Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V

[Βyakuya]

This was a great episode. Good to see an old-fashioned duel for a change.

 

It was very surprising that Sawatari had used a Mega Monarch. No one saw that coming, and boy it was quite refreshing, especially from someone who is used to tribute strategies. It did feel like Sawatari's reaction to the Dark Duelist's 5 card set was him reacting to as if he was facing Chain Burn IMO.

 

But the Dark Duelist did use a good strategy since he did rely on Sawatari busting his Spell Monster things and somehow he got Dark Rebellion and won. Heck make one of the filler S/Ts Mirror Force and call it a close duel. I also never noticed both OCG and anime effects are not once per turn. Yikes....and I also liked Sawatari and his friends' comedic expressions; It will go along with Yuya's quirkiness in the future.

 

And if that was truly was a Quick-Play Mystical Refpanel, I'd probably consider, but the random 100 damage is random. Yet it's still pretty okay.

 

As for the Dark Duelist himself, he has a face and eyes similar to Yuya's but I think Yuzu just immediately called out he was "Yuya" since she knows him and his appearance and it was natural for Yuzu to exclaim he's just like Yuya. Could it be that he's.....AN ALTER EGO?

[Greiga]

Yuzu's bracelet and them feeling the duel effects even though there was no Action Field, I'm suprised we're seeing magic shit so early. Besides the Pendant obviously.

I loved seeing Mobius and actual legit strategies, but why did he set his hand, what if Sawatari played safe? Can his Spell Monsters destroy themselves?

DR Xyz Dragon was cool as fuck, the summoning was lacking but we'll see another Xyz user again in 2 episodes so whee.

Xyz Summoning being the top class suprised me, I expected Rituals lol.

The Dark Duelist did look like Yuya in that one shot but I never saw it again.

[Blake]

One last post before I go, because I realized something about the series.

Arc-V is pronounced Arc-Five. AS in the roman numeral, if it wasn't obvious.

Up to this point, we have 5 monster types that aren't "basic"; Fusion, Ritual, Synchro, Xyz, and Pendulum

Now, when you look at "The Dark Duelist", he DOES look like Yuya to a degree. And in-universe, he's supposed to look just like Yuya in a costume, according to Yuzu.

So, my theory is that, given that this series is about the pendulum, swinging back and forth, it's an Arch between 5 Alternate Versions of the world.

To add to this? Here's anime Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect.

Pendulum Effect Once per turn, if you would take battle damage from an attack involving a Pendulum Monster you control: You can make that damage become 0.
Monster Effect Any battle damage your opponent takes from attacks involving this card and an opponent's Level 5 or higher monster is doubled.

IRL, its monster effect works on any monster. So now let's look at Anime Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon:

2 Level 4 monsters
You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 Level 5 or higher monster your opponent controls; halve that monster's ATK, and if you do, this card gains that same amount of ATK. These changes last until the End Phase.

It also has the same anime restriction, in addition to a phonetically similar name and a similar appearance.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon
??? ??? Synchro Dragon
??? ??? Ritual Dragon
??? ??? Fusion Dragon

Now, to add on to this: At the end of Episode 6, when Yuya and Sora are talking, Sora mentions that he's from somewhere where Fusions are extremely common, but when asked where... He just tells Yuya not to worry and shrugs it off with a cryptic side to it. But this is completely different than Yuya's world, where Fusions are at least somewhat higher class.

Sora also seems really out of place in Yuya's world, even now. Honestly, he feels and acts like a reference to a certain CFV character, who he happens to look a lot like, so we just have to wait and see if he is really in a similar role.

And one other thing is how his dad disappeared. It wasn't like Kazuma, who went off exploring and went missing during. Nor is it like Jaden/Yugi's dads, who never appeared at all. Or Dr. Fudo, who died in a flashback. He just disappeared for no reason or explanation, at the height of his career. This one's looser, but it makes sense when tied in when everything else.

[Greiga]

That all makes sense and might explain how the lookalike disappeared (went back to his world).

So if you look back at this, you're saying that Yuya's dad got pulled into an alternate version of the world and is stuck there? If so, watch the Pendulum cards be him calling out to Yuya or something.

[Mugendramon]

Oh yeah that also explains the four cards with yuya's silhouette in them in the OP.

[~British Soul~]

Finally got around to watching the episode (Yeah I got distracted with other things after posting a link to the RAW) and yeah it was nice to see a good old fashioned duel for a change with none of that Action Duel crap.

 

Seeing Mobius the Mega Monarch being used was a nice surprise. Although I have to say, Shingo's reaction to the "Set 5 pass" was amusing to say the least.

 

I can believe the theory that there are 5 alternate versions of the same world tbh, and I'd be interested to see how that develops within the plot.

 

DR Xyz Dragon was cool as f***, the summoning was lacking but we'll see another Xyz user again in 2 episodes so whee.

