Great video. And as a Pokemon player getting into Magic, I really like you covering Pokemon. What do you think of the Modern format of Magic as compared to the Expanded format of Pokemon? Maybe a brief discussion? "Many Pokemon players wonder what is the Expanded format and is it worth playing?" type of video.
I don't mean to be rude, but if you are here for mtg content why bother watching and commenting on his pokemon videos? they aren't detracting from his mtg content at all. This comment was ultimately pointless and all the Professor is doing is expanding his potential audience.
Miles Hipke While I do see your point, and yeah, he is expanding his audience, I think it's also nice to see another TCG taken in his video format. Not to mention that some people do play more than just magic the gathering, especially since so many people - at least in my area - are tired of Magic's slow and expensive formats, not even just standard.
"They aren't detracting from his mtg content at all." Well, the time he spends on making Pokemon is time he could've spent making magic content. I'm not saying he's in the wrong for doing so - he should make the videos he feels like making. Personally I'd prefer him not doing Pokemon stuff as I don't care for it at all, but on the other hand I'd love to see more non-mtg content from prof (Star Trek, board games or even some litterature discussion).
I don't play pokemon, but I'm still really happy that you're making videos about it. It's great to know that pokemon players get can the same great advice from you as magic players do. I also enjoy watching the videos because it's nice to learn about the pokemon tcg and I now know that I can use this channel as a resource if I decide to check it out.
Yes! Another pokemon video! I know that this channel is primarily a MTG channel but I have only recently gotten into the Pokemon TCG and love watching these reviews/overviews and love the idea of "is it worth it to buy"... I think it would also be a good idea to review other sets, packs, pre-built decks, and bundles so that we can know which of all of those would be the best way to play and grow our collection in an efficient way. For example, i love elite trainer boxes but sometimes wonder if maybe the EX packages are a better buy per dollar. Maybe the contents of elite trainer boxes are not as much of a value as EX packages are. Answering these questions would be great so I know how to spend my money wisely. Just an idea =]
Before these and the Keldeo vs Rayquaza battle set, VS seekers were pretty difficult to come by and cost $10 on their own. Four are required for any remotely competitive deck, so yes, these sets really did help new players by bringing down the cost of an important staple. Similarly, N also dropped in price, but not as dramatically.
I made some friends over the summer playing Pokemon GO and now they are getting me back into the TCG ... after 20 years, haha. I really enjoy your video's, they've been most helpful ;)
If they were aiming at Pokemon GO players, they should have the team leader alongside the legendary bird EX card example: Candela with Moltres, Spark with Zapdos and Blanche with Articuno.
Man, Vs seeker prices, I'm all for them being so much more affordable. I do agree that having a better Standard-type deck with maybe a couple standard boosters- perhaps Generations and Evolutions for the nostalgia, and pins would have been much better.
Back to the shop I go. I bought a set to collect yesterday. I decided we would go back to plasm clash set as it is as far back as Standard will go in 2017. Thanks Prof!
It's nice to see that there are decks being released that aren't pushing 20 Energy nowadays. Don't get me wrong, new player decks having less search and, by extension, needing more copies of Energy cards to properly function is fine, but it's good to see product that keeps it down to levels that more tuned decks would be likely to use.
I’ve been going through some of your old Pokémon videos and wow even the “bad” products have so much value in them. Two and a half times the cost of the deck?! It’s like a reverse of your secret lair videos! I know it will likely never happen because the algorithm hates variety, but I hope you get to make another video about Pokémon someday.
I'm glad I watched this, now I know the zapdos deck includes 2 copies of hypnotoxic laser. (worth trading online) I'm glad to see you doing pokemon reviews, and since these products contain the "battle deck" name, I wonder how they stack up against the keldeo/rayquaza decks out of the box. I can't wait to hear your opinion on the world championship decks since that is a product that had an equivalent in mtg once upon a time.
90% of these decks are not standard legal. Even for expanded the team plasma cards are pretty subpar, a decent budget option for people who just wanna learn how to play with the new EXs. Great video and honest review as always, Kudos Prof. 😀
Couple things of note - a few cards in the decks are non-foil and exclusive to these decks. Ghetsis, Absol, Umbreon to name a few. I know they're not the same as alternate art but having an alternative is still pretty neat. Because almost all the art assets are designed in japan (Gamefreak/Pokemon Card Laboratory), TPCi can't get their own art made for alternate art. We basically have to see if japan gets an alternate promo and cross our fingers TPCi prints it in english.
My son's been wanting to try out Pokemon for a long time, but I got rid of my cards years ago. I was thinking about getting one of those. Glad I waited until I watched this! The two deck set it is.
