Pokémon TCG Pocket throws us through a time and space loop with the Paradox Drive expansion

It has been one month since the release of Pokémon TCG Pocket's last expansion, and I am still not over Mega Lucario being rubbish. It hurts my soul. Things are not looking up with today's release of the Paradox Drive expansion, since it takes a lot of inspiration from Scarlet and Violet. Neither of which were particularly great games; Pokémon shouldn't be open-world. 

Putting that aside, as the name suggests, the set introduces Paradox Pokémon, the Ancient and Future ones. Let’s be honest, even though Iron Valiant is overall the best, more of the Future Pokémon are awful. So let’s hope that the Paradox Pokémon take centre stage. 

Of course, you couldn’t do this set without Koradion and Miraidon ex. These both sport the Legendary Drive ability, which sounds pretty bloody good. When you place them on the Bench, you can switch them with your Active Pokemon, and if you do, you move all Energy in play to this Pokemon.

For such good abilities, the attacks let them down

That sounds insane, but their attacks aren't the best. For three Fighting Energy, Koraidon will deal 110 damage, but discard the top card of your deck. Miradion's attack takes three Energy of any type for 20 damage. This is buffed by a further 20 for each Lightning Energy. Maybe with items that make them worth it. 

Let’s take a look at the Paradox Pokémon, and two immediately caught my eye. Scream Tail will, for two Psychic Energy, let you flip two coins. Get two heads, and you discard your opponent’s Active Pokémon. Or, for two Water, two Lightning, and another Energy, Raging Bolt will knock out your opponent’s Active Pokémon, whilst discarding all Energy. Do that on a Mega, and you win.

The Future Pokémon also seem quite interesting. Iron Boulder will deal 80 damage for two Psychic and two other Energy, which is boosted by 40 when a Tool is attached. Iron Hands will let you flip two coins, dealing 70 per head. So, you are balancing the Hail Mary approach of Paradox and the solid damage of Future. I believe these lesser mons beat the two Legendaries, truth be told.

If new cards weren't enough, there are also events to keep you coming back. The Paradox Drive Emblem Event is currently on to earn emblems, shockingly, and early June will have a Community Week. Then the Ceruledge ex Drop Event will be live mid to late June, and they are a cool looking Pokemon. 

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available to download from the App Store and Google Play.