‘Pokémon Battle Academy’ Review: A Wonderful Introduction To Trading Cards

Launched in 1996, the Pokémon Trading Card Game became a cultural phenomenon for Pokémaniacs the world over. It dominated the schoolyard like nothing else, but - like any fad - it eventually lost its level of popularity. The reason for that is up for debate, but one thing we can all agree on is nowhere near as many people played the TCG as collected it. If you're one of these people then I have just the game you need: Pokémon Battle Academy.

Described as a "board game", Pokémon Battle Academy is really just the trading card game with some delightful bells and whistles. You get three decks, instructions manuals, a coin, damage counters, and, of course, a board to play on, which adds a nice official vibe to matches. Altogether, you genuinely have everything you could ever possibly need to learn - and enjoy - playing Pokémon cards.

Pokémon Battle Academy full set

Speaking of the cards, the three 60-card decks make for a combined total 180 trading cards included within the game set. This includes a Charizard GX, Raichu GX, and Mewtwo GX, all of which provide a tactical advantage in battle, and look downright gorgeous too. As well, each deck has a mix of monster, trainer and energy cards. All three of them are fairly well balanced, although the Charizard deck feels the most powerful, but it's not always as easy to get your best Pokémon out compared to the Raichu and Mewtwo ones.

All three decks are ideal for learning the game thanks to their simplicity and variety of monsters. Experienced players will still enjoy them as a return to more simple strategies, but ultimately these are structure decks with no room for customisation if you want to keep them true to the set's design. However, it's still worth using the board and accessories when playing with your custom decks for both ease and presentation. It really is such a handsome little set, but it would be better if it included sleeves to protect the included trading cards.

Board and Charizard Deck Box

Retailing for around £21.99, the value of the cards alone is worth it for newcomers, and it's a good price on the whole for a two-player "board game" with this level of variety. Having three decks included - each with plenty of different cards - means no two matches are likely to be the same. If you want to get into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, or are looking for a twist on the board game genre, Pokémon Battle Academy could be just what you're looking for.

Pros: Variety of cards, official board, replayability, easy to learn

Cons: A bit basic for veterans, no card protectors

For Fans Of: Trading card games, two-players board games, Pokémon

8/10: Excellent

Topics: Pokemon