I agree, the summoning did seem lacking, but everything else about the monster was very cool indeed,

[Sleepy]

It was pretty awesome as an episode.

Loved Shingo's personality. The way Xyzs were implemented, much like they did with Fusions, was pretty nice, giving the air of the series it came from with little details.

The theory is interesting. Now I see why the name of this dark duelist wasn't shown. Maybe he is also Yuya, just like Yuzu said. So up until now we've seen sides of a die where a specific form of advanced Summon is king, and this one is gonna overlap them and see what's really on top here.

 

Though I'm curious, Reiji was forming a small continuing plot on itself, but this moves the show away from that. Wonder what they'll do with this. The second Arc V booster has Pure-Eyes on the cover so he is gonna appear soon.

 

What were the three duelists' focuses again? Fusions, Xyzs, and Synchros, right? Wonder what happened to Rituals here. I'm aching to see one used.

[Northern Sage]

It was pretty awesome as an episode.

Loved Shingo's personality. The way Xyzs were implemented, much like they did with Fusions, was pretty nice, giving the air of the series it came from with little details.

The theory is interesting. Now I see why the name of this dark duelist wasn't shown. Maybe he is also Yuya, just like Yuzu said. So up until now we've seen sides of a die where a specific form of advanced Summon is king, and this one is gonna overlap them and see what's really on top here.

 

Though I'm curious, Reiji was forming a small continuing plot on itself, but this moves the show away from that. Wonder what they'll do with this. The second Arc V booster has Pure-Eyes on the cover so he is gonna appear soon.

 

What were the three duelists' focuses again? Fusions, Xyzs, and Synchros, right? Wonder what happened to Rituals here. I'm aching to see one used.

Have we even got the third confirmed? I thought we only knew of Fusion and Xyz.

[Sleepy]

Have we even got the third confirmed? I thought we only knew of Fusion and Xyz.

I'm not sure actually. There are 3 opponents, I know that much. Also their sort of boss or IDK who that is that looks like a female version of Yuzu's dad in the previews.

It could be something else, but it'd be a good opportunity.

[Toffee.]

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon
??? ??? Synchro Dragon
??? ??? Ritual Dragon
??? ??? Fusion Dragon

You know, it's safe to say all of these monsters will look like eachother, considering Dark Rebellion looks like Odd-Eyes.

Also do you find it odd how the 4Kids dub called 5Ds 5th Dimension? Yet it's actual name is 5 Dragons?
Not saying it's relevant or anything, it's just an odd coincidence to 5Ds.

[~British Soul~]

Though I'm curious, Reiji was forming a small continuing plot on itself, but this moves the show away from that. Wonder what they'll do with this. The second Arc V booster has Pure-Eyes on the cover...

Actually, the second Arc-V booster has Dark Rebellion on the cover. It was confirmed a couple of days ago.

[Sleepy]

Actually, the second Arc-V booster has Dark Rebellion on the cover. It was confirmed a couple of days ago.

Oh, err... ok then. Then I guess it was previously just Wikia being inaccurate a little too early, which makes sense considering the booster before that barely came out over there and it's a long wait for next one.... 

Last time I saw the apparent IRL version of this monster btw, it said it detached 2 materials for some reason. Is that still the case?

[Toffee.]

Got done watching- Obligatory image/joke/etc time!:

HEYEAYEAYEA!

I could seriously make this a video, to, provided they supply more Darts-Guy footage.

*ahem*

You know, with regards to "Dark-Yuya"(Im calling him this, shoosh), I like the deliberate breaking of his goggles, since the crack mirrors the star on Yuya's pair. So even with small details like that, it's still pretty amusing that they went that far with Dark's character.
That aside, I liked seeing the Mobius family in action, despite the fact it was pure plot device.
Oh, and I lost it at Dark's Set-5-pass turn. Like, knowing this series, I was honestly waiting for someone to do that.
So yea, in general, I liked this episode.

[~British Soul~]

Oh, err... ok then. Then I guess it was previously just Wikia being inaccurate a little too early, which makes sense considering the booster before that barely came out over there and it's a long wait for next one....

It wasn't so much the wikia that was inaccurate, it was more-or-less the leaked rumours for the set, of which some were inaccurate.

 

Last time I saw the apparent IRL version of this monster btw, it said it detached 2 materials for some reason. Is that still the case?

Yes, that is still the case.

[Greiga]

Just realized that if he really is Yuya he has Yuya's eyes, and that explains why Yuzu shut up every time he looked at her.

[The Warden]

Actually Black, I think you're wrong on one of those Dragons. Looking at it right, Dark Rebellion isn't a Rank 7, to match Odd-Eyes' Level 7. No, I think he's Rank 4 because I think all the Dragons will be homage's to their respective Seasons. Dark Rebellion is Rank 4 (and this is ignoring Konami's Rank 4 fetish) because the ace card of Yuma in ZeXal was Utopia, a Rank 4 Xyz.

