Randomization: Speculations and Bannings

Hey there, sorry for the sudden post of non-game related stuff. After I finish posting this I'll be posting up my usual stuffs again. The reason why I decided to write this article is because I saw a post at Facebook from one of the VG players at my local playgroup. After I read that post, I gave myself a facepalm for seeing such nonsense.

The post that I just read was about some speculation about 'banned' cards in the Japanese VG tournaments. According to the poster (I don't want to name names), he said that Incandescent Lion, Blonde Ezel, as well as Phantom Blaster Overlord is banned in all formats of Japanese tournaments. I was like 'LOL?' How can these two cards got banned?

First things first, as far as I know, Bushiroad does not simply ban cards. The only card they did so far is Barcgal, and they didn't even ban it, just restrict it as the First Vanguard. The reason why they did so is reasonable, as Barcgal really causes the environment to be filled with Royal Paladins only, where other decks don't even get enough screen time. The consistency of Barcgal gives RP players a confirmed ride to G2, as well as setting up for Soul Saviour Dragon. WIth this kind of advantage given to them, I find that there's no reason not to restrict it as a starter because weighing the advantages given to the cost of gaining the advantage, it's too easy.

If other clans like Kagero, Oracles, or even Nova can do that, then I would say that a one sided-ban is harsh for RP players. Yes, Kagero do have multiple Superior Ride chains, but compared to Barcgal, they're nothing because the cost is too high (3 cards), and the condition is too hard to fulfill (you need all the specific cards) without the help of tutoring abilities like Barcgal. So people, please don't complain why Bushiroad restrict Barcgal as a starter.

As for the post that I read from Facebook, the speculation doesn't make any sense to me. Why they want to ban those 2 cards? First of all, Ezel does generate board presence while gaining absurdly high power bonuses, but his skill can't be used when you have more than 4 RG, and also the Superior Call is random. If his skill says that SEARCH YOUR DECK FOR A GOLD PALADIN UNIT AND SUPERIOR CALL, and also GAIN POWER EQUAL TO THAT UNIT"S BASE POWER, I would say yes, Ezel is freaking broken and they should perma-ban the card. If a ban is really needed for Ezel's case, I would say they should ban Kryph instead, so that they can't abuse Ezel early.

As for the case of Phantom Blaster Overlord, the banning of this card (if it's true) is even more retarded. Why should it be banned? Because he can be 13k? If it's like that Dragonic Overlord The End and Majesty Lord Blaster should be banned also. Furthermore, PBO's skill is so freaking predictable that a null guard can just stop it in its tracks, so I couldn't see the reason of its banning.

If Bushiroad really want to ban these cards, I think they should ban all G3's with skills, like some of the following ones:


Dark Lord of Abyss
Wow! Insanely high numbers while pumping Soul, and can hit 30k++ without being boosted? Ban!


Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion

He can attack 3 units in a row? Ban!



Silver Dragon Tamer, Lukie
She can call out 4 units at once? So broken! Ban!


Sowrdsman of Exploding Flames, Baromedes
Can become 13k just by having 2 Grade 3s on field? Broken! Ban!


Sealed Dragon Blockade
Stopping your opponent from Intercepting? Broken! Ban!

(The above is just for laughs, I just have to do that)



I don't know which source he got that information from, but I think the source is either trying to pull a joke (not funny at all), or that fella kept losing to those cards that's why he go and start this speculation (I'm sorry mate, that one is your problem, not Bushiroad's).

The main point that I want to make here is please don't simply speculate. Everything that you say must have some sort of proof. Speculating without any proof will just make somebody looks stupid.