Today it was announced at Anime Expo 2012 that the second season of Cardfight!! Vanguard, Asia Circuit, will as with its preceding season, be simulcasting on Crunchyroll. Asia Circuit has already begun airing and the initial three episodes are available to all viewers, while the remaining ten are available to paying members. Available to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland, remaining territories outside of these countries have yet to see the shows' doors opened to them.
Previously, the series' absence from Crunchyroll's lineup sparked a wildfire of controversy among fans, who until this evening had no access to the second season except through fanmade subtitles. Bushiroad's announcement that negotiations with Crunchyroll had ceased all but destroyed remaining hope for an official subtitled release. The appearance of an official YouTube channel led to alternative means of distribution being proposed; it appears however, that Bushiroad has settled on hiring outside translators to make the Circuit available overseas.
With Vanguard restored to its original place on Crunchyroll, hope is now spreading that the "dark age" of Cardfight is over and past.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
VGE-BT07, EB02 and BT04 Release Dates Unveiled
Images of Bushiroad's advertisements, showcasing the release dates for Rampage of the Beast King, Banquet of Divas and Eclipse of Illusionary Shadows have surfaced, unveiling the release dates for several of Cardfight's most anticipated English-language sets.
VGE-BT07 will be released on September 29, 2012, bringing the much-lauded Great Nature clan to full prominence in the English game. As BT02 was introduced relatively recently in the EN side when compared to the gap in Japanese releases, the clan is likely to see more widespread use in this part of the ocean.
VGE-EB02 will be released on November 10, 2012, filling out the Bermuda Triangle clan. Being one of the easier to assemble decks, the last question remaining regarding this set is whether or not additional promo cards will be introduced as with prior English-language sets, and if those promos will maintain the set's monoclan theme or if these will interrupt the existing pattern.
VGE-BT04 will come out on December 15, 2012, finishing the Shadow Paladin clan that VGE-EB03 will globally introduce in seven days' time. With added support to the Dimension Police clan, its release is speculated to be followed closely by VGE-BT08, which will similarly bring the Police new limit breakers following Glory Maker, and thereby give them greater prominence in the North America and European game.
(via rawritzrichii and iiireki)
VGE-BT07 will be released on September 29, 2012, bringing the much-lauded Great Nature clan to full prominence in the English game. As BT02 was introduced relatively recently in the EN side when compared to the gap in Japanese releases, the clan is likely to see more widespread use in this part of the ocean.
VGE-EB02 will be released on November 10, 2012, filling out the Bermuda Triangle clan. Being one of the easier to assemble decks, the last question remaining regarding this set is whether or not additional promo cards will be introduced as with prior English-language sets, and if those promos will maintain the set's monoclan theme or if these will interrupt the existing pattern.
VGE-BT04 will come out on December 15, 2012, finishing the Shadow Paladin clan that VGE-EB03 will globally introduce in seven days' time. With added support to the Dimension Police clan, its release is speculated to be followed closely by VGE-BT08, which will similarly bring the Police new limit breakers following Glory Maker, and thereby give them greater prominence in the North America and European game.
(via rawritzrichii and iiireki)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Study Guide: Great Nature
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| Photo by rawritzrichii, not to be reposted elsewhere without the original photographer's express permission. |
Acorn Master is the initial first vanguard introduced to the clan, being a standardized counterblast 1 to soulcharge the Master and search the top five cards of the deck for a grade 3 Great Nature unit. Like all of these, the primary problem with this is that the skill is most useful later in the game when more cards from the deck have been removed, but after various retire-based units would have hit the field. And while Acorn Master has the advantage of his skill always going off, it's obstructed by Great Nature being a counterblast-heavy clan with less options for damage unflipping than their peers. In general, even that one open damage that would be spent on Acorn Master can be better reserved for other units.
Flask Marmoset comes with more guarantees, and is an easier style to fit in. Having transplanted his ability from set 2 predecessors Rue and Intelli-Mouse, Marmoset counterblasts 2 to empower a rearguard by 4000, retiring them in the end phase. While this makes him expensive and difficult to support due to the same lack of unflipping skills that hurts Master, Marmoset is a reliable variation on the Intelli formula, in that like Intelli he sticks around on the field after his using his skill. Unlike Intelli, Marmoset can move to the rearguard when ridden over and will still be able to boost a unit after empowering another. He benefits most from the Hammsuke series, which counterblasts 1 when the unit would be retired in the end phase to add an additional Hammsuke to the hand. By applying Marmoset's skill to any of the Hammsukes with Silver Wolf as the booster, this creates a self-replacing unit with 18, 20 and 22000 power, enough to force a minimum of three cards out of the opponent's hand to defend with in most situations.
Flask Marmoset can also be combined with Element Glider, who returns to the hand when the attack of the unit he boosts hits. As this takes place before the end phase in which Marmoset would retire Glider, this turns Glider into a 10000-power booster which will return to the hand, allowing for consistent 20000-power and higher attacks with no loss to hand power. Paired with the grade 3 Magnet Crocodile's +2000-power on-attack ability, this will easily replicate the aforementioned Hammsuke strategy while eliminating the need for another counterblast to replace lost cards altogether.
With Marmoset, there are two primary grade 3s available, the clan's resident limit breakers Apt and Leopard. School Dominator, Apt gains a standardized +5000 power at limit break 4, and when his attack hits he can retire a Great Nature unit to superior call another from hand in its place. Apt's play style is one suited best to the clan's two stand triggers, as that 10000-power Element Glider can be standed while the Compass Lion or Geograph Giant placed before it can be replaced by a fresh unit. Apt himself has a custom 11000-power booster from Feather Penguin, but unlike other +5000 limit breakers Apt cannot search out his own booster. As a result, the space behind him is likely to be occupied by Flask Marmoset. With one of the Hammsuke cards occupying whichever circle you aren't going to superior call onto, an idealized final turn with Apt is looking to be a counterblast 4, repeating Marmoset's counterblast once for a double-empowered Glider, then activating Apt's skill after a stand trigger stands Glider, replacing whatever Glider boosts with a 10000-power unit. If the power from the stand trigger were given to Apt, then we're looking at three attacks exceeding 21000 power, two 24-25000 from whatever Marmoset boosts, and one 24000-power attack from Apt, leaving only the third column which will likely be striking for at least 16000 power. While idealized and impeded by Apt's skill requiring him to hit, this theoretical turn is the basic pattern behind Marmoset and consequently Apt's play style. It hangs heavily on stand triggers to support it, which at present Great Nature has two of--Eraser Alpaca and Alarm Chicken. As such, the style will need Alarm Chicken as an additional stand in order to see major success.
Apt's skill can also be used less conventionally; as his drive checks will be complete at the time that his skill is activated, one could retire a still-standing Great Nature booster to replace with a more powerful booster. This maneuver carries the heavy advantage of being completely unable to predict, as the opponent will not be able to determine ahead of time whether you will go through with replacing a unit that has already attacked or making a standing unit more powerful. Much as with Murakumo, these unpredictable tactics require a skilled cardfighter to bring out the potential in, and can turn the tide of the fight.
Alternative to Apt is the School Hunter, Leopard. His limit break is surprisingly mundane, at a low cost of counterblast 1 to revive a Great Nature unit put into the drop zone in the end phase and call it into an open rearguard circle. This skill can be repeated individually for each unit as they are retired, nullifying the typical reduction in field size, and when met with the ever-important Hammsuke line counterblasts, allows a Leopard fighter to act with a completely refilled field and hand. Leopard's secondary skill fuels his first, giving +4000 power to another Great Nature on-attack, then retiring them in the end phase.
