Pokemon MCP Server - Interview Demo

Overview

This is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that simulates a Pokemon battle system. Your task is to integrate this server with Claude or a ChatGPT-compatible client to enable AI-powered Pokemon battles.

The server provides tools for:

• Generating and retrieving Pokemon

• Starting battles between Pokemon

• Executing attacks with type effectiveness

• Checking battle status and type matchups

Technical Requirements

• Node.js 18+

• npm or yarn

• Claude Desktop app OR a ChatGPT-compatible MCP client

• Basic understanding of TypeScript and MCP

Installation

1. Clone this repository:

2. Install dependencies:

3. Build the TypeScript code:

Server Architecture

The server implements the MCP protocol with the following tools:

Available Tools

1. get_random_pokemon - Generate a random Pokemon with stats and moves

   • Optional: level (1-100)

2. get_pokemon_by_name - Retrieve a specific Pokemon

   • Required: name (string)

   • Optional: level (1-100)

3. list_all_pokemon - List all available Pokemon in the database

4. start_battle - Initialize a battle between two Pokemon

   • Required: pokemon1_name, pokemon2_name (strings)

   • Optional: pokemon1_level, pokemon2_level (1-100)

5. attack - Execute an attack in the current battle

   • Required: attacker_name, move_name (strings)

6. get_battle_status - Check the current battle state

7. get_type_effectiveness - Query type effectiveness chart

   • Required: attacking_type (string)

   • Optional: defending_type (string)

Interview Task

Part 1: Basic Integration (30 minutes)

1. Configure the MCP server in your chosen client (Claude Desktop or ChatGPT-compatible)

2. Test basic functionality:

   • List all available Pokemon

   • Generate a random Pokemon

   • Get a specific Pokemon by name

Part 2: Battle Implementation (45 minutes)

1. Start a battle between two Pokemon

2. Implement a full battle sequence:

   • Check initial battle status

   • Execute attacks from both Pokemon

   • Handle type effectiveness

   • Determine the winner

3. Document any issues or limitations you encounter

Part 3: Advanced Features (45 minutes)

Choose ONE of the following tasks:

Option A: Battle Strategy Assistant

• Create prompts that make the AI analyze type matchups

• Have the AI suggest optimal moves based on type effectiveness

• Implement a "battle advisor" that predicts battle outcomes

Option B: Pokemon Team Builder

• Design a system to create balanced teams

• Consider type coverage and stat distributions

• Generate team recommendations based on user preferences

Option C: Tournament System

• Implement a bracket-style tournament

• Track wins/losses across multiple battles

• Generate tournament summaries and statistics

Integration Guide

For Claude Desktop

1. Locate your Claude Desktop configuration:

   • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

   • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the server configuration:

3. Restart Claude Desktop

For ChatGPT/Other Clients

Consult your client's documentation for MCP server integration. The server uses stdio transport on standard input/output.

Evaluation Criteria

Your submission will be evaluated on:

1. Successful Integration (25%)

   • Server properly configured and running

   • All tools accessible from the AI client

2. Feature Implementation (35%)

   • Core battle mechanics working correctly

   • Proper error handling

   • Creative use of available tools

3. Code Quality (20%)

   • Clear, well-documented prompts

   • Logical conversation flow

   • Effective use of AI capabilities

4. Problem Solving (20%)

   • How you handle limitations or issues

   • Creative solutions to challenges

   • Understanding of the MCP protocol

Submission Requirements

Please provide:

1. Configuration files - Your client configuration

2. Conversation logs - Export of your AI conversations demonstrating functionality

3. Documentation - A brief write-up (300-500 words) covering:

   • Integration process and any challenges

   • Your approach to the advanced feature

   • Suggestions for server improvements

   • Any bugs or limitations discovered

4. Optional bonus: Any code modifications or extensions to the server

Tips and Hints

• The server maintains a single battle state - only one battle can be active at a time

• Type effectiveness follows standard Pokemon rules (2x, 0.5x, 0x damage)

• STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) is implemented (1.5x damage)

• Speed determines turn order

• The AI should handle move selection intelligently based on type matchups

Troubleshooting

Common issues:

1. Server not connecting: Check file paths in configuration

2. Tools not appearing: Ensure server is built and path points to compiled JS

3. Battle state issues: Remember only one battle can be active

4. Type effectiveness: Reference the built-in type chart with get_type_effectiveness

Time Limit

Total time: 2 hours

• Setup and basic integration: 30 minutes

• Battle implementation: 45 minutes

• Advanced feature: 45 minutes

Good luck, and may the best trainer win!

Appendix: Pokemon Database

Available Pokemon:

• Bulbasaur (Grass/Poison)

• Charmander (Fire)

• Squirtle (Water)

• Pikachu (Electric)

• Snorlax (Normal)

• Mewtwo (Psychic)

• Gengar (Ghost/Poison)

• Dragonite (Dragon/Flying)

• Lucario (Fighting/Steel)

• Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)

Move types available: Normal, Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Ground, Psychic, Ghost, Dragon