Honestly, the proper question is this; now that they explore almost every unimaginable aspect of the trading card game genre, what's next?!
Well, simple. Konami answers that by GOING BACK TO THEIR ROOTS!!! While also being nostalgic for said ROOTS!
I've gotta be honest, this is actually the first time I have heard of the Speed Duel format, which is simply a faster version of the traditional card game with fewer cards and Life Points involved; and only a few video games have implemented this particular format.
One of which being now subjected to my upcoming Reader's Review of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links.
So... IT'S TIME TO D-D-D-D-DUEL!!!
But before that, let us discuss what Speed Duels first in detail. Speed Duels are basically like normal duels but with a few notable exceptions. Here are some of those
- Both players starts with 4000 Life Points, instead of the traditional 8000
- Decks only consist of 20-30 cards, in contrast to the original's 40-60
- Extra Deck is only up to 5 cards, not the same as the original rules' maximum of 15.
- No Main Phase 2, meaning that after the player commences a Battle Phase, your turn ends immediately.
- Both players start with 4 cards in hand, instead of 5
- The player who takes the very first turn (of the whole Duel) will not draw a card.
OK! Now that we got it out of the way, I say we rev it up!
Title: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links
Date Released: September 7, 2016 (Closed Beta), October 27, 2016 (Australia and Singapore), November 17, 2016 (Japan), January 2017 (worldwide release)
Company: Konami
Genre: Card battler
Platform: iOS/Android
ESRB Rating: None (E10+ if given such)
Brief Background: Speed Duels is a dueling format for the Official Card Game which serves as both a more simple duel play style for beginners and as a refresher for returning players. The game format was first introduced in the Japan-only Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Terminal arcade game.
What do you do here?
Basically, like past games, Duel Links pits you against computer opponents, all of which have varying degree of difficulty and play style. However, unlike most portable games in the series, you don't 'make' your own character. You play as one of the Legendary Duelists found in the game such as Yami Yugi and Seto Kaiba, among others. Become the ultimate Duelist; that is your goal.
What makes this game interesting?
Beside the aforementioned easier game play, Duel Links offers you to play as one of the Legendary Duelists in the game; all of which have varying play style and Deck composition. Each of the Legendary Duelists can also learn 'Skills' which allows you to alter the flow of game play such as unleashing a free Field Spell Card, drawing a specific card type, among other useful strategies. These Skills are pretty new and quite an innovative way to turn Duels into a game of strategy and critical thinking.
You start the game as either Seto Kaiba, the arrogant yet honorable Duelist of the Kaiba Corporation, or as Yami Yugi, the King of Games. You can unlock other Legendary Duelists as you play multiple games, allowing you to utilize different play styles, such as Joey Wheeler (and his myriad of luck-induced cards) and Mai Valentine (and her army of Harpy Ladies).
Speaking of Legendary Duelists, you can also fight them at the Duelist Gate; allowing you to earn cards as you fight them. Each of these Duelists give out certain cards which provide even more useful strategies and more battle options towards that certain Duelist. Keep in mind that you need Gate Keys, and a corresponding colored key (which varies from every Duelist), in order to battle
Card Packs, a Duel Monsters staple, are back. However, you can only be able to get them by spending Gems, which you can either get by doing certain conditions (such as leveling a character towards a certain level) or, just like EVERY other gacha game, by spending money.
Updates, as well as freebies like Gems, card sleeves, and what not, and events are frequent, so expect a lot coming from this game, especially if you are a die-hard Yu-Gi-Oh! afficionado.
There are a number of standard Duelists that appear in the area, all of which provide a decent amount of challenge as you progress throughout the game. Not to mention that they also give out useful goodies (such as cards, Keys, money) to aid you on your way.
Having trouble getting good cards? Well, if the Card Packs doesn't give you what you want, then you can go to the Card Trader instead. The Card Trader provides some useful cards that you probably won't find anywhere else, so take advantage of that opportunity. You will be needing some Stones and Gold to get those cards, though. By the way, you can get Stones through Card Conversion (the converted card will be lost in exchange for Gold and Stones based on the card type and rarity of the converted card) which is basically essential if you don't want tons of card copies you don't even want in the first place.
What are the flaws that I found in this game?
Well, first of all, the progression system is a bit arbitrary, especially in later levels. Keep in mind that in order to pass a 'Stage', you need to do several quests, such as summoning a certain number of monsters or using a set amount of Spell and/or Trap Cards during a duel. There will be other instances that you are required to use a VEEERY specific card in order for you to progress.
DISCLAIMER: I haven't encountered some of the more 'specific' Stage Quests before, but this is to inform you that the Quests can get tedious.
As I have mentioned, fighting Legendary Duelists requires Gate Keys which you can get from fighting regular Duelists. Sadly, getting these keys are becoming much of a chore as time goes by.
Another complaint that I have are the card packs! Yes, THE.CARD.PACKS! Oh yes, those things. There are certain times that these card packs will disappear from the rotation, which is sad for new players who are just new to the game and unable to get the cards they want from said card packs. The game claims that they will come back at some point in time, but come on! That's just criminal.
In-game events have varying degrees of... usefulness, for a lack of a better term for it. Some of them are exciting (like the Duelist Kingdom and KC Cup) while others are just darn lazy (like the Yugi Muto event). To make matters worse, some Legendary Duelists can only be unlocked through these methods, which is sad for those players who haven't played the game during its early days.
If there is a feature in Duel Links that you want to be included in the future, what would it be?
I say the addition of Synchro Summons, Xyz Summons, and Pendulum Summons are highly appreciated. Although, I just want to see the Pendulum Summons out of curiosity.
Do you recommend this game?
Yes... if you are a fan of the old Yu-Gi-Oh! games. People who grew up with any series beyond Duel Monsters will feel robbed here, however.
Overall Rating: 7.7/10
As what you have expected from a card game; deep, meaningful Deck customization and great challenges. However, this is one of those few games that you really need to invest upon to fully maximize your enjoyment... and if you are not that guy, then you might as well play something else.
--END OF REVIEW--