 

Following on this theory, I then think the Synchro Dragon will be a Level 8, in homage to Stardust Dragon of 5Ds. And the Fusion might be Level 7 as a homage to Jaden's ace Neos and his Fusions. Finally, I reckon the last Dragon will be an Effect monster that gets an effect off when Tribute Summoned, as an homage to the first anime where Tribute Summons were practically the norm. I think Odd-Eyes Pure might be that representative, but it could also be an upgrade or support for Pendulum Dragon.

 

Either way, I reckon the Dragons are homages to the most common mechanic of each Anime, rather than representatives of the various Summoning mechanics.

[Maeriberii Haan]

Though, wouldn't modelling the Ritual as a level 8 fits too due to BLS?

[The Warden]

Well, that depends: How often was BLS summoned compared to the Dark Magician?

[~British Soul~]

Well, that depends: How often was BLS summoned compared to the Dark Magician?

I only remembered it being summoned 3 times (Against Mai, in Legendary Heroes and against Dartz).

[Sleepy]

From pure memory:

 

Dark Magician got Summoned against Webil, Ghost Kaiba, Pegasus, Joey, Arcana, whenever it was he used Amulet Dragon, Kaiba (Colosseum), Marik (Battle City final), at the ceremonial duel.

 

Not sure if with May too.... It sure beats BLS's appearances. 

 

The thing about DM, is that it's the set base for the entire anime universe and it's card game. It had few Rituals and few Fusions, it had some Tokens, more or less as much vanillas as Effect Monsters and as many Spells as Traps. It had no real recurrent gimmick. Rituals just never got too much love overall. It's the card kind that most desperately needs to flesh out. I don't really like Gishikis.... though it's the most Konami did for them I suppose....

 

Relinquish is a good example of something that could have been a good trend for them. Low Level monsters with better stats OR more boss-like effects than your typical low Level orange card, and unlike Relinquished's case, to have something other than vanilla Ritual Spells. It's getting there but the Spells aren't quite where they need to be yet.....

[Astro Dude]

Considering the guy looks like Yuya I'm guessing there will be an episode where the guy takes Yuya's place in the third and final duel to prove his innocence, and when he's beaten the Yuya clone will rip apart his opponents deck, only the real Yuya shows up and not only reveals he's a fake hut his mom reveals he's his older brother, who wants to spread tragedy and misery wherever he goes and believes his dad is idiotic and therefore, disowns himself from the Sakaki family and pursue power to make life miserable for everyone. The clone/brother leaves in a puff of black smoke and is accompanied by the bad guys of the new "No Rule School" where you use any cards you want, banned or not, and if officials have a problem, they wipe out their minds.

 

There's more but just don't feel like jotting anymore down.

[Sleepy]

Considering the guy looks like Yuya I'm guessing there will be an episode where the guy takes Yuya's place in the third and final duel to prove his innocence, and when he's beaten the Yuya clone will rip apart his opponents deck, only the real Yuya shows up and not only reveals he's a fake hut his mom reveals he's his older brother, who wants to spread tragedy and misery wherever he goes and believes his dad is idiotic and therefore, disowns himself from the Sakaki family and pursue power to make life miserable for everyone. The clone/brother leaves in a puff of black smoke and is accompanied by the bad guys of the new "No Rule School" where you use any cards you want, banned or not, and if officials have a problem, they wipe out their minds.

 

There's more but just don't feel like jotting anymore down.

Alternate worlds are not a question of fake vs real. They are all real. 

I don't want this show to become cheap telenovela drama, which is what that'd sound like, to be honest.

 

 

They are not entirely the same in personality though. Xyz Yuya has a revenge theme and Pendulum Yuya has an entertainment theme.

I now have the firm belief that we won't look at Xyz Yuya for a while. He was just a small taste of something that's gonna come later. Not in the next 4 episodes at the very least.

 

 

EDIT:

I'm a little interested on Yuzu's bracelet. It could just have been a distraction, but it could be special. Maybe she'll Xyz next time she duels much like how Yuya suddenly  Pendulums?  People out there are saying that it does look like Xyz Materials when they are circling around their monster.

[evilfusion]

Okay, so I finally got around to watching the most recent episode. I'm a bit intrigued.

 

It's easily possible that the "Dark Yuya" or whatever we're referring to him as is an alternate dimension version or similar. Xyz monsters are supposed to based on anti-matter or alternate dimensions, and if he really is using a "revenge" theme coupled with a darker appearance, somber attitude, and Xyz monsters, it stands to reason that he may be the product of an alternate time/alternate world where something truly went wrong with his life. His protectiveness of Yuzu in accord with avoiding her getting hurt may hint at this further.

