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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?

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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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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.