RE: Does Pokémon Need to go Back to Basics?
I don't think completely redesigning the game and adding new rules is the way to go. We want to make a healthy Pokemon metagame, not create a whole new game. I think we should keep Pokemon as it is, and only tweak rules that balance out formats, such as not playing T/S/S first turn, not attacking first turn, etc.
I think one of the main reasons Pokemon is so fast right now (besides Collector), is because if people don't get a start they like, they can just use PONT, Juniper, or N to grab a new hand. The card draw/hand refresh is far too good. Twins is a four-of in almost every deck that doesn't get set up turn one. I think instead of something like Pokemon Collector, have this:
______ - Supporter
Search your deck for a Pokemon, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. Your opponent may search their deck for a basic Pokemon, show it to you, and add it to their hand.
Instead of PONT/Juniper have this.
______ - Supporter
Discard your hand, then draw cards equal to the number of Pokemon on your bench.
Two pet cards I've been working on are Plusle and Minun.
Plusle - 60HP
Ability - Helping Hands
When you play Plusle from your hand onto your bench, draw a card. If you have a Minun on your bench, instead search your deck for any one card, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand.
{L} Minus Tag
Return Plusle and all cards attached to it to your deck. Search your deck for Minun, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. Then shuffle your deck.
~~~
Minun - 60HP
Ability - Helping Hands
When you play Minun from your hand onto the bench, your opponent must discard a card. If you have Plusle on your bench, instead look at your opponents hand, choose one card you find there, and discard it.
{L} Plus Tag
Return Minun and all cards attached to it to your deck. Search your deck for Plusle, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. Then shuffle your deck.
Basically these cards are examples of effective card draw/tutoring that isn't as easy as saying "meh", and playing PONT. Or searching up your entire arsenal of threats with Pokemon Collector. These are designed to make you think for a few minutes before using your draw cards.
I don't think completely redesigning the game and adding new rules is the way to go. We want to make a healthy Pokemon metagame, not create a whole new game. I think we should keep Pokemon as it is, and only tweak rules that balance out formats, such as not playing T/S/S first turn, not attacking first turn, etc.
I think one of the main reasons Pokemon is so fast right now (besides Collector), is because if people don't get a start they like, they can just use PONT, Juniper, or N to grab a new hand. The card draw/hand refresh is far too good. Twins is a four-of in almost every deck that doesn't get set up turn one. I think instead of something like Pokemon Collector, have this:
______ - Supporter
Search your deck for a Pokemon, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. Your opponent may search their deck for a basic Pokemon, show it to you, and add it to their hand.
Instead of PONT/Juniper have this.
______ - Supporter
Discard your hand, then draw cards equal to the number of Pokemon on your bench.
Two pet cards I've been working on are Plusle and Minun.
Plusle - 60HP
Ability - Helping Hands
When you play Plusle from your hand onto your bench, draw a card. If you have a Minun on your bench, instead search your deck for any one card, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand.
{L} Minus Tag
Return Plusle and all cards attached to it to your deck. Search your deck for Minun, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. Then shuffle your deck.
~~~
Minun - 60HP
Ability - Helping Hands
When you play Minun from your hand onto the bench, your opponent must discard a card. If you have Plusle on your bench, instead look at your opponents hand, choose one card you find there, and discard it.
{L} Plus Tag
Return Minun and all cards attached to it to your deck. Search your deck for Plusle, show it to your opponent, and add it to your hand. Then shuffle your deck.
Basically these cards are examples of effective card draw/tutoring that isn't as easy as saying "meh", and playing PONT. Or searching up your entire arsenal of threats with Pokemon Collector. These are designed to make you think for a few minutes before using your draw cards.
I got Zero in on this as well since he's more experienced in other CCGs/TCGs, he's played the game longer than I have, and he likes card design. So we'll see how that goes. I'm hoping that between the two of us we'll be able to catch anything broken or boring.