Tuesday, December 23, 2014

"Respect in Yu-Gi-Oh!:From Different Walks of Life"-Interview Article

(ArcKnight) "Never lose your temper;Maintain proper manners in duels.A duel is just a game,to have fun,release stress,enjoy,make friends,and unfortunately,spend cash! "

Good Day readers! I'm sure most of you are busy with their holiday trips and galore but as promised,I'm going to give you the interview segment based on our blog's poll.

The big question is(Well not totally that big)


What is Respect in YGO? How it is earned ,given and maintained?

But before we proceed to our interviews,let me first give you the results of our poll!

Source:http://respectygo.blogspot.com
  • Based on our survey,63% of our audience said that being polite to new and current players is the best way to earn respect in your ygo community.Well,I must say,there is no doubt that most of the players prefer the nicer approach from other duelists most especially to the newer ones who were just starting to cope up with the game.
  • 60 % responded that it's about encouraging players to play the game itself.To inspire and encourage players to play this game is one of my primary goals in making this blog so I agree that encouraging others is a good way to make our community big.
  • 24% likes to share ideas.There is no doubt that sharing various ideas is a nice act of encouragement.
  • Lastly,only 9 % responded about winning tournaments.For me,this game not always about winning though it is a big factor,as I have said,the most important thing here is we enjoy each other's company and we learn from our mistakes.That,for me,makes us a much much better player.
Now let us hear the answers of our Yu-Gi-Oh! friends.Three months ago,our team conducted a survey asking the same question on our poll but this time,we consulted some of the most respected and popular duelists from different walks of life.



The Question:

What is Respect in YGO? How it is earned ,given and maintained

From "Charlton Cantones"- a Yu-Gi-Oh! player and a very good Yu-Gi-Oh! Online simulation player(DN/YGO PRO)  

"In my opinion, respect in YGO is like "fame". People respect you when you won tournaments and/or consistently topping to tournaments. By winning or topping tournaments, you gain reputation and they will be interested in your YGO theories and opinions because they know you won a tournament and/or topping most of the tournaments. Some people have good theories in YGO but no one believes them because they haven't proved anything by winning tournaments. You maintain this "respect" by staying on the "top". "

From "Francisco Stephen Tan"-A Yu-Gi-Oh! ocg Player and the owner of http://duelistmercenary.blogspot.com/
 

"For me as long as you support the game(real cards) and you won't disrespecting others you earn my respect. For maintaining nmn, Encourage new/old players to support the game(real cards)"

 

From sir "John David Domingo"-A Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG player/Teacher

"Respect is given to those who support and play the real game. It is maintained by those who believe in the game itself."

From "Michael Ting"-a well known Yu-Gi-Oh! player/blog owner of http://duelinglegacy.blogspot.com/

Here's what he said.Perhaps,one of the most detailed and in-depth analysis.

"Thanks for asking me to participate in your blog post.
This topic has a very large scope to cover, but since I don't have much time on my hand I will keep it as concise as possible.

 Respect in the yugioh community is similar to respect in society. I think the one general problem with the community is that it lacks respect. Since I'm in a tcg territory now and having been exposed to TCG Facebook groups, forums and mediums of communications, I can confirm all this. Small things like how members of zodiac duelist group calling up KONAMI staff and harassing them for the recent banlist shows just how immature the society is. Other instances include players who are better at the game, or in the socially accepted group who constantly bully and call out other weaker players with wrong opinions. But the former is not to blame completely, the weaker players make things worse by making terrible rebuttals and being rude and condescending after being told they're wrong. Forums like duelist ground are a good example whereby some of the members are literal scum who contribute to yugiohs bad name.

Tbh, I don't think the society can be perfect and I don't think saying corny stuff like " if we can all learn to respect each other, the community will be a much better place bla bla " will make it any better.

You asked me how respect is to be give, achieved or attained, but I think those questions answer for themselves rather easily. However i do want to address the subject of "respecting your peer's opinion". The issue is simple, when a friend of yours theories bits of yugioh which is different from you (eg: how many cards to play in their deck, or whether he should play the 1 copy of eclipse wyvrn and dark arm in his shadoll deck) However you know that his theory is not entirely sound and has several flaws. The paradox arises whether you should call him out on it and proceed to point out it's flaws and explain what he should do to improve it. Should you "respect his opinion and acknowledge that there is player preference" , or should you debate with him to prove whose theory is more sound (because let's face it, player preference doesn't exist, there is always one best option which is right, and the players perception of player preference comes from situational plays which result in anecdotal evidence {eg: oh I resolved x card last game and it won me the game! but 2 games later, he said oh I drew x card when I didn't need it and I lost. If I had played y over x, I could have won} ) 

In a perfect world, intellectual debates on card interactions would be ideal but other factors such as friendship or emotions are at play. I think the best way is to point it out to your friend and let him absorb the facts. If he chooses to continue with his own card choices, then you have tried your best. If he acknowledges it's flaws in the future, then he has grown as a player. This way, you still give him the respect of making his own decisions and nobody is hurt. 

