Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Secluded Springs Set Disrespects a 25 Year Old Game

by

Following the release of the Wisdom of Sea and Sky set, it appears that Pokemon TCG Pocket is on the verge of introducing a new expansion called Secluded Springs, which centers around the Legendary Beasts – Suicune, Raikou, and Entei. Given the emphasis on Gen 2 and the Johto region in the game, this expansion seems fitting as fans have been seeking improved cards for these characters post-Wisdom of Sea and Sky’s regular rares. While Secluded Springs does feature one Ex variant for each Legendary Beast, it might not fully capture the essence of an older Pokemon game.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a special connection to the older games in the Pokémon series. These games are cherished not only for their introduction of countless new creatures, but also because they marked the beginning of many players’ journeys, adding an extra dose of nostalgia. This sentiment is especially strong when it comes to Generation 1 and its Kanto Pokémon, which continue to receive attention in modern games with updated regional forms, evolutions, and variations.

Generation 2 isn’t far behind in terms of nostalgic value for me and many other players. So, it’s somewhat unexpected that the A4a set of Pokémon TCG Pocket seems to pay more disrespect than homage to the beloved Pokémon Crystal game.

Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Legendary Beasts Are a Mixed Bag

The forthcoming Pokemon TCG Pocket set will be released within a week, on August 28. Notably, this expansion introduces Ex cards for Suicune, Raikou, and Entei, which are the mascots from Pokemon Crystal. While these three Legendary Beasts have received Ex cards, some argue that Suicune Ex could have benefited from more attention given its status as the mascot. Similarly, the other two Beasts may also deserve more emphasis. The Ex variants of all three Legendary Beasts share a common ability called Legendary Pulse. This ability allows players to draw an additional card at the end of their turn if any of these creatures are occupying the active spot.

In the Pokemon TCG Pocket, all three Ex cards – Raikou Ex, Entei Ex, and Suicune Ex – share the same Energy cost but have distinct attacks. Raikou Ex uses Voltaic Bullet, causing 60 damage to the opponent’s active Pokemon and another 10 to a benched one with two Lightning Energy. Entei Ex deals 60 base damage through Blazing Beatdown, increasing to up to 120 if the target has double Fire Energy (a total of four). Lastly, Suicune Ex employs Crystal Walz for two Water Energy, dealing 20 damage per benched Pokemon. Regrettably, these attacks don’t seem game-changing, and their shared retreat cost of 2 could make them difficult to incorporate into competitive decks due to play restrictions.

As a passionate Pokémon trainer, I can’t help but point out an intriguing detail about Suicune-EX’s attack: it takes into account both my benched Pokémon and my opponent’s, creating a unique dynamic that sets it apart from other moves in the game.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Suicune Ex Comes With a Big Asterisk Attached

In simpler terms, this attack can inflict damage up to 120 with only two Energy, which is advantageous, but it requires both you and your opponent’s benches to be fully occupied. This situation is not common in competitive play because it involves maintaining a full bench, a strategy that could potentially work against you depending on the opponent’s tactics or cards in their deck, such as Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Cyrus, Sabrina, Greninja, and so forth. Additionally, using multiple Pokemon cards in a deck reduces the chances of drawing Suicune Ex and other basic cards simultaneously, making it unlikely that you’ll ever fully leverage Crystal Walz’s maximum damage potential.

In addition, an opponent can recognize the use of the ‘Pokemon TCG Pocket’ Suicune Ex card and adjust their strategy accordingly, opting not to put Pokemon cards onto their bench. This could result in Suicune’s attack dealing less damage than it would under normal circumstances. Sometimes, its damage output may be zero or just 20 or 40, which for two Energy is far from the optimal damage. With only 140 HP, Suicune Ex is relatively fragile compared to other Pokemon Ex cards, and it might be difficult to justify dedicating two slots in a deck to it.

Among the group, Raikou Ex might prove the most playable due to the swift strategy of Lightning decks. Should this come true, it could potentially deal a double blow to Suicune Ex while inflicting harm on the benched cards as well. Cards such as Zeraora and Tapu Koko Ex can also create challenges for Suicune Ex, in addition to posing threats to the newly introduced Pikachu Ex decks within Pokemon TCG Pocket. This is unfavorable news for Suicune Ex considering its vulnerability to Lightning attacks.

Why It’s Not All Doom and Gloom For Pokemon TCGP’s Suicune Ex

Despite some drawbacks, Suicune Ex possesses certain strengths when used under specific circumstances. Decks that aim to field numerous Pokemon to expand their playing area are particularly compatible with this, such as the popular Sylveon Ex and Espeon Ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket, which thrives on having multiple Eevee and Eeveelutions on the bench thanks to Espeon Ex’s attacking ability and Sylveon Ex’s drawing power. In this scenario, Suicune Ex can inflict significant damage against such decks – although opponents may modify their approach accordingly. Raikou Ex also shares this advantage to some degree.

The Secluded Springs expansion includes a Mantyke card, similar to baby Pokémon introduced with Wisdom of Sea and Sky for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket. This card boosts Water Energy for bench Pokémon, speeding up Suicune Ex’s readiness to attack or providing an alternative strategy if Suicune Ex isn’t effective in a particular match. However, whether the Legendary Beasts will be used in competitive decks is uncertain as their attacks are not particularly impressive, and Suicune Ex may underperform in certain games.

Read More

2025-08-24 02:06