Article #9: Espeon ex

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Article #9: Espeon ex

Post by Raikou Trainer »

This was originally written in mid-late 2006, so combos, ratings, etc. will be outdated.

Name: Espeon ex

Type: Psychic

HP: 110

Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)

Poke-Power: Devo Flash

Once during your turn, when you play Espeon ex from your hand to evolve 1 of your Pokemon, You may choose 1 Evolved Pokemon on your opponent's Bench, remove the highest Stage Evolution card from that Pokemon, and put it back into his or her hand.

(CC) Snap Tail

Choose 1 of your opponent's Pokemon. This attack does 30 damage to that Pokemon (don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokemon.)

(PCC) Psyloop 60+

Does 60 damage plus 30 more damage for each Trainer card your opponent has in play.

Wekness: Psychic

Resistance: None

Retreat: None

Analysis

HP: 110 is okay for a Stage 1 ex. Unfortunately, you can't use Energy Root on Espeon ex.

Stage 1 (evolves from Eevee): The are currently three Eevee cards available, one in Unseen Forces, and two in Delta Species. I'd recommend using the Colorless version in Delta Species, since it has 50 HP and an attack that can help fill your Bench. Although the one in Unseen Forces is good, it's Poke-Power searches the deck for an evolution, which won't trigger Espeon's Poke-Power. I don't think I need to mention why I wouldn't use the Metal typed version in Delta Species...

Weakness: Psychic isn't used very often, so you shouldn't worry about it too much.

Resistance: None, so let's move on.

Retreat: There's nothing better than retreating for free. You can easily shake off Confusion, Burn, and Poison conditions, or get out of there if Espeon is hurt badly.

Poke-Power: Since ATM Rock is gone from Modified, there are fewer options when it comes to de-evolving your opponent's Pokemon. The only real problem with this Power is that you have to evolve from your hand in order to use it. After that, it's completely useless. However, de-evolving a Candied Pokemon is always worth it! :)

Snap Tail: If you don't KO a Pokemon with Espeon's Poke-Power, this attack can possibly finish it off. Bench damage is always nice, so use it when your opponent has a lot of Pokemon with 30 or less HP left.

Psyloop: Since Pokemon Tools and Stadiums are being played more, this attack's damage can really get insane! However, if your opponent knows that you're playing Espeon ex, they may not play these cards, so it ultimately comes down to luck whether you can get the extra damage or not. And yes, this attack even counts Fossils, since they count as both Pokemon and Trainers while they're in play.

Combos

Super Scoop Up- If you get heads, you can return Espeon to your hand and use its Poke-Power again.

Ratings

Unlimited: Evolutions aren't played very often in Unlimited, so Espeon ex's Poke-Power may not work very often. Also, there are a lot of Pokemon that are resistant to Psychic, so hope your opponent is playing Pokemon Tools and Stadiums. 5/10

Modified: As mentioned before, ATM Rock is no longer available in Modified, so there are now fewer options when it comes to de-evolving your opponent's Pokemon. Pokemon Tools and Stadiums are played more often in Modified, so the damage Psyloop can do can get insane! 8/10

Limited: ex's really aren't good to play in this format, since losing one means your opponent get half of their Prizes. But Espeon ex can probably get a few KO's before that happens, so if you get it, use it! 8/10

Conclusion

While Espeon ex has a good Poke-Power, Psyloop will make your opponent think twice about playing Pokemon Tools and Stadiums.