The above scenario might have digressed from the main point a little bit, but it does consider the relevance of respect, and you will surely come across it several times when you continue to play the game.

This marks the end of my excerpt and I hope it has provided some valuable insight" 
 
 

Last but not the least,we also interviewed the very first YCS Austraia Champion/A Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG player/organizer/judge and also one of the owners of "Yugioh Edition Singapore"(https://www.facebook.com/YuGiOhEditionSingapore) and "Duelingdays" blog,no other than "Dsummon".

It was a very big privilege to have a short conversation with him and here's what he said:

 Hmmmm, I dont specifically do anything to get players to respect me per say but just do stuff with the aim of making the game a much better game, with a good gaming environment for everyone. 

 Most asia players nowadays would know me more as a guy who helps to spread YGO news, and also helping to judge/organize major events, helping to maintain fair play, while making it a great experience for everyone.

 In respecting YGO players, i dont think you need to specifically do anything special. Just treat them with respect as you would your friend, dont take credit for ideas you didnt come up with, and that should be enough for any respectable player.

 Conclusion:

For a closing remark,we can definitely conclude that all of these boils down on one particular thought,"Respect is achieve by supporting the game we love". 

This is a game to have fun,release stress,enjoy,make friends,and unfortunately,spend cash! After all,a duel is just a game.Maintain proper manners and NEVER lose your temper.

Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy!

sincerely,

ArcKnight

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

"The Beginning of the END!"-The official January 1st Forbidden & Limited list(OCG)

(ArcKnight) The Official Banlist is here and by this moment,I'm pretty sure that some of you were shocked because of the advent of some previously forbidden cards that is now LIMITED.One of the most fazing is the return of the "Envoy of the End" although its has the new "ERRATA" test just like some of his comrades who fine some amount of ransom to gain freedom ! 




Newly Forbidden:
Heavy Storm
Newly Limited:
Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End
Sinister Serpent
Blaze Fenix, the Burning Bombardment Bird
Senju of the Thousand Hands
Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands
Nekroz of Unicore
Instant Fusion
Temple of the Kings
Preparation of Rites
Symbol of Heritage
Super Polymerization
Harpie’s Feather Duster
Exchange of the Spirit
Crush Card Virus
Ring of Destruction
Newly Semi-Limited:
Inzektor Hornet
Atlantean Dragoons
Number 11: Big Eye
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Rooster
Monster Gate
Newly Unlimited:
Evilswarm Ophion
Chronomaly Nebra Disk
Card Trooper
T.G. Striker
Tragoedia
Lonefire Blossom
Hieratic Seal of Convocation
A Hero Lives
Ojama Trio
My Thoughts:
  1. So the most game breaking part here was the swapping of "Heavy Storm" with "Harpies' Feather Duster".It was a very devastating card since then that is why it was banned.It has a very unfair effect that destroy your opponent's backrows ala (Raigeki) in terms of monsters.Unlike Heavy Storm(Which is now banned to everybody's surprise),this card only damages your opponent.It is clear that Konami wanted to promote Pendulum summoning as Heavy storm destroys your scales as well and pendulum summoning monsters seems scary if your facing "Bottomless trap holes".
  2. Next,we have a number of cards that has errata changes.The most noted is "Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End" being one of the most unfair chaos card that when played,can really brought "Chaos" to the entire game (Literally).A blessing in disguise for those who do not own one is the new errata change.By the time you activate his effect,you cannot activate any card effects.Still,summoning a 3000 ATTACK points beatstick is still devastating and his burn effect will still gonna wreck your opponent if he/she has a very low life points.
  3. As everyone predicted(even you who are reading this passage predicted(Like a fortune teller) that "Qliphort Scout" will become limited but NO as in NOOOO. It doesn't hit the banlist.In other words,there is still no pendulum card in the forbidden list because Konami promotes Pendulum and that's simple.So for those who sold their "Qliphort" decks because of the false rumors,condolence)Just kidding).
  4. "Necroz" suprised many "Necroz" players that their deck will not be hit (Because of the "Two format" rule theory).Again,Konami is unpredictable.They hit the obvious "Manju" and "Senju" as well as the "Preparation of Rites" which is no doubt make "Necroz" very very fast.I think that's a good hit to tamed them down.Another hit is "The Necroz armor of Unicore".While some may say that Unicore is nothing compared to "Necroz of Trishula" and "The Necroz Armor of Brionac",I agree that this card deserve the hit.As you can see,Trishula is pretty stoppable by anti-banishing cards and some effect negator while a single Unicore face up can hinder Synchros and other extra deck dependent monsters very hard.(Especially the new Junk structure deck).Based on my experience,I'm more afraid to face a Unicore than a trishula because of Unicores continuous effect.
  5. Crush card Virus will cause an infestation again to our deck.While it may be not very devastating as the previous text,still can be a night mare for decks that are focused on high levels.Imagine a Qliphort player being hit by crush card(They are sent to the graveyard so you cannot get them back unless you have a sudden Pot of Wealth).Archetypes like "Ghostricks","Archfiends","Burning Abyss"(Assuming that TCG will follow the errata changes" will benefit with this card.
  6. Others are Ophion being unlimited again,lonefire blossom for some Sylvan shenanigans(Oh wait,I already sold my Sylvans huhu),T.G Striker for more synchros,Card trooper for more "Infernoid" mills and the strong "Chronomaly Nebra Disk"(My friend is really glad about the new status of this card).
  7. Necroz players are salty.
  8. Qliphort players who sold their decks are kinda salty.
  9. I am salty because I don't have the newly Errataed cards.
  10. Same as number 9. but this time you are referring to your self.