Fun fact: the Umbreon cards in the Moltres deck you opened in this video are normally only available in either holo or reverse-holo form. The non-holo version here cannot be found in any other sealed product. Any "Eeveelution" card or product is *exceptionally* collectible and sought-after, and Umbreon is easily the most popular of Eevee's eight evolutions. That said, because these decks are still relatively recent, that exclusive Umbreon is still inexpensive, for now.
if I can add one thing to this, the zapdos deck at least has some worth outside of the n and co. that makes it worth buying. with it you get cheaper access to virbank city gym and hypnotoxic lazer if you're looking to build one of the highly powerful poison decks in expanded. between these two cards and the aforementioned ones you cut the cost of building said deck by buying this and have some possible sell or trade value leftover in the other cards.
This was my first Pokémon product, got this and a booster when I was younger. Haven’t picked up Pokémon until now. But I will always appreciate this product for getting me into tcgs.
Hey professor, I love your channel and am a huge fan of MTG. I know how to play the Pokemon TCG but have only played casually. Can you make a video going over competitive play? Maybe like over the formats, if there are any, and common archetypes. Thanks!
Honestly, thank you for this video, but I'm still going to buy it. Every point you made seems valid, but I am not a serious player. I don't take meta cards, or play 6 pseudo legendaries, I just loved playing the game and doing it with my friends. I chose the Moltres, because I love Umbreon and Flareon, and Moltres is my favorite bird. My friend Nick plays Zapdos, and I got a great deal compared to the listed price. Gen 5 was my favorite gen, so I loved seeing plasma cards. And if I were to start playing competitively, I would love to construct my own deck. Seeing as I'm not a serious player, I didn't think tournament value mattered and chose to get this because it had my favorite Pokemon.
Getting into the pokemon TCG recently, love your videos. there's little to no help on what products are worth buying at all about the game. Thanks! Keep it up!
That Flareon's vengeance is basically the same as Vespiquen, and it's a grass pokemon. However through the use of eevee/flareon from Ancient Origins, it becomes a fire pokemon too.
May I suggest an introduction to competitive Pokémon TCG formats and the decks used within them? I've always wanted to get into the Pokémon TCG, but I'm not sure exactly what formats Pokémon has to offer, perhaps maybe something like Standard, Modern, or Extended. I'm imagining a video guide similar to your Magic: the Gathering Online Tutorial series, but using Pokémon on a broader scheme.
I actually really like the Legendary decks. I bought a couple of each. I tore most of them apart "for parts" as he said. But I also have the Keldeo and Rayquaza decks and they're competitive against each other. And I think the Team Plasma cards are pretty good. Colress Machine let's you search for a Plasma energy and attach it to a Team Plasma Pokemon. Attaching 2 energy on a turn is always great. I saw Ghetsis get used in the recent championship tournament so it must be standard legal. Colress is like Shauna or N. And the EX Pokemon aren't the best of the best but they're good. There's definitely a lot of worse Ex Pokemon. And since there are other Team Plasma Pokemon, you could add them to these decks to make them even better. Heatran Ex is a good one to add to Moltres. Thunderus Ex is an electric type like Zapdos. They're definitely not worthless. If you're new like me and learning the game and helping your kids learn too they're a good addition to the Keldeo and Rayquaza decks and theme decks.
Do a review of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online service! This is what really got me into this TCG. It has a good tutorial for new players. Plus, what makes this gastly superiour to other online TCG like Hearthstone and MTGO/Duels, is the option to TRADE YOUR CARDS, as well as the possibility to redeem your cards online. They also seem to be listening to their community and improving their product a lot faster than the other online TCG's. Rating: A- PS: Keep up the good work, big fan of all your product reviews and other video's.
I really like how Pokémon tcg feels very casual my play group is awesome and thanks for the heads up I am definitely add sharing this video we it my friends thank you very much.
I would say that if you like playing the game then it's a decent pick up. The holo energy is a good piece. There was what two VS Seeker in the deck (heck even 1 is good) and is in Standard until September. The two N cards are about $7 worth of cards themselves and will be huge staples in Standard soon and always were. Most will be running a 4 of N. The Eevee with the energy evolution ability is now Standard again and works with the GX evolutions so that is good. For the price it's a little too much. I think at $15 it would be worth it but it's a little much for $20.
That rainbow force xerneas is actually pretty value. Also enjoy that you went into pokemon. I agree with where you are seeing the value. Not much else of value here.
Surprised you didn't mention how badly the packaging actually damages the EXes and the Eeveelution included in the display, might have been from excessively bad handling on the part of the people who shipped mine, but all three of mine were extremely messed up.
I don't play the Pokemon CCG, yet I still find these videos interesting! You're review format and insights make these still very entertaining. Glad to see you expand beyond only doing Magic. Any advice you would give to a Magic player on the best way to get their feet wet in the Pokemon CCG?
