Pokemon TCG – Shrouded Fable Arms-On Preview

Shrouded Fable is the primary Pokemon TCG launch in a sizzling minute that I’ve not been tremendous near. I normally eye up any leaks, keeping track of Japanese units to see which playing cards could also be making their method to their English counterparts.

For some cause, I haven’t completed it this time round. It might be as a result of, like many others, my curiosity within the TCG is waning, or it might be as a result of I’ve been so busy beginning a brand new function at TheGamer.

However, just like the youngster that I’m, as quickly as my merchandise arrived from The Pokemon Firm, my pleasure was reignited, and I acquired to do one thing I so not often get to do — open a Pokemon set with restricted prior data.

Presentation And Theme

I’ve stated it earlier than, and I’ll say it once more. The Pokemon Firm is on fireplace with the way in which the units are promoted in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Centered round Pecharunt’s Loyal Three, Okidogi, Fezandipiti, and Munkidori, Shrouded Fable is awash with shiny purples accentuating a vivid inexperienced background.

It is sensible that this set is introduced round Scarlet and Violet’s Teal Masks DLC. The TCG units are inclined to roll out in an order just like the video games, and that’s tremendous, however provided that this DLC was the primary Pokemon sport that I skipped shortly, I’m beginning to see why my hype ranges weren’t as excessive.

The Pulls

And again to actuality. After an astonishing haul from my pre-release Twilight Masquerade packs, issues weren’t nice right here.

Admittedly, provided that Shrouded Fable is a particular set and there aren’t any booster bins, I opened fewer packs, however I used to be nonetheless dissatisfied.

From 20 packs, I pulled one full artwork coach, two artwork rares, which at one in ten packs appears very low, three exs, two of which have been duplicates, and a reproduction of the Harmful Laser card.

Eight “pulls” in 20 packs isn’t the worst, however it’s definitely a disappointing unfold.

I have not coated the promos in my hands-on previews for a short time however I completely have to this time round, for one cause and one cause solely. The Kingdra ex.

I say this from the underside of my coronary heart, this card could also be probably the greatest The Pokemon Firm has ever produced.

Trying like one thing from The Nice Wave of Kanagawa from artist Hokusai, Kingdra is browsing via the ocean in entrance of a full moon. It’s obtainable from the Kingra ex Particular Illustration Assortment field, and I can’t advocate it sufficient.

There’s additionally a Greninja model of the field which options one other beautiful promo, and I’ll be selecting that up the second it’s launched.

General Ideas

I kinda dig Shrouded Fable. Though it options fairly a number of Pokemon I’m not overly aware of, which is a rarity for me, it is one other set with unbelievable paintings.

The dearth of particular illustration uncommon chase playing cards is a disgrace, solely 5 in whole, however other than that, I’ve no complaints.

What is basically interesting to me with this enlargement is the scale. In the event you’ve learn any of my earlier previews, you’ll know the way I really feel concerning the ever-growing Pokemon TCG expansions, however Shrouded Fable reins issues in.

It’s by far the smallest set of the Scarlet and Violet period, with solely 99 playing cards whole, and the smallest since 2021’s Celebrations set. Stick with it, TPCI.