cha·os
  1. ˈkāˌäs/
    noun
    1. complete disorder and confusion.

    source:The Dictionary

Here are some of the new Errata changes to the newly limited cards(Barring Harpies' Feather duster offcourse)
"HEY! LONG TIME NO SEE?"
Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by banishing 1 LIGHT and 1 DARK monster from your Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. During the turn you activate this card’s effect, you cannot activate other effects. (1) Once per turn: You can pay 1000 LP; send all cards on the field and in both players’ hands to the Graveyard, then inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each of your opponent’s cards sent by this effect.
-Oh the chaos dragons of dragons.
Chaos Envoy: Hey! bro! Dis you miss me? hehehe(Nothing much to say here,because this dragon might hear me.I don't want him to pay 1000.)



Ring of Destruction
You can only activate 1 “Ring of Destruction” per turn. (1) During your opponent’s turn: Target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls whose ATK is lower than or equal to your opponent’s LP; destroy that face-up monster, and if you do, you take damage equal to that monster’s original ATK, then, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the damage you took.

-Oh,I assure you.This card will become an instant staple in many decks especially "Heroics" who benefits from burning.(Offcourse,the obvious Chain burn decks.)
Crush Card Virus
(1) Tribute 1 DARK monster you control with 1000 or less ATK; check your opponent’s hand and all monsters they control, and destroy all monsters with 1500 or more ATK, then, your opponent can destroy up to 3 monsters with 1500 or more ATK from their Deck. After you activated this card, all damage your opponent takes until the end of the next turn becomes 0.
-It's like Yu-Gi-Oh! version of Ebola virus.And you know that if this virus hits you,its FATAL.
Temple of the Kings
You can only use each effect of “Temple of the Kings” once per turn. (1) You can activate 1 Trap Card you control during the turn it is Set. (2) You can send both this card and 1 face-up “Mystical Beast Serket” to the Graveyard; Special Summon 1 monster from your hand or Deck, or 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck.

-I started playing Yu-Gi-Oh! but this card is already forbidden.Now that it is now limited,I can now use that stinky Scorpion with the millenium eye.

New(For those who can't recall the purple Scorpion)

Mystical Beast Serket
Earth/Fairy(This scorpion is a fairy?/Level 6
ATK/2500
DEF/2000
Destroy this card if you do not control "Temple of the Kings". Each time this card destroys a monster by battle, the destroyed monster is removed from play, and this card gains 500 ATK.
Sinister Serpent
You can only use the effect of “Sinister Serpent” once per turn. (1) During your Standby Phase, if this card is in your Graveyard: You can add this card to your hand. During your opponent’s next End Phase, banish 1 “Sinister Serpent” from your Graveyard.
-The Flying Snake is back! It's still good.Time will tell the usability of this card in today's decks.
Source:The Dictionary/The Organization/Maxut
That's it! I hope you like it!
Don't Forget to share it to your friends!
-ArcKnight

"Sephira:From Different Territories"- "Crossover Souls(CROS-JP)(UPDATED 1/4/15)

(Arc Knight) Howdy! Today I will give you some of the most sought after cards on the "Crossover Souls" booster pack! No other than "Sephira"!



