What’s the hype about Pokemon?

By : Fazmina Samat

What exactly is Pokemon? And what are all these booster packs, trainers, and that famous Pikachu everyone talks about? Whether you’re completely new to the Pokemon world or just looking to sharpen your knowledge, this guide is a great starting point.

Pokemon, at its core, is a beloved franchise that includes video games, TV shows, and trading card games. In the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), players collect and battle using different Pokemon cards, with each card representing a different Pokemon or supporting feature. Let’s dive into the different type of Pokemon cards to begin with.

Types of Pokemon Cards

There are several types of Pokemon cards, each with its own characteristics.

• Basic Pokemon cards : These are the most common cards and represent a Pokemon in its simplest form. They tend to have a lower Hit Points (HP) and weaker attacks compared to evolved forms. Think of them as the starter Pokemon.

• Stage 1 Pokemon cards : These cards represent the first evolution of a Pokemon. They are stronger than basic Pokemon, with a higher HP and more powerful attacks.

• Stage 2 Pokemon cards : The final evolution! These cards feature fully evolved Pokemon, equipped with the highest HP and strongest attacks in the game.

• EX, GX, VMAX, and VSTAR cards : These are special, super-powerful Pokemon cards with boosted stats and abilities. They often have higher HP and can deal serious damage during Pokemon battles.

• Trainer / Supporter Cards : These are not Pokemon themselves, but these cards help you during gameplay. They can heal your Pokemon allow you to draw extra cards, or give your Pokemon a temporary boost.

• Energy cards : To perform attacks, Pokemon need energy. These cards ‘fuel’ your Pokemon’s ability and different Pokemon require different types of energy to power their moves.