Future of Pokemon

[Skywolf1]

Nintendo, well so far so good, sept I haven't really bought any cards lately(all I have are the ones from Pre-Re's and R/S challenege). Why? The sets really really blow, and have to few cards worth getting to get boosters. Hopefully dragon's will change this.

Tell me that this is a joke? You have got to be kidding me! I have to assume that you are not a player of the game judging from the abovementioned comments. While, everyone is entitled to their opinion, I don't see the basis for such a statement.

The last two sets have done to improve the game by a factor of 10. Adding new Pokemon new mechanics, and new strategies, have made these past two set the most influential sets since perhaps the original base set. This game for many of the reasons you had stated in your inital argument (which is not listed here) were some of the primary reasons why I stopped really "playing" the game, and just focused my efforts on judging and TO'ing. In the last three sets of WotC based cards, this game's primary complaint, too LUCK BASED, was a very easily stated and documentable argument, because darn near EVERY card required a "coin-flip" of some sort are another. BORING! (At least IMO). These new sets have "re-ignited" by passon to play this game again, because Pokemon is now once again "rediscovering" its roots, as a STRATEGY TCG, whereby flips in the newer sets are MUCH, MUCH, MUCH less evident.

I think to fully apprecriate the potential this set has, purchase a box and see what kind of new mechanics and creatures you can put together. I did, and I have really been quite happy with my results thusfar.

My ten cents,

Skywolf1

 

[BJJ763]

"Battle zone was a joke."

Then why did Nintendo copy it?

"battlezone was good but it was bad in compared to the way leagues used to be. prize support definately was dropping."

WotC BZ kit = 8 winner stamped, 16 non-winner stamped, & 1 Jumbo
Nintendo kit = 8 Winner stamped, 16 non-winner stamped, & 1 Jumbo.
Exactly how has Nintendo increased prize support?

"Super Battle Zone was a flop - look at the attendance."

And yet BOTH Boston SBZ had a larger attendance that either Premiere event held so far. Hopefully we can get the Dragon ex Prerelease attendance up to the SBZ levels.

"They gave us a format we all agreed on."

No we all figured out the most logical format that Nintendo would pick. :rolleyes

"They even changed the rules to make it easier for the GB guys to play the TCG."

NO. In case you didn't know, Nintendo, like WotC, just translates the cards. The game rules come from Japan. Always have, always will (except for Team Play, which was created here). Nintendo only enticed the video game players to go to Premier events.

"Hasn't anyone else noticed that all of their games die in popularity after a couple of years except for magic?"

Gee don't you think there's a reason for that? Most games shouldn't even see the light of day. Oh, and last i looked, Pokémon was still going. May not be packing them in at League but they are still there.

Nintendo does have building pains, as this is something they've never done before, but since many things were already created for it, it will be really hard for them to drop the ball. Or it should be - i've heard that some Premiere TO's aren't happy with how Nintendo is handling some things. And without Premiere TO's, there aren't any Premiere events. Hopefully Nintendo can get things running smoother for them.

 

[Am Pm]

Does anyone think the pokemon will improve by next year. Nintendo must be having a hard time getting everything together.

 

[League Leader Terry]

Hmmm well the problem is Pokemon and other tcg's is that they are based on something. Pokemon, YGO, and the Simpsons (XD) have only so many kinds of cards, and stay faithful to the show(In YGO's case, they are cursed with the fact that unfortunately the game looks childish[don't even try to argue that Pokemon and YGO don't have a childish appearence], and many of the cards are used over, and over, and over again in each deck) . Pokemon can't start adding stuff that isn't in the GBA or tv show. Magic on the other hand isn't limited by much, and can do whatever they want. Though IMO I think eventually the game itself will grow stale(ala Dungeon's and Dragons), this coming from an avid player .

