Posted on Leave a comment

Beyond Destiny – Firestarters

21-001R – Ward EX

Decent Forward to start off the set.

Ward can only be paid for with Fire CP, but 3CP isn’t much for this 8000 body.

Good thing is that Ward will deal 7000 damage to a Forward when he comes in.

This ability also comes off of an EX Burst.

How many Fire FFVIII Characters are we going to get this set?

 

21-002R – Edgar

Edgar is back, but this time he isn’t a Category VI Character. Edgar belongs to the World of Final Fantasy. I’m guessing there will be some synergy with Reynn and Lann. Hey we might even get a new Reynn this set.

Edgar is a great card for playing low cost Characters onto the field. You can play one as soon as Edgar enters the field, and you can also play one with his ability.

It might be an easy way to swarm the field with some low cost Standard Units.

 

21-003R – Flameserpent General Gadalar

What’s this?

A Fire Forward that can attack twice in the same turn? For 4CP? Actually 2CP if you already have a couple of Fire Characters on the field.

Sure, you’ll probably have to pay the cost to activate Flameserpent General Gadalar, but you can also put a Fire Backup into the Break Zone to activate the Serpent General.

This might be a good way of getting rid of some Backups that have done their job when they entered the field, and are now just sitting around, not doing anything worth noting.

I shall be trying this one out.

21-004L – Cyan

That’s a lot of text.

How does 8CP sound for a board wipe? Or close to a board wipe?

Cyan might only cost 3CP, but you can pay with extra CP, up to a maximum of 5CP for a total of 8CP. And, with all of the extra Crystal Points you paid, you gain a Crystal. That gives us 5 Crystals. Which you can use to deal 9000 damage to all of your opponents Forwards.

Sure, you can use the CP for the other abilities, just in case you need to get rid of a Forward that didn’t go down with the 9000 power attack, or buff Cyan with 3000 power so he can withstand an attack.

And, after all is said and done, you still have a Forward with 7000 power on the field.

They need to start printing Amano Full Arts. And, not just for reprints.

21-005C – Black Mage

Still waiting on the FFI 8bit version.

Coming in at 3CP with 7000 power, Black Mage enters the field and if you pay an extra Crystal Point you gain a Crystal.

You can then use that Crystal to give Black Mage +1000 power, and when Black Mage attacks, you can deal 5000 damage to a Forward.

Not bad for a Standard Unit.

 

21-006C – Samurai

Samurai comes in and gives you a Crystal. And if you don’t have that many Backups on the field, you’ll also draw a card.
All we need now is to figure out how to recycle this Samurai.

Or Backups in general.

I’d say play Samurai as early as possible. You also don’t need Rocket Science for that piece of advice.

 

21-007L – Shadow

That is some great art. I’m just sitting here, staring at the card without bothering to read the text at the bottom of it. But, we got to do it.

Shadow 7 cost Forward, with 9000 power.

That’s pretty steep, but you can Warp Shadow in for 1CP. And if you play it properly, You’ll come up +3 on the CP count. Which is probably why you would want to play Shadow.

For 1CP you can Warp Shadow in, and you’ll probably have some FFVI Characters already on the field, so at the end of your turn, Shadow will come in, you’ll discard your hand and draw 2 cards.

But what if you don’t have any cards in your hand?

Well then you’ll just draw 2 cards. Which is what you’re trying to get to.

21-008R – Vermilion Bird l’Cie Caetuna

This is it!

We’ve been looking for a way to get rid of Backups. And we have it right here. For Fire at least. You can put 3 Backups into the Break Zone to deal 2 Forwards 10,000 damage.

All those Backups that have an enter the field ability, will be able to get off the field with Vermilion Bird l’Cie Caetuna’s 2nd ability.

And her first ability will remove a Forward from the game instead of just sending it to the Break Zone.

This one potentially has potential.

21-009C – Warrior

Didn’t we just make a Warrior deck a while ago, featuring Benjamin? I believe we did.

And, this card would be a perfect fit for it.

Warrior, has the ability to dull another Warrior (Name or Job) that you control, and gives him protection. That Warrior cannot be broken. Your opponent can try all they want, but that Warrior will stay on the field.

I like this card. Just a regular Common, but it has it’s uses.

