Villordsutch reports from the Pokémon Sun & Moon – The Crimson Invasion TCG Pre-Release Event…
Pokémon Sun & Moon – The Crimson Invasion TCG extension is due for release on the 3rd November 2017, bringing over a 100 new cards, 8 new Pokémon GX and new Ultra Beasts. It’s fair to say that Pokémon Trainers across the globe are looking forward to this release and I was lucky enough to be invited a Crimson Invasion pre-release event last weekend in Stockton-on-Tees – at Beanie Games – where I not only got to battle with the brand new cards, but I also walked away with a new deck too.
It being my first time at Beanie Games a tour was given of the gaming club. You’d be mistaken for believing – from the outside – that this is a regular gaming shop with a gaming table in the next room, though stepping into the store you suddenly realise this is the place for anyone who loves board games, card games inc. Pokémon , Warhammer, D&D etc.
Beanie Games is massive! Occupying two buildings and two levels, you have a shop packed to the gills with everything from random dice to the latest piece of Warhammer, this opens into a huge area – in which we soon will be playing Pokémon Crimson Invasion – that holds 100 plus people, we stroll into the D&D dungeon area and then upstairs to find another giant room which is packed with people. Board games line the walls and we’re lead to register for the upcoming Pokémon games, I don’t want to leave this room however, my inner-nerd is pulling me towards the shelves of games. ‘Why does nothing like Beanie Games exist near me!?’, I inwardly pine.
Downstairs I discover that I’m not only taking part in a game or two of the pre-release of Pokémon – Crimson Invasion, but I’m going up against actual semi/professional players, tournament-style. With the truth already out that I haven’t played Pokémon for a decade or two and even then it was more a case of “Pokémon meets Top Trumps”, one of the Beanie staff members (Victoria) is assigned to rapidly bring me up to speed, whilst at the same time teaching a much younger newcomer the world of Pokémon also.
After one game in which Victoria pulled no punches, I was taught (and bested) by a Pokémon Master. My second round, with another mature newcomer – overseen by Victoria – showed her that this Padawan was listening and I leave him beaten. The room then becomes busy and we’re assigned a table for the Crimson Invasion boxes to be handed out.
With the rules issued in regards to trading (e.g. no initial trading, trading with children must only be done with a member of staff present etc.) the foil packets are then ripped open and the occasional mini-cheer erupts as somebody gets something splendid. However, me being myself I’m content with a shiny card here and there, unaware I should be hunting for a GX card in my packs. Once all cards are opened, it’s time to build a deck and having never done this, but recalling Victoria’s words before I begin though it’s not as easy as I thought.
With the decks finally built, the matches are posted upon the walls. In my head I’m laughing as here I am, thirty minutes of Pokémon knowledge coagulating in my brain now going up against masters of their trade. People (young and old) that have gone to championship matches are about to face me!? I was going to get wiped out. It would be easier if Beanie Games just handed the other competitor a win. I was imagining a ferocious player, screaming as I attempted to play a wrong card or as I asked a simple question over and over again. I truly couldn’t have been more wrong.
My first pair up went well – I won the first match, but lost the second and due to the little time remaining we couldn’t complete the third match calling it a draw. However, what impressed me the most (not me winning) was the fact that my opponent, who was clearly a professional player, still gave advice throughout and this was after I beat him in round one with a crappy deck. There was no aggressive nature or one upmanship present- yes it was a competition, but there was a strong community spirit between these players.
This continued throughout, though I failed to score any more wins, I continued to play against people who would show me if I got stuck – along with others around them – what I could do, should do or can’t do. When the event was over I knew I’d caught the Pokémon bug, because of a) the game (which is enjoyable) and b) the people I met. With just under 100 people taking part in the day’s event it was very memorable indeed.
I left Beanie Games with a cluster of dice, my own Pokémon Sun & Moon – The Crimson Invasion deck, a safe box to carry them in and some small plastic sleeves to keep them pristine. I am now officially a Pokémon Trainer (in training).
Thanks to Beanie Games for the event, thanks to Sheeraz for arranging the day with Hope and Glory PR, and also thank you Victoria for training me up extremely quickly and I do think Aubrey is an excellent name for a baby.
Pokémon Sun & Moon – The Crimson Invasion is released on the 3rd November 2017 more information can be found here. For more information about Beanie Games visit their website here.