 

That said, it'd be way too early in the series to get into something that deep and overarching, so it's probably something simpler, that will be uncovered as more information about Academia or whatever is gained.

[Dementuo]

One last post before I go, because I realized something about the series.

Arc-V is pronounced Arc-Five. AS in the roman numeral, if it wasn't obvious.

Up to this point, we have 5 monster types that aren't "basic"; Fusion, Ritual, Synchro, Xyz, and Pendulum

Now, when you look at "The Dark Duelist", he DOES look like Yuya to a degree. And in-universe, he's supposed to look just like Yuya in a costume, according to Yuzu.

So, my theory is that, given that this series is about the pendulum, swinging back and forth, it's an Arch between 5 Alternate Versions of the world.

To add to this? Here's anime Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect.

Pendulum Effect Once per turn, if you would take battle damage from an attack involving a Pendulum Monster you control: You can make that damage become 0.
Monster Effect Any battle damage your opponent takes from attacks involving this card and an opponent's Level 5 or higher monster is doubled.

IRL, its monster effect works on any monster. So now let's look at Anime Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon:

2 Level 4 monsters
You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 Level 5 or higher monster your opponent controls; halve that monster's ATK, and if you do, this card gains that same amount of ATK. These changes last until the End Phase.

It also has the same anime restriction, in addition to a phonetically similar name and a similar appearance.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon
??? ??? Synchro Dragon
??? ??? Ritual Dragon
??? ??? Fusion Dragon

Now, to add on to this: At the end of Episode 6, when Yuya and Sora are talking, Sora mentions that he's from somewhere where Fusions are extremely common, but when asked where... He just tells Yuya not to worry and shrugs it off with a cryptic side to it. But this is completely different than Yuya's world, where Fusions are at least somewhat higher class.

Sora also seems really out of place in Yuya's world, even now. Honestly, he feels and acts like a reference to a certain CFV character, who he happens to look a lot like, so we just have to wait and see if he is really in a similar role.

And one other thing is how his dad disappeared. It wasn't like Kazuma, who went off exploring and went missing during. Nor is it like Jaden/Yugi's dads, who never appeared at all. Or Dr. Fudo, who died in a flashback. He just disappeared for no reason or explanation, at the height of his career. This one's looser, but it makes sense when tied in when everything else.

I'd also like to point out the significance of Dark!Yuya's role, his dragon's name, and the fact that it's an Xyz. Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon is Rank 4, meaning the dragons' effects don't apply to it, as if it's rebelling against their theme. Dark!Yuya himself is acting as an interloper, as if he himself is also rebelling against some sort of future or outcome.

[Bahamut - Envoy of the End]

Just watched the subbed on Anime44, for anyone wanting words.

 

The "Unknown" duelist seemingly knowing who Yuzu is ("I don't want you to get hurt") fuels the different dimension Yuya thing.

 

I don't want 5 Yuya's running around though, but that's me personally. And it's all speculation at this point anyway.

 

...

 

As for thoughts on the episode, pretty nice. Yuzu interrupting Satawari constantly and "Will you let me finish!?" was amusing. She's got a fierce resolve that girl, even if headstrong and reckless. She'll be losing in episode 10, but plot development requires it. Unknown's intervention was nice and sinister. Nothing big and dramatic, but I prefered quiet and understated but suggested power.

 

My reaction to "Set 5. Turn end." was pretty similar to Satawari's jaw drop. I liked Unknown's unflustered attitude throughout. ("Didn't you hear me? I said Turn End" was a pretty cool line, as was having his back turned at the end of the duel.) The duel as a whole was pretty awesome. Would have prefered a Mirror Force or something to the MST, but that's being super-picky. I liked that Unknown didn't rely on his draw and used everything already set up from the grave instead. Hoping his cards get released in NECH/the other set, as they don't seem overly ridiculous and in fact could do with a buff of there first mediocre effects (Shadow Veil increases the def of a monster by 300, Death Spear is continuous 100 burn for every targeting trap activated) or simply not bother with them and make them like Statue of the Wicked et all. We haven't had a Spell monster released yet, but it might happen.

 

My one major critisism is the way Xyz summoning was revealed in the title of the show and so on, and basically announced a week before. I know it's difficult in the Internet age, but it would have been beyond epic if people didn't know he was going to do it and just thought he was going to tribute his monsters for a big Lv8 advance monster drawn then or something lacklustre, and then "Xyz Summon." Would have been amazing.

 

I'm not getting draw into the identity debate yet, just sitting back and enjoying the series as it comes. Next few episodes look alright. Might as well use existing well-established power monsters like Constellar and Gemknights for these jobbers who'll never appear again rather than new stuff that never makes it to the TCG, so should be good. The third duel will be the most interesting. Will it be Sora... or will Unknown make his return...?