21-010H – Taivas

The Warriors just keep getting better and better.

Taivas will let you, once per turn, toss in a Warrior (Job or Name) of cost 3 or less.

As long as you have a Warrior on your hand, you’ll be able to play him. And, if you don’t Taivas will let you search for one when he enters the field.

 

 

21-011H – Neon

I haven’t played Strangers of Paradise yet, so I don’t know who these Characters are or what they do.

All I know is that Neon, is great for a Fire deck. Giving your Fire Forwards +1000 to the damage they deal to another Forward.
Now the other ability will only work if you have a couple more Strangers of Paradise Forwards on the field. If you do you can choose up to 2 Forwards and deal them 7000 damage. Now it doesn’t say your opponents Forwards, so I’m wondering if there is a Forward whose ability goes off when they get damaged.

21-012H – Bahamut

Our very first Amano Bahamut.

For a second there I thought this would be a Free Summon, but I could only get Bahamut down to 1CP.

1CP to deal 10,000 damage to one Forward isn’t a bad trade off. And if you Break that Forward you’ll actually be removing that Forward from the game. Or RFG as the cool kids say.

This Bahamut is good if you’re going all out on the offensive. Just add Fang (1-020R).

21-013H – Feolthanos

Feolthanos is a card, that you just want to bring out and have him sit on the field as he watches over everything.

Cause once he sees an EX Burst it’s over for your opponent. That’s 3 points of damage, just coming out of no where. And, with no way to block it. Almost no way, Feolthanos looks like a real threat.

Plan of attack would be to bring out Feolthanos, and find a way to protect him at any given cost.

And, if he finally gets broken, Feolthanos will deal 9000 damage to 2 of your opponent’s Forwards.

All this for 5CP.

Yes, I’ll take 3, please.

21-014C – Bomb

Just like a Time Bomb, or a Mine in a Minefield.

Bomb is a a great Bomb.

You can play dull Bomb pay the cost, put Bomb into the Break Zone, deal a Forward 4000 damage, and search for another Bomb and play it onto the field.

I’m thinking it’s time to build a Bomb deck. There are 8 different Bombs, 9 if you count Mom Bomb.

I’m going to have to take a closer look into this.

21-015R – Marilith

4CP/5K body, doesn’t look like a good deal to me.

Marilith does come in and deals 8000 damage to one of your opponents Forwards.

And if you’re playing Mono-Fire you’ll probably give 2 of your Forwards Haste.

I mean, maybe. Maybe not. Probably not.

Prove me wrong.

21-016C – Mutsuki

A decent 3 cost Backup that comes in and deals 5000 damage to one of your opponents Forwards, and if you have another 2 Type-0 Characters on the field, it becomes 8000 damage instead.

It’s a decent attack when she comes in, after that all she does is hang around producing a CP per turn.

Which is still good, if you got rid of one of your opponent’s Forwards with that attack that hit for 8000 damage earlier.

21-017C – Monk

Monk has Warp, and Monk has Brave.

And that is it.

4CP for an 8000 power Forward. You can call Monk a Meat Shield.

But, since you can pay only 1CP to have Monk Warp in, It’s a decent card to have around. If you don’t have something better to play.

 

21-018R – Rain

Rain comes in with Haste, and if you cast Warp instead of paying the cost to play him on the field, Rain deals one of your opponents Forwards 7000 Damage.

You can go ahead and attack right away.

And, you’ll have an extra body to throw around.

This isn’t one of the better Rains.

 

20-019C – Reynn

This Reynn on the other hand, will fit very well in the Bomb deck that I would like to build.

At 2CP, Reynn just hangs out on the board until you want to grab a Monster from the Break Zone. A Bomb in our case, and you play that Monster straight to the field.

“Straight out the Break Zone,
Is a Monsta that’ll smother yo’ foe”

Or something like that.

20-020C – Lehftia

Yes, Yes, Yes!

I do like this card.

2CP, for a +2000 power attack from your Fire Characters or Summons. Yes, this includes Backups and Monsters. I can’t believe this is just a Common, I’ll be throwing this in any Mono-Fire deck that I make, along with Warrior (5-014C) and Lebreau (1-030R)

So, you’ll want to be able to protect Lehftia from all attacks.

