Pokémon Trading Card Game Live varies-with-devices

A new way to play Pokemon TCG

Pokémon Trading Card Live is a video game that provides a fresh experience in playing the Pokemon TCG. Replacing Pokemon Trading Card Game Online, it offers a new look, a first-ever ranked mode, and a new crafting system. Even better, this card game is free-to-play with no micro-transaction.

Pokémon Trading Card Live plays the same way as the official rules as the physical TCG. Sure there are new card types, but the mechanics will be the same. However, if you need a refresher or learning for the first time, the game has a breezy tutorial that you can use.

A mix of old and new

Pokémon Trading Card Live offers the same rules as the physical version. It will have the same easy-to-learn but hard-to-master flow of gameplay that involves evolving Pokemon, declaring attacks, and taking six prizes to win. However, as this is a video game, how you play is different. Now cards are played by dragging and dropping them to their place on the board using the highlighted prompts as a guide.

As mentioned, there will be new card types that you can collect and use. The game also now comes with a ranked mode in addition to the casual mode. In this, you can advance to new tiers of competitive players. However, this game will no longer support trading between players, unlike PTCGO. You can now only obtain cards through Battle Pass, booster packs, and the new crafting system.

Live also boosts the visuals of PTCGO. However, when compared to other digital TCG titles, such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel or Magic: The Gathering Arena, it looks as if it hasn't pushed the innovation enough. Even the avatars come off a bit odd with their overly smooth features, exaggerated smiles, and empty smiles. You can customize them, but the overall look will be the same.

Is the game good?

Overall, Pokémon Trading Card Live offers a big upgrade to the online Pokemon TCG experience. Although it has the same rules as the original game, it has a modern look and several long-awaited features. However, the underwhelming graphics and presentation can be quite a bummer, especially if you compare it to the visuals of other TCG titles. Nevertheless, it is a welcome addition to Pokemon game fans.