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From JRPGs to Quarter Boosters: Flea Market Finds

Back to Basics: Hidden Hope Restocks & Retro Finds

The hype from the latest release has finally settled, and while we love the midnight energy, it’s nice to get back to our regular programming. For us, that means one thing: The Restock.

We recently finished processing Beyond Destiny, and today we are officially moving on to Hidden Hope. We’ll be rolling these out across the website, TCGPlayer, and eBay throughout the day. If you’ve been looking for specific singles to polish off your latest deck, keep your eyes on our shop—they’ve been moving fast!

A Flea Market Score (and Some Sports-Game Skips)

I managed to hit the flea market today, and the retro gods were smiling. I found a nice little stack of original PlayStation (PSX) titles that I couldn’t pass up:

  • Star Ocean: The Second Story: A total JRPG classic.

  • Fighting Force: Perfect for anyone missing those old-school beat-’em-ups.

  • Resident Evil 2: Unfortunately, it’s just Disc 1, but for the right collector looking to complete a set, it’s a great find.

I did have to leave a pile of sports games behind—I probably could have grabbed them, but we all know the struggle of trying to move old Madden and FIFA titles!

The “Quarter-Pack” Gamble

I also found a few booster packs for just a quarter each. One was Kaijudo—which some of you might remember as Wizards of the Coast’s 2012 relaunch of the Duel Masters franchise. Even if it’s a “dead” game, seeing that Wizards logo for $0.25 makes it a mandatory buy.

I also snagged a Star Wars Rogue One booster. I was chasing an autograph, but I pulled a Shoretrooper Character Icon. It’s valued at about $2.00, so hey—I’ll take a 700% return on investment any day of the week!

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Kardboard Trigger

05/12

Didn’t get much done today for some reason.

Got on a call with my Distributor. I was looking to get some Pokemon that I pre-ordered a couple of months ago. Nothing for me. Turns out since I haven’t ordered any Pokemon in the last few years, I am at the back of the line.

We’ll eventually start getting Pokemon again. When? I don’t know.

Gran Turismo 5.

My son likes playing that game. He’s on a mission to buy a Lamborghini. In the game that is. He’s at 120,000 credits, only needs 160,000 credits to go.

05/13

Need to start getting ready for Toy Con Toy Show this Sunday We’ll be there once again. We did real good last time, hopefully we’ll do even better this time.

Restock for Dawn of Heroes on TCG Player and eBay.

05/14

Wednesday morning, let’s head to the Swap. Just got to drop the kids off at school first.

Not much there today. The guy I got all those Pokemon games from last time was there, and once again he didn’t have anything for me. I tried striking up a conversation with him, and realized he didn’t understand English! That’s ok. This whole time I thought he was going to bring me some more Video Games. I won’t give up on him, he’ll eventually find some more items for me.

We did not leave empty handed today. A nice gentleman had a copy of the Final Fantasy VII Advent Children OST. The first printing Outer Sleeve included! And, that my friends is something that I can’t pass up. He said I made his day better. He made mine better too!

Also got a 20% Coupon running on eBay at the moment. This one expires at the end of the month. I can’t remember what the Coupon Code is, but it’s automatically applied when you buy something.

https://www.ebay.com/str/kardboardkorneronline

Also picked up some Final Fantasy VIII Triple Triad cards. Just waiting for those to come in sometime next week.

05/15

Palos Hills Bargain Days! That’s what was the plan for the morning.

Driving around from garage sale to garage sale, it was like a car pool. The same four cars driving from one to the other.

Found some Minecraft Plushies that should do good at the shows, some 90’s cassette tapes, and a Chicago Fire Jersey from 2020. I’m a Fire fan, even though I don’t watch them as much as I used to. I stopped watching when they made the switch to Apple TV.

Restock for Beyond Destiny on TCG Player and eBay.

