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From Nightmares – Earth Monsters Under Your Bed

19-052C – Undead Princess

Undead Princess is a cheap Forward to play that can block any attack. Even though she only has 2000 power, she can still block an attack to save you from taking damage.

But, Undead Princess I don’t think Undead Princess is meant to be played as a Forward. You can put her into the Break Zone to give a Forward +4000 power until the end of the turn.

And, once she is in the Break Zone, you can remove her from the game and give an Earth Forward +2000 until the end of the turn.

Undead Princess rises from the grave once again to give you a Buff.

19-053C – Vanille

This is a decent card.

When Vanille comes in, you can go through your opponents Break Zone and remove a card from there. Doesn’t matter which one, just grab a card and remove it. This is good when your opponent has a way of grabbing cards from the Break Zone.
What I really like though, is her ability.

When your opponent casts a Summon, you can dull Vanille, and if they don’t pay 2CP you can cancel the Summon.
Either way, if your opponent pays and it goes through or it gets canceled it is a win for you.

19-054C – Vincent

It looks like we’ve been getting more Vincents in the last couple of sets.

Theatrhythm Vincent is a Backup that deals 5000 damage to a Forward when he enters the field.

And, when you reach 3 points of damage, you can put him in the Break Zone and deal 7000 damage to a Forward.

I always like Backups that have a way to send themselves to the Break Zone, that way you can play another Backup with an enter the field ability.

19-055R – Eiko

Eiko is a Coupon Code. Instead of paying the cost to cast a Summon, you can just dull 3 active Summoners and cast the Summon. You can choose any Summon up to a cost of 7CP. That’s almost all the Summons in the game except for 5.

This also means you can play Summons that are out of your elements. As long as you have Summoners on the field, you are good to go.

Plus, Eiko is only 2CP.

 

19-056C – Graff

Are you playing Mono-Earth?

Then you should be playing Graff.

When he enters the field you can Break a Forward. Any one you’d like.

This effect will only go off if you only paid with Earth CP.

Still a good way to get rid of a pesky Forward.

 

19-057L – Kefka

You heard about Free Summons, what about a Free Forward?

Kefka, the Dancing Mad Mage, is here and he can be played for F-R-E-E.

Just like that if your opponent has 3 or more Forwards on the field, Kefka will come in for Free.

That means you can splash Kefka into any deck without worrying about finding a way to pay the cost as he will be free. Free like a bird, he’s going to fly straight onto the field with a 9K body.

Not only that, but when Kefka is sent to the Break Zone, you can play a Summon from your Break Zone for free as well.
That’s double the free, with no Crystal Points down.

And, let’s not forget about that Amano art.

Yes, I’ll take 3 please.

19-058R – Jenova SYNTHESIS

Big Body, Big ability, and a last name full of capitol letters. I meant CAPITOL letters.

Jenova Synt … SYNTHESIS (you have to yell it out to get the full effect.) comes in and deals damage to all the Forwards your opponent controls, If you have 5 Backups, it’ll be 8000. Pair this with From Nightmares Matoya, and you might have a board wipe.

5CP 9000 power. Could be useful

 

19-059R – Aster Protoflorian

You should be ready to pay 7CP to play Aster Protoflorian. If you don’t you might as well play a different card. You need to get both of his abilities off when he enters the field cause after that all he’ll do is be a decoration on your field.

He’ll also count as a Category XIII Character for certain abilities in the Starter Set.

 

 

 

 

19-060C – Animist

Animist doesn’t do much till you have 3 points of Damage.

Animist does have an ability that lets you play a Monster of 2CP or less straight to the field. That way you can play a Monster without worrying about paying the cost.

And, at 3 points of Damage when Animist enters the field, you can search for a Monster of 4CP or less and add it to your hand.

 

 

 

19-061H – Doga

Looking at the card it took me a second to realize that it was drawn from the top.

Doga will fit good into an Fire/Earth or Earth/Lightning Deck. Or any Earth deck if you have a way to produce Fire or Lightning CP.

When he enters the field, Doga allows you to discard a Summon for to Crystals. You can use those Crystals to cast his abilities. One is to deal 7000 damage to all of your opponents Forwards, the other is to Break a Forward.

As long as Doga stays active, this is a good card to play.

When I first read this card I was thinking how can you fit this into a deck, but then I remembered that there are Backups that pay for different elements. Let’s take Tyro for instance and Class Tenth Moogle.

