The holidays need to come... NOW! :p
Entry Pack 2008 Translations - The second entry pack to be released in Japan, [Entry Pack 2008], has now been translated by Bangiras (the translations are in Microsoft Word format).
The purpose of an entry pack is to teach new players how to play the Pokemon TCG, similar to the trainer kits we have in America. Entry Pack 2008 contains all new Pokemon cards, unlike the first entry pack released in Japan, which only contained Diamond and Pearl cards. The standard Entry Pack 2008 contains Empoleon, Infernape, and Torterra 30-card half-decks for around $20.00, while the "deluxe" version, Entry Pack 2008 DX, contains an additional Raichu half-deck for around $30.00 (at this time, we do not have the translations for the Raichu deck). How these cards will be released in America is currently unknown, but we can probably guess that they will be included in a future set.
Notable cards from the pack include Empoleon (100 for 3 energy?!), Infernape (120 for 3 discarded energy and even more damage for more energy - like Rayquaza ex?!), and Rotom (2 free energy attachments for no energy?!). Judge them as you will!
Pokemon Snap on Wii's Virtual Console Soon? - The Virtual Console is a feature on the Wii that allows people to play classic Nintendo games downloaded through the Wii Shop Channel, and when it was first announced, Pokemon Snap was on the list of games that would eventually be released for download. According to Tego, who attended a recent Japanese Winter Challenge TCG tournament (the tournaments where you get the Leafeon and Glaceon promos), Pokemon Snap was on demo for TCG players to play via the Virtual Console, as shown in this photo. This is probably a strong indication that Snap will be available for download soon, since according to Tego, it was advertised heavily at the tournament.
When can we expect its release? Hopefully soon, perhaps even within the next month due to how recently it was demo'd in public. As with most N64 games released through the Wii Shop Channel, Pokemon Snap will probably cost 1000 Wii points (or $10). We'll bring you more information once we hear anything!
Cresselia and Eevee Promos - Bangiras has also translated the Cresselia and Eevee promos posted in the previous update (they are not very good). Both will be given out at Toys "R" Us stores in Japan from November 22nd to December 20th through a "Pokemon DE Bingo Campaign." To receive the promos, a person will need to get a bingo card from the Toys "R" Us "Big Toy Book," which will tell you categories of items you can buy (such as booster packs, toys, or games). Every time you buy one of the items, your card will be stamped. If the first row of your card is completely stamped (which contains three columns, meaning you bought three items), you will receive the Eevee promo. Once your second row is full, you will receive the holo Cresselia. Three rows will award you a Chimchar coin, the fourth row will get you a Darkrai figure, and completing the whole card will entitle you to a gift certificate.
Cresselia L.43 - Psychic - HP70
Basic Pokemon
[C] Future Sight: Look at the top 5 cards of either player's deck, then return them to the top of that deck in any order.
[P][P][C] Healing Light: 40 damage. Remove 1 damage counter from each of your Pokemon.
Weakness: Psychic (+20)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1Eevee L.12 - Colorless - HP60
Basic Pokemon
[.] Gnaw: 10 damage.
[C] Sand-Attack: If the Defending Pokemon attacks during your opponent's next turn, your opponent flips a coin. If tails, the attack does nothing.
Weakness: Fighting (+10)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day! If you did not, you can always wake up early tomorrow morning for Black Friday and make yourself feel better by buying stuff. :D
Togekiss Pokemon Review - Kevin Garret and Team Eclipse have written their second Pokemon review, this time for [Togekiss]! To comment on their review, you can post in [this forum thread].
New Japanese Promos - Two new Japanese promos, Eevee and Cresselia, will apparently be available through some sort of toy campaign in Japan from November 22nd to December 20th, giving them a limited release. Details are sketchy right now, but we should have translations and more information in the next update!
Groundbreakers Set List and Pics - Thanks to Mewchou, we now have the full set list for the second Trading Figure Game set, Groundbreakers, along with images of all of the figures! The set contains exactly 42 figures (none of which are Diamond and Pearl Pokemon), and four are human Pokemon Trainers. The TFG Starter for the set is named "Skydive" and comes with Hariyama, Latios, Raticate and Green. Groundbreakers will be available in stores on December 14th, but you can find the set early at some Wal-Marts right now. Click the image below for a larger scan of the individual figures.