While Leopard is strong and has the same room for versatility as Apt, his play style is somewhat lacking in support until Blue Storm Armada. Loop-the-Loop, Duckbill of that booster set allows one rearguard to be designated on his call, and if that unit is sent to the drop zone in the end phase then the cardfighter who called Duckbill may draw a card. By forming a three-card combo between Leopard, Hammsuke and Duckbill, for a counterblast 2 the player will add two cards to their hand in addition to calling the original Hammsuke to the field, turning what was designed as a one-card disadvantage into a two-card gain. Alternatively, Tic-Toc Flamingo is Duckbill but with unflipping one damage replacing the draw skill, modifying the turn's overall cost to be a counterblast 1.
Both of the clan's limit breakers have assistance from Explosion Scientist Bunta and Failure Scientist Ponkichi, grade 1 and 2 units respectively which can counterblast 1 to add a damage to the damage zone, allowing for limit break to be activated at an earlier stage in the game than normal. When matched with aggressive early game attacks, this can easily catch off guard an unprepared opponent, in some cases one still at grade 2 and lacking the hand necessary to defend three or more full-power attacks. Bunta and Ponkichi work evenly between the two limit breakers, as both Apt and Leopard can get off both Marmoset and their own skills in the same turn that Bunta was called.
As stated, Marmoset's play style is counterblast heavy and at its prime requires a counterblast 3 to pull off regularly, in a clan that has very few resources to unflip damage with. So while Marmoset's play style comes with plenty of variation and has multiple ways to pump out 21000-and-above power attacks, the cost is heavy and Flask himself is vulnerable to cards like Kimnara, Gatling Claw and Saishin retiring him. To counter this, Great Nature has an alternative play style from the Lox series of evolving cards. While less costly, the style depends on the same type of mechanics originally started by Fullbau in BT04, and perfected by Riviere in EB02. Missing the opening ride still provides a free 4000-power booster as it would with Marmoset and Acorn Master, but the benefits conferred by that booster are more dubious when the grade 1 Lox's absence from the soul prevent the series' other skills from activating.
Breaking the series down in ascending grade, Schoolyard Prodigy Lox can add either the grade 2 or grade 3 form of himself to hand when ridden over with Bringer of Knowledge Lox. Next in sequence, the Bringer of Knowledge allows for up to two Great Nature rearguards to be designated when ridden over with Law Official Lox; when those designated cards are retired in the end phase of the turn, the turn player will be able to draw a card. To facilitate this skill's use are the grade 1 units Tank Mouse and Monocular Tiger, and the grade 2 Binoculars Tiger and Compass Lion. Tank Mouse is an exact replica of Intelli-Mouse's skill, empowering a unit at the cost of a booster and of retiring that unit. Compass Lion is an 11000-power rearguard that must retire a rearguard in the end phase of the turn in which it attacked, guaranteeing that the Law Official's skill will go through. Tank Mouse and Lion's skills can even be combined to retire one another, making Lion a 21000-power attacker with as low as a 6000-power boost from a unit like the aforementioned Element Glider, effectively resetting the field and hand at the end of the turn.
The best application of Lox's skills is to the previously lauded Hammsuke line. Rather than a counterblast 3 in the turn as with Marmoset, the Hammsuke cards are back to their comfortable counterblast 1, replenishing the hand while including a draw as part of their newly applied skills from Lox. The result is similar to some of the effects of Bermuda Triangle cards, but limited by the amount of Hammsukes that can be included in a single deck. The returns are more dramatic than those presented in the Apt-Marmoset build and come at a lower cost, but are less likely to go off because missing the opening ride will interrupt them.
Moving onto the Law Official himself, he shares his predecessor's skill, designating two Great Nature rearguards when ridden over with Guardian of Truth Lox. The Guardian of Truth can even reinforce this skill's power with his persona blast, counterblasting 2 and sending a copy of himself to the drop zone to give +4000 power and +1 critical to one rearguard, then retiring that rearguard in the end phase. By designating one of the same units as when Law Official was ridden over, this allows for up to six damage to be dealt in a single turn, providing for criticals from the Guardian of Truth. Though that's unlikely to happen, the amount of cards a total +8000 boost demands is overwhelming when two of the cards on the field can deal two damage on-hit. This is more power than Soul Saver Dragon could ever muster, and with a correct lineup of Hammsukes supported by 6-8000-power units, we're looking at a field of 20000-power-and-up rearguard attackers with a vanguard that can trigger into the same numbers while defending with 11000 power on the opponent's turn. Even should the attacks not all go through, the cardfighter that brings both of these skills out will maintain more than a full hand to defend with. This is all while demanding two 10000-shield cards to fully protect against each attack--even accounting for perfect defense, this will leave a massive hole in the opponent's hand while the Great Nature player will continue to hold out on their turn with a full hand.
For support Lox has Great Nature's draw trigger, General Cat, who will most likely replace stand triggers in his build. The grade 2 Binoculars Tiger and Compass Lion are both built around retiring other units, Binoculars giving +4000 power to another unit when his attack hits the vanguard and retiring that same unit in the end phase, where Compass Lion retires a unit in the end phase of the turn he had attacked. These two skills can easily be combined with grade 1s called in the previous turn to trigger Lox's draw power, while Lion even offers an alternative grade 2 vanguard, as a highly defensive 11000-power unit. Like Duckbill and Tic-Toc, Compass is to be introduced in BT08 and is one card to keep in mind for the future when planning a Great Nature deck.
The Lox series is cheap and self-fueling, as the cards it needs to set off its powerful attacks toward the end of the game can be drawn through the earlier series' skills. Its returns far outmatch the Apt-Marmoset strategy, while being less consistent and with a lower overall cost. The two strategies are difficult to distill due to Lox's persona blast and evolving nature requiring that four of each card in the series grades 1-3 be included in the deck, one of which is RRR and so will be expensive to acquire. In closing, Lox is much more compelling if you can get off his opening ride, but with no way to soulcharge his grade 1 form should the ride be missed, he can be somewhat inconsistent, while the Marmoset-Apt/Leopard strategy will almost always go off but lacks the same defensive and offensive push.
When I revisit Great Nature next, I'll be covering how to overcome this clan's many counterblasts, along with additional cards introduced in Blue Storm Armada.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
News: Fighter's Road 2012 National Finals Announced
It was announced on the Japanese Cardfight website that the Fighter's Road 2012 finals will take place on July 22nd, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM in Akiba Square, an event space located in Chiyoda. The national convention for the Junior, Senior and Trio Class events will take place, open only to those who qualified at regional tournaments. For non-qualifiers attending there will also be side events including merchandise sales, Gold Trigger campaign exchanges and Vanguard "How to Play" classes.
As a note regarding the timing of upcoming events, the Tokyo and Hakata regionals have already taken place while Sendai's will be resolved later today (it is presently the 24th in Japan.) Sapporo's tournament will be on July 1st and Osaka on July 8th. All of these events are structured to take place on Sundays so as not to interfere with work or school. News for Tokyo, Hakata and Sendai can be expected on or around June 30th, based on when the decklists and event reports for previous tournaments have been released.
In just one month's time, Japan will see the crowning of its next two champions, and the birth of their first national team.
As a note regarding the timing of upcoming events, the Tokyo and Hakata regionals have already taken place while Sendai's will be resolved later today (it is presently the 24th in Japan.) Sapporo's tournament will be on July 1st and Osaka on July 8th. All of these events are structured to take place on Sundays so as not to interfere with work or school. News for Tokyo, Hakata and Sendai can be expected on or around June 30th, based on when the decklists and event reports for previous tournaments have been released.
In just one month's time, Japan will see the crowning of its next two champions, and the birth of their first national team.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Spotlight: Chiku Fumiya/知久史弥
Fighter's Spotlight is an ongoing project concerned with tracking real-world professional cardfighters across the globe.