Let me give you an example of a game WOTC nearly killed that wasn't based on some franchise or something: Legend of the Five Rings. While Wizards had it, they ran away players with broken cards and a horrible storyline. Then, when they decided to sell it, they didn't print any cards for a YEAR because they were in negotiations with various companies. However, as soon as L5R got away from Wizards, it made a SERIOUS comeback and, two years later, is still going on strong. Just something to think about.

 

[Tego]

This is the most pointless topic I have ever read. Everyone's whining when everything is alright? Why on earth are you worrying about this game's future? R/S and Sandstorm were the two best expansions since Genesis, Leagues are up and going, Prereleases are back (we haven't seen them since the golden days of Jungle), Worlds will be back, 15+ free trips will be back, Modified changed for the better, a ranking system similar or better than DCI is coming soon, we'll have more different Premier Events than ever before.

Hello, is anyone awake here? We're getting everything we ever asked for, AND MORE, basically falling into our laps. The people that COMPLAIN in this topic seem to either have been asleep for the past 2 months, or hit seriously in the head by a hammer.

Help.

And announce something? We're getting Worlds, Challenge Series etc for sure, and we know it for a fact. Complaining about that is utterly bizarre. It's like I should complain that my home country isn't cold enough.

 

[swanton1717]

Random do you have a league you go to around your area?

We have 2 leagues and they are growing each time i go to them. Meganium45 started a league about a month ago and yesterday we had 13 for a tourney, and at a different location we had 17 for an Eon tourney last Wednesday. Most of these people are newer players. In St. Louis the Pokemon community is getting larger and larger. Everyone enjoys playing Eon also. The game is really prospering here.


~Colin

 

[ukpokemonpro]

Right now, I know of very few new players, and many who have "quit". Nintendo really needs to offer up a big form of OP next year, and the sooner they announce it, the better. As long as something is announced, the wait won't bother too many people.

At this point in time, I will not buy Nintendo product until something is announced. There's no point to it, especially since I know the odds are I won't even have the chance to use the cards. =\

Erm if you went and bought a pre-construct from Sandstorm you would see that all you aks for is there for you and more....

Go on do it! Then speak with authority instead of moaning when you don't need too .. (note: how I wish we were as badly served in the rest of the world)

Sorry Nick15 we can only speak from what we found and from a UK and European perspective what WotC did was bring their major competitor in-house run it well for a year and then run it down as much as they could ... at the same time they dumbed down MtG and encouraged younger players to switch to it... in 2001 WotC UK were telling us No OP, no leagues and go and play Magic!

 

[TheDancingPeanut]

Whomever said "this is what we've always asked for" is right - nintendo is giving the game the chance to flourish. WOTC held us back... whether or not the game explodes is up to us, the TO's and players. I'm 20 years old, almost 21 - I love the game becasue it's fun, but I also love to compete. I would love to see a very competitive enviornment for this strategy game (whihc it IS, even WITH flips). But to keep the game in such a state, rules have to change, formats have to change, we all need to get over it.

We have to continie to play the game. When there's a leauge go, when there's a tourney, go. Keep buying cards, getting your friends to play. That's the BOTTOM LINE. If we do all these things, guess what, with either nintendo, wotc or whoever, the future of the game will be bright. Magic is no better... how much do they give at prizes every year? Pokemon can be the same - it takes time and flexibility. We HAVE TO HAVE FAITH.

I will stand behind nintendo 100% - I believe they are doing a wonderful job already.

I will point also to the fact that unlike WoTC, nintendo has done everything they promised so far - they've hit every deadline. no more excuses.

 

[RaNd0m]

Listen, perhaps I am being overskeptical, but I have every right to. Someone said that we were getting "free 15+ trips". Where did you see that? I've seen nothing of the sort.

I don't have a league within 5 hours. Sandstorm isn't even in my area yet. I HAVE REASONS to be skeptical.

So while many of you classify my post as a simple "whine" for no good reason... I have every reason TO whine. All I have seen is a huge decline and a lack of support. Perhaps it is different in the various urban areas in the US, but I know in my area, the game is dead.

I love the game, I don't want it to be dead. WHY do you think I'm trying to find solutions?