EDITED:
3 new "Sephira" cards 1/4/15

And the "Duel Terminal" series continues with these new cards to end the unending war between clans!




Sephira/Zefra Story:
The evil power dwelling inside the Sacred Tree awoke the “Infernoids”. The Zefra, who counter them, are the warriors who have decided to stand against them, and have received the holy power of the Sacred Tree.



 Houryuusei Sephira Fuushi / Sephira Fuxi, Treasure of the Yang Zing

Level 3 EARTH Wyrm-Type Pendulum Effect Monster
ATK 1500
DEF 0
Pendulum Effect:
(1) You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except “Yang Zing” and “Sephira” monsters. This effect cannot be negated.
Monster Effect:
You can only activate the monster effect of “Sephira Fuxi, Treasure of the Yang Zing” once per turn. (1) If this card is Pendulum Summoned or Special Summoned from your Deck: You can target 1 face-up “Yang Zing” or “Sephira” monster you control, except “Sephira Fuxi, Treasure of the Yang Zing”; during this turn, that face-up monster becomes a Tuner monster. If you activated this effect, put this card on the bottom of the Deck if it leaves the field.




-Here we have a new "Sephira" card that support "Yang Zing" as well.From the looks of the scans,there is no doubt that this card is in Higher Rarity(Super Rare?).For its effect,its a pendulum monster so it can be abused through turn after turn pendulum summoning.Its ability to turn any other Sephira or Yang Zing monster to a tuner is useful for added versatility adding the fact that it doesn't prevent non-Sephira monster to be synchro summon.Surely,Sephira will have a themed synchro monster in the future so you will need the prescence of this card.Overall,its a good card and the artwork is great!



Eireijuutsukai Sephiram Pirika / Sephiram Pirika, the Bold Ritual Beast Tamer
Level 3 WIND Psychic-Type Pendulum Monster
ATK 1000
DEF 1500
Scales: 1
Pendulum Effect: You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except “Ritual Beast” and “Sephira” monsters. This effect cannot be negated.
Monster Effect:
You can only Special Summon 1 “Sephiram Pirika the Bold Ritual Beast Tamer” per turn.
(1) When this card is Normal or Pendulum Summoned: You can target 1 “Ritual Beast” or “Sephira” monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that monster. It is destroyed during the End Phase.








-If you are following my YGOTheoryOh segment on our facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/pages/RespectYGO/256742574524196),my theory that "Pirika" will be a tamer that controls "Rampenta". Seems very very legit.Again,we have a scale 1 pendulum that is a pseudo wolfbark for any "Sephira" or "Ritual Beast" monster.Its good in Ritual beast ,I don't know in sephira because since they are a pendulum archetype,there is a very low chance that they will hit the graveyard(Because of mechanics) but we will see as soon as other new card come across.The art is cute.I can't help it.





Enjuu no Necloth Sephira Exa / Sephira Exa the Flame Beast Nekroz
Level 5 FIRE Dragon-Type Pendulum Effect Monster
ATK 2000
DEF 1000
Scale: 7
Pendulum Effect:
(1) You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except “Nekroz” and “Sephira” monsters. This effect cannot be negated.
Monster Effect:
You can only use the monster effect of “Sephira Exa the Flame Beast Nekroz” once per turn.
(1) If this card is in your hand or Graveyard when a “Nekroz” or “Sephira” card in your Monster or Pendulum Zones is destroyed by battle or a card effect: You can Special Summon this card.



-A very baddass artwork.Its Exa warrior on fire people! Maybe,exa collaborated with lavals or flamvells thats why.It's like a pendulum version of "Bujin Mizakuchi".If you notice the artwork,they all have the same "White" wings on their body.Try to notice it.




Ohr-Shaddoll Sephira Roots
Level 4 DARK Rock-Type Pendulum Effect Monster
ATK 450
DEF 1950
Scale: 7
Pendulum Effect:
(1) You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except “Shaddoll” and “Sephira” monsters. This effect cannot be negated
Monster Effect:
You can only use the monster effect of “Ohr-Shaddoll Sephira Roots” once per turn.
(1) If this card is Pendulum Summoned or if this card is sent to the Graveyard: You can target 1 “Sephira” card in your Pendulum Zones, except “Ohr-Shaddoll Sephira Roots”; Special Summon it.



-Intersting,so "Egrystal" was revived somehow.Its pendulum effect doesn't have any special thing to note.His pendulum effect,like others,prevents you from pendulum summoning other monster except "Sephira".It has a very nice Scale 7.Once you pendulum summon it,you can spam sephira monsters straight from your pendulum zone.



