tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45705949347662167792024-02-22T10:05:29.385-08:00PikaCirculator - the BlogNot just another Pokémon site ;DPikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-75858682153483819642012-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:002013-06-19T09:27:30.677-07:00Updated Trade Rules + Wants ListHi everyone! To prevent YouTube from completely erasing everything again, we're going to post our official trade rules here on the blog. Under that will be LM's Wants List.<br />
<br />
TRADE RULES:<br />
1. If you come to me for a trade, I will expect that you send first. I don't send at the same time unless we've traded a lot.<br />
2. PC ships trades internationally for free. You should too.<br />
3. If you are buying a card or cards from us, however, you MUST pay shipping on it. You must pay $1.50 if you are in Canada, $2 from the USA, and $5 elsewhere.<br />
4. All money must be paid in Canadian dollars, preferably. LM will also accept US dollars.<br />
5. All cards, unless otherwise requested, should be near-mint or mint. I will always state the conditions of my cards when trading.<br />
6. Once addresses are exchanged, the trade is FINAL. If you back out of a trade once addresses are exchanged, you will go onto our bad trader list. I don't appreciate time-wasters.<br />
7. I ship with top loaders for Ultra Rares and Secret Rares and double sleeves for everything else. I would prefer that you do likewise.<br />
8. I don't often throw in extras. So you can add extras if you want, but don't expect any back.<br />
9. LM gives signature cards out to those who trade and buy from him. (Currently the cards are in 2nd Edition - out of 1st Edition!)<br />
10. I only trade English cards for English cards and Japanese cards for Japanese cards.<br />
11. Most importantly, have fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
LUXRAYMOGUL'S WANT LIST - <span style="color: red;">Updated with HeartGold SoulSilver</span><br />
<br />
-Money<br />
-Unopened packs from EX TEAM AQUA AND TEAM MAGMA, EX TEAM ROCKET RETURNS<br />
-HeartGold SoulSilver Energy with the Pokémon Silhouettes (HGSS115-122)<br />
<br />
--Singles from HEARTGOLD SOULSILVER (Ultra rares and Secret Rares in gold)<br />
Clefable (HGSS3)<br />
Noctowl (HGSS8)<br />
Quagsire (HGSS9)<br />
Shuckle (HGSS11)<br />
Wobbuffet (HGSS13)<br />
Typhlosion (HGSS32)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Gyarados (HGSS123)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Alpha Lithograph (ONE)</span><br />
<br />
---Singles from BW NEXT DESTINIES: (Ultra rares and Secret Rares in gold)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Shaymin EX (ND5)</span><br />
Amoongus (ND9)<br />
Moltres (ND14)<br />
Chandelure (ND20)<br />
Reshiram (ND21)<br />
Lapras (ND25)<br />
Lapras (ND26)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Kyurem EX (ND38)</span><br />
Zebstrika (ND48)<br />
Zekrom (ND50)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Zekrom EX (ND51)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Mewtwo EX (ND54)</span><br />
Musharna (ND59)<br />
Darmanitan (ND60)<br />
Mienshao (ND68)<br />
Weavile (ND70)<br />
Jigglypuff (ND79)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Regigigas EX (ND82)</span><br />
Cinccino (ND85)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Reshiram EX (ND95)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Kyurem EX (ND96)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Zekrom EX (ND97)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Mewtwo EX (ND98)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Regigigas EX (ND99)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Emboar (ND100)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Chandelure (ND101)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Zoroark (ND102)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Hydreigon (ND103)</span><br />
<br />
---Singles from BW DRAGONS EXALTED: (Ultra Rares and Secret Rares in gold)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Rayquaza EX (DEX85)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Terrakion EX (DEX121)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Registeel EX (DEX122)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Rayquaza EX (DEX123)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Giratina EX (DEX124)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Krookodile (DEX127)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Rayquaza (DEX128)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /></span>
Reverse:<br />
Roselia (DEX12)<br />
Roserade (DEX15)<br />
Gyrados (DEX24)<br />
Tympole (DEX34)<br />
Gible (DEX87)<br />
Garchomp (DEX90)<br />
Garchomp (DEX91)<br />
Swablu (DEX104)<br />
<br />
---Singles from Japanese BW6 COLD FLARE: (Ultra Rares and Secret Rares in gold)<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">***All cards must be 1st Edition</span><br />
Crystal Edge (59/59)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Celebi EX (60/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Keldeo EX (61/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">White-Kyurem EX (62/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Bianca (63/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Altaria (65/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /></span>
---Singles from Japanese BW6 FREEZE BOLT: (Ultra Rares and Secret Rares in gold)<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">***All cards must be 1st Edition</span><br />
Charizard (12/59)<br />
Piloswine (18/59)<br />
Gliscor (35/59)<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Landorus EX (40/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Cresselia EX (60/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Landorus EX (61/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Black-Kyurem EX (62/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Cheren (63/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Golurk (64/59)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Rocky Helmet (65/59)</span>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-61886283439265475122012-07-25T18:45:00.001-07:002012-07-25T18:47:35.473-07:00Card of the Day Review - Rayquaza EX (Dragons Exalted 85)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFNfano6sdhc7aLIj7qHpyNdKIEdpzI1gok94n6jQ_VZaPbCaYM63qXGJd4qkWXlpl-RbzNuZe1HJqwd4g0PqJ2RumUNTx90YMlqFkSs3Ty1gzTlWuZMpPG6x6a-lnKleSYs_vtMjDWj4/s1600/85-rayquaza-ex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFNfano6sdhc7aLIj7qHpyNdKIEdpzI1gok94n6jQ_VZaPbCaYM63qXGJd4qkWXlpl-RbzNuZe1HJqwd4g0PqJ2RumUNTx90YMlqFkSs3Ty1gzTlWuZMpPG6x6a-lnKleSYs_vtMjDWj4/s320/85-rayquaza-ex.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Hey guys! It's LuxrayMogul here with another Card of the Day Review! Volcachu will be taking over after today as I am on vacation! So yeah. Today's card is Rayquaza EX, a pretty hyped up card that's coming out with the new Dragons Exalted set on August 15th. Let's take a look.<br /><br />Rayquaza EX is a Dragon-Type Basic Pokémon (Dragon type - so thrilled!) with a solid 170 HP. Like in the games, its weakness is its own type. It has no resistance and a retreat cost of 1 (which, with Skyarrow Bridge [ND91], reduces to zero, which is useful!) Because it's an EX, the regular prize card rule applies: two prize cards is drawn if this majestic Pokémon is knocked out. Anyways, let's look at its attacks.<br /><br />Celestial Roar lets you discard the top 3 cards of your deck and attach all energy you discard to Rayquaza EX. This is particularly useful for its second attack, Dragon Burst. I'll get into that later. All of this costs a Colourless energy. Which is decent, but it wastes a turn that could be spent doing damage.<br /><br />Dragon Burst requires a Fire and a Lightning (no Dragon energy yet, so all dragon types have assorted attack costs) and requires you to choose either fire or lightning. You must then discard all the energy cards of that type attached to Rayquaza EX and it does 60 damage for every energy you discard. Which is a super awesome attack! But you'll need to average 2-3 energy discarding a turn, assuming you need to deal 70-180 damage, which is the average HP of Pokémon nowadays and also assuming you don't run PlusPower.<br /><br />Energy acceleration is still a big part of the metagame, but luckily for Rayquaza EX the format's slowed down quite a bit after Pokémon Collector and Junk Arm are now gone, for example. A good method I've been seeing is running Rayquaza EX with Eelektrik (Noble Victories 40) whose Ability Dynamotor lets you attach Lightning energy from your discard to your Benched Pokémon. Combine this with Skyarrow and Rayquaza can retreat to recharge while another Rayquaza EX can do the attacking. This can allow a steady stream of damage assuming you have enough Eelektrik. Using Level Ball (ND89) and Ultra Ball (DE102) to get the Eelektrik out (and also to send Lightning to the discard with Ultra Ball) and then even having a few Super Rod (NV95) to ensure the fire energies are returning to the deck is a good strategy. So, discarding Lightning energy is more preferable than discarding Fire, which should remain on the card as energy requirement because of the lack of fire energy acceleration. (Well, Emboar is always an option but let's not talk about that).