This certainly is the year of Pokemon....I never thought Magic might weaken and shrink and Pokemon might take it's place. Alpha Investments sure has taught me alot about the TCG world and this video is only adding fuel to his expectations.
saying "i want to see this flareon get a go at standard" is basically exactly the same as saying "i want khans fetch lands to come back to standard", it's already had it's time in the spotlight and now it's gone, that's how it is. Also Expanded is a heavily played format in the current competitive season, sure they're not the greatest products but would you ask MTG to release a pre-built deck that can win at a pro tour?
To be honest I find Zapdos pack amazing! Vibrank City Gym, 2 Hypnotoxic lasers and 2 Espeons on top of already mentioned supporters seems very cool. I've been doing mean things with those.
Professor, a lot of these Battle decks were printed with dull sheet cutters. I got an entire deck completely damaged along the edges and they would all protrude, even making the card sleeves open up.
What do you think about the World Championship decks? I just got the Audino one which I found recently at Walmart... and then found out the cards would only be useable in casual play and only if sleeved. However using my first truly competitive deck has been a hell of a lot of fun. I'm thinking of getting another World Championship deck so my girlfriend and I can play against each other. Would you say these decks are a good purchase for new players just getting into the game?
Jackman LeBlanc As you point out yourself; they're not tournament legal. They are (very affordable) copies of decks that came out on top at the World Championship. I think they're great for new players in the sense that they can teach how a (very) competitive deck is built... but as the cards have different backs to the regular ones you could never use them in regular play unless, as you say, you play them sleeved and amonst friends who are happy for you to use "copies" of some very powerful cards.
Not sure if good for new players, but as with the MTG championship decks of old, you can have the whole proxy deck that you can use to study how the pros piloted those decks and why they are strong.
I actually got into the TCG recently. Bought the Aurora Blast Theme Deck and then blew a lot of money on the Double Crisis sets and a bunch of boosters and other box sets. Saddly, went to an event last November (2015) and my collection was stolen. I have my Team Aqua deck still though. Haven't bothered buying anything more. What's the point if someone is just going to steal them? At least I can still play though.
Great videos only reason I watch them is your commentary. Have you heard of the new TCG Force of Will? I think it's a happy median between MTG and Pokemon in skill and pricing.
Dear Professor, I am a long time Magic player and my son has said he doesn't care for Magic (broke my heart), but he wants to play Pokémon. I bought the MewTwo and Pikachu XY Evolution decks to start with and now he wants to expand. I admit to knowing next to nothing about Pokémon. I have searched through your library of videos trying to find one to help me make the transition over to Pokémon for him but am only finding reviews for products. Hopefully I just missed it, but I need to ask. Do you have a video regarding the transition from Magic to Pokémon pointing out similarities and differences to make the transition easier? I read the rules pamphlet that came with our decks and some things are still a bit confusing. I've watched a few videos on other channels but always prefer yours (and Wedge's). Thanks for taking the time to read this long winded request.
Jason Miller download the online game ptcgo. Pokemon trading card game online. It will basically hold your hand. From there you can try to create your own 60 card deck with cards from online packs. Then you can do it for reals. Aside from the first turn of the game its pretty simple just follow the directions on the cards. The playmayts that came with those theme decks also came with little tips and instructions if you didnt notice.
At first, when you said they probably mean to lure PKMN Go players to the TCG, I was thinking "Why only to the TCG?" Then I slapped myself for such stupidity. They don't need help selling the core video games. Too bad it doesn't entice me to start playing again, I've been out of the loop since the '90s. My first foils were two First Edition Zapdos in a row, still my favorite legendary after twenty years playing the core games.
+Hungarth Actually, I think it helped a lot. I believe a portion of the reason why Sun & Moon the video games are doing so well is because of Pokémon GO. It will be the best selling Pokémon game in well over a decade.
Ugh. Seeing those hypnotoxic lasers makes me want to puke. When that thing was in standard, all I saw was Virbank city gyms, hypnotoxic lasers, hypnotoads, and lysandre's trump card. The decks were just...ugh.
PaperMaster I'm fine with night march. I really like to play psychic pokemon, so bench damage is a given for most of my decks. Even with fighting fury belts, they can't take many hits. Hypnotoad on the other hand can take quite a good number of hits and keeps me from playing part of the game, while simultaneously bleeding me out with poison that wasn't even from an attack/effect of a pokemon. I'll take nightmarch over hypnotoad toxic any day.
When I think about it this is the perfect game for me. Reasonable prices on cards, PTCGO is everything MTGO can dream to be and its Pokemon! Which is truly a shame because I can't enjoy the damn game.
