OCG’s April 2016 Banlist Review & Analysis

(Arcknight) Good Day RespectYGOers! After a very long hiatus with regards to thesis papers and graduation rites, I’m back with another article featuring the latest OCG’s April 2016 Forbidden and Limited List or the April OCG Banlist.

Before we make some sudden rants, let us have a recap of what the new ban list actually looks like:

April 2016 OCG Forbidden & Limited Card List

Effective from April 1, 2016 – June 30, 2016

*Only Changes*

Forbidden:

Performapal Monkeyboard

Lavalval Chain

Life Equalizer

Limited: (Restricted to 1)

Sangan (New Errata)

Thousand-Eyes Restrict

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss

Scarm, Melabranche of the Burning Abyss

Performapal Skullcrobat Joker

Ignister Prominence, the Blasting Dracoslayer

Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer

Draco Face-Off

Wavering Eyes

Luster Pendulum, the Dracoslayer

Mask Change Second

Tour Guide from the Underworld

Emergency Teleport

Domain of the True Monarchs

Pendulum Call

Reasoning

Monster Gate

Newly Semi-Limited:

Super Rejuvenation

Unlimited:

Glow-up Bulb

Kuribandit

Destiny Hero – Malicious

Mermail Abyssteus

Mind Control

Book of Moon

Gold Sarcophagus

Allure of Darkness

Dragon Shrine

Crush Card Virus

Featured Deck Guide: Dinomist Turbo Rush

              (Arcknight) Recently, “Breakers of Shadow(BOSH)” unveiled new cards that enriched the taste buds of duelists once again. New archetypes and staples were introduced as well. One of them is the newest pendulum clan called “Dinomist”. 

(OCG) SP Format: Tier Impact [Part 1]

(Arcknight) Finally I'm back after 5 weeks of blogging hiatus.Well today,we will going to conduct a quick analysis on how the newest and hottest SP Format will affect the top tier decks of today.

Recently,we have been fazed by huge amount of spoilers and leaks that were hard to digest.First on our list was the shocking "July 2015 Forbidden & Limited List" that taught us on how to react on something with no emotions.To make the long story short, the list came with the surprising "No Change" tag on every corner of it. But before somebody pull their champagnes out, Konami announced that they will be having minor changes that will be implemented starting July 1st up to the end of September.The one I am talking about is the Set Block/Rotation or  most commonly known as the SP Format.

What is SP Format?

"Aroma":The Smell of Victory!

(ArcKnight) Hello readers and welcome to another edition of articles featuring your favorite decks!

Today,we are going to feature an archetype which catches my attention the most.The one I am talking about is the clan of fragrant Female Plant-type monsters known as "Aroma".

"Aroma" was recently introduced in CORE as the first deck focused in gaining advantage by means of gaining life points.It's been a while since we have an interesting concept like this.For us to gain some familiarity,let us review the theme monsters!

" 3 Birds in one CORE! " -featuring "Bird of Paradise Lost"

(ArcKnight) Well,hello guys! I'm back and still kickin' even after the aftermath of the recently announced "April OCG and TCG Forbidden Ban List"!.  The list surely wreck havoc Dragon Rulers to the fullest,but "YGO is like a river,it goes over and over again so we have to move on,adapt, and explore new cards and strategies!"

Garunix,Fenghuang and Bird of Lost Paradise: Any similarities? (Clue: Wings)

All Hail the Great Monarchs!-Official Guide to "Vassal Monarchs"(Updated)

(ArcKnight) Hello there. Awhile ago, I was making a full set spoiler for CROS like we were always doing but unfortunately,the "Blogger" has malfunctioned and corrupt my whole post(I was like on the 42nd card then every characters on that article got distorted.) Anyway,I will just make another article about the things I like in Yu-Gi-Oh!,and one of them is the new "Vassal" archetype in CROS.If you look at these cards,you will notice that they are the younger version of our monarch which I found very adorable.In addition,they are good fodder to summon the big "Monarchs" consistently.And because of that,I decided to compile these new and amazing "Vassal" cards.Here they are!


From Humble Beginnings...

Fuuetei Kashin Garm / Garm the Storm Vassal
Level 3 WIND Winged Beast-Type Effect Monster
ATK 800
DEF 1000
You can only use each effect of “Garm the Storm vassal” once per turn.
(1) You can return 1 Tribute Summoned monster you control to the hand; Special Summon this card from your hand. You cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck for the rest of this turn.
(2) If this card is Tributed for a Tribute Summon: You can add 1 monster with 800 ATK and 1000 DEF from your Deck to your hand, except “Garm the Storm Vassal”.