Chiku Fumiya/知久史弥
Age: Unknown; Juniors Division
Titles Won: Nagoya Regional Champion (Junior Class)
Current Status: Nagoya Regional Champion
Deck Type: Spike Brothers (Dudley Emperor)
Chiku Fumiya was the 2012 junior regional champion for Nagoya, and one of eight junior cardfighters previously competing for Japan's national crown in the Fighter's Road 2012. Having the notable accomplishment of defeating Rikino Sakura in the final rounds, Fumiya did so against a top-level Kagerou deck using what was widely ranked as an underdog clan. Fumiya--along with his contemporaries--represented a fresh generation of cardfighters just entering the professional scene, in contrast to those that had established themselves in 2011 and continued playing up through FR2012.
Decks and Play Style
Fumiya cardfights with a Spike Brothers deck, focusing heavily toward the clan's Cavalry of Black Steel cards. Despite this focus, Fumiya forgoes the clan's new first vanguard in favor of their established Mecha Trainer, letting him bring out any of his grade 1 units with ease, in particular Marylin or Express for defensive or offensive plays based on the situation. With both Medical Manager and Wonder Boy available as preferred options for taking the first and second turns respectively, Fumiya's real fight begins at grade 2. Black Panther forms his vanguard, while Zachary makes hit-and-run maneuvers on the opponent, vanishing from the field altogether after successful moves.
For his winning image, Fumiya rolls out Demonic Lord, Dudley Emperor, whose limit break summons out two additional Spike Brothers once the field has been opened up. The primary target for these maneuvers is Juggernaut Maximum and Highspeed Brakki, who can attack with 16000 power before boosting and 24000 after an assisted play from Wonder Boy, then cycling themselves away from the field once more. While weakened by the amount of cards removed from the hand by this maneuver's soulcharge, the ability to deal "free" damage at grade 2 with Zachary supports the Emperor's offensive and draws cards away from the opponent's hand if they wish to stop said free damage.
Summer 2012 Regional Tournament, Nagoya Juniors Division (Japan)
Card Pool: TD01-EB03, PR 0001-0066
Grade 0
x1 Mecha Trainer (FVG)
x4 Silence Joker CT
x4 Cheer Girl, Tiara HT
x4 Cheerful Lynx DT
x4 Sonic Breaker CT
Grade 1
x4 Medical Manager
x2 Reckless Express
x4 Cheer Girl, Marylin
x4 Wonder Boy
Grade 2
x2 Field Driller
x4 Brave General, Zachary
x4 Treasured, Black Panther
x1 Highspeed, Brakki
Grade 3
x4 Demonic Lord, Dudley Emperor
x4 Juggernaut Maximum
Monday, June 18, 2012
News: World Championship 2012 Announced
This morning on Bushiroad's official English website and Facebook page, the first international championship season for Cardfight!! Vanguard was announced. Three sets of continental qualifiers are now open for North America, Asia-Oceania and Europe. These qualifiers, held in September and October, will then qualify the winners for an invitation to the national championships of those respective territories. The national champions of those areas will then proceed to the international championship held in Tokyo during December.
Participating cardfighters must be current residents of their corresponding qualifiers to participate. North American cardfighters may not participate in European qualifiers, and vice-versa. Only English-language cards may be used. Currently there are eight qualifiers in North America, one of which will be in Canada and another in Mexico; Europe by contrast has only three qualifiers, in Great Britain, France and Germany. Asia-Oceania has nine qualifiers, two in Japan, one in Singapore, one in Taiwan, one in Hong Kong, one in Malaysia, one in Indonesia, one in the Philippines and one in Australia.
Participating cardfighters must be current residents of their corresponding qualifiers to participate. North American cardfighters may not participate in European qualifiers, and vice-versa. Only English-language cards may be used. Currently there are eight qualifiers in North America, one of which will be in Canada and another in Mexico; Europe by contrast has only three qualifiers, in Great Britain, France and Germany. Asia-Oceania has nine qualifiers, two in Japan, one in Singapore, one in Taiwan, one in Hong Kong, one in Malaysia, one in Indonesia, one in the Philippines and one in Australia.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Rumor: Extra Booster 04: 暗雲の刺客/Assassins of the Dark Clouds
The following is a rumor that has been officially dismissed and remains here purely for historical purposes. Please do not treat it at as fact.
Last night this image began circulating in the Japanese blogosphere, allegedly depicting EB04: Assassins of the Dark Clouds. Immediately jumped upon as a set to fully expand the fan-favorite clan Nubatama, which has not seen any support since March of last year, several factors nevertheless point to the set image being a clever fake;
- All sets since BT06 have included an English subtitle below their original kanji, and all sets since BT01 have included furigana above said kanji to act as pronunciation guides.
- The set image itself appears to be a poor photoshop, as the font for VG-EB04 lacks the white outline of previous sets, and Bushiroad's copyright information is not present anywhere in the image.
- Clan text for unrevealed cards always uses the United Sanctuary's orange, while the cards shown in the image use the Dragon Empire's red.
- Nubatama itself has been purposely replaced by Murakumo. ZANBAKU, FUSHIMI and the Arrestor series--which were originally Nubatama cards in their manga debut--were converted into Murakumo in Comic Style Vol.1, and Bushiroad has been pushing for Murakumo to be the only ninja clan ever since. Hand control itself, while not currently overpowered in any way, is a dangerous mechanic to play with and possibly too difficult to make truly balanced if given to a complete clan.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Spotlight: Minami Takeshi/南武志
Fighter's Spotlight is an ongoing project concerned with tracking real-world professional cardfighters across the globe.
Name: Minami Takeshi/南武志
Age: Unknown; Seniors Division
Titles Won: Kanazawa Regional Champion (Senior Class), National Finalist Fourth Place (Summer 2012)
Current Status: National Finalist Fourth Place (Summer 2012)
Deck Type: Royal Paladin (Majesty Lord Blaster)
Minami Takeshi was once the reigning Kanazawa regional champion, in line for Japan's 2012 national title. He was also the first of three Royal Paladin cardfighters in the running. Like his contemporaries, Minami did not previously participated in an official competition, making his debut in the 2012 Fighter's Road events.
Decks and Play Style
Minami's original deck features a high emphasis on critical triggers with minimal draw influence, and a careful balance of grade 1 cards that eschews maxing out on perfect guards as is typical in favor of Kay and his early-game attacks. Using Starcall Trumpeter to summon his Blaster units and Wingal Brave to add Majesty Lord Blaster to the hand, Minami focuses on rushing his opponents into the end of the game with Lord Blaster's high power and extra critical. By maxing out on Blasters Blade and Dark, Takeshi allows for repeated use of Lord Blaster's skill, and forgoes more counterblast-heavy units like Akane to make greater room for Starcall and Blaster Blade's cardskills. In contrast to the bunker tactics of The End cardfighters that swarmed contemporary competitions, Minami's goal is solely toward offense and Palamedes exemplifies this.
Summer 2012 Regional Tournament, Kanazawa Seniors Division (Japan)
Card Pool: TD01-EB03, PR 0001-0066
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x2 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x3 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Toypugal
x4 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
x1 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
For the finals Minami rebalanced his triggers to lean slightly back toward the draw power he once rejected. Unlike his previous deck, this one did choose to run a maximum amount of perfect defense in order to combat prevalent on-hit crossride skills. Kay and Toypugal remain, but in smaller numbers as a result, and his grade 1 ratio skirts dangerously close to unbalanced. Arguably this comes from a change of perspective, as once he was in the finals, Minami did not need to ride correctly in every fight--he needed to ride correctly in four fights. Being the least stable of the finalist decks, Minami's introduces several new units like Akane and Margal which seemingly conflict with the deck's Majesty Lord focus, and he runs several cards in single copies. While the methodology is difficult to decipher, ultimately his lineup was consistent enough to place as the fourth best in Japan.