- Armaldo
- Blastoise
- Bulbasaur
- Cacnea
- Cyndaquil
- Elekid
- Flaaffy
- Geodude
- Girafarig
- Hariyama
- Jigglypuff
- Kabuto
- Kadabra
- Lairon
- Lapras
- Larvitar
- Latias
- Latios
- Linoone
- Mankey
- Metagross
- Mewtwo
- Mightyena
- Noctowl
- Poliwag
- Psyduck
- Raticate
- Slaking
- Smoochum
- Snubbull
- Spinarak
- Spinda
- Steelix
- Venusaur
- Wartortle
- Wobbuffet
- Xatu
- Zubat
- Green
- Koga
- Landon
- Sabrina
Sorry for not updating lately! Since I am Undecided / Undeclared at UCI, we have had to do "soul searching" this past week to figure out what major we want to go into (plus, I have been working on my second Humanities essay, which is due Friday, and the new website content junk). I have no idea what I want to do, so my "soul searching" has been nothing but a headache and Tylenol. I will try to get an update up tomorrow, though. As for that "POP is going downhill article," expect it within a week? Maybe in a few days? No one knows. :o
EDIT: Added Redshark news story.
Has this been a promo-packed week for this site or what?
Redshark Updated - Redshark, our exclusively-hosted TCG program, has been updated by Mike Ignatoski (the creator) to include Secret Wonders. You can download the newest version by [clicking here]. For more information on Redshark or for help installing the new version, visit our Redshark page.
DP16 Promo - Pikachu - Yet another new Diamond and Pearl promo has been revealed this week - Pikachu! It seems as if Pokemon USA is really pumping out new holo promo cards and blister packages for this holiday season, which I guess shows how well the TCG is doing. I don't ever remember promos and packaging coming out this fast in the history of the TCG, even during the "fad" era.
The promo Pikachu is an exact reprint of the [Mysterious Treasures Pikachu], but with different artwork, and it is holographic. Shakespeare found it in a new blister package at Wal-Mart, which comes with a Secret Wonders theme deck and a Mysterious Treasures booster pack, all for $14.99. The blister package does not come with a special coin (although the theme deck does), unlike the other blister packages we posted this week. Click the thumbnail below for a larger scan.
DP13 Buizel and POP 6 Gible Holo - Wes1234 has sent us scans of Buizel (DP black star promo #13) and Gible (a POP 6 holo reprint), which are both available at stores like Target and Wal-Mart and come together in a blister package. Buizel was originally a Choco Snack promo in Japan, like with the Chatot posted yesterday. The blister package that Buizel and Gible come in is probably the counterpart to the blister package posted yesterday containing Chatot and Pikachu (if so, it comes with the same booster packs, the same type of coin, and is available for the same price). Click the scans below for larger images.
EDIT on Wednesday morning: Raikou Trainer, an employee of Wal-Mart, has informed us that blister packages containing black star promo Buizel (DP13) came in last night packaged with a new holo POP 6 Gible reprint. Buizel is apparently a reprint of the Diamond and Pearl set Buizel, but with alternate art. Hopefully, we will get scans of these cards soon!
DP14 Promo and POP Holo Reprint - The fourteenth Diamond and Pearl promo has finally been revealed - Chatot! In Japan, Chatot was packaged with Choco Snacks (boxes of chocolate), but was not holo. You can now find Chatot packaged with a new holo POP 6 Pikachu reprint at stores like Target and Wal-Mart. The blister package comes with one booster pack of Mysterious Treasures, three booster packs of Secret Wonders, and one blue or red energy coin, all for $14.99. Click the thumbnails of Chatot and Pikachu below for larger scans. Thanks go to our master card scanner, Shakespeare, for the scans!