19-062R – Nacht EX

If you’re Warping, Nacht is a cheap play. If not, he costs 6CP.

Nacht is basically an Opus VI Titan with a body. Once he enters the field you pick 2 Forwards. One of yours and one of your opponent’s, and they deal damage to each other. This ability also comes off of an EX Burst.

 

 

 

 

19-063H – Barret

This Barret can be put in the AVALANCHE deck, but is it a better card than the Barret that is mostly used?

Probably not, but it does have some good things going for it.

If you’re playing a lot of Multi-Element cards it could be of use as when you cast a Multi-Element card you’ll deal 4000 damage to all the Forwards your opponent controls.

After that when he is put into the Break Zone, you can search for a Forward other than Barret and add it to your hand.

19-064R – Fenrir

Your Earth Free Summon.

Free is free. So, you might as well play this.Break a Multi-Element Forward or Break a Light or Dark Forward. The choice is your when Fenrir is cast.

There’s some use for it against some decks, but what about the decks that don’t have Multi-Element Forwards or Light/Dark Forwards?

 

 

 

19-065C – The Deathlord

The Deathlord will bring you closer to your death.

Or something like that.

I thought I found a good Combo, but then I realized it said Characters so you can’t cast Fenrir.

But, you can pull out a Kefka from the Break Zone, and play him straight to the field, if your opponent has more than 3 Forwards on the field. Now the other card can be anything you’d like, but I’m pretty sure there is something good here.

And, I’m sure someone already figured it out.

19-066C – Behemoth

Monsters, Plenty of Monsters.

We like this Monster, well I do at least.

When Behemoth enters the field you can Stop a Forward. They won’t be able to attack or block until the end of the next turn. But, they will be able to cast abilities.

Behemoth can also become a Forward once per turn, for the cost of 1 Earth CP. A 7K body for 1CP isn’t bad at all. Sure you’ll need to pay each turn, but you’ll usually have an extra CP laying around.

19-067C – Monk

Here’s a quick buff to all your Forwards. +2000 power can go a long way, add in Enna Kros from Opus I and you’ll have a 3K buff. Not only that but, you can play up to 3. That means that, technically you can have a 7K buff for all your Forwards.

Is there a way to pull it off? Paying 12 CP in one turn?

Let’s see. 5 Backups plus 7 cards in your hand, 3 are Monks so that leaves 4. Those 4 cards in your hand will pay for 2 of the Monks, while the 5 CP from your Backups will pay for the third. And you have one Backup left, which you’ll probably have no use for.

It can happen. Is it worth it? Probably not, but it would be fun when you pull it off.

Oh, and if you pay for the Monk with 3 different elements, you can choose a Forward, and Monk and the other Forward will deal damage to each other, possibly breaking a Forward.

19-068R – Rydia

A 5 cost Backup, that searches for a Job Summoner, and a Summon.

Both need to be of different elements.

Other than that, the art looks good, almost reminds you of Amano’s work. Sort of.

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From Nightmares – Howling Winds

19-035R – Alexander

Free for a limited time only. The Wind Forward you played this turn has paid for the Summon.

If you think about it you can actually play 3 in a row, if you have them in your hand.

The choice is yours on what Alexander will do. Break a high cost Forward, or Break a Monster and draw 1 card.

Doesn’t a Hope search for Alexander? Can’t remember which one, but there’s your free play right there.

19-036L – Vayne

A what now?

Your warp speed has just gotten faster.

Prepare Ship for Ludicrous Speed!!!

Cause that’s how fast we’ll be traveling with Vayne.

When he enters the field or at the beginning of each of your turns, Vayne will be removing Warp counters from Characters that are Warping.

Have the Characters will get Warp in by the next turn or 2, and before you know it, they’ll be on the board and have all their abilities going off, you won’t know which way anything is heading.

I’ll take 3, thank you very much.

19-037R – Wol

Wol is now acting a Furr …. I mean Cosplayer.

Wearing the Moogle Suit, and depending on how many Elements are in your field. Wol will allow you to search for a Multi-Element Forward.

I don’t really see much going for this card other than the fact that he can pay for the other Wol’s S-ability.

 

 

19-038R – Evrae

I remember playing this card at Pre-Release.

Evrae allows you to activate a Backup you control, and with Zu that will turn into a Forward when one of your Characters Activates, this is a good play. As activating Backups is always a good thing.

