Name: R Energy

Set: EX: Team Rocket Returns

Card#: 95/109

Type: Energy

Subtype: Special Energy

 

Attributes: Looking at the Energy symbols in the corner of this card, we see that it provides (DD).  Two Energy at once is usually pretty nice in this game.  I can only think of two examples where that didn’t happen: Miracle Energy cause it can only be attached to about 10 Pokémon in the game, three of which are playable; and Bounce Energy because it requires a Basic Energy be sent back into hand, thus you aren’t coming out any Energy ahead, even in the extreme short turn Energy count.

 

Abilities: So, aside from providing (DD), what else is there to R Energy?  In the tradition of Aqua Energy and Magma Energy, there are two big restrictions.  First, it can only be attached to Dark and Rocket’s Pokémon.  Second, it is discarded at the end of the turn.  Given the potency of Double Colorless Energy, I understand the that a permanent bonus of (CC) straight out is too much for Pokémon in general.  Since it seems having mostly Colorless Energy costs is the norm, both restrictions make sense.  Still, there is one last effect, and it’s a pretty good one: the Pokémon R Energy is attached to does 10 more damage to the Active Pokémon.  Notice that says “Active Pokémon”, not “Defending Pokémon”.  The difference?  Pokémon is a term that can be either singular or plural.  As is, R Energy adds 10 damage to the damage done to all Active Pokémon, both yours and your opponents.  That’s not going to be too huge a draw back for most decks though.

 

Uses/Combinations: This is more or less generic Dark/Rocket’s support.  In Unlimited, you an make do without it for several of those Pokémon… but those aren’t Pokémon that see a lot of play anyway.  Now, most new Pokémon that fall into that category can make good use of the temporary boost, even in Unlimited.  First, in all formats, it adds some uncertainty.  Your opponent need (CC), (CD), or (DD)?  If it’s a Dark or Rocket’s Pokémon, they can get it!  They’ll also do 10 extra damage!  This is just “okay” in Unlimited, but it’s great for Modified (and Limited), where normally such a “surge” would be impossible for Basics and Pokémon ex, and Evolved non-Pokémon ex would instead do 10 less damage (via Double Rainbow Energy).

 

Ratings

 

Unlimited: 3/5-This card won’t impact the majority of decks here.  The most successful Dark/Rocket’s Pokémon in this format is probably the classic Rocket’s Zapdos.  It doesn’t get a lot of help from it, as it only needs a single Colorless Energy, and it has access to Plus Power.  There are cards that do benefit though, like Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.  So a small group of cards get a big boost.

 

Modified: 4/5-Here, there is at least a chance that a major Dark/Rocket’s deck could take off, so I feel justified in scoring it high: most new compatible Pokémon (in term’s of name) have a lot of Colorless Energy requirements.  Also, it’s pretty nice that it’s yet another way most of these cards can tack on damage; most of the Pokémon that can use R Energy can also use Darkness Energy.

 

Limited: 4/5-It is possible you will have a deck that cannot really benefit from this card, even here.  Remember, despite the set’s name, there are non-Dark/Rocket’s Pokémon, and if that’s what you end up getting, you won’t be able to make use of it.  Otherwise, it’s a nice little bonus for the majority of Pokémon in this set, but mostly as a Plus Power and not for the extra Energy.  After all, you will likely only get one and by that time you might be fully powered up.

 

Summary

R Energy is a must have if and only if you have a Dark/Rocket’s Pokémon that needs either (CC) or (DD) for an attack, since you can fill that requirement for a turn.  If you have no Dark/Rocket’s Pokémon, then it’s useless.  The extra 10 damage is just a nice bonus.