Review:
Just one of the new "Vassal" card that can make a "Monarch" deck consistent.The fact that it can search other "Vassals" solidifies the whole concept.Furthermore,it recycles our "Monarchs" which can then re-used their trigger effects.This card is a great addition to our arsenal of emperors so I suggest RUN 3.

Raitei Kashin Mithra / Mithra the Thunder Vassal
Level 2 LIGHT Thunder-Type Effect Monster
ATK 800
DEF 1000
You can only use each effect of “Mithra the Thunder vassal” once per turn.
(1) During your Main Phase: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, Special Summon 1 “Vassal Token” (Thunder-Type/LIGHT/Level 1 /ATK 800/DEF 1000) to your opponent’s side of the field in Defense Position. You cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck for the rest of this turn.
(2) If this card is Tributed for a Tribute Summon: During your Main Phase this turn, you can Tribute Summon 1 monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.)


Review:
I never thought that "Zaborg,the Thunder Monarchs" has a female counterpart.This card is simple,you can easily summon this card with ease.If your wondering why it summons a random token,if you are a "Monarch" player before,there are times that you wanted to push for damage but your "Monarchs" will trigger and remove itself because its the only card on the field.With these card,you are ensured to avoid self destruction.I suggest RUN 3.

Chitei Kashin Landrobe / Landrobe the Rock Vassal
Level 4 EARTH Rock-Type Effect Monster
ATK 800
DEF 1000
You can only use each effect of “Landrobe the Rock Vassal” once per turn. (1) You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, change that target to face-down Defense Position. You cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck for the rest of this turn. (2) If this card is Tributed for a Tribute Summon: You can target 1 monster with 800 ATK and 1000 DEF in your Graveyard, except “Landrobe the Rock Vassal”; add it to your hand.




Review:
How adorable that pic.It is "Grandmarg,the Rock Monarch's" younger servant.Even though I do not play "Monarchs",I still want to get a copy of this card for my collection.As for the effect,it recycles your vassals after you tributed this cute little rock.It also has the inbuilt "Cyber Dragon",Ghostrick Jackfrost esque effect to make sure that you can have a tribute fodder for your "Monarchs".RUN 3

Jatei Kashin Lucius / Lucius the Shadow Vassal
Level 1 DARK Fiend-Type Effect Monster
ATK 800
DEF 1000
You can only use each effect of “Lucius the Shadow Vassal” once per turn.
(1) You can banish 1 Level 5 or higher monster from your Graveyard; Special Summon this card from your hand. You cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck for the rest of this turn.
(2) If this card is Tributed for a Tribute Summon: You can look at all Set cards your opponent controls. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect’s activation.





Review:

He can be useful as another tribute fodder by just banishing a "Monarch" monster in your grave but I think this card is a little bit slow.Also,his second effect is a bit random.No advantage at all unless you want to be a fortune teller(predicting your opponent's set cards).Not unless this can cause those set cads miss the timing lol.

RUN 0 or 3 ,really,not that useful in our strategy.

Entei Kashin Berlines / Berlines the Firestorm Vassal
Level 3 FIRE Pyro Effect Monster
ATK 800
DEF 1000
You can only use each effect of “Berlines the Firestorm Vassal” once per turn.
(1) You can discard 1 card; Special Summon this card from your hand. During this turn, you cannot Special Summon monster from the Extra Deck.
(2) If this card is Tributed for a Tribute Summon: You can reveal your opponent’s hand, and banish 1 card there until the end of the turn.








Review:
Finally we have our FIRE "Vassal".Basically,it combos pretty well with Lucius the Shadow Vassal. However,it offers the same mediocre effect just like the little caius.Banishing a card on your opponent's hand is a little random knowing that it can go back to your opponent's hand during the end of the turn.

Cool art tho.

RUN 0-3 If you find it useful.

Escher the Frost Vassal
Level 4 WATER Aqua Effect Monster
ATK 800
DEF 1000
(1) If your opponent controls 2 or more card(s) in their Spell & Trap card zone;You can special summon this card (from your hand).

