The recent release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket expansion, titled Mythical Island, brings a fresh wave of excitement into the game with new cards featuring updated Pokémon. These cards are distinct from their Genetic Apex counterparts, and they reflect significant enhancements that have undoubtedly impacted gameplay. The new additions have sparked a re-evaluation of current meta strategies, prompting players to rethink their optimal card selections while also allowing previously less competitive decks to find new life.
Players will discover that the revamped cards boast not just improved artwork, but also modified HP values, novel attacks, upgraded abilities, and different strategic potentials. For those eager to refine their decks, understanding these changes is paramount to integrating these cards effectively into existing strategies.
1. Electabuzz: A Reliable Lightning-Type Choice
Enhancing Lightning-Type & Pikachu ex Decks
The Mythical Island version of Electabuzz proves to be a more stable option when compared to its Genetic Apex variant. Its new attack, Thunder Spear, inflicts 40 damage to a chosen opponent’s Pokémon, giving players strategic flexibility in targeting. This ability is particularly advantageous against strong ex cards, potentially forcing them into retreat as their HP decreases. Combined with a respectable 70 HP, this version of Electabuzz emerges as a noteworthy contender.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning | Basic | 70 | Thunder Spear: This attack does 40 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon. |
This version substantially improves upon the Genetic Apex Electabuzz, which is seldom seen in competitive decks due to its high-risk self-damage attack reliant on coin flips. With the Mythical Island update, players gain a viable Lightning-type addition for their Pikachu ex strategies.
2. Pidgeotto: An Upgrade in Damage Output
Strengthening the Pidgeot Evolution Line
With the latest expansion, the Pidgeot evolution line becomes even more dynamic. All three stages, from Pidgey to Pidgeot, have new card variants, with Pidgeot itself featuring an exciting ex variant. Pidgeotto stands out with its notable upgrade. This enhancement may seem minor at first glance, but it plays a vital role for players relying on this evolutionary path.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorless | Stage 1 | 90 | Wing Attack: 50 Damage |
The new Wing Attack delivers an impressive 50 damage, significantly improving upon the Genetic Apex variant’s Gust attack, which only provided 30 damage. The only caveat is that Wing Attack requires three energy, but given that both Pidgeot and Pidgeot ex also require energy to charge their attacks, this investment is justifiable in the long run.
3. Salandit: Easier to Utilize and More Valuable
Cost-Effective and Impactful in Proper Decks
Salandit, a basic Fire-type Pokémon, previously struggled to find its place in competitive play, but it has a chance to shine in a Charizard ex deck thanks to its refined attack. The Genetic Apex Salandit and Salazzle variants during the previous set were seen as nearly useless due to their low damage and HP. However, the Mythical Island adjustments offer improved stats at a lower energy cost, making it a strategic choice for stalling while empowering stronger Fire-type cards.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | Basic | 60 | Venoshock: 10+ Damage + If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is Poisoned, this attack does 40 more damage. |
Salandit has gained attention for its remarkable adaptability. It can utilize Venoshock for just one Colorless Energy, doing an initial 10 damage and additional 40 if the opposing Pokémon is poisoned. This works exceptionally well in synergetic decks featuring Weezing, allowing for increased damage output during crucial turns.
4. Rapidash: A Risky Yet Powerful Fire-Type Choice
An Aggressive Option for Fire Decks
Rapidash is a popular choice in Charizard ex and Blaine decks, creating low-cost issues for opponents. The new set presents players with a choice between the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island variants, both of which showcase solid 100 HP and ease of evolution. Each card offers distinct advantages, pushing players to select based on their strategy preference.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | Stage 1 | 100 | Rising Lunge: 40+ Damage + Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 60 more damage. |
The Mythical Island Rapidash comes with a new attack, Rising Lunge, which can achieve 40 damage with the potential to flip for an additional 60 damage if heads is landed. While this attack requires two energies – one Fire and one Colorless – the risk is often justified considering Rapidash’s previous limitation of 40 damage only.