Astellarknight Sephirabuth
Light Fiend / Pendulum / Effect
PS7 LV4 1900/0
Pendulum Effect: (1) You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except “tellarknight” monsters and “Sephira” monsters. This effect cannot be negated.
Monster Effect: You can only use the monster effect of “Asterllarknight Sephirabuth” once per turn. (1) IF this card is Normal, Flip, or Pendulum Summoned: You can target 1 “tellarknight” or “Sephira” card in your Monster or Pendulum Zone, and 1 Set card your opponent controls; destroy them.



Now this one is very very broken.(Just Hyping).Its Exciton Knight "Spehira" version.It retains the constellation belt that every tellarknight monster have on their suit.It also has the Two big red eyes just like Exciton Knight.It's monster effect triggers you summon it (with the above methods) and if you do,it became a pseudo Scrap dragon that destroys set cards.




Kensei no Nekroz – Sephira Saber (Sword Saint of the Nekroz – Sephira Saber)
Level 4 WATER [Type Unknown] Pendulum Effect Monster (Scale: 1)
ATK 1500
DEF 800
P. Effect: Sephira/Nekroz restriction
M. Effect, quote-ith Eva: “name opt tribute from hand or field, ritual summon 1 Nekroz Ritual Monster from hand by tributing something from somewhere”




























Hiryuusei – Sephira Shiugo (Sephira Qiuniu, Secret of the Yang Zing)
Level 6 EARTH Wyrm Pendulum Effect Monster (Scale: 7)
ATK 0
DEF 2600
P. Effect: Standard Sephira Restrictions for Yang Zing and Sephira
M. Effect: Something something… “Name” one per turn restriction: When this card is Pendulum Summoned or when a [blank] you control is destroyed by battle or card effects: Add 1 “Yang Zing” or “Sephira” Spell/Trap Card from Deck to hand.



















Jesshaddoll – Sephira Naga
Level 2 DARK Spellcaster-Type Pendulum Effect Monster (Scale 1)
P. Effect: Standard Sephira restrictions, for Sephira and Shaddoll
M. Effect: You can only use the monster effect of “Jeshaddoll – Sephira Naga” once per turn.
(1) If this card is Pendulum Summoned or sent to the Graveyard: You can target 1 card in either player’s Pendulum Zone; return it to the hand. You must control a “Sephira” card in your Pendulum Zone to activate and to resolve this effect.






















There are more supports coming so stay tune!



source:The Organization/Maxut





-Arc Knight

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

"Behind the Phantom Shadows"-Single Card Discussion featuring "Phantom Knight Shadow Veil"

(ArcKnight)" Lurking in the shadows of the deepest slots of our binders and deck boxes,is an unwanted and unappreciated card by many.The great overlord of the shadows appointed me to share this knowledge to all mere mortals of dueling community.Let's spread the veil!"

Good Day RespectYGOer! I'm back,your favorite 101! Bringing you another card that may pinch your interest somehow again.Today,I'm going to discuss a card that is worth noticing.(At least for me).Well,allow me to introduce you the "Phantom Knights Shadow Veil"

Phantom Knights Of Shadow Veil(NECH-072 Common)
Normal Trap Card
 Target 1 face-up monster you control; it gains 300 ATK and DEF. When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack while this card is in your Graveyard: Special Summon this card in Defense Position as a Normal Monster (Warrior-Type/DARK/Level 4/ATK 0/DEF 300). (This card is NOT treated as a Trap Card.) If Summoned this way, banish this card when it leaves the field.

-First,we have a very common trap card that acts as a monster and a Stat boost.At the first look,it may seem lackluster but if you look closer,there is some pretty cool combos that you can incorporate with this card.

Here are few things you don't (or haven't been yet) know about this card:

1.It's Special summon effect isn't ONCE PER TURN.In other words,if you have multiples of this card,you can special summon all THREE in the form of chain.(And since this is a mandatory SS effect,it doesn't miss the timing EVER.

2.This card becomes a NORMAL MONSTER card.Unlike previous trap monster,it retains its monster Status.Hence,it can't be destroyed by backrow removals.(e.g Heavy Storm,MST etc.)

3.And since this card is a monster card while on your monster card zone,you can use it as free xyz materials.(Its a Dark Warrior level 4 people!)

4.To abuse this card,you can use Imperial Iron Wall,Artifact Lancea and other cards that prevent banishing.In other words,if you prevent the banishing of this card,you can hinder all attacks of your opponent.

-arc knight