Actually a couple questions:
1. How much has the game changed since the last set I ever played was back when Gym Challenge was around.
2. For a person getting back into the game, how long are usually modified sets in rotation, and what is going out soon?
3. My final question, what is a decent Budget deck/Theme Deck to start off with for a person re-entering
Man, you've missed a lot.
1. So much has happened in the past 13 years since the Gym Challenge era that I couldn't possibly fill you in on everything. Biggest change, though, was that in 2002 (I think) the TCG started being made by Nintendo (Wizards actually almost killed the game, so Nintendo took over), who also began the current tournament system. Since then, we've seen Dark, Metal, and Dragon get added to the types, new mechanics, old cards getting reprinted, crazy formats, and the rise of a successful tournament scene. I've certainly enjoyed the ride!
2. Generally, a set is legal for two world championships, so around two years or seasons. Right now, the modified format is Black & White to the latest set (Plasma Freeze), but in August after worlds, the next modified format will start, which I think will end up being Dragons Exalted-on (though others think it might be Next Destinies- or Dark Explorers-on). The sets being rotated will probably be announced this month.
3. A pretty good, fairly cheap, and fun deck that keeps most of its pieces for the next format uses
White Kyurem EX from Plasma Storm and
Chandelure from Plasma Freeze. There's a thread for it with decklists
here.
Welcome back!
http://trollandtoad.com/p1014621.html