<br /><br />Another good tech is to run Pokédex (BLW98) so you can at least attempt to move energies to the front of the deck for Celestial Roar. But again, I've already warned against using that attack unless it's near the beginning of the game. After that, it's too risky to not damage your opponent with your EX becoming a target.<br /><br />The art work is stunning. I simply can't wait for this card to come out and me to get my hands on one! I am actually thrilled about this artwork out of all the EXes that are being released in Dragons Exalted, to be honest. (Whoa... Dragons Exalted as the same initials as Dark Explorers... I think I'll refer to Dragons Exalted as DEX then.)<br /><br />I'm going to go ahead and give 5/5 for Rayquaza EX for being a fast attacker, large damage output, good HP, great retreat cost, being playable (of course!) and of course for simply being a Dragon. Thank you every one for tuning in and have a wonderful day!PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-23953711167474800582012-07-11T16:45:00.000-07:002012-07-11T16:46:55.370-07:00Card of the Day Review - Luxray (Next Destinies 46)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY3T_S7iKeVJUHR0WAxJDyI6Dd1pwDaGKXklomLu8QRwAkxuMLGd9Ib3lCv43GJU0UJY9yMkEy95abyfYpZGW1aDHrEnfYZ9UKk7jyQIfBQCYJNh_bf-oPe7C2dwK330CI7ykMIw59WsK/s1600/46-luxray.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY3T_S7iKeVJUHR0WAxJDyI6Dd1pwDaGKXklomLu8QRwAkxuMLGd9Ib3lCv43GJU0UJY9yMkEy95abyfYpZGW1aDHrEnfYZ9UKk7jyQIfBQCYJNh_bf-oPe7C2dwK330CI7ykMIw59WsK/s320/46-luxray.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey everyone! It's <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: inherit;"> </span></b>here with your daily card review! Today we discuss my favourite Pokémon that just got a card in a (relatively) recent set! Yes, it's Luxray, card number 46 from Next Destinies. Let's just get right to it!<br />
<br />
Luxray is a Stage 2 Lightning-type Pokémon with a decent 140 HP. It has a weakness to Fighting types, which is not a surprise given that it's a common Lightning-type weakness. It has no resistance and a pretty good retreat cost of one. Considering that it's a Stage 2 Pokémon, a one retreat cost is pretty decent considering the twos and threes that other Stage 2s get!<br />
<br />
Let's take a look at the attacks. The first attack, Flash Impact does a decent 60 damage with a the single drawback that it does 20 damage to one of your own Benched Pokémon. Still, one for sixty is pretty decent, and we should be expecting such things from a Stage 2. The extra damage is undesirable, but it comes as a price to such a big attack!<br />
Crunch costs two Lightning and a Colorless, and does a measly 80 with a chance of discarding an Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon. It's decent... but compared to Zekrom (BLW114) who does 120 with the same energy requirements, taking the time to evolve up two stages to a Luxray to do a measly 80 damage and an effect that Crushing Hammer (Emerging Powers 92) or Enhanced Hammer (Dark Explorers 94) can do is... not that great to say the least. If Luxray was a Basic then it would have been much better.<br />
<br />
In summary, in a format where Electric-types dominate, Luxray may have a difficult time being played because of all the other hard hitting Electric-types that are dominating right now, like the mentioned Zekrom and Zekrom EX (Next Destinies 51, 97).<br />
<br />
Luxray's artwork is awesome. Maybe that's just because I love Luxray, and that it's a holo. But Luxray is actually an artwork I like a lot from Next Destinies... compared to some of the newer Pokémon whose artworks seem overly simple. (Understandable because they just came out a year ago).<br />
<br />
Overall I'll give Luxray 3.5/5 for awesome artwork, low retreat cost, decent attacks, and for simply being my favourite Pokémon. It loses points for its relatively low damage output for a Stage 2 and lack of playability in this format as an Electric type. It's decent, but I won't expect to see it a lot in tournaments this upcoming season (or this current season for that matter).<br />
<br />
LuxrayMogul signing out. Until next time!PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-40695614611570767142012-07-10T16:55:00.001-07:002012-07-10T16:57:30.463-07:00Card of the Day Review - Entei EX (Dark Explorers 13, 103)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShcCvUljAGcnN0tN7RUGpmxW2FiE7DmoR536R5KhsRqwlO9LmoNKHWEk1B0-ggKWe6cC_JBCd9fmKVNzBBY9ou1ZeCXfm8SGF_dEfArn-B1rSqSivHNn1LO_zAORi9tzVHL2xIQKRVsHd/s1600/13-entei-ex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShcCvUljAGcnN0tN7RUGpmxW2FiE7DmoR536R5KhsRqwlO9LmoNKHWEk1B0-ggKWe6cC_JBCd9fmKVNzBBY9ou1ZeCXfm8SGF_dEfArn-B1rSqSivHNn1LO_zAORi9tzVHL2xIQKRVsHd/s200/13-entei-ex.jpeg" width="141" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDklfju8K4ge-A0EAjOkZgVlFGJhj3DT5275dcsG7NPpTvMam1ivKsP8fhhVsxF77ByQbZdA1lK-1OoK3yTx8eOaDSpug44sPFLiyeYPubdXp90_ZtIea3Sd75_nlticeVHUgmCD8smKtg/s1600/103-entei-ex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDklfju8K4ge-A0EAjOkZgVlFGJhj3DT5275dcsG7NPpTvMam1ivKsP8fhhVsxF77ByQbZdA1lK-1OoK3yTx8eOaDSpug44sPFLiyeYPubdXp90_ZtIea3Sd75_nlticeVHUgmCD8smKtg/s200/103-entei-ex.jpeg" width="141" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey everyone! <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></b> here with your daily card of the day review! To push the button first, our One Year Anniversary Raffle and Show will take place on July 19th. To find out how you can enter, check out our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DisruBi-Yhw" target="_blank">YouTube video.</a> Anyways, back to the review!<br />
<br />
Today we're going to discuss one of the newer EXes, Entei EX from Dark Explorers (DE13, full art DE103). Let's just get started.<br />
<br />
Entei EX is a Basic Fire type Pokémon EX, with 180HP, which means, like all EXes, that your opponent draws two prize cards when Entei EX is knocked out. Like Reshiram EX, it has a x2 Water-type weakness, which is predictable but again, not preferable. Luckily there aren't too many water-types that are in the metagame right now. It has no resistance and the same fat retreat cost of three as Reshiram EX, which again, sucks.<br />
<br />
Entei EX has been receiving a little bit of hype recently, and let's look at the attacks and try to figure out why. Fire Fang, which requires a Fire and a Colorless, does 30 damage and burns the Defending Pokémon. This is decent attack, and the guaranteed burn makes it better. But because Burn itself doesn't guarantee damage, it isn't the best special condition there is out there. But, at least Burning the Defending Pokémon will prevent if from using most Abilities.<br />
Its second attack, Grand Flame, needs to two Fire energy and a colourless energy. It does a decent 90 damage, but compared to Reshiram (BLW113) which deals 120 with the same costs, is meh. But its effect allows you to attach a fire energy card from your discard to one of your Benched Pokémon, so that completely makes up for the damage shortage. And plus, there is no need to discard an energy to use the attack so dealing 90 every turn is solid. It just means that most Pokémon will have to be hit with Grand Flame twice before it gets knocked out.<br />
<br />
Interestingly though, this may present one of the new ways of energy acceleration. Technically, you are attaching two fire energies a turn once Entei attacks, although one is done after attacking so it's not really useful. But other than Emboar (BLW20), Entei EX may actually be one of the only available Fire energy acceleration methods in this format now as Fire's presence in the metagame is slowly fading away after Typhlosion Prime (HGSS110) leaves. Entei can rescue energies from the discard just like Typhlosion can, without the 10 damage penalty (which makes it useful for charging up other Entei EX or just other fire-types on the bench) even though it can only be done once a turn, after attacking. It's not much of an acceleration, but it's still better than nothing.<br />
<br />
I enjoy the artwork on both the regular and full art. I mean, Entei is one of my favourite Pokémon so it's hard not to enjoy the artwork. It's splendidly done, so full marks for that!<br />
<br />
Overall, I'll give Entei EX 4/5 for playability, energy acceleration possibility, high HP, and being a consistent attacker. It loses points for again, being a "fat" Pokémon (at least it's not flippy - refer to Reshiram EX) and having a low damage output that can be out-competed in this fast format. But overall, Entei EX is a very interesting card and I think it should be seeing a decent amount of play as we enter this new Black and White-on season.<br />
<br />
Until next time, I'm LuxrayMogul signing out. Peace!PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-65685974578820109572012-07-09T18:57:00.000-07:002012-07-09T22:06:33.182-07:00Card of the Day Review - Reshiram EX (Next Destinies 22, 95)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpboV6_D_T0M7D4pPQXt9KUw1AtmfHJeqsAmIiCzpl97u6G1n98vSTOOuUVQOPcShMXswO575PWz3iD0tmYGDsdaBM2ajqhFImNSFR7tDnyXXrIyVAbFvcqwBNK9TcpoC6QZmouAfb994C/s1600/22-reshiram-ex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpboV6_D_T0M7D4pPQXt9KUw1AtmfHJeqsAmIiCzpl97u6G1n98vSTOOuUVQOPcShMXswO575PWz3iD0tmYGDsdaBM2ajqhFImNSFR7tDnyXXrIyVAbFvcqwBNK9TcpoC6QZmouAfb994C/s200/22-reshiram-ex.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4cBRPSAl4YBazsvOIIzZI8qZc7D6jQ8N0JkNwf0emvUrDmnh6WoAPoErZEdXSrCTb2Lmo5krrd5t9OYy-bFX7XleEAzbBQUgfPba7YbstEgJ_gGOmZmojTGdSw_vx5CZwCO3NyXh2i6J/s1600/95-reshiram-ex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4cBRPSAl4YBazsvOIIzZI8qZc7D6jQ8N0JkNwf0emvUrDmnh6WoAPoErZEdXSrCTb2Lmo5krrd5t9OYy-bFX7XleEAzbBQUgfPba7YbstEgJ_gGOmZmojTGdSw_vx5CZwCO3NyXh2i6J/s200/95-reshiram-ex.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello everyone! It's <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></b> here again for your daily Card of the Day review! Today I'm covering the only EX card I've played with in this format, Reshiram EX (Next Destinies 22, full art ND 95). It's part of the first wave of EXes that were released in this new format. So, let's cut the chase and start talking about it!<br />