 

 

 

19-039R – Emerald Weapon

Emerald Weapon was much easier to beat than Ruby Weapon. If you had Knights of the Round Maxed out with W-Summon, you didn’t even need to have the Underwater Materia.

This 5CP Wind Forward with 9000 power will be a nightmare as your opponent won’t be able to keep him off the field, as he’ll be able to keep coming back for 1CP. Only way to break him is by blocking his attack.

Emerald Big Bang, is a high cost S-ability that can deal up to 10,000 damage to all of your opponents Forwards.
I think I like it. I’ll have to try it out though, see how well it works.

19-040C – Thief

Just your Common Thief, but a pretty good one.

Won’t take damage from your opponents abilities. This 4 cost has an 8K body, which is pretty high for a thief, but we’re not complaining.

The reason you’ll want to play this card is because, if you pay for Thief with at least 3 elements, your opponent will put the top 3 cards of their deck into the Break Zone.

Do that 3 times, and you might be able to make your opponent run out of cards.

19-041H – Cid Highwind

I mean this is very interesting. I haven’t checked yet, but I’m sure it’ll be in plenty of FFVII decks.

Cid Highwind, allows you to return an FFVII Character to your hand, and let’s you choose 2 Characters to Activate.

I’m sure there are plenty of Category FFVII entry abilities that you’d like to use at least once per turn. Like the Ice Sephiroth in this set. If you can send him to your hand once per turn, and you’re at 6 points of damage, you’ll be able to play Sephiroth at no cost, while activating 2 of your Characters.

I mean, it could work. It could work perfectly.

I like it.

19-042C – White Mage

Although the art has been reused, I’m pretty sure some other art has been reused as well in previous Opuses? Opera? Opi?
Well at 3 points of Damage, White Mage is a free play. And once he’s in you can use his ability to bring back a Multi-Element Forward from the Break Zone.

White Mage has one job and he does it well.

Cast Revive on a broken Character.

 

19-043C – Zu

Well, this monster does seem to fit well with Wind.

Considering that Wind usually has a way to reactivate Character’s with Summons and abilities.

Zu is a monster that will most likely become a Forward whenever a Character reactivates. Zu is more of a Backup Forward, than a Monster as he can come out in a pinch and either attack or block. Whichever one is needed at the moment.

Maybe it’ll see play, maybe it won’t.

I’m caught somewhere in the middle here.

19-044R – Sarah (MOBIUS)

Another Sarah, but this one is a Backup and not a Legend.

The Raven Peeress gives all your Category MOBIUS Forward +1000 power.

I always like these cards as they give your whole front line a boost.

 

 

 

19-045H – Sophie

Sophie has no use for Vayne, she is a Freelancer she works independently regardless of Faction. I don’t know where I’m going with this.

But, for 4 CP and 3 other Forwards on the field, Sophie can well become a danger to your opponent. If only for a turn.
Break a Monster, activate all your Backups, and give Sophie +2K power and Haste.

She can also come in with Warp, in which you will only pay 1CP for her, and you will wait for only 1 turn.

Maybe we do need Vayne. She’ll come in during your opponents turn and cause some damage. She will also Activate all your Backups, so you will be able to cast Summons and abilities as well, in order to protect yourself.

Yes, I’ll take it. 3 please and 3 Vaynes just to be on the safe side.

19-046C – Buddy

A searcher for FFX Backups. Why search for Backups? Cause you always need more Backups.

One thing is for sure. If you’re playing a FFX deck you’ll be playing Buddy. If only to search for Brother, to search for Opus XVI Tidus. Cause who isn’t playing that card.

 

 

 

19-047C – Gramps EX

This is the card you’ll want to hold on to the end. Or to your end. And when you do have those 5 points of Damage, you probably aren’t going to have this card on hand. You’ll have 3 copies in your Break Zone.

If you do manage to grab a copy when the time is right, Gramps will Break a Forward of 4CP or more.

 

 

19-048C – Bartz

Don’t know what to play, just play Bartz. That way on your next turn, you can put him at the bottom of your deck, and hopefully draw the cards you really need. If not, play Buddy to search for a FFX Backup that will find Tidus.

 

 

 

 

19-049R – Makki-Chebukki

This is actually very interesting.

Makki-Chebukki will cause your opponent to discard the top card of their deck. Once per turn.

