BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Pokemon USA, Inc., a worldwide
leader in trading card games, today announced the U.S. release of the
Pokemon Trading Figure Game (TFG), slated to hit stores on September 19.
This marks the latest milestone in the Pokemon collectible gaming evolution
since the release of the phenomenally successful Pokemon Trading Card Game
in Japan in 1996. The first set of figures released will include more than
40 popular Pokemon characters and Trainer figures; select booster sets will
include Pokemon from the recent Pokemon Trading Card Game: Diamond & Pearl
release.
Gameplay includes a dynamic spinning mechanism for each Pokemon that
lets players send their figures into battle against one another in an
entirely new way. By mixing and matching figures, players can expand their
battle choices right from the beginning, encouraging a similar sport and
strategy as practiced in the world-renowned Pokemon Trading Card Game. The
TFG is easy to learn and play, and is appropriate for players age eight and
older.
"Pokemon fans reacted with great enthusiasm to early previews in the
U.S.," said Tsunekaz Ishihara, president and CEO, The Pokemon Company, and
co-creator of both the TFG and the original Pokemon Trading Card Game. "The
high quality of the figures, the collectible nature of the game, and the
exciting mechanism for battle were all very popular with players of all
ages. We feel we have created a truly distinctive game that will carry on
Pokemon's tradition of excellence."
The two Pokemon TFG starter sets include basic rules that will have
fans playing in minutes: a two-player arena playmat, Trainer cards, and
four different dynamic figures, including a Trainer figure. Boosters will
expand gameplay and add new figures and Trainer cards to players'
collections. The starter sets will be priced at $14.99 and the boosters at
$3.49 for one figure, $6.99 for two figures (including a random mystery
figure) and a Trainer card, and $9.99 for three figures, including a random
mystery figure and one of three special promo figures (Chimchar, Piplup, or
Turtwig) from the Diamond & Pearl release as well as a Trainer card. Future
expansions-with additional popular Pokemon to increase the possibilities
for battles-are under development.
Figures were sculpted with care by Kaiyodo Co., Ltd., of Osaka, Japan,
which has been a manufacturer of original, limited-edition assembly-type
plastic models for more than 40 years. In addition to the upcoming Pokemon
TFG, Kaiyodo produces a wide variety of other popular model lines for
enthusiasts all over the world.
For more information and updates on the Pokemon TFG, fans can visit
http://www.go-pokemon.com.
About Pokemon USA, Inc.
Pokemon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Pokemon Company in Japan,
manages the property outside of Asia which includes licensing, marketing,
the Pokemon Trading Card Game, the Pokemon Trading Figure Game, an animated
TV series, home entertainment, the official Pokemon website, and online
retail center http://www.pokemoncenter.com. Celebrating its 10th worldwide
anniversary in 2006, Pokemon was launched in Japan in 1996 for play on
Nintendo's Game Boy(R) and has since evolved into a global cultural
phenomenon. Pokemon was introduced in North America in September 1998 and
today is one of the most popular toy and entertainment properties in the
world. For more information, visit http://www.pokemon.com.
SOURCE Pokemon USA, Inc.