Review:
Who would've thought that "Vassals" can be an archetype.This is the very first "Vassal" released way back then.It's condition really compliment "Mobius the Frost Monarch" as it destroys up to 2 Spell & Trap cards. It is quite descent but it is outlassed by new "Vassals" It is also very dependent on your opponent cards.
RUN 0-3 If you insist lol.


Behold the true Dominion!

Shin Teiou Ryuuiki / The True Monarch Dominion
Field Spell Card
(1) If you have no cards in your Extra Deck and control a Tribute Summoned monster while your opponent does not control a Tribute Summoned monster, your opponent cannot Special Summon from their Extra Deck.
(2) Tribute Summoned monsters you control gain 800 ATK during damage calculations when they attack an opponent’s monster.
(3) Once per turn: You can have 1 monster with 2800 ATK and 1000 DEF in your hand lose 2 Levels until the end of the turn.






Review:
At last we have our true Field Spell card(let's graduate from the good 'ol orichalcos).

It helps us to push for damage and we know that "Monarchs" struggle from monster who has greater attack.Also,it's lockdown ability for extra deck monster is very insane.

RUN 1-2


Wrap-up:
I really wanted to post a full CROS spoiler but blogger has prevented me from doing it for some reason lol.
Hopefully,you have fun reading my article.Don't forget to share this to your friends!

Also,Happy 1st Anniversary to our blog.It's been a year of inspiring and respecting the game we love!

So long!


-ArcKnight

(CROS) More "Frightfuring" than ever!-featuring "Frightfur Leo" from "Crossover Souls(CROS)

(ArcKnight) Looks like we have a new "Frightfur" monster and guess what,it's our themed "Volcasaurus" for our lovely and vicious "Fluffals"!

Prepare yourselves for "Frightfur Lio"!

Frightfur Leo
Dark/Fiend/7*/ATK2400/DEF2000 - Fusion
“Edge Imp Saw” + 1 “Fluffal” monster
This card must be Fusion Summoned, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. You can only activate the effect of “Frightfur Leo” once per turn. During the turn you activate this card’s effect, this card cannot attack directly.
(1) You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; destroy that opponent’s monster, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster’s original ATK.

Translated by The Organization
Source: http://www.yugioh-card.com/…/line…/arc-v/bp_crossover_souls/

 Seeing his effect confirms the existence of "Edge Imp Saw" in CROS.

Review:

1. His effect is pretty straightforward.The great thing about this card is that you can steal games with his "Burn Effect" after you destroy a monster(Let us say you destroy your opponent's "Number 95:Galaxy-Eyes Dark Matter" and inflict a massive 4000 damage!)
2. Stat-wise,it is pretty standard in Fusion monster.It is also the first level 7 "Frightfur" to be revealed and based on the Mat presented on the official site,we will receive 2 more fusion monster in CROS and "Fluffal Sheep"

Take a look at this cool mat courtesy of Konami.....

Courtesy:http://www.yugioh-card.com/japan/event/cros/images/field.jpg

 If you look closer,we can speculate that a "Frightfur" that resembles "Fluffal Sheep" is present as well as another "Fluffal Bear" look a like "Frightfur Fusion.

It is very timely for Konami to release Sheep because of this year's part animal which is "Sheep"

Here's an anime art and effect of "Frightfur Mad Chimaera" so you guys will have an idea of what might be the buffed effect of this card once released.


 Frightfur Mad Chimaera
Dark/Fiend/Fusion/8
2800/2000
3 "Frightfur" monsters
Must first be Fusion summoned and cannot be special summoned by other ways.If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: You can Special Summon that opponent's monster to your side of the field. This card gains 300 ATK for each monster you control that was Special Summoned by this effect. When this card battles: You can activate this effect; your opponent cannot activate Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Battle Phase.






What do you think of this new "Frightfur" fusion?
Pretty interesting! Hopefully they can also make it to competitive level once they are released.
Happy Dueling Everyone!

Stay Tune for more exciting updates and see you on RespectYGO's 1st Anniversary Tournament!

-Anime pictures
(Fluffal Sheep,Frighfur Sheep,Frightfur Mad Chimaera/buffed effect)

-Arc

"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

(RespectYGOcardOFtheDay) "Shining Shimmering Purple Centaur" and the decks you can use it with-"Shinki Saintorea" card discussion

             (ArcKnight) Hey! Arc is back! Today,I am going to feature a new card on "The Secrets of Eternity" booster pack(SECE) that is bound to be released next week!