Think about it. If you have Makki-Chebukki on the field from turn 1, every turn that goes by, your opponent will be putting their top card in the Break Zone.

That means they might be losing all the cards that they’ll need in order to make their game plan work. That and they’ll have less cards to play with, and will run out of cards faster.

19-050C – Matoya

If you have the extra CP Matoya might be a good play.

You’ll be able to Break a Forward when she enters the field. It’ll turn a pesky big body into a smaller body, that likely will not be able to block a big body of your own. If that makes any sense.

She might be a good addition to a Dancer deck. Are there enough Dancer’s to make one?

There are 12 Job Dancers and 6 of them are Penelo, 2 are Matoya and another 2 are Lilisette. After that there are 8 generic Dancers which can round up your deck. If any one makes one let me know so I can check it out.

19-051C – Rikku

So, many Rikkus, but only one on the field.

Depending on what you’re playing this one isn’t bad. It’s not great, but for what she does, she does it good.

Rikku can produce any element when paying for a Category X card. Which is always a good thing. This cards biggest problem is that it’s Rikku. You could have named this card Generic NPC from FFX and it would have been 10 times better. Simply for the fact that you can play a Rikku and this card at the same time.

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From Nightmares – Winter is Coming

19-018R – Waltril

A 2 cost Forward with 5000 power. I mean, cheap to play. Can block a Forward, might deal damage to your opponent.
And, at the end of each of your turns, you gain a Crystal.

 

 

 

 

19-019R – Vincent

I was writing a whole paragraph, and then I realized I read the card wrong.

Vincent Freezes Backups when he enters the field. I was reading Forwards for some reason.

This is actually a great card, in my opinion. Vincent comes in Freezes 3 Backups, blocks a Forward and gets broken.
After that replay Vincent for some more Frozen Backups.

Find a way to keep getting Vincent back, and you’ll be giving your opponent a hard time.

Might be a good fit for that Shinra deck.

19-020H – Umaro

The Abdominal Snow Man, or just plain Yeti.

Umaro has Brave and he just wants to attack your opponents Forwards, he doesn’t even want to come onto the field, just straight to the Break Zone and deal a Forward 8000 damage.

Once he’s in the Break Zone, you can discard 2 FFVI cards and play him onto the field.

This will work in any FFVI deck. You don’t even need to have the right elements to play Umaro.

Just Throw Umaro into the Break Zone, and then pay the cost with 2 Category VI Characters and you are set.

19-021C – Cloud of Darkness

Pesky Monsters bothering you?

Take them out with this Cloud of Darkness. For only 5CP, you get to choose one of your opponents Monsters and break it.

While she already has the fire power. At 3 points of Darkness … I mean damage. Cloud of Darkness gains Brave. Giving you an extra blocker.

 

 

19-022R – Shiva

FREE SUMMON!!!

Yes, we’ll take 3 please.

When Shiva is cast, select 1 Forward. Dull and Freeze.

And, if you already played an Ice Forward, she’s free.

Simple as that.

Oh, and you get to draw 1 card.

19-023C – Snow

Discard and gain more power.

Snow can fit into any Discard deck.

If your opponent has 1 card or less in their hand, Snow gains+2K power.

And, when Snow blocks your opponent discards a card.

“With more discard comes more power.”

 

19-024L – Sarah (MOBIUS)

“Sarah can’t attack,
Sarah can’t block,
the only thing about her is the way that she stops”

Auto-abilities that is.

Well, not necessarily, but she might.

If one of your opponents Auto-abilities goes off, they’ll have to pay 2CP or else it will cancel.

Other than that, Sarah’s other abilities are, dulling 2 Forwards, and giving a Forward +2000 power.

19-025R – Sephiroth

Technically, you can play Sephiroth for free, but I don’t think you’ll want to wait until you have received 6 points of damage to do so.

Either way, his entry ability is pretty good, but at what cost?

Would you pay 6CP to Break a dull Forward at the beginning of your game, or would you wait until the cost is more reasonable.

Personally, I think there are better choices for this ability.

Oh, and he does have Back Attack

19-026H – Curlax

Here’s a card that will help Snow out. All you have to do is … oh, wait. It’s any Dream Stooge. If a Dream Stooge is sent to the Break Zone, your opponent discards 1 card. And, once there sent, they can be brought back by Laragorn.

Other than that, once per turn, if you control all 3 Dream Stooges, you can Dull and Freeze 1 Forward.