Plus, when you get 3 points of damage, when Lehftia enters the field she’ll deal 6000 damage to one of your opponents Forwards. +2000 for a total of 8000.

I’ll take 3.

Need to grab some of these Singles?
Here’s our Singles Shop on TCG Player

Selling?
kardboardkorner@gmail.com

Posted on Leave a comment

Banon’s Returners

Where do we start?

Well we need to start off with Banon, it’s a deck built around him after all. Now, let’s see what FFVI Characters do we have in Water. None, that actually have anything to do with Banon, actually yes, Gau. Gau does help Banon with the battle at Narshe.

Gau (19-089H), even though Gau isn’t the best place to start building a Banon deck with, he is Water, comes in with Back Attack, and gives a FFVI Forward 1000 power x the FFVI Characters on the board. He’ll most likely help your Forward survive an attack, Summon or ability.

Next we’ll take a look at Edgar and Locke. And, no we’re not going with the Dawn of Heroes setup, that would be too easy. We’ll grab Locke (9-122H), that way we can grab more FFVI Characters, plus the +2000 power he gives to all the FFVI Forwards every time he attacks, is a plus.

Edgar (19-003R), cause we need Backups, and this Edgar can grab Sabin from the Break Zone, which leads us to Sabin (17-017H). Since you’ll probably already have a bunch of FFVI Characters on the field, you’ll probably be only paying 1CP to cast Sabin, or you’ll be grabbing him from the Break Zone with Edgar. We’re taking Sabin for his Chakra ability. And, since both of his abilities don’t require Sabin to dull as part of the payment, well add in another Sabin, anyone as it’ll be mostly used for paying the cost for Chakra, and Aura Cannon. We’ll go with Sabin (15-018C). And if you do decide to play it, during each of your turns you can choose one of your opponent’s Forwards and deal it 9000 damage.

Banon believed Terra would be the catalyst to destroying the Empire, because she is the light in his story. Or so he thinks. We’ll say she’s the fire and add Terra (10-132S). That way you can recycle a Summon, and deal 2000 damage to one of your opponents Forwards every time you cast a Summon.

Let’s not forget that Locke saved Celes and brought her to the Returners as well, and luckily we do have a Water Celes. Celes (11-118L), with 3 abilities to choose from every time she attacks. And, if you have received 3 points of damage, you can choose 2. Celes gains 2000 power, if Celes deals damage to your opponent draw 1 card, or return a Backup to your hand, and a Forward to your opponents hand.

Which leads us to Owzer (11-106H), (I can’t believe I forgot about this card, for my Ultros deck), You can return Owzer to your hand to play him again, and gain control one of your opponents 2 cost Forwards.

We’ll add Class Fourth Moogle (10-121C), to help us pay for Fire CP.

And, since we’re already buffing our Forwards power’s, well buff it some more with Aria (III) (10-108R). And, let’s add Minwu (1-171H) for a little bit of protection.

We’re going to add Ifrit (19-001R) and Leviathan (19-101R) because they are Free Summons. And in case you haven’t noticed, we like Free Summons.

Amaterasu (12-002H), because you need that protection Amaterasu grants.

Unicorn (20-118H), solely because it’s a FFVI Summon. Well, not solely, mostly. Activate a Forward, and Return a a Forward to your opponent’s hand.

Mog (VI) (4-140H), just so you can draw a card, if you have nothing worth playing.

Plan of attack would be to, buff up your FFVI Forwards and attack. Simple as that.

Forwards

3x – Gau (19-089H)
2x – Mog (VI) (4-140H)
3x – Banon (9-111H)
3x – Celes (11-118L)
3x – Locke (9-122H)
3x – Terra (10-132S)
3x – Sabin (17-017H)
3x – Sabin (15-018C)

Backups

3x – Aria (III) (10-108R)
3x – Class Fourth Moogle (10-121C)
3x – Edgar (19-003R)
3x – Minwu (1-171H)
3x – Owzer (11-106H)

Summons

3x – Unicorn (20-118H)
3x – Amaterasu (12-002H)
3x – Ifrit (19-001R)
3x – Leviathan (19-101R)

What would you play different?

Posted on Leave a comment

From Nightmares : Twisted Fire Starters

19-001R – Ifrit

What a way to start off the set. Coming in at number 1 is a Free Summon.