05/16

There was a big fat skunk out there today. Even with the Village Wide Garage Sale in Justice. I’ve come to realize that the only good day for Garage Sales is Thursday. The other days might be good, but they’re most likely already picked through.

Restock on Hidden Hope on TCG Player and eBay.

05/17

It’s Saturday, got to wake up early and get moving. Took the two little ones with me today to make my rounds at the Swap in Alsip.

I thought I hit a jackpot early on, when I saw a case of Wii Games just sitting there. Right on top is Mario Kart. That tells me to take a closer look. I grab it and hand it to my daughter, and start going through all the games. I should check the cases before I get anything, and they were all empty.

Time to keep moving.

Ended up finding a Power Pad for the NES. I don’t think anyone really used this. Even in the 80’s I can’t remember if any of my friends had it. Got to test it out now, I’ll just have the kids try it out somehow.

It was still early, so we went to a second Flea Market, this one was in the city. And this was maybe 3 times as big as the one in Alsip. Found a couple of Wiis that I probably over paid for.

Time to head home, an get ready for Toy Con Toy Show.

05/18

Early wake up call once again.

TIme for the Toy Con Toy Show. Grabbed my daughter and off we went.

It’s a Star Wars Celebration, and there were Storm Troopers walking around. It was a fun show, even though it wasn’t that busy. We still made a decent amount of sales.

The vendor next to us didn’t show up, so we got some extra table space. I told my daughter that if she sells anything that I put on the table, I’ll give her 5 bucks. I then gave her the task of making it presentable. She kept rearranging everything, even built a wall with all the boxes.

She then asked if I can put the Minecraft plushies on her table. I gave them to her, and she sold them. All 3 of them.

She was proud, and then she got bored and just wanted to play Roblox.

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Kain Highwind

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The prideful Dragoon, unable to show his true feelings.

Commander of Baron’s Dragoons, he is Cecil’s childhood friend and occasional rival. Kain’s secret feelings for his childhood friend Rosa allow Golbez to seize control of his mind and force him to become Cecil’s enemy. Once released from the brainwashing, Kain feels remorse and seeks to atone for his actions by joining the fight against the true mastermind, Zemus.

-Taken from the Ultimania

Commander of the Dragoons, Kain is no stranger to mind tricks, especially when they work against him.

Let’s take a look at all of Kain’s cards.

1-127H – Kain EX

At 6CP, this card is expensive for today’s decks. There are plenty of cards that will do what Kain does, and they will do it better.

But, this is still Kain.

Kain comes in and you choose a Forward and they lose 5000 power. That can be enough to break most Forwards. Especially the low cost ones.

We also have Dragoon’s Pride, which looks more like a Reverse Jump.

Kain will break a Forward, but Kain will not activate during the next Active Phase. Meaning that Kain attacks and then he jumps out of harm’s way.

2-103H – Kain

How did I never really read this card?

This is actually pretty good.

Kain comes in with Haste. You can then use his ability and your opponent will not be able to choose him with their Summons and abilities.

After that, during your next turn, Kain’s power will double. Which turns Kain into a 10K body. 12K if you have Lulu on the field. I’m sure there are also plenty of other ways to increase Kain’s power as well.

2-104R – Kain

How is this Rare, better than the Hero card of the same set?

If Rosa is on the field Kain gains Haste, First Strike and +2000 power. But, that is not the reason you’ll be playing Kain.

As Commander of the Dragoons, all Dragoons gain +2000 power.

You probably don’t even need Rosa to play Kain.

This makes a huge difference in how I see Dragoons.

I might even build a Dragoon deck for myself now.

Just to try it out.

6-090H – Kain

Golbez? There’s no Dark Golbez.

No wait actually there is. But, I doubt your opponent will be playing it. They’ll more than likely be playing Chaos.

For 3CP, you get a 9K body, which is good if your opponent isn’t playing any Dark cards. Cause if they are as soon as that Dark Forward enters the field, Kain gets his brain washed and your opponent takes control of him.

