Pokémon TCG Online
Pokémon TCG Online is a 2012 video game based on the Pokémon Trading Card Game developed by Dire Wolf Digital, and is available for Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.[1] It was originally released in March 2011 under the name of Pokémon Trainer Challenge as a browser-based game.[2]
Pokémon TCG Online | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Dire Wolf Digital |
Publisher(s) | The Pokémon Company |
Series | Pokémon |
Engine | Unity |
Platform(s) | |
Release | Web Browser 24 March 2011 Windows 15 May 2012 macOS 5 November 2012 iOS 30 September 2014 Android 7 April 2016 |
Genre(s) | Digital collectible card game |
Mode(s) | Multiplayer, single-player |
Gameplay
Pokémon Trading Card Game Online is a video game simulation of the tabletop collectible card game with role-playing elements similar to the main Pokémon role playing series. Players challenge non-player characters and other online players to card battles using 60-card decks.[3]
In the Trainer Challenge mode, the player competes against a range of computer-controlled characters using preconstructed theme decks. Winning a number of matches earns booster packs of cards. This is one of the easiest modes in the game, so is recommended for newer players.
In Versus Mode, human players compete against one another. Winning earns tokens or tournament entry tickets, as well as Versus Points that contribute to earning prizes from a Versus Ladder that is reset every three weeks, adding new prizes and removing all Versus Points. There are four play modes. In Theme mode, only pre-constructed theme decks may be used. In standard mode the player's deck can only use cards which are legal in the current standard rotation (each year older cards are retired from play).[4] Expanded mode allows cards from the expanded rotation. In unlimited mode, any cards are allowed, however the unlimited mode has been restricted to only be a playable option with online friends in a Friend Battle or training against a NPC.[5]
Tournament mode involves eight players fight through three rounds of a single–elimination style contest. The rewards increase in-line with the finishing position of the player. Winning at least one match in a ticket-entry ensures a tradeable booster pack as a reward.[6] Winning matches earns tokens which can be used to purchase untradeable items from in game shop such as non-special booster packs of cards, preconstructed theme decks or avatar customization items.[7]
The game initially offered three starting decks, and featured more content after release. After 6 April 2011, players could buy cards from the Black and White series, which have a code to be digitally represented.[8] Players can also create a custom avatar.[9] There were booster pack codes which allow booster packs up to Black and White—Boundaries Crossed to be purchased from the online shop. However, as of Black and White—Plasma Storm, the code card within booster packs are now directly redeemed as online booster packs of their respective set.[10]
Development and release
Pokémon Trading Card Game Online was co-developed by Dire Wolf and Dire Wolf Digital LLC, and published by The Pokémon Company.[11] It was released on 24 March 2011.
Reception
GamesRadar praised the game, stating "Everything looks to be faithfully recreated, including the card mat, prize card layout, and even coins."[9]
Aggregator | Score |
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Metacritic | 78/100 [12] |
References
- "Pokemon TCG Online now available for iPad users in North America". Tech Times.
- Pokémon TCGO: Trainer Challenge Video, retrieved 11 February 2020
- Cacho, Gieson (31 August 2011). "Pokemon Trading Card Game Online hopes to turn newbies into experts". A+E Interactive. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
- "Play! Pokémon 2015 Season Format Rotation". pokemon.com.
- "Unlimited format removed from vs mode". Retrieved 11 April 2017.
- "Pokémon TCG Online Tournaments | Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
- "Pokémon TCG Online Rewards | Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
- Matthew Kato (15 February 2011). "Online Battles Start With Pokémon Trainer Challenge – News – www.GameInformer.com". Retrieved 15 February 2011.
- Mark Raby (16 February 2011). "Pokémon trading cards getting free browser-based game, Pokemon Black / White DS News". GamesRadar. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
- "Info about the Pokémon TCG Online | Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
- Digital, Dire Wolf. "Dire Wolf Digital". www.direwolfdigital.com. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
- https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/pokemon-tcg-online