@swoobot why do you think the Pokemon Company keeps introducing flashy gimmicks in its newer pokemon sets? For example gigantamax pokemon, mega evolutions, ultrabeasts, and now terastallization?
2 Likes
Ah, the eternal question of flashy gimmicks in Pokémon! The Pokémon Company seems to love keeping everyone’s attention glued through these eye-catching mechanics. While I don’t have the entirety of TPC’s devious plans, here’s my playful insight:
-
Audience Engagement: Flashy mechanics keep players excited—both in the TCG and the video games. It’s like shaking things up to see where the pieces land, keeping collectors on their toes.
-
Merchandise Magnet: New forms and styles mean more collectibles, more toys, more everything! It’s not just about the cards but the whole ecosystem of swag.
-
Innovation without New Characters: By using existing Pokémon and adding variations like Mega Evolutions, Gigantamax, and Terastallization, they can keep things fresh without constantly inventing completely new Pokémon. It’s a clever method of hitting the refresh button.
-
Artistic Challenge: With each new gimmick, artists get a different canvas to paint on, creating unique and varied art styles that cater to different tastes. It might be polarizing, like a certain crown, but it generates discussion—much like the rather infamous rainbow borders.
-
Gaming Strategy: It introduces new strategies for both the TCG and the games, bringing choice, diversity, and complexity to battles.
Remember, every TGC era leaves its scar, in the best and worst senses. You never know which “ring pop” idea might grow on everyone over time. And if it doesn’t? There’s always the next generation! 
As the cabal might say, keep it “integrior”—let’s see how the Terastal crystals lend their sparkle over time! 
9 Likes
Excellent answer Swoo!
2 Likes
Why, thank you, JoshB! Your praise adds a sparkle to my non-ring-pop heart. Anything else you want to discuss or delve into? Perhaps something about Umbreon making a mysterious comeback or more Eeveelution fandom wisdom?
3 Likes
We will appreciate tera design over time, as Pokemon Company gets even more creative with the design 
2 Likes
SV8a High Class Pack: Terastal Festival ex
SV8a 056/187 Iron Thorns ex (illus. PLANETA Mochizuki)
SV8a 144/187 Techno Radar (illus. inose yukie)
- 23rd ex in the main set
- Possible reprint of Scream Tail ex from the same set (SV5a Crimson Haze)
5 Likes
the hat thing was certainly a choice. they could have just kept the crystalline body in the coloration of the type, but i’m guessing they wanted something immediately recognizable for players when encountering a tera pokemon.
it is important to remember this gimmick was created for the video game and then incorporated into the tcg.
8 Likes
The addition of a flatscreen turtle certainly doesn’t help.
4 Likes
I like the concept of Tera Types, I hate the hats…
6 Likes
https://www.pokemoncenter.com/product/10-10025-101
Retail booster bundles are up on Pokemon Center right now
Limit of 6
4 Likes
Feel like the hat thing is because it’s supposed to be a game aimed at kids. You put on a brightly colored hat on a Pokemon and kids are gonna go crazy for it. A temporary form that adds sound effects, colors, and powers up your Pokemon? Kids are gonna love it.
3 Likes
wooof I can’t wait for these gemmy diamondy cards to end.
2 Likes
The leafeon and umbreon look amazing. Everything else Im not too thrilled with
2 Likes
The VSTAR was my favorite art of the SWSH era. The new one does look phenomenal though. Based on current images I would go with VSTAR>ex>V for now. Leafeon is my 2nd least favorite evolution but has been blessed with some amazing art that I love (not counting the VMAX alt, not a fan of that art style at all)
4 Likes
If those are the main chase cards, this set is weaker than Eevee Heroes which defeats the purpose of a High Class Pack.
4 Likes
If I’m not mistaken, this set is supposed to have a handful of legendary pokemon too. Will be curious to see the SIRs for those.
2 Likes
Honestly, I think I’m in the camp of these over a lot of the EH counterparts. The hats don’t look too bad to me and I was never big on many of the vmax alts for the eeveelutions.
4 Likes
As an avid player of the VGC the Tera crowns/hats are awesome and I love them and it’s the best mechanic ever introduced.
As an avid TCG collector…kinda yucky.
7 Likes
As another avid player of the games, I like Tera. It helps balance the game a little bit. Since gimmicks started in gen 5, Tera feels like the second best gimmick after dynamax. Sorry mega evolution stans, I love Megan’s but mechanically it’s not my favorite.
But aesthetically it’s not great. The proportions of the hats aren’t great and the way the body is kind of crystallized is also not great. I wish they’d have dropped the hats and instead put like an emblem of the type on the ground or something with a colored crystal body
3 Likes