I really like the Dream Stooges. I’m going to give them a go.

 

19-027R – Chocobo Eater

Simple Monster that does some damage in the form of removal.

Once he enters the field, Chocobo Eater will remove a low cost Forward from the game, for as long as he is on the field.

If nothing else, Chocobo Eater will just stall your opponent for a bit. Unless that’s the only copy of the Forward that they’re playing. Even then, it probably isn’t that important to their deck.

It’s still a cheap play, with a good ability.

19-028C – Terra EX

Did you just cast Shiva, and now need to bring her back to cast her again for free?

Well Terra here, can dig through the Break Zone and find her. Not just Shiva, but any Summon you need to look for.

4 cost Backup, and if you don’t need to grab a Summon you can deal 8K damage to a dull Forward.

Is there a way to bounce Backups?

 

19-029C – Tohno

You can use a little Tohno in your deck.

Tohno comes in with an enter the field ability which lets you Freeze a Forward. Doesn’t have to be your opponents Forward either. But, why would you want to Freeze your own Forward.

What I like about this card is that you can send Tohno to the Break Zone. That way your opponent will discard a card, and you can play another Backup.

It’s called Backup Management.

If you have any complaints, don’t tell me about them.

19-030R – Norschtalen

If you have Waltrill in the set, you know that Norschtalen isn’t too far behind.

A nice little combo, as Norschtalen allows you to play Waltril straight from the Break Zone. And, if Waltril is not in the Break Zone, you can just grab a Crystal Chronicles Character instead.

For 2CP, Norschtalen is also a decent blocker.

 

 

19-031C – Flan

Cheap card to play.

1CP Monster that can become a Forward for an additional 0CP. Quick blocker if you need it, or just an attacker when your opponent runs out of Forwards.

Plus, Flan recycles itself, as when he is sent to the Break Zone you can search for another Flan and add it to your hand.

 

 

19-032C – Yuke

Yuke and the Multi Element Payment. MEP. I’m going to claim that term. Let’s see if it catches on. Probably not.

When Yuke enters, if you used 3 different Elements for your MEP, you get to dull 1 Forward.

Other than that he has First Strike.

 

 

19-033C – Lean

Discard = no cards in your opponents hand.

And that’s where Lean comes in. IF you decide to play him. For when he enters the field, and your opponent has no cards in their hand, you can search for a card and add it to your hand.

The good thing is that you can search for any card. be it Character or Summon. Forward or Backup, or even a Monster.
What card you search for is up to you.

 

19-034C – Nu Mou

Like Nu Mou here. If you already read Lean, you know that Nu Mou can help you achieve the goal of your opponent having no cards in their hand. Sure, you need to have received 3 points of damage for your opponent to discard a card when he enters the field, but if you’re playing Discard, you’re going to surely have more cards that will make your opponent discard all their cards.

And, if they know you’re playing Discard, your opponent will most likely be trying to get rid of all their cards so you won’t be forcing them to discard any cards.

Makes sense?

I hope so.

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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.

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Resurgence of Power – Mixing Elements

18-107L – Akstar

A is for Akstar, and he learned the 3-step. I was surprised myself but it’s true. Akstar can dance the Waltz. Just look at all those 3s.

First off Akstar comes in and Dull/Freezes all the Forwards, including your own, that don’t cost 3CP.

When he comes in you can also play a 3 cost Ice or Fire Forward onto the field.

And when he attacks or enters the field you deal 1 Forward 3000 damage for all the 3 cost Forwards that you control.
That’s a whole lot of 3s. Even Akstar himself costs 3CP.

Are we getting new deck ideas, where every card in your hand costs 3CP? Can it work? Someone make this happen.

18-108H – Caius

It seems like Caius cards always have a drawback to them.

Sure, you can get a 2 cost 9K body, but you’ll have to discard your hand when he enters the field.

What can we do then?

Just play your whole hand, and then play Caius last.

Let’s look at his abilities. Whenever Caius attacks, you can either have your opponent discard a card, or double the damage Caius deals either to a Forward or your opponent.

He also comes in with Brave. I might have to try this card out and see how it works.

18-109C – Snow

Snow allows you to possibly cast an extra XIII card, when he enters the field and each time he attacks. Though, you’re not drawing the card, you’re actually removing it from the game, and if you don’t cast it this turn, you will lose it.

You basically have a 50/50 chance of casting or removing.