And everyone likes Free Summons. I know I do.

Once you play a Fire Forward onto the field, Ifrit comes in for free and deals 7000 damage to 1 Forward. Pretty simple. And, it’s even better because it’s free. Add Ifrita to the mix and things can get hot very quickly.

 

19-002L – Ace

Cadets getting back into it with this “Ace”

Ace comes in for 1CP, sure you’ll remove 5 fire cards from your Break Zone when he enters the field, but half the time you’re not going into your Break Zone to grab something.

When Ace attacks you deal 1 Forward 10K damage.

And, with Spiral Gambit, Ace can attack twice and deal 2 Forwards 10K damage. Plus he’ll probably be able to Break another 1 or 2 as well.

Talk about an “Ace” up your sleeve.

OK, I’ll stop now

19-003R – Edgar

Cheap Backup to play. For 2CP Edgar will come in bring his Auto Crossbow, if you need to deal damage to a few of your opponents Forwards.

Edgar is also carrying a Phoenix Down just for Sabin. If by any chance Sabin is sent to the Break Zone, Edgar will just bring him on back, and it’ll be like he never left.

Always good to have a “backup” plan.

 

19-004R – Kukki-Chebukki

Other than the art, this card seems like it’s just a basic card. 3 cost Forward with a 6K body.

Ability is just dealing 2000 points of damage to a Forward.

If it’s broken in the same turn, you can remove it from the game instead.

 

19-005C – Sazh

Haven’t seen Sazh in a while now.

But he comes in, searches for Dajh and has a 5k body.

Cheap searcher, even though Dajh usually only protects Sazh. But, do you really want to play Sazh if you’re now counting Category XIII cards for other abilities?

 

 

19-006C – Tifa

Tifa costs 5CP, but can Warp for 2CP. You just have to wait 3 turns.

And when she finally comes in, Tifa has 9000 power, Brave and can attack twice in the same turn.

Looks like we’re getting more and more cards with the ability to attack twice. Fire is getting most of them.

 

19-007C – Dajh EX

Discard a card draw a card.

Cheap Backup, that buffs Sazh.

Just like we mentioned earlier. Probably not worth playing.

 

 

19-008R – Buffasaur

This monster is waiting to pull the trigger on one of your opponents Forwards. You can deal damage to a Forward that just enters the field, but it comes at a cost.

All you need to do is figure out, if that 8000 damage that you’re going to deal to your opponents Forward, is worth a point of damage for you?

 

 

19-009C – Bomb

Bomb, acting more like a Bomb.

When he takes enough damage, instead of going peacefully, Bomb will Explode and deal damage to 1 Forward. It should have been “all Forwards”, but what do I know.

Any how, When Bomb enters the field you can dull 2 Fire Backups and search for another Bomb (2CP or less) and play it onto the field.

Technically, you can swarm the field with Bombs in no time.

Is there a Bomb deck out there? How many Bomb cards do we already have?

19-010H – Sabin

I mean, this could have been more than just a Hero.

Sabin comes in and if you’re playing a VI themed deck, he will do some Damage. Yes, capitol D. Depending on how many VI characters are in the Break Zone, Sabin will deal that many Forwards, 8000 damage. if there’s 4, then 4 of your opponents Forwards will be dealt damage.

It’s Suplex City here.

Let’s not forget about Sabin’s twin brother. This whole time we didn’t know how strong Sabin’s Enter the Field ability is. But, now that we know. We know that the 2 brothers will be a staple.

19-011C – Miyu

A backup that searches for an Agito Cadet.

Searchers are always welcome, as they allow you to search for a card. IF you don’t want to search for a card then, this isn’t the card for you.

During Pre-Release, I noticed 2 other Agito cadets in Ice and Lightning, all of which are Backups.

Might be useful if you want to run the FFXIII Custom Starter Set with all 3 colors.

19-012C – Monk

Cheap Backup to play.

I also like the fact that you can get rid of him by using his ability. Even if you are just using it to get rid of Monk in order to play the Backup you really need to play.

And that really isn’t a problem, unless you already have 5 Backups on the field.

Who cant use a +4K buff, when your Attacking Forward is Blocked.

