The Pokemon Trading Card Game has been shaping a dynamic competitive landscape for years with its evolving card sets. Its latest digital twist, Pokemon TCG Pocket, has brought fresh excitement, particularly with its initial expansion. Within Genetic Apex’s 226 cards, one card in particular, Kangaskhan, is making waves in the game’s early meta. With a bit of luck, Kangaskhan in Pokemon TCG Pocket might just remind players of its powerhouse days akin to its Mega evolution from Pokemon X and Y.
This expansion predominantly serves up a nostalgic nod to the original 151 Pokemon, and Kangaskhan’s unexpected prominence in battles has sparked a mix of sentiments. Playing Kangaskhan strategically turns matches into a game of chance, echoing the tension players felt against Mega Kangaskhan in past gaming eras.
When we delve into Kangaskhan’s move set, Dizzy Punch emerges as a highlight right at the start of a battle. This move, costing only a single resource, is governed by a coin flip mechanic. If luck is on your side, you could be dealing 60 damage right out of the gate. Backed by its solid 100 HP, Kangaskhan becomes a formidable presence, potentially stalling opponents from even getting their footing with their basic evolutions.
While Kangaskhan might not be the absolute powerhouse of the expansion, its efficient use of resources and durability often bring it ahead of competitors like Farfetch’d’s more consistent 40 damage Leek Slap. Though gambling on Dizzy Punch’s success comes with its pitfalls, Kangaskhan remains a tricky contender despite its vulnerabilities, like its high retreat cost or being countered by cards like Giovanni’s Supporter in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
Reflecting on the past, Kangaskhan’s power in this game brings to mind its infamous Mega Evolution’s impact. The Mega Kangaskhan from Pokemon X and Y was notorious, mainly due to its Parental Bond ability, which allowed it to strike twice. Despite damage reduction tweaks in later generations, this ability — bolstered by moves like Power-Up Punch — secured its position as a daunting opponent, leading many players to seek balance adjustments.
However, while the Dizzy Punch iteration in TCG Pocket harkens back to these times, it’s unlikely to reach Mega Kangaskhan levels of notoriety. Even as new game mechanics like Z-Moves entered the scene, Mega Kangaskhan’s threat remained prominent to the point of being sidelined in competitive circles like Smogon. Future expansions will likely introduce other strong contenders, which could diversify the meta and reduce the risk of any single card being overly dominant. For instance, cards from recent collections like Ambipom offer similar damage capabilities. However, whether Pokemon TCG Pocket’s competitive scene will shift to accommodate these changes remains to be seen.
For those eager to explore the digital frontier of Pokemon TCG, Pokemon TCG Pocket offers a thrilling platform to relive and collect card favorites. Available on iOS and Android, it brings together Creatures Inc., the original developers, and DeNA Co., Ltd. The game entices with daily free booster packs and a mix of nostalgic art and new exclusive cards, promising a captivating experience. Keep an eye out for the “immersive cards,” as they promise to transport you right into the vivid worlds of card illustrations.