The following is a list of Diamond and Pearl black star promos released thus far:
DP01 - Turtwig
DP02 - Chimchar
DP03 - Piplup
DP04 - Pachirisu
DP05 - Tropical Wind
DP06 - Buneary
DP07 - Cranidos
DP08 - Shieldon
DP09 - Torterra Lv.X
DP10 - Infernape Lv.X
DP11 - Empoleon Lv.X
DP12 - Lucario Lv.X
DP13 - Buizel
DP14 - Chatot
DP15 - Shinx
If there is any more news today, I will edit this news story.
Lucario Lv.X Tin Released - The Lucario tin that was revealed back in August has now been released at stores like Target and Toys R Us, although some still do not have it in yet. Each tin costs $14.99, comes with three Secret Wonders booster packs, one Mysterious Treasures booster pack, and a reprinted Mysterious Treasures Lucario Lv.X card with different artwork (it is DP Promo #12). Click the thumbnails of the tin and card below for larger images (thanks go to Omahanime for the Lucario Lv.X scan!).
Nidoqueen d Card Review - Red5bv06, Krucifier, and smacktack15 of Team Lv.X have reviewed [Nidoqueen d from EX Dragon Frontiers] for their third card review. To comment on their card review and Nidoqueen, post in this forum thread.
IGN Pokemon TFG Interview - IGN has conducted an interview with Pokemon USA in regards to the Trading Figure Game. The interview discusses the TFG's mechanics, why Pokemon decided to create the TFG, and other interesting aspects.
The name of the next set was also revealed - Groundbreakers, which will be released in December. For those of you wondering whether or not organized play will be established for the TFG, the interview states that Pokemon USA is considering it (and they probably will wait to see how well the TFG sells this holiday season to determine this). PUSA is already working on the third TFG set, so we can definitely say that it will continue to sell - organized play and tournaments are another story, though.
Leafeon and Glaceon Translations - Bangiras has translated the Leafeon and Glaceon promos that players will be able to receive at the Japanese "Winter Challenge" tournaments. The name for the Palkia trainer card posted in the previous update is "Mysterious Pearl," but the image is too small for translation.
Leafeon Lv.40 - Grass - HP90
Stage 1 - Evolves from Eevee
[G][C] Spiral Drain: 40 damage. Remove 1 damage counter from Leafeon.
[G][C][C] Leaf Blade: 50 damage. Flip a coin, if heads this attack does an additional 20 damage.
Weakness: Fire (+20)
Resistance: Water (-20)
Retreat: 1Glaceon Lv.46 - Water - HP90
Stage 1 - Evolves from Eevee
[W][C] Ice Shot: 30 damage. This attack also does 10 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokemon.
[W][C][C] Icy Wind: 60 damage. Flip a coin, if heads the Defending Pokemon is now Asleep.
Weakness: Steel (+20)
Resistance: none
Retreat: 1
The lack of updates this week can be attributed to (a) no news and (b) me working on the new website content and layout. Sometime during the next week or so, we will be posting an article on the declining state of Pokemon Organized Play (POP), so look forward to that. ;) In other news, did anyone see the new D/P commercial about the GTS?
Next D/P Set Name - The fourth American Diamond and Pearl set will be named Great Encounters, as mistakingly revealed on the official POP site today in the 2007-2008 States FAQ. Since this will most likely be our [Moon Hunting / Night Dashing] set, the name sort of fits... you are encountering Cresselia for the first time, the mascot of the set, as well as Dialga, Palkia, and Darkrai (in terms of being Lv.Xs).
New Card Review - A Pokemon that lives in the ozone layer and goes psycho when Deoxys passes through its domain, [Rayquaza ex d from EX Dragon Frontiers] is Team Stunky's third card review. Dendrobatida, Teddiursa, Muffins, and Woody give their thoughts on Rayquaza and what deck this tech can fit in. If you would like to comment on their card review or on Rayquaza ex d, you can post in this forum thread.
Latios y Latias in SSBB, Better Entei Pics - Thanks to SkittyoW, we have now confirmed that Latios y Latias are available as Poke Ball item Pokemon in Super Smash Brothers Brawl. When released, they fly across the screen in zig-zag patterns, striking characters and dealing quite a bit of damage. Unfortunately, we do not have screenshots of them right now, but we will try to get them soon. SkittyoW has also given us better quality screenshots of Entei, which you can view below by clicking the thumbnails.