<br />
Reshiram EX comes in a normal card and a full art card, with the full art (obviously) relatively rarer and more expensive. It is a Basic Fire type Pokémon with 180 HP. Because it's an EX, the EX rule applies, which states that if it gets knocked out, your opponent is permitted to draw two prize cards. It has a Water-type weakness (not preferable, but expected), no resistance, and a fat retreat cost of three. Slap in Skyarrow Bridge (Next Destinies 91) and that's two, which is better. Considering that more powerful EXes like Mewtwo EX only has two retreat cost (one with Skyarrow), Reshiram EX is already considered to have a relatively "fat" retreat cost. So... eh.<br />
<br />
Let's look at its attacks. Glinting Claw, its first attack, requires a Fire energy and two colourless energy. With the rotation of Lost Remover (Call of Legends 80) in a month or so, I think Double Colourless Energy will be much more playable, so that definitely benefits Reshiram EX. A Fire and a DCE and Reshiram is ready to attack on its second turn. It does a decent 50 damage, possibly 80 on a coin flip.<br />
It's second attack, Brave Fire, does an impressive 150 damage with the cost of two Fires and a DCE. However, a coin flip determines if Reshiram EX does 50 to itself. Considering it has 180 HP and also considering that EXes become targets the second they enter the field, you can afford flipping two, maybe three, tails before two prizes go bye-bye. So I mean, the 50 self-damage isn't that decent, and I don't care how lucky you are with coins. (I usually flip tails, much to my annoyance!)<br />
<br />
Overall impressions now. Because Typhlosion Prime (HGSS110) is being rotated in a month or so along with the entire HeartGold SoulSilver series cards (NOOO TYPHLO...), a big part of Fire energy acceleration is lost; with the only real acceleration coming from Emboar (BLW20), which is a fat Pokémon itself (figuratively and literally) and hard to get out. Luckily, only two fire energies are really needed and there is no discarding, but in a format that is as fast as the one that we're in currently, three turns (maybe even four, if you don't draw the DCE) is just too long for a Pokémon to start using its most powerful attack. And again, because Reshiram EX is an EX, it becomes a target once it comes on and probably won't even last that long.<br />
Another annoying thing about Reshiram is the amount of coin flipping there it is. Most Basic Pokémon nowadays have more than 50HP, and if Glinting Claw doesn't get a heads, you're just dealing 50, and most likely, not knocking out anyone, thus, wasting a turn. All these factors add to its relatively unplayability in this format. I personally think that the loss of Typhlosion Prime personally adds to the unplayability of this card. On the contrary, Reshiram EX's brother card, Zekrom EX (ND51 and 97) is a much better card in the format because of Electric energy acceleration by Mr. Eelektrik (Noble Victories 40).<br />
<br />
The artwork... the regular artwork is stunning, but the full art is... meh. It looks intense alright, but it just doesn't seem like my cup of tea.<br />
<br />
Overall, I'll give Reshiram EX a 3/5 for relative playability and awesome artwork on the regular card. It loses points for lack of energy acceleration and being a "fat" and "flippy" card. So, I mean if there was decent fire energy acceleration it may have been a better card. But it simply won't be that good in this format. Of course, sound out your opinion in the comments below!<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow, LuxrayMogul signing out. Peace!PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-11837675203430010472012-07-08T19:41:00.004-07:002012-07-08T19:42:36.800-07:00Card of the Day Review - Random Receiver (Dark Explorers 99)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByXhXgn1eDw7_UodMw5YeAqYCRDN-1XBeESTqK8-kGWxfd8iWq4iSYFs18AgEbq2K4l0xK9gdHNqC90ufyvFk3KXAyIfK5oOJxOYPsu9aqKKf2OZAd0ilnx2O5m83IkMG3EuYvh8vQwki/s1600/RandomReceiver99.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByXhXgn1eDw7_UodMw5YeAqYCRDN-1XBeESTqK8-kGWxfd8iWq4iSYFs18AgEbq2K4l0xK9gdHNqC90ufyvFk3KXAyIfK5oOJxOYPsu9aqKKf2OZAd0ilnx2O5m83IkMG3EuYvh8vQwki/s320/RandomReceiver99.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey everyone! It's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>LuxrayMogul</b></span> here with a brand new Card Review (I know we haven't done one in a while) and it's Random Receiver (99/108) from the recent Dark Explorers set. Let's take a look.<br />
<br />
Random Receiver is quite similar to Xtransceiver (Noble Victories 96) but without the coin flip. However, Random Receiver forces you to take the first Supporter you reveal, whereas if you get a Heads on a coin flip, Xtransceiver lets you search your deck for <i>any </i>Supporter. So, both have their own risks attached to them: Random Receiver adds the risk that you may not get the Supporter you need, but Xtransceiver adds the risk that you might not get heads.<br />
<br />
Wait: let's backtrack. Random Receiver's effect allows the player to reveal cards from the top of their deck until a Supporter is revealed. Because Random Receiver is a regular Trainer card, many copies of the card can be used during a turn if the Supporter desired isn't found. It's quite a useful card and quite fun too, talking from personal experience. Sometimes almost half the deck is revealed until a Supporter is found!<br />
<br />
Strategy wise, I think it can potentially be a very useful card in the soon to be Black and White-on format and is a much better card than Xtranceiver. Luckily, because they are both Trainers, more than one can be played a turn if the Supporter you want is unavailable. <strike>Then, combining with Junk Arm (Triumphant 87) you can recycle those Trainers as much as you want</strike> Sorry, Junk Arm's getting rotated :(<br />
<br />
Aaaaanyways, it's a very useful addition to any deck because Supporters will always need to be used in competitive gaming for faster results. And if you're like me, who has NO luck with starting with the cards I need, drawing a Random Receiver in your first hand or in your first couple turns will definitely assist your game and your deck in performing well. And if you already have a Supporter - Random Receiver will give you some choice on which one is the best to use first too.<br />
<br />
The artwork's pretty decent. I mean, most of the Trainer artworks from the Black and White sets are pretty decent anyways. They aren't as exciting or old-school feel as the HGSS trainers, but still good nevertheless.<br />
<br />
Let's give Random Receiver full marks, 5/5, for its playability, its ability to assist players, as well as its artwork. In conclusion, Random Receiver is a pretty good card released with Dark Explorers and it is sure to assist Pokémon players on their road to victory.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-75080005652726268552012-06-30T11:39:00.001-07:002012-06-30T11:39:55.936-07:00PikaCirculator's One Year Anniversary Raffle!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYaJnBAmW1az39uOvgcPhvAc_l6RLXuffJxjY-Foehr8qAd-Unpev4LtWMxaVf4NlpVQL36jgqo89JwAjEX6YC-DJkkKsUEbwRbN-_xtgTbbcZwbl1MS7scVjA6HVeXIm8IATgxJ8zF6S/s1600/PC1Y+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYaJnBAmW1az39uOvgcPhvAc_l6RLXuffJxjY-Foehr8qAd-Unpev4LtWMxaVf4NlpVQL36jgqo89JwAjEX6YC-DJkkKsUEbwRbN-_xtgTbbcZwbl1MS7scVjA6HVeXIm8IATgxJ8zF6S/s200/PC1Y+Logo.png" width="184" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, PikaCirculator is celebrating it's one year anniversary! To find out how you can celebrate with us, please head over to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DisruBi-Yhw&list=UUs8XGAuk2_C0XYLLLAiYs_Q&index=0&feature=plcp" target="_blank">our YouTube video</a> to find out!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
--LMPikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-65998283926102687692011-09-11T18:41:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:41:58.266-07:00Card of the Week Review - Beartic (Emerging Powers 30)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.serebii.net/card/emergingpowers/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.serebii.net/card/emergingpowers/30.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></b> here for another Card of the Week Review! This week, I'll be reviewing another card from Emerging Powers: Beartic. No, not card #31 Beartic, but the one that everyone's been really excited about - Beartic, card #30.<br />
<br />
