# 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:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/thesidshah/pokemon-mcp.git
cd pokemon-mcp-server
```
2. Install dependencies:
```bash
npm install
```
3. Build the TypeScript code:
```bash
npm run build
```
## 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:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"pokemon-server": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["path/to/built/index.js"],
"cwd": "path/to/pokemon-mcp-server"
}
}
}
```
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