19-013C – Lilty

I’ve seen a couple of these types of Forwards in this set. Where if the cost is paid with more than 3 elements, the Forward gains an enter the field ability.

Lilty’s ability is to deal 8000 damage to a Forward.

Lilty also comes in with Brave.

 

 

19-014C – Luneth

A simple 4 cost Backup that deals 5000 damage to all of your opponents Forwards.

I believe with the new Warrior of Light, and all the Warrior of Light Jobs we have this set we’ll see some synergy between all of them.

By itself it’s a decent Backup that can break down your opponents defenses.

 

19-015R – Ruby Weapon

If you remember anything about Final Fantasy VII, it’s that 99% of the people that played it, haven’t beaten Ruby Weapon. Including me.

Ruby Weapon was a pain to deal with because he would remove 2 of the party members and you would have to fight him with 1 Character. Hopefully that Character had Knights of the Round and Phoenix Materia equipped. After that you might have had a chance.

Why am I bringing this up?

Ruby Weapon will remove one of your opponents Forwards with his ability. But, only if they have 2 or more Forwards on the field.

Other than that Ruby Weapon is a 6 cost Forward that has high defense. Considering that any damage dealt to Ruby Weapon is only 1000.

Might be worth a shot, if you need an extra Fire card in your deck.

19-016H – Laragorn

One of the three Dream Stooges. Taking his name from one of the original Stooges Larry. And that’s why I like this card before I even read it. Plus, the Amano art is great as always.

When Laragorn enters the field you can search for a Dream Stooge. Either one of the two, and play it straight to the field. You’re pretty much getting a Buy One Get One Free here.

Laragorn can also grab a Dream Stooge from the Break Zone, and the best part is you don’t have to send Laragorn to the Break Zone to do it.

Maybe, just Maybe the Dream Stooges can become a thing.

19-017R – Leon

I’ve seen plenty of Rebel cards this set.

Leon searches for his sister, Maria, and depending on how many Rebels are on the field, Leon does gain some buffs.
If you have 4 or more Rebels, Leon gains +4000 power and Haste.

You’ll most likely be caught between the choice of playing Leon early to find Maria, or waiting until you have 4 Rebels on the field to play him.

Sure you can also play Leon early on, and then allow him to get broken to play him again, but if he’s already on the field, I don’t see a reason to sacrifice him, unless you need to.

Posted on Leave a comment

Crystal Dominion – Fire Review

15-001R/9-002H – Ifrita

Starting off the set with a reprint?

I would too, if it’s Ifrita. Now along with the Ifrita we got in the previous set, It’ll be a lot easier to get Ifrits and Ifritas in your Break Zone.

 

15-002C – Sky Warrior

There’s a reason Sky Warrior is a common.

He costs too much for his abilities. Sure, you can say that he’ll pay you back for the costs if you use him to pay for CP, but I shall pass on this one.

 

 

 

15-003C – Sky Samurai

I would have said this card was a bust, but after playing against it, at the Prerelease, I realized I was wrong. I didn’t even put it in my deck, then I realized that it is a decent card.

Attack, Opponent Blocks, Discard a card for +2K, Break Opponents Forward.

Simple Enough.

 

 

15-004C – Edgar

Need a Backup?

If there is a way to recycle Edgar, he would have been a great card. Actually now that I think about it I know someone will know of a way to break your own Backups. And, that someone need to tell me.

But, Edgar here really shines if you’re playing a Category VI deck. That way, when you choose your Forward, you’ll also deal another Forward 7000 Damage, when you attack.

 

15-005R – Guy

5CP to search for a Rebel, and play it on the field. You can consider Guy as a free play if you pick a 3CP Rebel. Doesn’t even have to be Fire any element will do.

And, what better Rebel to search and play, other than Opus I Maria.

Give Guy +1K. And fill the rest of your deck with Warriors, or job Warrior. Then all you need is to cross out Guy’s name on the card and call him Swan.

 

15-006H – Cyan

Samurai’s getting a whole lot stronger this set.

Cyan and Tenzen will run this set. Just add as many generic Samurai cards as you can, and watch Cyan just manhandle your
opponent. By dealing a Forward 9K, every time a Samurai enters the field.

You won’t even need to play your whole hand. Just enough Samurais to wipe out your opponents Forwards.

 

15-007C – Samurai

Exchanging 2CP for a Crystal.