The last time I played the Pokemon TCG, I borrowed a bunch of cards from my local store mates and build a deck that tried to win with Shiftry using it's "Giant Fan" ability. It was so bad, but also really funny when it worked lol.
+Texas Dice lol that Shiftry is now banned for being annoying. One of the only two cards banned in Expanded, though it's kind of sad to see any cards banned in such a young format.
+Texas Dice It was funny until Forest of Giant Plants was released. Just before it was banned, I found it funny how many people were scared of it ruling Expanded lol. It was banned because it was a kind of consistent deck that is also a sort of "donk deck", which is a type of Pokémon deck that can viably win on the player's first turn, but it's weird because it doesn't do damage, just blows things away haha
Keldeo vs. Rayquezza Battle Deck. He'll have 2 playable decks, each with a lot of great cards. He can either play them exactly as is, trade for upgrades to make the decks better, or have cool trades for some new deck he may want to build. My review of it is here: th-cam.com/video/v3ydIfJtorM/w-d-xo.html
Dan Koester The Keldeo vs Rayquaza battle arena deck, while still being in the "expanded" rather than "standard" format is a must buy for new players. The online code card itself is worth its weight in gold as it gives you 2 competitive decks to play against an unlimited amount of others and really learn the game. Both decks use different strategies and both are able to defeat the other with the right use of strategy so they're great fun to play against each other. The financial value of the cards they contain is well above the MSRP because they both contain a good amount of competitive cards in both expanded and standard format, and because of that, you could use those cards as the basis for building a "standard" deck and still save money over buying the singles. Because of these reasons you probably won't find the product at MSRP or less anymore, but I'd say it's still a good buy if you can find it for $35 or less.
me and 3 of my friends what to start out with pokemon. but where shoudl we start? what should we buy? any recommended decks? we dont want to play it online.
Great video. And as a Pokemon player getting into Magic, I really like you covering Pokemon. What do you think of the Modern format of Magic as compared to the Expanded format of Pokemon? Maybe a brief discussion? "Many Pokemon players wonder what is the Expanded format and is it worth playing?" type of video.
I love that you are doing Pokémon
I have no strong feelings one way or the other.
I don't mean to be rude, but if you are here for mtg content why bother watching and commenting on his pokemon videos? they aren't detracting from his mtg content at all. This comment was ultimately pointless and all the Professor is doing is expanding his potential audience.
Miles Hipke While I do see your point, and yeah, he is expanding his audience, I think it's also nice to see another TCG taken in his video format. Not to mention that some people do play more than just magic the gathering, especially since so many people - at least in my area - are tired of Magic's slow and expensive formats, not even just standard.
Chris Brennan I'm not saying don't support his non-mtg videos I am saying why comment on a video if you know you won't like it. Just don't watch it
"They aren't detracting from his mtg content at all." Well, the time he spends on making Pokemon is time he could've spent making magic content. I'm not saying he's in the wrong for doing so - he should make the videos he feels like making.
Personally I'd prefer him not doing Pokemon stuff as I don't care for it at all, but on the other hand I'd love to see more non-mtg content from prof (Star Trek, board games or even some litterature discussion).
I actually liked these packs. i bought one for myself and my nephew.upgradef them a bit, and had some fun ( non competitive games
It's worth it as long as you enjoy it
I don't play pokemon, but I'm still really happy that you're making videos about it. It's great to know that pokemon players get can the same great advice from you as magic players do. I also enjoy watching the videos because it's nice to learn about the pokemon tcg and I now know that I can use this channel as a resource if I decide to check it out.
Yes! Another pokemon video! I know that this channel is primarily a MTG channel but I have only recently gotten into the Pokemon TCG and love watching these reviews/overviews and love the idea of "is it worth it to buy"... I think it would also be a good idea to review other sets, packs, pre-built decks, and bundles so that we can know which of all of those would be the best way to play and grow our collection in an efficient way. For example, i love elite trainer boxes but sometimes wonder if maybe the EX packages are a better buy per dollar. Maybe the contents of elite trainer boxes are not as much of a value as EX packages are. Answering these questions would be great so I know how to spend my money wisely. Just an idea =]
Before these and the Keldeo vs Rayquaza battle set, VS seekers were pretty difficult to come by and cost $10 on their own. Four are required for any remotely competitive deck, so yes, these sets really did help new players by bringing down the cost of an important staple. Similarly, N also dropped in price, but not as dramatically.
I made some friends over the summer playing Pokemon GO and now they are getting me back into the TCG ... after 20 years, haha. I really enjoy your video's, they've been most helpful ;)
If they were aiming at Pokemon GO players, they should have the team leader alongside the legendary bird EX card
example: Candela with Moltres, Spark with Zapdos and Blanche with Articuno.
I think it would be really cool to see your opinion about the Mew/Mewtwo Premium Collection Box!
