ArcadeOverview
Pokémon Mezastar is a collectible card-based turn-based strategy game developed by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S. (along with Marvelous) and released by Takara Tomy A.R.T.S. for arcades in Japan on September 17, 2020.
The fourth game in Takara Tomy A.R.T.S.'s series of arcade games based on the Pokémon series of RPGs (and the sequel to Pokémon Ga-Olé), Pokémon Mezastar uses a new type of rounded-rectangular tile (or "Mezastar Tags", which resemble dog tags) to represent different Pokémon.
Much of the gameplay is similar to Ga-Olé, although it reverts back to a three-on-three format and added some interactivity with the tags themselves (with the position of each tag on their slot determining which one attacks). It also removes the Poké Ball lever controller, utilizing a simpler button-based system.
As with each entry in the spin-off series, the game's arcade cabinet is unique and includes major differences from its predecessors. Along with its new slot-based scanner system and additional buttons (to replace the Poké Ball lever), the game now uses a single widescreen display split vertically for two side-by-side "linked" cabinets.
The game also utilizes "Memory Tags" to track player progress. Both Memory Tags and Mezastar Tags utilize QR codes.