Pokémon TCG Pocket has finally made its debut on iPhone and Android devices, providing players with a clean and efficient version of the popular card game. Unlike previous attempts at bringing Pokémon to mobile devices, TCG Pocket focuses on what fans love most about the game – the cards themselves. While the game does a great job of capturing the essence of the physical card game, there are a few features that I believe could be borrowed from Marvel Snap to enhance the overall experience.
Having spent the past few days immersed in TCG Pocket, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Marvel Snap, a game that had me hooked for hours on end. One of the first things that stood out to me was the length of the matches. Marvel Snap battles are quick and engaging, making it easy to jump into another match without feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, TCG Pocket matches can feel a bit drawn out, with players having a cumulative timer of 20 minutes and individual turn countdowns starting at over 60 seconds. While the battles are fun, the longer match length can sometimes make it difficult to commit to another game.
Another aspect where Marvel Snap excels is in its progression system. The game allows players to acquire extra cards, level them up, and earn points that can be used to unlock new cards. This system adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation to keep playing. TCG Pocket, on the other hand, falls short in this area. The rewards for winning matches are minimal, consisting mostly of XP that contributes to an overall level. While leveling up does unlock additional rewards, they don’t feel particularly rewarding or exciting.
Finally, Marvel Snap offers players the opportunity to acquire alternate card art for their favorite decks, providing a sense of customization and personalization. This feature adds an additional goal to strive for and allows players to express their individual style. In contrast, TCG Pocket lacks this level of customization, as it is limited to existing card art with few variations to unlock. This can make the experience feel less engaging and dynamic compared to Marvel Snap.
Despite these shortcomings, TCG Pocket is still a promising mobile game that captures the essence of the Pokémon card game. With only one set of cards available at the moment, there is plenty of room for growth and improvement in the future. While the game may not have reached the same level of addictiveness as Marvel Snap for me personally, it is still a solid entry in the world of digital Pokémon games. As the game continues to evolve and expand, I have no doubt that it will attract a dedicated fan base eager to collect and battle with their favorite Pokémon cards.
