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:

git clone https://github.com/thesidshah/pokemon-mcp.git
cd pokemon-mcp-server

2. Install dependencies:

npm install

3. Build the TypeScript code:

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:

{
  "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