Let's start with some stats. Beartic is a Stage-1 Water-type Pokémon that evolves from Cubchoo (the Pokémon with like the huge snot coming out of its nose...). It has 130 HP, which is incredibly high considering it's a Stage 1 Pokémon. This is also great for Beartic as big attacks like Reshiram's Blue Flare, Zekrom's Bolt Strike, and Typhlosion's Fire Spin will leave it with 10 HP, (as no attack does exactly 130 damage), which forces the opponent to use a Plus Power or two to finish Beartic off, if they wish, in one turn. (I think you would want to; refer to next section for reasons why). It has a x2 Metal weakness which is great; you don't see too many metal-type decks nowadays, and Beartic isn't weak to the usual Electric type for Water-types, so it's a great card to be played now. It has no resistance, which isn't too much of a surprise. However, a drawback would be its three colourless energy retreat cost. In J-Wittz' words, that's FAT! That's really fat! You have to watch out for Pokémon Catcher and other cards that can possibly endanger Beartic before it's set-up and ready to attack.<br />
<br />
Now its attacks - it's first attack, Sheer Cold, needs WCC to use; so I think it's safe to say that Beartic is Double Colourless Energy compatible. ;D It does a measly 50 damage, but prevents the defending Pokémon from attacking the next turn. Personally, that's great! They will be forced to retreat, evolve, or devolve in order to even touch Beartic the next turn. Now; evolving and devolving are pretty rare, so that means retreat. If you can combine Beartic with Catcher, you can slaughter a "fat" Benched Pokémon (such as Beartic) before it's ready to attack itself, and it can't retreat. ('Fat' means large retreat cost, not trying to offend anyone with this term.) So, Sheer Cold is a great attack!<br />
<br />
Its second attack, Icicle Crash, needs WWCC, so once again, DCE can be used. It does a measly 80 damage (well, measly considering how much energy is required for this attack). However, it isn't affected by Resistance, so no... grass..? Pokémon are safe from this attack either. It provides a OHKO to Donphan Prime which is weak to water-types, therefore, being a great counter to a very, very popular card in the format right now.<br />
<br />
The artwork is OK. It pales compared to Beartic (Emerging Powers 31), but I guess it's OK since it's holo. It's a little over-simplistic though.<br />
<br />
Overall, I give 4.5/5 to Beartic. I hate Donphan Prime so since it can kill it in one hit it's a great counter. (I know that is biased... but it's true.) It loses 0.5 point because of its "fat-ness" - carefully when Catcher pulls this out when it's not ready. Overall, I think it's a great card in this format and should be considered in many decks. (Its weakness is different, which helps it a lot as well!)PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-51092715167722146282011-09-04T17:32:00.000-07:002011-09-04T20:56:06.212-07:00Card of the Week Review - Gothitelle (Emerging Powers 47)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymoYZt3RHjQuZFax9X9mrQq3Q2NDnZGqfmeobwD7KvVhmWkUBxgMH_WEr-Xu0FAz4preWwpjsQJFbqtyjD63Ug0Nh_3BD2Hq3Y5DNLsUa_MiJ7gqWhmRlKdUk5XpmhBQt8wEJdWx0Cw7h/s1600/Gothitelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymoYZt3RHjQuZFax9X9mrQq3Q2NDnZGqfmeobwD7KvVhmWkUBxgMH_WEr-Xu0FAz4preWwpjsQJFbqtyjD63Ug0Nh_3BD2Hq3Y5DNLsUa_MiJ7gqWhmRlKdUk5XpmhBQt8wEJdWx0Cw7h/s1600/Gothitelle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! It is <b style="color: red;">Volc<span style="color: yellow;">achu</span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span>back for a card review; but since school has started, we will be doing card reviews weekly instead of daily. For the time being, we will try to focus our reviews on Pokémon from the new set. This week's Pokémon will be Gothitelle and it has been getting a lot of hype since the release of the set.<br />
<br />
This Pokémon is a Stage 2 Psychic-Type with 130 HP which is average. It has an ability called Magic Room which I will get more in depth later. Gothitelle has only one attack and it is called Madkinesis. This attack costs 3 energy of any type and it does 30 base damage. This attack does 20 extra damage on top of the 30 base damage for each Psychic Energy attached to Gothitelle. This means that the more Psychic Energies, the more powerful the attack is. Like most Psychic-Types, Gothitelle has a weakness to other Psychic-Types. It has a retreat cost of two which is not very good.<br />
<br />
The reason why this Pokémon is liked is because of the ability, Magic Room. This ability is only activated when Gothitelle is the active Pokémon. The ability locks most of the important trainer cards of the opponent as they are not allowed to play any item cards. This will shut down key cards like Pokémon Catcher, Switch, Pokémon Communications and others. Gothitelle is usually teamed up with a Reuniclus to continually lock the opponent while keeping Gothitelle alive as long as possible. This may be a very combo soon as many people are starting to pick this up.<br />
<br />
All these factors allow me to give Gothitelle a 4.5/5. Even with all the potential to lock your opponent, she is very slow to set up. This slowness calls for more Twins in your deck since you will probably fall behind early with this deck. Gothitelle will become an alternate Vileplume and it will be a hot card in the market. Grab them all before others do!<br />
<br />
PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-58421404523340510472011-08-31T18:06:00.000-07:002011-08-31T18:06:23.396-07:00Emerging Powers Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/W-Emerging-Powers-Log.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="http://www.the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/W-Emerging-Powers-Log.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hey guys! It's <b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">LuxrayMogul </span></b>here to more or less rant about the new expansion that was released today - Black & White - Emerging Powers. Yes, the name sounds pretty cool, but I guess this expansion is more of a... collector's expansion than a competitive one. Most of the cards are not too appealing to competitive players. The full art Thundorus and Tornadus is great for collectors, but their attacks definitely aren't that good compared to cards from previous expansions.<br />
<br />
The main hype? Well, I think there are mostly two cards from this expansion that is pretty much the only "hype" you would say; and probably one of the only reasons why someone would buy boosters from this expansion in the first place. The first one is Pokémon Catcher (Emerging Powers 95). This has the same effect as a pretty old card, Gust of Wind (Base Set 93), a similar effect to the more recent reprinted card, Pokémon Reversal (HGSS 99) [without the coin flip], and a similar effect to Pokémon Circulator (Unleashed 81) [opponent's choice, not yours]. This gives you the power to switch your opponent's Active Pokémon with a Benched, which can quickly give you a victory - perhaps this aspect adds to its popularity and demand. Definitely watch out for Catchers in the upcoming tournaments. <br />
<br />
The second card hype, Beartic (Emerging Powers 30), is also a big hype, and also a nightmare to play against. I'm not going to do a review here, because that'll be saved for PikaCirculator's later reviews ;D But its staggering 130 HP for a Stage 1 and its deadly attack Sheer Cold builds to its popularity - although it only does a mere 50 damage, its additional effect prevents the defending Pokémon from attacking - which forces them to wait out a turn, or retreat to another Pokémon to do the attack. Definitely expect to see this Beartic in upcoming tournaments for sure.<br />
<br />
Another new change in this expansion is the feature of energy symbols in the holographic design of the reverse holos - reverse holos in this set feature a holo design that includes a repeating pattern of that Pokémon's energy symbol on the card. If it's a Trainer, Supporter or (yet to be released) Stadium, the reverse holo features a background of Pokéballs instead. This is also great collector items and will definitely add to the popularity of this expansion.<br />
<br />
But overall, the cards are not too great; the expansion only features a few good cards. The holographic treatment adds to its grading. I'll grade this expansion a probably-too-generous rating of 2.5/5.<br />
<br />
Let's all look forward to Noble Victories coming out November! It will feature Japan's <i>Red Collection </i>cards, which should be more appealing in regards to competitiveness. So, this is LuxrayMogul signing off this first expansion review. Regular card reviews will be coming back this Sunday - however, because of the upcoming school workload, the Card of the Day Review will now, unfortunately be a Card of the Week Review. But nevertheless, stay tuned, and don't forget to check out our latest video on YouTube!<br />
<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9ONLR1zgdgPikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-70268216054818705192011-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T18:06:44.953-07:00Card of the Day Review - Umbreon (Undaunted 10)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8evRC3s6elE7WYVlITtOUYyavj_8vfk9eeLV8xNZT2RT9dQUUE5Z3DNzPhSnPL5NHZacErvsCQt5FwZvDPM3T-3ePI-I20pq26ybUkKT54sSSSxFlls68VkpAUW9RaXHGC0lo7ckUYQM/s1600/Umbreon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8evRC3s6elE7WYVlITtOUYyavj_8vfk9eeLV8xNZT2RT9dQUUE5Z3DNzPhSnPL5NHZacErvsCQt5FwZvDPM3T-3ePI-I20pq26ybUkKT54sSSSxFlls68VkpAUW9RaXHGC0lo7ckUYQM/s320/Umbreon.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! <b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></b> here for another Card of the Day Review! Today I continue my Eeveelution reviews with the Moonlight Pokémon, Umbreon. Let's start with the basics. Umbreon is a Stage 1 Darkness-type Pokémon that evolves from the Evolution Pokémon, Eevee. (Eevee sure does have a lot of evolutions, haha!) It has 90 HP just like its 'opposite' Espeon. It has a double weakness to Fighting-types, which is actually not desirable at all, and a -20 resistance to Psychic-types, which is awesome. Finally, its retreat cost of one colourless is, of course, pretty average for a Stage 1 Pokémon. So, let's look at the attacks.<br />