The only way to get him back is to send your opponent’s Dark Forward to the Break Zone.

I like it that it plays into the story, but I’ll pass on this one.

9-084H – Kain

It was something about Kain and Ranperre.

Discard Ranperre before paying the cost to cast Kain to make him 3CP, and then Ranperre plays a Final Fantasy XI Forward from your hand onto the field. Which would turn the tides a bit in your favor.

Other than that, for 3CP you get an 8k body, and when Kain enters the field, one of your opponent’s Forward loses 8000 damage until the end of the turn.

We already know that you will not be paying 8CP to cast Kain. So, is there any other Lightning Backup to toss and get a better effect?

10-134S – Kain

Coming in with Haste, this Kain does not receive damage unless he blocks an attack, or his attack gets blocked.

That means that in order to keep Kain safe, he should not attack or block.

And, we know that’s not going to happen.

Gungnir? Yes, Kain gains +5K power and First Strike until the end of the turn. This gives you another way to keep Kain alive.
Here’s an idea. Fill you deck with 50 Kains. and just keep using Gungnir over and over again.

Hey, it might work.

11-054R – Hooded Man EX

There’s a reason why you can’t play Hooded Man and Kain at the same time. I won’t tell you but, you probably already know.
When Hooded Man comes into play you can grab a Final Fantasy IV Forward from your Break Zone. Which by itself is a great reason to play Hooded Man. Let’s not forget that this comes off as an EX Burst as well.

And, that’s not all. Hooded Man has one more ability that will make him a mainstay in any Final Fantasy IV deck. At the end of every turn, yours and your opponent’s Hooded Man wil activate all of your Final Fantasy IV Forwards.

What’s not to like?

13-073H – Kain

Kain is a great card if you can play him straight from the Break Zone. Cause once he gets broken, he’ll be under your opponents control.

Thancred (12-124L) and Y’shtola (13-134S) can play him straight out of the Break Zone.

15-048L – Kain EX

Attack and choose. Draw a card or Activate all the Characters other than Kain?

All the Characters? Characters?

Every time Kain attacks you can Activate your whole board?

Screw the extra card. Get me some blockers, and Edge, Opus I Maria, and anyone else that can help protect Kain.

Oh. And, some characters that will give me Crystals. Don’t want to lose Kain at the end of my turn.

17-102L – Hooded Man

This time Hooded Man comes in with Haste, and when he enters the field you can remove either a Kain or a Hooded Man from your Break Zone, if you do so, you can activate all of your Backups, and you can draw a card as well. Bringing Hooded Man’s cost down to 2CP.

How is this a Legend?

What am I missing?

You’re just paying to activate your Backups and have a Meat shield on the field.

17-131S – Kain

Haste? Check

Way to reduce the CP cost? Check

Buffs self when attacking? Check

All in all Kain here is a decent card. You might end up only paying 1CP for Kain, and if you do he’s an attacking Forward with 9K power.

 

17-136S – Kain

Kain allows you to grab a FFIV Water Character from the Break Zone.Plenty of Characters that you can choose from.

Other than that he can come in with Haste depending on the field situation.

3CP, 7000 power.

How badly do you need that Water Character in your Break Zone?

 

 

19-073C – Kain

Have we had a Kain as a Backup before?

Either way, this one isn’t half bad. Actually pretty useful with Back Attack.

If you have a Forward that is blocking another Forward, and your opponent buffs it to match the your Forwards power, you can play Kain and give your Forward First Strike. That way your attack will go through first. Breaking your opponents Forward.

Other than that, there really isn’t much use for it.

22-041C – Kain

Haste, and First Strike for a Common?

Activate 2 Characters when Kain Attacks?

+1000 power at 3 points of Damage?

How is this a common?

Whatever Rarity Kain has, this card is great. Actually it’s GRRRRREAT!

And, don’t get me started on the artwork, because we’re not here to talk about the artwork.

