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Pokemon TCG: Next Destinies EX Review Part One

Apr 24, 2012

The latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Next Destinies, introduces the EX Pokémon. These are game changing Pokémon, with their high HP, hard-hitting attacks, and horrible risks. Playing the right Pokémon in your deck and using it at the right time will require lots of skill and strategy. This first part will look at the three EX dragons: Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem.

Reshiram-EX

Being a fire type, Reshiram-EX will work well in decks using Emboar's Inferno Fandango or Typhlosion prime's Afterburn. Unfortunately, both of Reshiram-EX's attacks rely on the flip. The first attack is a decent 50 with a chance for 30 more while the second attack does 150 damage with a chance to hurt itself. A Victini with the Victory Star ability may help, but probably not that much. Even one bad flip will turn Reshiram-EX's incredible 180 HP into a bland 130, making this card too risky to play in most decks.

Zekrom-EX

Zekrom-EX has the same first attack as Reshiram-EX, but its second attack is much better. Strong Volt also does 150 damage, but instead of hurting itself, you just need to discard two energy. This makes Zekrom-EX an excellent partner for Eeletrik's Dynamotor ability, which helps you attach energy from the discard pile back onto your benched Pokémon. Expect to see a lot of pros playing this card.

Kyurem-EX

While Frozen Wings is a bit better than Glinting Claws, Kyurem-EX's second attack, Hail Blizzard, isn't nearly as good. Dealing only 120 damage and also preventing you from using the attack twice in a row is terrible. However, Kyurem-EX does benefit from the fact that there are no real hard hitting steel Pokémon in the current format. This makes it a good choice for a Vileplume trainer lock and Reuniclus damage swap deck.

Have Your Say!

What do you think of the EX dragons? Are there Pokémon that you want to see become an EX? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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