  The lead character in the new 'Yu-Gi-Oh! GX' series, Jaden Yuki. |
With the introduction of both the 'Yu-Gi-Oh! GX' and the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!: Dawn of the Duel' anime programs in North America, it looks like an end of an era in kids' television unless there are more imports from Japan waiting in the wings.
For six years, the animated series and the card game that inspired it have delighted kids of all ages. Whether it is because of the exotic monsters, the operatic heroes and villains or the epic storylines, 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' has left a lasting impression.
A modern version of chess, the card game is a lot more sophisticated than it looks, as I learned when my young son became interested in it and I, as a dutiful father, had to learn how to play. As I delved further into the game, my pessimistic preconceptions were quickly erased and I gained a whole new appreciation for what I had thought was just some goofy kid's game.
Trust me, it is anything but that. Heck, it got my son to hone his reading and math skills, so I cannot complain in the least. It's all good.
For the uninitiated, 'GX' marks a turning point or perhaps the finale of 'Yu-Gi-Oh!'. In a transparent "jump the shark" move, the series is set in the future where a duelling academy serves as the backdrop for a whole new cast of oddball characters. There's no Seto Kaiba, Yugi Moto or Joey Wheeler. Coming on the heels of the show, "Yu-Gi-Oh!: GX Duel Academy" the game, is somewhat of a departure from the format fans may have become accustomed to.
Developed for Nintendo's GameBoy Advance system, 'Duel Academy' will not only test your duelling skills but also your familiarity with the card game itself. As an apprentice relegated to the lowly Red Dorm, you challenge fellow students to acquire Duelling Points (DP). With your accumulated DP, you can purchase cards from the academy's store. In that way, you can construct more powerful decks. By increasing your status, you can unlock other areas of the academy map and enter high-ranking dorms.
Using a PDA in your dorm room, you can easily edit your decks, issue challenges to the rivals in your database and keep tabs on your ranking and academy events like exams and special happenings.
Claiming the title of 'King of Games' in 'Duel Academy' not only requires you to win match-ups but you must pass vexing exams that test your knowledge of the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' game and your duelling skills in all sorts of inventive formats. The addition of this stipulation makes for some hardcore and tough gameplay.
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Even though he may appear spineless, don't underestimate Syrus. |
To make matters worse for the beginner, at the start you are supplied with an inferior deck and in order to improve it, you must pull off some really miraculous wins. For without precious DP to buy more cards, you are doomed to be bunking with the lowest of the low but all is not lost. You gain DP sent from home at the beginning of every month and with enough persistence, you can overcome the unique strategies employed by the A.I. players once you spot the patterns.
Fans should know that 'GX' follows the true Duel Monsters rules, unlike some of the other 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' games that tried to be more like 'Pokemon'. Water creatures don't have an advantage over fire creatures or anything ludicrous like that. Using a GBA link cable, players can trade cards with their friends and duel them. The game also comes with three limited edition cards: Elemental Hero Necroshade, Winged Kuriboh and the trap card Hero Ring.
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Welcome to 'Duel Mart'. How can I help you? |
Although 'GX' is not really meant for the inexperienced or newbie 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' fan who may not know a 'Blue Eyes White Dragon' from a 'Summoned Skull', experienced players will find the game will provide a stimulating distraction. Newbies really have no business picking this title up though and may want to explore some of the other great 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' titles that are available. If 'GX Duel Academy' ends up being one of the last 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' games, it will be a fitting conclusion to a great run for that reincarnated pharaoh with the groovy haircut.
WHAM! Rating: |
8 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
E (Everyone) |
Official Web Site: |
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