             Set 904 will give us another reason to love our rank 2 based decks(or whatever deck that can make rank 2s).This time,Konami brought us a new Flying centaur that everyone will surely love!
Here is the card:

SECE-JP052
Shinki Saintorea
Light/Beast-Warrior / Xyz / Effect
RK2 2000/0
2 Level 2 monsters
(1) This card with Xyz Materials cannot be destroyed by battle. (2) At the end of the damage step that this card battled an opponent’s monster: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; return that opponent’s monster to the hand.

 Oh! This is a sweet 2000 attacker that can bounce a monster?
What else can you ask for?And besides,this is the first 2k attacker rank 2 monster and we don't have that much.Looking closer,this monster is indestructible by battle.Meaning,you can battle your opponent's monster on your turn then you can now remove a threat like "Evilswarm Ophion".This is also one of the strongest rank 2 monster that is not only focused on pure offense but also on defense!

Here are some of the decks that you can splash "Shinki Saintorea"

1.)Frog Monarch

"Des Croaking this 2014"

Frog monarch is a popular deck way back 2008 and one of the top picks of usual players on a budget because of its versatility and surprise factor.Before,the focus of this deck is to farm your "Treeborn Frogs" and "Ronintoadin" then tributing them to summon the very powerful "Monarchs" such as "Caius,the Shadow Monarch" and "Raiza,the Storm Monarch".Now,even without your "Monarchs",you can make an offensive move by using "Shinki Saintorea".You can use your "Swap Frogs" and "Ronintoadin" as the main materials for this xyz monster.This new xyz monster will serve as another boss monster for this deck.

2.)Baby Raccoons

Did you miss them? Or should I say,"Did you ever played Raccoons before?" .Do you want to turn your baby raccoons into beastly flying centaurs? Oh yes! definitely! With the advent of "Obedience Schooled" and "Valeryfrown,the Mythical Beast of the Forest",you can get your engine going faster.With "Shinki Saintorea", you are now entitled to have your monster removal after establishing your "Sandayu,Beast lock".Just be warned,you cannot special summon "Shinki Saintorea" after you use the effect of "Obedience Schooled" because it only allows you to summon "Beast" monsters the turn you used it so you better use your spent "Tantan,the Baby Raccoon" or "Ponpoko,the Baby Raccoon" so you can summon Saintorea.

3.)Prophecy

"Hey! I have a magical idea!" -Spellbook Magician of Prophecy

Your favorite spellcaster deck has a new toy to play with! Sometimes,you opt to use your "Spellbook of Fate" to eliminate your opponent's pesky monster that is hindering your play and with only "Spellbook Magician of Prophecy" sitting on your field doing magic tricks,you are susceptible to attacks therefore you are prone to heavy damage.Now,you can overlay your spent Spellbook Magicians to summon a monster that cannot be destroyed by battle at the same time and bounce an opposing monster.This is a good counter vs. Thunder king Rai-oh or Big beaters.But before you make your shinka plays,be warned because it is a beast-warrior and not a spellcaster monster.Still,it is a good card to pile on your extra deck.

4.)Malicevorous

"Now we have something to cook"-Malicevorous

Oh! Malicevorous! Our master "Dark Mist" would be so proud! Have you ever thought about them? Honestly? Well,let me just remind you.Malicevorous is a Fiend-type archetype composed of all level 2 monsters that can swarm using their effects.Before,their main focus is to summon "Number 96:Dark Mist","Gachi-Gachi-Gantentsu" and other know rank 2s.Today,they can now do some killing.(using their knives?).Interesting deck to use our powerful xyz!

And last but not the least!

5.)Agent Fairies

credits to Fanboygaming.com for the photo

There's a new reason to pay 500.Your "Mystical Shining Balls" and "Agent of Mystery-Earth" can now be utilized to produce this new rank 2 xyz monster.Other than "Master Hyperion",they don't have other sources of monster removal in a form of monster card.Now,they can summon "Shinka Saintorea" if their "Hyperion" plays fails.







Nonetheless,this card deserve some love due to the usefulness of this card.Definitely it is a card worth using.Actually when I saw the art of this card,I have a feeling that they will make a "Shinka" archetype.Isn't it cool to have a deck full of different colored flying centaurs? for me it's amazing and whoever conceptualized this card is eloquent!
Stay tune for more exciting news and reviews about the game we love!
Together,let's all RespectYGO!!

-ArcKnight