Just throw Kain into any Wind deck and you’ll do fine.

23-003C – Kain

Haste, and First Strike?

Kain is ready to strike!

Remember when we were talking about an all Haste deck? Well, Kain here is the perfect fir for it. Cause, every time he attacks, all of the Forwards with Haste or First Strike gain +2000 power.

Your opponent won’t know what to block, when to block, who to block, where to block, and most importantly, how to block.

Double Jump, is just a regular Jump attack, if it was double, Kain would be dealing damage to 2 Forwards.

Looking for Kain?

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Hidden Hope – Take It To the Limit

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22-112R – Zach LB

Zach out first Limit Break card, and I can’t say it’s anything special.

Zach comes in and deals a Forward 3000 damage.

Not much of a Limit Break per se.

Zach will stick around on the field as a body, So, 3CP isn’t terrible, but I’m sure there are better things to do.

 

22-133L – Mont Leonis LB

Now, this is more like it.

Even though I never liked Mont as a character, this is a card I would play.

Now, this will only work if you have 5 Fire Backups on the field when you bring Mont in.

For 8CP, you can grab a 3cost Forward and a 5 cost Forward from your Break Zone and play them straight to the field. They will both come in with Haste as well.

It still is a lot to pay, but you do get a lot in value from it.

8CP, 3LB points, and a Backup that you control.

As a last ditch effort, I will say that it can work. I mean that’s what Limit Breaks are supposed to be. Huge attacks, when you’re on your last legs.

22-114H – Viktora LB

Not bad.

I guess I’ll need to actually play a game with these Limit Break cards. Finding time is the problem.

Viktora needs, a discard deck around her, and you don’t need me to tell you that.

Luckily, Ice has the tools you’ll need to make Viktora a great play. Just like a Dragoon getting ready to Jump.

If your opponent has 2 cards or less in there hand, when Viktora enters the field, you get to choose a Forward and deal it 7000 damage.

And, if your opponent has no cards, Viktora gains +3000 power.

Much better than Zack.

22-115R – Serjes LB

Serjes, the lancer.

Now this was a decent Character in War of the Visions.

And, that is what this card is as well. Decent. Not great, not bad.

When Serjes enters the field, you can either Dull or Freeze a Forward.

And, then he’ll stick around as an extra body on your front line.

 

22-116L – Ace LB

Ace is looking like he will be a powerful card. Once Ace enters the field, Ace deals 1000 damage to all of your opponents Forwards. Just think for a second of what Ace can do if you’re playing Chocobos.

And, that’s not all cause when Ace attacks, you can reveal the top card of your deck, and if it’s a Wind card, which it will be if you’re playing Chocobos, you’ll add it to your hand.

Sure, Ace costs 8CP, but you’ll probably get that CP back, with the extra cards you’ll be drawing.

22-117R – Yuri LB

Yuri comes right in, and searches for Chelinka and Yuri brings Chelinka straight to the field. That way we’re bringing Yuri’s cost down a little bit. Sure, there are only 2 Chelinkas that you can choose, because her cost needs to be 2CP or less.

You’ll most likely be playing Chelinka (22-046R), and if you have another Crystal Chronicles Character on the field, Chelinka will give Yuri Haste, and you’ll be able to attack with Yuri right away.

Las, but not least, if you have 5 Backups on the field, Yuri also gains +4000 power, making him an 8K body.

22-118H – Shantotto LB

Shantotto, going back to her roots.

Shantotto comes in and breaks all the Forwards and all the Monsters. Every last one of them except for Shantotto herself.

If you’re in a pickle, go ahead and cast this Mage. 4CP + 7LB. That’s all of the rest of the cards in your Limit Break deck. Last ditch effort to save yourself.

If you’re just looking to get rid of all of the Forwards, just play Opus I Shantotto instead.

Or you can have both in your deck and use whichever one works better for you.