Summer 2012 National Tournament (Japan)
Card Pool: TD01-BT07, PR 0001-0066
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave (FVG)
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x2 Toypugal
x3 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High Dog Breeder, Akane
x3 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
x1 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x3 King of Knights, Alfred
x1 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Spotlight: Tabayashi Yoshiyuki/田林由行
Fighter's Spotlight is an ongoing project concerned with tracking real-world professional cardfighters across the globe.
Tabayashi is believed to be the man at the center right.
Name: Tabayashi Yoshiyuki/田林由行Age: Unknown; Seniors Division
Titles Won: Nagoya Regional Champion (Senior Class)
Current Status: Nagoya Regional Champion
Deck Type: Gold Paladin (Ezel-Garmore)
Tabayashi Yoshiyuki is the reigning regional champion for Nagoya, having earned the title in the Fighter's Road 2012 tournament. He is currently a senior class contender for Japan's 2012 national title.
Decks and Play Style
Tabayashi's Gold Paladin deck eschews the familiar Kyrph superior ride line in favor of the less dramatic but more consistent Little Fighter, Cron. Unlike Kyrph, Cron's skill serves best after Tabayashi has already thinned his deck of other cards using Sagramore, and Viviane or Garmore's superior call skills, improving Cron's chance of setting off his skill. With Trip to unflip damage and Charjgal to turn rearguard Garmores into 21000-power columns, and Ezel as his main vanguard, Tabayashi was able to craft a powerful and consistent but nonetheless expensive build. His deck features many irregular card choices, like Gwydion over Falcon Knight, and Sleygal Dagger, which itself takes away from his already-strained damage pool.
Summer 2012 Regional Tournament, Nagoya Seniors Division (Japan)
Card Pool: TD01-EB03, PR 0001-0066
Grade 0
x1 Little Fighter, Cron
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x2 Falcon Knight of the Azure DT
x2 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x3 Sleygal Dagger
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x1 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
x2 Charjgal
Grade 2
x1 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x2 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x2 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Gigantech Destroyer
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Spotlight: Fukushima Takahiro/福島嵩大
Fighter's Spotlight is an ongoing project concerned with tracking real-world professional cardfighters across the globe.
Fukushima is at the center right, holding the first-place award.
Name: Fukushima Takahiro/福島嵩大Age: Unknown; Seniors Division
Titles Won: Hiroshima Regional Champion (Senior Class)
Current Status: Hiroshima Regional Champion
Deck Type: Gold Paladin (Ezel)
Fukushima Takahiro is the reigning regional champion for Hiroshima. Having earned his title in the Fighter's Road 2012 tournament, he is now one of eight senior class contenders for Japan's 2012 national title. A newcomer to the professional world of Cardfight, this is Fukushima's first appearance in the competitive scene.
Decks and Play Style
Fukushima's Gold Paladin deck uses the Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel ride chain to reach grade 3 ahead of his opponent, taking advantage of Viviane and Ezel's superior call skills to fill the field quickly for Ezel's continuous skill. These cardskills likewise tie into the Sleygal series cards Fukushima employs, allowing him to counterblast repeatedly for additional power to support a combination attack between the two Sleygals, and with Manawydan. Like many paladin builds before it, Fukushima's deck favors two criticals over stand or draw triggers.
By pressing the field repeatedly with these 20000-and-above power units while Trip unflips damage, Fukushima is able to maintain field presence with minimal direct calling and low cost while forcing repeated guards from his opponents. With his grade 1 Sagramore, Fukushima sorts out unneeded cards to arrange the perfect field to bring his strategy together, making for a powerful and consistent deck.
Summer 2012 Regional Tournament, Hiroshima Seniors Division (Japan)
Card Pool: TD01-EB03, PR 0001-0066
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Falcon Knight of the Azure DT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x4 Sleygal Dagger
x3 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x3 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
Grade 2
x4 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x1 Sleygal Sword
Grade 3
x4 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Holy Mage, Manawydan
Saturday, June 9, 2012
News: Trio Battle Results for Fighter's Road 2012 Nagoya, Hiroshima and Kanazawa
Below are the championship and runner-up teams for the Fighter's Road 2012 Trio Battle regional competitions. The three first-place teams below will go on to the national championship alongside five other teams, where one among them will be crowned as the strongest team of cardfighters in Japan.
These are the results for Nagoya, Hiroshima and Kanazawa. The outcome of the Fighter's Road events in Tokyo, Hakata, Sendai, Sapporo and Osaka has yet to be resolved.
Nagoya Regional Finals
Championship Team
Koyanagi Keita/小柳敬太
Grade 0
x1 Mecha Trainer
x4 Sonic Breaker CT
x4 Cheerful Lynx DT
x4 Cheer Girl, Tiara HT
x4 Silence Joker CT
Grade 1
x4 Wonder Boy
x3 Cheer Girl, Marylin
x4 Reckless Express
x1 Dudley Daisy
x2 Commander Gary Ganon
Grade 2
x4 Highspeed, Brakki
x4 Panzer Gale
x3 Field Driller
Grade 3
x4 Juggernaut Maximum
x4 Demonic Lord, Dudley Emperor
Yamamoto Reio/山本礼央
Grade 0
x1 Fullbau
x4 Grim Reaper CT
x4 Abyss Freezer DT
x4 Abyss Healer HT
x4 Death Feather Eagle CT
Grade 1
x4 Dark Shield, Mac Lir
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x4 Blaster Javelin
x1 Nightmare Painter
Grade 2
x3 Darkness Maiden, Macha
x4 Skull Witch, Nemain
x1 Blaster Dark
x4 Knight of the Void, Masquerade
Grade 3
x4 Phantom Blaster Dragon
x4 Phantom Blaster Overlord
Fujii Takaya/藤井貴哉
Grade 0
x1 Black Dragon Whelp, Vortimer
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x4 Jet Black Harbinger, Vortimer
x1 Charjgal
x1 Silver Fang Witch
Grade 2
x4 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x3 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Knight of the Dark Dragon, Vortimer
x1 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x4 Spectral Duke Dragon
x3 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Runner-Up Team
Tosaki Tatsuya/都嵜龍矢
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
Grade 2
x2 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Bellicosity Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Murase Takuya/村瀬拓也
Grade 0
x1 Fullbau
x4 Grim Reaper CT
x4 Abyss Freezer DT
x4 Abyss Healer HT
x4 Death Feather Eagle CT
Grade 1
x4 Dark Shield, Mac Lir
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x4 Blaster Javelin
x2 Nightmare Painter
Grade 2
x2 Darkness Maiden, Macha
x3 Skull Witch, Nemain
x1 Blaster Dark
x1 Moonlight Witch, Vaha
x4 Knight of the Void, Masquerade
Grade 3
x2 Dark Mage, Badhabh Catha
x3 Phantom Blaster Overlord
x3 Dragonic Overlord The End
Koga Kenta/古賀健太
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Future Knight, Llew CT
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x3 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Lake Maiden, Lien
x3 Toypugal
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High-Dog Breeder, Akane
x4 Blaster Dark
x2 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x2 King of Knights, Alfred
x1 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x1 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Hiroshima Regional Finals
Championship Team
Hashida Hayao/橋田駿
Grade 0
x2 Wingal Brave
x4 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x3 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Lake Maiden, Lien
x4 Knight of Friendship, Kay
x1 Knight Squire, Alen
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x1 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x4 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Suga Takaya/壽賀貴哉
Grade 0
x1 Fullbau
x4 Grim Reaper CT
x4 Abyss Freezer DT
x4 Abyss Healer HT
x4 Death Feather Eagle CT
Grade 1
x1 Gururubau
x4 Dark Shield, Mac Lir
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x1 Nostrum Witch, Arianrhod
x4 Blaster Javelin
x1 Nightmare Painter
Grade 2
x2 Darkness Maiden, Macha
x3 Skull Witch, Nemain
x1 Blaster Dark
x4 Knight of the Void, Masquerade
x1 Cursed Lancer
Grade 3
x3 Phantom Blaster Dragon
x4 Phantom Blaster Overlord
Nishijima Daiki/西島大貴
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Raksha CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Bellicosity Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