Working on it!
Glad to hear!
Wow . It's cool that you're doing videos on Pokémon tcg as an avid fan of this and magic this makes me happy ! Pls keep them coming professor !
Man, Vs seeker prices, I'm all for them being so much more affordable. I do agree that having a better Standard-type deck with maybe a couple standard boosters- perhaps Generations and Evolutions for the nostalgia, and pins would have been much better.
Back to the shop I go. I bought a set to collect yesterday. I decided we would go back to plasm clash set as it is as far back as Standard will go in 2017. Thanks Prof!
Hey professor! Flareon actually did have a small go in standard with that very card included in the deck, it was a really fun deck to play!
It's nice to see that there are decks being released that aren't pushing 20 Energy nowadays. Don't get me wrong, new player decks having less search and, by extension, needing more copies of Energy cards to properly function is fine, but it's good to see product that keeps it down to levels that more tuned decks would be likely to use.
I loved that you started to do pokemon reviews!!!!!!!
I’ve been going through some of your old Pokémon videos and wow even the “bad” products have so much value in them. Two and a half times the cost of the deck?! It’s like a reverse of your secret lair videos!
I know it will likely never happen because the algorithm hates variety, but I hope you get to make another video about Pokémon someday.
I'm glad I watched this, now I know the zapdos deck includes 2 copies of hypnotoxic laser. (worth trading online) I'm glad to see you doing pokemon reviews, and since these products contain the "battle deck" name, I wonder how they stack up against the keldeo/rayquaza decks out of the box.
I can't wait to hear your opinion on the world championship decks since that is a product that had an equivalent in mtg once upon a time.
Somebody make that thumbnail a meme pls
90% of these decks are not standard legal. Even for expanded the team plasma cards are pretty subpar, a decent budget option for people who just wanna learn how to play with the new EXs. Great video and honest review as always, Kudos Prof. 😀
Couple things of note - a few cards in the decks are non-foil and exclusive to these decks. Ghetsis, Absol, Umbreon to name a few. I know they're not the same as alternate art but having an alternative is still pretty neat.
Because almost all the art assets are designed in japan (Gamefreak/Pokemon Card Laboratory), TPCi can't get their own art made for alternate art. We basically have to see if japan gets an alternate promo and cross our fingers TPCi prints it in english.
My son's been wanting to try out Pokemon for a long time, but I got rid of my cards years ago. I was thinking about getting one of those. Glad I waited until I watched this! The two deck set it is.
Nintendo doesn't make the cards, pokemon international makes them
yep, misspoke
Tolarian Community College omg I can't believe you replied! Btw I love your videos
Tolarian Community College where did you get that eevee playmat?
Found a new favorite Pokemon TCG youtuber. Excellent quality and very informative.
Fun fact: the Umbreon cards in the Moltres deck you opened in this video are normally only available in either holo or reverse-holo form. The non-holo version here cannot be found in any other sealed product.
Any "Eeveelution" card or product is *exceptionally* collectible and sought-after, and Umbreon is easily the most popular of Eevee's eight evolutions.
That said, because these decks are still relatively recent, that exclusive Umbreon is still inexpensive, for now.
if I can add one thing to this, the zapdos deck at least has some worth outside of the n and co. that makes it worth buying. with it you get cheaper access to virbank city gym and hypnotoxic lazer if you're looking to build one of the highly powerful poison decks in expanded. between these two cards and the aforementioned ones you cut the cost of building said deck by buying this and have some possible sell or trade value leftover in the other cards.
This was my first Pokémon product, got this and a booster when I was younger. Haven’t picked up Pokémon until now. But I will always appreciate this product for getting me into tcgs.
Hey professor, I love your channel and am a huge fan of MTG. I know how to play the Pokemon TCG but have only played casually. Can you make a video going over competitive play? Maybe like over the formats, if there are any, and common archetypes. Thanks!
Daniel Brock the main played formats are standard and expanded. only standard is in tournies. for decks, go look them up online
those foil full art energies are where the value is at, Im gonna play them as islands and mountains in MTG
Honestly, thank you for this video, but I'm still going to buy it. Every point you made seems valid, but I am not a serious player. I don't take meta cards, or play 6 pseudo legendaries, I just loved playing the game and doing it with my friends. I chose the Moltres, because I love Umbreon and Flareon, and Moltres is my favorite bird. My friend Nick plays Zapdos, and I got a great deal compared to the listed price. Gen 5 was my favorite gen, so I loved seeing plasma cards. And if I were to start playing competitively, I would love to construct my own deck. Seeing as I'm not a serious player, I didn't think tournament value mattered and chose to get this because it had my favorite Pokemon.