<br />
Umbreon's first attack, Moonlight Fang, needs one Darkness energy and does a decent damage of 30 (well, for one energy it's decent). Plus, any damage and effects done by your opponent's Pokémon that has Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies are prevented during their next turn. Really? Cool! So... pretty much every single one of the Prime cards can't affect Umbreon, and neither can most regular Stage-2 Pokémon. It's pretty awesome, all for one energy. Unfortunately, this effect doesn't extend over to the new Black & White cards, which do not use Poké-Powers or Poké-Bodies any more, but use Abilities. Therefore, Moonlight Fang doesn't affect these Pokémon, like Ability Samurott, Serperior and Emboar. That sucks. You definitely should be watching when you play this card, especially later on when HGSS cards start to get rotated out - this card will become increasingly useless, unfortunately as the new cards don't get affected by it.<br />
<br />
Its second attack, Quick Blow, needs a Darkness and a Colourless. It does 30 damage, but you get to add 30 more if you get heads on the coin flip. So a maximum of 60 damage... that's average for a Stage 1 I guess, but I generally don't like coin flip attacks (who does?! XD) because it's way too risky. If you're wanting to pack a punch, then I would use Quick Blow, but if you're facing a Prime that you obviously can't take out in one turn, I would stick with Moonlight Fang until things get easy, because honestly, Quick Blow is too risky of an attack, especially for a Pokémon that has a times to weakness to a very very very popular type right now.<br />
<br />
The artwork is amazing. Of course. I love the Eeveelutions, haha!<br />
<br />
Overall, I would give the card a 3/5 for its pretty powerful Moonlight Fang, and its pretty usefulness inside a deck that runs dark types or Eeveelutions. But it's attacks are only average, which makes it lose some ratings. But overall, it's a relatively good card.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-76645876458556534132011-08-17T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-17T10:21:52.122-07:00Card of the Day Review - Xatu (Unleashed 11)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3dNvCbLXJ-_D_-pt-Vr-qUwUpd1RDCwTn5q5Qikd5uIkvBJoJAQg0P6wRBkMTi5HJjdiDqx9hN5UPbhyHcJqtT3G61AC2o4m4_lailv6MBpBq2PZQjT6_jhm9tSYzQfOjXWZv24yJgMz/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3dNvCbLXJ-_D_-pt-Vr-qUwUpd1RDCwTn5q5Qikd5uIkvBJoJAQg0P6wRBkMTi5HJjdiDqx9hN5UPbhyHcJqtT3G61AC2o4m4_lailv6MBpBq2PZQjT6_jhm9tSYzQfOjXWZv24yJgMz/s320/11.jpg" width="228px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi everyone! It's <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">GrassExplorer</span> here again! This time we have Xatu! Like usually, we will begin with the artwork. I very much like the artwork of Xatu because it highlights Xatu's mysterious aspect. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To begin, we will look at its HP, Xatu has 90 HP, which I would say is a normal amount, nevertheless, nothing phenomenal. I am actually not too happy about its average HP and it would be difficult to employ in battle if you plan to use it to actually knock out stage 2 Pokémon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, it's first attack is Psywave, which does 20 damage times the amount of energy cards attached to Xatu, I don't necessarily like this attack because the opponent can easily remove energy cards with the use of trainer cards and it uses up a lot of valuable energy cards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">However, I prefer its second attack, Confuse Ray, which does 50 damage and you flip a coin to see if the defending Pokémon is confused. But the part that I don't like about this attack is that it requires quite a large amount of energy cards and I would prefer a condition other than confused. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Xatu is weak to Electric-Type Pokémon, however also has resistance to Fighting-type Pokémon, so in some ways, it equals out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I give Xatu a 3/5.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although nothing fantastic, it is a good Pokémon to have in hand as a "buffer".</div>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-28410605897386802682011-08-16T06:07:00.000-07:002011-08-16T06:07:01.365-07:00Card of the Day Review - Samurott (Black & White 32)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADpQAnpiNMEHQTzHLcOiATI-lxlPMY97DoTV8WxFmJPOpmoD-HjLChDgZt4-DT5pGrHKFbT3dYSwlyxFeS0Ex0qbvQx9-iljfFU8quSgBZsX3jAmFa9KVJ0bry-Fb8Qyw15pMvdbtsusN/s1600/Samurott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADpQAnpiNMEHQTzHLcOiATI-lxlPMY97DoTV8WxFmJPOpmoD-HjLChDgZt4-DT5pGrHKFbT3dYSwlyxFeS0Ex0qbvQx9-iljfFU8quSgBZsX3jAmFa9KVJ0bry-Fb8Qyw15pMvdbtsusN/s320/Samurott.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br />
Hey ladies and gentlemen, this is <b><span style="color: red;">Volc</span><span style="color: yellow;">achu</span></b> for another review on another fresh week. First of all, sorry for not posting on the weekend as our whole team was very busy. Today's card is the Ability Samurott from the Black & White set and my nickname for this big guy is "the tank."<br />
<br />
Samurott is a Stage 2 Pokémon with 140 HP which is a lot for anyone. It is a Water-Type so it has the common double weakness to Electric-Types. The retreat cost is 2 energies which is not that bad for this big guy.<br />
<br />
This Pokémon has only 1 attack. (Did you know that all three ability starters only have 1 attack?) Samurott's only attack is called Hydro Pump and we have heard this attack a lot in the video game. This attack costs 3 energy of any sort so attaching a Double Colourless Energy and a Water Energy is pretty effective. Hydro Pump does 70 damage and 10 more on top for every Water Energy attached to Samurott. This means, if you have 3 Water Energies on Samurott to use its attack, you would do 100 damage.<br />
<br />
The reason I call Samurott "the tank" is because of its ability. Its ability is called Shell Armor and it reduces 20 damage done to Samurott from any attack. This ability is exactly the same as Donphan Prime's Exoskeleton. This allows Samurott to take a lot of hits and hard to knock out.<br />
<br />
The rating that I would give this card is a 4/5. Samurott is almost like Donphan Prime but it takes a longer time to set up. I haven't really been seeing this in play often and lately. There may be better Stage 2 Water Pokémon out there like Blastoise. Samurott is a decent card with very few drawbacks, so you should try using this card in your deck today!PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-56966357816560107582011-08-13T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-13T11:38:46.618-07:00Card of the Day Review - Espeon (Undaunted 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIxhVckfg6MAV-SAwsPbZ8z-4qjMPU7HwtoPX9WvSLy3m9g1bsZOrmz6VZVfOnv1YFdW3Yb3JADgkN93xlhB8n1l5TTHTrgzTSjJL8Rsj5d4fGPPCVRiUUbpDR-7_YZk6P3FjJgZl_Ef3/s1600/Espeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIxhVckfg6MAV-SAwsPbZ8z-4qjMPU7HwtoPX9WvSLy3m9g1bsZOrmz6VZVfOnv1YFdW3Yb3JADgkN93xlhB8n1l5TTHTrgzTSjJL8Rsj5d4fGPPCVRiUUbpDR-7_YZk6P3FjJgZl_Ef3/s320/Espeon.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! <b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></b> here for another Card of the Day Review! Today I will continue on my Eeveelution reviews and discuss the Sun Pokémon, Espeon. Espeon is a Stage 1 Psychic-type Pokémon that evolves from the Evolution Pokémon, Eevee. It has a decent 90 HP and a double weakness to Psychic-types. Its retreat cost of one is also average for a Stage-1 Pokémon. So, pretty average card so far. Let's look at the card text.<br />
<br />
Solar Suggestion allows you to move (up to) 4 damage counters from any of your own Pokémon to any of your opponent's Pokémon and arrange it in any way you like - all for one Psychic energy. So essentially, you're doing a total of 40 damage. This attack can be quite useful in knocking out Pokémon that have retreated because of low HP left, and therefore this could allow you to knock out quite a few Pokémon in just one hit. As a bonus, your Pokémon get healed in the process. Here's the catch - if you don't have any damage counters on your Pokémon, then this attack does nothing. Just watch out for that.<br />
<br />
Psybeam does a decent 30 damage for a Psychic and a Colourless energy. If the coin flip goes your way, the opponent is also confused, forcing it to flip a coin every time it tries to attack. (Doing 30 damage to itself if it's tails... but however the opponent can easily retreat, in which the confusion is healed). I much prefer paralysis in place of confusion, because it generally is more effective.<br />
<br />