x2 Dragon Armored Knight
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Runner-Up Team
Ishida Rin/石田輪
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x4 Lake Maiden, Lien
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x4 Starcall Trumpeter
x2 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x1 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Otani Hiroyuki/大谷裕之
Grade 0
x1 Godhawk, Ichibyoshi
x4 Lozenge Magus HT
x4 Oracle Guardian, Nike CT
x4 Psychic Bird CT
x4 Battle Sister, Ginger CT
Grade 1
x4 Battle Sister, Chocolat
x3 Oracle Guardian, Gemini
x4 Goddess of the Crescent Moon, Tsukuyomi
x4 Dark Cat
Grade 2
x2 Silent Tom
x4 Goddess of the Half Moon, Tsukuyomi
x4 Oracle Guardian, Red Eye
x4 Battle Maiden, Tagitsuhime
Grade 3
x4 Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi
Nishimura Shunsuke/西村駿佑
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x3 Burning Horn Dragon
x4 Bellicosity Dragon
x4 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Kanazawa Regional Finals
Championship Team
Nakajima Yuuichi/中嶋裕一
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Kawata Kazuyoshi/川田一喜
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x2 Lake Maiden, Lien
x4 Toypugal
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x4 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x3 Swordsman of the Exploding Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Iida Yuki/飯田裕貴
Grade 0
x1 Godhawk, Ichibyoshi
x4 Lozenge Magus HT
x4 Oracle Guardian, Nike CT
x2 Dream Eater DT
x4 Psychic Bird CT
x2 Battle Sister, Ginger CT
Grade 1
x4 Battle Sister, Chocolat
x4 Oracle Guardian, Gemini
x1 Weather Girl, Milk
x4 Goddess of the Crescent Moon, Tsukuyomi
x1 Weather Forecaster, Miss Mist
x2 Dark Cat
Grade 2
x4 Silent Tom
x4 Goddess of the Half Moon, Tsukuyomi
x3 Oracle Guardian, Red-Eye
x2 Battle Maiden, Tagitsuhime
Grade 3
x4 Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi
Runner-Up Team
Horikawa Takashi/堀川崇
Grade 0
x1 Blaujunger
x3 Three Minutes DT
x4 Red Lightning CT
x1 Fighting Battleship, Prometheus CT
x4 The Gong ST
x4 Wall Boy HT
Grade 1
x3 Clay-doll Mechanic
x4 Twin Blader
x4 Death Army Guy
x4 Blaupanzer
Grade 2
x2 Genocide Jack
x4 Magician Girl, Kirara
x3 Death Army Lady
x2 Blaukruger
Grade 3
x4 Asura Kaiser
x3 Beast Deity, Azure Dragon
Horikawa Kanata/堀川奏太
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x1 Grassland Breeze, Sagramore
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x2 Sleygal Dagger
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x3 Charjgal
Grade 2
x3 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x2 Mage of Disaster, Trip x2 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x2 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Holy Mage, Manawydan
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Horikawa Eiki/堀川詠生
Grade 0
x1 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x2 Wingal Brave
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x1 Lake Maiden, Lien
x4 Toypugal
x1 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High Dog Breeder, Akane
x4 Blaster Dark
x2 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x2 King of Knights, Alfred
x2 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x3 Majesty Lord Blaster
These are the results for Nagoya, Hiroshima and Kanazawa. The outcome of the Fighter's Road events in Tokyo, Hakata, Sendai, Sapporo and Osaka has yet to be resolved.
Nagoya Regional Finals
Championship Team
Koyanagi Keita/小柳敬太
Grade 0
x1 Mecha Trainer
x4 Sonic Breaker CT
x4 Cheerful Lynx DT
x4 Cheer Girl, Tiara HT
x4 Silence Joker CT
Grade 1
x4 Wonder Boy
x3 Cheer Girl, Marylin
x4 Reckless Express
x1 Dudley Daisy
x2 Commander Gary Ganon
Grade 2
x4 Highspeed, Brakki
x4 Panzer Gale
x3 Field Driller
Grade 3
x4 Juggernaut Maximum
x4 Demonic Lord, Dudley Emperor
Yamamoto Reio/山本礼央
Grade 0
x1 Fullbau
x4 Grim Reaper CT
x4 Abyss Freezer DT
x4 Abyss Healer HT
x4 Death Feather Eagle CT
Grade 1
x4 Dark Shield, Mac Lir
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x4 Blaster Javelin
x1 Nightmare Painter
Grade 2
x3 Darkness Maiden, Macha
x4 Skull Witch, Nemain
x1 Blaster Dark
x4 Knight of the Void, Masquerade
Grade 3
x4 Phantom Blaster Dragon
x4 Phantom Blaster Overlord
Fujii Takaya/藤井貴哉
Grade 0
x1 Black Dragon Whelp, Vortimer
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x4 Jet Black Harbinger, Vortimer
x1 Charjgal
x1 Silver Fang Witch
Grade 2
x4 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x3 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Knight of the Dark Dragon, Vortimer
x1 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x4 Spectral Duke Dragon
x3 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Runner-Up Team
Tosaki Tatsuya/都嵜龍矢
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
Grade 2
x2 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Bellicosity Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Murase Takuya/村瀬拓也
Grade 0
x1 Fullbau
x4 Grim Reaper CT
x4 Abyss Freezer DT
x4 Abyss Healer HT
x4 Death Feather Eagle CT
Grade 1
x4 Dark Shield, Mac Lir
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x4 Blaster Javelin
x2 Nightmare Painter
Grade 2
x2 Darkness Maiden, Macha
x3 Skull Witch, Nemain
x1 Blaster Dark
x1 Moonlight Witch, Vaha
x4 Knight of the Void, Masquerade
Grade 3
x2 Dark Mage, Badhabh Catha
x3 Phantom Blaster Overlord
x3 Dragonic Overlord The End
Koga Kenta/古賀健太
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Future Knight, Llew CT
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x3 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Lake Maiden, Lien
x3 Toypugal
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High-Dog Breeder, Akane
x4 Blaster Dark
x2 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x2 King of Knights, Alfred
x1 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x1 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Hiroshima Regional Finals
Championship Team
Hashida Hayao/橋田駿
Grade 0
x2 Wingal Brave
x4 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x3 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Lake Maiden, Lien
x4 Knight of Friendship, Kay
x1 Knight Squire, Alen
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x1 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x4 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Suga Takaya/壽賀貴哉
Grade 0
x1 Fullbau
x4 Grim Reaper CT
x4 Abyss Freezer DT
x4 Abyss Healer HT
x4 Death Feather Eagle CT
Grade 1
x1 Gururubau
x4 Dark Shield, Mac Lir
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x1 Nostrum Witch, Arianrhod
x4 Blaster Javelin
x1 Nightmare Painter
Grade 2
x2 Darkness Maiden, Macha
x3 Skull Witch, Nemain
x1 Blaster Dark
x4 Knight of the Void, Masquerade
x1 Cursed Lancer
Grade 3
x3 Phantom Blaster Dragon
x4 Phantom Blaster Overlord
Nishijima Daiki/西島大貴
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Raksha CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Bellicosity Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
x2 Dragon Armored Knight
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Runner-Up Team
Ishida Rin/石田輪
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Black Sage, Charon
x4 Lake Maiden, Lien
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x4 Starcall Trumpeter
x2 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x1 Solitary Knight, Gancelot
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Otani Hiroyuki/大谷裕之
Grade 0
x1 Godhawk, Ichibyoshi
x4 Lozenge Magus HT
x4 Oracle Guardian, Nike CT
x4 Psychic Bird CT
x4 Battle Sister, Ginger CT
Grade 1
x4 Battle Sister, Chocolat
x3 Oracle Guardian, Gemini
x4 Goddess of the Crescent Moon, Tsukuyomi
x4 Dark Cat
Grade 2
x2 Silent Tom
x4 Goddess of the Half Moon, Tsukuyomi
x4 Oracle Guardian, Red Eye
x4 Battle Maiden, Tagitsuhime
Grade 3
x4 Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi
Nishimura Shunsuke/西村駿佑
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x3 Burning Horn Dragon
x4 Bellicosity Dragon
x4 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Kanazawa Regional Finals
Championship Team
Nakajima Yuuichi/中嶋裕一
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Kawata Kazuyoshi/川田一喜
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x2 Lake Maiden, Lien
x4 Toypugal
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x4 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x3 Swordsman of the Exploding Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Iida Yuki/飯田裕貴
Grade 0
x1 Godhawk, Ichibyoshi
x4 Lozenge Magus HT
x4 Oracle Guardian, Nike CT
x2 Dream Eater DT
x4 Psychic Bird CT
x2 Battle Sister, Ginger CT
Grade 1
x4 Battle Sister, Chocolat
x4 Oracle Guardian, Gemini
x1 Weather Girl, Milk
x4 Goddess of the Crescent Moon, Tsukuyomi
x1 Weather Forecaster, Miss Mist
x2 Dark Cat
Grade 2
x4 Silent Tom
x4 Goddess of the Half Moon, Tsukuyomi
x3 Oracle Guardian, Red-Eye
x2 Battle Maiden, Tagitsuhime
Grade 3
