Pokémon TCG Live Expands to New Testing Territories and the Latest App Update Impressions

Pokémon TCG Live isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. The previous version, Online, still looks far more polished than this open world testing.

Pokémon TCG LiveReview platforms: MSI Katana GF66 and iPad 6.

Pokémon TCG Live has opened up to more countries for beta testing, and my advice to tablet gamers is to make sure you are connected to a power outlet for more than an hour of play. It was limited to Canada during the past year for working out the kinks, and with half the problems dealt with, I recommend the desktop version for the Mac and PC. I would not play on any mobile device (laptops not plugged into the wall included)  because it drains the power fast. Players may be able to get three or four long games in before recharging. Hopefully, this issue can be addressed by offering a battery saver option in the next update.

Otherwise, this game is almost like the previous iteration, Pokémon TCG Online. The main difference is in the changes to the layout and more 3D models. For testing, only the last five or so expansions are being put through the paces. In the card construction front, players can get credit for extra cards beyond the needed four in a deck to buy missing cards. In both versions, players can buy real world product to exchange the QR code for extra cards. With the old version, there’s more value by getting ten randomized digital cards over the five; because of that, I love the older version more. Its visual aesthetic is not as garish. Also, I should’ve stayed with the older app.

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Is the Pokémon GO’s Snap Celebration Event Broken? My Hopes for May Events…

After two hours, the four level timed research tasks are simple to finish. I would’ve preferred stardust rewards than item and rare pokémon drops.

pokemon-go-logoBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Taking part in these back-to-back Pokémon GO events can be exhausting. Not everyone has to participate, but they do anyways. Part of the reason is that most long-time players want mega candies for specific ‘mons as spawn rates are increased for a few days. I’m after more Magikarp candy myself. They help evolve the lil’ beasts beyond level 40.

The only aspect of the game which keeps me going are the weekly special event completion quests. The rewards are decent. This week’s celebration of the release of Pokémon Snap for the Nintendo Switch is okay at best, and the one-time special field research tasks are incredibly broken. It’s easy to photograph the same wild beast over and over to breeze through the tasks. There’s nothing unique to “photographing” your ‘mon with the real surroundings, other than to post on it twitter with the #gosnapshot hashtag that you’re is participating in this four-day event. The purpose is more about showing off your trophies and so far, all I got was a shiny Lotad. I’ve done a lot of photos of wild pokémon and only had one Smergle show up out of 60 or so snapshots. The rate seems better after random creatures are caught though. It’s hilarious that I can recursively photograph this artist and get another appearing on top over and over. 

In a world that is supposed to be in lockdown because of the third wave of covid-19 cases, we shouldn’t be encouraged to leave home and find these pocket monsters. Technically, it can all be avoided since parks and outdoor spaces allow for distancing. 

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Pikachu Heads to a Graphic Novel!

Detective Pikachu Logo
Available on Amazonir?t=wiupgeatthmo 20&l=am2&o=1&a=1681160587

The highly anticipated POKÉMON Detective Pikachu graphic novel adaptation from Legendary Comics, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company International, is now available for purchase onlineir?t=wiupgeatthmo 20&l=am2&o=1&a=1681160587.

Last summer’s popular big-screen adventure starred Ryan Reynolds as the adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu and was the first-ever live action Pokémon movie. Fans are now invited to relive the adventures of Tim Goodman and his crime-solving Detective Pikachu partner in comic form.

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PvP Changes in Pokemon GO & My Wish for What’s Next

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Pokémon Go has finally become the game that it should have been when it first released. The latest update includes an improved player versus player experience where opponents can fight each other on the net in league play. It’s tennis at its core, where you send out your best Pokemon to trade blows until one is down (of the three matches). The combat interface is the same. The rewards are slightly better. Sadly, the experience is very buggy. Rewards don’t show up unless you restart this module of the game. To enter this mode, players must walk 5km per entry to play five rounds for a max of 15 per day. The official wording is ambiguous to say if distance gained through adventure sync will allow joining too.

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I Choose You, Detective Pikachu! A Movie Review

null 3By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Loosely based on the video game of the same name, Detective Pikachu is a fun romp breathing new life to the Pokėmon franchise. The eagle eyed can try identifying every pocket monster featured and the enthusiast will giggle at the Easter eggs riddled throughout. When detective Harry Goodman is believed to be dead, his 21-year-old son Tim (Justice Smith) arrives in Ryme City to settle his father’s affairs–but learns that maybe pops is not gone. When he finds a Pikachu in his father’s abode and he can talk (voiced by Ryan Reynolds), they team up to see all is not harmonious with man and pokémon.

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