After more than 12 years of success in the real world the Pokémon Trading Card Game goes virtual this April with the Pokémon Trainer Challenge. Finally a way for older fans to play without looking completely creepy.
I'm a staunch supporter of trading card games, but I've never had a chance to play the Pokémon-flavored variant outside of the Game Boy Color version released back in 2000. It's not that I don't want to play the game. It's the fact that in order to find anyone to play with I'd have to go to some sort of official competition, and I don't want to be the 6'6" bearded man hanging around the mall amidst a sea of younger players.
It looks like I'll finally get my chance to shine in April, when The Pokémon Company International brings the competition online in the Pokémon Trainer Challenge.
The Pokémon Trainer Challenge gives players old a new a chance to create their own cartoon avatar and face-off against fourteen AI opponents on the field of battle.
The game will launch with three preconstructed decks to play with. Starting April 6, fans will be able to purchase new preconstructed decks for the Pokémon Black and White expansion pack, which will come with codes to unlock those decks in the online game.
It's a neat way for players to practice without having to worry about local opponents, and yes, it's a way for me to play without feeling like a creep.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online [Official Website]