x4 Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi
Runner-Up Team
Horikawa Takashi/堀川崇
Grade 0
x1 Blaujunger
x3 Three Minutes DT
x4 Red Lightning CT
x1 Fighting Battleship, Prometheus CT
x4 The Gong ST
x4 Wall Boy HT
Grade 1
x3 Clay-doll Mechanic
x4 Twin Blader
x4 Death Army Guy
x4 Blaupanzer
Grade 2
x2 Genocide Jack
x4 Magician Girl, Kirara
x3 Death Army Lady
x2 Blaukruger
Grade 3
x4 Asura Kaiser
x3 Beast Deity, Azure Dragon
Horikawa Kanata/堀川奏太
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x1 Grassland Breeze, Sagramore
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x2 Sleygal Dagger
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x3 Charjgal
Grade 2
x3 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x2 Mage of Disaster, Trip x2 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x2 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Holy Mage, Manawydan
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Horikawa Eiki/堀川詠生
Grade 0
x1 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x2 Wingal Brave
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x1 Lake Maiden, Lien
x4 Toypugal
x1 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High Dog Breeder, Akane
x4 Blaster Dark
x2 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x2 King of Knights, Alfred
x2 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x3 Majesty Lord Blaster
News: Fighter's Road 2012 Hiroshima, Nagoya and Kanazawa
This morning the winners of the three initial Fighter's Road 2012 regional competitions were announced through Bushiroad's official CF-Vanguard Japanese website. This year's round of regional competitions sees the introduction of many fresh faces into the professional world of Cardfight, as well as the return of 2011 National Champions Kamosaki Mayu and Rikino Sakura.
Additionally, several families appear to have entered the junior and trio battle competitions together, as multiple cardfighters this year share surnames. First place winners in these competitions will go on to the national championship; two among them will be crowned Japan's 2012 National Champions.
Only Nagoya, Hiroshima and Kanazawa have completed their regional tournaments. We are still waiting on the results from the remaining five cities.
By far the dominant decks for the seniors division this year are Blond Ezel and Dragonic Overlord The End decks, with Majesty Lord Blaster taking a backseat to the new Gold Paladin clan. Several old deck types are also reappearing in both age divisions, with the King of Knights Alfred still being able to hold his own against modern tactics. This influx of The End decks could be seen as a reaction toward the Stand Up! Vanguard live-action drama, whose main character endeared The End to many Japanese fans.
Trio Battle results will be reported later tonight, due to the encroaching length of this article.
Nagoya Regional Finals
Seniors Division
Regional Champion: Tabayashi Yoshiyuki/田林由行
Grade 0
x1 Little Fighter, Cron
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x2 Falcon Knight of the Azure DT
x2 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x3 Slaygal Dagger
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x1 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
x2 Charjgal
Grade 2
x1 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x2 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x2 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Gigantic Destroyer
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Runner-Up: Abe Yuuki/安倍勇気
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Third Place: Inukai Yuuichiro/犬飼雄一郎
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x2 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Raksha DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Guard Gryphon
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x1 Cross Shot, Gap
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Fourth Place: Koike Aki/小池諒
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Tahr CT
x2 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x4 Bellicosity Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Juniors Division
Regional Champion: Chiku Fumiya/知久史弥
Grade 0
x1 Mecha Trainer
x4 Silence Joker CT
x4 Cheer Girl, Tiara HT
x4 Cheerful Lynx DT
x4 Sonic Breaker CT
Grade 1
x4 Medical Manager
x2 Reckless Express
x4 Cheer Girl, Marylin
x4 Wonder Boy
Grade 2
x2 Field Driller
x4 Brave General, Zachary
x4 Treasured, Black Panther
x1 Highspeed, Brakki
Grade 3
x4 Demonic Lord, Dudley Emperor
x4 Juggernaut Maximum
Runner-Up: Rikino Sakura/力野桜
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Third Place: Kaji Masaki/梶雅紀
Grade 0
x1 Spark Kid Dragoon
x4 Malevolent Djinn CT
x4 Old Dragon Mage DT
x4 Zephyr Kid, Hayate ST
x4 Demonic Dragon Nymph, Seiobo HT
Grade 1
x3 Desert Gunner, Raien
x3 Photon Bomber Wyvern
x4 Red River Dragoon
x1 Lizard Soldier, Riki
x1 Lightning of Hope, Helena
Grade 2
x1 Dragonic Deathscythe
x4 Thunder Storm Dragoon
x2 Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion
x1 Breakthrough Dragon
x1 Thunder Break Dragon
x1 Djinn of the Lightning Flash
Hiroshima Regional Finals
Seniors Division
Regional Champion: Fukushima Takahiro/福島嵩大
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Falcon Knight of the Azure DT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x4 Slaygal Dagger
x3 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x3 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
Grade 2
x4 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x1 Slaygal Sword
Grade 3
x4 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Holy Mage, Manawydan
Runner-Up: Asanoma Daiki/浅野間大起
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x1 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x1 Pongal
x3 Toypugal
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High-Dog Breeder, Akane
x3 Blaster Dark
x2 Starcall Trumpeter
x1 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x1 Soul Saver Dragon
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x3 Majesty Lord Blaster
x1 Knight of the White Dragon, Pendragon
Third Place: Kamosaki Mayu/鴨崎真悠
Grade 0
x2 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x2 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Bellicosity Dragon
x1 Cross Shot, Gap
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Fourth Place: Kataoka Daisuke/片岡大輔
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x3 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x4 Lake Maiden, Lian
x2 Toypugal
x1 Mirubiru
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Knight of Silence, Gallatin
x3 Knight of Truth, Gordon
Grade 3
x4 King of Knights, Alfred
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
Juniors Division
Regional Champion: Murosaki Yuki/室崎祐希
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x3 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x2 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x1 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x4 Bellicosity Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x3 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Runner-Up: Kabashima Ryou/椛島諒
Grade 0
x1 Shield Seed Squire
x4 Dangan Chestnut CT
x4 Dancing Sunflower DT
x4 Sweet Honey HT
x4 Watering Elf ST
Grade 1
x3 Corolla Dragon
x4 Caramel Popcorn
x3 Lady of Kamorebi
x4 Blade Seed Squire
Grade 2
x2 Iris Knight
x1 Hey-Yo Pinappo
x3 Knight of Young Leaves, Gene
x4 Sky-Coering Wings, Simorgh
x2 Sage of Holywood, Irminsul
Grade 3
x4 Forerunner Battle Maiden, Laurel
x2 Knight of Harvest, Gene
x1 Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth
Third Place: Akazawa Satoshi/赤沢聡志
Grade 0
x2 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
Grade 2
x2 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x2 Flame Edge Dragon
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Fourth Place: Yasuda Nozomu/保田望
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x2 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x4 Toypugal
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Swordsman of the Blaze, Palamedes
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Kanazawa Regional Finals
Seniors Division
Regional Champion: Minami Takeshi/南武
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x2 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x3 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Toypugal
x4 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
x1 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Runner-Up: Tanaka Masamichi/田中昌道
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x1 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x3 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x2 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Bellicosity Dragon
x4 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x3 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Third Place: Kodera Haruto/小寺悠人