Oh Mr. Resetti...
As of today, Pokemon known to be available in Poke Balls are Goldeen, Chikorita, Deoxys, Groudon, Munchlax, Piplup, Kyogre, Torchic, Snorlax, Gardevoir, Meowth, Entei, Latios, and Latias.
Winter Challenge Promos - A larger image of the "Winter Challenge" Leafeon promo has been released, as well as a brand new Glaceon! Both promos will be given to people who attend the "Winter Challenge" tournaments in Japan between now and January, and hopefully, we will have translations of both cards tomorrow. As usual, click the thumbnail below for a larger image.
Japan will soon be getting the alternate-art Torterra Lv.X, Infernape Lv.X, and Empoleon Lv.X cards that we received in those tins a month or so ago (we are not sure how, but the official Japanese site mentions them - they might somehow be available at the Winter Challenges, or in product released soon). Time-Space Distortion will be released for a second time as a tournament promo, and this time, it will be at the Winter Challenges (again, we are not sure how a player will be able to obtain them - it seems as if you will need to earn a certain amount of points at the tournament to receive one, but this has not been confirmed). A Palkia medal trainer card is also pictured on the official Japanese site as a Winter Challenge promo, and it appears that it will be given to tournament winners or people who perform extremely well (the details on how to get it are sketchy at this point - this seems to be the case with ALL of the cards mentioned above... grrrr!). Both promos are pictured below (click for a larger image).
New Japanese Holos - If you go to a Pokemon Center in Japan and trade a card with an employee, you will receive a holo reprint of one of eight cards (which were previously not holo cards). The cards became available a few days ago in Pokemon Centers, and will only be available during this month. Click the thumbnail below for a larger image.
My midterms are over, and I nailed all of them! I will now go back to my regular posting schedule / mode. This is a large update because of stories I have not posted over the past week or so.
Kingdra ex d Card Review - Team Holon, lead by Bangiras and consisting of EspeonShock and Bonsly1994, have reviewed [Kingdra ex d] for their third card review. To comment on both Kingdra and their card review, you can post in this forum thread.
Secret Wonders Set List - The [Secret Wonders set list] is now up, featuring all of the scans from the set. I have also added it to the left menu for future access.
Entei and Rayquaza in SSBB - Another Super Smash Bros. Brawl demo video has revealed that Entei is a Poke Ball item Pokemon. When it is released, it takes one large stomp and unleashes a tornado of fire (Fire Spin?), which severely damages anyone nearby. You can view low-quality screenshots of Entei below by clicking the thumbnails.
Rayquaza was also revealed on the Super Smash Bros. site yesterday. It appears to be a boss for the single-player mode based on the storyline presented, although very limited information is known at this point. In the video, which you can view here, Rayquaza comes out of a lake (not the ozone layer), attacks Diddy Kong (even though it is not evil), fires what appears to be some Ice Beams (even though Hyper Beams would do more damage), and is then defeated by FoxMcCloud, who uses a deflector to redirect an Ice Beam back at Rayquaza (since it's super effective, I guess that would explain why they wanted Rayquaza to use the Ice Beams). It could also be a victim of the Subspace Army, since it just randomly attacks everyone, blows up the first ship it sees, and is in the lake rather than the sky (suggesting it fell or is hiding in the lake because its territory, the ozone layer, is near space, where the army's domain is, who uses spaceships maybe)... who knows. The animation of Rayquaza is beautiful, and ironically, it is better than anything Nintendo has produced for any actual Pokemon game, such as Battle Revolution. Pokemon is just not treated nicely when it comes to the console games...
Two Organized Play Press Releases - We have received two press releases concerning tournaments in general and the upcoming City Championships. You can read both below.
