Plasma Giratina

darkpulse24

darkpulse24

Aspiring Trainer
Member
Just wondering, has this card ever been popular/playable? Do you think it will see more play with Dimension Valley to reduce its energy costs?

With Dimension Valley:

[P][C] Hex: 50. Doubled if defending Pokemon has a status condition.
[P][P][C] Shadow Claw: 90. Discards a random card from opponents hand.

62-giratina.jpg
 
It saw some play when it was first printed, as a Plasma-based Mewtwo-EX-Counter. It worked very well with the then almost counterless Virbank City Gym + Hypnotoxic Laser combo.

That said, it's not too great now. Even with Dimensional Valley, Shadow Claw is too expensive for most decks (especially since there aren't really any decks that play basic Psychic Energy), and Hex is still not to great because using Dimensional Valley means you can't use LaserBank (or vice versa).
 
I remember trying it in Gardevoir decks with some success. That was the only reasonable way to get Shadow Claw powered up and when you did, it could be pretty disruptive. I think it could find a niche in expanded if Gardevoir/Dimensional valley becomes a thing.

In standard, I think it could be okay. The right combination of Colress Machine/Dimensional Valley and lasers could allow it to hit a quick 110 (100 + 10 from poison). It's got good HP for a non EX (but that Dark weakness... ouch!).

EDIT: Just realized the damage increase from hex applies to any stasis. So things like Munna or the new Malamar could trigger it. That makes it a little better in my eyes.
 
Giratina's attacks are really lackluster. Hex isn't too bad but you will have to choose between either Virbank City or Dimensional Valley. Ninetails DRX just seems to outclass Hex because it can hit much higher numbers and it hits them for 1 energy.Shadow Claw is pretty bad. Dealing 90 damage for 4 energy just isn't good in this format. Even with Dimensional Valley I just don't see this card seeing play.
 
I think that Giratina is a card that could definitely make a return at some point. Hex is a good combo with both Hypnotoxic Laser and the more recent Malamar-EX. With a Muscle Band, a LaserBank, and at least 3 Deoxys, you can knock out any EX for a P C Energy cost.

Edit: Oh wait, nevermind on the LaserBank. Then you can't use Valley.
 
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