And, at 3 points of damage, Snow gains Haste and +3000 power.

 

 

18-110H – Xande

Ok, so, we’ll be playing Xande towards the end of our turn. Trying to get as many cards in the Break Zone so we can deal 9000 damage to as many Forwards as we possibly can. 4CP will already be 2 Characters. And if you play any other cards before hand, count those Characters as well.

You can also play Xande from the Break Zone, for the cost of 2CP and 5 Backups. Is it worth it? or are you better off just playing Xande from your hand?

Those 5 Backups are 5 Forwards that you can deal damage to.

 

18-111L – Basch

The question is, Is it worth 1 point of damage to search for a Fire or Earth Character?

I’m sure there are plenty of other cards that will search for the card that you’re looking for, without getting a point of damage.

3 points of damage, Basch gains +1000 power and Brave.

5 points of damage, when Basch attacks you deal 8000 damage to 1 Forward.

You do have an incentive to receive that 1 point of damage. Early on it might be a good idea to use it, but later on I would pass.

Or you can just not pay the extra cost, and play Basch as is.

18-112C – Leon

It looks like more and more cards are dealing you a point of damage.

Just how backed up to the wall do you want to be?

Sure, some cards excel when you’re fighting everything off at 6 points of damage, but why would you need to get there in order to hope that you win.

Anyways, Leon here comes in with Brave.

 

18-113H – Cid Haze

Cid comes in and gives you the ammunition to use his ability on the same turn that he comes in. Reducing the cost of casting your next card by 2. It doesn’t say it cannot become 0, so your next card could be free. After that you play 1 more card.

Once you’ve played your third card, and enter your Attack Phase, you choose 2 of your opponents Characters and you dull and Freeze them.

Farewell to the Blockers that your opponent has set up. At least for this turn.

 

18-114C – Maria

I would be trying to get Maria onto the field as soon as possible. And then just trying to find a way to send her to the Break Zone.

Worst thing that could happen is you block a Forward and your opponent discards a card.

Or, you block a Forward and activate all your Characters. Win/Win

 

 

18-115L – Melvien

I would put Melvien in the same category as Opus XVI Tidus. Even if she is put in the Break Zone, your opponent will never really be able to truly get rid of her.

Every time Melvien is put into the Break Zone, you can simply remove her from the game and put 2 Warp Counters on her. 2 turns later she comes back into the field.

And, every time she enters the field, you can Activate 2 of your Backups and Freeze up to 2 of your opponents Backups.
Not much else to say, but I like this card.

 

18-116L – Sephiroth

Kingdom Hearts Sephiroth is back. And, once again with Back Attack.

No, I didn’t plan that.

Sephiroth is coming, and he has entered Attack Mode. One Winged Angel, Demi-God, and whatever else you’d like to add.
When Sephiroth enters the field he Breaks 1 dull Forward.

And every time he attacks, your opponent will either discard 1 card, or you can Break a Forward of cost 2 or less.
Sephiroth will be leaving bodies left and right.

18-117H – Lightning

The Savior is here. For your deck, not your opponents.

Lightning comes in with Haste and starts attacking left and right, dulling, Breaking and dealing damage across the board leaving no Forward unscathed.

Well, that’s what we’re hoping for.

Every time Lightning attacks, you can pay 1CP to dull a Forward, and then pay 2CP to Break a dull Forward. Which in itself is a good reason to play this card.

I shall be trying out this card. At some point.

And if you don’t want to attack, you can use Lightning’s 3rd ability and have your opponent discard a card.

18-118C – Laguna

High cost to play Laguna, but he might be worth it.

When Laguna enters the field or attacks you can a) Deal an active Forward 5000 damage. or b) Dull a Forward.

I’m thinking there are plenty of cards that can chip away at multiple Forwards, chip damage is making a comeback. Or, maybe I’m just beginning to notice it. I can see FFVIII decks becoming stronger. Ever since Opus XVI. And now with Seifer, Fujin and Raijin, there should be plenty to play with.

Let’s not forget Satellite Laser. Well nothing to crazy, but you can deal 9000 damage to a Forward.

18-119C – Chelinka

Need to break some of these new Monsters that came out this set? Look no further than Chelinka. Chelinka Breaks a Monster when she enters the field.

You can throw her in the new Noctis deck and you’re set.

