To say Pokemon has been a cash cow for Nintendo is quite an understatement. From the original cards to the cartoon/movies and games based on this franchise money flows. Nintendo definitely made the right choice in bringing it over to North America. The financial essence of the game is gone with this Game Boy version. That is right, no purchasing new cards in "booster packs". Pokemon Trading Card Game seemingly bucks the trend that made it so valuable in the first place.
Card game goes digital
Pokemon Trading Card Game features all of the cards released between 1998 and 1999. There are also more than a couple cards that are exclusive to this version. Considering hardware limitations (no Internet or digital store) Nintendo had to include all the cards in one purchase. Anyone accustomed to these card games knows this is not how companies keep players coming back.
For those unfamiliar with this Pokemon game you are tasked with collecting all of the cards in the game, much like the show and other media. Travelling and competing in challenges with other players will earn you booster packs of random cards.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Battles
Battles are just like the actual card game, turn based affairs and winner takes all. Unlike the physical cards, here you don't have to worry about smudging the card stock or damaging it somehow. You also cannot sell your Pokemon so there is a trade off of sorts.
I won't even attempt to describe all the nuances and such that these battles offer. There is a ton of strategy here. This means you are not going to be a pro right away. That is part of the charm of the though.Nintendo has not re-leased Pokemon Trading Card Game on any newer platforms so interested gamers are stuck going to sites like eBay and Amazon for a copy. For more Pokemon games check out our coverage here.
This article was originally published on Retro Gaming Magazine, a gaming website I own.