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If you’re a fan of the classic board game Splendor and also have a soft spot for Pokémon, there’s something new that might just catch your eye. It’s a special edition called Pokémon Splendor, where the familiar mechanics of collecting gemstones are cleverly reimagined with the colorful world of Pokémon. Currently, it’s only available in Korean, and there’s no word on an international release yet. Thankfully, ordering from Korea has become quite straightforward these days!
A Fusion of Worlds: Pokémon Meets Splendor
Pokémon Splendor stays true to the original game’s rules, with players gathering Pokéballs instead of gemstones. The rules about collecting three different colors or two chips of the same color still apply, with the addition of the Master Ball acting as a wildcard, much like the joker gemstones in the standard Splendor game.
The core mechanics of Splendor remain unchanged in this version, but there’s an enjoyable twist. The game features three levels of cards, each corresponding to a Pokémon’s evolution stages from the Kanto region. To add to the fun, there are also two decks of legendary and rare Pokémon that don’t evolve but require a Master Ball to catch. These special Pokémon grant more points and can help bring extra Pokémon to your side.
Instead of collecting nobles, as in the standard Splendor game, players in Pokémon Splendor aim to evolve their Pokémon. Each card in the lower two levels shows the next evolution and the Pokéballs needed for that transformation. This process does not involve chips, focusing solely on the cards a player has. When players have the necessary cards for an evolution, they can swap the current Pokémon for its evolved form and remove the base card from the game, but only if the next level Pokémon is either displayed or already reserved in their hand.
Considering Pokémon Splendor: Is It for You?
We’ve always enjoyed Splendor for its strategic depth, but Pokémon Splendor brings a thematic charm that feels more engaging. The evolution concept fits seamlessly with the gameplay, making the theme feel integral rather than an afterthought. It’s been a hit in our household, appealing to both our love for Pokémon and the gameplay of Splendor. It’s even simple enough for our eight-year-old to join in and enjoy.
So, what’s your verdict? Does the idea of merging Splendor’s gameplay with the world of Pokémon intrigue you? Would you consider adding Pokémon Splendor to your board game collection, even if it means navigating the hurdles of international ordering?