 

 

 

18-120H – Tifa

Tifa comes in a has Protect already cast on her, reducing the damage dealt to her by 2000. And, that’s a good thing. For when Tifa enters the field she goes 1-on-1 with another Forward. You can choose any Forward you would like.

Meteor Strike, is also pretty good in itself. You are able to deal 8000 damage to 3 Forwards. Cost might be a little high, but it can be worth it.

 

 

18-121L – Fran

I think I said earlier that Sky Pirates will be making a comeback. (Not in this post, probably in Wind.) And, Fran here proves it. Whenever Fran attacks, or enters the field, you can play a FF XII Character of cost 4 or less from your hand onto the field. And, Fran only costs 3CP!

Think about it, you’ll be able to build your offense faster than what you would have. A free card once per turn.

And if Balthier is on the field, Fran gains +1000 power and Brave.

Yes, I shall try out a Sky Pirate deck, all thanks to Fran.

Thank you, Fran.

18-122H – Vanille

2 cost Forward that can cancel an auto-ability. We can never have to many cards like this. Vanille is more of an insurance card. I don’t think you’d be attacking with Vanille unless you knew the attack will go through. But, you’re better off just keeping her active, in order to dull her, when an auto-ability goes off.

Sure, it won’t out right cancel it, your opponent will need to pay an extra 2CP for it to go through.

And when you’re done with Vanille, you can just chuck her to the Break Zone to grab a Backup.

18-123L – Sonon EX

Getting rid of your own Backups is always a plus. Especially when they come in do their on entry ability and then do nothing, but sit around.

Sonon comes in and allows you to remove 2 Backups instead of paying the cost. After that you can replay 2 new Backups and hopefully get another on entry ability.

He can also come in with Back Attack, although I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody actually use Back Attack, but you can. You can even remove the 2 Backups during your opponents turn.

Sonon also comes in with an EX Burst, hopefully helping your Forward that is blocking or attacking overcome the other Forward.

I can see some use with Sonon.

18-124C – Billy Bob

Billy Bob comes in and let’s you grab a Forward from the Break Zone. Any Forward. Doesn’t have to be a certain Job, Element, or Category. A little different than Search your deck, but will still see plenty of use.

Best part is that Billy Bob is a Common.

After that Billy Bob just hangs out on the field with an 8K body.

 

 

18-125H – Onion Knight

Onion Knight has a lot going on for him.

First off he enters the field and either Breaks a damaged Forward, or return’s a Forward to your opponents hand. Either way your getting rid of one of your opponent’s Forwards.

The best thing though, when Onion Knight is put into the Break Zone, you can pay 1CP and search for another Onion Knight and play it onto the field.

Very Ultros if you ask me.

 

18-126L – Lightning

Another card that doesn’t want to go away.

After Lightning is sent to the Break Zone, you can pay the 2CP, remove a Lightning and an Odin from the Break Zone and then you can play Lightning onto the field.

Sure, it’s the same cost as paying Lightning on to the field, but what if you don’t have a Lightning in your hand. This way you can just simply play her, straight from the Break Zone.

She also comes in with Haste, dulls a Forward when she enters and you draw 1 card.

What’s not to like?

18-127C – Lilisette

Some of these Commons are actually really good.

Take Lilisette her, she Breaks a low cost Forward when she enters the field.

After that she can dance. And, boy does she dance. Once she’s done with her Sensual Dance, your opponents Forwards will all be week at the knees, and will have lost some of there power. Some will have lost it all.

 

 

18-128H – Arciela

How many of your cards do you want to show your opponent?

Depending on the answer, you can either deal 7000 damage to a Forward, draw a card, or both.

But do you really want to show your opponent your hand just to cast the abilities?

I think I’ll take a pass on this one.

 

18-129C – Jecht

Jecht is just a Common, but we already said we have some good Commons this set. This is another one. Once he enters the field you can pay the extra cost and give Jecht Haste, Brave and First Strike. With the 9000 body he can lay waste to a Forward, or deal your opponent a point of damage.

We also have Jecht Beam, that deals a Forward 8000 damage.

Decent card.

 

18-130L – Firion

Low cost, low power. But, if you have at least 5 Characters on the field Firion, gains Haste and whenever he attacks you draw a card.

I don’t know if you’ll be attacking much with Firion, but you can discard a card and give him +2000 power. Depending on what element the card is you can either give Firion First Strike, or activate him.

Not the greatest Legend, but could see some use.