Getting into the pokemon TCG recently, love your videos. there's little to no help on what products are worth buying at all about the game. Thanks! Keep it up!
As an mtg player, i was totally lost during this video but love the professor so still a good watch
All I heard was staples good cards and financial value
Glad to see a nice lapel pin. Lapel pins are badass.
And it's Articuno! #Mystic
That Flareon's vengeance is basically the same as Vespiquen, and it's a grass pokemon. However through the use of eevee/flareon from Ancient Origins, it becomes a fire pokemon too.
May I suggest an introduction to competitive Pokémon TCG formats and the decks used within them? I've always wanted to get into the Pokémon TCG, but I'm not sure exactly what formats Pokémon has to offer, perhaps maybe something like Standard, Modern, or Extended. I'm imagining a video guide similar to your Magic: the Gathering Online Tutorial series, but using Pokémon on a broader scheme.
I actually really like the Legendary decks. I bought a couple of each. I tore most of them apart "for parts" as he said. But I also have the Keldeo and Rayquaza decks and they're competitive against each other. And I think the Team Plasma cards are pretty good. Colress Machine let's you search for a Plasma energy and attach it to a Team Plasma Pokemon. Attaching 2 energy on a turn is always great. I saw Ghetsis get used in the recent championship tournament so it must be standard legal. Colress is like Shauna or N. And the EX Pokemon aren't the best of the best but they're good. There's definitely a lot of worse Ex Pokemon. And since there are other Team Plasma Pokemon, you could add them to these decks to make them even better. Heatran Ex is a good one to add to Moltres. Thunderus Ex is an electric type like Zapdos. They're definitely not worthless. If you're new like me and learning the game and helping your kids learn too they're a good addition to the Keldeo and Rayquaza decks and theme decks.
Always awesome when the professor does pokemon related content.
Do a review of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online service! This is what really got me into this TCG. It has a good tutorial for new players. Plus, what makes this gastly superiour to other online TCG like Hearthstone and MTGO/Duels, is the option to TRADE YOUR CARDS, as well as the possibility to redeem your cards online. They also seem to be listening to their community and improving their product a lot faster than the other online TCG's.
Rating: A-
PS: Keep up the good work, big fan of all your product reviews and other video's.
I really like how Pokémon tcg feels very casual my play group is awesome and thanks for the heads up I am definitely add sharing this video we it my friends thank you very much.
I would say that if you like playing the game then it's a decent pick up. The holo energy is a good piece. There was what two VS Seeker in the deck (heck even 1 is good) and is in Standard until September. The two N cards are about $7 worth of cards themselves and will be huge staples in Standard soon and always were. Most will be running a 4 of N. The Eevee with the energy evolution ability is now Standard again and works with the GX evolutions so that is good. For the price it's a little too much. I think at $15 it would be worth it but it's a little much for $20.
That rainbow force xerneas is actually pretty value. Also enjoy that you went into pokemon. I agree with where you are seeing the value. Not much else of value here.
Surprised you didn't mention how badly the packaging actually damages the EXes and the Eeveelution included in the display, might have been from excessively bad handling on the part of the people who shipped mine, but all three of mine were extremely messed up.
I don't play the Pokemon CCG, yet I still find these videos interesting! You're review format and insights make these still very entertaining. Glad to see you expand beyond only doing Magic.
Any advice you would give to a Magic player on the best way to get their feet wet in the Pokemon CCG?
That Rainbow Force Xerneas you pulled from the blister pack though. That's the real winner here.
I saw these at my local GameStop. I thought that looked pretty cool. But I didn't buy it.
Professor, what team are you on? And why is it Mystic?
This certainly is the year of Pokemon....I never thought Magic might weaken and shrink and Pokemon might take it's place.
Alpha Investments sure has taught me alot about the TCG world and this video is only adding fuel to his expectations.
Would love to see what you have to say about "Super Premium Collection Mew & Mew Two." Great video btw
saying "i want to see this flareon get a go at standard" is basically exactly the same as saying "i want khans fetch lands to come back to standard", it's already had it's time in the spotlight and now it's gone, that's how it is.
Also Expanded is a heavily played format in the current competitive season, sure they're not the greatest products but would you ask MTG to release a pre-built deck that can win at a pro tour?
Trainer TenFold except flareon isnt 60 dollar plus
Great review, Prof! Just one gripe: there is only one 'C' in Articuno.
I am more nostalgic for the team plasma cards then legendary birds but I agree that it is a missed opportunity considering how big Pokémon go was
KEEP EM PTCG REVIEWS COMING PROF.
Love this new stuff prof! Gotta catch them all!
To be honest I find Zapdos pack amazing! Vibrank City Gym, 2 Hypnotoxic lasers and 2 Espeons on top of already mentioned supporters seems very cool. I've been doing mean things with those.
thank you for your pokemon content Professor!