I think the only way the game can continue (at least for me, and others without immediate contact with a league) is to HAVE a trip/qualifier to Worlds system. Without it, there's nothing left for me.

And by the way, I may sound selfish, and that's because I am BEING selfish. I'm a consumer, this is about ME. If I'm not benefitting from the game, I won't buy/play it. It's that simple. I think you guys are forgetting that we're consumers, and we're not being "treated" to anything.

~ RaNd0m

 

[ilc]

Tell me that this is a joke? You have got to be kidding me! I have to assume that you are not a player of the game judging from the abovementioned comments. While, everyone is entitled to their opinion, I don't see the basis for such a statement.

The last two sets have done to improve the game by a factor of 10. Adding new Pokemon new mechanics, and new strategies, have made these past two set the most influential sets since perhaps the original base set. This game for many of the reasons you had stated in your inital argument (which is not listed here) were some of the primary reasons why I stopped really "playing" the game, and just focused my efforts on judging and TO'ing. In the last three sets of WotC based cards, this game's primary complaint, too LUCK BASED, was a very easily stated and documentable argument, because darn near EVERY card required a "coin-flip" of some sort are another. BORING! (At least IMO). These new sets have "re-ignited" by passon to play this game again, because Pokemon is now once again "rediscovering" its roots, as a STRATEGY TCG, whereby flips in the newer sets are MUCH, MUCH, MUCH less evident.

I think to fully apprecriate the potential this set has, purchase a box and see what kind of new mechanics and creatures you can put together. I did, and I have really been quite happy with my results thusfar.

My ten cents,

Skywolf1

D00d look at my sig, I think it speaks for itself. Unless I'm not a player and lying that I went to the R/S challenege and Sandstorm Pre-Re No I am not kidding, these sets have been not to great. Improving the game by a factor of 10? I really don't think so(as I said it once, I'm hoping Dragons will be better). On a scale of 10 I'd give these 2 a 6. There are some cool Pokemon, but IMHO most are worthless. The trainers besides the Fossils, which with the new rulling are super useful), aren't all that great. Mechanics, meh nothing really to great. Buy a Box? Why bother? With all my bro and I won, we got over a box of R/S and close to a box of sandstorm, and overall I was pretty dissapointed. I mean if there were some really cool cards *Cough Neo1&2*, *cough Gym Leader series* I would, but meh Though, if Dragons offers some cards that make cool combos with R/S-Sandstorm cards, I may yet change my opinion.

~ilc

 

[Tego]

Whomever said "this is what we've always asked for" is right - nintendo is giving the game the chance to flourish.

The person 'Whomever', that would be me. Yes, they are giving the game a chance to flourish. They are giving the game EVERYTHING. The only thing it's lacking is a weekly rules chat, but I don't think that would be too hard to pull of.

1. Listen, perhaps I am being overskeptical, but I have every right to.

2. Someone said that we were getting "free 15+ trips". Where did you see that? I've seen nothing of the sort.

3. Perhaps it is different in the various urban areas in the US, but I know in my area, the game is dead.

4. I think the only way the game can continue (at least for me, and others without immediate contact with a league) is to HAVE a trip/qualifier to Worlds system. Without it, there's nothing left for me.

5. And by the way, I may sound selfish, and that's because I am BEING selfish. I'm a consumer, this is about ME. If I'm not benefitting from the game, I won't buy/play it. It's that simple. I think you guys are forgetting that we're consumers, and we're not being "treated" to anything.

1. Sorry, but no, you have no right to be sceptical.

2. Ah, I'm Mr. Someone again. ;x No offense, you're not the only one who forgets it all the time (check above quoting) but my name would be Tego. Tego, Tego! Back to answering your question: Nintendo has announced the following things: Worlds will be back, Worlds Qualifiers will be back, 15+ will be back at both Worlds and Qualifiers. Want to draw the obvious conclusion yourself?