22-119R – Maat LB

Maat comes right in and gives all of your Forwards +1000 power and Brave.

That might be enough to finish the game for you, and if you end up striking out, at least you’ll still have Forwards that will be able to block.

Maat comes in with Brave himself.

This is a Limit Break card that I would gladly add to my deck.

 

22-120H – Cloud LB

Of course, we have cloud in the first set of Limit Break cards, what’s next Lightning?

Cloud comes in and Breaks a Forward, 3CP or less. After that Cloud will stick around with an 8K body, wheeling and dealing damage to your opponent.

And if you’re feeling a little CP rich, you can use Limit Burst.

For 4 Lightning CP and a Cloud card, you can Break one of your opponent’s Forwards and also deal your opponent 1 point of damage as well.

Do that 7 times and you won the game.

It’s possible.

22-121R – Lightning LB

Well, I was right. Lightning was next.

And when she enters the field, she will look for a Lightning summon.

And that is about it.

You’d think they’d have Lightning do something better.

 

 

22-122L – Tidus LB

I’m trying to think if this is worth it.

If you don’t pay 3CP does that mean you can’t choose any of these effects?

8CP, to Send a Forward to the bottom of it’s owner’s deck, a Backup to the top of it’s owner’s deck and draw 2 cards.

I can’t think of a reason to play this card, but I know I’ve already sold a few of them, so someone thinks that it’s a good play.

 

22-123R – Leo LB

Would you like to draw a card?

Well there’s better ways to get yourself to draw a card than Leo.

Only difference is that you can play Leo at any moment, because you already know that you can just grab him from the Limit Break deck.

Still, Leo will probably just be used to pay for other Limit Breaks.

Like Maat.

22-124H – Little Leela LB

This is a better Limit Break card.

Better than most of the cards we’ve seen in this set.

Little Leela comes in at 5CP with an 8k body.

You’ll say so what, nothing special about that.

And, I’ll say yes, but whenever Little Leela attacks, you will choose one of your opponent’s Forward and it will lose 7000 power until the end of the turn.

Now that makes it better. Better than Leo, better than Zack, better than Yuri, and I hate to say it but, better than Lightning.

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Hidden Hope – Light/Dark

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22-109H – Eden

Oh wow.

Eden can be a free play.

And, will be if you play your cards right.

You’ll just need to grab all of the Final Fantasy VIII Characters and put them in a deck, which shouldn’t be too hard, considering, all the FFVIII Characters are starting to play well together. And, once you have 8 Category VIII Characters on the field, Eden will become a free play.

Eden is a Summon that 99.99% of the time will break 2 Forwards. Dividing 30,000 damage between to Forwards should be quite easy.

If you’re playing a FFVIII themed deck, you are playing Eden.

22-110L – Citra

Let’s see.

Are you looking to get the most of your Summons?

Citra is here to help, for whenever you cast a Summon, you get to choose one of your opponent’s Forwards and it will lose 2000 power until the end of the turn.

And, that’s not all, cause it never is. Not for Legends.

When Citra comes into the field, you will remove 5 cards from your Break Zone, and when those cards are all of the same element, you can search for a 3 cost Summon, remove it from the game and cast it right away. Getting the Summon to go off, plus Citra’s ability because that Summon was cast.

If you’re playing a Summon heavy deck, you can’t go wrong with Citra.

22-111L – Raegen

Raegen plays like Citra, but different.

Raegen comes in and, you will remove 4 cards from your Break Zone. If there are 4 elements removed from the game, you can search for a Forward of 4CP or less and play it onto the field. Once that Forward hits the field, Raegen’s first ability comes into play. You may choose 1 Forward your opponents controls, and dull it.

That ability is triggered every time a Forward enters your field. 6CP is a decent price for a card that will keep on giving.

I’d say throw Raegen into a Warriors of Light deck, and you’ll be set to go. Maybe even Warriors of Darkness.

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