Prof, if you like the flareon, try vespiquen in standard. same attack, and can evolve on turn 1 through forest of giant plants.
Professor, a lot of these Battle decks were printed with dull sheet cutters. I got an entire deck completely damaged along the edges and they would all protrude, even making the card sleeves open up.
What do you think about the World Championship decks? I just got the Audino one which I found recently at Walmart... and then found out the cards would only be useable in casual play and only if sleeved. However using my first truly competitive deck has been a hell of a lot of fun. I'm thinking of getting another World Championship deck so my girlfriend and I can play against each other. Would you say these decks are a good purchase for new players just getting into the game?
Jackman LeBlanc As you point out yourself; they're not tournament legal. They are (very affordable) copies of decks that came out on top at the World Championship. I think they're great for new players in the sense that they can teach how a (very) competitive deck is built... but as the cards have different backs to the regular ones you could never use them in regular play unless, as you say, you play them sleeved and amonst friends who are happy for you to use "copies" of some very powerful cards.
Not sure if good for new players, but as with the MTG championship decks of old, you can have the whole proxy deck that you can use to study how the pros piloted those decks and why they are strong.
I actually got into the TCG recently. Bought the Aurora Blast Theme Deck and then blew a lot of money on the Double Crisis sets and a bunch of boosters and other box sets. Saddly, went to an event last November (2015) and my collection was stolen. I have my Team Aqua deck still though. Haven't bothered buying anything more. What's the point if someone is just going to steal them? At least I can still play though.
Great videos only reason I watch them is your commentary. Have you heard of the new TCG Force of Will? I think it's a happy median between MTG and Pokemon in skill and pricing.
I want to see a review on the deck shields for pokémon. I actually kinda like them. Just my opinion!
Prof, do you play in any Paper Pokémon tournaments?
Dear Professor,
I am a long time Magic player and my son has said he doesn't care for Magic (broke my heart), but he wants to play Pokémon. I bought the MewTwo and Pikachu XY Evolution decks to start with and now he wants to expand. I admit to knowing next to nothing about Pokémon. I have searched through your library of videos trying to find one to help me make the transition over to Pokémon for him but am only finding reviews for products. Hopefully I just missed it, but I need to ask. Do you have a video regarding the transition from Magic to Pokémon pointing out similarities and differences to make the transition easier? I read the rules pamphlet that came with our decks and some things are still a bit confusing. I've watched a few videos on other channels but always prefer yours (and Wedge's). Thanks for taking the time to read this long winded request.
Jason Miller download the online game ptcgo. Pokemon trading card game online. It will basically hold your hand. From there you can try to create your own 60 card deck with cards from online packs. Then you can do it for reals. Aside from the first turn of the game its pretty simple just follow the directions on the cards. The playmayts that came with those theme decks also came with little tips and instructions if you didnt notice.
Thanks Professor! My son wants to play- he's 9. What would be the best product to start with?
i remember being the first in our village (small town) that pulled a zapdos. even kids from other schools came begging for a trade
loved the video. For a new player is there a better way to start out the game?
I would personally only buy the Moltres deck, because that flareon is not a bad deck in expanded
Honestly I'm surprised to see him playing pokemon, never thought I'd see the day...
I just got back into Pokémon card collecting. Is the Pikachu Libre and Suicune trainer kit worth it?
Thanks again for the video always helps me find good sets ☺
At first, when you said they probably mean to lure PKMN Go players to the TCG, I was thinking "Why only to the TCG?" Then I slapped myself for such stupidity. They don't need help selling the core video games. Too bad it doesn't entice me to start playing again, I've been out of the loop since the '90s. My first foils were two First Edition Zapdos in a row, still my favorite legendary after twenty years playing the core games.
+Hungarth Actually, I think it helped a lot. I believe a portion of the reason why Sun & Moon the video games are doing so well is because of Pokémon GO. It will be the best selling Pokémon game in well over a decade.
+Hungarth Ah, you're quoting the professor. Gotcha.
As the beginning of this video suggests, the product being reviewed is the lure to the TCG from PKMN Go, not PKMN Go luring to the core games.
I just have to say that with all these MTG TH-camrs jumping on the Pokémon bandwagon, it really says something to the state of MTG these days.
Can you review the Ho-oh and Lugia decks?
Would you suggest Pokémon to someone who plays relatively competitive magic? Is it good as a casual format?
Nino Medina the Pokémon tcg is simpler than magic so yes it is a good casual game. Also the competitive scene is great!
its a dead simple game to play. Id suggest trying out the online TCG first. its completely free and it gives you a full tutorial.
Nino Medina Pokémon, like Hearthstone, is diet Magic, which is still great.
