Wednesday, April 7, 2010

In the Field

Saber Vault
Field Spell

Each face-up "X-Saber" monster on the field gains 100 ATK x its Level, and loses 100 DEF x its Level.

This looks like some kid's failed attempt at a Create-A-Card, but no, it's a TCG debut card in The Shining Darkness.
http://www.konami.com/yugioh/articles/?p=1665

Aren't we long past the age of boring, flat stat buffs? After "Black Garden," "Magical Citadel of Endymion," and "Future Visions," expectations for field spells rose to match their caliber, but Konami doesn't seem to get it after all...

First of all, "Saber Vault" doesn't do anything to significantly help the archetype for which it was designed. Their bosses don't need a boost, and their little guys aren't getting enough out of it to matter. Admittedly, Airbellum gets over Shura and ties with Firedog, but doing the latter is far from optimal, especially since Airbellum wants to be attacking directly, not falling in battle with monsters. Fulhelmknight isn't getting over many of the primary attackers OR defenders of the modern game with only 1600 atk. Emmersblade doesn't get to crash with "Red Gadget" anymore, or anything really, since next to no monsters have 1600 atk.

As an added minus, "Saber Vault" does not offer a way to deal with the pressing issue of drawing multiples of itself. Extra "Future Visions" can turn into a 1 for 1 by way of trapping enemy monsters in the removed from play zone. "Black Garden" can blow itself up and revive something, paving the way for the next copy. It can't protect itself like "Magical Citadel of Endymion" can.

Also, as far as we know, there isn't a monster searcher for this card. "Terraforming" simply doesn't cut it since it takes up precious deck space while adding startling consistency to the ever dreaded dead draws.

"Gaia Power" is actually more useful than this. It gives a bigger boost to the guys that really need it. Airbellum gets over Firedogs and Sirocco. Fulhelmknight gets over Hamsters (huzzah for defense reduction!) and gets to activate its effect to boot. Emmersblade gets to tie with Shura, leading into an Airbellum that strips the opponent of a card and a quarter of their life, a downright deadly move.

"Saber Vault" won't conceivably touch the top tables, ever. If it did, it'd be a disgusting accomplishment.

3 comments:

  1. True shit. The only bad thing this guy does is add hype. lol.

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  2. I bet you would be sceptical if you pulled several Saber Vaults when you buy your TSHD packs XD

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  3. It would definitely be RAEG worthy.

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