We’re just weeks away from releasing the next Pokemon Trading Card Game expansion set. Astral Shard hits stores on May 27, and we got a chance to take a look at the new cards joining the game. Although technically a Sword & Shield expansion, Astral Radiance is inspired by Pokemon Legends: Arceus. It features Hisian versions of some Pokemon along with background artwork that Arceus players will surely recognize.
Astral Radiance follows the formula of other recent Pokemon TCG expansions by containing VMAX, VSTAR and V Pokemon. I pulled out one of Astral Radiance’s two VMAX cards, a fierce and hypnotic Machamp which is an absolute unit. Machamp’s G Max Chi Strike ability deals a whopping 240 damage. The two VMAX boards are joined by eight VSTAR and 21 V boards.
Much like the Brilliant Stars expansion released earlier this year, there is a subset of Trainer’s Gallery cards with unique artwork. The Trainer’s Gallery includes 30 numbered unique cards outside of the main 189-card expansion. I released a Rapid Strike Falinks that features several of the adorable little caterpillar dudes.
Astral Radiance also introduces a new Pokemon card type into the fold: Radiant Pokemon. There are only three Radiant Pokemon in the expansion. Sadly, I didn’t shoot one to show here, but they look pretty cool. The trio is Shiny Pokemon with “engraved artwork”.
If you’ve spent any time roaming the world of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, you’ll no doubt recognize the geography surrounding the Pokemon in Astral Radiance. The volcano that towers over Hisui on Firespit Island is in the backdrop of a bunch of Pokemon. All regions of Hisui are represented here, from the vast plains of the Obsidian Fields to the freezing tundra of the Alabaster Icelands. Regular trainer cards are also reminiscent of Arceus. I released Jublife Village as well as a holographic Adaman.
Check out the slideshow below to preview dozens of new cards in the Astral Radiance expansion. It’s worth noting that Astral Radiance includes Togepi sitting on a fence, which reminded me of Humpty Dumpty – which made me worry that Togepi would take a big fall and crack his shell into even more jagged pieces.
Gallery
Pre-Order Pokemon TCG Astral Radiance Cards
$40
As always, there’s an Elite Trainer Box up for grabs to coincide with the new expansion. Pre-orders are available now for $40 at GameStop. The Elite Trainer Box is the perfect choice for those who want all the necessary items to play the game. It comes with eight boosters as well as the following goodies:
- 45 Energy cards
- 65 card sleeves with Darkrai on the back
- 6 damage counter dice
- 2 acrylic condition markers
- 1 VSTAR acrylic marker
- Heads or tails dice
- Pokémon TCG Rulebook
- Player’s guide with map info/checklist
$13
Several Eevee-themed booster packs are available to order. You get three packs along with a foil promo card and an Eevee coin. If you order online, you’ll get a random foil card, so you’ll have to find one in stores if you have a preference on which Eevee family member you want.
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