Simon Williamson could not have put it better. and its much less expensive.
CycloneMetal not true. Pokemon is extroardinarily expensive. Dont go into it thinking standard will be cheap.
Appreciated the honesty.
Ugh. Seeing those hypnotoxic lasers makes me want to puke. When that thing was in standard, all I saw was Virbank city gyms, hypnotoxic lasers, hypnotoads, and lysandre's trump card. The decks were just...ugh.
Tedurbin202 LUGIA, AHAHHAHAHHAHHAA
Tedurbin202 actually thoufh, yeah plasma gave me cancer
Well After that my boy night march was feared by all! HAHAHAHAHA (evil Laugh) am a night marcher myself :P well was
PaperMaster nah fighting seismitoad was more prevalent
PaperMaster
I'm fine with night march. I really like to play psychic pokemon, so bench damage is a given for most of my decks. Even with fighting fury belts, they can't take many hits.
Hypnotoad on the other hand can take quite a good number of hits and keeps me from playing part of the game, while simultaneously bleeding me out with poison that wasn't even from an attack/effect of a pokemon.
I'll take nightmarch over hypnotoad toxic any day.
Professor for starting with the standard format what is the best preconstructed deck for start with?
Gives you 2 ns worth 8, 2 lysander worth 4, a vs seeker worth 10, and a couple ultra balls worth something. So YES it is worth it
When I think about it this is the perfect game for me. Reasonable prices on cards, PTCGO is everything MTGO can dream to be and its Pokemon! Which is truly a shame because I can't enjoy the damn game.
Are you going to be doing videos on how to go about building a standard deck?
That's the plan!
Great! Will be looking forward to it! :)
The last time I played the Pokemon TCG, I borrowed a bunch of cards from my local store mates and build a deck that tried to win with Shiftry using it's "Giant Fan" ability. It was so bad, but also really funny when it worked lol.
+Texas Dice lol that Shiftry is now banned for being annoying. One of the only two cards banned in Expanded, though it's kind of sad to see any cards banned in such a young format.
Mythos of Summer Aww, I liked that Deck. It was funny. :/
+Texas Dice It was funny until Forest of Giant Plants was released. Just before it was banned, I found it funny how many people were scared of it ruling Expanded lol. It was banned because it was a kind of consistent deck that is also a sort of "donk deck", which is a type of Pokémon deck that can viably win on the player's first turn, but it's weird because it doesn't do damage, just blows things away haha
( when they come out in the U.S.A ) Review the new GX sun and moon starter deck things.
These decks maybe bad but they do have a special place in my heart
my son wants to get into this game. What's the best available product that is widely available right now?
Keldeo vs. Rayquezza Battle Deck. He'll have 2 playable decks, each with a lot of great cards. He can either play them exactly as is, trade for upgrades to make the decks better, or have cool trades for some new deck he may want to build. My review of it is here: th-cam.com/video/v3ydIfJtorM/w-d-xo.html
+Tolarian Community College Thanks Professor. As always I appreciate it.
Dan Koester The Keldeo vs Rayquaza battle arena deck, while still being in the "expanded" rather than "standard" format is a must buy for new players. The online code card itself is worth its weight in gold as it gives you 2 competitive decks to play against an unlimited amount of others and really learn the game. Both decks use different strategies and both are able to defeat the other with the right use of strategy so they're great fun to play against each other. The financial value of the cards they contain is well above the MSRP because they both contain a good amount of competitive cards in both expanded and standard format, and because of that, you could use those cards as the basis for building a "standard" deck and still save money over buying the singles. Because of these reasons you probably won't find the product at MSRP or less anymore, but I'd say it's still a good buy if you can find it for $35 or less.
Dan Koester the others said it. get two of the keldeo & rayquaza deck. it's so worth it
You should do a Pokémon booster box challenge like you do on magic
P.S Love the channel
Where did you get that beautifull eevelutions playmat?
Great and thorough review!
I really wish Magic had created a proper web based version of the game and started including codes like this in their packs.
Noob question: why are some borders blue?
to show that they are team plasma cards
its nice to see pokemon content
me and 3 of my friends what to start out with pokemon. but where shoudl we start? what should we buy? any recommended decks?
we dont want to play it online.
Do you think these decks are about the same power level as the Keldeo vs Rayquaza decks?
Are the world championship decks worth buying?
Oh, hey. I have a full art N I got years ago. Random but this video reminded me I had it.
Any chance you'd do a review of the sun & moon alola collection boxes?
Um prof, that green tie with that brown vest?
I would like to hear your thoughts on the World Championships Decks :D
Got them in front of me as we speak...
Looking foward to it :D
2016 pokemon shat these boxes out like confetti
But the zapdos one has the laserbank combo
They may also have released these to correspond with xy evolutions