Lapras
#26 (Next Destinies)
Seems like we’ve been waiting a while
for a Lapras
(since HGSS), and then two come along at
once, just like buses. Oh well,
Lapras
is the ‘Transport Pokémon’ so that
probably suits it.
This version comes with 10 less HP than
the one we reviewed yesterday, which is
a bit unfortunate as it is easier to KO
for those attackers hitting
80 damage (Tornadus
and Thundurus
just need a
PlusPower). On the other
hand it has a
much better Weakness: attacking
Metal Pokémon are
very rarely seen these days. The Retreat
cost is still two however, and that’s a
pain for anyone wanting to play
Lapras.
Lapras’
first attack, Water Arrow, costs [W][C]
and will do 20 damage to any one of your
opponent’s Pokémon. Sniping for 20 is
nice enough, and can be used to finish
off damaged Pokémon, or set up for
easier OHKOs but . . . like it or not,
we are in a format where unaided OHKOs
dominate, and in any case, Water Arrow
is too expensive for what it does.
Elekid TM
will give you the same attack for no
cost whatsoever.
Lapras’
second attack? Eh, it’s just a
standard generic Surf that does 60 for
[W][W][C].
Overpriced and
underpowered, just as you would expect.
If they had somehow combined the best
bits of both Lapras
cards (Metal Weakness, 100 HP, CFF,
Water Arrow)
and cut the retreat cost, then we could
have had a playable card on our hands
once Pokémon Collector is rotated. As it
is, the good stuff is spread too thinly
over both cards and neither of them
are going to
see life outside of the
prerelease
and the binder.
Rating
Modified: 1.5 (verging on set filler,
really)
Limited: 2.75 (you could get some use
from this, but it’s not exactly a
game-winner)