3. It seems to me that it really is a problem in your area. Sandstorm not out yet? That's outrageous. Considering that's the case, I can see why you're upset. But that you're afraid of the whole game's future and so on, because of local problems in your area, is not right.

4. But Worlds is back, Qualifiers too. We had a topic about this weeks ago. It seems to me like you missed the whole announcement. XD

5. Don't worry, you're not selfish. I can understand that you want a League and Sandstorm product in your area. It's a shame that you haven't got it yet, even EUROPE has Sandstorm now. Your frustration is very reasonable. Try checking with local stores or PUI what's going on. It might be worth a try.

In the end, it seems like you created this pessimistic topic while being unaware of most of the recent big announcements, like the return of the World Championships etc. If that's the case, I can understand that you made this topic which seemed 'pointless' to me at first.

 

[Tego]

D00d look at my sig, I think it speaks for itself. Unless I'm not a player and lying that I went to the R/S challenege and Sandstorm Pre-Re No I am not kidding, these sets have been not to great. Improving the game by a factor of 10? I really don't think so(as I said it once, I'm hoping Dragons will be better). On a scale of 10 I'd give these 2 a 6. There are some cool Pokemon, but IMHO most are worthless. The trainers besides the Fossils, which with the new rulling are super useful), aren't all that great. Mechanics, meh nothing really to great.

So you were NOT joking? Not being sarcastic? You really do think the new expansions are bad? O______O;
Most of the cards useless? Seriously, you need to look at your cards again. Or have you even bought enough to judge it? Have you read spoilers? Do you have any idea how mind-blowingly good the new expansions are?

Let's see how many of the new cards that are very, very good: GardevoirEX (Sandstorm), Delcatty (R/S), Blaziken (R/S), Cradily (Sandstorm), Shiftree (Sandstorm), WailordEX (Sandstorm), Slaking (R/S), MewtwoEX (R/S), MagmarEX (R/S), Espeon (Sandstorm).

There are more, these are just some of them. If we look at Expedition - Skyridge, there are only two Pokémon who can even compare to these Pokémon's greatness: Furret and Scizor. If we look at Neo Genesis, the only Pokémon at the same level of power are Feraligatr, Typhlosion, Slowking and Cleffa.

I agree with you on one point, though: the Trainers aren't good. But that it's. Look at the Pokémon... And the mechanics are better than ever. If you don't like the new expansions after checking out all these good Pokémon, maybe Pokémon isn't the game for you anymore. I really don't know.

 

[RaNd0m]

TEGO (Which now I know who you are since I looked at your SIG, I traded you a Feraligatr at WCSTS2001!) I still don't know where this announcement is. Could you give me a link?

I have been here, actually, playtesting thoroughly lately. I'm just hanging... =P. My area is rural, no store will host any TCG except Magic. I've tried repeatedly to get Pokemon tournaments, but to no avail. There isn't really an interest either.

But I think you are a little too optimistic... and of course I have the right to be skeptical, I'm a consumer, not an employee. =\

~ RaNd0m

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

2. Ah, I'm Mr. Someone again. ;x No offense, you're not the only one who forgets it all the time (check above quoting) but my name would be Tego. Tego, Tego! Back to answering your question: Nintendo has announced the following things: Worlds will be back, Worlds Qualifiers will be back, 15+ will be back at both Worlds and Qualifiers. Want to draw the obvious conclusion yourself?

In the end, it seems like you created this pessimistic topic while being unaware of most of the recent big announcements, like the return of the World Championships etc. If that's the case, I can understand that you made this topic which seemed 'pointless' to me at first.

Nobody has confirmed anything about trips for 15+ players. Nothing has even hinted at trips for the other age groups. Its just wishful thinking at this point, because POP hasnt even sent any information to Primere TOs yet.

