Recently, Shining Revelry introduced its fifth set to the Pokemon TCG Pocket, creating quite the buzz with its innovative features, including some new mechanics and a few controversial aspects, notably involving coin-flipping cards. This rapid release of sets poses a bit of a challenge for those who prefer to play without spending extra cash, and it seems there’s more to come with an expansion rumored to arrive by April 30.
The Genetic Apex booster packs have already made a significant impact on the game. These packs tapped into players’ nostalgia by featuring beloved Generation 1 Pokemon such as Mewtwo Ex and Sabrina, which continue to appear in competitive decks. While these additions were well-received for their homage to classic characters, the set also introduced a contentious mechanic that has left a lasting impression on the game—coin flipping.
The appeal of cards from Genetic Apex hasn’t waned. Despite the passage of time, cards like Mewtwo Ex and Sabrina remain staples in many competitive decks. However, the introduction of the controversial coin-flipping mechanic has sparked ongoing debates among players. Shining Revelry further fueled the discussion by continuing this trend, introducing new shiny cards alongside a card that leverages the same mechanic.
Shining Revelry has undeniably boosted the profitability of Pokemon TCG Pocket, largely thanks to the allure of shiny Pokemon making their debut on this mobile platform. Nevertheless, the trouble began with the introduction of a card called Team Rocket Grunt. This card enables players to flip coins until they get tails, removing an Energy from the opposing player’s active Pokemon for each head. It’s reminiscent of Misty from Genetic Apex, a card infamous for its potential to trigger a knockout right from the start, especially in decks that feature Articuno Ex.
The reliance on luck rather than strategy has made such cards contentious, drawing criticism from the community. Whereas Misty could decimate opponents right from the start, Team Rocket Grunt disrupts strategies by leveraging chance instead of skill. There’s concern that future expansions could exacerbate this issue by maintaining or expanding upon this mechanic.
The main issue with cards like Misty and Team Rocket Grunt lies in their simplicity and randomness. Unlike more strategic cards like Gholdengo or Celebi Ex, which require preparation, Misty and Team Rocket Grunt can be played immediately without any setup. This makes them powerful and potentially game-altering with a lucky coin toss. As a result, the community is wary of this trend continuing with new updates, hoping that such random elements will not dominate future strategies.
