Splendor: Pokémon plays very similarly to the classic Splendor…

…but replaces gems with Pokéballs and development cards with Pokémon.

Splendor: Pokémon Game Overview

On your turn you may choose to collect Pokéball tokens, two of the same colour, or three different colours.

Or you can attempt to catch a Pokémon card by paying its cost in Pokéballs, or reserve a Pokémon card for the future and take a wild Master Ball for doing so.

After you catch a Pokémon, it grants you a permanent Pokéball bonus of its colour, making future Pokémon easier to catch.

At the end of your turn you may also attempt to evolve one of your caught Pokémon, if its next-level card is visible and you have the required Pokéballs.

Rare and Legendary Pokémon use the Master Ball for catching.

How to Win

When a player reaches 18 points, the final round is triggered. After that round, the player with the most points wins.

Main Mechanisms

Resource collection (Pokéballs), engine-building via permanent Pokéball bonuses, and card drafting (choosing Pokémon cards) layer on as you go.

USP

I mean, it’s a common theme attached to a pre-existing game so nothing new here.

Theme

The Pokémon motif matches actions such as catch, evolve, and collect making it accessible to fans while keeping the mechanics clean.

The ‘Pokédex’ replaces the Renaissance merchants from the original Splendor which fun and accessibility.

Setup

Shuffle the Pokémon decks, deal out the initial market of face-up Pokémon cards, set out Pokéball tokens, and prepare the Master Ball wild token pile. Ready in a few minutes.

Components & Artwork

Cards are colourful, themed, and clean. The Pokéball tokens substitute nicely for gem tokens, and Master Balls stand out as a wild resource. Overall, it’s visually appealing without over-complicating the table.

Ease of Teaching

Straightforward, especially for players familiar with Splendor. The added evolution step adds a small layer, but once explained it slots in smoothly.

Similar Games

Splendor is the less fun version this game is based on.

I would also add Pokémon Safari and Pokémon Chips as Pokémon themed games that are good for hobby gamers.

Splendor: Pokémon Review

Positives

The Pokémon theme fits surprisingly well with the mechanics, catching and evolving feels satisfying.

The evolving-Pokémon mechanic adds meaningful progression to the classic game.

Accessible to both fans of the franchise and fans of the original game.

Negatives

Luck and market draws can be swingy if key Pokémon don’t come up, you may struggle.

When racing to a target like this, seeing someone run away can be disheartening.

Summary

Splendor: Pokémon gives the tried-and-true engine-building of Splendor a personality lift. It’s great for lighter groups or fans of Pokémon.

Jesta ThaRogue