A new full art card revealed for thePokémon Trading Card Gamehas a sly reference to one of the original games that only old-schoolPokémonfans will catch.Full art cardsare some of the most sought-afterPokémoncollectibles. Their larger image space allows for more detailed art, usually employing unique styles or placing the Pokémon in uncommon scenarios. They’re a great way to show off a Pokémon’s unique traits or personality, and, from time to time, to connect them more deeply to almost-forgotten aspects ofPokémonlore.
That’s exactly what’s going on with the full art Meowth card below; as Reddit userBegooderrrpointed out,the card depicts Meowth lounging in a tree, overlooking what appears to be Cerulean City, a location from the Gen 1PokémongamesRed,Blue, andYellow. The town is immediately recognizable by its layout, particularly the single-story, wider house standing beside a taller, narrower Pokémon Center. The card is one of four full art holo promo cards (the others being Paldean Wooper, Suicune, and Duraludon) included with the Generations Special Battle Set, a Japan-only release.
This Isn’t The First Time Older References Have Been Found In Full Art Cards
Pokémon Easter Eggs Like This Are Common
This particular full art card goes a little deeper, as the town is surrounded by trees in the original game; Meowth could very well be enjoying the view from its perch in the southwest corner. And in fact, as userafelzzpoints out,players can actually catch a Meowth in the tall grass south of Cerulean City, right next to where this Meowth is sitting.
Others point out thatPokémoncards have incorporated similar Easter eggs to this one before. Other references include a faithful recreation of Professor Oak’s office on a Trainer card, a Spearow where it can be caught outside Celadon City, and a Snorlax on what appears to be Route 12. A post byjteedelooks at several of these cards (just ignore that last one).
While not all of these are full art cards,full arts do tend to make the perfect canvas for Easter eggs such as these. The larger space for design allows for artists to incorporate more detailed backgrounds and get more creative with how they depict the Pokémon they feature.
Our Take: Pokémon Leaning Into Its Roots Is Always A Treat
Easter Eggs Like This One Are Lots Of Fun
It’s always nice to see thePokémon TCGmoving forward, butI also always appreciate those moments when it looks back. I’m not a hardcore Gen 1 purist, but I have enjoyed its games - there’s something about that classicPokémonpixel art, the simple MIDI music, that’s just incomparably nostalgic.
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Throwbacks like these cards mean a lot to old-school fans. Millions of people have grown up with thePokémonfranchise - whether it’s the cards, the games, the anime, or a combination of the three. For those who spent hours in the tall grass outside Cerulean City trying to catch a Meowth, this means a lot more than mostPokémon TCGcards - it’s a throwback to their childhoods.
Sources:Begooderrr/Reddit,afelzz/Reddit,jteede/Reddit
Pokemon Trading Card Game
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a strategic card game where players build decks of Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards. Players take turns using attacks, abilities, and strategies to knock out their opponent’s Pokémon, aiming to collect Prize cards. The first to collect all their Prize cards wins.