Seems like an even trade. Now to find what we’re going to use these Crystals for?

Samurai has no abilities, that consume Crystals, but there are plenty other cards that do. Samurai’s job is to give you a Crystal and then hopefully you’ll find a way to Break Samurai so you can play the your real Backups.

 

15-008C – Shadow EX

4CP/8K body that gives you a Crystal when Shadow is put into the Break Zone.

 

 

 

 

15-009C – Bahamut

A four cost Summon that can become a 2 cost Summon with the help of a Crystal.

Plenty of these Summons this set.

Deal a Forward 9K.

Plain and Simple.

 

15-010R – Vargas

The plan is to attack with a weaker Forward first. Once that Forward breaks, you will attack with Vargas and choose 1 of your opponents Forwards and make them block your next attack.

Choose wisely and you will break your opponents Forwards one by one.

Almost like Cyan, but cyan seams to be more effective.

 

15-011L – Palom

Now this look interesting. Palom almost looks like George from Peppa Pig. The way he’s holding that Dinosaur, I mean Dragon. But the card looks interesting as well.

George … I mean Palom here, has an ability that gets stronger after a couple of turns. Palom gains 1EXP Counter at the end of each of your turns. With each EXP Counter Palom gains 1K power.

The longer Palom remains on the field the stronger he gets. I would say that this is a great turn 1 card.

And Palom’s ability. For a total cost of 0CP, Palom can deal either 2K damage or 8K damage to one of your opponents Forwards.

Yes, Please. I’ll take 3.

15-012H – Faris

What a card.

Pirates and Vikings Unite.

Faris and Leila will have a field day with the Vikings, coming in and out and back and forth from the Break Zone and what not. It will work.

Then all you need to do is fill up your deck with a lesser value of 3CP, and give yourself multiple copies of Faris. Not just this one. All the other ones that you can find. And Spam Pirate Storm.

The Vikings will thank you.

15-013L – Firion

Have you got an extra Crystal lying around. Firion here can use it. Buff him up with Haste, First Strike and +1K Power. And, not just for this turn. Have an extra Crystal, give Firion +3K Power. But this one only lasts for 1 turn.

Other than that, there’s not much else to write about.

 

 

15-014H – Brynhildr EX

Deal 5K damage to a Forward and if you break it you win a card. Just grab it from the top of your deck.

 

 

 

 

15-015R – Bwagi

Fire, now will have a way to draw cards. As long as you have Bounty Counters on Bwagi, you’ll be able to draw a card on every turn.

 

 

 

 

15-016C – Bomb

Your Elemental Monsters are here. You know the ones that are practically the same in all elements, but different.

Bomb here, deals a Forward 5K damage, when it enters the field.

After that you can turn Bomb into a Suicide Bomber. Turn him into a Forward and no matter what happens Bomb will end up in the Break Zone.

 

15-017H – Machina

Why does it seem that Machina doesn’t synergize with the rest of the Class Zero Cadets? Could be the same reason I never used him in Type-0.

I can see this card being played early in the game. As soon as you’re opponent plays a couple of cards, you can unleash Machina. And, since he’ll be the only Forwards you have out at the moment. You’ll be able to start swinging, and have Brave for that matter as well.

 

15-018C – Sabin

These commons are getting a little bit more expensive.

But, there’s something about this Fire set with dealing 9K damage to a Forward your opponent controls. And Sabin here is no different.

At the start of every turn, yours and your opponents. You can use Sabin’s ability and deal 9K damage. Next turn another 9K.

 

15-019C – Josef

Simple Rebel searcher. Also works on an EX Burst.

 

 

 

 

15-020R – Rinok

Rinok enters with 2 Bounty Counters.

Now, his ability states that you need to use 1 Bounty Counter to use it, but you can remove the Bounty Counter from any character that has a Bounty Counter on them.

 

 

 

15-021R – General Leo

Hmm, now this is interesting. A card that disallows Summons, and Forwards must always block.

Asta La Vista Summons. So Long, Valefor. See ya Later Phoenix. Not this time Amaterasu. Ain’t going to work Diablos. After a while, Crocodile. You get the point.

Might be worth playing in any deck, just to see your opponent get angry when they can’t cast the summon to save themselves.