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x3 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk DragonGrade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Kobayashi Kensuke/小林健佑
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x2 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x2 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
x4 Flame Edge Salamander ST
x2 Doom Bringer Gryphon
Grade 1
x2 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Flame Edge Dragon
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Bellicosity Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Juniors Division
Regional Champion: Eboshida Hiromi/烏帽子田拓海
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x2 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x2 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x3 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x2 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x4 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Heatnail Salamander
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Wyvern Strike, Tejas
x3 Burning Horn Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Runner-Up: Eboshida Daito/烏帽子田大翔
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x1 Slaygal Dagger
x3 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x2 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
x3 Charjgal
Grade 2
x2 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x2 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x4 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x3 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
x1 Battlefield Storm, Sagramore
Third Place: Noro Keiki/野呂圭希
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x3 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x2 Lake Maiden, Lien
x2 Toypugal
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x4 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Fourth Place: Rikino Sakura/力野桜
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x3 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Additionally, several families appear to have entered the junior and trio battle competitions together, as multiple cardfighters this year share surnames. First place winners in these competitions will go on to the national championship; two among them will be crowned Japan's 2012 National Champions.
Only Nagoya, Hiroshima and Kanazawa have completed their regional tournaments. We are still waiting on the results from the remaining five cities.
By far the dominant decks for the seniors division this year are Blond Ezel and Dragonic Overlord The End decks, with Majesty Lord Blaster taking a backseat to the new Gold Paladin clan. Several old deck types are also reappearing in both age divisions, with the King of Knights Alfred still being able to hold his own against modern tactics. This influx of The End decks could be seen as a reaction toward the Stand Up! Vanguard live-action drama, whose main character endeared The End to many Japanese fans.
Trio Battle results will be reported later tonight, due to the encroaching length of this article.
Nagoya Regional Finals
Seniors Division
Regional Champion: Tabayashi Yoshiyuki/田林由行
Grade 0
x1 Little Fighter, Cron
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x2 Falcon Knight of the Azure DT
x2 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x3 Slaygal Dagger
x4 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x1 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
x2 Charjgal
Grade 2
x1 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x2 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x2 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Gigantic Destroyer
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Runner-Up: Abe Yuuki/安倍勇気
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Third Place: Inukai Yuuichiro/犬飼雄一郎
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x2 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Raksha DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Guard Gryphon
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x1 Cross Shot, Gap
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Fourth Place: Koike Aki/小池諒
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Tahr CT
x2 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x4 Bellicosity Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Juniors Division
Regional Champion: Chiku Fumiya/知久史弥
Grade 0
x1 Mecha Trainer
x4 Silence Joker CT
x4 Cheer Girl, Tiara HT
x4 Cheerful Lynx DT
x4 Sonic Breaker CT
Grade 1
x4 Medical Manager
x2 Reckless Express
x4 Cheer Girl, Marylin
x4 Wonder Boy
Grade 2
x2 Field Driller
x4 Brave General, Zachary
x4 Treasured, Black Panther
x1 Highspeed, Brakki
Grade 3
x4 Demonic Lord, Dudley Emperor
x4 Juggernaut Maximum
Runner-Up: Rikino Sakura/力野桜
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x1 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Third Place: Kaji Masaki/梶雅紀
Grade 0
x1 Spark Kid Dragoon
x4 Malevolent Djinn CT
x4 Old Dragon Mage DT
x4 Zephyr Kid, Hayate ST
x4 Demonic Dragon Nymph, Seiobo HT
Grade 1
x3 Desert Gunner, Raien
x3 Photon Bomber Wyvern
x4 Red River Dragoon
x1 Lizard Soldier, Riki
x1 Lightning of Hope, Helena
Grade 2
x1 Dragonic Deathscythe
x4 Thunder Storm Dragoon
x2 Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion
x1 Breakthrough Dragon
x1 Thunder Break Dragon
x1 Djinn of the Lightning Flash
Hiroshima Regional Finals
Seniors Division
Regional Champion: Fukushima Takahiro/福島嵩大
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Falcon Knight of the Azure DT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x4 Slaygal Dagger
x3 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x3 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
Grade 2
x4 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x4 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x1 Slaygal Sword
Grade 3
x4 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x2 Holy Mage, Manawydan
Runner-Up: Asanoma Daiki/浅野間大起
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x1 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x1 Pongal
x3 Toypugal
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x1 High-Dog Breeder, Akane
x3 Blaster Dark
x2 Starcall Trumpeter
x1 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x1 Soul Saver Dragon
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x3 Majesty Lord Blaster
x1 Knight of the White Dragon, Pendragon
Third Place: Kamosaki Mayu/鴨崎真悠
Grade 0
x2 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x2 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Bellicosity Dragon
x1 Cross Shot, Gap
x3 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Fourth Place: Kataoka Daisuke/片岡大輔
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x1 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x3 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x4 Lake Maiden, Lian
x2 Toypugal
x1 Mirubiru
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Knight of Silence, Gallatin
x3 Knight of Truth, Gordon
Grade 3
x4 King of Knights, Alfred
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
Juniors Division
Regional Champion: Murosaki Yuki/室崎祐希
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x3 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x2 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x1 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x4 Bellicosity Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x3 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Runner-Up: Kabashima Ryou/椛島諒
Grade 0
x1 Shield Seed Squire
x4 Dangan Chestnut CT
x4 Dancing Sunflower DT
x4 Sweet Honey HT
x4 Watering Elf ST
Grade 1
x3 Corolla Dragon
x4 Caramel Popcorn
x3 Lady of Kamorebi
x4 Blade Seed Squire
Grade 2
x2 Iris Knight
x1 Hey-Yo Pinappo
x3 Knight of Young Leaves, Gene
x4 Sky-Coering Wings, Simorgh
x2 Sage of Holywood, Irminsul
Grade 3
x4 Forerunner Battle Maiden, Laurel
x2 Knight of Harvest, Gene
x1 Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth
Third Place: Akazawa Satoshi/赤沢聡志
Grade 0
x2 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
Grade 2
x2 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x2 Flame Edge Dragon
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Fourth Place: Yasuda Nozomu/保田望
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Weapons Dealer, Govanon DT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x4 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x2 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x4 Toypugal
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Swordsman of the Blaze, Palamedes
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Kanazawa Regional Finals
Seniors Division
Regional Champion: Minami Takeshi/南武
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x2 Margal DT
