EX Crystal Guardians

EX Crystal Guardians Logo

EX: Crystal Guardians is the fourteenth set by Pokémon USA, Inc., after the company took over the Trading Card Game from Wizards of the Coast in 2003. The set, which in Japan was named "Miracle Crystal", is set on an unknown island inhabited by Pokémon and Delta Species Pokémon. It marks the return of Delta Species Pokémon, after they debuted in EX Delta Species last December (November in some regions), and then returned in EX Holon Phantoms in May 2006. The set symbol is some sort of feather or crystal.

Types of Pokémon in EX Holon Phantoms

Delta Species Pokémon

Delta Species Pokémon are Pokémon that have had their genes modified, causing a disturbance in their regular pattern - as well as their natural types and weaknesses. For example, in this set, Sceptile ex, normally a Grass-type, is a Psychic-type. Its weakness remains the same - Fire-type - and it also gains the strange weakness of Grass-type. This is not the case with some Delta Species Pokémon. Charizard, for example, keeps its normal weakness of Water-type, yet it is a Lightning-/Metal-type. It is also a good example of the dual-typed Delta Species Pokémon.

Holon's Pokémon

Holon's Pokémon are not genetically modified, but are special Pokémon cards that can double as Special Energy cards - either one Colorless energy, or two of any energy (often referred to as two Rainbow energy). It is currently unknown if there are any Holon's Pokémon in Crystal Guardians; though the Japanese set did not have any, there were only 75 cards in the set, and as there are 100 in Crystal Guardians, some may be added. Once a Holon's Pokémon is in play, its style of play cannot be changed - if it has been played as a Pokémon, it cannot be changed to an Energy card, and vice versa.

Pokémon-ex

Pokémon-ex are truly powerful cards, which have elevated HP and strength. These cards are very rare; some estimate that there is an average of 1 Pokémon-ex in every 12 booster packs. These cards do have some disadvantages, hwoever: when a Pokémon-ex is knocked out, the opposing player must draw two prize cards instead of 1; and they usually have two weaknesses, and sometimes high retreat cost. Sceptile ex, the aforementioned Delta Species Pokémon, is the first Delta Species Pokémon-ex tp be printed in English.

Pokémon-*

Pokémon-* are even rarer than Pokémon-ex, with a loose estimate of 1 in 36 booster packs (an entire booster box). EX Holon Phantoms sees the debut of the first-ever Delta Species Pokémon-* - the famous Red Gyarados, first seen in Pokémon Gold and Silver. These cards are just as powerful as Pokémon-ex, and without the worry of your opponent taking two prize cards. However, you can only have one Pokémon-* in a deck, be it a 30-card or 60-card deck. Alakazam returns, after last being seen in Skyridge, as a Pokémon-*.

Set Timelines

Japan

In Japan, Researching Tower of Holon (EX Delta Species) was released first, then Holon Phantom (EX Holon Phantoms), then Miracle Crystal (EX Crystal Guardians). Eidolon Forest (EX Legend Maker) was released before EX Delta Species. Miracle Crystal is followed by Furthest Ends of Offense and Defense.

North America and other regions

EX Delta Species was released in November 2005, EX Legend Maker in February 2006, and EX Holon Phantoms in May 2006. EX Crystal Guardians will be released in late August 2006 in North America and Europe (though Eurpe may see the set early September). Crystal Guardians will be followed either in November, December, or even January 2007, by The Furthest Ends of Offence and Defence, which has no English name yet.

Tournaments

Worlds 2006

EX Crystal Guardians will be a legal set in Worlds 2006, which is EX Hidden Legends onwards.

Worlds 2007

EX Crystal Guardians will be a legal set in Worlds 2007, which is EX Deoxys onwards.

Worlds 2008

As it seems that three sets are knocked out of each Worlds tournament, we can expect Worlds 2008 to be either EX Unseen Forces onwards or EX Delta Species onwards.

Worlds 2009

It is too early to even guess, but going on the prediction of Worlds 2008, it is very unlikely EX Crystal Guardians will be Worlds 2009-legal, unless the year is Crystal Guardians onwards.

Prerelease Tournaments

The prerelease tournaments in North American and the UK are August 12-13/19-20. The set will be released week commencing 21 August.

Set List

So far, very little is known about the English-language set list. We know from foreign prerelease tournaments that Charizard will be 4/100. We also know that Sceptile ex is in the set, but the number is unclear. We can also assume there will be a box topper, making 101 cards.

External Links