POKEMON KICKS OFF THE 2007-2008 ORGANIZED PLAY SEASON
Title Events, TCG Leagues, and Championship Tournaments Provide Opportunity for Hundreds of Pokemon Fans to Compete for the World Title
BELLEVUE, Wash.-October 31, 2007-Pokemon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in the trading card game industry, today announced the beginning of the 2007-2008 Pokemon Organized Play (POP) Season. The Pokemon Championship series events begin in November 2007 with City Championships, followed by State/Province/Territory Championships, Regional Championships, and National Championships, all leading up to the 2008 Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) World Championships in August.
POP programs, events, tournaments, and leagues allow thousands of players across America and all around the world to compete in a fun environment while strengthening their Pokemon TCG strategies, math skills, and reading ability. POP leagues, events, and programs are held in more than 25 countries, giving players the opportunity to build social skills by fostering friendships with international peers and those in their own hometown leagues. By participating in select POP events, players can earn Pokemon trading cards and merchandise, as well as scholarships ranging from $500 to $7,500. Prizes vary from country to country.
To receive an invite to the Pokemon TCG World Championships event, players can compete and win in their National Championships, become a top player via their premier rating, or qualify through the Last-Chance Qualifier tournament.
Along with competitive tournaments, the ongoing Pokemon TCG league season spotlights the Sinnoh Region, featured in the Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl Nintendo DS games. Pokemon TCG leagues are a great way for players of all ages to get together in a casual setting and perfect their playing skills while earning prizes. Players earn Pokemon Organized Play exclusive promo cards, badges, and foil Energy cards.
2007-2008 Pokemon Events Schedule
Prereleases: Prereleases are held quarterly with more than 400 total events planned for the 2007-2008 POP season. Players get a sneak peek of the latest expansion before it is released.
City Championships: November 2007-January 2008 - City Championships will take place in hundreds of cities across North America beginning November 23rd.
State/Territory/Province Championships: March 2008 - State Championships will be held in many states, provinces, and territories. Winners in some markets receive a Travel Allowance to their National Championships.
Regional Championships: April 12, 2008 - These events divide up the U.S. and Canada into large regions. Winners will receive scholarships worth up to $2,000 and a Travel Award to the 2008 National Championships.
Battle Road Tournaments: Autumn (September-October 2008), Spring (May-June 2008) - Battle Road tournaments give players another opportunity to work on their premier ratings, potentially earning an invite and trip to Worlds.
National Championships: North America: June 2008, International: April-June 2008 - The National Championships is the first Worlds qualifier event. Winners receive scholarships worth up to $5,000 and an invite and Travel Award to the 2008 World Championships.
World Championships: August 2008 - The Pokemon TCG World Championships is the premier Organized Play event of the year. The event will host top players from around the world competing for the title of Pokemon TCG World Champion and for scholarships worth up to $7,500.
For more information about Pokemon Organized Play or to locate an event near you, please visit www.go-pokemon.com.
POKEMON ANNOUNCES 2007-2008 CITY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Free Events in Cities across the Country Kick-Off Premier Season for Pokemon Trading Card Game Players of All Ages
BELLEVUE, Wash.-November 5, 2007-Pokemon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in trading card games, today announced Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) City Championships for players of all ages. City Championships provide players the opportunity to succeed at an intellectual sport and test a player-s Pokemon TCG skill, strategy, and creativity on the path to becoming a Championship-level player.
Competitors are divided into three divisions: Junior Division (Born 1997 or later), Senior Division (Born in 1993, 1994, 1995, or 1996), and Masters Division (Born in 1992 or earlier). The winner in each category will earn the title of City Champion. City Championships players also have the opportunity to earn Pokemon prizes including booster card packs and exclusive merchandise.
The Pokemon Championship series events begin in November 2007 with City Championships, followed by State/Province/Territory Championships, Regional Championships, and National Championships, all leading up to the 2008 Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) World Championships in August 2008.
WHO: Pokemon Trading Card Game players and the general public
WHAT: Pokemon TCG City Championship; FREE admission, open to the public
WHEN: November 23, 2007-January 6, 2008
WHERE: Cities across the U.S.
WHY: For the chance to compete against other Pokemon players for prizes!
For more information, please visit www.go-pokemon.com.
