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WE ACCEPT
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How it affects Modified
As the 2004 Gym Challenge series
came to a close, it was apparent that
Blaziken (R/S) variants remained to be the most
powerful, and sought after
decks in the Nintendo Modified (Exp+) format. Many a player desperately
looked for viable alternatives (or counters) to this speedy fire beast to no
avail. The format needed variety. The format needed change. The format
needed Hidden Legends.
The release of this single set altered the Modified format like non-other
has in the past. However, I am sure some may argue about Neo Revelation in
2001 making a much larger impact, but that's beside the point. The player
base has been given an arsenal of above average evolutions and trainer cards
that changed what you thought the current metagame really was; unoriginal.
Not only has every color type been given a tournament worthy card to base a
deck around, but the Hidden Legends expansion introduces the new duel type
Pokemon that contain the characteristics of two different colors - Metagross
for example.
Another notable change is the new patterns on the reverse foil cards that
are included in every pack. The cards display energy symbols in the
background picture which show a new design never before seen in the Pokemon
TCG. As always, each non- EX card from this set has a parallel reverse foil
version. So collecting this set will be even more fun.
Pokemon
All I can say about the addition to the pool of monster cards Hidden Legends
added to the metagame is - wow. Before this hit the shelves, the format
didn't realistically have that many deck options that were tournament
playable. Now you have a choice. A bigger choice.
The Metagross is arguably the most popular new evolution in the game
right
now. Many of the decks that are centered around this card do not even
include the EX version of this beast - for good reason. Metagross can hold
it's own pretty well with the addition of Gorebyss to fend off possible fire
threats. Gardevoir EX decks have a hard time dealing with Metagross because
not only does it do double damage with weakness, but
resists the psychic
type. Make sure to include Desert Storm when playing this deck to counter
Magnetic Storm.
Walrein is one of the most powerful water type Pokemon in the game right
now. The Poker-power Crush Draw is one that allows you to attach multiple
energy cards per turn - in addition to the one allotted. Using this power,
you can get other powerful water Pokemon fully powered in less time. My
favorite Pokemon to combo Walrein with is Milotic and Regice EX. However,
Metagross gives this deck problems for obvious reasons. Oracle (Skyridge)
works nicely with Walrein to assure you Crush Draw the energy you need.
When you look at the dark side of Pokemon, you see Shiftry. This card
introduced a brand new concept to deck builders; hand manipulation. A
standard Shiftry deck uses cards such as Copycat (Expedition) and even
Desert Shaman (Skyridge) to make sure you constantly have the same amount of
energy in your hand as your opponent in order to do a consistent 80 damage
with only three colorless energy. Boost Energy (Aquapolis) also compliments
this deck type well - in order to achieve a quicker Supernatural Power
attack. Be careful for this deck. The new Rare Candy (Sandstorm) ruling now
allows evolutions on the first turn. So this card with a Boost Energy might
cause a lot of early upsets.
In addition to these, there are plenty more sleeper decks that might hit big
come the World Championship in August. Cards such as
Machamp, Crobat,
Exploud, and just about anything combo'ed with Gorebyss seems to be very
popular right now. The EX Pokemon are not the only type to base decks around
anymore.
Trainers
The trainers included in the Hidden Legends expansion are very much above
par. I actually never thought I would be so pleased with a trainer card pool
that included only one drawing card. I see every trainer card in this set
seeing at least some sort of competitive play (except maybe for the Steel
technical machine).
Steven's Advice is certainly the cream of the crop here. This Supporter
has
become a staple in most Modified decks now. Even Unlimited decks are able to
find room for the wise Steven. He is that helpful.
When that wasn't enough, we also were given a nice mini selection of
helpful Stadium cards. Desert Storm is a great addition to any deck that
does not include EX Pokemon. Adding a damage counter to each of your
opponent's heavy hitting EX Pokemon can be a great offensive and possible
defensive tactic when needed.
Decks like Walrein and Metagross pack these in order to get the upper hand.
However, Gardevoir variants already adapted to this by
playing the Magnetic
Storm Stadium card. So make sure you intricately time your playing of these
cards.
Evolution cards are no longer safe. The infamous Ancient Technical Machine
Rock is a gamebreaking card that fits into every deck. By timing this card
late game, you can pick up the last couple crucial prizes to take the win.
When you devolve an evolved Pokemon that has more damage than the HP of it's
last stage of evolution, it is considered a knock out. This is the thinking
mans card.
Break down
Hidden Legends is a revolutionary set that I think will change how Modified
is played from now on. There is just so much good stuff. I recommend you
take a look at this set immediately.
Keep playing, and keep it real.
- Martin Moreno
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