I'll resist nitpicking some comments here because even I recognize it will be seen as that way by most. I try not to have a double standard; I mean to be clear and thorough and prefer others to as well, but I know I am often unclear.
Does
Tornadus EX [Plasma] have anything going for it? Yes, several:
- Maximum HP for a Pokémon-EX
- Can tap :colorless: Support
- Can tap Basic Pokémon support
- Can tap Team Plasma support
- Useful Resistance
- Solid set-up attack
- High damage potential
It doesn't have much going against it, either:
- Lightning Weakness
- Slow natural offensive
- Low natural damage output
Looking at this list it seems clear it is a good card, right?
Not according to my analysis, but said analysis is not based upon testing. The downsides outweigh or mitigate the good. The format does not favor using an opening attack to set-up. Noteworthy decks do use them... but it is through things like
Tropical Beach (works with anything and can be a counter Stadium if needed) or that tie into a greater strategy (Junk Hunt).
Tornadus EX [Plasma] can hit hard and fast, but only with specific Energy acceleration, and building Jet Blast carries the risk of losing a lot of
Plasma Energy you probably need.
Now, my track record of evaluating cards is hardly perfect, and Pokémon-EX seem to be tricky as their often solid physical presence can turn a normally underwhelming trick into a valuable and reliable one. I was very critical of
Kyogre EX and
Entei EX, and while they have once again settled into obscurity, they got their 15 minutes of fame.