But other than that, Espeon's a decent card. I'll give Espeon a 4/5. It's only high because of its Solar Suggestion. Make good use of it! It is a great addition to any deck that runs Eevee. PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-85317951209965424292011-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-12T18:07:37.136-07:00Card of the Day Review - Musharna (Black and White 49)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H5JQ79EMwnIPFguLk8Hiy7hjsEb5kWUZN_9ZLFtK_enBlTdtqUnWY5D1tVxl50KFer4eIwlAzJMN4G5GFh6-stU_MfqOBYnMKpJowiImTaSePLYQBfUBUTpGPh7YKnaf4je6rYpF80_z/s1600/musharna49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H5JQ79EMwnIPFguLk8Hiy7hjsEb5kWUZN_9ZLFtK_enBlTdtqUnWY5D1tVxl50KFer4eIwlAzJMN4G5GFh6-stU_MfqOBYnMKpJowiImTaSePLYQBfUBUTpGPh7YKnaf4je6rYpF80_z/s320/musharna49.jpg" width="231px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hi everyone! It's <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Grass Explorer</span> here again! This time, we have one of my favourite Pokémon, Musharna!<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span>Now although it may look like a fetus, it can really pack a punch! It is a really useful Pokémon and is great for strategies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First of all, it's weak to psychic, and most other psychic Pokémon are also weak to psychic, so there's no substantial disadvantage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking at its first attack, Hypnotic Ray, which does 20 damage and makes the opponent fall asleep, this attack is great to stall and create a battle of attrition! I love this attack because it can really help you when you are in need of time; in helping you stall, it also slowly damages the opponent and gives you the opportunity to build up your bench. Best of all, it only requires one energy card! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moreover, its second attack builds on Hypnotic Ray, Dream Eater, which does 90 damage if the defending Pokémon is asleep. 90 damage is an enormous amount of damage for a stage 1 Pokémon and can even knock out many basic or stage 1 Pokémon in one hit! Also, it only requires two energy cards! So if you finish stalling with Hypnotic Ray, you can just use this attack and finish off the defending Pokémon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, I give musharna a definite 5/5!</div>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-3468213563076840002011-08-11T06:07:00.000-07:002011-08-11T09:40:04.478-07:00Card of the Day Review - Serperior (Black & White 6)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc08qyUiRBRGssuv0C6Iir5ExaEj6UN6wddoUWvS2al6YVDmEtGvkipy9PExr-BsKV5wcL1CEbjDuLzXiAVm83ZdHgJpK-kzm4tB36Z1DYcms8Pejwnow6MZezQDKNPsH2YuSHVWHJt01/s1600/Serperior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc08qyUiRBRGssuv0C6Iir5ExaEj6UN6wddoUWvS2al6YVDmEtGvkipy9PExr-BsKV5wcL1CEbjDuLzXiAVm83ZdHgJpK-kzm4tB36Z1DYcms8Pejwnow6MZezQDKNPsH2YuSHVWHJt01/s320/Serperior.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br />
I am back. <b><span style="color: red;">Volc</span><span style="color: yellow;">achu</span></b> here with another review and this time, it will be on another final evolution of one of the Black and White starter Pokémon. Today's card is Serperior, the evolved form of Servine and Snivy. I would nickname this Pokémon as the healer. I will explain more indepth about that later.<br />
<br />
First of all, Serperior is a Stage 2 Pokémon with a total of 130 HP. The health is average among all Stage 2. It has a double weakness to Fire-Types so you should be careful against those decks that run Emboars. This Pokémon also has a resistance against Water-Types with 20 but not too many people are running Water decks these days except Blastoise decks. The retreat cost is very low at one, so this is an added bonus.<br />
<br />
Serperior is getting a lot of hype because of its ability. The ability is called Royal Heal and it heals all of your Pokémon for 10 HP in between turns. That is 20 HP healed by the time it is your turn again. If you have more than 1 Serperiors on your bench, it will be hard for your opponent to kill your Active Pokémon. Especially if you have a Donphan Prime which already blocks 20 damage. Your opponent will most likely have to one hit your Pokémon to win. With this ability, Serperior is a healer and it keeps your side of the field very healthy.<br />
<br />
Serperior has one single attack and it is called Leaf Tornado. This attack only needs a Grass Energy and any other Energy which is very little for an attack that does 60 damage. The added effect to this attack is that you can move the Grass Energies on your side of the field and rearrange them to other Pokémon however you like. The effect to the attack is not mandatory so it is really up to the user.<br />
<br />
Serperior is a solid Pokémon with average health and a fairly good attack. It can heal you Pokémon for free and it is very effective. I give this card a solid 4.5 out of 5 and the reason for the missing .5 is because there is not a good variety in attacks. Serperior usually never seens combat and stays on the bench to heal. This is a very good tech card and it can be used in many decks. Try out this card and tell me how it goes. Enjoy the rest of your day!PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-83819546369661863172011-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-10T05:00:26.646-07:00Card of the Day Review - Flareon (Undaunted 26)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAWog6m01LwyoFTSlYEIAnhitzGZW9gUSRcKIVglsDoil2TYzIaTymS0vCUFpQcPMzZHCIDfqmbhk25jBGkJ3XBIWOPvsK580MgZcpSKwqIf_RnYJkXDGO24q2xazwi7dYKFlSBripnIC/s1600/Flareon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAWog6m01LwyoFTSlYEIAnhitzGZW9gUSRcKIVglsDoil2TYzIaTymS0vCUFpQcPMzZHCIDfqmbhk25jBGkJ3XBIWOPvsK580MgZcpSKwqIf_RnYJkXDGO24q2xazwi7dYKFlSBripnIC/s320/Flareon.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! <b style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">LuxrayMogul</b> here for another Card of the Day Review! Continuing on my Eeveelution Reviews, today we're going to discuss the Flame Pokémon, Flareon. Let's look at its stats. Flareon is a Fire-type Stage 1 Pokémon that evolves from the Evolution Pokémon, Eevee. It shares the same HP as its evolutionary relative, Vaporeon (Undaunted 41), which is decent for a Stage 1. It has a times two weakness to water, which is average for a Fire-Type, and a pretty average retreat cost of one Colourless energy; not as much as Vaporeon, and not as less as Jolteon (Undaunted 28) either. So, pretty decent so far.<br />
<br />
Flareon's energy requirements parallel that of Jolteon and Vaporeon's (the ones from Undaunted). All three of them have two attacks; with the first one requiring one colourless and the second one requiring two of its type energy, and one colourless. I just had to point that out...<br />
<br />
For one colourless energy, Flame Tail does 30 damage, which is decent. It isn't as hard-hitting as I'd like it to be, but for one colourless energy it's an average attack.<br />
<br />
For FFC you can use Flamethrower, which does 90 damage. That's great, and discarding one energy is also not too bad of an attack, considering that most Fire-types these days require the discarding of energy. (I personally would discard the energy that's used to pay for the colourless, so you don't have to focus on getting fire energy next turn.) Just make sure you have some Energy Returner (Unleashed 74), Fisherman (HGSS 92), or Burned Tower (Undaunted 71) in your deck to make sure you can get those energy you discard back. Typhlosion Prime (HGSS 110) is also helpful in rescuing fire energy from your discard pile.<br />
<br />
The artwork is amazing and Flareon is one of my favourite Eeveelutions which add to me liking this card even more, haha. As you can see, like all of the First-Generation Eeveelutions in Undaunted, a Fire Stone is seen in the artwork, which is the method used to evolve Eevee into Flareon. Many other evolutionary items can be seen on other artworks in the HGSS series. See if you can find them all!<br />
<br />
I'm giving this card a 4/5 because of its consistent attacks and its easiness to get out into battle. The ratings drop because of the weakness, but ratings are still high because of its ability to work with many cards to get the energy it needs. I think it's a great addition to any fire deck that's needing an extra punch.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-80694385149403373292011-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-09T20:49:23.060-07:00Card of the Day Review - Gengar Prime (Triumphant 94)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QwUmHp-VQMbALBD-jEh_yhUX7mHcKrjVI3g0FcyDNSVCW9O04dvZC6RbQKpPJuM24fXxXgMO32Qu2468QbhTjiYq7uSzTaiYx_Te2H4QevQjDJ9RfwT8Y86kOS-oRIpiuLpoTlp2aESY/s1600/94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QwUmHp-VQMbALBD-jEh_yhUX7mHcKrjVI3g0FcyDNSVCW9O04dvZC6RbQKpPJuM24fXxXgMO32Qu2468QbhTjiYq7uSzTaiYx_Te2H4QevQjDJ9RfwT8Y86kOS-oRIpiuLpoTlp2aESY/s320/94.jpg" width="226px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hi everyone, it's <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Grass Explorer<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">here again! Today, we are looking at Gengar, another psychic</span> </span></span>Pokémon. Once again, let's begin with the artwork, which is once again, incredibly stunning and beautiful! It really reveals Gengar's strength. The shine in its eye really accentuate its psychic "aura" and exhibits its cunning abilities to win battles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will start with its HP which is at 130. Gengar's 130HP is definitely a healthy amount and helps it carry on during battle! Looking at its weakness, Gengar is weak to dark type Pokémon, but this is somewhat compensated by its resistence to normal type Pokémon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Furthermore, let's look at its Poké-Body, Catastrophe, which puts knocked out Pokémon in the Lost Zone and all cards attacked to that Pokémon are discarded. This is definitely useful since it doesn't allow the opponent to use any trainer cards to re-use that Pokémon; it also forces the opponent to discard all the cards attached to the Pokémon which prevents the opponent from using trainer cards to transfer energy cards. