VALIANT SMASHERS suffer from poor timing

In November, Konami made a bold decision and released the game Valiant destroyers for the Yu-Gi-Oh! collectible card game. The new deckbuilding set introduces three new archetypes and a series of reprints. Normally, a deck building set pleases Valiant destroyers it can be an interesting and semi-exciting time. Two deckbuilding sets ago, Amazing Defenders, gave us Rescue-ACE, Mikanko, and Purrely which are all meta-relevant in some way. Valiant destroyers brings us Centur-Ion, Memento and Vaalmonica. From what I’ve seen and heard, none of these new archetypes have any effect yet, but I’m sure at least one of these will take off with the help of a future set. Right!? I have some hope for at least Centur-Ion and maybe Memento.

Unfortunately the reprints aren’t very exciting either. Many of them feel awkward, such as the inclusion of Emperor Meklord Wisel and Emperor Meklord Granel. Not to mention that this is the 43rd printing of Call of the Haunted. Did we need it?

In my opinion, the biggest problem is that this is the sequel to perhaps the best Yu-Gi-Oh! never released set, the Rarity Collection. The second biggest issue is how often Konami releases sets. I honestly feel too saturated.

Enough sadness and sadness. Let’s talk a little more about those new archetypes that have potential. Centur-Ion is focused on Synchro games and monsters can take on the role of continuous traps. This last part is reminiscent of the Crystal Beasts. Maybe you could make an interesting deck that uses Uriah, Lord of Searing Flames? Many think Centur-Ion will be the best archetype once the dust settles.

Then we have Memento. This archetype features new versions of old vanilla monsters. Mementotlan Goblin is Goblin Calligrapher, Mementotlan Mace is Key Mace, Mementotlan Angwitch is Fairywitch (an OCG exclusive), Mementotlan Dark Blade is Dark Blade, Mementotlan Tatsunootoshigo is Tatsunootoshigo, and Mementotlan-Horned Dragon is Tri-Horned Dragon. The boss monster is Mementoal Tecuhtlica – Combined Creation which is a beast with 5000 ATK and DEF but lacks built-in protection meaning it won’t see much play. As far as playing style goes, Memento are trying to put a lot of names in the graveyard. This can be aided by their effects allowing them to destroy each other to trigger secondary effects.

Finally, Vaalmonica. This is a pendulum and link centered strategy. What I like about this archetype is the idea that Angello Vaalmonica and Dimonno Vaalmonica are the sidekick angel and the sidekick devil. I think it’s a funny tune.

At the end of the day, I think Valiant destroyers suffers mainly from bad timing. The new archetypes could have needed more help to stand out, so only time will tell. Konami was kind enough to send me a box Valiant destroyers. Let me know in the comments which of the three new archetypes excites you the most.