Misty's Cloyster

Description

Misty's Cloyster, card number 29 from the 2000 Pokémon Gym Heroes series, serves as a pivotal evolution in the trainer Misty's strategy. Evolving from Misty's Shellder, this Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon brings defensive stability to the deck with 70 HP. The card's most notable feature is its Shell Armor ability, which allows the player to reduce all damage taken from attacks by 10. This effect applies after weakness and resistance calculations, providing a consistent buffer against aggressive opponents while allowing other attack effects to still occur. Offensively, Misty's Cloyster utilizes the Triple Cannon attack. By flipping three coins, the player deals 20 damage for each heads result. This variable damage output makes the card a versatile threat that can scale significantly with luck, offering a dynamic gameplay experience. With a retreat cost of 2, the Pokémon requires a moderate energy investment to reposition, balancing its defensive and offensive capabilities. The card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, whose artwork remains a defining visual element of the early Pokémon Trading Card Game era. Collectors often seek this card for its nostalgic value and its role in the foundational Gym Heroes expansion. As a Rare card, it represents a staple of many competitive and casual decks from the late 1990s and early 2000s., enthusiasts can browse diverse selections of vintage Pokémon cards, including this evolution line. The card's enduring presence in the TCG community highlights its importance in understanding the mechanics and design of early Pokémon cards. Whether building a retro collection or researching card history, Misty's Cloyster offers a concrete connection to the franchise's competitive roots.