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gengar's first attack allows it to put the opponent's Pokémon (ones that are in his/her hand) in the Lost Zone. This is a great attack because it completely eliminates the Pokémon with no chance of the opponent from "reviving" the Pokémon. And it only requires one energy card.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, Gengar's second attack is Cursed Drop which puts 4 damages counter on your opponent's Pokémon in any way you like. This attack speaks for itself and is incredibly useful! And again, it only requires two energy cards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most importantly, this card works in its optimal level with the "Lost World" stadium card from "Call of Legends" which allows once during your turn, if your opponent has 6 or more Pokémon in the Lost Zone, you may choose to win the game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, I give Gengar a 4/5! </div>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-76370820371385763332011-08-08T06:07:00.000-07:002011-08-08T06:07:00.297-07:00Card of the Day Review - Muk (Undaunted 31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha87jb4V6N9KnpnNvribTG18dYz-wzZ1j55DG7encWsdNOqFZ3UKNXqso6Xc4t3SzOmMx-P9xmXZ45830SkkRvrTgDfa_pI52aqEKnkLNvfmV2UbiqnV3yzcMbHNmxam-AzdHlhn_KhhN0/s1600/Muk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha87jb4V6N9KnpnNvribTG18dYz-wzZ1j55DG7encWsdNOqFZ3UKNXqso6Xc4t3SzOmMx-P9xmXZ45830SkkRvrTgDfa_pI52aqEKnkLNvfmV2UbiqnV3yzcMbHNmxam-AzdHlhn_KhhN0/s320/Muk.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Sup guys! <b><span style="color: red;">Volc</span><span style="color: yellow;">achu</span> </b>here and I will be featuring Muk from the Undaunted set as my Card of the Day. Muk is a sludge Pokémon who loves inflicting special conditions on others.<br />
<br />
Muk is a Stage 1 Pokémon with 100 HP which is above average. It has a decent survivability so you can stall your opponent with this Pokémon. Muk Psychic-Type that has a double weakness to fellow Psychic-Types. You have to watch out for those Mew Primes and Gengar Primes. Muk has no resistance so that is kind of a bummer. It has a retreat cost of three so you shouldn't be expecting him in your bench anytime soon when he is your active.<br />
<br />
Muk has two attacks where one gives a special condition and the other inflicts damage. Its first attack is called Sludge Drag which only costs one Psychic Energy. This attack allows you to switch your opponent's active Pokémon with a Benched Pokémon. The new Pokémon is then poisoned and confused. You can use this attack strategically by pulling out the weak Pokémon for an easy kill. The first attack can be used as part of a combo with the second attack which is called Pester. Pester hits for 50 damage and if the defending Pokémon has a special condition, it deals an extra 30 damage. This attack costs one Psychic Energy and two Colourless Energies. All you need is a Double Colourless Energy on top of the Psychic Energy you use for Sludge Drag to use Pester. Muk's attacks can be a deadly combo if used correctly. Your opponent will definitely regret setting up Benched Pokémon when Muk is out.<br />
<br />
Muk has a huge potential in this game but I do not see him in a lot of gameplay. I give Muk a 3.5/5 for its great attacks but bad retreat cost. Muk may also take some time to set up so that my be bothersome if you don't draw the correct energies. I believe that Muk should be played more and it is a good card to have in Psychic and Grass decks.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-27436473481579835502011-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-07T07:25:23.354-07:00Card of the Day Review - Jolteon (Undaunted 28)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglouymzs1ZuVMhmC5q8Xpk_7EzySZOZBrPWONrLF-ovtt_AGC8ZJGZHPtNIGny57EDa3U86xKqhyphenhyphen9d-V0tImp8mHhhHfn6jrgBqhnil_L0dW0dJPW_n3N5sH0z7mT_ooDKY86SYlVjPqwJ/s1600/Jolteon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglouymzs1ZuVMhmC5q8Xpk_7EzySZOZBrPWONrLF-ovtt_AGC8ZJGZHPtNIGny57EDa3U86xKqhyphenhyphen9d-V0tImp8mHhhHfn6jrgBqhnil_L0dW0dJPW_n3N5sH0z7mT_ooDKY86SYlVjPqwJ/s320/Jolteon.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone!<strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></span></strong> here again for another Card of the Day Review! Today I continue my Eeveelution review, this time with the Lightning Pokémon, Jolteon. (The 28th card from Undaunted). Let's have a look at its stats. Jolteon is a Stage 1 Lightning-Type Pokémon that evolves from the Evolution Pokémon, Eevee. It has a quite-the-normal-HP of 80 for a Stage 1, although obviously it isn't as high as I'd like. It has a times two weakness to Fighting-types (which is common to Lightning-Types), which means that a simple attack from a Donphan Prime or any Fighting-type that deals 40 damage makes Jolteon go bye-bye. It has a -20 resistance to Metal types, which is awesome, and a zero retreat cost, which, once again, is awesome. <br />
<br />
Its first attack, Agility, requires a Colourless energy and does a decent 20. (For one energy... that's decent). As well, if you get heads on the coin flip, all effects of attacks including damage is prevented, which is also awesome - all for one energy. That's decent.<br />
<br />
For LLC, you can use Mach Bolt which does a decent damage of 70. Now this is actually not bad; but compared to Raichu (HGSS 10) which does 100 damage for just LL. But the downside to that card is that you have to discard all the energy. Jolteon doesn't require you to do that which adds to its consistency.<br />
<br />
The artwork is amazing. Like its evolutionary relatives Vaporeon and Flareon, (from Undaunted) you will also notice a Lightning Stone in Jolteon's picture; the method that is used to evolve Eevee into Jolteon. Like I said before, if you search through these cards you can find quite a few that have stones in the background of those who evolve by stones or items in general.<br />
<br />
Overall I'd give this card a 4/5 for its consistency and free retreat cost. However, its times two weakness to Fightning makes it loose some marks as well as its HP. But overall, Jolteon is a great card.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-64089186276930690922011-08-06T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-06T20:33:59.187-07:00Card of the Day Review - Crobat Prime (Unleashed 84)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5gKycTXwZjl-Lkb7twsYUmDVgF-xVHcavIu9FbN7IZxNVilLwC7Ft8NU3YSab_IzOT6rte-vbP2nbmxrNc5Bp0nyuwtVSVzoQjQpzDrL9U7HomlXwkG2jC4QKMl93QAjOlkMvLarWbh2/s1600/84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5gKycTXwZjl-Lkb7twsYUmDVgF-xVHcavIu9FbN7IZxNVilLwC7Ft8NU3YSab_IzOT6rte-vbP2nbmxrNc5Bp0nyuwtVSVzoQjQpzDrL9U7HomlXwkG2jC4QKMl93QAjOlkMvLarWbh2/s320/84.jpg" t$="true" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Hello everyone! It's <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">GrassExplorer </span>here again with Crobat! We're doing another psychic Pokémon today. First of all, its artwork is fantastic! It really shows the darkness and strength that characterizes Crobat! </div><div align="justify" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Looking at its HP, Crobat has a whopping 130 HP! This is a good amount of HP and can definitely be a crucial element in battle. </div><div align="justify" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next, it's first attack is severe poison, which does 4 damage per turn insead of 1! This attack is definitel</span>y deadly as it definitely does a large amount of damage in a short amount of time. The great thing about this attack is that it only requires one psychic energy card! </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Its next attack is Skill Dive which does 30 damage to one of your opponent's Pokémon without applying weakness or resistence to Benched Pokémon. This attack only requires one energy card again which makes it fantastic! </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Crobat is weak to electric, but it also has resistence to fighting type. And finally, its retreat cost is 0! This is definitely useful!</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Overall, I give Crobat 3/5.</div>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-21228170077869852062011-08-05T06:07:00.000-07:002011-08-08T00:32:23.622-07:00Card of the Day Review - Emboar (Black & White 20)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMCnMWbYrqOP_EGqoqGLLQhZd-eD-wosAurA5FPjxQ68lTj17Ug9iaQ_p6fEB0K5VzEBXaNsjHaiEquQkq2nl1XZZmsFnTg79ZC81L9TXTalk6jSlJHAuXt8KV1d70Drmq6ONBUM_5W6K/s1600/Emboar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMCnMWbYrqOP_EGqoqGLLQhZd-eD-wosAurA5FPjxQ68lTj17Ug9iaQ_p6fEB0K5VzEBXaNsjHaiEquQkq2nl1XZZmsFnTg79ZC81L9TXTalk6jSlJHAuXt8KV1d70Drmq6ONBUM_5W6K/s320/Emboar.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br />
