updated, it would make testing in my group a breeze and would give us the tools we need to improve our game. PTCGO is too much of a hassle these days... Unless they have rolled back to the version they were at before the XY update... God that update made it a mess :(
 
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