I can see clearly where RaNd0m is going with this topic and I fully support a change in direction for Primere Organized Play. These Prereleases are driving away the majority of players who cannot shell out twenty bucks to play in a tournament with prizes determined by win/loss percentages, due to a lack of single elimination. We need a change of formats. This version of sealed is so random, whereas a booster draft could easily spice up the event. If not sealed, lets go constructive! Let's see the top Modified decks! Something different, because the stickers/tattoos arent making up for a now stale format.
-Phil

 

[TheDancingPeanut]

The trainers not be "so good" is a good thing. Frankly, I think it's better when a player isn't able to shuffle three times on one turn.

 

[ilc]

Let's see how many of the new cards that are very, very good: GardevoirEX (Sandstorm), Delcatty (R/S), Blaziken (R/S), Cradily (Sandstorm), Shiftree (Sandstorm), WailordEX (Sandstorm), Slaking (R/S), MewtwoEX (R/S), MagmarEX (R/S), Espeon (Sandstorm).

Hey you forgot cacturne ^_^

So that is what 11 cards out of 200 worth using(even though there are 2 I would argue otherwise :/) . There prob are other "good ones", but more than likely these are ones we will see over used at tournaments. Genesis had Typhlo, Gator, Meg, Amphy,cleffa, donphan, kingdra, noctowl, focus band, magmar(a personal fav), murkrow, steelix, pichu, xatu(again a personal favorite), gold berry, ecogym, double gust ,elm, time capsule, dark/metal/recycle energy and seneasel/slowking if u wanna add broken cards. See? Dark/Metal added a whole new phase to Pokemon. The "tool" trainers was a whole new very inetersting concept. Babies added a whole new annoying part to the game, and this was just 1 edition. I'd go into Gym Leader but I don't feel like taking out my cards

What does R/S & Sandstorm give us? Any new types of trainers? No, supporters were released before. Cool concepts? EX's are decent, IMO the coolest card in the series are Cacturne, and Sharpedo. As I said before, my opinion may change seeing Dragon's may offer some neat combos, or add more usefulness to these cards. Though for now I stand by my dissapointed groan on the TCG part, and stick to my happy squeals with Nintendo's Tourneys.

~ilc

 

[TheDancingPeanut]

What did base, jungle, and fossil give us? We have to start SOMEWHERE.

 

[ilc]

Um what did base set and jungle give us? Maybe you should rethink that one Blastoise, Venasaur, Wiglly, SER, ER, switch,Gust, DCE, electabuzz, raichu, zappy, chan, scyther etc etc....... I think you get the point. Plus keep in mind, those were the first sets for Pokemon, R/S is like the what.... 15th set?

 

[Orange Soda]

I live in a semi-rural area (small college town in the middle of Missouri). I have yet to see Sandstorm sold anywhere here (though I really haven't looked anywhere other than Walmart). There is a card shop in town, but they haven't sold Pokemon since sometime before I arrived, if ever.

What does this mean? It means there's no OP in Rolla, and no real desire for it, except from me. A small town is in no way representative of the big picture. I make a trip to a tournament when I can (It's about 2 hours to St. Louis, but I don't have a car, so trips aren't often.). Having never attended a league in my life sucks, but I'm just one person. Nintendo isn't going to go out of its way to start a league in the middle of nowhere. Leagues are more profitable where there's a higher concentration of people, and thusly more people who'd be interested.

 

[Baboon]

I don't live in a rural area, in fact, in the middle of a group of decent cities. There's near 100,000 residents in my city, over 100,000 in the next, and around 60,000 in the other.
And there STILL is no desire for organized play, except for me, and possibly some people I don't know about.
I also have not seen EX2 sold anywhere at all, not even at the Wal-marts, etc. That's why I bought off the internet again for this box.

Basically, my reasoning for posting this is to show that it is quite widespread, not just in little towns in the middle of nowhere.

I will give this much credit to RaNd0m though, they really are not spreading the game to the point of being everywhere like WotC was even just a year or so ago.

I'm still optimistic though, somewhat. There still were SBZ's in my area, within 2 hours in the car, but no league does hurt. =\

Just hang on people. Give Nintendo another month or two to completely settle in. THEN, if things still aren't to the level they should be, we should get their attention.