5. Golem: A Powerful Addition to Fighting-Type Decks
A Significant Upgrade Over Its Predecessor
Once a neglected card in the Pokémon TCG community, Golem is seeing newfound interest. The Genetic Apex Golem suffered from high energy costs, requiring four energies for a powerful attack at the expense of self-damage. However, the Mythical Island variant serves as a rejuvenation for the card.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fighting | Stage 2 | 160 | Guard Press: 120 Damage + During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokémon takes −30 damage from attacks. |
Utilizing the new Guard Press, Golem can now inflict 120 damage while reducing incoming attack damage by 30 during the following turn, allowing for greater longevity in battle and potentially turning the tide against opponents.
6. Exeggcute: Empowering Its Superior Evolution
An Ideal Partner for Mythical Island Exeggutor
Initially, players may be drawn to the Genetic Apex Exeggcute due to its apparent damage efficiency. However, deeper inspection reveals a greater connection between Mythical Island Exeggcute and Exeggutor. With the ability to use Growth Spurt, players can draw a Grass Energy card from their Energy Zone and attach it to this Pokémon, setting the stage for more powerful subsequent plays.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass | Basic | 50 | Growth Spurt: Take a Grass Energy from your Energy Zone and attach it to this Pokémon. |
The synergy between these cards establishes an aggressive strategy. The Exeggutor’s Psychic attack can inflict 80 damage, increasing by 20 for every energy attached to the opponent’s Active Pokémon. Consequently, Exeggcute’s energy-acquiring capability highlights its utility.
7. Weezing: An Effective Control Element
Complementary Forces in Control Decks
The Mythical Island and Genetic Apex Weezing cards each present distinct advantages, making them prime candidates in Darkness-type decks. The synergy of unique attacks and abilities between these cards allows for a tightly controlled battle strategy. Together with Koffing, they can provide a strong poison-based tactical edge along with improved damage output.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darkness | Stage 1 | 110 | Smokescreen: 50 Damage + If the Defending Pokémon tries to attack next turn, flip a coin. If tails, that attack fails. |
The Mythical Island Weezing takes the lead in damage with its Smokescreen attack, dealing 50 damage, while also offering an ability that can block an opponent’s attack based on a coin flip. This feature is especially useful in control decks, potentially disrupting opponents’ plans. Yet, players must be mindful of the inherent randomness involved in such mechanics.
8. Ponyta: A Standout for Fire Deck Players
A Worthy Substitute in Competitive Fire Decks
The upgraded Mythical Island Ponyta reigns as a substantial upgrade to its Genetic Apex version, offering enhanced effectiveness for competitive play. Beyond its visually appealing artwork, its attack power elevates its role in the game. Ponyta’s Stomp attack can inflict an initial 10 damage while providing a chance to flip a coin for an extra 30 damage if heads shows.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | Basic | 60 | Stomp: 10+ Damage + Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 more damage. |
Filling its role in Charizard ex and Blaine decks, Mythical Island Ponyta significantly outshines the Genetic Apex version. The ability to produce 40 damage on its first energy gives players an edge, especially as it evolves into Rapidash, making it a compelling choice over competitors like Farfetch’d.
9. Raichu: A Steadfast Choice
Maximizing Potential with Lt. Surge
Raichu has consistently captured the hearts of players since its early days in Pokémon TCG Pocket, primarily due to its strong attack potential. The introduction of the Mythical Island version offers players a more stable choice. Its attack, Gigashock, delivers a damaging 60 points to one Pokémon while dealing an additional 20 points to each of the opponent’s benched Pokémon when utilized effectively. This three-energy attack can be quickly amassed with support from Lt. Surge, enhancing its effectiveness.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning | Stage 1 | 120 | Gigashock: 60 Damage + This attack also does 20 damage to each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. |
10. Eevee: An Overwhelming Improvement
Massive Damage Potential, Given Luck
The new Mythical Island version of Eevee outstrips its Genetic Apex variant significantly. Utilizing a move called Continuous Steps, players flip coins until a tails appears; for each heads, the attack inflicts 20 damage. Depending on the luck of the flip, this can lead to astonishing damage outputs—all for a single Colorless Energy.
| Type | Stage | HP | Attacks + Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorless | Basic | 60 | Continuous Steps: 20x Damage + Flip a coin until you get tails. This attack does 20 damage for each heads. |
Unlike the Genetic Apex Eevee, which only dish out 20 damage, the Mythical Island variant stands out as a necessity for those utilizing Eeveelutions, especially in the early stages of battle. This card will be a must-have for any player in the Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Leave a Reply