x4 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x3 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x3 Toypugal
x4 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
x1 Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Grade 3
x3 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Runner-Up: Tanaka Masamichi/田中昌道
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x1 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x3 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x2 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Bellicosity Dragon
x4 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x3 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Third Place: Kodera Haruto/小寺悠人
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x4 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x3 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
x1 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
Grade 1
x3 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x4 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x3 Berserk DragonGrade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Kobayashi Kensuke/小林健佑
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x2 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x2 Red Gem Carbuncle DT
x4 Flame Edge Salamander ST
x2 Doom Bringer Gryphon
Grade 1
x2 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x2 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Flame Edge Dragon
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Bellicosity Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Juniors Division
Regional Champion: Eboshida Hiromi/烏帽子田拓海
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x2 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x2 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x3 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x3 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x2 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x4 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Heatnail Salamander
x1 Flame of Promise, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Wyvern Strike, Tejas
x3 Burning Horn Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Runner-Up: Eboshida Daito/烏帽子田大翔
Grade 0
x1 Crimson Lion Cub, Kyrph
x4 Flame of Victory CT
x4 Silent Punisher CT
x4 Weapons Dealer, Gwydion DT
x4 Elixir Sommelier HT
Grade 1
x1 Slaygal Dagger
x3 Halo Shield, Mark
x4 Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
x2 Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore
x3 Charjgal
Grade 2
x2 Player of the Holy Bow, Viviane
x4 Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains
x2 Mage of Disaster, Trip
x4 Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion
Grade 3
x3 Incandescent Lion, Blond Ezel
x4 Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
x1 Battlefield Storm, Sagramore
Third Place: Noro Keiki/野呂圭希
Grade 0
x1 Wingal Brave
x2 Future Knight, Llew CT
x4 Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine HT
x3 Margal DT
x3 Alabaster Owl CT
x4 Bringer of Good Luck, Epona CT
Grade 1
x4 Flash Shield, Iseult
x4 Little Sage, Marron
x2 Lake Maiden, Lien
x2 Toypugal
x2 Knight of Friendship, Kay
Grade 2
x4 Blaster Blade
x4 Blaster Dark
x3 Starcall Trumpeter
Grade 3
x4 Swordsman of the Explosive Flames, Palamedes
x4 Majesty Lord Blaster
Fourth Place: Rikino Sakura/力野桜
Grade 0
x1 Lizard Soldier, Conroe
x3 Embodiment of Spear, Tahr CT
x1 Dragon Dancer, Monica DT
x4 Dragon Monk, Genjo HT
x4 Gatling Claw Dragon DT
x4 Blue-Ray Dracokid CT
Grade 1
x4 Wyvern Guard, Barri
x4 Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
x3 Dragon Monk, Gojo
x3 Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara
x1 Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 2
x4 Dragon Knight, Nehalem
x4 Burning Horn Dragon
x2 Berserk Dragon
Grade 3
x4 Dragonic Overlord
x4 Dragonic Overlord The End
Friday, June 8, 2012
News: BT08 to Include Special Edition OST, Dub Actors to Appear at Anime Expo 2012
While the soundtrack has been highly requested, and partially reconstructed by amateur artists like AkioScenro, until now Bushiroad was hesitant to release an Original SoundTrack due to the perceived low sales of BGM CDs.
In other news, the respective dub voice actors of Kai and Morikawa, Ryan Luhning and Lucas Gilbertson, will be attending Anime Expo 2012 as special guests of Bushiroad. Luhning has been heavily criticized for his portrayal of Kai, which has been perceived as deviating significantly from the source material. Gilbertson, while not highly praised for the part, has not faced any similar criticism due to his character's relatively minor role in the series.
Update: The special release of BT08 will be sold separately from the standard BT08. The soundtrack will include all BGM used from rides 1-65, and will cost 3000 yen(about $38) more than the box's regular release.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
News: VGE-BT03, VGE-EB03 and VGE-BT07 Announced for International Release
It is currently under speculation that as with past English booster sets BT06 and EB03, the chief reason for this rapid release schedule is to expand the sets' card count by including promo cards in them, thereby increasing card availability in the English game. How this will affect Banquet of Divas' single-clan take is currently unknown.
Update: Bushiroad has confirmed on their blog that BT03 contains 2 more R-rarity cards than the Japanese release.
News: BT08: Blue Sea Armada
Last night Bushiroad announced the upcoming release of Cardfight!! Vanguard's eighth main booster set and eleventh set overall, Blue Storm Armada. The set will feature renewed support for Neo Nectar, Dimension Police, Narukami, Tachikaze, Great Nature and Aqua Force, the last of which will be introduced in the set's accompanying trial deck, TD07: Descendents of the Marine Emperor. The set has already found widespread acceptance in the Japanese blogosphere and across twitter.
Blue Storm Armada is geared for a domestic release on September 22nd, 2012. There is no current information on when its English release will arrive, but based on previous statements it is currently believed that BT03-04 may take priority, as BT01-02 did against BT06 and EB03.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
News: Bushiroad Cuts Ties with Crunchyroll, Appears at Anime Expo 2012, VGE-BT03/04 Release
Bushiroad has recently issued a statement on their official blog that the negotiations with Crunchyroll over the second season of Cardfight!! Vanguard, Asia Circuit Hen, are at an end. The producers of the anime are currently looking into alternative options to releasing season 2 to the English-speaking world; with the recent addition of Cardfight!! Vanguard's English dub to their YouTube page, digital distribution via streaming websites appears to remain the favored method. Due to its advertisement in web banners, it is possible that the dub is being used as a testbed for distribution model based in YouTube.
In other news, Bushiroad will be hosting a booth at Anime Expo 2012, with the renowned artists Foo Midori and Adachi Yousuke attending. These are just two of the mastermind artists behind Cardfight, with Adachi having illustrated a wide range of famous Royal Paladin cards like Wingal Brave, Durangal and Epona, as well as the Narukami's entire Djinn series. Foo Midori is the illustrator of CoCo, Commodore Blueblood, Player of the Holy Bow Viviane, Flame of Hope Aermo and many others. Also in attendance will be Misaki and Suiko's respective voice actors, Kitta Izumi and Terakawa Aimi. Those present at the event will be able to buy booster packs, and get a free DVD preview of Cardfight!! Vanguard, as well as the first English chapter of the manga. An art gallery will be hosted as well.
In a reply on the official Cardfight!! Vanguard facebook page, Bushiroad suggested the possibility of a surprise announcement concerning VGE-BT03 and VGE-BT04, "Demonic Lord Invasion," and "Eclipse of Illusionary Shadows." When asked about an English release of these sets, Bushiroad stated that there may be an announcement with "dark tidings." This has set off speculation that these two sets will see an English release in the near future--the "dark" being taken as a reference to Blaster Dark of BT04, and the Dark Zone nations that BT03 supports.
In a reply on the official Cardfight!! Vanguard facebook page, Bushiroad suggested the possibility of a surprise announcement concerning VGE-BT03 and VGE-BT04, "Demonic Lord Invasion," and "Eclipse of Illusionary Shadows." When asked about an English release of these sets, Bushiroad stated that there may be an announcement with "dark tidings." This has set off speculation that these two sets will see an English release in the near future--the "dark" being taken as a reference to Blaster Dark of BT04, and the Dark Zone nations that BT03 supports.
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