Hey guys, it is <b><span style="color: red;">Volc</span><span style="color: yellow;">achu</span></b> for another card review. Today, I will be discussing about one of the hottest card out there and it is this Emboar card. It is from the latest set of Black and White and it has seen actions in many of the top decks.<br />
<br />
Emboar is a Stage 2 Fire-Type Pokémon. It has 150 HP, which is a lot for any Pokémon. It has a double weakness to Water-Types and it has no resistance at all. It has a large retreat cost of 4 energies, so if he is your active Pokémon, don't bring him back unless you have the Trainer Card Switch.<br />
<br />
Emboar has only 1 single attack and it is not the greatest. It is called Heat Crash and it deals out 80 damage. The bad thing of this attack is the amount of energies needed. You will need to attach 2 Fire Energies and 2 Colourless Energies. I would rather keep Emboar on the bench and use his ability.<br />
<br />
Emboar is used a lot because of his Ability and not his attacks. Emboar's Ability is Inferno Fandango. This Ability is used to set up many combos. It allows the owner to attach as many Fire Energies as he/she wants. This can be used as a combo with cards like Reshiram's Blue Flare, Magnezone's Lost Burn, and Rayquaza and Deoxys Legend's Ozone Climax. This can be deadly and it will allow you to use hard hitting attacks that require lots and lots of energies.<br />
<br />
This card may not be effective as your active Pokémon, but it is very good on your bench. I give Emboar a solid 4/5! Anyone would hate to see this card anytime soon on your opponent's bench.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-91633487142067003202011-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-04T06:00:08.214-07:00Card of the Day Review - Vaporeon (Undaunted 41)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2n2qlzsO8XDK7jLJ_r8oolF8ili6yRqZ_zzpCfPISEQQTYhUkd2RkY-jZ4rkCOH1F0InnY7o0PznePRqWP3qSkL9TSXhl5yNlbKnjOk6IDeTaIBWay0Mt4oqZnSowFOxmXx9_F1-dBlNy/s1600/Vaporeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2n2qlzsO8XDK7jLJ_r8oolF8ili6yRqZ_zzpCfPISEQQTYhUkd2RkY-jZ4rkCOH1F0InnY7o0PznePRqWP3qSkL9TSXhl5yNlbKnjOk6IDeTaIBWay0Mt4oqZnSowFOxmXx9_F1-dBlNy/s320/Vaporeon.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Hello everyone! <b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">LuxrayMogul</span></b> here for your daily Card Review on PikaCirculator! Today we discuss Vaporeon, card number 41 from HS-Undaunted.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The basics - Vaporeon is a Stage 1 Water-Type Pokémon which evolves from the Evolution Pokémon, Eevee. It has 90 HP, which is average for Stage 1s (actually, Water-Types are known for their high HP). It has a double weakness to Lightning-types, which is average for most water Pokémon. It has no resistance and a double colourless retreat, which is more than I want to pay, but I guess it's considered average.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vaporeon is a pretty simple card with simple attacks. Its first attack, Spiral Drain, needs one colourless energy and does 20 damage. As well, you get to remove two damage counters from Vaporeon. It's a great game starter because of the healing, but because most Pokémon nowadays do a lot of damage, this attack pretty much useless with the likes of Zekrom, Reshiram, and Blastoise. You should rely on the second attack.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Water-types are known for their damage dealing moves. But for WWC, Dual Splash is only average. It snipes pretty well, by doing 30 damage to any Pokémon on your opponent's side. (Instant kill for any Benched Baby Pokémon!) I guess this is an OK attack considering it's just a Stage 1 Pokémon. It would be great if it did more damage though.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The artwork is amazing. If you look closely, you can see a Water Stone in the picture, which is the method that evolves Eevee into Vaporeon. (Likewise, you can see a Fire Stone on Flareon's art and a Lightning Stone on Jolteon's art, as well as many other stones in other Pokémon cards that evolve with stones).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overall, I rate this card 4/5 for its average HP and semi-useful sniping attack. It does require a lot more energy that I'd like to pay, and does too little damage (too slow). But overall, it's a useful addition to any water-type deck. </div>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-79115704786583522992011-08-03T17:50:00.000-07:002011-08-03T18:51:42.787-07:00Card of the Day Review - Metagross (Unleashed 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnDLbxXivuI9aSTk4mx6IdqQY2yIqrXKrtoKxrtL6P1gDUd9Faf1CGn8_P1oCXhHQImiEOvLu7A3CAtIvGgYx80GUasgRF-dyS3k-bNzIXi4DMggkqWwOypDn0hCZGsTwL93ekYaDzYqD/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnDLbxXivuI9aSTk4mx6IdqQY2yIqrXKrtoKxrtL6P1gDUd9Faf1CGn8_P1oCXhHQImiEOvLu7A3CAtIvGgYx80GUasgRF-dyS3k-bNzIXi4DMggkqWwOypDn0hCZGsTwL93ekYaDzYqD/s320/4.jpg" t$="true" width="228px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Hi everyone! It's <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">GrassExplorer</span> here again with Metagross! We have a psychic Pokémon today, which is out of the usual for me since I focus on Grass Pokémon, but I also like to run psychic Pokémon. First of all, the artwork is fantastic on Metagross showing off its power and strength. Having a shiny Metagross card would definitely be fantastic!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">First and foremost, it's Poké-Body, Psychic Float, which makes the active Pokémon's retreat cost 0, is incredibly useful not just for Metagross, but for other Pokemon. Considering that Metagross' retreat cost takes up 4 energy cards, this Poké-Body is definitely useful! </div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Looking at its first attack, Pulse Blast, which does 60 damage, this attack is great for the reason that although it requires 2 energy cards, they can be any energy cards and not necessarily psychic. Moreover, this is a great attack to use when you don't have enough energy cards since the two energy cards pack quite the punch in this attack.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Next, the second attack is Double Leg Hammer which does 40 damage to two of the opponent's benched Pokémon. The great thing about this attack is that you don't have to apply weakness or resistence to the opponent's Pokémon. In addition, it makes Metagross a perfect sniper and it can be used to kill off weak Pokémon in the opponent's bench.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Metagross' weakness is to psychic and I don't think that this poses too much of a problem considering that the other psychic Pokémon may also be weak to psychic. </div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Lastly, its retreat cost is very high, however, it most likely won't matter taking into account its Poké-Body.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Overall, I give Metagross a 3.5/5. </div>PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4570594934766216779.post-48270832366357212812011-08-02T06:07:00.000-07:002011-08-03T17:44:54.179-07:00Card of the Day Review - Zoroark (Black & White 71)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA8bV6OovDklo_uV_XJeh0OPYsJxsWK-rqAZR_FRns9XY5K42mcgV4v40YZLu7z-ZtY5SO9MSheSidKM43_Q-Qb8xYv85Ri8wNVBPMqji2jWy6zkZCHZArzmqY8d27fRDANPUmLCg3Nqa/s1600/Zoroark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA8bV6OovDklo_uV_XJeh0OPYsJxsWK-rqAZR_FRns9XY5K42mcgV4v40YZLu7z-ZtY5SO9MSheSidKM43_Q-Qb8xYv85Ri8wNVBPMqji2jWy6zkZCHZArzmqY8d27fRDANPUmLCg3Nqa/s320/Zoroark.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! This is <b><span style="color: red;">Volc</span><span style="color: yellow;">achu</span></b> with another card review. Today, I will be talking about a very versatile card names Zoroark. This card is from the latest expansion of Black and White and it is a great card.<br />
<br />
Zoroark is a Dark-Type Pokémon with 100 HP which is average for a Stage 1 Pokémon. It has a double weakness to Fighting-Types so you have to be careful against DonChamp decks. One Earthquake from Donphan Prime will take Zoroark out instantly. This Pokémon also has a resistance to Psychic-Types, which is a big bonus.<br />
<br />
Zoroark has two attacks, which is normal for most Pokémon. Its first attack is called Nasty Plot. This attack requires 1 Dark Energy and it allows you to search any card you want. This attack is good because it will give you anything you want, whether it is a bench Pokémon, energy, or trainer card. The bad thing about this attack is that it deals no damage at all. Zoroark's second attack is called Foul Play. This attack is nasty as you can use any attack of the defending Pokémon without having to play the cost for their move. All you need is a Double Colourless Energy as this attack only requires 2 colourless energy. Since you don't need a specific energy, it allows Zoroark to be used in any deck.<br />
<br />
I give Zoroark a solid 4/5 because it can be used in any deck and it is very effective. Its attacks can be devastating and it may cause mayhem. The bad thing about this card is the survivability. Since a lot of people are using Donphan Prime these days, these Zoroarks are getting knocked out very easily. Nevertheless, Zoroark is a great card and it should find a place in you deck.PikaCirculatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07452997867184116737noreply@blogger.com0